The Atheling Chronicles , Book #4
Historical Fiction
Date Published: 11-12-2023
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
In 1030 C.E., Cnute, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, sends Harald,
his middle son, to the Kingdom of Dublin to meet with his Norse-Irish
allies. Harald’s mission is to coordinate an invasion of the northern
Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd, to replace King Rhydderch who is growing too
powerful on England’s borders. Harald is reluctant to be involved in
affairs of state, but agrees to go, even though his beloved wife, Selia, is
unwell. Harald tells Selia he will not have to take part in the
fighting.
While she waits for Harald to return, Selia and her friend Gudrun befriend a young and attractive gleeman (poet-minstrel). When the gleeman is accused of a crime, Selia seeks witnesses in his defense.
Harald becomes involved in a conflict with Dublin’s neighbor, and to appease the king of Dublin, he commits to leading their combined forces in the attack on Wales. The plan is to replace King Rhydderch with Iago, the weaker King of Anglesey. The more Harald learns of these monarchs, the more his allegiance leans toward the man he has been sent to kill.
Will Harald unseat a strong and just ruler to carry out his father/king’s commands, or will he tread a more righteous road, which will destroy the life he and Selia have built in England?
My Review
The Sea’s Edge is Book 4 of The Atheling Chronicles. I previously read Book 3, The Cold Hearth. The Sea’s Edge is as intense and strong as Book 3. Harald, King Knute’s son, is placed in the middle of choosing duty, loyalty, or a strong yet calm life with the love of his life, his wife Selia.
My first comment about this book and its research is almost a plagiarism of my first review of Book 3. This book is so well-researched historically. Remember, this is fiction so the license to expand, create, and so forth, exists. However, when I looked up various cultures, comments, etc., they were spot on accurate. So, what I had was a book I enjoyed as well as learned from.
Pettersen’s 4th book is no less violent than the previous one I read. In my mind it is quite graphic. I commented in my previous review that this might be excellent descriptive writing and yet just not my thing.
Violence aside, this is an excellent book. It flows well and if there are times it is not easy to read, it is because of the intricacy of the plot. There is no problem with the writer here.
I think each book I have read can stand alone, but it might be foolish not to begin at the beginning of the series. An excellent read.
About the Author
Garth Pettersen is an award-winning Canadian writer living in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver, BC, where he and his wife board horses. Pettersen has a BA in History from the University of Victoria and is a retired teacher. His short stories have appeared in anthologies and in journals such as Blank Spaces, The Spadina Literary Review, and The Opening Line Literary 'Zine. Garth Pettersen's historical fiction series, The Atheling Chronicles, is published by Tirgearr Publishing and is available on most online outlets.
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What inspired the characters in this book?
ReplyDeleteI discovered the historical character Harald Harefoot when I was reading about King Cnute. The other characters just kept turning up--some when you least expect them.
DeleteThanks for such an insightful response and much success to you!
DeleteThank you, Kathy, for hosting, and thanks again for the great review. Cheers
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