The Edge of Light

A wonderful read, fascinating history. I knew little about Alfred the Great -- the only British monarch ever to carry that title. Incredible finish when it looked like all hope was lost and Alfred managed to carry the day and win the battle for Britain. It's amazing what he accomplished in ways to encourage education as well as on the battlefield. This book is the third in a trilogy by this author. The first being The Road to Avalonabout King Arthur fighting off the Saxons. Then comes Born of the Sun about 80 years after the death of Arthur about the coming into power of the Saxons (the best of the three in my opinion) and finishing off with this tale about Alfred and bringing Britain out of the dark ages. Highly recommended.

I've read a few historical novels on the life of this enigmatic King, Alfred the Great. None have compared in the sheer depth of character study the author exhibits here of this great leader. We get to know Alfred through all the phases of his life, from childhood to manhood and eventually king. His life is showcased in a way that lets the reader experience his every emotion, adventure, battle, health crises through his eyes and through his brother's and eventually his wife's, Elswyth. He was a nobly born man, however, he was the fifth son and was never expected to be king, nor did he want to be. The twists and turns of his family's lives changes all of that. From his father's death, King Ethelwulf of Wessex, to all of his brother's deaths, including his favorite brother Ethelred, who bequeaths the throne over his eldest son to Alfred, his destiny, is forever changed. He is a leader who refuses to give up his dream of a free Wessex and rallies his countrymen to him to continue the fight against the Vikings. He does this with the help of his wife Elswyth, Princess of Mercia, who is a force of her own to be reckoned with. Together, they will endeavor to save their kingdom, their lives and their people's lives, from the pagan invasion the Danes constantly threaten them with. This is the king who worked so diligently to bring learning to his devasted land. Joan Wolf states in her Afterword: "The educational system of Anglo-Saxon England had been founded on the great monasteries, and these had been devasted by the Danes, leaving Wessex in a state of absolute poverty in regard to learning." The only complaint I have regarding this book is the lack of a "regional map" at the time of Alfred the Great. I had to refer to another map from another book. I prefer to refer to a map, as I'm sure many other readers like to do, when locations are so important to the storyline in relation to battles, etc., that I really can't do without one. I believe it's integral to the story. More authors need to realize that readers really do need these maps to follow the storyline.

Having known nothing of Alfred the Great, I leave this book with a desire to read more about him and more from Joan Wolf! This book was outstanding. It reads fast, but only because it is enthralling. Wolf has an excellent understanding of the historical situation and only simplified a few names to keep like-named characters distiguishable one from another. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in English history. I must just say again - it is OUTSTANDING!

It is the second time I have had the pleasure of reading this novel and weeks later I am still thinking and talking about it. Alfred the Great...what a man! I was so enthralled by the life and times of this English King, his insight, morality and courage, an inspiration thanks to Joan Wolf. Alfred was not expecting to become king of Wessex, one of the four kingdoms in England, with five older brothers. Different to his brothers, Alfred was well educated, sensative and very pragmatic. When the threat of a Danish invasion caught England on the back foot, Alfred united his kingdom and led the only kingdom to withstand the Danes. Entwined with passion, love and heartwrenching suspense, the reader is captured by the characters and their lifestyles. This novel enables the reader to experience the thoughts and issues of the time and gives insight to the only king of England to be called "Great". Do yourself a favour and read to your heart's content, you won't regret it.

Albert The Great..what a man. I have read this novel twice and what a thrill. Albert, the youngest of five princes in line for the throne of Wessex, different from his brothers, being well educated and sensative yet strong and forthright never expected to be king. The tale unfolds as this young, extraordinary man finds himself the leader of a realm threatened by the devastating onslaught of Danish Vikings invading England. These torrid times of the mid to late 9th century are softened by the passionate, accidental union of Albert and Elswyth. Being both down to earth and haughty, Elswyth captivates the reader by her eternal strength and aggressive personality which compliments Albert's thoughtful and assertive nature. Together, they hold the West Saxons together in a totally captivating and heartwrenching read. I was so absorbed in the lives of the charachters and the trials they faced, but Albert, King of Wessex is the most enthralling charachter I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.