From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…
Find A Copy At
Group Discussions About This Book
No group discussions for this book yet.
What Members Thought

I really enjoyed this view into a world I've always been interested in, but have never actually read much about.
The historical detail (both political and daily life) was fascinating, and the tension and terror surrounding the Danish raids was well captured; the chapters about the events around the raid of Exeter were particularly exciting.
What I found particularly interesting about this book was the use of multiple POV. Bracewell uses this approach to advantage—not only does it move the story ...more
The historical detail (both political and daily life) was fascinating, and the tension and terror surrounding the Danish raids was well captured; the chapters about the events around the raid of Exeter were particularly exciting.
What I found particularly interesting about this book was the use of multiple POV. Bracewell uses this approach to advantage—not only does it move the story ...more

"Whatever misgivings they might have about Aethered, they would love their pretty young queen." (p. 208) Substitute the name "Charles" [and change the title to Princess]and you could have been reading about the early 1980s, instead this book is set in 1001--1005 A.D. and it's King Ethelred and his young 2nd wife, Queen Emma. The marriage is one of dynasty protecting dynasty and keeping away the raping and pillaging Danes. Teenage Emma is married off to the much older Ethelred who wants nothing t
...more

I think that everyone else who has reviewed this book has covered the basics.
It was an interesting look at a time period that I am not terribly familiar with; Emma of Norway and her reign as Queen. The narrative was well written but didn't keep me turning the pages and I didn't feel very connected to Emma or any of the others in her life. The beginning felt really slow, but it did get much better towards the middle to the end. The names also kept me on my toes, Althelred,Athelstan, etc. were im ...more
It was an interesting look at a time period that I am not terribly familiar with; Emma of Norway and her reign as Queen. The narrative was well written but didn't keep me turning the pages and I didn't feel very connected to Emma or any of the others in her life. The beginning felt really slow, but it did get much better towards the middle to the end. The names also kept me on my toes, Althelred,Athelstan, etc. were im ...more

Nov 20, 2012
Kimberly
marked it as to-read

Jan 24, 2013
Jayme Pendergraft
marked it as to-read

Jan 28, 2013
Anna
marked it as to-read

Feb 04, 2013
Anie
marked it as to-read

Feb 06, 2013
Kirsty
marked it as to-read

Apr 02, 2013
Neila
marked it as to-read

Apr 02, 2013
Kat (A Journey In Reading)
marked it as to-read

Apr 18, 2013
Amanda R
marked it as to-read

Jan 04, 2017
Teale
marked it as to-read

Mar 04, 2021
Julie
marked it as to-read