OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Shadow of the Raven (Book I of Sons of Kings trilogy)" by Millie Thom.]
Beorhtwulf is king of Mercia in a day and age when the greatly feared Danes are roaming the land. Burgred is the king’s brother. Eadwulf is Beorhtwulf’s only son. One day, while exploring in the woods, Eadwulf comes across something that tugs at his memory, but for the life of him, he cannot recall where he has seen it before. Morwenna (his mother) is longing for the return of Beorhtwulf as he has gone to make a treaty with the king of Wessex against the Danes.

Bitter betrayal comes at the steepest price, and young Eadwulf embarks on a journey that will take him far from home and change the entire course of his destiny. Eventually, he comes to a point where he must decide who he really is. Back in Wessex, Aethelwulf’s daughter (Aethelswith) is sick with grief of her own. And her younger brother Alfred shows great insight for one so young. The Pope has said that Alfred will be king, but with three older brothers, what are the chances?

Let me just say, I LOVE this book! I cannot wait until the second one is available as this one ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, in my opinion. Not so much as to be annoying but enough that you definitely want to read the second one. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and Shadow of the Raven delivers on every level!

I really can only think of one thing that I questioned. I’m not sure how much contractions were used in the time period that is being written about. I would suggest looking into that. It seemed to pop up very quickly in the story, (i.e. the use of the word “we’ve,” and “I’ve”). Also, there are a few more modern words used that I am equally not sure they would have used in those days. Other than that, I have nothing negative to say about this book.

Now for the positive... where do I begin? The authenticity of the Danes and the way that the story stayed true to history puts it right up at the top of any historical fiction list. The reality of life as a thrall, and the brutality of the Danish raids were presented quite accurately without being distasteful. I stayed up until midnight finishing this book because I HAD to know what happened next. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical fiction (and I would love the chance to review the second book!). I am giving this book 4 out of 4 stars!

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Buy "Shadow of the Raven (Book I of Sons of Kings trilogy)" on Amazon

Thank you so much, Paliden, for the brilliant review - and the things you mentioned in the personal note to me. I'm still jumping up and down. It's good to know someone really likes your work. I absolutely adore this period of history and even went to Denmark to do some of my research. There are lots of excellent Viking sites and museums to visit, as well as a 'Viking moot' that we went to. Happy memories! I'm currently working hard to get 'Pit of Vipers' finished as soon as possible.

You are very welcome! I can't wait until Pit of Vipers comes out! Will be waiting anxiously! Keep up the good writing!

Thanks for the review this sounds great! I love historical fiction, and my husband has been looking for a more 'manly read.' I think I will suggest this one to him as well. haha

Yes, you should tell him to read it. It's really great!

Thank you again for the praise, Palliden. I bet I'm blushing again! 'Pit of Vipers' is finished now and the last chapter being edited. So I'm feeling quite happy at the moment. I's taken longer than I'd hoped to finish off. Not that the writing was any more difficult, I just seemed to have a lot of other commitments to deal with. That's life, I suppose. I hope to start Book 3 very soon. I'm changing the cover of Book 1 to match the 'type' of the one I've had done for Book 2 - which I really like. So it won't look as it does in th advert on this site for much longer.

great review. You definitely made me want to read this one

That's great! I can't wait to read Pit of Vipers! I'm sure it will be just as good as the first one!

-- 04 Dec 2014, 15:22 --

Kio- thanks! It was a great read!

All I can hope is that you aren't disappointed!

great review! I'm definitely adding this one to my list.

-- 10 Dec 2014, 17:33 --

oops, sorry posted that twice (embarrassed face)

Thank you for the lovely review. Sounds good! It is good that the authenticity of the story stayed true to history. Too bad it ends on a cliffhanger, though.

Thanks! It's amazing!

This sounds like an amazing book! I can feel your excitement coming out of my computer screen, and you've made me very curious to read this. Thanks for the review.

Thanks! It was definitely exceeded my expectations!

-- 14 Dec 2014, 16:10 --

It definitely exceeded! (Typed it up wrong!)

This review is full of 'tough' words so to say about a novel that is full of characters with equally 'tough' names to pronounce. Nevertheless, this is a good novel worth reading. The theme of betrayal is manifest. Will spare some time for it next month.