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The Lost King #4
In Search of Glory
The Norman conquerors are tightening their grip upon England. Only one person stands in the way of their final triumph. Edgar Atheling continues to battle for his lost throne, doggedly refusing to bend the knee. Having survived an attempt upon his life he now prepares to journey south to continue the conflict against the Norman heartlands.
Yet when his fleet is shipwrecked and his friends are captured by the Normans he faces a desperate decision. He finally submits to William and returns to England where he is given a derisory amount of land and wealth. Despite this he decides not to support the ill-fated Revolt of the Earls and endeavours to settle into his new existence.
Yet he still desires the throne and glory. The people he loves are in conflict over the future, his wealth is slowly but surely taken from him, he begins to doubt his destiny. Yet when he hears that his old friend Cnut, now King of the Danes, plans to invade England, Edgar once more takes up the sword. The invasion fails but Edgar will not be daunted.
He makes a momentous decision which will change his life and those of his friends forever.
Yet when his fleet is shipwrecked and his friends are captured by the Normans he faces a desperate decision. He finally submits to William and returns to England where he is given a derisory amount of land and wealth. Despite this he decides not to support the ill-fated Revolt of the Earls and endeavours to settle into his new existence.
Yet he still desires the throne and glory. The people he loves are in conflict over the future, his wealth is slowly but surely taken from him, he begins to doubt his destiny. Yet when he hears that his old friend Cnut, now King of the Danes, plans to invade England, Edgar once more takes up the sword. The invasion fails but Edgar will not be daunted.
He makes a momentous decision which will change his life and those of his friends forever.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2015
72 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 27, 2016
The final book in Martin Lake's series The Lost King continues the story of Edgar Aetheling, the uncrowned King of England and his struggles to survive the machinations of William and his Norman conquest of England. While I enjoyed the first three books, this one I enjoyed the most. The author has superbly crafted a tale that grabs the reader's attention and doesn't let go. The characters come to life and in so doing, immerse the reader in the 11th century and the daily struggle to survive the whims and paranoia of England's new masters. This is especially true in regards to Edgar who throughout the tale is beset with doubt, frustration, and emotional turmoil as he tries to choose the correct path to pursue his destiny. Learning to tread the tightrope walk set before him by William and his nobles without falling, Edgar's tale is an extreme balancing act that not only threatens his life but also of his friends and loved ones. Martin Lake has produced a series that provides a glimpse of the good and of the evils of human nature; the greed, the betrayals, the lust and the love that marked not only that period but of all human history. 5 stars
February 5, 2025
Book four in “The Last King” series gives us an Edgar Atheling who is frustrated, guilt-ridden, discouraged, but not entirely beaten by William the Conqueror. Why is he guilt-ridden? He takes every man who was killed defending his right to the crown very personally;
‘What have I done? Caused misery and death, strained the patience and loyalty of my friends to breaking point, promised Malcolm and Philippe of France that I would do great deeds and win back the throne. And every time I’ve failed; every time I have fallen short.’
She reached out and squeezed my hand.
‘All those people dead, Anna.’ I glanced up to the skies. ‘Do you know, I’ve lost count. Lost count not only of the dead but of all the battles, all the skirmishes, all the dispossessed and wounded, all the burnt and ravaged villages.’
When is enough, enough? Edgar’s love interest, the faithful and patient Anna, is one reason he has decided to call it quits. She deserves a real life, and reminds him that he has done all he could to uphold the Saxon claim to the throne. Resigned, he takes the land offered by William, even though the pitiful parcels come with a set of Norman guards. And even then, King William just can’t let him go, for Edgar is a constant reminder that rebellion is only a heartbeat away. William feels the need to test Edgar’s loyalty again and again, almost hoping the Atheling will fall into a trap that would justify his execution—and on occasion Edgar is sorely tempted. It seems like he’s always on the verge of destruction, and yet, he never gives up that thread of hope. Very good reading.
‘What have I done? Caused misery and death, strained the patience and loyalty of my friends to breaking point, promised Malcolm and Philippe of France that I would do great deeds and win back the throne. And every time I’ve failed; every time I have fallen short.’
She reached out and squeezed my hand.
‘All those people dead, Anna.’ I glanced up to the skies. ‘Do you know, I’ve lost count. Lost count not only of the dead but of all the battles, all the skirmishes, all the dispossessed and wounded, all the burnt and ravaged villages.’
When is enough, enough? Edgar’s love interest, the faithful and patient Anna, is one reason he has decided to call it quits. She deserves a real life, and reminds him that he has done all he could to uphold the Saxon claim to the throne. Resigned, he takes the land offered by William, even though the pitiful parcels come with a set of Norman guards. And even then, King William just can’t let him go, for Edgar is a constant reminder that rebellion is only a heartbeat away. William feels the need to test Edgar’s loyalty again and again, almost hoping the Atheling will fall into a trap that would justify his execution—and on occasion Edgar is sorely tempted. It seems like he’s always on the verge of destruction, and yet, he never gives up that thread of hope. Very good reading.
July 8, 2017
It all ends there. Every decision Edgar has made has lead to this point. How will it go down and who, if any will be left standing. This is that last in a series of four books that tell the story from the beginning up until now. you will not be disappointed. In this series there in no let up, no time to rest.
May 17, 2020
I enjoy the true history characters, the in-depth action related to real events in our history. Only complaint was the worrying and complaining of the aetheling. If he was so concerned with everything he did, he should have taken the offerings of William and saved thousands of lives and misery
August 5, 2018
Another great one
I waited on this sequel to the story for what seemed a very long time! Didn’t disappoint! Highly recommended to any fan of very accurate historical fiction.
I waited on this sequel to the story for what seemed a very long time! Didn’t disappoint! Highly recommended to any fan of very accurate historical fiction.
sff-ok-r
January 3, 2026Rokp (0.99)
February 23, 2016
Edgar finally decides to submit to William the usurper after years of fighting. He is sickened by how many English lives have suffered and died for his cause. William gives him lands that were once owned by Edgar's friends, keeps him under Norman guard, and he's is at William's beck and call. But Edgar's got a few tricks up his sleeve and he and his friends are nothing if not resourceful. I really thought these books deserved 3.5 stars but not quite 4.
September 7, 2016
Finally finished the saga of Edgar the Aethling! I have liked everything I've read by Martin Lake, and this is no exception. In addition, Edgar is a historical character that is not much written about, so I enjoyed learning about him, and in this book, the last of the series, learning what ultimately happened to him.
If you like historical fiction read the series; while this book could stand alone, I think that having the whole story is better.
If you like historical fiction read the series; while this book could stand alone, I think that having the whole story is better.
June 7, 2016
The 4th book in a series about the life of Edgar Aetheling following the death of King Harold. A unique perspective. I was surprised by the ending and loved it! If you are a fan of historical fiction with emphasis on the history, read the whole series.
April 25, 2017
Once again a superb telling of the story and depiction of the period. I really felt for Edgar in all his trials and tribulations, the characters are so real. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews