Publication Date: April 1, 2014 Lion Fiction Formats: eBook, Paperback

Genre: Historical Fiction Series: The Northumbrian Thrones (Book 1)

Debut historical fiction series vividly recreating the rise of the Christian kings of Northumbria, England.

In 604 AD, Edwin, the deposed king of Northumbria, seeks refuge at the court of King Raedwald of East Anglia. But Raedwald is urged to kill his guest by Aethelfrith, Edwin’s usurper. As Edwin walks by the shore, alone and at bay, he is confronted by a mysterious figure–the missionary Paulinus– who prophesies that he will become High King of Britain. It is a turning point.

Through battles and astute political alliances Edwin rises to power, in the process marrying the Kentish princess Aethelburh. As part of the marriage contract the princess is allowed to retain her Christian faith. But, in these times, to be a king is not a recipe for a long life.

This turbulent and tormented period in British history sees the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon settlers who have forced their way on to British shores over previous centuries, arriving first to pillage, then to farm and trade–and to come to terms with the faith of the Celtic tribes they have driven out.

The dramatic story of Northumbria’s Christian kings helped give birth to England as a nation, English as a language, and the adoption of Christianity as the faith of the English.

My Review:

I am absolutely thrilled with this story! Outstanding read beyond any expectations I had for historical fiction. And that says a lot right there for just how good this book is. For a long time I have wanted to read about the rise of Christianity in certain parts of Britain and how it was brought about to the pagan people of its time. And in this story it is really interesting how paganism and Christianity mixed among the people, how the people who are pagan convert and their thought process in doing so. I’ve also wanted to know more about the kings of the period and how they lived, fought and how the people lived among them. What were their struggles, and their daily lives like. This fast paced story has it all and much more.

I was completely immersed from the very beginning to the very end and not wanting to close the book. I wanted to read more about these fascinating people and their lives. I wanted to stay in the period in which this story is set. This story is rich in historical detail of its culture and time. Historical fiction at its best and as I understand it, there will be another book following this one….I will be greedily awaiting. A must read!

Stephanie M. Hopkins

Praise for Edwin: High King of Britain

“In the first installment of the Northumbrian Thrones, a new historical fiction series, Albert launches readers into the tumultuous world of 7th century Northumbria. Edwin, the deposed king of the region, forges political alliances, is betrayed, and fights critical battles that form the arc of his rise and fall as High King of Britain. As he ages, he fears for the future of his kingdom, and war has simply become a necessary evil. His shifting worldview leads to conversion to the Christian faith—a slow process given special attention by Albert. But it is not a clear path, and sometimes Edwin and his subordinates doubt the validity and the power of the Christian God, as opposed to the pagan deities they have left behind. Albert’s focus on the religious element does not detract from the political and dramatic aspects of the history he is portraying. Rather, it lends an extra dimension of psychological turmoil, because characters must deal with the problem of not only individual identity but also the beginnings of a national identity related to religion. Albert’s offering is a highly entertaining and refreshing work of historical fiction thanks to his emphasis on the precarious intersection of religion and identity.” –Publishers Weekly

“A splendid novel that leaves the reader wanting more.” –Bernard Cornwell, New York Times bestselling author

“A fast-paced and gripping tale of the great Northumbrian King Edwin, reclaiming one of our great national figures from the shadows of history.” –Justin Hill, author of Shieldwall

Buy the Book

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About the Author

Edoardo Albert is a writer of Sri Lankan and Italian extraction based in London. The best response to his writing was when he reduced a friend to helpless, hysterical, rolling-on-the-floor-holding-his-stomach laughter. Unfortunately, the writing in question was a lonely hearts ad. He hopes to produce similar results in readers, without inadvertently acquiring another wife.

For more information, please visit Edoardo Albert’s website. You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter.

Edwin: High King of Britain Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, August 25 Review at Princess of Eboli Review at 2 Book Lovers Reviews

Tuesday, August 26 Review at Just One More Chapter Review & Giveaway at Unshelfish

Wednesday, August 27 Review at Dab of Darkness

Thursday, August 28 Interview & Giveaway at Dab of Darkness

Monday, September 1 Review at Book Lovers Paradise Review at Queen of All She Reads

Tuesday, September 2 Review at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, September 3 Review at The Writing Desk Review at The Mad Reviewer

Friday, September 5 Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Monday, September 8 Review at A Book Geek Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Tuesday, September 9 Review at Book Nerd

Wednesday, September 10 Review & Giveaway at 100 Pages a Day – Stephanie’s Book Reviews Interview & Giveaway at Thoughts in Progress

Friday, September 12 Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews

Monday, September 15 Review & Giveaway at Words and Peace

Tuesday, September 16 Review at Layered Pages

Thursday, September 18 Review & Giveaway at Beth’s Book Reviews

Friday, September 19 Review at Book Drunkard