Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 305 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: New Classics Publishing
Release date: October 4, 2024
Content Rating: PG due to some mature subject matters, but no graphic violence, language, or sexual content.
Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner.
The true and inspiring story of a powerful knight and a run-away queen who unite to defy an empire.
King Charles, the first king of France, is beset by Vikings, rebel lords, and his brother, all seeking to take his kingdom. To strengthen his kingdom, King Charles marries his twelve-year-old daughter Judith to elderly, widowed Aethelwulf, King of Wessex. When Aethelwulf dies unexpectedly, Judith is pressed into marrying Aethelwulf's cruel eldest son. When her second husband also dies, twice-widowed Judith refuses to accept a third arranged marriage.
As punishment for her refusal, King Charles imprisons 16-year-old Judith in one of his palaces where she is visited by her brother, Louis, and his knightly companion, Count Baldwin “Iron Arm.” When Baldwin helps Judith escape, they are hunted by her father’s men and must flee for their lives. Can Baldwin and Judith hold on to each other and their faith as they face the fury of an empire?
The Girl of Many Crowns is Well-Written, Well-Researched, and Engaging. I enjoy historical fiction that transports readers to another time and place, but I often have difficulty connecting with books set in the time presented here. That wasn't the case this time. The author presents a well-researched, well-written novel that fully immerses readers in the time. I enjoyed experiencing the strongly developed historical setting and the characters' emotional journeys.
Expect Many Characters and Events. Initially, I found the number of characters, relationships and activities a little daunting. It took a while for me to settle into the storyline and properly "place" the characters and their various roles in order in my mind. Having said that, once I organized the characters, the author pulled me flawlessly into the book's time period and scenes. The novel has a little bit of everything from politics and alliances to real historical characters and events based on truth, along with challenges and romance. For much of the book, I found myself drawn more to Baldwin as a character than to Judith, but the author didn't take long to give both characters endearing presences.
Would I Recommend The Girl of Many Crowns by D.H. Morris? If you enjoy historical fiction set in medieval Europe, this story is a wonderful combination of fact and fiction that is well-developed and engaging. The author gives her young characters (her ancestors) voices that provide unique perspectives to the time and historical events presented. If you aren't a regular reader of medieval fiction, it may take a bit to settle into the characters and the roles--but give it time because the book is a remarkable story that you won't want to leave at the end.
A native of San Diego, California, D. H. Morris has lived on four continents and traveled through many countries. She has four children and eleven grandchildren and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Choral Music education and pursued graduate work in English at USU and law at the University of Utah. She is also a published playwright.
As a descendant of Judith and Baldwin, the author discovered their intriguing story while doing a genealogical project. This journey inspired her to research everything about the 9th Century – including food, politics, travel, war, education, clothing, jewelry, religion, holidays, marriage customs, and medicine. She loves talking about this remarkable time in history when the European countries we know today were being formed and fighting for their very existence.
connect with the author: website ~ pinterest~ goodreads
I remember Judith from the series, Vikings. The trailer is interesting.
ReplyDelete