Alfred of Wessex, Book One: Inheritance

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Alfred of Wessex, Book One: Inheritance is the story of the youngest brother of the Kings of Wessex, who only centuries later would be known as ‘Alfred the Great’.

“A thrilling book.”

The Kingdom of Wessex is under threat of invasion from the Danes and is divided by rivalries. A young Alfred is thrust into the midst of war and intrigue.

“Really enjoying this book and looking forward to the next one.”

The novel is based around real historical events during the defence of Anglo-Saxon Wessex, as viking raids turned into full-scale invasion by the pagan Danes.

“Gripping.”

In Inheritance, the first book in the series, the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria and East Anglia face a gathering storm of Danes threatening destruction and occupation.

Amongst all this, the Kingdom of Wessex is split by rivalries. Who should be heir to Alfred’s brother’s Kingdom? The King’s Council of Ealdormen is divided. Powerful voices back King Ethelred’s boys as future Kings, while Alfred, with little experience of war or politics, must decide if he truly wants the Kingship.

A conflicted Alfred is sent to the neighbouring Kingdom of Mercia, where his sister Queen Edith introduces her goddaughter Elswith to Alfred. Alfred collapses in pain at their wedding, only confirming to the Ealdormen that he is not capable of being King.

With the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms of Northumbria and East Anglia destroyed and Mercia weakened, the Danes invade Wessex. Leaving his wife and baby daughter behind, Alfred becomes a war leader, fighting battle after battle.

Meanwhile, the intrigues and rivalries continue. How can Wessex avoid catastrophe: is this the end of Wessex itself?

Reviews by readers on Amazon:

“I like historical novels and to be honest this is a very good read.“
“Moves along at a fast pace hard to put down.“
“First class book regarding Alfred King of Wessex. Action packed. Brilliant storyline. Actually felt part of the narrative.“