Emma the Queen

Last Tales of Mercia #1

by Jayden Woods

In the late 1040's, the first group of Norman lords arrives in Engla-lond. King Edward believes they are allies. But as Lord Richard FitzScrob begins to construct the first Norman castle in Engla-lond, the conflict between Normans and Anglo-Saxons builds slowly to one of the greatest wars in English history.

In Last Tale 1, Queen Emma’s own son, King Edward, has been turned against her by Goodwin of Wessex and Archbishop Robert from Normandy. Edward accuses his mother of treachery and adultery with an English bishop. To prove her innocence, Emma must walk barefoot over nine scalding ploughshares and come out unscathed.

Set in the Dark Ages of Engla-lond, the "Last Tales of Mercia" are ten short stories featuring real historical figures and characters from the "Sons of Mercia" series. Though strongly connected to the series and each other, they can be read independently.

ebook

Published January 1, 2012

About the author

Jayden Woods grew up on a farm in rural Tennessee, then pursued her dreams of film-making in Los Angeles. After receiving a BFA in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California and working on a primetime TV show, she decided to return to her original passion of writing novels. Since then she has lived in St. Louis with her wonderful husband and three beautiful pets, throwing all her will and energy into becoming a successful writer.

Jayden Woods has published a lush array of books from historical fiction to fantasy. Her novel Eadric the Grasper received a starred review from Kirkus Discoveries and was selected as one of the best books of 2010 (https://www.kirkusreviews.com/lists/i...).

Reviews

[Katie Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not as familiar with Emma of Normandy or this period as I would like, but I always enjoy a good historical. This was a quick read and a captivating one. I look forward to reading more of the Tales of Mercia and Edric the Wild which looks to be the novel that follows them.

[Dawn Mcmullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short story but she packed a lot of intensity into the short story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll leave you with my fave quote

“ I saw something as I walked over the ploughshares,” she rasped. “I saw the Normans taking over Engla-lond. I saw their castles sprouting across the land, like weeds watered by blood. I saw their knights cutting down Anglo-Saxons and ruining the soil. Your people will die by the thousands if you let the Normans take root here.”

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story 62 pages long that is packed with emotion and intensity in a true historical background. Jayden Woods does an incredible job sucking you into the story. I'm looking forward to reading the next 13 books in her series

[Velvetink]

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