Shadow on the Crown, Patricia Bracewell
Shadow on the Crown, Patricia Bracewell
1 Rating(s)
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Shadow on the Crown

Author: Patricia Bracewell

Narrator: Katie Firth

Unabridged: 13 hr 40 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 02/07/2013

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 resent 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.

About The Author

Patricia Bracewell grew up in California where she taught literature and composition before embarking upon her writing career. She holds an M.A. in English Literature and her historical research has taken her to Britain, France and Denmark. She has two grown sons, and she lives with her husband in Oakland, California.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Jane on December 31, 2013

Where I got the book: purchased at a conference. Signed. I know Pat Bracewell from the conference circuit and Facebook. This was my one buy at the 2013 Historical Novel Society conference because I'd read good things about it on Goodreads. I wasn't disappointed. I don't generally like "kings and quee......more

Goodreads review by Shannon on February 24, 2013

I'm going to have to start this review with the publisher's summary, simply because it's a really good one and does the job so much better than I would be able to: England, A.D. 1002 In a world lit by fire and ruled by the sword, a fifteen-year-old girl kneels to receive an English crown – an act tha......more

Goodreads review by Clemens on December 29, 2018

This debut novel by the American lady author, Patricia Bracewell, has been not only a very surprising but also a real positive revelation to me. The subject of the book is the history of Emma of Normandy, and because while it's so hard to find any real documentation about this period, the author has......more

Goodreads review by Bonnie on November 14, 2015

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars A copy of Shadow on the Crown was provided to me by Viking Adult/Netgalley for review purposes. "You must ever be prepared within yourself to face what trials may lay in store for you. let this be your first lesson: No one else must see you like this, Emma. Do you hear me? Ho......more

Goodreads review by Amy on February 17, 2013

Spectacular book! Review to come.........more

Quotes

“Using the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as her marker, Patricia Bracewell has produced a magnificent work of historical fiction, evoking time and place in a remarkable way, and engaging the reader firmly in her story.” – The Daily Mail (UK)
  
“Bracewell’s portrayal of Emma… is a real tour de force. A five star debut!” – Historical Novels Review
  
“Bracewell delivers a highly entertaining addition to the historical fiction genre.” – Publisher’s Weekly

“The familiar themes of political rivalry, court scandal, and disputed lineage so often explored in historical fiction get a new cast of schemers and scoundrels set in a less familiar but no less dramatic period of English history. Readers of historical sagas and romances will embrace this rich narrative.” – Library Journal

“What a great book!  A fascinating, little-known period of history, a tense, exciting story, and characters who spring as naturally from their own time as mushrooms from the forest floor.” – Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series

“Who could have known that the court of Aethelred the Unready was as full of intrigue, passion, and danger as anything in Tudor times?  A well-wrought journey back to those little known times, this novel entertains while it educates.” – Margaret George, author of Elizabeth I: A Novel

"A stellar achievement.” – Adrienne McDonnell, author of The Doctor and The Diva

"A woman whose spirit will not be vanquished, Emma of Normandy will live in your heart long after you finish the last page.” – Ella March Chase, author of Three Maids for a Crown

"From the moment I picked up the book it captivated me, calling me back and back again until I abandoned everything to finish it in a breathless rush. Brava!” – Emma Campion, author of The King’s Mistress

“Shadow on the Crown drew me in from the first page and held me in its grip...  a vivid and compelling tale.” – Gillian Bagwell, author of The September Queen

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