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Among the Great
The year is AD 877 and King Alfred has succeeded (for the time being) in driving the malicious Danes from his kingdom. Edwin and his sister Edith are just beginning to enjoy the peace when, on one terrible night, their lives change forever. Separated from one another and faced with pivotal choices, Edwin and Edith must discover who their true friends are or be swept away on a tide of treachery.
A blind bard, a lame blacksmith, and an ambitious warrior all have their role in this tale of courage and true heroism set during the reign of Alfred the Great.
A blind bard, a lame blacksmith, and an ambitious warrior all have their role in this tale of courage and true heroism set during the reign of Alfred the Great.
195 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2023
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 5, 2023
Fantastic historical novel about the reign of King Alfred! I loved the character journey of Edwin and am excited for book 2!
Content:
Mild battle-related violence. Other than that, this book is super clean
Content:
Mild battle-related violence. Other than that, this book is super clean
October 16, 2024
I really really enjoyed this book. I’ve always been interested in old English history so this is right up my alley. As a debut novel, it had small issues, but most of those didn’t bother me. It was the little but important details, like Edith using the dagger Edward had dropped previously, that really showed me Amy knew what she was doing, and they made all the difference.
One problem I did notice is that I never got a real feel for their father’s character. Was he just a proud and condescending nobleman, or did he really care about his people? I feel like the different descriptions of him throughout the book where kind of muddled in tone.
Another thing I both liked and disliked was Edith’s attitude towards the peasants. At times in the beginning, all I wanted to do was slap her for being so dismissive towards them XD. However, it’s also refreshing in that this was the real attitude between the classes. Much too often the Main Character is uncommonly nice towards the peasants, which isn’t very realistic considering the culture. It also gave us a chance to see Edith’s character grow and become much more servant hearted.
9/10, can’t wait for the next one!!
One problem I did notice is that I never got a real feel for their father’s character. Was he just a proud and condescending nobleman, or did he really care about his people? I feel like the different descriptions of him throughout the book where kind of muddled in tone.
Another thing I both liked and disliked was Edith’s attitude towards the peasants. At times in the beginning, all I wanted to do was slap her for being so dismissive towards them XD. However, it’s also refreshing in that this was the real attitude between the classes. Much too often the Main Character is uncommonly nice towards the peasants, which isn’t very realistic considering the culture. It also gave us a chance to see Edith’s character grow and become much more servant hearted.
9/10, can’t wait for the next one!!
October 9, 2023
As a young author myself (With Eyes of Blue, etc), I understand the effort it takes to get your work out there. I want to applaud Amy Ullrich for taking that step!
Before I get into some issues I have with the book, I want to share what she did well. The story was intriguing! I pitied Edith and the choices she had to make. The character arc of Edith was beautiful! I loved how she went from being somewhat snobby to actually caring for people.
However, I did find it was hard to keep track of names. For example, in one family, there was Edith, Edhelm, Edstan, Edwin, and Edfrytha (though that last name was a fake name Edith took on at one point). The first time I read the book, I lost track of who was who.
On page 8, there was a term used to describe Edith’s father—condescending. I didn’t feel like that word described her father right.
There are quite a few scenes that are filler, like the scene where Edith can’t sleep, and Bertha wants to talk to her, but Edith ignores her and went back to sleep.
The formatting of the ellipses is really weird in the book.
Also, I am a bit of a grammar nerd, and one of my peeves is when a comma is needed but there isn’t one. This book has a few instances where a comma is needed but there isn’t one.
The story also went really fast. Months would pass in the story and I had no idea what happened during that time. It just jumped from big event to big event to big event.
With all that said, I must say I loved this book. I loved the scene with the blind bard (I won’t spoil, though!). Also, the fact that Ullrich wove in a Christian theme was amazing. I look forward to the sequel!
Before I get into some issues I have with the book, I want to share what she did well. The story was intriguing! I pitied Edith and the choices she had to make. The character arc of Edith was beautiful! I loved how she went from being somewhat snobby to actually caring for people.
However, I did find it was hard to keep track of names. For example, in one family, there was Edith, Edhelm, Edstan, Edwin, and Edfrytha (though that last name was a fake name Edith took on at one point). The first time I read the book, I lost track of who was who.
On page 8, there was a term used to describe Edith’s father—condescending. I didn’t feel like that word described her father right.
There are quite a few scenes that are filler, like the scene where Edith can’t sleep, and Bertha wants to talk to her, but Edith ignores her and went back to sleep.
