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Tales of the Iclingas #1
Cometh the Hour
In seventh-century England, a vicious attack sets in motion a war of attrition which will last for generations. Four kings, connected by blood and marriage, vie for the mantle of overlord. Three affect to rule with divine assistance. The fourth, whose cousin and sister have been mistreated and whose friend has been slaughtered, watches, and waits. He is a pagan, he is a Mercian, and his name is Penda. By his side is a woman determined to escape her brutal past. She aids his struggle against his treacherous brother and their alliance founds a dynasty with the potential to end injustice and suppression, if only they can continue to stand together… A story that spans generations, and travels from Sutton Hoo to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and back to the buried treasure of Staffordshire, this is the first of a two-volume series of the tales of the Iclingas, the family who ruled Mercia, fighting to avenge their kin and to keep their people free.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2017
53 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 30, 2024
This eventful book is my 3rd encounter with this very fine lady author, and it's been another wonderful learning experience for me.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a map of 7th Century Britain, and besides that a Royal Houses Family Tree, as well as a Royal Houses Dramatis Personae with figures who will play a huge part in this tale.
At the end of the book you'll find a superbly defined Author's Notes, and not to forget a list of Real Historical names.
Just like in her other books the historical details are very well researched and explained by the author, and these are also superbly implemented within this great story.
Storytelling is of an exquisite quality, for the author brings Britain of the 7th Century very much alive with her real lifelike characters who are featuring in this beautiful historical tale, which after a short begin which is set during the years AD 604-605, really sets off in two parts as from AD 608 until AD 655.
The first part is mainly about Edwin of Deira, who after the murder of his brother by King Aylfrith "the Cunning" of Bernicia, and after spending some time in exile, first in Mercia and afterwards in East Anglia, is set on revenge for his brothers' death by completing his mission in finally becoming King of Northumbria, and the other very important figure who will come to the forefront is the boy who will become a very formidable man of Mercia, his name Penda.
What will follow in part two is the rise of Penda by becoming King of Mercia and his revenge on King Edwin after his betrayal of his first wife Carinna of Mercia, who was Penda's aunt and who was like a mother to him, and King Penda's righteous rule of Mercia until the very end, when he loses his life in his battle against King Oswi of Northumbria in AD 655, but at the same time setting in motion a legacy for his sons to follow.
Very much recommended, for this is great historical fiction from a very fine author, and that's why I call this book: "A Wonderful British/Anglo/Saxon Reading Experience"!
At the beginning of the book you'll notice a map of 7th Century Britain, and besides that a Royal Houses Family Tree, as well as a Royal Houses Dramatis Personae with figures who will play a huge part in this tale.
At the end of the book you'll find a superbly defined Author's Notes, and not to forget a list of Real Historical names.
Just like in her other books the historical details are very well researched and explained by the author, and these are also superbly implemented within this great story.
Storytelling is of an exquisite quality, for the author brings Britain of the 7th Century very much alive with her real lifelike characters who are featuring in this beautiful historical tale, which after a short begin which is set during the years AD 604-605, really sets off in two parts as from AD 608 until AD 655.
The first part is mainly about Edwin of Deira, who after the murder of his brother by King Aylfrith "the Cunning" of Bernicia, and after spending some time in exile, first in Mercia and afterwards in East Anglia, is set on revenge for his brothers' death by completing his mission in finally becoming King of Northumbria, and the other very important figure who will come to the forefront is the boy who will become a very formidable man of Mercia, his name Penda.
What will follow in part two is the rise of Penda by becoming King of Mercia and his revenge on King Edwin after his betrayal of his first wife Carinna of Mercia, who was Penda's aunt and who was like a mother to him, and King Penda's righteous rule of Mercia until the very end, when he loses his life in his battle against King Oswi of Northumbria in AD 655, but at the same time setting in motion a legacy for his sons to follow.
Very much recommended, for this is great historical fiction from a very fine author, and that's why I call this book: "A Wonderful British/Anglo/Saxon Reading Experience"!
September 20, 2017
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
'The pace fairly zips along and it is full of strong and thoroughly believable characters. Very, very highly recommended.'
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
'The pace fairly zips along and it is full of strong and thoroughly believable characters. Very, very highly recommended.'
September 8, 2017
Cometh the Hour is historical fiction at its best. Richly detailed, it transports the reader back into 7th century Britain with all the sights, sounds and customs of the day.
This is the story of Penda of Mercia and the growth in dominance of Mercia over its warring neighbours, Northumbria, the West Saxons and the Welsh. Told through a multi-strand narrative, we get an excellent viewpoint of the different characters as a saga, with families interconnected through marriage and war. But even with the large cast, the author does an excellent job in fleshing out each character so that it wasn’t hard to keep track of who was who. I loved the central characters, Penda and his wife Derwena. Penda was intelligent, pragmatic and an excellent leader. Derwena was the perfect life-mate for him, and I loved how both supported the other to reach their goal of building a formidable kingdom.
This story has something for everyone – exquisitely researched, familial relationships, kingdom building, loss and treachery. Highly recommended.
This is the story of Penda of Mercia and the growth in dominance of Mercia over its warring neighbours, Northumbria, the West Saxons and the Welsh. Told through a multi-strand narrative, we get an excellent viewpoint of the different characters as a saga, with families interconnected through marriage and war. But even with the large cast, the author does an excellent job in fleshing out each character so that it wasn’t hard to keep track of who was who. I loved the central characters, Penda and his wife Derwena. Penda was intelligent, pragmatic and an excellent leader. Derwena was the perfect life-mate for him, and I loved how both supported the other to reach their goal of building a formidable kingdom.
This story has something for everyone – exquisitely researched, familial relationships, kingdom building, loss and treachery. Highly recommended.
October 14, 2021
This is a beautifully written book that captures history like a magical camera that can see beneath the surface, offering images rich in detail that exceed expectations.
When I started reading this book, I chastised myself for not knowing more about this period of history, but that was also the reason I chose to read this. The map of 7th Century Britain, which precedes the novel, is of great help in preparing the reader to grasp the various regions and their distinct and colorful characters. Still, I had to read slowly as there are quite a few characters, but they are so well-developed that they were memorable, such as Young Oswii who wasn’t too long into this world when he learned the purpose of his genitalia. While this is not something I’d normally mention in a review, I do so because it perfectly illustrates the uniqueness of Ms. Whitehead’s characters as she brought them to life … and it made me laugh. I loved Penda, the king of Mercia, and how he came to be a husband to Derwena … one of my favorites as I appreciate strong women.
Ms. Whitehead has an impressive knowledge of history and an equally impressive talent for writing compelling dialogue to resurrect these historical characters. In every scene, I felt as if I were watching a film.
The author’s notes at the end state that there is documentary evidence for almost all of the events in this book. She goes on to offer her sources. I could not help but be impressed by the knowledge, hard work, research, and so much more that went into the writing of this book, even detailing how particular scenes came to be and why she made the choices she did. Truly fascinating.
If you’re a fan of history who enjoys seeing the past come alive on the pages, this exceptional book is highly recommended.
When I started reading this book, I chastised myself for not knowing more about this period of history, but that was also the reason I chose to read this. The map of 7th Century Britain, which precedes the novel, is of great help in preparing the reader to grasp the various regions and their distinct and colorful characters. Still, I had to read slowly as there are quite a few characters, but they are so well-developed that they were memorable, such as Young Oswii who wasn’t too long into this world when he learned the purpose of his genitalia. While this is not something I’d normally mention in a review, I do so because it perfectly illustrates the uniqueness of Ms. Whitehead’s characters as she brought them to life … and it made me laugh. I loved Penda, the king of Mercia, and how he came to be a husband to Derwena … one of my favorites as I appreciate strong women.
Ms. Whitehead has an impressive knowledge of history and an equally impressive talent for writing compelling dialogue to resurrect these historical characters. In every scene, I felt as if I were watching a film.
The author’s notes at the end state that there is documentary evidence for almost all of the events in this book. She goes on to offer her sources. I could not help but be impressed by the knowledge, hard work, research, and so much more that went into the writing of this book, even detailing how particular scenes came to be and why she made the choices she did. Truly fascinating.
If you’re a fan of history who enjoys seeing the past come alive on the pages, this exceptional book is highly recommended.
January 11, 2018
This novel starts as it means to go on, with a daring raid and vivid descriptions of killing and mutilation. For the next forty years various men either seek vengeance for that night or try to hang on to what they consider became theirs as a result of it.
The story involves every seventh-century kingdom in England, as well as some in Wales and Ireland, as alliances are forged and broken. Absolute trust and base betrayal walk hand in hand. Sometimes the reader is surprised by the betrayal, sometimes not.
There were more battles than I could count, each one described in such detail that I expected to look up from the page to find dead bodies around me.
Those at greatest risk in the intriguing for kingdoms and territory are the older brothers who become kings. They often perish when their younger brothers grow tired of them, or when they choose the wrong ally and end up fighting against their younger brothers.
I found the female characters more interesting than the men, whose lives were focused on killing or bedding women. The women, on the other hand, had a bit more depth and variety. Not knowing much about the times, I expected them to be very much in the background. Happily, I was mistaken.
Many writers of historical fiction display their research indiscriminately, but Whitehead is still building her world on the final page. Every fact is there for a purpose and not to display the depth of her understanding the Anglo-Saxon world.
The story involves every seventh-century kingdom in England, as well as some in Wales and Ireland, as alliances are forged and broken. Absolute trust and base betrayal walk hand in hand. Sometimes the reader is surprised by the betrayal, sometimes not.
There were more battles than I could count, each one described in such detail that I expected to look up from the page to find dead bodies around me.
Those at greatest risk in the intriguing for kingdoms and territory are the older brothers who become kings. They often perish when their younger brothers grow tired of them, or when they choose the wrong ally and end up fighting against their younger brothers.
I found the female characters more interesting than the men, whose lives were focused on killing or bedding women. The women, on the other hand, had a bit more depth and variety. Not knowing much about the times, I expected them to be very much in the background. Happily, I was mistaken.
Many writers of historical fiction display their research indiscriminately, but Whitehead is still building her world on the final page. Every fact is there for a purpose and not to display the depth of her understanding the Anglo-Saxon world.
November 16, 2019
A very enjoyable read, for which I needed all author notes and family names to follow well. These 7th century kings and kingdoms seemed to have skirmishes so often, for a variety of reasons.
I am glad I learned some of the kingdoms, or petty kingdoms, that became Britain. I do know about Aethelred, his predecessors, and Emma and Cnut. I now know a lot about Penda and Oswald and odds and ends of other kings. His sons and grandsons,came after him and it was the Severn Valley?
I really enjoyed the love story of Penda and his wife although it did not end well as they had hoped, they did establish a dynasty of sorts.
I am glad I learned some of the kingdoms, or petty kingdoms, that became Britain. I do know about Aethelred, his predecessors, and Emma and Cnut. I now know a lot about Penda and Oswald and odds and ends of other kings. His sons and grandsons,came after him and it was the Severn Valley?
I really enjoyed the love story of Penda and his wife although it did not end well as they had hoped, they did establish a dynasty of sorts.
July 13, 2018
A fabulous book! The author clearly knows her history as this book is well researched and as such is descriptive and evocative of the time it portrays.
From the very first page I was drawn into the story and the writing is a pleasure to read. And as such I made sure I didn't rush the reading.
A great book and out of the three Ms Whitehead has written I would say that this is my favourite. I can highly recommend.
From the very first page I was drawn into the story and the writing is a pleasure to read. And as such I made sure I didn't rush the reading.
A great book and out of the three Ms Whitehead has written I would say that this is my favourite. I can highly recommend.
March 24, 2019
Breathtakingly wonderful
Ms Whitehead’s writings transport you to whatever era and time her story takes place in. Amazing story, wonderful history and brilliant research. I’ve read all her books and will be looking forward to reading whatever she’s writing next.
Ms Whitehead’s writings transport you to whatever era and time her story takes place in. Amazing story, wonderful history and brilliant research. I’ve read all her books and will be looking forward to reading whatever she’s writing next.
August 31, 2020
I loved this book, a fictionalised version of the true saga of the Saxon rulers, from Edwin of Deira to Penda of Mercia, in which I was engrossed. Annie Whitehead has turned the history into a terrific story, as compelling as any Game of Thrones type fantasy. There is a large cast of characters, but she has provided a family tree diagram in the front if you forget, for a moment, exactly who everyone is. The characters themselves are so well defined that I didn't find their number confusing.
Until I read this I knew little about the period, other than the fact that what we now call Great Britain was divided into seven basic kingdoms, so I enjoyed finding out about the divisions of territory within these kingdoms, with the different tribes who had their own languages and traditions. The book covers the period when Christianity was first becoming more popular; I was surprised to find how gradual it was, and I could understand why it was treated with such suspicion, the pagan ways being far more relatable.
The way in which the people lived is so well-researched, intricately detailed, painting a vivid picture of the era, but at no time did I feel bogged down with irrelevant facts. What I loved most about the book, though, is the feeling it gave me; it made me want to be there. To experience the times for myself. That's the sign of a truly talented author of historical fiction, I think - one who can make you want to go back in time and live in it, because the scenes and people come alive. The journeys, the battles, the winter nights in the long halls; I yearned to be Derwena, wife of Penda!
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I am sure I will pick up another at some point in the not too distant future. Highly recommended to all histfic lovers, especially those with a particular interest in the 7th Century.
Until I read this I knew little about the period, other than the fact that what we now call Great Britain was divided into seven basic kingdoms, so I enjoyed finding out about the divisions of territory within these kingdoms, with the different tribes who had their own languages and traditions. The book covers the period when Christianity was first becoming more popular; I was surprised to find how gradual it was, and I could understand why it was treated with such suspicion, the pagan ways being far more relatable.
The way in which the people lived is so well-researched, intricately detailed, painting a vivid picture of the era, but at no time did I feel bogged down with irrelevant facts. What I loved most about the book, though, is the feeling it gave me; it made me want to be there. To experience the times for myself. That's the sign of a truly talented author of historical fiction, I think - one who can make you want to go back in time and live in it, because the scenes and people come alive. The journeys, the battles, the winter nights in the long halls; I yearned to be Derwena, wife of Penda!
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I am sure I will pick up another at some point in the not too distant future. Highly recommended to all histfic lovers, especially those with a particular interest in the 7th Century.
July 26, 2023
Just read a 3 book series about Penda from a different author. He is my new hero. Give me the Pagan that tries to make the lands a safer and richer place by ruling using justice over the Christian King's ruling by greed, force and fear.
August 17, 2018
With a careful hand and keen appreciation for the era’s material culture, Annie Whitehead, the inaugural winner of the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Short Story Competition, depicts five tumultuous decades in early medieval Britain. In her third novel, she puts a human face on the Game of Thrones-style drama involving the kingdoms of Deira, Bernicia, Mercia, and East Anglia.
The story spans from 604 AD – when the devious Aylfrith of Bernicia attacks neighboring Deira, abducting the king’s sister, Acha, and sending her other brother, Edwin, into exile – up through the Battle of the Winwaed in the year 655. Every personage once lived.
The family tree and dramatis personae prove critical, since there are many characters, viewpoints, and relationships to track. The action sometimes feels episodic, and some significant historical events aren’t shown firsthand, but subsequent scenes make it clear what happened.
The battle scenes, seen from close-up, are fierce and forceful. “War is for men, but it is the women who suffer,” states one newly-made widow, all too correctly, and Whitehead devotes significant attention to the women, including peace-weaver brides, mothers, abbesses, and loyal wives set aside after their husbands tire of them.
Among the most sympathetic portrayals are kind-hearted Carinna (Cwenburh), a princess of Mercia, and Derwena, whose love-match with Carinna’s cousin, Penda, helps hold their large family together. Then there’s Queen Bertana of East Anglia, whose scenes are brief but memorable. Her reaction to her husband Redwald’s religious conversion is a hoot!
Penda of Mercia, a pagan in an increasingly Christianized land, emerges as the strongest hero. Alliances frequently shift, with motivations changing over time, and the story demonstrates how overzealous ambition can warp one’s nature. As a result, not all characters retain readers’ sympathy throughout, and the transitions are skillfully done. A solid choice for fans of the period.
(from the Historical Novels Review, August 2018)
The story spans from 604 AD – when the devious Aylfrith of Bernicia attacks neighboring Deira, abducting the king’s sister, Acha, and sending her other brother, Edwin, into exile – up through the Battle of the Winwaed in the year 655. Every personage once lived.
The family tree and dramatis personae prove critical, since there are many characters, viewpoints, and relationships to track. The action sometimes feels episodic, and some significant historical events aren’t shown firsthand, but subsequent scenes make it clear what happened.
The battle scenes, seen from close-up, are fierce and forceful. “War is for men, but it is the women who suffer,” states one newly-made widow, all too correctly, and Whitehead devotes significant attention to the women, including peace-weaver brides, mothers, abbesses, and loyal wives set aside after their husbands tire of them.
Among the most sympathetic portrayals are kind-hearted Carinna (Cwenburh), a princess of Mercia, and Derwena, whose love-match with Carinna’s cousin, Penda, helps hold their large family together. Then there’s Queen Bertana of East Anglia, whose scenes are brief but memorable. Her reaction to her husband Redwald’s religious conversion is a hoot!
Penda of Mercia, a pagan in an increasingly Christianized land, emerges as the strongest hero. Alliances frequently shift, with motivations changing over time, and the story demonstrates how overzealous ambition can warp one’s nature. As a result, not all characters retain readers’ sympathy throughout, and the transitions are skillfully done. A solid choice for fans of the period.
(from the Historical Novels Review, August 2018)
September 25, 2017
I’ve been a fan of Annie’s work for a while.
Annie is great a weaving a historic tale that much I already know, so this one had to give me something more to top her last effort. I’m glad to say this indeed gave me the oomph I wanted.
What set this book apart from the rest was that it covers a wide period of time and you see events through many different perspectives. This gives you get much fuller picture of events as they flowed from one King to another, you can see how things fit together and overall get a much clearer picture.
This tale really shows that being King wasn’t always the position you’d want to be in, war can breakout at any time, you are constantly watching your back as even your friends might not be as loyal as they say they are and marriage is a political tool and to survive you need to be able to navigate all.
Penda was the biggest draw in the book for me, a lot focuses around him and rightly so, but what I really enjoyed was insights into the man I’ve read about before. I know we don’t know truly what went through people’s heads but we do have a lot of evidence to events that happened and I like how Annie manages to put fact and fiction together in a way that brings life to a historical individual.
What the author gets spot on for me is the flow of the story, effortlessly mixing detailed descriptions of places and people but at the same time never slowing down the pace of the tale.
Religion plays its part in this book and I felt the author depicted this period of transition well, when people changed from worshiping one god to another and highlighted how many would not change their beliefs along with some who would gladly worship anyone as long as it meant they would come out on top.
I’m not going to give away the plot of the tale but it really shows the political nature at the time. Sons are groomed to be King’s while daughters are simply seen as bargaining chips to create power links to other kingdoms.
To sum up, a wonderfully detailed account of the power struggles during the 7th century. There’s a lot of players involved so don’t rush it, take it slow and enjoy. Annie Whitehead has manged to again give me another action packed, engrossing historical read that I highly recommend to all.
Annie is great a weaving a historic tale that much I already know, so this one had to give me something more to top her last effort. I’m glad to say this indeed gave me the oomph I wanted.
What set this book apart from the rest was that it covers a wide period of time and you see events through many different perspectives. This gives you get much fuller picture of events as they flowed from one King to another, you can see how things fit together and overall get a much clearer picture.
This tale really shows that being King wasn’t always the position you’d want to be in, war can breakout at any time, you are constantly watching your back as even your friends might not be as loyal as they say they are and marriage is a political tool and to survive you need to be able to navigate all.
Penda was the biggest draw in the book for me, a lot focuses around him and rightly so, but what I really enjoyed was insights into the man I’ve read about before. I know we don’t know truly what went through people’s heads but we do have a lot of evidence to events that happened and I like how Annie manages to put fact and fiction together in a way that brings life to a historical individual.
What the author gets spot on for me is the flow of the story, effortlessly mixing detailed descriptions of places and people but at the same time never slowing down the pace of the tale.
Religion plays its part in this book and I felt the author depicted this period of transition well, when people changed from worshiping one god to another and highlighted how many would not change their beliefs along with some who would gladly worship anyone as long as it meant they would come out on top.
I’m not going to give away the plot of the tale but it really shows the political nature at the time. Sons are groomed to be King’s while daughters are simply seen as bargaining chips to create power links to other kingdoms.
To sum up, a wonderfully detailed account of the power struggles during the 7th century. There’s a lot of players involved so don’t rush it, take it slow and enjoy. Annie Whitehead has manged to again give me another action packed, engrossing historical read that I highly recommend to all.
September 2, 2018
This is the first of Ms Whitehead’s novels I’ve read and I found it a totally engrossing read. It is evident that the author loves this period of history and knows it extremely well. Scenes and descriptions of places are rich in detail, and characters come to life in a tale that moves along quickly with plenty of intrigue, action and human interest.
Set in the first half of the seventh century, the story depicts the struggles for supremacy between several of the Anglo Saxon kingdoms – notably Mercia and Northumbria (Bernicia and Deira) – but the kingdoms of the East Angles and West Saxons also play a part, as do the old British kingdom of Rheged and some of the the Welsh kingdoms.
By no means are all the key players honourable; some are decidedly scheming and untrustworthy in their quests to extend their power. Throughout the book we come to understand each of these characters well, particularly as the story is told through multiple viewpoints. We share the thoughts and aspirations of each, coming to know their strengths and weaknesses – which translate into a series of intrigues, ill-fated marriages, assassinations and battles, and the eventual outcome of this story.
Penda, the king of Mercia, emerges as the central figure, his loving relationship with his wife an enduring and endearing key theme. Derwena is a particularly strong character, supportive of her husband while at the same time having a mind of her own. Their nine offspring pave the way for the future; a future yet to unfurl.
In the useful Author’s note at the end of the book, Ms Whitehead tells us that the feud between the Mercians and Northumbrians did not end there, but continued long after the events in this story: "How could it when his (Penda’s) sons were still alive…"
I eagerly await the next book in the series.
Set in the first half of the seventh century, the story depicts the struggles for supremacy between several of the Anglo Saxon kingdoms – notably Mercia and Northumbria (Bernicia and Deira) – but the kingdoms of the East Angles and West Saxons also play a part, as do the old British kingdom of Rheged and some of the the Welsh kingdoms.
By no means are all the key players honourable; some are decidedly scheming and untrustworthy in their quests to extend their power. Throughout the book we come to understand each of these characters well, particularly as the story is told through multiple viewpoints. We share the thoughts and aspirations of each, coming to know their strengths and weaknesses – which translate into a series of intrigues, ill-fated marriages, assassinations and battles, and the eventual outcome of this story.
Penda, the king of Mercia, emerges as the central figure, his loving relationship with his wife an enduring and endearing key theme. Derwena is a particularly strong character, supportive of her husband while at the same time having a mind of her own. Their nine offspring pave the way for the future; a future yet to unfurl.
In the useful Author’s note at the end of the book, Ms Whitehead tells us that the feud between the Mercians and Northumbrians did not end there, but continued long after the events in this story: "How could it when his (Penda’s) sons were still alive…"
I eagerly await the next book in the series.
November 13, 2017
We are proud to announce that COMETH THE HOUR (Tales of the Iclingas Book 1) is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
February 26, 2020
A light in a dark era
This is a period of British history of which I know relatively little, but I feel that Annie Whitehead has provided much illumination. She deftly handles a cast of thousands (I'm only slightly exaggerating) while keeping storylines clear and many similarly-named characters sorted into their respective camps.
Characters, good and bad, were well developed and their motivations as clear as can be in the confusion of an era with too many competing kings, their sons, wives, and supporters. The coming of Christianity to Britain was also eased into the narrative without causing the reader to choose sides in the one battle whose end was foretold.
An excellent historical tale, told with energy, enthuduasm, and a love of the period. I will be back for more.
This is a period of British history of which I know relatively little, but I feel that Annie Whitehead has provided much illumination. She deftly handles a cast of thousands (I'm only slightly exaggerating) while keeping storylines clear and many similarly-named characters sorted into their respective camps.
Characters, good and bad, were well developed and their motivations as clear as can be in the confusion of an era with too many competing kings, their sons, wives, and supporters. The coming of Christianity to Britain was also eased into the narrative without causing the reader to choose sides in the one battle whose end was foretold.
An excellent historical tale, told with energy, enthuduasm, and a love of the period. I will be back for more.
November 19, 2020
Annie Whitehead invented a curious form of art – Cometh the Hour is something between the best researched novel ever and the most gripping history book ever. I suppose it's filed as "historical fiction" because the book has to be placed somewhere in the bookstores.
I'll immediately admit I got lost multiple times and it took me a long time to read the book. Not because of either the book itself, or the author's style – I might have gotten lost, but I was never bored. Unfortunately, I decided to read it in November 2020 and this was very bad, not good, bigly wrong timing. I'll be re-reading it when the second book in the series arrives, and then I'll hopefully write a proper review that Cometh the Hour deserves.
I'll immediately admit I got lost multiple times and it took me a long time to read the book. Not because of either the book itself, or the author's style – I might have gotten lost, but I was never bored. Unfortunately, I decided to read it in November 2020 and this was very bad, not good, bigly wrong timing. I'll be re-reading it when the second book in the series arrives, and then I'll hopefully write a proper review that Cometh the Hour deserves.
February 20, 2021
This is an era of British history history that fascinates me, and I looked forward to reading this, but it feels more like an abbreviated précis of the times and characters than an historical novel. Like any book that covers a swath of years, it jumps ahead by decades, but too little time is spent on developing the cast of thousands and multiple sites to gain an understanding or affinity for any of them, even the main character. Perhaps the author was constrained by the number of pages (338), but after a while the book started to sound like a soap opera rather than a deep historical insight. I was extremely grateful for the genealogy chart and map at the front if the book, without which I would have been lost. The book needs more connective tissue and less reliance on modern tropes.
January 8, 2018
Cometh the Hour by Annie Whitehead has received a Chill with a book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
"A dynastic saga about the rulers of the kingdoms in post Roman Britain and the power struggles between them, resulting in a captivating and absorbing read."
"Anne Whitehead has woven a great story around available historical records and set it against a well detailed backdrop of life in those times."
"Cometh the Hour’ is well worth reading."
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
"A dynastic saga about the rulers of the kingdoms in post Roman Britain and the power struggles between them, resulting in a captivating and absorbing read."
"Anne Whitehead has woven a great story around available historical records and set it against a well detailed backdrop of life in those times."
"Cometh the Hour’ is well worth reading."
Pauline Barclay
Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
October 5, 2019
A sweeping novel of 7th century England, this epic saga opens with an unexpected attack, and never lets the reader go. King Penda of Mercia was not a character I knew until I discovered his story via Cometh the Hour. Ms. Whitehead knows her history, and it shows through rich details which did not overpower the narrative, but made me feel as if I were a witness to the story as it unfolded. I highly recommend this book for a greater understanding of life during a tumultuous and fascinating period.
December 26, 2021
I love Annie Whitehead's scholarly yet very human historical fiction, and her website is wonderful, too.
Having said that, I think that this novel just tried to do too much. Too long a time period, too many kingdoms, families and individual characters. They were fascinating, but it was a challenge to keep them all straight in my head.
