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The Last Great Saxon Earls #3
Fatal Rivalry
In 1066, the rivalry between two brothers brought England to its knees. When Duke William of Normandy landed at Pevensey on September 28, 1066, no one was there to resist him. King Harold Godwineson was in the north, fighting his brother Tostig and a fierce Viking invasion. How could this have happened? Why would Tostig turn traitor to wreak revenge on his brother?
The Sons of Godwine were not always enemies. It took a massive Northumbrian uprising to tear them apart, making Tostig an exile and Harold his sworn enemy. And when 1066 came to an end, all the Godwinesons were dead except one: Wulfnoth, hostage in Normandy who took on the task to preserve the history of his famous siblings.
The Sons of Godwine were not always enemies. It took a massive Northumbrian uprising to tear them apart, making Tostig an exile and Harold his sworn enemy. And when 1066 came to an end, all the Godwinesons were dead except one: Wulfnoth, hostage in Normandy who took on the task to preserve the history of his famous siblings.
274 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2017
41 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Rochelle
17 books149 followersBorn and raised in St. Louis MO, Mercedes Rochelle graduated with a degree in English literature from University of Missouri. Mercedes learned about living history as a re-enactor and has been enamored with historical fiction ever since. A move to New York to do research and two careers ensued, but writing fiction remains her primary vocation. She lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 9, 2018
I love all things historical and this retelling of the events around the Norman Invasion is a great example of historical fiction done right. The research was obviously extensive and detailed. The main challenge is to make historical characters come to live, and in this case, the author did exactly that. Her characters are fully fledged people, with virtues and flaws.
While I hadn’t read the first books yet, the helpful list of characters at the beginning helped me keep track of the people, and I didn’t feel lost. It may have helped that I’m familiar with the people and politics of the era.
I especially enjoyed the character of Tostig and the re-telling of his story from a sympathetic perspective. Sibling rivalry is a force most people have seen and can understand, even if only at a visceral level. I see some similarities between his story and that of another famous villain with questionable press, Richard III.
The novel asks important questions about life choices that everyone must make for themselves. While ‘churchman versus warrior’ aren’t as applicable to modern life, certainly ‘creator versus destroyer’ has modern meaning.
While I hadn’t read the first books yet, the helpful list of characters at the beginning helped me keep track of the people, and I didn’t feel lost. It may have helped that I’m familiar with the people and politics of the era.
I especially enjoyed the character of Tostig and the re-telling of his story from a sympathetic perspective. Sibling rivalry is a force most people have seen and can understand, even if only at a visceral level. I see some similarities between his story and that of another famous villain with questionable press, Richard III.
The novel asks important questions about life choices that everyone must make for themselves. While ‘churchman versus warrior’ aren’t as applicable to modern life, certainly ‘creator versus destroyer’ has modern meaning.
February 18, 2018
Mercedes Rochelle in FATAL RIVALRY, her fourth book, continues to hone her skills as a writer as she displays elements of a discerning historian and novelist.
FATAL RIVALRY is the third and final volume in the The Last Great Saxon Earls trilogy. The first book in the series, GODWINE KINGMAKER, follows Godwine from when he was a child to become one of the most powerful men in England. The second book, SONS OF GODWINE, follows the family, with an emphasis on Godwine’s sons Harold and Tostig, past Godwine’s death toward the fatal battle at Hastings. This final volume continues the story to its fateful conclusion in 1066 when William of Normandy defeats Harold, who had become king, and places himself on the throne.
Rochelle displays her prodigious skills at historical research in each of the volumes to present a tapestry, perhaps inspired by the famous Bayeux Tapestry itself, of the history of the period. An academic scholar might question a point or two (because historians are still not in agreement about those long ago times), but the reader can be assured that even speculations are based on known facts.
Rochelle explains in her author’s note:
“Aside from the basic facts passed on by later chroniclers, we don't know any details, so I connected the dots as best as I could. Of course, this required a lot of extrapolation on my part, but the events are pulled from history books (though not all chroniclers told the same story).”
This in itself is quite a feat.
Rochelle, of course, is a novelist, not just an historian, and distills the stuff of legends into a powerful story of sibling rivalry. We started to see the conflict between Harold and his brother, Tostig,in SONS OF GODWINE. In this final volume, the conflict grows to tragic proportions.
As fate moves Tostig further and further from the seat of power, his envy of the brother who has always overshadowed him grows into what seems like madness. His schemes to claw his way back into power fail and in history he assumes the role of Anglo-Saxon traitor while his brother that of hero.
As Rochelle explains in her author’s note:
“To many, the name Tostig and Traitor are synonymous, without really delving into the details of events. I would suggest that it was rather the sibling rivalry between Tostig and Harold that set up the circumstances leading to Stamford Bridge—and of course, put Harold in the wrong place at the wrong time when William landed at Pevensey. It was Harold's break with Tostig that led directly to the Norman Conquest.”
What is the truth? As with so much of history, we may never know. Rochelle’s version, however, is plausible and resonates with human truth.
Rochelle also continues the ambitious literary approach started in SONS OF GODWINE of telling the story in alternating first person accounts of the family that were smuggled to and secretly compiled by Wulfnoth, the sole surviving son of Godwine. This could have been a cliché, but Rochelle turns into a commentary about how history is written – and distorted – by those who are the winners.
Wulnoth observes, as the story nears its end: “I was amazed how quickly the name of Godwineson became irrelevant; by the next generation, our importance had waned to almost nothing. I see all the more reason to finish my manuscript…”
Then, as the story concludes, perhaps toward the end of his own life, Wulfnoth conjectures how his life could have turned out differently if he had become a warrior, like his brothers, and also died in the final battle against William and the Normans.
In that were the case, he muses, “who would have finished the manuscript…and given it the devotion that only a Godwineson would undertake? I see now that there was a purpose to my life after all, and perhaps future generations will come to see the greatness and promise of my doomed brothers. And maybe, just maybe, my name will rank in honor beside theirs.”
FATAL RIVALRY is the third and final volume in the The Last Great Saxon Earls trilogy. The first book in the series, GODWINE KINGMAKER, follows Godwine from when he was a child to become one of the most powerful men in England. The second book, SONS OF GODWINE, follows the family, with an emphasis on Godwine’s sons Harold and Tostig, past Godwine’s death toward the fatal battle at Hastings. This final volume continues the story to its fateful conclusion in 1066 when William of Normandy defeats Harold, who had become king, and places himself on the throne.
Rochelle displays her prodigious skills at historical research in each of the volumes to present a tapestry, perhaps inspired by the famous Bayeux Tapestry itself, of the history of the period. An academic scholar might question a point or two (because historians are still not in agreement about those long ago times), but the reader can be assured that even speculations are based on known facts.
Rochelle explains in her author’s note:
“Aside from the basic facts passed on by later chroniclers, we don't know any details, so I connected the dots as best as I could. Of course, this required a lot of extrapolation on my part, but the events are pulled from history books (though not all chroniclers told the same story).”
This in itself is quite a feat.
Rochelle, of course, is a novelist, not just an historian, and distills the stuff of legends into a powerful story of sibling rivalry. We started to see the conflict between Harold and his brother, Tostig,in SONS OF GODWINE. In this final volume, the conflict grows to tragic proportions.
As fate moves Tostig further and further from the seat of power, his envy of the brother who has always overshadowed him grows into what seems like madness. His schemes to claw his way back into power fail and in history he assumes the role of Anglo-Saxon traitor while his brother that of hero.
As Rochelle explains in her author’s note:
“To many, the name Tostig and Traitor are synonymous, without really delving into the details of events. I would suggest that it was rather the sibling rivalry between Tostig and Harold that set up the circumstances leading to Stamford Bridge—and of course, put Harold in the wrong place at the wrong time when William landed at Pevensey. It was Harold's break with Tostig that led directly to the Norman Conquest.”
What is the truth? As with so much of history, we may never know. Rochelle’s version, however, is plausible and resonates with human truth.
Rochelle also continues the ambitious literary approach started in SONS OF GODWINE of telling the story in alternating first person accounts of the family that were smuggled to and secretly compiled by Wulfnoth, the sole surviving son of Godwine. This could have been a cliché, but Rochelle turns into a commentary about how history is written – and distorted – by those who are the winners.
Wulnoth observes, as the story nears its end: “I was amazed how quickly the name of Godwineson became irrelevant; by the next generation, our importance had waned to almost nothing. I see all the more reason to finish my manuscript…”
Then, as the story concludes, perhaps toward the end of his own life, Wulfnoth conjectures how his life could have turned out differently if he had become a warrior, like his brothers, and also died in the final battle against William and the Normans.
In that were the case, he muses, “who would have finished the manuscript…and given it the devotion that only a Godwineson would undertake? I see now that there was a purpose to my life after all, and perhaps future generations will come to see the greatness and promise of my doomed brothers. And maybe, just maybe, my name will rank in honor beside theirs.”
May 25, 2018
Totally gripping and faithful to the material.... Having an intense interest in all things Dark Age England (maybe it's an ancestors from the Mayflower thing), I couldn't ask for more thorough geography of--or better psychology into--this under-popularized time period.
Nothing being perfect, I just felt the sentence style choices were a bit in the truncated Hemingway vein, though thankfully not to the pseudo-poetry level of the New Journalism sentence fragmenting. You know the type: "Two brothers. A land torn. A destiny to fulfill." Cue the violins and trumpets, lol. I just felt a need for a tiny bit more sentence variety. As a common example, this paragraph repeats the one sentence type a bit much: "Once we had formulated a scheme, I invited Cospatric to join us. When he finally came to visit, I could see from his face that he anticipated something dangerous. He looked partially excited, mostly uneasy. He sat down at a table facing us and I reached across, drawing him forward." And I was almost 10% in before I noted a welcome compound sentence to break things up a bit: "I sent outriders to watch the roads, for I needed time to perfect my plan."
Most readers likely won't notice such stylistic minutiae though, and I heartily recommend this historical adventure and lesson in the inherent corruption that lies in great political power.
Nothing being perfect, I just felt the sentence style choices were a bit in the truncated Hemingway vein, though thankfully not to the pseudo-poetry level of the New Journalism sentence fragmenting. You know the type: "Two brothers. A land torn. A destiny to fulfill." Cue the violins and trumpets, lol. I just felt a need for a tiny bit more sentence variety. As a common example, this paragraph repeats the one sentence type a bit much: "Once we had formulated a scheme, I invited Cospatric to join us. When he finally came to visit, I could see from his face that he anticipated something dangerous. He looked partially excited, mostly uneasy. He sat down at a table facing us and I reached across, drawing him forward." And I was almost 10% in before I noted a welcome compound sentence to break things up a bit: "I sent outriders to watch the roads, for I needed time to perfect my plan."
Most readers likely won't notice such stylistic minutiae though, and I heartily recommend this historical adventure and lesson in the inherent corruption that lies in great political power.
March 4, 2017
This is the final novel in Mercedes Rochelle’s Last Great Saxon Earls trilogy, completing the story begun in Godwine Kingmaker and The Sons of Godwine and describing the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
As the novel opens in 1064, Edward the Confessor is still on the throne of England, but the question of his successor is on everybody’s minds. Harold, Earl of Wessex and brother of Edward's wife Editha, has recently returned from Normandy, where he was made to swear an oath to support the claim of Duke William – not an oath Harold will keep, because he believes there is a better candidate for the throne: himself. History tells us that Harold will become king in 1066, only to be defeated by William at Hastings just a few months later. Fatal Rivalry explores one theory as to why things went so disastrously wrong.
In The Sons of Godwine, we saw how Harold and his younger brother Tostig had been rivals since they were children; in this book the rivalry intensifies. Believing that his brother has betrayed him, Tostig searches for new alliances overseas, finally joining forces with the Norwegian king, Harald Hardrada, and setting in motion a chain of events which contribute to Harold’s downfall.
Fatal Rivalry is an interesting read and probably my favourite of the three books in this trilogy. Like the previous novel, this one is presented as the memoirs of the Godwineson brothers, with each one given a chance to narrate his own parts of the story. We hear from Leofwine, Gyrth and Wulfnoth, but understandably, it’s Harold and Tostig who get most of the attention. I’ve never read about Tostig in this much depth before and I did have some sympathy for him. Because the novel covers a relatively short period of time, it allows the author to go into a lot of detail in exploring the relationship between Harold and Tostig, the motivation behind their actions and how their rivalry could have been the reason why Harold was fighting a battle in the north of the country when William invaded from the south.
I think the Norman Conquest is fascinating to read about and, like many periods of history, there is so much left open to interpretation and debate. I will continue to look for more fiction set in this period and will also be interested to see what Mercedes Rochelle writes about next.
As the novel opens in 1064, Edward the Confessor is still on the throne of England, but the question of his successor is on everybody’s minds. Harold, Earl of Wessex and brother of Edward's wife Editha, has recently returned from Normandy, where he was made to swear an oath to support the claim of Duke William – not an oath Harold will keep, because he believes there is a better candidate for the throne: himself. History tells us that Harold will become king in 1066, only to be defeated by William at Hastings just a few months later. Fatal Rivalry explores one theory as to why things went so disastrously wrong.
In The Sons of Godwine, we saw how Harold and his younger brother Tostig had been rivals since they were children; in this book the rivalry intensifies. Believing that his brother has betrayed him, Tostig searches for new alliances overseas, finally joining forces with the Norwegian king, Harald Hardrada, and setting in motion a chain of events which contribute to Harold’s downfall.
Fatal Rivalry is an interesting read and probably my favourite of the three books in this trilogy. Like the previous novel, this one is presented as the memoirs of the Godwineson brothers, with each one given a chance to narrate his own parts of the story. We hear from Leofwine, Gyrth and Wulfnoth, but understandably, it’s Harold and Tostig who get most of the attention. I’ve never read about Tostig in this much depth before and I did have some sympathy for him. Because the novel covers a relatively short period of time, it allows the author to go into a lot of detail in exploring the relationship between Harold and Tostig, the motivation behind their actions and how their rivalry could have been the reason why Harold was fighting a battle in the north of the country when William invaded from the south.
I think the Norman Conquest is fascinating to read about and, like many periods of history, there is so much left open to interpretation and debate. I will continue to look for more fiction set in this period and will also be interested to see what Mercedes Rochelle writes about next.
June 30, 2018
Mercedes Rochelle uses the various Godwinesons as POW characters to bring you back to the conquering of England in 1066, and it works well to bring you into the heart of the story.
1065 and 1066 were fatal years in English history, and all though I had a general knowledge of the Battle of Stamford Bridge and the Battle of Hastings, this felt like being there in the time leading up to those battles. And I learned how the main characters might have planned, lived, loved and ultimately failed so miserably.
I feel that the author has managed to stay true to the actual history, and even though it impossible to know now what the characters thought the story seems plausible and the kings, queens, dukes and earls came to life. It was a great way to improve my history knowledge, and a great story to read.
1065 and 1066 were fatal years in English history, and all though I had a general knowledge of the Battle of Stamford Bridge and the Battle of Hastings, this felt like being there in the time leading up to those battles. And I learned how the main characters might have planned, lived, loved and ultimately failed so miserably.
I feel that the author has managed to stay true to the actual history, and even though it impossible to know now what the characters thought the story seems plausible and the kings, queens, dukes and earls came to life. It was a great way to improve my history knowledge, and a great story to read.
January 8, 2021
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*
As I stated on the first historical fiction book I read by Mercedes Rochelle, I found this a wonderful way to explain history.
Told in first person by different POVs, it allows you to see the whole picture and judge history objectively. Using an easy to read writing style, it also shows Mercedes really understands history and its motives.
I cannot but recommend this series to anyone interested in the 100 Years War and English History.
Kevin E. Green did a perfect job as a narrator, clearly differenciating between historical characters.
As I stated on the first historical fiction book I read by Mercedes Rochelle, I found this a wonderful way to explain history.
Told in first person by different POVs, it allows you to see the whole picture and judge history objectively. Using an easy to read writing style, it also shows Mercedes really understands history and its motives.
I cannot but recommend this series to anyone interested in the 100 Years War and English History.
Kevin E. Green did a perfect job as a narrator, clearly differenciating between historical characters.
January 2, 2018
This is the last in a three-part series about the sons of Earl Godwine. It takes place in the time period when William the Conqueror was preparing to invade England. Told in the first person, it alternates among Harold, Tostig, and their brothers as well as sister, Editha.
It is a very detailed book with a lot of description, sometimes too much. I found it slowed the story-telling down for me. It's a historic time period I like, and the author is very knowledgeable. I'd give the book 3 1/2 stars.
It is a very detailed book with a lot of description, sometimes too much. I found it slowed the story-telling down for me. It's a historic time period I like, and the author is very knowledgeable. I'd give the book 3 1/2 stars.
August 31, 2020
~BOOK:~
My only complaint about the second and third books in “The Last Great Saxon Earls” series, is that they both spent a lot of time going over events already discussed in the previous book(s). I get that it was to show a different character’s POV, but I personally felt like it was a bit too much time spent going over the same events. I started to zone out waiting for the book to get to where the last one left off.
Other than that, I thought I was well researched and historically accurate, which I appreciate & value in historical fiction.
——————————————————
~AUDIOBOOK:~
The narrator was AWESOME.
I don’t know how he was able to keep track of MULTIPLE male main characters, using different voices for each one, in addition to numerous side characters with different accents, but he did it!
He was able to make each character sound different so you could distinguish between each one. Since each chapter was told from the POV of one of the main characters, and switched up randomly throughout, I think listeners would have been confused by most other narrators.
Excellent job!
My only complaint about the second and third books in “The Last Great Saxon Earls” series, is that they both spent a lot of time going over events already discussed in the previous book(s). I get that it was to show a different character’s POV, but I personally felt like it was a bit too much time spent going over the same events. I started to zone out waiting for the book to get to where the last one left off.
Other than that, I thought I was well researched and historically accurate, which I appreciate & value in historical fiction.
——————————————————
~AUDIOBOOK:~
The narrator was AWESOME.
I don’t know how he was able to keep track of MULTIPLE male main characters, using different voices for each one, in addition to numerous side characters with different accents, but he did it!
He was able to make each character sound different so you could distinguish between each one. Since each chapter was told from the POV of one of the main characters, and switched up randomly throughout, I think listeners would have been confused by most other narrators.
Excellent job!
August 18, 2020
The sons of Godwine was quite a tale, but Fatal Rivalry is remarkable! I had no idea how a sibling rivalry on the grandest scale could have long lasting implications and change the course of history! I felt really sorry for both, Tostig Godwinson and King Harold Godwinson. Not to mention, their dear wives and families. What a tragedy! The narrator Kevin E. Green is exceptional. I felt like part of the story right along the characters. All the accents, male or female, were spectacular.
October 8, 2023
This is the third book in this series. I read the other two and this one follows the strategy from the second, with the individuals retelling stories from their perspective under the guise of creating an archive of events.
It is informative and the author is trying to resolve how and why Tostig behaves in the way he has.
It lacks a little nuance that you might find with more adept writers, but it is still a reasonable offering. More 3.5 than 4.0 for me, but it serves its purpose.
It is informative and the author is trying to resolve how and why Tostig behaves in the way he has.
It lacks a little nuance that you might find with more adept writers, but it is still a reasonable offering. More 3.5 than 4.0 for me, but it serves its purpose.
January 25, 2018
This was a good tale but the structure of the novel made it difficult for me to read. It did not flow the way it should have because it was told by several different members of the Godwine family. The only place this really worked for me was at the end when Wulfnoth tidied up the end of the story.
September 4, 2017
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"One moment you understand Tostig and his motives, the next you sympathise with Harold, and this makes for an interesting conflict – such is the skill of this well-crafted narrative."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"One moment you understand Tostig and his motives, the next you sympathise with Harold, and this makes for an interesting conflict – such is the skill of this well-crafted narrative."
February 3, 2018
A long look at the many battles for power in the uk. I loved it.
July 26, 2018
We are proud to announce that FATAL RIVALRY by Mercedes Rochelle is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2023
Very well researched and engaging. Really brings these characters to life. The only complaint I had was the jumping forward and back in the plot between storytellers.
February 11, 2017
Fatal Rivalry Book 3 of the Last Great Saxon Earls by Mercedes Rochelle details the lives of the sons of Godwine during the tumultuous years of pre-Conquest England to the aftermath of the Norman invasion.
The story is told in first person narrative each son of Godwine- Harold, Tostig, Gyrth, Leofwin, Wulnoth, and Godwine's daughter Editha tell their version of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the disastrous ruination of the House of Godwine. Compelling battle scenes interspersed with emotional dialogue transports the reader to the 11th century expertly. The well crafted descriptions of the life and times of these remarkable events and people was brilliantly done. I really felt immersed into the lives of the characters. The author has the ability to make one feel what the character feels and gives understanding to the motives behind actions taken.
I greatly enjoyed this book and series. Fantastic historical fiction produced by Mercedes Rochelle which guarantees I will be reading any future books she writes.
The story is told in first person narrative each son of Godwine- Harold, Tostig, Gyrth, Leofwin, Wulnoth, and Godwine's daughter Editha tell their version of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings and the disastrous ruination of the House of Godwine. Compelling battle scenes interspersed with emotional dialogue transports the reader to the 11th century expertly. The well crafted descriptions of the life and times of these remarkable events and people was brilliantly done. I really felt immersed into the lives of the characters. The author has the ability to make one feel what the character feels and gives understanding to the motives behind actions taken.
I greatly enjoyed this book and series. Fantastic historical fiction produced by Mercedes Rochelle which guarantees I will be reading any future books she writes.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews