Review: The Whispering Dead of Rewley Abbey by Peter Stephenson

Synopsis: "The Whispering Dead of Rewley Abbey" is the first in a series of murder mysteries following the sinister deaths in Rewley Abbey (Cistercian monks) and Godstow Abbey (Benedictine nuns) from the end of the 13th century to King Henry VIII's dissolution of the convents and monasteries in the 16th century.

Intrigue and secrets abound as a determined nun deciphers the clues in this timeless historical thriller for both young adults and seasoned readers.

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Fairly basic cosy historical mystery fiction set in 13th Century England with an investigating Nun and Lady of the Manor as the main characters.

An up and coming lecturer at Balliol College, Oxford is murdered; a drunken violent student is a suspect; will what lies beneath the surface of the "town and gown" battles reveal the secret to the mystery that Sister Agnes must solve. 

The author uses quick, easy to read chapters to push the narrative along, however, we get no real sense of the characters (which are a little too modern for my liking). Using poetic license, the author loosely represents the period of the 13th century.

As the first in a series, this is adequate though I would hope to see more development as the series progresses.

Review: For The Want Of Silver by Michael E Wills

Synopsis: A novel based on the true story of a Viking raider who, over 30 years, acquired a fortune in English silver.

In the churchyard of the village of Orkesta, just north of the city of Stockholm, there are two eleventh century rune stones. One of them, in a few brief words, tells the world of the extraordinary achievements of Ulf of Borresta, who lived nearby. During a long career as a Viking raider, he became extremely rich on the proceeds of extortion: Danegeld. The carved runes mention the names of real Norse historical figures with whom he ravaged the English countryside. These names can be dated and the vicious raids and bloody battles where the Danegelds were won, identified.

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Historical fiction account of Ulf of Borresta, a real historical viking who "lived and fought to satisfy the want of silver". We begin with the aged Ulf reflecting on his youth and the events that lead him to where he currently is.

The narration covers Ulf's youth and his adventures as part of the armies invading England in the 10th century.

Much more can be read about Ulf here @ Wikipedia

This for me was a quick and easy read, which I personally thought was perfect for a young adult reading market. It is a stand alone read - and was was pleasing to see an "unknown" historical figure being given a new lease on life.

The Girl Empress by Amy Mantravadi

The history books remember her as Empress Mathilda, but her path to sovereignty began when she was just a girl named Maud. Engaged, estranged, and crowned by the age of twelve, this is her story . . .

As the firstborn legitimate child of King Henry I of England, Princess Maud is faced with the fiercest crisis of her eight-year-old life when she learns that she will be sent to Germany to marry the Holy Roman Emperor. To make matters worse, her husband-to-be is in the midst of a disagreement with the Pope, and the threat of civil war continuously rages. Thrust into the middle of the greatest political controversy in Europe, Maud must learn to navigate the turbulent political waters while also managing her own transition from girl to woman.

Students of history will know the ending: Maud will successfully become Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, Queen of Germany, Queen of Italy, and the sole legitimate heir to the English throne. But The Girl Empress invites readers to join Maud on the journey of a lifetime, experiencing the depths of her hopes and dreams, her anxieties and strengths, her successes and failures. The history books haven’t done her justice.

Crystal Smith's Bloodleaf: 2019's hottest YA fantasy

From  Entertainment Weekly:

If the buzz surrounding it is any indication, Bloodleaf has a good chance of becoming your next YA obsession. Described as a retelling of the Grimm Brothers’ The Goose Girl, the fantasy marks the debut of author Crystal Smith, and was acquired in a lucrative deal out of a heated six-publishing-house auction.

Mixing romance with magic and paranormal intrigue, Bloodleaf centers on young Princess Aurelia. When she’s forced to switch places with her maid, stripped of her title in a devastating betrayal, she ends up powerless in an enemy city and alone for the first time in her life. But even without her crown, she can’t leave politics behind. As her city goes under attack, Aurelia must decide what price she’s willing to pay to save her enemy and reclaim her throne. With an enigmatic prince asking questions Aurelia can’t answer, the ghost of an ancient queen haunting her mind, and an unstable and primordial magic gathering in the air she knows she must fight for her crown — whatever the cost.

Review - The King's Company by Jessamy Taylor

Written in the style of a "boys' own adventure", this tale in set in the years of the Anarchy - the wars fought between King Stephen and Empress Maud for the ultimate prize - the English Crown.

Into this chaos, we find young William d'Amory - a lad weened on tales of knights and wars, who one day hope to be one of the greatest knights in England. But he has a long way to go. Into his sheltered world rides Philip de Colleville, on a mission of his own. Philip is welcomed by William's family - but all to soon this private idyll is disrupted as William is unwittingly drawn into Philip's secret.

This book hits its target audience (young adults) well and is not over complicated by a dense plot line. Its does take a little while to pick up but moves along nicely when it does. Is there the barest hint of more adventures to come ....