I suspect that if the author had taken a smaller bite and split this material into 2 full sized novels, I would have given them both 5 stars. As it is, it's a solid 4.
Having said that, I think that this novel just tried to do too much. Too long a time period, too many kingdoms, families and individual characters. They were fascinating, but it was a challenge to keep them all straight in my head.
I suspect that if the author had taken a smaller bite and split this material into 2 full sized novels, I would have given them both 5 stars. As it is, it's a solid 4.
July 29, 2022
Amazing blend of historical authenticity (according to available sources at least) and narrative. Real life figures have been given traits and depth that fit with our current interpretation of those times, and new characters have been smoothly added to interact with them where original sources are not available. The prose fits the time period it is set in without having full paragraphs to translate from Old English or Old Welsh. Less action-packed but more sombre and realistic than similar historical fiction books.
Looking forward to reading other books from this author!
Looking forward to reading other books from this author!
July 25, 2024
Scenes, not a novel
DNF. After reading the author's non-fiction, I was hoping that her fictional telling of some of the historical events would be engaging. But this book isn't really constructed like a novel as such. It's more like a series of scenes that capture moments in the history. I got to the end of the (very long) first chapter, which covered *years* of material. I might have had more patience with this another time, but it really isn't the kind of story I was hoping for.
DNF. After reading the author's non-fiction, I was hoping that her fictional telling of some of the historical events would be engaging. But this book isn't really constructed like a novel as such. It's more like a series of scenes that capture moments in the history. I got to the end of the (very long) first chapter, which covered *years* of material. I might have had more patience with this another time, but it really isn't the kind of story I was hoping for.
November 22, 2017
Wonderful historic novel of early England and Mercia in particular this story follows four main kings (and some of their successors). I particularly loved the story of Penda, eventual King of Mercia, and his wife. His story weaves in and out of the others as all the kings strive to become the overlord of the other kingdoms.
Well written and well researched. Annie Whitehead has done it again turning a relatively obscure area of British history into a very readable and interesting story.
Well written and well researched. Annie Whitehead has done it again turning a relatively obscure area of British history into a very readable and interesting story.
May 31, 2021
This book is set a little earlier than Cornwell's Saxon Chronicles and gives a story to the Anglo-Saxon archeological finds of the past decade and a backstory to an England before King Alfred and the invasions of the Vikings. So much fighting for supremacy that it is easy to see how the Vikings found easy plunder. Really enjoyed this historical fiction deep dive on a time in English history so often glossed over our left unexplored in fiction.
October 6, 2017
Really good books
Her books are really good reads. The introduction to that time...you get such a realistic feeling and picture, it is just fantastic. The characters are so interesting, human, and the story shows the circle of life. These are very human books, so there is a definate saddness to them, also.
Her books are really good reads. The introduction to that time...you get such a realistic feeling and picture, it is just fantastic. The characters are so interesting, human, and the story shows the circle of life. These are very human books, so there is a definate saddness to them, also.
September 25, 2017
One of the best books I have read this year! I can read it all over again!
October 22, 2017
Annie Whitehead really knows her history, and it shows. She has a real feeling for the Anglo-Saxon period, and her research is meticulous. Her characters live and breathe.
December 28, 2017
Another brilliant book by Annie Whitehead. She really brings history to life.
February 16, 2022
A wonderfully written historical fiction set in 600s England, sweeping through the lives of Anglo-Saxon kings and their loved ones in a time of war and fractured families. An intricately woven and impeccably researched narration of kings with very human struggles in Anglo-Saxon England.
June 7, 2023
A fantastic read about one of Britain's forgotten heroes.
This is a fantastic book about King Penda, the last Pagan King of Mercia. I've been fascinated with his story ever since I heard about him on the British History Podcast. I wanted more and Whitehead delivered. This is a well-researched and very readable book. Whitehead is on her way to being one of my new favorite authors.
This is a fantastic book about King Penda, the last Pagan King of Mercia. I've been fascinated with his story ever since I heard about him on the British History Podcast. I wanted more and Whitehead delivered. This is a well-researched and very readable book. Whitehead is on her way to being one of my new favorite authors.
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