Customer Reviews

The Edge on the Sword

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

For those who think that historical fiction is boring obviously haven't read this book. Thrilling and beautiful, The Edge on the Sword tells the story of the legendary war-lady, Princess Aefthelflaed, daughter of the Wessex King. Enter teh young herioine in her teenage years, her uncertainties about her betrothel to her father's ally, and her methodical balance between duty and betrayal of her own emotions woven brilliantly into a world hardly presented in literature. Five stars, only because there are not thousands to show you.

Flaed lives with the constant threat that the enemies of her father, the famous Alfred, may attack the castle and bring about the ultimate end to her family and her people. It's the late 800's, and Flaed and her brother, Edward, are training to be warriors if the invaders may come. When her father tells Flaed that she must marry to insure the safety of the kingdom, Flaed is hesitant. She's not yet ready to give up a life of freedom in her father's castle. But everything begins to change when she gets a new, gruff bodyguard named Red. Red is a wise and strong guardian, and Flaed is assigned to him in learning how to use her sword and fight enemies. Soon, she begins to trust Red as a friend, and their acquaintance is strong. Red has strongly taught her how to protect herself. But what will Flaed's decision be when she realizes that she must protect not only herself, but the entire country if the time will someday come?
What victories -- and losses -- will Flaed have to somehow overcome? The Edge On The Sword is well-written, powerful historical fiction that moves at a blazing pace of adventure. It's highly enjoyable and highly recommended.

I liked the way West Saxon life was described without dumbing down details. Flaed is a great heroine, and I want to learn more about the world she lived in.

For everyone out there who is looking for a book that takes place before 1200 A.D. and is not about King Arthur, this book is for you. It is set in Anglo-Saxon England at the end of the 9th century, has some adventure, and even a little romance. The story is interesting and it has great plot. Not to mention it is historically accurate.

My teacher lent me The Edge on the Sword, so out of politeness I felt that I had to read this book. I found that the book started off very well and stayed that way until about 100 pages into the book. Then it started to get a little boring as the main character, Aethelflaed, started dealing with the fact that in a few months she was to leave her beloved family to go marry Ethelred, whom she was... engaged to. Then the action really started towards the end as Aethelflaed started off towards Lunden, which was in Mercia, to see Ethelred. Along the way she must battle the West Saxon's greatest enemy and face the death of a new friend near and dear to her.
Around the middle of the book it was a little boring with not that much action or mystery. However, overall this was a very touching and accurate book about the late 9th century and Queen (at that time princess) Aethelflaed, who was known as the greatest queen of England in military history. I would suggest it to any of my friends who enjoy historical fiction.

This book is an absolute gem, beautifully capturing the spirit of our young heroine. Aethelflaed is 15 years old when her father engages her to Ethelred, another king and one of his friends. Flaed is reluctant to leave her home, and she's also upset by the guardian her father has assigned to watch over her, Red. However, he later teaches Flaed how to defend herself using knives, swords and military tactic. The author never lets the pace slow, and it's very difficult to put this book down. With detailed descriptions, creative heroes & heroines, and a quick, exciting plot, "The Edge on the Sword" is a wonderful, must-read novel.

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.