Eadric the Grasper: Sons of Mercia [Paperback]

Jayden Woods (Author), Malcolm Pierce (Editor), Del Melchionda (Cover Design)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 4, 2010

History looks back on Eadric Streona as one of the most villainous men of his time. The BBC History Magazine elected him as the worst Englishman of the 11th century, and many also blame him for the victory of the Vikings over England. Streona means "the grasper," and such was Eadric's character: he clutched for power and money wherever he could. But what most historians fail to consider is that Eadric Streona's primary goal was peace and stability for England. Without contradicting the known facts, "Eadric the Grasper" presents another conception of this historical figure: he is suave, charming, intelligent, and values peace above all things. If he must put a Viking king on the throne to gain a pleasurable life for himself and his true love, so be it. Meanwhile, a ruthless vigilante called "the Golden Cross" will do anything necessary to keep the Vikings from the throne. Eadric must pit his wits and sword against the crafty masked figure, but doing so traps him in a dark web of lies and deception. When at last he uncovers the rebel's identity, his entire world will fall apart, and he must face a terrible choice. Can the selfish Eadric Streona sacrifice his own welfare for the sake of another's? Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Georgette Heyer, Ken Follet ("Pillars of the Earth"), and Baroness Orczy ("The Scarlet Pimpernel") will especially enjoy the style of this swashbuckling historical fiction.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Woods] brings to life the violence and skullduggery of the age in exciting scenes of action and intrigue, while vividly rendering the mindsets and motives of this distant era."
        --Kirkus Discoveries

"If you had given up finding derring to match do in an exciting historical romance because Sir Walter Scott was dead, weep no more. "
--Ron Friedman, Writer of "The Transformers: the Movie"

About the Author

Jayden Woods is the author's pen name. Jayden is a writing graduate from the University of Southern California and has also lived in Tennessee and Missouri. Jayden wrote nine novels and several screenplays before releasing any work to the public, and began by posting the online webserial, "Lost Tales of Mercia." The historical fiction novel, "Eadric the Grasper," launched October 5, 2010.

Product Details

• Paperback: 418 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (October 4, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1452862869
• ISBN-13: 978-1452862866
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,522,902 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jayden Woods is the author's pen name. She received her education in Screenwriting at the University of Southern California and worked briefly in Hollywood before returning to her passion of writing novels. Her interests include history, psychology, music, and dark dramatic stories in just about any genre or medium. Kirkus Discoveries chose her historical fiction novel, "Eadric the Grasper," as one of the top 12 books of 2010.

Read an interview with Jayden Woods at: http://www.medievalists.net/2010/08/29/interview-with-author-jayden-woods-august-29-2010/

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eadric the Grasper-I couldn't put it down, October 9, 2010

By 

Michael L. Fearheiley - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eadric the Grasper: Sons of Mercia (Paperback)

First I would like to confess: When it comes to history I typically go straight to the source, I rarely have any time for historical fiction. The last books in this genre I've read were by Colleen McCullough many years ago. Anyway, a friend handed me this book, and told me she loved it. So I thought I'd give it a try. Well, I am glad I did. The characters were well developed, the sense of place was perfect, the plot kept me reading and only reluctantly would I put it down. The experience has resulted in my return to my old history books and looking up various sources. Jayden has opened up an era in history that I had previously ignored. I am looking forward to the publication of Volume 2.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vikings and Battles, Love and Betrayal - This Book has it all., August 27, 2010

By 

C. J. gibbons (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eadric the Grasper: Sons of Mercia (Paperback)

Eadric the Grasper is a voyage back in time. Imagine what it was like in England during the 11th Century. Woods takes you there. She brings it to you using all the senses - the smells, the sights, the sounds,you can even feel the roughness of the cloth worn by peasants and the lush softness of that worn by the nobility.

The Vikings are roaming the English hillside and the King is incompetent. But he does have a breathtaking and independent daughter. With battles waging, the love story of Eadric and Aydith unfolds. Woods gives you blow by blow accounts of battles with the same skill as she handles the tender and romantic moments. Jayden does a great job of weaving back and forth between the two stories as well as merging them into fascinating possibilities.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A historical fiction book full of love, tragedy, suspense and surprises. I loved it, October 8, 2010

By 

Angela Lake - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eadric the Grasper: Sons of Mercia (Paperback)

You will NOT be disappointed after you read this book. The dark ages in this historical fiction genre comes alive, as Jayden Woods unfolds her version of Eadric the Grasper. Some say he was the worst Englishman of the 11th Century. I believe Eadric was a beautiful, misunderstood man who would have done almost anything (but die) to keep peace, to protect his family, and to be content with power and money to rule over HIS piece of England.

King Ethelred favored and admired Eadric from the beginning due to his blunt honesty while most would have kept their tongue for fear of upsetting the King. The King fell for his charm, his wit and his obedience to do anything the King asked without question. Yet the King wasn't the only one who fell for Eadric's charm. The kings beautiful daughter Aydith finds Eadric to be the most fascinating, handsome, intriguing man she had ever met. Soon they marry and start a family (too soon for Aydith).

Eadric despises war, he hates bloodshed. He is a lover, but viewed by many as a coward. You want to love him, but at times, you don't know what to think of him. Is he really a criminal for not wanting to fight the Vikings? Yet this same man will steal from his own people and churches, commit crimes for the King, all to make himself more powerful and successful as he becomes the Eldorman of Mercia.

In time Eadric and Aydith realize that love, beauty and family can't keep their political views from coming between them. Aydith is a strong minded defender and completely at odds with her husband when it comes to saving England. She wants him to fight the Danes, to risk it all for the sake of everything England stands for. Yet there are many obstacles he must overcome to succeed and keep his stature in Mercia.

You will see a few sides of Eadric as he tries to keep peace, is forced into battle, and eventually comes face to face with his nemesis: (or so he thinks) "The Golden Cross" (a masked warrior) who IS willing to die to save England. Instead of embracing this masked fighter, almost everyone turns against the mighty warrior out of fear. The Golden Cross can save England, but leaders and even the King have their doubts about the loyalty of someone who will not reveal their identity. Does Eadric give up England to the Vikings, as most people have accused him of doing? Will he side with The Golden Cross, or will he realize that HE is a true leader before it is to late.

Jayden Woods will take you to England, she has you actually viewing the people, their hair color, their eyes, dimples, down to their last freckle. Their clothing attire, the fabrics, the texture will come alive. The scenery, the seasons, the food, smells all revealed in 3D as if you are sitting next to the characters. Even the battle scenes jump out at you. Jayden is clever, brilliant, and an inspiration to those who love history. Her story of Eadric the Grasper will not let you down. I didn't want this book to end, but couldn't wait to find out what happened. When I read the last page, I wanted more and look forward to Volume 2.