The Edge on the Sword [Mass Market Paperback]

Rebecca Tingle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 23, 2003 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

When fifteen-year-old Æthelflæd is suddenly and reluctantly betrothed to an ally of her father, the king, her world will never be the same. For as a noblewoman in the late 800s, she will be expected to be meek and unlearned-and Flæd is anything but meek and unlearned. Her marriage will bring peace to her land, but while her royal blood makes her a valuable asset, she is also a vulnerable target. And when enemies attack, Flæd must draw upon her skills and fight to lead her people to safety and prove her worth as a princess-and as a warrior.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Medieval history buffs will be enthralled byTingle's first novel. The author sets her tale in the late 800s and imagines the formative years of an actual historic figure, the West Saxon King Alfred's oldest child (a daughter), ’thelfl‘d. Heavily saturated with political and military strategy, it will likely hold boys' attention as well as girls. Fifteen-year-old Fl‘d's life becomes endangered when she is betrothed to Ethelred, chief aldorman of Mercia,because enemies opposed to the union start plotting against both royal families. Fl‘d escapes one kidnapping, but later, on her way to Mercia to wed Ethelred, a pack of raiders attack her party. Fl‘d must employ all she's learned about battle from books, her father and her faithful guard, Red. In this meticulously researched novel, which alludes to the poem Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Tingle brings to life the mindset and emotions of her heroine, whose loyalty tinged with a rebellious streak is convincing enough to lay the groundwork for her destiny as "the greatest woman in Old English military history" (according to the closing historical note). If Fl‘d's wisdom and bravery seem larger than life, her regret over leaving her homeland and ambivalence about marriage make her all too human. Ages 12-up.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-Set in medieval England, Rebecca Tingle's historical novel (Putnam, 2001) tells the story of Aethelflaed, the teenaged daughter of King Alfred, who becomes the Lady of the Mercians. As the oldest daughter of the northern king, Aethelflaed is betrothed to her father's friend and ally, Ethelred, thus uniting northern and southern England. Although she hardly knows her future husband, she obeys her father's wish, albeit reluctantly. With a band of soldiers and her faithful bodyguard, Red, Lady Aethelflaed sets out for Mercia, but invading Danish warriors attack the small group of travelers. Through her quick wit and clever military skill, Aethelflaed saves several of her men and makes it to Mercia. The story is historically accurate in its telling of the early life of the renowned Mercian military strategist, but the slow-paced beginning may dissuade all but the most avid history buffs. The action picks up towards the end, but many listeners may not stick with it long enough to find out about Aethelflaed's more adventurous exploits. The story is well-narrated by British-born actress Emily Gray. Listeners will relate to the young teenager who is obliged to marry a man she has met just once. For audiobook collections where historical fiction is in demand.
Sarah Prielipp, Chippewa River District Library, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Speak; Reprint edition (June 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142500585
• ISBN-13: 978-0142500583
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #814,845 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #94 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Fiction > Medieval

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating historical novel., June 20, 2001

By 

Rebecca Herman (USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Edge on the Sword (Hardcover)

In the late 800s, the role of a king's daughter was to marry to benefit her father's kingdom. That is the role that fifteen-year-old Aethelflaed has know all her life would someday be hers. But she never expected it to happen so soon, and is shocked when her father announces that she will marry Ethelred of Mercia to strengthen an alliance against the Danes. She couldn't be less prepared for this news, and is shocked by the fact that in a few short months, she will have to leave her family to marry a man that she has never even met. And there are those men that would wish to stop this alliance - Welsh and Danish raiders. Because of this, Flaed's new fiance has sent a bodyguard for her, Red, a gruff man with a mysterious past. But Red has more to offer Flaed then just protection. He can teach her to defend herself using fighting skills that have traditionally only been taught to men. These are skills Flaed will need if she is to face the men who are plotting against her. This historical novel was both exciting and fascinating. Aethelflaed grew up to be a great heroine, but I had never heard of her before. I loved reading about this strong and very real girl who became a leader at a time when women's roles were limited.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Historical Fiction Novels I've ever read, April 3, 2002

By 

Nancy E. "Nancy" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Edge on the Sword (Hardcover)

AEthelflaed (or Flaed for short) lives in late 9th century England. At 15 she lives a happy life as the Kings daughter and a wannabe scholar. But when she learns that her father has, for political reasons, betrothed her to a man she's never met before she watches in shock as the little freedom she has left drifts away. Her father hires a guard named Red to protect her. In the beginning Flaed finds ways to escape from his watchful gaze but when something horrible happens Flaed realizes the seriousness of the situation she's in. Red teaches her how to defend herself, how to fight and use a shield. But when her skills are put to the test will she emerge victorious?

This is truly one of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read. Based on the real life story of one of England's most influential women, The Edge on the Sword weaves a wonderful tale of a strong young girl and her life. I recommend this books to fans of such historical novels as Anna of Byzantium and medieval novels such as the Crown and Court Duel.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Miss this exciting medieval adventure!, August 28, 2001

By 

Cranston - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Edge on the Sword (Hardcover)

I was caught up in the life of the intelligent, courageous and compassionate heroine, Aethelflaed. I enjoyed the action-packed saga. The coming of age story of a 15 year old princess who must leave her home has universal appeal. It was great to journey alongside a young girl as she matures into a great leader. The author did a superb job in bringing to life the medieval period and succeeded in creating true to life characters.