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The Lost King #2
Wasteland
Victory, betrayal and revenge.
"I heartily recommend this very readable and enjoyable journey into the England's history and look forward with great anticipation to the next volume in the series."
The year is 1069. The Norman invaders are stealing the land of the English people, building castles to subdue them and relentlessly making a once free people into serfs. But the English will not submit. Armed resistance flares across the land. Yet, to become effective, it needs a leader who can unite the nation.
That leader is Edgar Atheling, heir of Alfred the Great, a young man born to be king.
Edgar knows he must defeat William the Conqueror, a ruthless leader and formidable foe. But can a 17 year old boy with an ill-equipped army challenge the Conqueror for his birthright, the throne of England? Edgar's one hope of victory is to forge an alliance with England's ancient Viking enemies and pray that the rest of his people rise up in support.
"Triumph and Catastrophe tells how the agony of war shapes and matures Edgar and how he learns to inspire loyalty from his allies and respect even from his enemies."
""Every bit as good as its prequel, The Flame of Resistance. Don't be put off if you don't like history. This story will appeal to anyone, whether interested in history or not."
Triumph and Catastrophe is book 2 of 'The Lost King' series. It is a fast-moving story of how a young boy comes of age in a time of victory, betrayal and revenge.
"I heartily recommend this very readable and enjoyable journey into the England's history and look forward with great anticipation to the next volume in the series."
The year is 1069. The Norman invaders are stealing the land of the English people, building castles to subdue them and relentlessly making a once free people into serfs. But the English will not submit. Armed resistance flares across the land. Yet, to become effective, it needs a leader who can unite the nation.
That leader is Edgar Atheling, heir of Alfred the Great, a young man born to be king.
Edgar knows he must defeat William the Conqueror, a ruthless leader and formidable foe. But can a 17 year old boy with an ill-equipped army challenge the Conqueror for his birthright, the throne of England? Edgar's one hope of victory is to forge an alliance with England's ancient Viking enemies and pray that the rest of his people rise up in support.
"Triumph and Catastrophe tells how the agony of war shapes and matures Edgar and how he learns to inspire loyalty from his allies and respect even from his enemies."
""Every bit as good as its prequel, The Flame of Resistance. Don't be put off if you don't like history. This story will appeal to anyone, whether interested in history or not."
Triumph and Catastrophe is book 2 of 'The Lost King' series. It is a fast-moving story of how a young boy comes of age in a time of victory, betrayal and revenge.
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First published July 13, 2011
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About the author
Martin Lake
42 books148 followersHello, I'm Martin Lake. I've been writing fiction since the age of eleven when our inventive English teacher Mr Johnson asked us to imagine that we were a Guy on a Guy Fawkes bonfire. I discovered the thrill of words and character.
My favourite authors when I was young were historical novelists like Rosemary Sutcliff and Henry Treece and a galaxy of science fiction writers. Later on I discovered the Flashman novels by George McDonald Fraser which I still consider the best of historical fiction.
I studied English Literature and History at UEA.
I have written all my life and had my first success with another story about 5th November, 'The Guy Fawkes Contest.' This was broadcast on radio and I spent more than my fee on celebrating my success.
Then one morning; revelation. I love writing and I love history. I decided to combine the two and wrote a novel about the Elizabethan spy network. There was some interest in this from publishers but not enough and it languishes still in a drawer.
I had a bad accident and could no longer drive nor turn over a paper-back book without dropping it and having to ask my wife to pick it up. My wife bought me an e-reader and shortly afterwards I discovered that I could self-publish my novels.
That was it. My life-long ambition was about to take off.
I have a series of novels set in the years following the Norman Invasion of England: The Flame of Resistance, Triumph and Catastrophe, Blood of Ironside and In Search of Glory.
I have also written four novels about the Viking Invasions of England: Wolves of War, To the Death, Land of Blood and Water and Blood Enemy.
Outcasts is about the fall of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Third Crusade.
ALove Most Dangerous and the sequel Very Like a Queen tell the tale of Alice Petherton, a mistress of King Henry VIII.
I have four World War Two novels: Cry of the Heart and Ties of the Heart and Brave, Bold Spirit and The Turn of the Tide.
You can find my blog at martinlakewriting.wordpress.com
Twitter @martinlake14.
Email: martinlake14@gmail.com
My favourite authors when I was young were historical novelists like Rosemary Sutcliff and Henry Treece and a galaxy of science fiction writers. Later on I discovered the Flashman novels by George McDonald Fraser which I still consider the best of historical fiction.
I studied English Literature and History at UEA.
I have written all my life and had my first success with another story about 5th November, 'The Guy Fawkes Contest.' This was broadcast on radio and I spent more than my fee on celebrating my success.
Then one morning; revelation. I love writing and I love history. I decided to combine the two and wrote a novel about the Elizabethan spy network. There was some interest in this from publishers but not enough and it languishes still in a drawer.
I had a bad accident and could no longer drive nor turn over a paper-back book without dropping it and having to ask my wife to pick it up. My wife bought me an e-reader and shortly afterwards I discovered that I could self-publish my novels.
That was it. My life-long ambition was about to take off.
I have a series of novels set in the years following the Norman Invasion of England: The Flame of Resistance, Triumph and Catastrophe, Blood of Ironside and In Search of Glory.
I have also written four novels about the Viking Invasions of England: Wolves of War, To the Death, Land of Blood and Water and Blood Enemy.
Outcasts is about the fall of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Third Crusade.
ALove Most Dangerous and the sequel Very Like a Queen tell the tale of Alice Petherton, a mistress of King Henry VIII.
I have four World War Two novels: Cry of the Heart and Ties of the Heart and Brave, Bold Spirit and The Turn of the Tide.
You can find my blog at martinlakewriting.wordpress.com
Twitter @martinlake14.
Email: martinlake14@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 16, 2013
The further I go into this wonderfully written series the more I want to know about William the Bastard and the Norman conquest of England, a subject that doesn’t receive due justice or scrutiny on my side of The Pond in my humble opinion. All I ever learned was the date 1066, nothing about the reality of the time. English resistance and rebellion during this period is the focus of the author’s work and I couldn't help but wonder how things would be different if the Normans had been thrown back to Normandy.
The main character is Edgar, the rightful King of England as proclaimed by The Witan after the disastrous defeat at Hastings. In book 2 he has raised an army and allied himself with a large Danish force with the intent of recovering his crown. There is little that goes right for Edgar as he is faced time and time again with adverse results in battle and with treachery and betrayal. The author has given the reader a steady glimpse into the mind of Edgar as he deals with these defeats and betrayals and how he subjects his doubts and fears to an indomitable spirit to survive and to succeed.
I heartily recommend this very readable and enjoyable journey into the England’s history and look forward with great anticipation to the next volume in the series. 4 stars and a thank you for kindling my desire to know more.
The main character is Edgar, the rightful King of England as proclaimed by The Witan after the disastrous defeat at Hastings. In book 2 he has raised an army and allied himself with a large Danish force with the intent of recovering his crown. There is little that goes right for Edgar as he is faced time and time again with adverse results in battle and with treachery and betrayal. The author has given the reader a steady glimpse into the mind of Edgar as he deals with these defeats and betrayals and how he subjects his doubts and fears to an indomitable spirit to survive and to succeed.
I heartily recommend this very readable and enjoyable journey into the England’s history and look forward with great anticipation to the next volume in the series. 4 stars and a thank you for kindling my desire to know more.
April 24, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel which is such a brilliant mix of story and history. Edgar Atheling, the prince of Alfred's bloodline attempts to reclaim the throne of England after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. First off the characters are as alive as if they were sharing a feast with me. I would not care to be on the other side of their shield walls. Edgar is carefully drawn as a warrior hero with humanity. He is believable. The story's narrative hurtles from fast paced scene to fast paced scene all excellently portrayed leaving a reader breathless and looking for more. Other characters can be found in Domesday as dispossessed tenants of Alan of Brittany. Having researched this territory myself I recognise villages and their lords. Alan Rufus, cousin to William of Normandy is portrayed as ruthless. He became a Tenant in chief in the North after the harrying that continued through 1071. Martin Lake's vignette, a scene that includes Alan Rufus and King William is superb in the way tension throughout it is preserved. As for the Danish princes, they too are ruthless, looking for the best opportunity out of a dysfunctional time when the north of England becomes embroiled in rebellion. I loved the depictions of outlaws in this story as we meet characters who help and betray the young prince.
I felt too as I read that Martin Lake's use of landscape as it would have been in the 11th C was terrific. I felt I was there on the Roman roads, in the destroyed villages, walking with Edgar and his companions through the ruined streets of early medieval York. This novel is an accomplishment beautifully and accurately told. I found it unputdownable and now I shall have to read its forerunner, Resistance.
I felt too as I read that Martin Lake's use of landscape as it would have been in the 11th C was terrific. I felt I was there on the Roman roads, in the destroyed villages, walking with Edgar and his companions through the ruined streets of early medieval York. This novel is an accomplishment beautifully and accurately told. I found it unputdownable and now I shall have to read its forerunner, Resistance.
November 21, 2019
Edgar Aetheling was one of the great “what-ifs” in Anglo-Saxon history. If he had been a little older in 1066—well, more than a little—if he had a following, if he could have convinced the Witan to vote for him, would Duke William still have invaded England? After reading this book, part two of The Lost King series, one might think the answer is yes. Although King William (by now, we’re three years into his reign) takes Edgar seriously enough to want to get his hands on him, he seems to view the Aetheling more as a nuisance than a threat. William certainly doesn’t seem to show any regrets, though Edgar tries valiantly to shame him when he temporarily capitulates:
‘Welcome, Edgar son of Agatha,’ he said. I gasped. Son of Agatha. In three words he denied me both my birthright and my manhood. No mention of a title. No mention of my father. Merely the shame of naming me the son of my mother. My mind raced to find any response. A little voice spoke in my head, whispering a reply. I forced my mouth open. ‘Good day to you, William son of Herleve.’ A shudder ran round the assembled knights. Naming him after his mother was a worse insult. Worse, far worse. For William’s mother was a tanner’s daughter and he had been born out of wedlock. A thousand eyes slid towards him. His face registered nothing, did not move in the slightest. But the orb in his left hand shook and his fingers were forced to clutch hard to keep his grip. ‘Touché,’ he said, coldly.
On the other hand, the Normans do seem to go to a lot of effort to chase him down, though perhaps he just keeps bumping into them (and taking a beating). Undoubtedly, the Northumbrians pay a high price for their resistance to the Normans, though it is uncertain whether Edgar’s presence has all that much to do with it. He believes he bears the responsibility, which reveals his noble side. At the same time, some of his allies prove far from reliable, implying that it takes more than royal blood to command loyalty. And to many, he’s still an untried boy, though he is learning courage and even audacity. However, there are others who risk their lives to stand with the fledgling “king”; after all, he is their only hope. It’s an interesting game of cat-and-mouse—or rather wolf, as Edgar’s lady said: “The Norman wolf does not nourish. It hunts and savages and kills.” In this cruel world, savagery and ferocity wins, and poor Edgar possesses none of that. This book is a very good read, and kept my attention throughout.
‘Welcome, Edgar son of Agatha,’ he said. I gasped. Son of Agatha. In three words he denied me both my birthright and my manhood. No mention of a title. No mention of my father. Merely the shame of naming me the son of my mother. My mind raced to find any response. A little voice spoke in my head, whispering a reply. I forced my mouth open. ‘Good day to you, William son of Herleve.’ A shudder ran round the assembled knights. Naming him after his mother was a worse insult. Worse, far worse. For William’s mother was a tanner’s daughter and he had been born out of wedlock. A thousand eyes slid towards him. His face registered nothing, did not move in the slightest. But the orb in his left hand shook and his fingers were forced to clutch hard to keep his grip. ‘Touché,’ he said, coldly.
On the other hand, the Normans do seem to go to a lot of effort to chase him down, though perhaps he just keeps bumping into them (and taking a beating). Undoubtedly, the Northumbrians pay a high price for their resistance to the Normans, though it is uncertain whether Edgar’s presence has all that much to do with it. He believes he bears the responsibility, which reveals his noble side. At the same time, some of his allies prove far from reliable, implying that it takes more than royal blood to command loyalty. And to many, he’s still an untried boy, though he is learning courage and even audacity. However, there are others who risk their lives to stand with the fledgling “king”; after all, he is their only hope. It’s an interesting game of cat-and-mouse—or rather wolf, as Edgar’s lady said: “The Norman wolf does not nourish. It hunts and savages and kills.” In this cruel world, savagery and ferocity wins, and poor Edgar possesses none of that. This book is a very good read, and kept my attention throughout.
July 8, 2017
Martin Lake is a great writer. This is a compelling read with characters you will love, and some you will love to hate. If you are interested in historical fiction you will enjoy this series. recommend it.
September 2, 2018
Interesting
Was always more interested in William's family and the problems and jealousy between the brothers. Finding the trials and hardships young Edgar and his friends and supporters face are proving fascinating .
Was always more interested in William's family and the problems and jealousy between the brothers. Finding the trials and hardships young Edgar and his friends and supporters face are proving fascinating .
February 26, 2017
Great series
Great read, I like how he tells the story. Looking forward to the next two books and potentially others from this author.
Great read, I like how he tells the story. Looking forward to the next two books and potentially others from this author.
sff-ok-r
November 7, 2025Rokp
September 6, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, 'The Flame of Resistance' and was delighted to re-acquaint my self with Edgar in this book.
In this chapter of his life, with the assistance of various factions, Edgar is able to form a small army and attempt to recover the crown. However, the majority of his new found allies are motivated by self-interest and Edgar is subjected to numerous instances of treachery and betrayal. As a consequence, Edgar has to learn some more hard lessons and make many more difficult decisions, all of which making him a better man.
Countermanding this, his close band of loyal friends prove their worth and their camaraderie is brilliantly portrayed. The band of outlaws that Edgar encounters are a wonderful addition and the fact he also begins to experience a gentle romance is a blessed relief in these torrid times.
What is particularly brilliant in this episode is the awesome depiction of that which as become known as 'The Harrowing of the North' in which we see the despicable depths to which William the Bastard is prepared to sink to maintain his kingship and to punish the people who are prepared to protect and assist Edgar and other rebels. This, in turn, causes Edgar to question his actions and the suffering they are causing to the common man, whereby he considers surrender. He meets with William but it soon becomes clear that his capitulation will not stop the ruthless actions of the Normans. Once more, he is forced to flee and experiences what must seem like an absolute nadir in his live. Things can only get better and I am looking forward to sharing them with him in 'Blood of Ironside', the next book in the series.
In this chapter of his life, with the assistance of various factions, Edgar is able to form a small army and attempt to recover the crown. However, the majority of his new found allies are motivated by self-interest and Edgar is subjected to numerous instances of treachery and betrayal. As a consequence, Edgar has to learn some more hard lessons and make many more difficult decisions, all of which making him a better man.
Countermanding this, his close band of loyal friends prove their worth and their camaraderie is brilliantly portrayed. The band of outlaws that Edgar encounters are a wonderful addition and the fact he also begins to experience a gentle romance is a blessed relief in these torrid times.
What is particularly brilliant in this episode is the awesome depiction of that which as become known as 'The Harrowing of the North' in which we see the despicable depths to which William the Bastard is prepared to sink to maintain his kingship and to punish the people who are prepared to protect and assist Edgar and other rebels. This, in turn, causes Edgar to question his actions and the suffering they are causing to the common man, whereby he considers surrender. He meets with William but it soon becomes clear that his capitulation will not stop the ruthless actions of the Normans. Once more, he is forced to flee and experiences what must seem like an absolute nadir in his live. Things can only get better and I am looking forward to sharing them with him in 'Blood of Ironside', the next book in the series.
August 28, 2013
$2.99
I had been looking forward to this book and would liked to have given it 3.5 stars, but I'm settling on 3 since I did not enjoy it as much as the first one, not to mention there were a number of errors that caused me to keep stopping. This book continues precisely where The Lost King left off, but unfortunately there is no back story so you must read these in order. I was never quite sure what the date was or how much time had passed, but the more I read about Edgar, the more I understand he really didn't have the heart to be King. Not only was he so young, he couldn't find the right people to trust although he gave it a good shot, and no matter how hard he tried, he just could not get a break.. I kept rooting for him even though I knew the outcome would not be in his favor, and I can only hope that the next book tells more about his travels, the people he meets, etc. and not so much about war. I am not one who likes to read about one battle after another, but that is just my personal taste. All in all I appreciate learning more about Edgar especially since a few months ago I never even knew he existed.
I had been looking forward to this book and would liked to have given it 3.5 stars, but I'm settling on 3 since I did not enjoy it as much as the first one, not to mention there were a number of errors that caused me to keep stopping. This book continues precisely where The Lost King left off, but unfortunately there is no back story so you must read these in order. I was never quite sure what the date was or how much time had passed, but the more I read about Edgar, the more I understand he really didn't have the heart to be King. Not only was he so young, he couldn't find the right people to trust although he gave it a good shot, and no matter how hard he tried, he just could not get a break.. I kept rooting for him even though I knew the outcome would not be in his favor, and I can only hope that the next book tells more about his travels, the people he meets, etc. and not so much about war. I am not one who likes to read about one battle after another, but that is just my personal taste. All in all I appreciate learning more about Edgar especially since a few months ago I never even knew he existed.
May 28, 2024
Triumph & Catastrophe is without a doubt one of the most boring books I have ever read. The characters are boring. The setting is boring. The plot is boring (despite the fact that the story is almost 100% action). I now completely understand why Edgar failed in his quest to gain the English throne. The dude is just so perfect and yet so utterly uninteresting. I wouldn't be inspired by him either.
There are approximately 500.5 battles in this book. None of them are told in an interesting manner. Also, Edgar wins or narrowly escapes almost every single one of them (lol wut?). I get that historically Edgar was going to survive, but the ridiculous amount of plot armor his companions are dressed with is ludicrous. They die and resurrect with such frequency that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ openly weeps in jealousy - I mean he had to wait three whole days for his resurrection.
There are approximately 500.5 battles in this book. None of them are told in an interesting manner. Also, Edgar wins or narrowly escapes almost every single one of them (lol wut?). I get that historically Edgar was going to survive, but the ridiculous amount of plot armor his companions are dressed with is ludicrous. They die and resurrect with such frequency that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ openly weeps in jealousy - I mean he had to wait three whole days for his resurrection.
June 4, 2016
Triumph & Catastrophe continues the story begun in The Lost King, of Edgar Atheling, king of England if it weren't for William the Conqueror stealing his throne. It opens with Edgar, now 17, gaining the support of his kinsman the King of Scotland. But William's army is bigger, crueler and more determined, and while Edgar wins some battles, the land of England suffers from the depredations of Williams soldiers, and the loss of their land, livelihood, possession, and even their lives.
If you are a fan of history or historical fiction, you will love this book. It's well researched, well written, and very interesting. There are two more books in the series, and I am heading out to read them both! I have assumptions about how it ends (because who has heard of King Edgar of England?!) but I really want to know how it ends. Highly recommended!
If you are a fan of history or historical fiction, you will love this book. It's well researched, well written, and very interesting. There are two more books in the series, and I am heading out to read them both! I have assumptions about how it ends (because who has heard of King Edgar of England?!) but I really want to know how it ends. Highly recommended!
August 30, 2013
I wish there was a six star rating, because this book is that little bit more polished than its predecessor, Resistance. The characters are more filled out, the pace, sense of history and sheer readability just as good. The author cleverly shows Edgar growing up, becoming more cunning, and even at times, more ruthless as he learns about being a leader. This is not an easy thing to do - as a writer myself, I know this all too well.
June 4, 2016
The continuing story of Edgar Aetheling's attempts to remove the Normans from England is told from young Edgar's point of view. The author portrays him as surprisingly strong and wise for his age and experience. This book makes the reader feel the exhaustion of fighting a guerrilla-like war from a huge disadvantage. The horrific impact on the population is apparent but there are also very good descriptions of the food, loyalties of Edgar's followers, and countryside to balance it out.
February 20, 2016
By the end of this, the 2nd book in the series, young King Edgar is 16 summers. He has been on the run from William for about 3 years. He builds an army and then he seems to lose it. The history lessons in this series are fascinating. So many people and horses just hacked to death for nothing. On to the 3rd book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews