The First Queen of England Part 2

The First Queen of England #2

by M.J. Porter

Lady Elfrida is Queen of England, her husband enamoured of her, and her supporters many and varied. But the queen finds herself caught up in terse political intrigues, as England is threatened both from external Viking attack and internally from restless factionalism at Court, aggravated by questions about who will rule after the king.
Even when she has accomplished all that she can for the king, a tragedy robs her of her joy and influence, and once more she must toil to retain her position as the first Queen of England, and mother to the king’s heir.
This is the second part in the continuing story of Lady Elfrida, the first crowned Queen of England.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

Paperback

Published December 24, 2017

About the author

I'm an author of historical fiction (Early English/Saxon, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest, as well as five 20th-century historical mysteries) and historical fantasy.

I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it's little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!

I like to write. You've been warned!

Not sure where to start your journey through Saxon/Early England? The Dark Ages trilogy will take readers back to the very beginnings of Saxon England before the creation of Mercia and the other kingdoms. The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles featuring our reluctant hero, Icel, will introduce you to the best Saxon kingdom of all, Mercia! Storm of Mercia is the latest release.

Looking for my 20th-century mysteries? The Erdington Mysteries, and Cragside, a standalone 1930s murder mystery, are the titles for you.

My first non-fiction book, The Royal Women Who Made England, is now published by Pen and Sword in hardback and ebook.

Happy reading:)

Find me at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing! I also have an online store for signed paperbacks and a few others goodies at mjporterauthor.co.uk.
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
https://mjporterauthor.sumupstore.com

You can join my monthly subscriber newsletters and gain access to the restricted page on my blog at the same time.
https://BookHip.com/MGWHLDC (Saxon stories)
https://BookHip.com/THPKCKP (mysteries only)


(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!

Reviews

[Ginger Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series! The first book was well written, this is the second in the series, also very well written. Engaged the reader and keeps you turning the pages. I suggest you read them in order. On to book three soon!

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book more than the first book, but perhaps that was what the author was going for. As I stated in my review of the first book, I couldn't find myself liking Queen Elfrida at all. I found her extremely immature and with sex way too much on her mind. She was very selfish and felt entitled - no way I was getting around that.

With this book, we find a much more mature Elfrida, who is now a mother and Queen and finds responsibility requires a different decorum. Although she struggles between her wants and requirements - she finds a way.

I am looking forward to the final book in this series. This book reads much more as a historical fiction and I would still recommend Book 1 to truly appreciate the whole woman.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

intriguing sequel to first book

Even though not a lot of historical papers have survived from these early centuries, Porter has managed to depict a vibrant picture of life for women during these times. This book has less romance than the first one. There is more court intrigue and some tragic events. But people usually do not live a long life because of disease, battles, and treachery.
I’m not thrilled with all the machinations of Elfrida, but I certainly understand how she must be vigilant and protect her status and her boys. There’s a particular chapter when she holds a vigil at a deathbed and it is absolutely heartbreaking. This feeling transcends time and anyone can relate, who has lost a loved one.
Another wonderful chapter that I really enjoy has to do with Aethelwold writing with gold on a beautiful piece of vellum for a special occasion. I have seen some amazing color used by monks in ancient texts like the Book of Kells. So this is just so vivid in my mind. I appreciate the time taken to describe this achievement.
The description of the coronation brings the celebration to life. I can imagine all the gorgeous colors interwoven in the royals’ gowns and jewels.
Such a good story not just about the men of the day but also about the different women, who don’t get their just due in historical texts. We see young and old and how they can affect powerful people around them. Now that Elfrida is unquestionably queen, what new purpose does she have next?

[Carole O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, it was a completely different from book one, far less romance and more of a real interesting to be honest. So glad I read the second book.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book, really enjoyed.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

not much to say other than I enjoyed the read.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many modern Americanisms

Poorly written; too much American slang and not much of a story line. What else can I say. Shame really.

[Elizabeth Askew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading this

I’d never heard of the characters before I started reading these books but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning about them all

[Reluctanthistorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 2 of The First Queen of England offers an interesting take on a male-dominated time, where women had to be ruthless to survive. Excellent story-telling.
Looking forward to hearing more about King Edgar and Queen Elfrida's reign in the next installment.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first

I enjoyed this book better than book one and found that I came to admire and respect Elfrida much more. She is more mature and the author seems to have written the book with more emphasis on story rather than sexual desire. Also less repetitive sentences. On to book three and the final story.

[Amy Selvidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

A truly spectacular experience bringing the reader into the mind of the queen and her tragedies and glorious memories all entwined

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the continuation of the story begun in book 1. It's a little more believable than the previous story, but far from totally realistic. However, it's a good story and quite entertaining, albeit quite wordy at times, with reasonably compelling characters. And Sheila Daly Payson performs well, although more distinctive voicing of the characters would have been helpful in following some of the dialog. The story concludes quite nicely.

Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.