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Wyrd of the Wolf
In seventh century England, political and religious upheaval mean that nobody is safe.
As the old gods are eroded by the new church, and tribes and ambitious men vie for power, property and precedence, blood is shed throughout the land.
In the south, ealdorman Aelfhere believes that for his only child, sixteen-year-old daughter Cynethryth, marriage to a Saxon king is the way to security. And so, somewhat against her own wishes, Cynethryth is betrothed.
Yet as battle rages around her, and with her betrothed away to fight, Cynethryth too becomes a victim of war.
Taken prisoner by the warrior invaders, she is forced into the presence of another Saxon king, who would also have her for his wife. Yet this is a man she actually loves.
In marrying Caedwalla, King of the Suth Seaxe, Cynethryth allies herself against her father and her own people in a deadly, grisly and complex war — and becomes a key element of events that continue to influence England today.
For the events of the seventh century were crucial in determining the religions, cultures and identities of nations. And Caedwalla, as a fearsome warrior but also in time a religious convert, personifies the turbulent mix of bloodshed, brutality, philosophy and faith that came to define the period.
With its acutely accurate descriptions of the people and events of the Anglo-Saxon age, and meticulous attention to detail, Wyrd of the Wolf is both a superb historical depiction and a thrilling story. As Aelfhere watches the old world slip away, battles his enemies and his torturous feelings for his only child, so Caedwalla balances his lust for blood and power with growing spiritual awareness. In Wyrd of the Wolf, the complications and the conflicts of the Dark Ages are brought to light, as a compelling tale unfolds.
John Broughton was born in Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire, studied at the local grammar school and went on to take an honours degree in Medieval and Modern History at the University of Nottingham, where he also studied Archaeology.
John retired in January 2014 and chose the period that fascinates him most – the Anglo-Saxon period – as the setting for his first historical novel. His second novel, Wyrd of the Wolf is set in southern England in the 7th century, and is also due to be published by Endeavour Press.
As the old gods are eroded by the new church, and tribes and ambitious men vie for power, property and precedence, blood is shed throughout the land.
In the south, ealdorman Aelfhere believes that for his only child, sixteen-year-old daughter Cynethryth, marriage to a Saxon king is the way to security. And so, somewhat against her own wishes, Cynethryth is betrothed.
Yet as battle rages around her, and with her betrothed away to fight, Cynethryth too becomes a victim of war.
Taken prisoner by the warrior invaders, she is forced into the presence of another Saxon king, who would also have her for his wife. Yet this is a man she actually loves.
In marrying Caedwalla, King of the Suth Seaxe, Cynethryth allies herself against her father and her own people in a deadly, grisly and complex war — and becomes a key element of events that continue to influence England today.
For the events of the seventh century were crucial in determining the religions, cultures and identities of nations. And Caedwalla, as a fearsome warrior but also in time a religious convert, personifies the turbulent mix of bloodshed, brutality, philosophy and faith that came to define the period.
With its acutely accurate descriptions of the people and events of the Anglo-Saxon age, and meticulous attention to detail, Wyrd of the Wolf is both a superb historical depiction and a thrilling story. As Aelfhere watches the old world slip away, battles his enemies and his torturous feelings for his only child, so Caedwalla balances his lust for blood and power with growing spiritual awareness. In Wyrd of the Wolf, the complications and the conflicts of the Dark Ages are brought to light, as a compelling tale unfolds.
John Broughton was born in Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire, studied at the local grammar school and went on to take an honours degree in Medieval and Modern History at the University of Nottingham, where he also studied Archaeology.
John retired in January 2014 and chose the period that fascinates him most – the Anglo-Saxon period – as the setting for his first historical novel. His second novel, Wyrd of the Wolf is set in southern England in the 7th century, and is also due to be published by Endeavour Press.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2017
241 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
John Broughton
110 books20 followersJohn Broughton was born in Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire, studied at the local grammar school and went on to take an honours degree in Medieval and Modern History at the University of Nottingham, where he also studied Archaeology.
John retired in January 2014 and chose the period that fascinates him most – the Anglo-Saxon period – as the setting for his first historical novel. Since then, he has had 28 novels published by Next Chapter Publishing. Most are historical novels, but he also writes murder mysteries, fantasy and sci-fi.
John retired in January 2014 and chose the period that fascinates him most – the Anglo-Saxon period – as the setting for his first historical novel. Since then, he has had 28 novels published by Next Chapter Publishing. Most are historical novels, but he also writes murder mysteries, fantasy and sci-fi.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 26, 2017
In his second novel “Wyrd of the Wolf”, John Broughton recreates a realistic and brutal world in which family loyalties are torn asunder in the face of new powers and changing alliances. The relationship between Caedwalla and Cynethryth is a great love story, and one that reflects the subtle nuances between an ambitious man and a high-born woman during the time that the Saxons ruled England. The relationships between men and women are an important theme in this story, but no so important as the relationship between the power of the king and the power of the Church. The tale of how Christianity wove its way into Saxon society is skillfully done, indeed, the reader comes to understand that one cannot succeed without the other. The battle scenes are bloody and detailed, and are cleverly juxtaposed against beautiful prose that describes quiet and tender domestic moments. The true wolf of this tale is Broughton's protagonist, Aelfhere, who proves that family is everything as he navigates his way through the world after losing his daughter, his religion, his lands, and his king to his enemy. It is Aelfhere's final act of forgiveness that will leave the reader with a genuine sense of completion and satisfaction in this dramatic story.
October 22, 2017
Wow – where to start in this amazing immersion into the seventh century world of war-torn Britain? We are immediately pulled back in time with the old-fashioned voice and the beautiful language is sprinkled with fitting similes: “Day speared by night bled crimson across the sky”; “time crept like a lengthening shadow”; and the sight of a character not seen for a while is “as rare as a cockle’s tooth”. Some of the descriptions stopped me in my reading tracks and I had to re-read them again to savour. For example, the description of the sea at Selsea: “Slate grey breakers marched like an invading host to dash on the pebble beaches, a splash of silver in a world of pewter exacting the hiss of tumbling shingle upon its ebb.” Beautiful!
But the sinews of the novel are the wars, the tussle of the Pagan-Christian relationship, the effects of bloody, cruel war on ordinary people and the beautiful “Romeo and Juliet” love story between Caedwalha, leader of the West Seaxe, and beautiful, red-haired Cynethryth, daughter of Aelfhere, King of the South Seaxe, arch-enemies. I hope I have this computed correctly in my mind, because this period of history is rich with characters bearing similar names and the regions, with their original names are not known to me. It was fun to try and identify and compare with modern day locations. This is my only gripe with the novel. I would have liked a list of characters and a map, so that I didn’t have to jot down notes as I went along so that I didn’t lose the thread. But maybe that is too complicated in an e-book and maybe I’m just a little slow.
The most moving part of this novel for me is Chapter 15, where the reader is led through a plundered village: “…no smoke rose from the roof and no sound of an animal, not even a dog’s bark disturbed the stillness…” We are drawn close to two innocent victims – a woman and traumatised child. No spoilers, but the ending of the chapter was a shock and had me weeping inside. The battles and war tactics are painted in all their gore in this novel, but the effects on ordinary folk are also illustrated very graphically and movingly. “Scavenging raptors screeched at her approach, ravens cawed and flapped, rats scurried and Myldrede collapsed on her hands and knees, her gorge heaving.” I could see this scene and many others played out on the screen.
The historical notes are very interesting. John Broughton is a student of this period of history and it shows in his writing. I now know that Caedwalla is the patron saint of (reformed) serial killers. I personally enjoyed the way Broughton brought alive the history of places near to where I live on the south coast of England. And Rome, where I used to live, made its entrance at the end. Real history brought beautifully alive is how I would summarise this well-researched work. Congratulations!
But the sinews of the novel are the wars, the tussle of the Pagan-Christian relationship, the effects of bloody, cruel war on ordinary people and the beautiful “Romeo and Juliet” love story between Caedwalha, leader of the West Seaxe, and beautiful, red-haired Cynethryth, daughter of Aelfhere, King of the South Seaxe, arch-enemies. I hope I have this computed correctly in my mind, because this period of history is rich with characters bearing similar names and the regions, with their original names are not known to me. It was fun to try and identify and compare with modern day locations. This is my only gripe with the novel. I would have liked a list of characters and a map, so that I didn’t have to jot down notes as I went along so that I didn’t lose the thread. But maybe that is too complicated in an e-book and maybe I’m just a little slow.
