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Sons of Kings #1
Shadow of the Raven
'Historical fiction at its best.'
By the mid ninth century, Danish raids on Anglo-Saxon kingdoms have escalated. Several bands even dare to overwinter on the coastal islands, particularly those at the mouth of the Thames, where the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia border each other.
The kings of these lands must put past enmity aside and take the first steps towards unity; steps they see as vital in the face of this newfound threat to their lands . . .
Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia are the sons of kings, whose futures have been determined since birth. But the turbulent events in their childhood years change the natural progression of things – and shape the characters of the men they will become. Their roads to manhood follow vastly different routes, but both learn crucial lessons along the way: lessons that will serve them well in future years.
Discovering that they enemy is not always a stranger is a harsh lesson indeed; the realisation that a trusted kinsman can turn traitor is the harshest lesson of all.
The story takes us from the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex to the Norse lands stretching north from Denmark to the Arctic Circle and east to the Baltic Sea. We glimpse the Court of Charles the Bald of West Francia and journey to the holy city of Rome. Through it all, the two boys move ever closer to their destinies.
By the mid ninth century, Danish raids on Anglo-Saxon kingdoms have escalated. Several bands even dare to overwinter on the coastal islands, particularly those at the mouth of the Thames, where the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia border each other.
The kings of these lands must put past enmity aside and take the first steps towards unity; steps they see as vital in the face of this newfound threat to their lands . . .
Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia are the sons of kings, whose futures have been determined since birth. But the turbulent events in their childhood years change the natural progression of things – and shape the characters of the men they will become. Their roads to manhood follow vastly different routes, but both learn crucial lessons along the way: lessons that will serve them well in future years.
Discovering that they enemy is not always a stranger is a harsh lesson indeed; the realisation that a trusted kinsman can turn traitor is the harshest lesson of all.
The story takes us from the kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex to the Norse lands stretching north from Denmark to the Arctic Circle and east to the Baltic Sea. We glimpse the Court of Charles the Bald of West Francia and journey to the holy city of Rome. Through it all, the two boys move ever closer to their destinies.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2015
66 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Millie Thom
13 books102 followersMillie Thom is a former geography and history teacher with a degree in geology and a particular passion for the Anglo Saxon and Viking era. She was born in Southport, Lancashire, in 1947, and happily admits to being a 'boomer'.
After completing a teacher training course in Liverpool in 1968, she moved to Yorkshire to take up her first teaching post. This was at a secondary school in a small mining village, where most of the children - and more than a few of the staff - spoke in a dialect riddled with 'thees', 'thous', 'hast thas' and wilt thas'. She also met her husband to be at this time, a teacher at a rival school - the rivalry always being in the not-so-gentle sport of rugby!
In 1970 Millie and her husband moved down to Wantage for six years. Wantage is known a King Alfred's town, since it is the place where he was born. In 1976 she moved up to Nottinghamshire, and still lives there with her husband, midway between Lincoln and Newark. Their six grown up children all live close by.
Since retiring from teaching, Millie has been writing the trilogy about King Alfred that has been screaming to be born for so many years. Book 1, 'Shadow of the Raven' is already published on Amazon, and Book 2, 'Pit of Vipers' is presently nearing completion.
After completing a teacher training course in Liverpool in 1968, she moved to Yorkshire to take up her first teaching post. This was at a secondary school in a small mining village, where most of the children - and more than a few of the staff - spoke in a dialect riddled with 'thees', 'thous', 'hast thas' and wilt thas'. She also met her husband to be at this time, a teacher at a rival school - the rivalry always being in the not-so-gentle sport of rugby!
In 1970 Millie and her husband moved down to Wantage for six years. Wantage is known a King Alfred's town, since it is the place where he was born. In 1976 she moved up to Nottinghamshire, and still lives there with her husband, midway between Lincoln and Newark. Their six grown up children all live close by.
Since retiring from teaching, Millie has been writing the trilogy about King Alfred that has been screaming to be born for so many years. Book 1, 'Shadow of the Raven' is already published on Amazon, and Book 2, 'Pit of Vipers' is presently nearing completion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 22, 2020
Thanks to Booktasters and the author Millie Thom for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll be frank here, I haven’t read an abundance of historical fiction, but I’ve always been wanting to read more of it, but I’m never sure what books I’ll enjoy. Part of this is because a lot of historical fiction I’ve found in generally set around WW1 or WW2, which I totally get. However, I’ve always sort of wanted to read more historical fiction that is more in the vein of this book which is set during Anglo-Saxon England /the Viking era, which I found to be really interesting as it is a period of history that I’m not overly familiar with - more on this later. As someone that really likes learning about history it’s always fascinating going back into eras and experiencing what these individuals at the time would have experienced.
I liked all the history here and after a flash of research, most of these characters in the book are based off real people and it takes course over about seven years or so, and in that regard, it does feel like it is setting things up for the rest of the series. As far as I am aware, we don’t know too much about these historical figures and so naturally the author here I guess in a sense used her creative liberties to come up with events and conversations while following what occurred in these people’s lives. As someone who went into this not knowing much about the era, I was constantly surprised by the turn of events, though not necessarily shocked considering how brutal of a time it was. It did certainly make the reading experience really interesting as I did not see many of the things happening.
I found the characters for the most part to be well realised, despite their being quite the large cast of characters in this book - with lots of names to keep track off. There were certainly some chapters that I was more interested in, like Eadwulf and his journey throughout the course of the novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Eadwulf’s POV certainly had some of the more distressing elements of the novel I would say as this book doesn’t shy away from lots of horrific things that occurred during that period and my goodness were some of these things absolute tragedies.
There’s Burgred, who look, he can go die in a hole. Did not like his character one bit and I believe that was the point because all he is, is that he is a lecherous bastard that does nothing productive. Oh, and poor Aethelswith. And poor Morwenna. And I feel bad for Judith and Freydis. And every other woman in this book. It really did irk me and how women were treated as things to be given to each other and it’s simply quite disgusting and I hated it, so much. There were moments were I almost wanted things to be better, but after a while, I sort of knew that things weren’t going to go well for these exceptionally strong female characters.
I enjoyed the plot, though in a sense, it does just follow historical events chronologically and I don’t know how much leeway the author really had in changing things up. I did enjoy the whole plot with Eadwulf and his progression was the most interesting to me. There is some travelling, though most of it cut out which is great because it makes the story a lot punchier. I thought the ending was good, though it was quite abrupt in my view and it ended quite quickly even though it was an important character moment for Eadwulf. Just sort of wished that there would have been more payoff as it just was not the most satisfying considering everything that led to the moment, but I suppose it did subvert expectations.
The pacing was fine for the most part. Massive time jumps of several months or in this book, a few chapters denoting the events of several years even is always sort of dodgy for me as it just feels a bit choppy at how much time has passed and as the reader, I don’t get to see what the character went through for a long time. This was particularly true for Eadwulf where for a portion of the book, we didn’t follow his character and when we went back, I believe a few years had passed and while there’s nothing wrong with that, I personally don’t always like that, though what it does is significantly advance the plot the author wants to tell.
Overall, I enjoyed this immensely and it was just solid historical fiction that was not afraid to be honest or brutal, it had well realised characters and the writing was really solid. 8/10
I’ll be frank here, I haven’t read an abundance of historical fiction, but I’ve always been wanting to read more of it, but I’m never sure what books I’ll enjoy. Part of this is because a lot of historical fiction I’ve found in generally set around WW1 or WW2, which I totally get. However, I’ve always sort of wanted to read more historical fiction that is more in the vein of this book which is set during Anglo-Saxon England /the Viking era, which I found to be really interesting as it is a period of history that I’m not overly familiar with - more on this later. As someone that really likes learning about history it’s always fascinating going back into eras and experiencing what these individuals at the time would have experienced.
I liked all the history here and after a flash of research, most of these characters in the book are based off real people and it takes course over about seven years or so, and in that regard, it does feel like it is setting things up for the rest of the series. As far as I am aware, we don’t know too much about these historical figures and so naturally the author here I guess in a sense used her creative liberties to come up with events and conversations while following what occurred in these people’s lives. As someone who went into this not knowing much about the era, I was constantly surprised by the turn of events, though not necessarily shocked considering how brutal of a time it was. It did certainly make the reading experience really interesting as I did not see many of the things happening.
I found the characters for the most part to be well realised, despite their being quite the large cast of characters in this book - with lots of names to keep track off. There were certainly some chapters that I was more interested in, like Eadwulf and his journey throughout the course of the novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Eadwulf’s POV certainly had some of the more distressing elements of the novel I would say as this book doesn’t shy away from lots of horrific things that occurred during that period and my goodness were some of these things absolute tragedies.
There’s Burgred, who look, he can go die in a hole. Did not like his character one bit and I believe that was the point because all he is, is that he is a lecherous bastard that does nothing productive. Oh, and poor Aethelswith. And poor Morwenna. And I feel bad for Judith and Freydis. And every other woman in this book. It really did irk me and how women were treated as things to be given to each other and it’s simply quite disgusting and I hated it, so much. There were moments were I almost wanted things to be better, but after a while, I sort of knew that things weren’t going to go well for these exceptionally strong female characters.
I enjoyed the plot, though in a sense, it does just follow historical events chronologically and I don’t know how much leeway the author really had in changing things up. I did enjoy the whole plot with Eadwulf and his progression was the most interesting to me. There is some travelling, though most of it cut out which is great because it makes the story a lot punchier. I thought the ending was good, though it was quite abrupt in my view and it ended quite quickly even though it was an important character moment for Eadwulf. Just sort of wished that there would have been more payoff as it just was not the most satisfying considering everything that led to the moment, but I suppose it did subvert expectations.
The pacing was fine for the most part. Massive time jumps of several months or in this book, a few chapters denoting the events of several years even is always sort of dodgy for me as it just feels a bit choppy at how much time has passed and as the reader, I don’t get to see what the character went through for a long time. This was particularly true for Eadwulf where for a portion of the book, we didn’t follow his character and when we went back, I believe a few years had passed and while there’s nothing wrong with that, I personally don’t always like that, though what it does is significantly advance the plot the author wants to tell.
Overall, I enjoyed this immensely and it was just solid historical fiction that was not afraid to be honest or brutal, it had well realised characters and the writing was really solid. 8/10
August 30, 2017
3.75⭐️
Thank you so much to booksgosocial via netgalley for sending me an ARC copy of shadow of the raven by Millie Thom.
The kingdoms/rivals have to ban together in order to take down the greater enemy!
The story was beautifully written, with very descriptive and graphic scenes that really drew me into the world and kept me wanting more. (Good thing there is a book two). I really enjoyed the accurate historical facts and all the blood, gore and violence!
Thank you so much to booksgosocial via netgalley for sending me an ARC copy of shadow of the raven by Millie Thom.
The kingdoms/rivals have to ban together in order to take down the greater enemy!
The story was beautifully written, with very descriptive and graphic scenes that really drew me into the world and kept me wanting more. (Good thing there is a book two). I really enjoyed the accurate historical facts and all the blood, gore and violence!
June 19, 2020
What can I say without giving away the story?
This is a tale set in Anglo-Saxon England and Denmark, which tells the story of the sons of kings and how they are surrounded by conniving, treacherous, despicable, murderous, sadistic, conniving characters the like of which you would hope you'd never meet. Luckily, there are just about enough descent people around who are happy to take risks for our heroes, to make their lives bearable. This is all set against a well researched historical background.
A great mix of history and story telling, real page turner.
This is a tale set in Anglo-Saxon England and Denmark, which tells the story of the sons of kings and how they are surrounded by conniving, treacherous, despicable, murderous, sadistic, conniving characters the like of which you would hope you'd never meet. Luckily, there are just about enough descent people around who are happy to take risks for our heroes, to make their lives bearable. This is all set against a well researched historical background.
A great mix of history and story telling, real page turner.
July 26, 2020
The « Shadow of the Raven », book one of the “Sons of Kings” series, is a fascinating and very well written story based on a remarkable knowledge of Medieval Societies (ninth century) in Anglo Saxon kingdoms and Norse lands. Very well documented, the book tells the story of two boys, sons of kings, and their (sometimes) tumultuous and unpredictable existences: one who will be given a chance to travel Europe and visit Francia and Rome, while the other one, less fortunate, will be captured by the Vikings.
Hence, we soon become familiar with them (especially with Eadwulf, son of Morwenna and Beorthwulf, king of Mercia); we share in their emotions, fears, hopes and frustrations… This story definitely goes above and far beyond the trivial description of Vikings’ cruelties and war atrocities. It subtly describes the lives of people during those dark ages, lives which on the one hand were made of fear, suffering, humiliation and frustration, but which were also tainted of love and beauty. Because even in the dark ages, humans are/were human beings. Love, fear, sadness, hope, despair, desire of revenge… kindness and brutality were part of their daily lives. To me, this book is a fabulous study of human behavior.
But I shouldn’t forget to say something about the role and position of women, who were deprived of their rights and sometimes forced to marry elder men they never met before (when they were only 13…). Beautiful women whose lives depended on the will and the fortune of their father, husband, or master.
The world was cruel, indeed! However, Millie Thom didn’t forget that the then societies were made of/by human beings. Thanks to this, she wrote a remarkable story which, without any doubt, deserves a FIVE STAR!
Hence, we soon become familiar with them (especially with Eadwulf, son of Morwenna and Beorthwulf, king of Mercia); we share in their emotions, fears, hopes and frustrations… This story definitely goes above and far beyond the trivial description of Vikings’ cruelties and war atrocities. It subtly describes the lives of people during those dark ages, lives which on the one hand were made of fear, suffering, humiliation and frustration, but which were also tainted of love and beauty. Because even in the dark ages, humans are/were human beings. Love, fear, sadness, hope, despair, desire of revenge… kindness and brutality were part of their daily lives. To me, this book is a fabulous study of human behavior.
But I shouldn’t forget to say something about the role and position of women, who were deprived of their rights and sometimes forced to marry elder men they never met before (when they were only 13…). Beautiful women whose lives depended on the will and the fortune of their father, husband, or master.
The world was cruel, indeed! However, Millie Thom didn’t forget that the then societies were made of/by human beings. Thanks to this, she wrote a remarkable story which, without any doubt, deserves a FIVE STAR!
June 21, 2015
I received a copy of this book from Millie Thom Via NG for an honest review.
OH. MY. GOODNESS.
this book, people. seriously.
NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A REAL HISTORICAL FICTION!!!
because:
1. It isn't romanticized
2. Truthful, accurate historical facts.
3. Blood and gore...let's be honest, we're talking about vikings here.
4. Humans who have both the capacity for evil and for good.
This book blew me away!
Okay, I don't feel the need to do a rendition of the plot because, honestly, what the blurb said is what you get! It couldn't have been written more beautifully than that.
WARNING!!!! There is a slightly graphic rape scene, there is raiding and killing, murder, coups, evil intents and...well, the real world.
So if you're queasy at that, then this may not be for you.
THIS BOOK WAS SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!!!
You know those authors that write in a way that the reader can basically smell the soil just from the description? Well, Thom nailed it.
My stomach was in knots so many times!! I literally got attached to the characters too. Their plight was just SO heartbreaking.
Lovers of REAL historical retelling, you have found your next obsession!!!
Thom really did her research, i mean wow.
As a history University student who has studied Viking/ the Danes history i was enthralled with this book.
Honestly, if you can stomach George R.R Martin, then this book- minus the fantasy aspect is your next honey.
But that ending...Thom are you trying to kill me?
I NEED that second book!!! *clears throat*
Yea...so, that's that.
-The Book Herald
tweet me @thebookherald
OH. MY. GOODNESS.
this book, people. seriously.
NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A REAL HISTORICAL FICTION!!!
because:
1. It isn't romanticized
2. Truthful, accurate historical facts.
3. Blood and gore...let's be honest, we're talking about vikings here.
4. Humans who have both the capacity for evil and for good.
This book blew me away!
Okay, I don't feel the need to do a rendition of the plot because, honestly, what the blurb said is what you get! It couldn't have been written more beautifully than that.
WARNING!!!! There is a slightly graphic rape scene, there is raiding and killing, murder, coups, evil intents and...well, the real world.
So if you're queasy at that, then this may not be for you.
THIS BOOK WAS SO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!!!
You know those authors that write in a way that the reader can basically smell the soil just from the description? Well, Thom nailed it.
My stomach was in knots so many times!! I literally got attached to the characters too. Their plight was just SO heartbreaking.
Lovers of REAL historical retelling, you have found your next obsession!!!
Thom really did her research, i mean wow.
As a history University student who has studied Viking/ the Danes history i was enthralled with this book.
Honestly, if you can stomach George R.R Martin, then this book- minus the fantasy aspect is your next honey.
But that ending...Thom are you trying to kill me?
I NEED that second book!!! *clears throat*
Yea...so, that's that.
-The Book Herald
tweet me @thebookherald
September 13, 2019
I received a copy via Twitter for an honest review and I can definitely say this book is amazing! It’s a historical coming of age fiction with lots of twists and turns and deception at every end. Two young Vikings are currently wanting peace but having war. It was definitely a page turner and a great book for anyone who enjoys action and Hamlet like royal family drama.
September 29, 2020
The story deals with the Anglo-Saxon fight with the Danes during the 9th century. It follows two different individuals; Alfred of Wessex, who spent his youth being educated and trained to eventually become King. In contrast, Eadwulf, prince of Mercia, is betrayed by his uncle and sold into slavery to the Danes. Both have a destiny to save England from the Viking horde.
This story is the first in the Sons of Kings trilogy and is highly detailed and researched. The author brings history alive and proves herself an equal to Bernard Cornwell. For those who love an exciting tale or historical fiction, this series is perfect for you. Highly recommended.
This story is the first in the Sons of Kings trilogy and is highly detailed and researched. The author brings history alive and proves herself an equal to Bernard Cornwell. For those who love an exciting tale or historical fiction, this series is perfect for you. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2019
War drums echo, alerting both Mercia and Wessex. The Danes are coming and no one is safe from their onslaught. Brother pitted against brother, betrayal seething from the lips of one. Two boys, destined for greatness, are forever changed by events out of their control. Eadwulf and Alfred are tested time and again, yet both are sons of kings. The lessons they learn form their characters and the men they will become. Will they wallow in self-pity or will they rise to greatness?
Shadow of the Raven is book one in the Sons of Kings series and hands down, is one of the best historical fiction I’ve read in a long time. I don’t know much about this time period, but Millie Thom creates such a riveting historically accurate tale, it didn’t matter. Everything from the characters’ names to the clothing to the setting to the events she describes is told with vivid clarity. It was like watching a full season of The Vikings, only better because I got to start and stop whenever I wanted. The emotional angst Eadwulf experiences was so real, I found myself weeping while reading.
Usually I don’t care for a large cast of characters but in this case, I rather enjoyed it. Millie Thom takes great care in making sure the reader is never lost or doesn’t understand what’s going on. Because of her writing style, I whipped through the story as fast as I could. I missed a couple hours sleep because I had to finish a scene or see what was going to happen next.
Fans of The Vikings and Game of Thrones, this is your next binge-read series. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Shadow of the Raven is book one in the Sons of Kings series and hands down, is one of the best historical fiction I’ve read in a long time. I don’t know much about this time period, but Millie Thom creates such a riveting historically accurate tale, it didn’t matter. Everything from the characters’ names to the clothing to the setting to the events she describes is told with vivid clarity. It was like watching a full season of The Vikings, only better because I got to start and stop whenever I wanted. The emotional angst Eadwulf experiences was so real, I found myself weeping while reading.
Usually I don’t care for a large cast of characters but in this case, I rather enjoyed it. Millie Thom takes great care in making sure the reader is never lost or doesn’t understand what’s going on. Because of her writing style, I whipped through the story as fast as I could. I missed a couple hours sleep because I had to finish a scene or see what was going to happen next.
Fans of The Vikings and Game of Thrones, this is your next binge-read series. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Want to read
April 11, 2020���� Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (4/11/2020)! 🎁
February 16, 2019
This is an epic story in which facts and fiction are cleverly interwoven. I can see the love for the subject and all the research this story must have taken. Not only about the times, but also about geographics, clothing and so on. The period (early middle ages, sometimes called "dark ages") is perfect for some fiction added to known facts. It is very well written with very much care for details. It is even easy to imagine the circumstances the characters find themselves in. I highly recommend it.
January 21, 2018
A vivid image with beautiful descriptions and an action that does not shy of the Viking era it is placed in. The author clearly knows her historical facts as well as the scenery.
Although Viking era is fairly new to me as a reader, the story drew me in and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you read until the wee hours of the morning then you found a good book!
Although Viking era is fairly new to me as a reader, the story drew me in and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you read until the wee hours of the morning then you found a good book!
December 17, 2018
The dead cannot talk, but the living remember…
The Danes were coming. Beorhtwulf, the King of Mercia, knew about the Danish threat and he had made preparations. But what he had not been prepared for was his brother’s gross betrayal.
Eadwulf of Mercia was just a child when his uncle betrayed his father. Now he finds himself in a Norse slave market, waiting to be sold. Eadwulf has two choices. He can let his grief and his circumstances destroy him, or he can grow stronger because of it.
Alfred of Wessex is the youngest son of the great King Aethelwulf. He is a long way from the throne, but Aethelwulf can see that his youngest son has a gift and there is no doubt that Alfred is favoured by God. Only time will tell what God has intended for Alfred.
From the coldness of a Mercia winter morning to the horror of the slave market in Hedeby, Shadow of the Raven: Sons of Kings Book #1 by Millie Thom is the story of two boys, whose lives are irrevocably changed by events that were out of their control.
Thom has brought us not only a wonderfully compelling story but also one that has been so obviously painstakingly researched. The richness of the narrative and the exquisite attention to detail draws the reader into the mid-9th Century world that Thom has created. This story is so vivid in the telling that it was like watching the images flicker in front of my eyes. I could feel the coldness of the snow against my skin, the rocking of the boat as it sailed across the ocean towards a destination unknown. I could see the gilded buildings in Rome just as well as I could envisage the Hall of Ragnar Lothbrok and the Court of Charles the Bald. However, more importantly, I felt Eadwulf’s despair, his anger and his hate, but also his hope. Thom has a gift for bringing not only a time gone by but also the people who lived there, back to life.
There is a large cast of historical characters in this book, but this story is focused primarily on the two young protagonists — Eadwulf and Alfred. Eadwulf has to grow up very quickly. However, he is the son of a king, and although he finds himself in a terrible situation, he never gives up on the dream that one day he will find his way home. He does, however, have moments of doubt. He was born a Mercian, but grew up as a Dane. Eadwulf struggles terribly with his identity. He knows who he is, he just isn’t as sure as to where he belongs. I thought Eadwulf’s portrayal was outstanding. He matures in both body and attitude as the story progresses. At the beginning of the tale he thinks like a child, but by the end of this book he is most definitely a man. Alfred, on the other hand, experiences none of the horrors that Eadwulf faces, but he too has his share of death and grief. Alfred’s childhood portrays the kind of king that he will become. He is watchful, very clever, and he shows great empathy to everyone he comes into contact with. I thought both protagonists were wonderfully drawn and more importantly believable.
In Shadows of the Raven, we meet some historical characters who many readers will be familiar with thanks to Michael Hirst’s fabulous Vikings series. Due to circumstance, Eadwulf finds himself in the domain of Ragnar Lothbrok. It is Eadwulf’s relationship with Bjorn Ironside, Ragnar’s eldest son, where Eadwulf's story really comes into its own. Bjorn may well be a secondary character in this book, but I thought he was fabulously portrayed. He is a warrior, but he is also compassionate and understanding of Eadwulf desire to be free and to avenge the people he loved.
Thom has not romanticised this era at all. The Viking raids are brutal as are some of their sacrifices. However, Shadows of a Raven is not all blood and gore. Thom has a gift for describing everyday things, such as collecting water from the river, and the beauty of falling in love. I thought this book was masterfully written and I was utterly captivated from the beginning to the end.
Shadow of a Raven is impossible to put down. Thom has created an enthrallingly epic saga. It is thoroughly enjoyable, filled with battle scenes, family politics, love, and religion — what is not to like?
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
The Danes were coming. Beorhtwulf, the King of Mercia, knew about the Danish threat and he had made preparations. But what he had not been prepared for was his brother’s gross betrayal.
Eadwulf of Mercia was just a child when his uncle betrayed his father. Now he finds himself in a Norse slave market, waiting to be sold. Eadwulf has two choices. He can let his grief and his circumstances destroy him, or he can grow stronger because of it.
Alfred of Wessex is the youngest son of the great King Aethelwulf. He is a long way from the throne, but Aethelwulf can see that his youngest son has a gift and there is no doubt that Alfred is favoured by God. Only time will tell what God has intended for Alfred.
From the coldness of a Mercia winter morning to the horror of the slave market in Hedeby, Shadow of the Raven: Sons of Kings Book #1 by Millie Thom is the story of two boys, whose lives are irrevocably changed by events that were out of their control.
Thom has brought us not only a wonderfully compelling story but also one that has been so obviously painstakingly researched. The richness of the narrative and the exquisite attention to detail draws the reader into the mid-9th Century world that Thom has created. This story is so vivid in the telling that it was like watching the images flicker in front of my eyes. I could feel the coldness of the snow against my skin, the rocking of the boat as it sailed across the ocean towards a destination unknown. I could see the gilded buildings in Rome just as well as I could envisage the Hall of Ragnar Lothbrok and the Court of Charles the Bald. However, more importantly, I felt Eadwulf’s despair, his anger and his hate, but also his hope. Thom has a gift for bringing not only a time gone by but also the people who lived there, back to life.
There is a large cast of historical characters in this book, but this story is focused primarily on the two young protagonists — Eadwulf and Alfred. Eadwulf has to grow up very quickly. However, he is the son of a king, and although he finds himself in a terrible situation, he never gives up on the dream that one day he will find his way home. He does, however, have moments of doubt. He was born a Mercian, but grew up as a Dane. Eadwulf struggles terribly with his identity. He knows who he is, he just isn’t as sure as to where he belongs. I thought Eadwulf’s portrayal was outstanding. He matures in both body and attitude as the story progresses. At the beginning of the tale he thinks like a child, but by the end of this book he is most definitely a man. Alfred, on the other hand, experiences none of the horrors that Eadwulf faces, but he too has his share of death and grief. Alfred’s childhood portrays the kind of king that he will become. He is watchful, very clever, and he shows great empathy to everyone he comes into contact with. I thought both protagonists were wonderfully drawn and more importantly believable.
In Shadows of the Raven, we meet some historical characters who many readers will be familiar with thanks to Michael Hirst’s fabulous Vikings series. Due to circumstance, Eadwulf finds himself in the domain of Ragnar Lothbrok. It is Eadwulf’s relationship with Bjorn Ironside, Ragnar’s eldest son, where Eadwulf's story really comes into its own. Bjorn may well be a secondary character in this book, but I thought he was fabulously portrayed. He is a warrior, but he is also compassionate and understanding of Eadwulf desire to be free and to avenge the people he loved.
Thom has not romanticised this era at all. The Viking raids are brutal as are some of their sacrifices. However, Shadows of a Raven is not all blood and gore. Thom has a gift for describing everyday things, such as collecting water from the river, and the beauty of falling in love. I thought this book was masterfully written and I was utterly captivated from the beginning to the end.
Shadow of a Raven is impossible to put down. Thom has created an enthrallingly epic saga. It is thoroughly enjoyable, filled with battle scenes, family politics, love, and religion — what is not to like?
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
April 29, 2015
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars :)
Review
Plot/Story:
The story follows the early years of Alfred of Wessex and the fictitious Eadwulf of Mercia – the sons of kings.
I have to say that the first third of the book was very slow read for me. I struggled with the names a lot (didn’t know how to pronounce them), but after that I got used to the author’s style and from there on it was a fast read and I enjoyed it very much. As the author takes you with her all over Europe and the adventure you take with the characters are both exciting and dangerous.
Characters:
The author takes both real characters from history and fiction and placed them together in such a unique and wonderful way that is so believable. The characters are so well thought off and it shows she really knows her history. Eadwulf has grown so much in this story and I’m really looking forward reading more about his adventures. I am so happy that the author placed a ‘characters list’ it was very helpful.
Romance/Kills:
This is the time of the Vikings who are known for their violence and ruthlessness. You see the harsh life and the slavery of this period. In this story there is love, sex, kills and betrayals, all written in a very wonderful way.
Writing:
The author did a wonderful job; bringing back that dangerous time for the Vikings in a very passionate way. Millie Thom wrote the story and the characters with so much details and knowledge of this time in history, which made me immersed in the story even more. It’s a wonderful bled of history and fiction :)
Beginning:
The beginning of the book was a bit hard and it did take me a bit getting used to all the names and all the details for that time period.
Ending:
There are so many things left unsolved for me and the story of Eadwulf and his mother Morwenna are so sad and heartbreaking.
Blurb:
The blurb from Goodreads was very accurate on the book’s plot and didn’t have any spoiler of the story or the characters (just the way I like it). It puts you in the right mood to start reading the book and hints of things to come.
Cover Art:
The cover art is so beautiful and compelling. I truly love it.
You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.
Other Stuff
Opening Line: “The snowball caught him completely unawares; a solidly packed pellet that smacked into the side of his head with considerable force, sending him reeling.”
Memorable Quotes:
“You are destined to become a great warrior, and I a simple healer. We are surely opposites, you and I. But I know deep inside that you could never be evil.”
Highlights: There is so much, from the detailed story of this great Kingdom to the well-developed characters. From the first time we see the young boy to his exciting adventures over the years as he grows up. The greatness of this story for me is in the details.
Lowlights: The names were a bit too much at first and it made it harder for me to get into the story.
Final Thoughts: A very well written story, which has both real history and fiction. I learned so much about the time of the Vikings in a very fun and exciting way. It’s a very interesting historian fiction. The fight for power will continue and I can’t wait to read the next book and see where the story will go on from here.
Read the original review at: The Reading Bud
4.5 Stars :)
Review
Plot/Story:
The story follows the early years of Alfred of Wessex and the fictitious Eadwulf of Mercia – the sons of kings.
I have to say that the first third of the book was very slow read for me. I struggled with the names a lot (didn’t know how to pronounce them), but after that I got used to the author’s style and from there on it was a fast read and I enjoyed it very much. As the author takes you with her all over Europe and the adventure you take with the characters are both exciting and dangerous.
Characters:
The author takes both real characters from history and fiction and placed them together in such a unique and wonderful way that is so believable. The characters are so well thought off and it shows she really knows her history. Eadwulf has grown so much in this story and I’m really looking forward reading more about his adventures. I am so happy that the author placed a ‘characters list’ it was very helpful.
Romance/Kills:
This is the time of the Vikings who are known for their violence and ruthlessness. You see the harsh life and the slavery of this period. In this story there is love, sex, kills and betrayals, all written in a very wonderful way.
Writing:
The author did a wonderful job; bringing back that dangerous time for the Vikings in a very passionate way. Millie Thom wrote the story and the characters with so much details and knowledge of this time in history, which made me immersed in the story even more. It’s a wonderful bled of history and fiction :)
Beginning:
The beginning of the book was a bit hard and it did take me a bit getting used to all the names and all the details for that time period.
Ending:
There are so many things left unsolved for me and the story of Eadwulf and his mother Morwenna are so sad and heartbreaking.
Blurb:
The blurb from Goodreads was very accurate on the book’s plot and didn’t have any spoiler of the story or the characters (just the way I like it). It puts you in the right mood to start reading the book and hints of things to come.
Cover Art:
The cover art is so beautiful and compelling. I truly love it.
You can also read this review at Goodreads and Amazon.
Other Stuff
Opening Line: “The snowball caught him completely unawares; a solidly packed pellet that smacked into the side of his head with considerable force, sending him reeling.”
Memorable Quotes:
“You are destined to become a great warrior, and I a simple healer. We are surely opposites, you and I. But I know deep inside that you could never be evil.”
Highlights: There is so much, from the detailed story of this great Kingdom to the well-developed characters. From the first time we see the young boy to his exciting adventures over the years as he grows up. The greatness of this story for me is in the details.
Lowlights: The names were a bit too much at first and it made it harder for me to get into the story.
Final Thoughts: A very well written story, which has both real history and fiction. I learned so much about the time of the Vikings in a very fun and exciting way. It’s a very interesting historian fiction. The fight for power will continue and I can’t wait to read the next book and see where the story will go on from here.
Read the original review at: The Reading Bud
May 6, 2016
Completed on:
04/20/2016
Review Rating:
5 stars!
Reviewed By JJ Phillips for Readers’ Favorite
Millie Thom wrote a historical fiction story around the Vikings in Shadow of the Raven (Sons of Kings Book 1). Thom starts the story in the mid ninth century and explains how two kingdoms share a border near the mouth of the Thames. The two kingdoms are the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia. The Norse lands cover Denmark, from the Arctic Circle to the Baltic Sea. The story also journeys to Rome, the holy city, and gives accounts of the Court of Charles the Bald of West Francia. Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia are the sons of the kings. Therefore, they know what is expected of them when they mature and become men. But a series of events during their years of growing up teach each of the boys invaluable lessons, lessons that promise to help them when the time is right.
I really enjoyed Millie Thom’s historical portrayal of kings and their sons in Shadow of the Raven. Many of her characters were historically based and I liked that blend of true and fictionalized characters. The Vikings are an interesting people and Thom did a great job of bringing her characters to life. They felt so real, as if they were really in that time period. I also loved the setting of this story. Again, Thom’s attention to detail was superb. I really felt as if I were there with the characters. She must have done an amazing amount of research to make her story so accurate (or be part Viking herself)!
04/20/2016
Review Rating:
5 stars!
Reviewed By JJ Phillips for Readers’ Favorite
Millie Thom wrote a historical fiction story around the Vikings in Shadow of the Raven (Sons of Kings Book 1). Thom starts the story in the mid ninth century and explains how two kingdoms share a border near the mouth of the Thames. The two kingdoms are the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia. The Norse lands cover Denmark, from the Arctic Circle to the Baltic Sea. The story also journeys to Rome, the holy city, and gives accounts of the Court of Charles the Bald of West Francia. Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia are the sons of the kings. Therefore, they know what is expected of them when they mature and become men. But a series of events during their years of growing up teach each of the boys invaluable lessons, lessons that promise to help them when the time is right.
I really enjoyed Millie Thom’s historical portrayal of kings and their sons in Shadow of the Raven. Many of her characters were historically based and I liked that blend of true and fictionalized characters. The Vikings are an interesting people and Thom did a great job of bringing her characters to life. They felt so real, as if they were really in that time period. I also loved the setting of this story. Again, Thom’s attention to detail was superb. I really felt as if I were there with the characters. She must have done an amazing amount of research to make her story so accurate (or be part Viking herself)!
April 11, 2020
First off I’d like to thank Millie Thom for the copy of Shadow of Ravens, to provide an honest review through Booktaster.
I’m not usually huge on reading historical fiction, but I took a chance with this one and am SO glad I did. I’ve been recommending this to my friends and coworkers, because I quickly became obsessed. Like, staying up until 3am when I had to work the next morning obsessed (I never learn).
This story takes place in 850 where we follow Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of America through their completely different childhoods as the Danes raid their homelands. Your heart aches for these characters as they face many trails and tribulations. You feel yourself holding onto hope along with them, that soon life will get better. But with betrayals, heartbreaks, and loss at every turn; you wonder if they will ever be the same.
Right away I could feel the passion that Millie has for these families within her writing. As confusing as it can be starting a book with characters that have such similar names, Millie takes the time to provide background and a character index to make dissolving into the pages as easy as possible. The amount of time, research and knowledge she has of this era makes this story so believable you feel as if you live amongst the characters.
Never did I ever think I’d fall down a rabbit hole of Vikings, but here I am at the bottom! Binge watching Vikings now on Netflix and dying to get my hands on the Millie’s second book.
I’m not usually huge on reading historical fiction, but I took a chance with this one and am SO glad I did. I’ve been recommending this to my friends and coworkers, because I quickly became obsessed. Like, staying up until 3am when I had to work the next morning obsessed (I never learn).
This story takes place in 850 where we follow Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of America through their completely different childhoods as the Danes raid their homelands. Your heart aches for these characters as they face many trails and tribulations. You feel yourself holding onto hope along with them, that soon life will get better. But with betrayals, heartbreaks, and loss at every turn; you wonder if they will ever be the same.
Right away I could feel the passion that Millie has for these families within her writing. As confusing as it can be starting a book with characters that have such similar names, Millie takes the time to provide background and a character index to make dissolving into the pages as easy as possible. The amount of time, research and knowledge she has of this era makes this story so believable you feel as if you live amongst the characters.
Never did I ever think I’d fall down a rabbit hole of Vikings, but here I am at the bottom! Binge watching Vikings now on Netflix and dying to get my hands on the Millie’s second book.
October 21, 2018
Oh I loved this book! If I'd been reading a hard copy, where I could have flicked back easily to check the map, the glossary of terms, and earlier chapters to see who was whom (the conventions of the era that meant so many members of the same family had very similar names) I'd probably have given it 5 stars. But my book would have been full of post it notes!
Like many books set in the Anglo Saxon period, it was exciting, with lots of battles, rivalries, raids and plundering, yet the violence and battles weren’t too graphically depicted. I hate ploughing through 30 pages of the writer showing off their detailed knowledge of battle procedure that doesn't move the story on a bit until somebody vital succeeds or dies! But this time those scenes only gave the necessary detail, and instead the descriptive skills were used to convey the real lives, feelings and relationships of the characters. To me that makes it so much easier to relate to and empathise with the characters, good or bad. And hardly any of the characters were all good, or all bad, they were Real People and so much more relatable because of that.
I'll be looking out for the rest of the trilogy.
Like many books set in the Anglo Saxon period, it was exciting, with lots of battles, rivalries, raids and plundering, yet the violence and battles weren’t too graphically depicted. I hate ploughing through 30 pages of the writer showing off their detailed knowledge of battle procedure that doesn't move the story on a bit until somebody vital succeeds or dies! But this time those scenes only gave the necessary detail, and instead the descriptive skills were used to convey the real lives, feelings and relationships of the characters. To me that makes it so much easier to relate to and empathise with the characters, good or bad. And hardly any of the characters were all good, or all bad, they were Real People and so much more relatable because of that.
I'll be looking out for the rest of the trilogy.
August 6, 2019
Apparently, historical fiction novels about slavery is this year's epic fantasy because this is the second book about slavery that I read in a week. Like Shiri, this is about a young person whose home is targeted by an enemy army. Their family is either wiped out or missing leaving them the sole survivor and the protagonist is forced to become a slave in the presence of their enemies. The main differences between this and Shiri are the settings and particularly the protagonists. Shiri was about a girl in Ancient Egypt while Shadow of a Raven is about a boy in 9th century England. Because of this, the Shadow of a Raven goes places that Shiri does not by taking its protagonist down a more active violent vengeance seeking path that Shiri’s gender and status deprive her of.
Eadwulf is a prince in 851 Mercia and is the son of King Beorthwulf and Queen Morwenna. His life consists of hanging out with his more active best friend, Aethelnoth, sleeping during the study sessions headed by his tutor, Sigehelm, hunting for animals, and watching as his father and other men fight with the often raiding Danes. He is in training to be king himself one day, that is until the Danes make a surprise raid on the Mercian kingdom orchestrated by Beorthwulf's brother, Burgred (thereby taking his place as “Worst Uncle Ever” since Scar from the Lion King). Beorthwulf is killed and Eadwulf is separated from his mother, friends, and kingdom to become a thral or slave with Sigehelm to Jarl Ragnar Lothbrok, a Danish chieftain. In slavery, Eadwulf has two goals in mind and two bodies on his soon to be hit list: killing Burgred, for his betrayal of his family and Rorik, the Danish chieftain who commanded the raid and took Morwenna to serve as his concubine.
Meanwhile, in the nearby Wessex kingdom tensions arise when the elderly dying King Aethelwulf takes a much younger wife, Judith which doesn't sit too well with his oldest son, Aethelstan. Aethelstan and his brothers squabble over their inheritance and shares of the kingdom. Oh yes, and Aethelwulf’s youngest son, Alfred is predicted to become a great king surpassing his brothers. (History will prove this prediction right since Alfred grows to become King Alfred The Great.)
Shadow of the Raven is an exciting dramatic novel with a few setbacks. The subplot involving Alfred's family so far seems unnecessary since there appears to be little to no interaction with the Eadwulf plot. Their worlds will probably connect at a future date in a later installment, but for now the two plots could have easily been two separate novels instead of crammed into one.
However, the Eadwulf story is strong and easily the most involving plot in the book. It's not hard to compare this book to Shiri since they both feature characters forced into slavery. Neither book is inherently better than the other. They just differ in terms of choices that characters make and how they approach their lives of bondage.
Shiri is a more stoic character who endures her servitude with patience and inner strength. She is limited by being a peasant woman from an outside village who has very little chance of gaining meaningful allies. She lives out in the desert where escape is impossible even fatal. She is also threatened with the death or disgrace of her lover, Joseph and daughter, Tiye. So she can only submit to her treatment, but also show love towards Joseph and Tiye who are respectively married to and raised by a wealthy Egyptian woman who is Shiri’s mistress. For Shiri, she must endure patiently and wait for better days.
Eadwulf however is a more action fueled character. While serving in Ragnar's household, he is made enemies with Ragnar's abusive wife and bullying sons. Eadwulf’s abuse at their hands escalates to the point where the sons hunt him down for sport. However, Eadwulf finds a supporter in Ragnar's oldest son, Bjorn who then takes the young man to serve on his ship.
Here is where Eadwulf is able to take action in the face of his slavery as compared to Shiri. Eadwulf learns about seamanship, fighting, and forsakes his family's Christian religion for the more proactive Norse gods. As a sailor and fighter on the ship, he is forced to reconcile his Mercian upbringing with his current actions as the Danish crew frequently rape and pillage the places they land on. Besides working out his aggression in these raids, he earns Bjorn's loyalty and protection. This is especially cemented when Eadwulf saves Bjorn's life from an approaching arrow earning him the new name, Ulf.
Besides becoming a fierce and at times ruthless fighter, Eadwulf shows tremendous heart especially considering the people in his past. While he once thought of Sigehelm as a boring dull dud and the butt of his pranks, Eadwulf begins to recognize his tutor's quiet strength and self-sacrifice towards him. He also has some moving heartfelt reunions with long separated friends and family members. He bonds with Bjorn's youngest brother and becomes close to his younger siblings particularly taking an almost fatherly interest in his younger brother, Jorund. He also has a romantic relationship with Freydis, Ragnar's daughter and Bjorn's sister.
Unfortunately, it is his relationship with Freydis that reminds Eadwulf that he may be liked by Bjorn and Bjorn may be a loving kind master, but Eadwulf is still a slave. He learns that as a thral, he is still property and therefore still subjected to their rules and those who were once his strongest allies could very quickly turn on him.
Shadow of a Raven is an engaging but dark and graphically violent book in which characters are brutally stabbed, raped, molested, decapitated, whipped, and the protagonist goes from a wide-eyed idealistic naive prince to a hardened warrior with several bloody kills, rapes, and village destruction to his credit. However, it is a very realistic and exciting look at life in 9th century England and demonstrated the lengths that some will go to fight for revenge and for their freedom.
Eadwulf is a prince in 851 Mercia and is the son of King Beorthwulf and Queen Morwenna. His life consists of hanging out with his more active best friend, Aethelnoth, sleeping during the study sessions headed by his tutor, Sigehelm, hunting for animals, and watching as his father and other men fight with the often raiding Danes. He is in training to be king himself one day, that is until the Danes make a surprise raid on the Mercian kingdom orchestrated by Beorthwulf's brother, Burgred (thereby taking his place as “Worst Uncle Ever” since Scar from the Lion King). Beorthwulf is killed and Eadwulf is separated from his mother, friends, and kingdom to become a thral or slave with Sigehelm to Jarl Ragnar Lothbrok, a Danish chieftain. In slavery, Eadwulf has two goals in mind and two bodies on his soon to be hit list: killing Burgred, for his betrayal of his family and Rorik, the Danish chieftain who commanded the raid and took Morwenna to serve as his concubine.
Meanwhile, in the nearby Wessex kingdom tensions arise when the elderly dying King Aethelwulf takes a much younger wife, Judith which doesn't sit too well with his oldest son, Aethelstan. Aethelstan and his brothers squabble over their inheritance and shares of the kingdom. Oh yes, and Aethelwulf’s youngest son, Alfred is predicted to become a great king surpassing his brothers. (History will prove this prediction right since Alfred grows to become King Alfred The Great.)
Shadow of the Raven is an exciting dramatic novel with a few setbacks. The subplot involving Alfred's family so far seems unnecessary since there appears to be little to no interaction with the Eadwulf plot. Their worlds will probably connect at a future date in a later installment, but for now the two plots could have easily been two separate novels instead of crammed into one.
However, the Eadwulf story is strong and easily the most involving plot in the book. It's not hard to compare this book to Shiri since they both feature characters forced into slavery. Neither book is inherently better than the other. They just differ in terms of choices that characters make and how they approach their lives of bondage.
Shiri is a more stoic character who endures her servitude with patience and inner strength. She is limited by being a peasant woman from an outside village who has very little chance of gaining meaningful allies. She lives out in the desert where escape is impossible even fatal. She is also threatened with the death or disgrace of her lover, Joseph and daughter, Tiye. So she can only submit to her treatment, but also show love towards Joseph and Tiye who are respectively married to and raised by a wealthy Egyptian woman who is Shiri’s mistress. For Shiri, she must endure patiently and wait for better days.
Eadwulf however is a more action fueled character. While serving in Ragnar's household, he is made enemies with Ragnar's abusive wife and bullying sons. Eadwulf’s abuse at their hands escalates to the point where the sons hunt him down for sport. However, Eadwulf finds a supporter in Ragnar's oldest son, Bjorn who then takes the young man to serve on his ship.
Here is where Eadwulf is able to take action in the face of his slavery as compared to Shiri. Eadwulf learns about seamanship, fighting, and forsakes his family's Christian religion for the more proactive Norse gods. As a sailor and fighter on the ship, he is forced to reconcile his Mercian upbringing with his current actions as the Danish crew frequently rape and pillage the places they land on. Besides working out his aggression in these raids, he earns Bjorn's loyalty and protection. This is especially cemented when Eadwulf saves Bjorn's life from an approaching arrow earning him the new name, Ulf.
Besides becoming a fierce and at times ruthless fighter, Eadwulf shows tremendous heart especially considering the people in his past. While he once thought of Sigehelm as a boring dull dud and the butt of his pranks, Eadwulf begins to recognize his tutor's quiet strength and self-sacrifice towards him. He also has some moving heartfelt reunions with long separated friends and family members. He bonds with Bjorn's youngest brother and becomes close to his younger siblings particularly taking an almost fatherly interest in his younger brother, Jorund. He also has a romantic relationship with Freydis, Ragnar's daughter and Bjorn's sister.
Unfortunately, it is his relationship with Freydis that reminds Eadwulf that he may be liked by Bjorn and Bjorn may be a loving kind master, but Eadwulf is still a slave. He learns that as a thral, he is still property and therefore still subjected to their rules and those who were once his strongest allies could very quickly turn on him.
Shadow of a Raven is an engaging but dark and graphically violent book in which characters are brutally stabbed, raped, molested, decapitated, whipped, and the protagonist goes from a wide-eyed idealistic naive prince to a hardened warrior with several bloody kills, rapes, and village destruction to his credit. However, it is a very realistic and exciting look at life in 9th century England and demonstrated the lengths that some will go to fight for revenge and for their freedom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
In a single word “Brilliant.”
If you have ever wondered what it was like to live in the mid 800’s this book will certainly take you there. The events take place in England and Denmark so you get a wonderful insight into their conflicting cultures and customs. The writing style in both narrative and dialogue is excellent without being heavy, and cleverly contributes to the atmosphere of the era. It held my attention to the last page – which is clearly not the end of the story. It’s an enthralling adventure which moves along at a good pace without padding. Although Shadow of the Raven is fiction it is obvious that Millie Thom did a huge amount of research to ensure its authenticity.
I found it beautifully written, fascinating and educational (I like that in a book) with adventure and suspense. I constantly wanted to know what happens to Eadwulf next, so the pages kept turning. Consequently I’m now compelled to read this continuing epic in Book 2 and 3 of the Sons of Kings series.
I highly recommend ‘Shadow of the Raven’ as a darn good read and give it a well deserved five stars.
If you have ever wondered what it was like to live in the mid 800’s this book will certainly take you there. The events take place in England and Denmark so you get a wonderful insight into their conflicting cultures and customs. The writing style in both narrative and dialogue is excellent without being heavy, and cleverly contributes to the atmosphere of the era. It held my attention to the last page – which is clearly not the end of the story. It’s an enthralling adventure which moves along at a good pace without padding. Although Shadow of the Raven is fiction it is obvious that Millie Thom did a huge amount of research to ensure its authenticity.
I found it beautifully written, fascinating and educational (I like that in a book) with adventure and suspense. I constantly wanted to know what happens to Eadwulf next, so the pages kept turning. Consequently I’m now compelled to read this continuing epic in Book 2 and 3 of the Sons of Kings series.
I highly recommend ‘Shadow of the Raven’ as a darn good read and give it a well deserved five stars.
June 23, 2015
3,5 stars
This is the story of the early years of Alfred of Wessex and the fictional Eadwulf of Mercia, son of Beorhtwulf of Mercia. Eadwulf is 10 years when his home is attacked by Vikings, his father killed and Eadwulf taken as a slave. He learns the viking ways and in time earns the respect of his master Bjorn. Meanwhile Alfred is growing as the king’s youngest child who is already showing piousness as a 4 year old. Mature for his years, his life is also turning upside down when his mother dies.
This started really slow but I’m glad I kept reading because after it started picking up it was good. Eadwulf goes from being king’s son to a slave, thrall, and becoming one of them. But he never forgot who he is or where he came from and longs to avenge his family.
Alfred is so young that he doesn’t really do anything in this book but I’ll look forward seeing more about him.
There’s lot of great minor characters like Bjorn and his sister Freydis and I hope we get to see some of them in the future.
This is the story of the early years of Alfred of Wessex and the fictional Eadwulf of Mercia, son of Beorhtwulf of Mercia. Eadwulf is 10 years when his home is attacked by Vikings, his father killed and Eadwulf taken as a slave. He learns the viking ways and in time earns the respect of his master Bjorn. Meanwhile Alfred is growing as the king’s youngest child who is already showing piousness as a 4 year old. Mature for his years, his life is also turning upside down when his mother dies.
This started really slow but I’m glad I kept reading because after it started picking up it was good. Eadwulf goes from being king’s son to a slave, thrall, and becoming one of them. But he never forgot who he is or where he came from and longs to avenge his family.
Alfred is so young that he doesn’t really do anything in this book but I’ll look forward seeing more about him.
There’s lot of great minor characters like Bjorn and his sister Freydis and I hope we get to see some of them in the future.
January 16, 2018
Historical fiction displayed in an easy to follow writing, even if I had difficulties to identify the characters and their roles at the beginning. This book takes place in times of the Danish raids all across Europe, narrating especially the life of Eadwulf, an Anglo-Saxon prisoner and son of a former king, who learns to adapt tho the new culture he's living in, where her finds much hatred against his person, but also lots of affection, friendship and loyalty. This books shows the morale and oftentimes inhumanity with which we use to persecute our objectives, crushing everything that stands in or way. It narrates of treason for ones own benefit, disrespect for another person's humanity, but also about love and friendship. The plot is well developed as are the characters, telling of gruesome actions that were at the order of the day in those times. This book makes the reader go through a variety of emotions, and it engages the reader's attention easily.
February 2, 2018
Historical novels are one of my preferred genres. Among my favourite authors in this category are Hilary Mantel and Philipa Gregory. Now I can add Millie Thom to this list. Whereas Mantel and Gregory mostly write about the Tudor period, Thom's book concentrates on the Anglo-Saxon and Viking period. A period I knew little about.
It is the first book I have read by this author and I found it fascinating. The story is set in the early years of Alfred of Wessex, mid-ninth century. It is not surprising that Thom is so knowledgeable about this period. The author is a former history teacher. her expertise is evident which can be seen in the facts while combining these with imagination. For example, Eadwulf is a totally invented character.
There is plenty of adventure which Thom combines with accounts of family relationships. A cleverly written book. I believe this is the first book of a series. I hope to read any follow-ups as well when they are published
It is the first book I have read by this author and I found it fascinating. The story is set in the early years of Alfred of Wessex, mid-ninth century. It is not surprising that Thom is so knowledgeable about this period. The author is a former history teacher. her expertise is evident which can be seen in the facts while combining these with imagination. For example, Eadwulf is a totally invented character.
There is plenty of adventure which Thom combines with accounts of family relationships. A cleverly written book. I believe this is the first book of a series. I hope to read any follow-ups as well when they are published
December 24, 2020
I was given this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
In the midst of the viking invasions to what we now know as England, the sons and daughters of kings, emperors and jarls are taken by the events vortex in directions they cannot annticipate. Love is not important and family ties are not to be taken for granted when talking regarding to kings and princes. However, something must be done and unlikely loving friends are found, even amidst such a brutal society as the danes. The author has put together a great, great read and the love and care for the characters is evident and passes, flow onto the reader. I'm longing to read the next now!
In the midst of the viking invasions to what we now know as England, the sons and daughters of kings, emperors and jarls are taken by the events vortex in directions they cannot annticipate. Love is not important and family ties are not to be taken for granted when talking regarding to kings and princes. However, something must be done and unlikely loving friends are found, even amidst such a brutal society as the danes. The author has put together a great, great read and the love and care for the characters is evident and passes, flow onto the reader. I'm longing to read the next now!
August 16, 2019
Vivid imagery combined with accurate historical facts. The author's knowledge of the Viking age really makes this story come to life. I love historical novels and 'Shadow Of The Raven' is up there with the best of them. The pace is a little slow, to begin with, but it soon gathers speed and draws the reader in. The compelling characters and interesting plots engross the reader completely and keep us wanting more. I can't wait to read the sequel.
March 4, 2021
This story is an emotional saga than anything else. There are dark issues shown in this book that would never be accepted in the 21st century. But as humans, our need for lust, greed, and emotion overwhelm us. I feel sad for many of the characters in this novel. Very sad. This is how brutal times were. Yet in the 21st century, we still have more comforts than the violent 9th century provided us. I have to commened Millie for writing such a good story that I became engrossed with the characters. Especially Eadwulf of Mercia. His story is truly tragic.
Yet, Millie does a very good job of bringing characters that we can relate too, from History’s Viking show, unique characters such as Bjorn, Ivar, Halfdan, Ragnar. Thankfully instead of focusing all five points of view, we get one that is focused on Bjorn. For those that are familiar with Viking history, there are particular raids that happen and there is often the cut-throat Danes selling each other out. Power and Politics play a crucial role within this book. Eadwulf has to navigate through this complex and tricky situation that he will find himself in the course of the novel. Eadwulf’s mother, Morwenna is a character that I like the most. It goes to show that there is nothing more powerful than a mother’s love in this world for her children and she will do anything to protect them. What shames me is that the men in this novel don’t even care for their woman. How stupid it is, to have lived a society of patriarchy for so long that men began to oppress womenhood, when women were the backbone of all society. And how stupid it is, how stupid, that we lived in a society where man and woman could not fall in love so easily. The 21st century is not free of these problems, but we are in a much better situation than what people were subject to in the 8th and 9th century.
There is an epic story buried underneath this saga, and you will find yourself immersed into the breath-taking descriptions, wonderful dialogue, and heart-felt scenes. Many times I was almost close to breaking in tears because of some really powerful scenes. I had to control myself a few times. This is the hallmark of a true writer. There are incredibly historical scenes written, and great action. I was not taken however with Eadwulf’s transition so to say, and his relationship with Sieghelm. I think that could have been more developed, and more scenes should have been added. But it also plays a crucial part in this story. I ended up like Freydis, Alfred, and Bjorn the most. A fantastic start and now I want to review the whole saga. I think this is the start of an epic journey.
Yet, Millie does a very good job of bringing characters that we can relate too, from History’s Viking show, unique characters such as Bjorn, Ivar, Halfdan, Ragnar. Thankfully instead of focusing all five points of view, we get one that is focused on Bjorn. For those that are familiar with Viking history, there are particular raids that happen and there is often the cut-throat Danes selling each other out. Power and Politics play a crucial role within this book. Eadwulf has to navigate through this complex and tricky situation that he will find himself in the course of the novel. Eadwulf’s mother, Morwenna is a character that I like the most. It goes to show that there is nothing more powerful than a mother’s love in this world for her children and she will do anything to protect them. What shames me is that the men in this novel don’t even care for their woman. How stupid it is, to have lived a society of patriarchy for so long that men began to oppress womenhood, when women were the backbone of all society. And how stupid it is, how stupid, that we lived in a society where man and woman could not fall in love so easily. The 21st century is not free of these problems, but we are in a much better situation than what people were subject to in the 8th and 9th century.
There is an epic story buried underneath this saga, and you will find yourself immersed into the breath-taking descriptions, wonderful dialogue, and heart-felt scenes. Many times I was almost close to breaking in tears because of some really powerful scenes. I had to control myself a few times. This is the hallmark of a true writer. There are incredibly historical scenes written, and great action. I was not taken however with Eadwulf’s transition so to say, and his relationship with Sieghelm. I think that could have been more developed, and more scenes should have been added. But it also plays a crucial part in this story. I ended up like Freydis, Alfred, and Bjorn the most. A fantastic start and now I want to review the whole saga. I think this is the start of an epic journey.
May 31, 2021
Shadow of the Ravens: A Review
SONS OF KINGS: BOOK ONE by Millie Thom
If you like history. If you like a good story. If you like some history in your good stories but are okay with the facts not getting in the way of the truth, then do I have a book for you!
Shadow of the Ravens has some of the ravens that I was looking for, but it also has much more. Anglo Saxon Britain; maraundering Danes; Franks their Empire – oh, what a difference a few brave and loyal men can make. It has interesting characters – both male and female. And mingled in the lust and debauchery there is even some love and romance.
This is not simply a story of swords and looting. The author, Millie Thom, takes the time to explain the cultural and economic significance of the raiding and trading. The tribal alliances of blood and marriage. Thralls – think of the word slaves – and servants – and the alternative that they faced, which included human sacrifice. Life was not easy then.
Millie Thom has put to good use her experience as a teacher of geography and history, to blend a story that feels like history, but reads like an adventure novel. Well done Ms. Thom.
4.5 Stars!
My criticism:
• The story while complete, wants us returning to read the next chapter(s) to find out what happened next.
• Thank goodness for the list of characters at the beginning as the names do pose a little bit of a challenge.
• It is a thick book that is way too short. But seriously it is a good size when taken in installments.
...
Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo
https://linomatteo.wordpress.com/2021...
SONS OF KINGS: BOOK ONE by Millie Thom
If you like history. If you like a good story. If you like some history in your good stories but are okay with the facts not getting in the way of the truth, then do I have a book for you!
Shadow of the Ravens has some of the ravens that I was looking for, but it also has much more. Anglo Saxon Britain; maraundering Danes; Franks their Empire – oh, what a difference a few brave and loyal men can make. It has interesting characters – both male and female. And mingled in the lust and debauchery there is even some love and romance.
This is not simply a story of swords and looting. The author, Millie Thom, takes the time to explain the cultural and economic significance of the raiding and trading. The tribal alliances of blood and marriage. Thralls – think of the word slaves – and servants – and the alternative that they faced, which included human sacrifice. Life was not easy then.
Millie Thom has put to good use her experience as a teacher of geography and history, to blend a story that feels like history, but reads like an adventure novel. Well done Ms. Thom.
4.5 Stars!
My criticism:
• The story while complete, wants us returning to read the next chapter(s) to find out what happened next.
• Thank goodness for the list of characters at the beginning as the names do pose a little bit of a challenge.
• It is a thick book that is way too short. But seriously it is a good size when taken in installments.
...
Lino Matteo ©™
Twitter @Lino_Matteo
https://linomatteo.wordpress.com/2021...
January 26, 2022
Magnificent…
A brilliantly written, fictional thriller of ninth-century conflict between Saxon Briton and Denmark. Vikings plunder Mercia, enslaving the fit and young to sell as slaves, and murdering those considered too elderly to be of any use. A queen is taken as a concubine by an ugly Viking jarl (Scandinavian earl) and is subsequently executed when he discovers her most guarded secret.
The queen’s son, Eadwulf, enslaved as a thrall, is coerced into the Norse way of life, eventually gaining respect as a warrior after saving the life of his master. As a reward, he is bestowed with the Viking name of Ulf and given a valuable silver armband. Suspense rises, as his master finally discovers Ulf is waiting for an opportune time to get revenge for the murder of his mother.
The resolution is very satisfying and cleverly primes the reader for the next novel in the series where I should imagine the young Alfred, already endorsed by the pope as a future king, might play a big part.
Millie Thom has a wonderful ability to make fiction appear as fact, and has produced a magnificent, 5-STAR historical thriller with, Shadow of the Raven…
A brilliantly written, fictional thriller of ninth-century conflict between Saxon Briton and Denmark. Vikings plunder Mercia, enslaving the fit and young to sell as slaves, and murdering those considered too elderly to be of any use. A queen is taken as a concubine by an ugly Viking jarl (Scandinavian earl) and is subsequently executed when he discovers her most guarded secret.
The queen’s son, Eadwulf, enslaved as a thrall, is coerced into the Norse way of life, eventually gaining respect as a warrior after saving the life of his master. As a reward, he is bestowed with the Viking name of Ulf and given a valuable silver armband. Suspense rises, as his master finally discovers Ulf is waiting for an opportune time to get revenge for the murder of his mother.
The resolution is very satisfying and cleverly primes the reader for the next novel in the series where I should imagine the young Alfred, already endorsed by the pope as a future king, might play a big part.
Millie Thom has a wonderful ability to make fiction appear as fact, and has produced a magnificent, 5-STAR historical thriller with, Shadow of the Raven…
March 31, 2021
I really enjoy historical fiction, but it is simultaneously difficult for me because I don’t have the same points of reference as I do when reading other books, requiring me to stuff a lot of new information into a leaky brain. That said, I’m always fascinated to learn about other times in history, especially through the stories of those (both fictional and real) who lived in those times.
This book (series, actually) came highly recommended to me. The ninth-century, when the Danes raided Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, is a time that I had only the vaguest knowledge about, emphasis on the word “vague.” The author’s extraordinary and rich storytelling was as gripping to me as it was educational.
It was especially interesting to learn how the status of a person could drastically change depending on events that transpired … such as being the son of a King in Mercia to a thrall to a Dane. Relationships are always complex things, ever-changing, especially when they are not established as mutual choice of both parties, and when circumstances completely transform a child’s life and determine his or her future. The author beautifully weaves Issues of loyalty, trust, and revenge into her characters, as these are most certainly central themes in history.
What I really enjoyed what that I learned so much but never felt that the author was putting in a lot of boring detail for the sake of it, yet, in the telling of this story, she infused such rich detail and even for a reader like me who knows so little about this time, I never was without a visual in my head – the mark of a great storyteller like Millie Thom.
When time permits, I want to read more in this series. Considering all that I learned from this book along, I know I won’t be disappointed.
This book (series, actually) came highly recommended to me. The ninth-century, when the Danes raided Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, is a time that I had only the vaguest knowledge about, emphasis on the word “vague.” The author’s extraordinary and rich storytelling was as gripping to me as it was educational.
It was especially interesting to learn how the status of a person could drastically change depending on events that transpired … such as being the son of a King in Mercia to a thrall to a Dane. Relationships are always complex things, ever-changing, especially when they are not established as mutual choice of both parties, and when circumstances completely transform a child’s life and determine his or her future. The author beautifully weaves Issues of loyalty, trust, and revenge into her characters, as these are most certainly central themes in history.
What I really enjoyed what that I learned so much but never felt that the author was putting in a lot of boring detail for the sake of it, yet, in the telling of this story, she infused such rich detail and even for a reader like me who knows so little about this time, I never was without a visual in my head – the mark of a great storyteller like Millie Thom.
When time permits, I want to read more in this series. Considering all that I learned from this book along, I know I won’t be disappointed.
May 22, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. At 437 pages, I thought i would take me forever to finish it but I found myself breezing through it rather quickly once I started. Simply put, this is one of those books that you just cannot put down once you start reading. The story is filled with suspense and drama and holds very true to the actual history of the danish conquest of Great Britain in the 9th century from what I can tell. In fact I am a fan of the television series Vikings which covers the same time period in British and Norse history. If you enjoy historical fiction and have an interest in the vikings raids of the 9th century, this book is definitely for you. The story line is very touching and you will find yourself rooting for the main protagonist. An excellent book!!!!
April 3, 2018
I received this book in kindle format from @BookTasters via the author.
Vikings attacking Wessex and Mercia. I must say this was a very good historical fiction. It was accurate and detailed without all the romance mushy stuff. It was slow to start and the names made it difficult but after a bit I could move right along.
Wessex and Mercia are allied to stand against the Viking attacks. Enter betrayal and murder and the ball starts rolling. Some great battle scenes which really come to life. The story follows the lives of Alfred, the son of the king of Wessex and Eadwulf, the son of the king of Mercia. Alfred grows up as the youngest son while Eadwulf is taken by the Vikings as a slave.
Vikings. Enough said. Great read.
Vikings attacking Wessex and Mercia. I must say this was a very good historical fiction. It was accurate and detailed without all the romance mushy stuff. It was slow to start and the names made it difficult but after a bit I could move right along.
Wessex and Mercia are allied to stand against the Viking attacks. Enter betrayal and murder and the ball starts rolling. Some great battle scenes which really come to life. The story follows the lives of Alfred, the son of the king of Wessex and Eadwulf, the son of the king of Mercia. Alfred grows up as the youngest son while Eadwulf is taken by the Vikings as a slave.
Vikings. Enough said. Great read.
March 30, 2021
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be "wow"
This story is amazingly written with lovable characters and despite being the first in a continuous line of books really satisfying ending!
It took me quite a few months to read due to me being rather busy and having very few time to read but the way it is laid out is really easy to get back into after longer reading pauses even without re-reading several chapters to catch up again
All and all it is a wonderful book that I can only recommend <3
This story is amazingly written with lovable characters and despite being the first in a continuous line of books really satisfying ending!
It took me quite a few months to read due to me being rather busy and having very few time to read but the way it is laid out is really easy to get back into after longer reading pauses even without re-reading several chapters to catch up again
All and all it is a wonderful book that I can only recommend <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews