The Edge of Light

Rating:
Summary: My all time favourite book
Review: Albert The Great..what a man. I have read this novel twice and what a thrill. Albert, the youngest of five princes in line for the throne of Wessex, different from his brothers, being well educated and sensative yet strong and forthright never expected to be king. The tale unfolds as this young, extraordinary man finds himself the leader of a realm threatened by the devastating onslaught of Danish Vikings invading England. These torrid times of the mid to late 9th century are softened by the passionate, accidental union of Albert and Elswyth. Being both down to earth and haughty, Elswyth captivates the reader by her eternal strength and aggressive personality which compliments Albert's thoughtful and assertive nature. Together, they hold the West Saxons together in a totally captivating and heartwrenching read. I was so absorbed in the lives of the charachters and the trials they faced, but Albert, King of Wessex is the most enthralling charachter I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING!
Review: Having known nothing of Alfred the Great, I leave this book with a desire to read more about him and more from Joan Wolf! This book was outstanding. It reads fast, but only because it is enthralling. Wolf has an excellent understanding of the historical situation and only simplified a few names to keep like-named characters distiguishable one from another. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in English history. I must just say again - it is OUTSTANDING!

Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING!
Review: Having known nothing of Alfred the Great, I leave this book with a desire to read more about him and more from Joan Wolf! This book was outstanding. It reads fast, but only because it is enthralling. Wolf has an excellent understanding of the historical situation and only simplified a few names to keep like-named characters distiguishable one from another. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in English history. I must just say again - it is OUTSTANDING!

Rating:
Summary: my all time favourite book!
Review: It is the second time I have had the pleasure of reading this novel and weeks later I am still thinking and talking about it. Alfred the Great...what a man! I was so enthralled by the life and times of this English King, his insight, morality and courage, an inspiration thanks to Joan Wolf. Alfred was not expecting to become king of Wessex, one of the four kingdoms in England, with five older brothers. Different to his brothers, Alfred was well educated, sensative and very pragmatic. When the threat of a Danish invasion caught England on the back foot, Alfred united his kingdom and led the only kingdom to withstand the Danes. Entwined with passion, love and heartwrenching suspense, the reader is captured by the characters and their lifestyles. This novel enables the reader to experience the thoughts and issues of the time and gives insight to the only king of England to be called "Great". Do yourself a favour and read to your heart's content, you won't regret it.