Customer Reviews

The Edge of Light

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is the second time I have had the pleasure of reading this novel and weeks later I am still thinking and talking about it. Alfred the Great...what a man! I was so enthralled by the life and times of this English King, his insight, morality and courage, an inspiration thanks to Joan Wolf. Alfred was not expecting to become king of Wessex, one of the four kingdoms in England, with five older brothers. Different to his brothers, Alfred was well educated, sensative and very pragmatic. When the threat of a Danish invasion caught England on the back foot, Alfred united his kingdom and led the only kingdom to withstand the Danes. Entwined with passion, love and heartwrenching suspense, the reader is captured by the characters and their lifestyles. This novel enables the reader to experience the thoughts and issues of the time and gives insight to the only king of England to be called "Great". Do yourself a favour and read to your heart's content, you won't regret it.

I've read a few historical novels on the life of this enigmatic King, Alfred the Great. None have compared in the sheer depth of character study the author exhibits here of this great leader. We get to know Alfred through all the phases of his life, from childhood to manhood and eventually king. His life is showcased in a way that lets the reader experience his every emotion, adventure, battle, health crises through his eyes and through his brother's and eventually his wife's, Elswyth.

He was a nobly born man, however, he was the fifth son and was never expected to be king, nor did he want to be. The twists and turns of his family's lives changes all of that. From his father's death, King Ethelwulf of Wessex, to all of his brother's deaths, including his favorite brother Ethelred, who bequeaths the throne over his eldest son to Alfred, his destiny, is forever changed. He is a leader who refuses to give up his dream of a free Wessex and rallies his countrymen to him to continue the fight against the Vikings. He does this with the help of his wife Elswyth, Princess of Mercia, who is a force of her own to be reckoned with.

Together, they will endeavor to save their kingdom, their lives and their people's lives, from the pagan invasion the Danes constantly threaten them with. This is the king who worked so diligently to bring learning to his devasted land. Joan Wolf states in her Afterword: "The educational system of Anglo-Saxon England had been founded on the great monasteries, and these had been devasted by the Danes, leaving Wessex in a state of absolute poverty in regard to learning."

The only complaint I have regarding this book is the lack of a "regional map" at the time of Alfred the Great. I had to refer to another map from another book. I prefer to refer to a map, as I'm sure many other readers like to do, when locations are so important to the storyline in relation to battles, etc., that I really can't do without one. I believe it's integral to the story. More authors need to realize that readers really do need these maps to follow the storyline.

A wonderful read, fascinating history. I knew little about Alfred the Great -- the only British monarch ever to carry that title. Incredible finish when it looked like all hope was lost and Alfred managed to carry the day and win the battle for Britain. It's amazing what he accomplished in ways to encourage education as well as on the battlefield.

This book is the third in a trilogy by this author. The first being The Road to Avalonabout King Arthur fighting off the Saxons. Then comes Born of the Sun about 80 years after the death of Arthur about the coming into power of the Saxons (the best of the three in my opinion) and finishing off with this tale about Alfred and bringing Britain out of the dark ages. Highly recommended.

I agree with the reviews here, and only wanted to say I found the cover art and the back-cover blurb on my paperback edition of THE EDGE OF LIGHT somewhat misleading -- I wouldn't characterize this as a romance novel. This is not a criticism, I just want to point out that a reader who is expecting a, may I say "typical" romance novel, won't find that in THE EDGE OF LIGHT. I would say this is much more a historical novel, with romantic elements. I didn't expect the depth of historical research and carefully drawn characterizations I found here, since I found my copy in the Romance section of the used book store (and apparently Joan Wolf is considered a Romance author). I admit I was expecting to read something very different. That's why I call this an unexpected historical treat.

I particularly liked the way the author depicted the close loving relationship between the brothers, Alfred and Ethelred, as familial relationships in historical novels are often "tweaked" in odd or melodramatic ways. I liked that Joan Wolf gave all of Alfred's relationships the space and respect the reader needs, so that we see his courageous decisions and moral strength through them.

Also, I enjoyed reading about a time period and a historical figure which/who has been generally neglected by novelists. Reading this novel makes me want to know more about England in the times of Alfred the Great. I always think any book that makes me want to go on exploring and learning about a topic is an excellent book.

Having known nothing of Alfred the Great, I leave this book with a desire to read more about him and more from Joan Wolf! This book was outstanding. It reads fast, but only because it is enthralling. Wolf has an excellent understanding of the historical situation and only simplified a few names to keep like-named characters distiguishable one from another. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in English history. I must just say again - it is OUTSTANDING!

This is a story about Alfred the Great.

While I'm not clear on how factual everything is, as a person who loves European history, this story was very good at describing the times and drawing the reader in.

That said, it was equally a romance. Rather than a dramatic love story based on looks or circumstances beyond their control, it portrayed two people who really seemed to choose each other and were made for each other. Or less romantically, they had synergy.

The take-charge tomboy was a perfect backup for the hero with big dreams and ambitions plagued by somewhat ill health (migraines and stomach problems - 0 for romance, 10 for realism.) The forward thinking hero was the perfect husband for a woman who wanted freedom and r-e-s-p-e-c-t from her partner. Each felt that they had gained exactly what they needed in a partner.

If you are looking for more drama, this will probably bore you. For those who want history and a gentle romance, this is a winner.

I like this book, it's a good read, but the copy I got from the used bookseller was not as described. It had a page torn out and splatters over the pages, creases and tears on the front and back covers as well as creases in the spine and was described as a good copy. Be cautious about who you but from, having a bad copy decreases enjoyment of the book and focuses you attention more on the process of reading and the physicality and prevents you from being emersed in the Anglo-Saxon world of the setting.

Albert The Great..what a man. I have read this novel twice and what a thrill. Albert, the youngest of five princes in line for the throne of Wessex, different from his brothers, being well educated and sensative yet strong and forthright never expected to be king. The tale unfolds as this young, extraordinary man finds himself the leader of a realm threatened by the devastating onslaught of Danish Vikings invading England. These torrid times of the mid to late 9th century are softened by the passionate, accidental union of Albert and Elswyth. Being both down to earth and haughty, Elswyth captivates the reader by her eternal strength and aggressive personality which compliments Albert's thoughtful and assertive nature. Together, they hold the West Saxons together in a totally captivating and heartwrenching read. I was so absorbed in the lives of the charachters and the trials they faced, but Albert, King of Wessex is the most enthralling charachter I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.