Saxon times were not called the Dark Ages for nothing. It was a violent, unrecognizable world of kill or be killed.
In seventh century England, tribes and so-called kings vie for power and blood flows throughout the land. Aethelred - ruler of Mercia - is being pressed from all sides, and his wife Osthryth dies under unknown circumstances. Osthryth's ring falls into the hands of warrior noble Aethelbald, who is accused of her murder and forced to leave Mercia by his conniving cousin Coeolred, who has eyes on the throne. When Aethelred abdicates and the weakling Cenred assumes power, Coelred sees a path to become the king.
With a court rife with would-be successors, can Aethelbald survive and become Bretwaldas - the 'Britain-ruler' - and sweep aside the underkings to unite the land?
Based on true stories, John Broughton's Saints and Sinners shines a light on the murky Dark Ages, and recreates a Britain on the cusp of momentous change.
In seventh century England, tribes and so-called kings vie for power and blood flows throughout the land. Aethelred - ruler of Mercia - is being pressed from all sides, and his wife Osthryth dies under unknown circumstances. Osthryth's ring falls into the hands of warrior noble Aethelbald, who is accused of her murder and forced to leave Mercia by his conniving cousin Coeolred, who has eyes on the throne. When Aethelred abdicates and the weakling Cenred assumes power, Coelred sees a path to become the king.
With a court rife with would-be successors, can Aethelbald survive and become Bretwaldas - the 'Britain-ruler' - and sweep aside the underkings to unite the land?
Based on true stories, John Broughton's Saints and Sinners shines a light on the murky Dark Ages, and recreates a Britain on the cusp of momentous change.
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The first three books in John Broughton's series of historical novels, now available in one volume!
Saints And Sinners: In seventh century England, tribes and kings vie for power. Based on true stories, the first book in the series shines a light on the murky Dark Ages, and recreates a Britain on the cusp of momentous change.
Mixed Blessings: The English Midlands, 8th Century A. D. Having created much-needed stability within his domain, Æthelbald, King of Mierce now aspires to take the surrounding kingdoms to expand and fortify his own. As his reign grows and strengthens, so too does the authority of the church.
Offa - Rex Merciorum: In 8th century Mercia, King Offa lusts for power. Amid societal changes, he has to navigate power struggles, revolts and alliances in the tumultuous Anglo-Saxon Britain. But who is the real force in his reign? There is little concrete evidence, but in OFFA - REX MERCIORUM, John Broughton breaks through the veil of time and provides an entertaining, well-researched historical tale.