The most moving part of this novel for me is Chapter 15, where the reader is led through a plundered village: “…no smoke rose from the roof and no sound of an animal, not even a dog’s bark disturbed the stillness…” We are drawn close to two innocent victims – a woman and traumatised child. No spoilers, but the ending of the chapter was a shock and had me weeping inside. The battles and war tactics are painted in all their gore in this novel, but the effects on ordinary folk are also illustrated very graphically and movingly. “Scavenging raptors screeched at her approach, ravens cawed and flapped, rats scurried and Myldrede collapsed on her hands and knees, her gorge heaving.” I could see this scene and many others played out on the screen.
The historical notes are very interesting. John Broughton is a student of this period of history and it shows in his writing. I now know that Caedwalla is the patron saint of (reformed) serial killers. I personally enjoyed the way Broughton brought alive the history of places near to where I live on the south coast of England. And Rome, where I used to live, made its entrance at the end. Real history brought beautifully alive is how I would summarise this well-researched work. Congratulations!
March 27, 2021
An excellent journey into the past
Having previously read some of John Broughton's earlier historical novels, I was intrigued by the title of this one so once again I embarked on a journey into the past, ably led by an author who certainly seems to know his way around Anglo-Saxon England. His meticulous research seems to enable him to take us, the readers, on a journey into our history. It's like a ride on a time machine.
In Wyrd of the Wolf we find ourselves in the 7th century and a time of conflicts as feudal Lords and minor Kings vie for control of vast areas of Southern England.
Beware, the battle scenes are quite gruesome at times, as they must have been in the days of swords, axes, and spears. The author doesn't pull his punches in describing the harrowing scenes of 7th century warfare, and the book is all the more realistic for it.
There is romance too, and plenty of intrigue and deception with bishops and other churchmen playing their parts in what they see as a war against the pagan non-believers. What I found interesting is that the book doesn't really have any heroes or villains, as the author portrays the action from the point of view of both sides, with each side being 'on the side of right' as they see it.
It's a great way of telling a story that superbly reflects the turbulent times of the early Anglo-Saxon people without the author taking sides in his narrative.
Extremely well-written and definitely worthy of 5 stars. I'm looking forward to the next instalment in this saga.
I
Having previously read some of John Broughton's earlier historical novels, I was intrigued by the title of this one so once again I embarked on a journey into the past, ably led by an author who certainly seems to know his way around Anglo-Saxon England. His meticulous research seems to enable him to take us, the readers, on a journey into our history. It's like a ride on a time machine.
In Wyrd of the Wolf we find ourselves in the 7th century and a time of conflicts as feudal Lords and minor Kings vie for control of vast areas of Southern England.
Beware, the battle scenes are quite gruesome at times, as they must have been in the days of swords, axes, and spears. The author doesn't pull his punches in describing the harrowing scenes of 7th century warfare, and the book is all the more realistic for it.
There is romance too, and plenty of intrigue and deception with bishops and other churchmen playing their parts in what they see as a war against the pagan non-believers. What I found interesting is that the book doesn't really have any heroes or villains, as the author portrays the action from the point of view of both sides, with each side being 'on the side of right' as they see it.
It's a great way of telling a story that superbly reflects the turbulent times of the early Anglo-Saxon people without the author taking sides in his narrative.
Extremely well-written and definitely worthy of 5 stars. I'm looking forward to the next instalment in this saga.
I
September 17, 2017
Saxon times are not called the Dark Ages for nothing. Broughton thrusts you into a violent, unrecognisable world of kill or be killed and yet the setting is familiar to me, living as I do in 21st Century Sussex. I will walk and drive these parts with a new sense of the battles that were fought to seek dominance in a world where tribal chieftains vied for power and where Christian Bishops played a significant long game for the hearts and minds of pagan warlords. Broughton knows and understands his period and is able to add colour and richness to the bleakness of times. Well written, I will now have to re-read this book because the action races along. The battle scenes are particularly well described. The protagonist, Aelfhere, is betrayed by his daughter but she is not an unsympathetic character. If anything, I would have liked to get to know her better and for that reason I found the ending a little abrupt.
November 8, 2017
A difficult period of British history - the seventh century - is brought to life by John Broughton's rollicking tale Wyrd of the Wolf. The hero is Caedwalla who seeks to rule all of southern Britain. He marries Cynethryth and incurs the wrath of her father, the ealdorman Aelfhere who eventually wounds Caedwalla in battle. From the resulting infection he dies in Rome where he has been converted to Christianity. Caedwalla becomes Peter, king of the Saxons, and is now the patron saint of (reformed) serial killers whose feast day is April 20.
This is a book of two halves. One features death and destruction and unimaginable horrors inflicted on the innocent and the guilty - a feature of that period? - where death stalks almost every page. The gentler passages are lyrical. I particularly enjoyed the tale of the Ring Stone.
I would have appreciated either a map of the area involved or a glossary of characters to enhance my enjoyment further.
This is a book of two halves. One features death and destruction and unimaginable horrors inflicted on the innocent and the guilty - a feature of that period? - where death stalks almost every page. The gentler passages are lyrical. I particularly enjoyed the tale of the Ring Stone.
I would have appreciated either a map of the area involved or a glossary of characters to enhance my enjoyment further.
November 10, 2018
Medieval Masterpiece
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
I absolutely enjoyed this book. Medieval historical fiction has taught me much of how much of England's history was based upon religious beliefs and the eradication of paganism. This is not a difficult book to read. While the names of people & areas may note be easily spoken by modern English, I did figure out that Wiht meant Wight as in Isle of Wight. I find that by using ght in place of ht gets me close enough.
Caedwalla was a real king. His remains are interred at St. Peter's Bascillica. Not much is known about his wife. With all the kings and under kings in England's history, following can be difficult. However, this author did a great job.
If you enjoy medieval historical fiction, then I believe that you will enjoy this book. I recommend this book to you.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
I absolutely enjoyed this book. Medieval historical fiction has taught me much of how much of England's history was based upon religious beliefs and the eradication of paganism. This is not a difficult book to read. While the names of people & areas may note be easily spoken by modern English, I did figure out that Wiht meant Wight as in Isle of Wight. I find that by using ght in place of ht gets me close enough.
Caedwalla was a real king. His remains are interred at St. Peter's Bascillica. Not much is known about his wife. With all the kings and under kings in England's history, following can be difficult. However, this author did a great job.
If you enjoy medieval historical fiction, then I believe that you will enjoy this book. I recommend this book to you.
August 3, 2024
I am not claiming to be a specialist in Anglo -Saxon England but got quite captivated by this novel. Brutal at times with endless warrior fighting, petty kingdoms squabbling, Heathens resisting the encroaching Christianity. I liked the way that the warfare, the Heathen practices, the expanding Church, are not romanticised at all. More everyday life is conveyed well. But also the fact that unarmed men, women and children could be captured and sold as slaves, sexually abused, or cruelly butchered to death is not shied away from. I also enjoyed the dialogue, poetic and even archaic at times, but rarely too obtuse.Also as I live in Sussex quite took to how Saxon Southern England came to life. Overall felt like a well constructed historical novel. But not for the squeamish or anyone who wants to wallow in some over -romantic view of the pre-Norman past.
January 16, 2025
Wyrd of the Wolf
Set in the late 600s, a very brutal time with harsh penalties for those who are overthrown. Manipulation by those in positions of authority, the pagan beliefs versus Christianity, ambition by some and hate create a difficult time to live. The archaic spellings make for a trying read.
Set in the late 600s, a very brutal time with harsh penalties for those who are overthrown. Manipulation by those in positions of authority, the pagan beliefs versus Christianity, ambition by some and hate create a difficult time to live. The archaic spellings make for a trying read.
September 17, 2017
John Broughton illuminates the Dark Ages! First in ‘The Purple Thread’, and now in the splendid ‘Wyrd of the Wolf’. Atmospheric and gripping, it is a breath-taking tale of love and war, wilful daughters and implacable fathers, painted as richly as the finest tapestry to hang on a castle wall.
January 24, 2025
Fantastic story
i gave it a four out of five, only because i had trouble retaining the names of the numerous character. the plot, the cadence, and the action painted a realistic tale of history.
i gave it a four out of five, only because i had trouble retaining the names of the numerous character. the plot, the cadence, and the action painted a realistic tale of history.
August 28, 2025
Great story!
This is a book filled with action and emotions. The characters are superb, and the plot flows smoothly. The writing is such that you will find yourself on the battlefield and in the monastery as you navigate the pages of historical fiction at its best.
This is a book filled with action and emotions. The characters are superb, and the plot flows smoothly. The writing is such that you will find yourself on the battlefield and in the monastery as you navigate the pages of historical fiction at its best.
October 10, 2025
I found the female characters not very believable - too changeable with no firm beliefs that couldn't be swayed by a moment with a man. Also there was too much telling of the story not enough showing so that I felt disconnected from the characters.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews