Mercedes Rochelle in FATAL RIVALRY, her fourth book, continues to hone her skills as a writer as she displays elements of a discerning historian and novelist.
FATAL RIVALRY is the third and final volume in the The Last Great Saxon Earls trilogy. The first book in the series, GODWINE KINGMAKER, follows Godwine from when he was a child to become one of the most powerful men in England. The second book, SONS OF GODWINE, follows the family, with an emphasis on Godwine’s sons Harold and Tostig, past Godwine’s death toward the fatal battle at Hastings. This final volume continues the story to its fateful conclusion in 1066 when William of Normandy defeats Harold, who had become king, and places himself on the throne.
Rochelle displays her prodigious skills at historical research in each of the volumes to present a tapestry, perhaps inspired by the famous Bayeux Tapestry itself, of the history of the period. An academic scholar might question a point or two (because historians are still not in agreement about those long ago times), but the reader can be assured that even speculations are based on known facts.
Rochelle explains in her author’s note:
“Aside from the basic facts passed on by later chroniclers, we don't know any details, so I connected the dots as best as I could. Of course, this required a lot of extrapolation on my part, but the events are pulled from history books (though not all chroniclers told the same story).”
This in itself is quite a feat.
Rochelle, of course, is a novelist, not just an historian, and distills the stuff of legends into a powerful story of sibling rivalry. We started to see the conflict between Harold and his brother, Tostig,in SONS OF GODWINE. In this final volume, the conflict grows to tragic proportions.
As fate moves Tostig further and further from the seat of power, his envy of the brother who has always overshadowed him grows into what seems like madness. His schemes to claw his way back into power fail and in history he assumes the role of Anglo-Saxon traitor while his brother that of hero.
As Rochelle explains in her author’s note:
“To many, the name Tostig and Traitor are synonymous, without really delving into the details of events. I would suggest that it was rather the sibling rivalry between Tostig and Harold that set up the circumstances leading to Stamford Bridge—and of course, put Harold in the wrong place at the wrong time when William landed at Pevensey. It was Harold's break with Tostig that led directly to the Norman Conquest.”
What is the truth? As with so much of history, we may never know. Rochelle’s version, however, is plausible and resonates with human truth.
Rochelle also continues the ambitious literary approach started in SONS OF GODWINE of telling the story in alternating first person accounts of the family that were smuggled to and secretly compiled by Wulfnoth, the sole surviving son of Godwine. This could have been a cliché, but Rochelle turns into a commentary about how history is written – and distorted – by those who are the winners.
Wulnoth observes, as the story nears its end: “I was amazed how quickly the name of Godwineson became irrelevant; by the next generation, our importance had waned to almost nothing. I see all the more reason to finish my manuscript…”
Then, as the story concludes, perhaps toward the end of his own life, Wulfnoth conjectures how his life could have turned out differently if he had become a warrior, like his brothers, and also died in the final battle against William and the Normans.
In that were the case, he muses, “who would have finished the manuscript…and given it the devotion that only a Godwineson would undertake? I see now that there was a purpose to my life after all, and perhaps future generations will come to see the greatness and promise of my doomed brothers. And maybe, just maybe, my name will rank in honor beside theirs.”
Buying Options
You've subscribed to The Last Great Saxon Earls!
We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
There was an error.
We were unable to process your subscription due to an error. Please refresh and try again.
Add to book club
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
OK
Fatal Rivalry: Part Three of The Last Great Saxon Earls Kindle Edition
by
Mercedes Rochelle
(Author)
Format: Kindle Edition
|
Mercedes Rochelle
(Author)
Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
See search results for this author
Are you an author?
Learn about Author Central
|
See all formats and editions
Hide other formats and editions
|
Price
|
New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$0.00
|
Free with your Audible trial | |
-
Kindle
$0.00 Read with Kindle Unlimited to also enjoy access to over 1 million more titles $2.99 to buy -
Audiobook
$0.00 Free with your Audible trial -
Paperback
$10.956 Used from $6.85 14 New from $9.70
-
LanguageEnglish
-
Publication dateJanuary 30, 2017
-
File size3599 KB
Books In This Series (3 Books)
Complete Series
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
-
Apple
-
Android
-
Windows Phone
-
Android
|
Download to your computer
|
Kindle Cloud Reader
|
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
The Sons of Godwine: Part Two of The Last Great Saxon EarlsKindle Edition
Godwine Kingmaker: Part One of The Last Great Saxon EarlsKindle Edition
A King Under Siege: Book One of The Plantagenet LegacyKindle Edition
The King's Retribution: Book Two of The Plantagenet LegacyKindle Edition
A Conspiracy of Kings: Sequel to The Lady of Mercia's Daughter: England: The Tenth CenturyKindle Edition
The Lady of Mercia's Daughter: England: The Tenth CenturyKindle Edition
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
The Last PlantagenetsKindle Edition
A King Under Siege: Book One of The Plantagenet LegacyKindle Edition
Heir to a ProphecyKindle Edition
Godwine Kingmaker: Part One of The Last Great Saxon EarlsKindle Edition
Wolf of Wessex: A gripping, action-packed historical thrillerKindle Edition
Mary - Tudor Princess (The Brandon Trilogy Book 1)Kindle Edition
Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Born and raised in St. Louis MO, Mercedes Rochelle graduated with a BA in Literature from University of Missouri. She learned about living history as a re-enactor and has been enamored with historical fiction ever since. A move to New York to do research and two careers ensued, but writing fiction remains her primary vocation. She lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.
--This text refers to the paperback edition.
Product details
- ASIN : B01MS3GOX1
- Publication date : January 30, 2017
- Language : English
- File size : 3599 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 284 pages
- Lending : Enabled
-
Best Sellers Rank:
#451,094 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #70 in Medieval Military History
- #140 in Scandinavian Literature (Kindle Store)
- #245 in Historical Norse & Icelandic Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
24 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2018
Report abuse
Verified Purchase
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2018
Verified Purchase
Mercedes Rochelle uses the various Godwinesons as POW characters to bring you back to the conquering of England in 1066, and it works well to bring you into the heart of the story.
1065 and 1066 were fatal years in English history, and all though I had a general knowledge of the Battle of Stamford Bridge and the Battle of Hastings, this felt like being there in the time leading up to those battles. And I learned how the main characters might have planned, lived, loved and ultimately failed so miserably.
I feel that the author has managed to stay true to the actual history, and even though it impossible to know now what the characters thought the story seems plausible and the kings, queens, dukes and earls came to life. It was a great way to improve my history knowledge, and a great story to read.
1065 and 1066 were fatal years in English history, and all though I had a general knowledge of the Battle of Stamford Bridge and the Battle of Hastings, this felt like being there in the time leading up to those battles. And I learned how the main characters might have planned, lived, loved and ultimately failed so miserably.
I feel that the author has managed to stay true to the actual history, and even though it impossible to know now what the characters thought the story seems plausible and the kings, queens, dukes and earls came to life. It was a great way to improve my history knowledge, and a great story to read.
3 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2018
Verified Purchase
It is refreshing to read a description of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings that does not depict Harold Godwinson as an untarnished hero. Yes, we all love the underdog, the brave man who faces off with the evil conquering bastard and pays the ultimate prize for doing so, but Harold was a man, not a saint.
Ms Rochelle uses various viewpoint characters to guide us through the years 1064 to 1066. Other than Harold, Tostig Godwinson and other various members of the Godwin clan give us their respective takes on the events. Tostig feels betrayed by his brother. Editha Godwinsdaughter, Edward the Confessor’s queen, sides with Tostig. When Edward dies, Harold feels he deserves the crown, never mind that there is a legitimate heir in Edgar the Aetheling. This Harold has his eye on the endgame, plans his moves well in advance. All in all, Ms Rochelle presents us with a very human Harold—flawed as most of us are but capable of rising to the occasion as few of us can. Is he heroic? Undoubtedly. White as driven snow? No.
Fatal Rivalry is an enjoyable and interesting read. Ms Rochelle’s knowledge of the period and the setting is evident throughout, albeit that the narrative includes the much disputed “arrow in the eye”. All in all, Fatal Rivalry is a gripping read.
Ms Rochelle uses various viewpoint characters to guide us through the years 1064 to 1066. Other than Harold, Tostig Godwinson and other various members of the Godwin clan give us their respective takes on the events. Tostig feels betrayed by his brother. Editha Godwinsdaughter, Edward the Confessor’s queen, sides with Tostig. When Edward dies, Harold feels he deserves the crown, never mind that there is a legitimate heir in Edgar the Aetheling. This Harold has his eye on the endgame, plans his moves well in advance. All in all, Ms Rochelle presents us with a very human Harold—flawed as most of us are but capable of rising to the occasion as few of us can. Is he heroic? Undoubtedly. White as driven snow? No.
Fatal Rivalry is an enjoyable and interesting read. Ms Rochelle’s knowledge of the period and the setting is evident throughout, albeit that the narrative includes the much disputed “arrow in the eye”. All in all, Fatal Rivalry is a gripping read.
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2017
Verified Purchase
Fatal Rivalry Book 3 of the Last Great Saxon Earls by Mercedes Rochelle details the lives of the sons of Godwine during the tumultuous years of pre-Conquest England to the aftermath of the Norman invasion.
The story is told in first person narrative each son of Godwine- Harold, Tostig, Gyrth, Leofwin, Wulnoth, and Godwine's daughter Editha tell their version of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the disastrous ruination of the House of Godwine. Compelling battle scenes interspersed with emotional dialogue transports the reader to the 11th century expertly. The well crafted descriptions of the life and times of these remarkable events and people was brilliantly done. I really felt immersed into the lives of the characters. The author has the ability to make one feel what the character feels and gives understanding to the motives behind actions taken.
I greatly enjoyed this book and series. Fantastic historical fiction produced by Mercedes Rochelle which guarantees I will be reading any future books she writes.
The story is told in first person narrative each son of Godwine- Harold, Tostig, Gyrth, Leofwin, Wulnoth, and Godwine's daughter Editha tell their version of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the disastrous ruination of the House of Godwine. Compelling battle scenes interspersed with emotional dialogue transports the reader to the 11th century expertly. The well crafted descriptions of the life and times of these remarkable events and people was brilliantly done. I really felt immersed into the lives of the characters. The author has the ability to make one feel what the character feels and gives understanding to the motives behind actions taken.
I greatly enjoyed this book and series. Fantastic historical fiction produced by Mercedes Rochelle which guarantees I will be reading any future books she writes.
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2019
Verified Purchase
The author used an interesting technique with the characters from the Godwinson family remembering pieces of the historical events from their point of view. I enjoyed it and could imagine the events better. Having researched the period, I felt that not all of the information about Gospatric or Gospatrick was accurate. I would have enjoyed a mix of personal memories alternating with a third person look at this important time in history, but I do think that it will give the reader a good picture of the events of 1066.
Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2019
Verified Purchase
Well written, kept my interest from start to finish and a history lesson as well. Only at the end did I learn this.
4.0 out of 5 stars
I hesitated to give five stars as it has a slight tendency to feel like a documentary rather then a novel at times
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2017Verified Purchase
Interesting read and very well researched and written. I hesitated to give five stars as it has a slight tendency to feel like a documentary rather then a novel at times, but generally very enjoyable.
One person found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2018
Verified Purchase
Confusing
Top reviews from other countries
B. A. McFadyen
5.0 out of 5 stars
An entertaining read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 25, 2017Verified Purchase
This was the last of three books about the lead up to the Norman Invasion. I loved the all three of the the books. Very well written novels telling a moving and exciting tale from the prospective of the Saxons leading family. Even though we all know the out come, it was a cracking read.
Peter W.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Sympathetic View of The Saxons
Reviewed in Canada on February 23, 2017Verified Purchase
Taking up from where the second novel leaves off, Mercedes Rochelle's Fatal Rivalry takes the story of Harold Godwinson and his family to its natural conclusion with the Battle of Hastings and the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England. Like the previous books we are offered a skillful interpretation of the historical record, peopled not with dates and flat historical fact, but with realistic characters who face problems, set-backs, family rivalries and doubts. Using the same technique of sharing the narrative through multiple perspectives, the author allows us to get a better understanding of the motives, fears and personalities that inform the historical record. Perhaps her greatest gift is the clear empathy she has for her characters, an empathy that the reader can not help but share. Two examples of this will suffice: Harold's brother Tostig, generally treated as a traitor and malcontent in most interpretations of the time, is shown as an envious and alienated sibling. We may not agree with his decisions to support and participate in an invasion against his brother Harold, but we understand why he does it. In a similar manner, when that same Harold takes the throne upon the death of Edward (the circumstances of which are still hotly debated by historians), Rochelle provides us with Harold's own point of view as well as those of his family to show that he felt he had to in order to save his nation, unsuccessful as he was in doing so.
This book may not "solve" the historical debates surrounding the events of 1066, but it will provoke thought and put a human face on those events. A great finish to a great series!
This book may not "solve" the historical debates surrounding the events of 1066, but it will provoke thought and put a human face on those events. A great finish to a great series!
There's a problem loading this menu right now.
Get free delivery with Amazon Prime
Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books.

