Shadow on the Crown

By Patricia Bracewell

ISBN# 9780670026395

Author’s Website: http://www.patriciabracewell.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Valerie

Synopsis:

A rich tale of power and forbidden love revolving around a young medieval queen

In 1002, fifteen­-year-old Emma of Normandy crosses the Narrow Sea to wed the much older King Athelred of England, whom she meets for the first time at the church door. Thrust into an unfamiliar and treacherous court, with a husband who mistrusts her, stepsons who resents her and a bewitching rival who covets her crown, Emma must defend herself against her enemies and secure her status as queen by bearing a son.

Determined to outmaneuver her adversaries, Emma forges alliances with influential men at court and wins the affection of the English people. But her growing love for a man who is not her husband and the imminent threat of a Viking invasion jeopardize both her crown and her life.

Based on real events recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Shadow on the Crown introduces readers to a fascinating, overlooked period of history and an unforgettable heroine whose quest to find her place in the world will resonate with modern readers. (Goodreads)

Review:

Warning: If you can’t read sad books, don’t read Shadow on the Crown. It doesn’t have the sappy, happy ending of most chick lit novels. Instead, its ending and its plot are tragic and real. You have been warned.

Throughout Shadow on the Crown, I wanted to cry. It’s definitely not a lighthearted novel. Shadow on the Crown is based on the true story of a truly strong and great queen.

Emma of Normandy is someone we all should aspire to be. She’s not fearless, but she’s flawless in the face of fear. She is smart and understanding. She’s a real heroine because she understands that sometimes you have to sacrifice things for the greater good. It’s truly an honor to read about her development into a great queen.

As for her husband, I have no good words for him. I don’t even want to think about him….

Aethelrod is not a good man. He hasn’t been brought up by good parents; his upbringing is definitely reflected in his behavior. It pained me to see Emma have to get married to him. My heart broke for Emma every time I read about Aethelrod.

This novel is a romance but not one of those mushy romances. It’s a real love that breaks your heart because they are for the most part only memories. I wanted to recreate a sappy ending! (Sorry history, I’ll make it up to you later…)

The third person is written really well. I found myself captivated and drawn in by the author’s writing. This is high praise from a reviewer like me.

I definitely suggest reading Shadow on the Crown.