The formatting of the ellipses is really weird in the book.
Also, I am a bit of a grammar nerd, and one of my peeves is when a comma is needed but there isn’t one. This book has a few instances where a comma is needed but there isn’t one.
The story also went really fast. Months would pass in the story and I had no idea what happened during that time. It just jumped from big event to big event to big event.
With all that said, I must say I loved this book. I loved the scene with the blind bard (I won’t spoil, though!). Also, the fact that Ullrich wove in a Christian theme was amazing. I look forward to the sequel!
October 23, 2023
My 15-year-old son absolutely loved this book. At last, a LIVING BOOK, written by a modern author! With robust characters, a refreshing theme of "true greatness", and interesting and historically accurate facts about the Danish invasion of Anglo-Saxon England woven into a great story, you couldn't ask for more in an historical novel. The author's website is well worth a visit to find more information about the profound impact of this period on world history!
October 29, 2023
Amy Ullrich has crafted an immersive tale which places the reader directly into England during the reign of Alfred the Great. Ullrich has done her research well and it is wonderful to see the legends and facts come together when it comes to Alfred. The characters are relatable and the sweet. The story is well written. It's very fun as a whole and I read it in two sittings.
Content Warnings: Not at all graphic violence
Content Warnings: Not at all graphic violence
October 15, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. I have always enjoyed reading exciting fast paced action packed books, this was no exception.
If you enjoy a fast paced action packed historical story, this is the book for you. It's easy to read and to follow.
I gave a copy to a friends family, and the youngest child who is 10 read the whole book in a few hours.
I would recommend it to any one who is just starting to read.
Overall it's a great book and I cant wait for the next one.
If you enjoy a fast paced action packed historical story, this is the book for you. It's easy to read and to follow.
I gave a copy to a friends family, and the youngest child who is 10 read the whole book in a few hours.
I would recommend it to any one who is just starting to read.
Overall it's a great book and I cant wait for the next one.
December 6, 2023
I so enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait for Amy’s next one!
The story clips on at an exciting pace, full of adventure and interesting twists and surprises. There’s also heartfelt family moments and deep themes that the main character explores.
I’m in my 30’s but this is probably good for young readers too — 12 and up, I’d guess.
The story clips on at an exciting pace, full of adventure and interesting twists and surprises. There’s also heartfelt family moments and deep themes that the main character explores.
I’m in my 30’s but this is probably good for young readers too — 12 and up, I’d guess.
July 14, 2025
A great YA historical fiction read. I love this era of English history—the story of King Alfred leading his people to defeat the invading Danes. Amy Ullrich skillfully weaves in a YA perspective to this pivotal conflict. Get ready for intrigue, treachery, and battle—all in a clean, faith-based book!
May 18, 2024
I was very intrigued and excited for this book, but it sadly didn't meet my expectations. I think someone much younger would have enjoyed this story, and I would probably hand it to my younger siblings, but it doesn't stand out as anything to me. Just kind of medicore. Just another story.
October 21, 2023
I love this book!! Among all the historical fiction I've ever read, it's easy for me to say that this one was my absolute favorite.
March 3, 2024
I would give this book 3.5 stars, it was really good, and I can't wait for the next one
May 17, 2024
I do like Edith and her growth throughout the book but didn’t feel as satisfied regarding her brother’s character arch. Since this is a newer published book it is important to note it doesn’t resolve everything by the end and a sequel isn't published as of May 2024.
I found this slow at times and hard to sustain my interest. It was more fiction than fact (explained in author’s note) and understandable given the time period. Told mostly from Edith’s perspective, a daughter of nobility, she has been brought up to keep herself above others. Through multiple events she changes in to a compassionate and helpful member of the larger community. Edith begins to realize birth does not determine character, rather choices made in hard times. Edith’s brother, Edwin, also has to learn through hard circumstances who to trust and how to discern truth.
Mentions Norse gods, two instances taking their name in vain.
I found this slow at times and hard to sustain my interest. It was more fiction than fact (explained in author’s note) and understandable given the time period. Told mostly from Edith’s perspective, a daughter of nobility, she has been brought up to keep herself above others. Through multiple events she changes in to a compassionate and helpful member of the larger community. Edith begins to realize birth does not determine character, rather choices made in hard times. Edith’s brother, Edwin, also has to learn through hard circumstances who to trust and how to discern truth.
Mentions Norse gods, two instances taking their name in vain.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews