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The Chronicles of Albion #1
Gloriana
What if magic helped Elizabeth I defeat her enemies?
Josh Winter is the unlikely hero of Middengard, where the Norse Gods hold sway. Molly Watson is a nineteenth-century mill worker with plenty of common sense. When they travel back in time to Tudor England, they face an apparently insurmountable challenge: theft of a magic object from Elizabeth 1, Gloriana herself.
Luckily there are unexpected allies on the streets of London – Balthazar, a Fae cat with attitude, and Lady Catherine, an inconvenient girl who wants the freedom of a boy.
Yet the sixteenth century is dangerous and bloody. As the friends scheme their way into Elizabeth’s Court, a new enemy emerges. Is it Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s spymaster, or someone with more sinister intent?
The first book of a new series from the author of The Middengard Sagas, Gloriana is a thrilling historical fantasy for readers of all ages.
Josh Winter is the unlikely hero of Middengard, where the Norse Gods hold sway. Molly Watson is a nineteenth-century mill worker with plenty of common sense. When they travel back in time to Tudor England, they face an apparently insurmountable challenge: theft of a magic object from Elizabeth 1, Gloriana herself.
Luckily there are unexpected allies on the streets of London – Balthazar, a Fae cat with attitude, and Lady Catherine, an inconvenient girl who wants the freedom of a boy.
Yet the sixteenth century is dangerous and bloody. As the friends scheme their way into Elizabeth’s Court, a new enemy emerges. Is it Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s spymaster, or someone with more sinister intent?
The first book of a new series from the author of The Middengard Sagas, Gloriana is a thrilling historical fantasy for readers of all ages.
Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2020
18 people are currently reading
679 people want to read
About the author
June Wilson
12 books23 followersJune Wilson is a Melbourne-based writer who sometimes dreams about her childhood in Yorkshire, when lots of interesting things happened but nothing as interesting as finding Middengard. She has been writing novels since she was nine (when no-one took any notice) and has read her way through entire (small) libraries. Having pursued a life-long career in finance (and almost seen the error of her ways) she now writes whenever she can. The Middengard Sagas is a middle-grade fantasy series, with Books 1 to 5 published to date. Her new series, The Chronicles of Albion, is aimed at older readers.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 30, 2020
Gloriana is a charming romp through Elizabethan London with side trips into Norse mythology and Fae enchantment. The story’s young protagonists are endearing and the quest upon which they are sent is mysterious and appealing. The prose is easy to read and the story moves at a good pace. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Queen Elizabeth I herself – she was well-drawn and intriguing and quite different than I was expecting. The story leaves the reader looking for more – both waiting for the next in the series, as well as wanting to delve into the previous existing series with these characters.
October 5, 2020
Five stars for Gloriana from me, the book is a blend of two of my favourite genres, fantasy and historical fiction, done in a way which feels totally original.
Often times I’ve found the first instalment in a series can be a little slow, focussing mostly on set up. However, that isn’t the case here. In Gloriana we learn about the interlinking worlds, races and their histories through the characters as the plot unfolds. This made the world building flow naturally, without any info dumping, and resulted in much faster pacing than I’ve typically seen in the fantasy genre.
The protagonists are very quickly embroiled in the politics of both Tudor England and the world of Middengard. The central plot is interwoven with real historical events and features the author’s take on historical figures. A stand out character for me here was Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s spymaster, as well as Elizabeth 1 herself of course, I hope to see more of both of them in the next instalment!
That said my favourite character by far is the shapeshifting Balthazar, his attitude added humour to the dialogue and his relationships with the main protagonists were done particularly well.
All in all a great read, I flew through this book in a couple of days and would highly recommend to anybody looking for something new in the fantasy genre!
Often times I’ve found the first instalment in a series can be a little slow, focussing mostly on set up. However, that isn’t the case here. In Gloriana we learn about the interlinking worlds, races and their histories through the characters as the plot unfolds. This made the world building flow naturally, without any info dumping, and resulted in much faster pacing than I’ve typically seen in the fantasy genre.
The protagonists are very quickly embroiled in the politics of both Tudor England and the world of Middengard. The central plot is interwoven with real historical events and features the author’s take on historical figures. A stand out character for me here was Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s spymaster, as well as Elizabeth 1 herself of course, I hope to see more of both of them in the next instalment!
That said my favourite character by far is the shapeshifting Balthazar, his attitude added humour to the dialogue and his relationships with the main protagonists were done particularly well.
All in all a great read, I flew through this book in a couple of days and would highly recommend to anybody looking for something new in the fantasy genre!
September 26, 2020
The Chronicles Of Albion
As with the Middengard Saga books I have now been pulled into this series too I can't wait to see what happens next.
As with the Middengard Saga books I have now been pulled into this series too I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 6, 2020
A thoroughly entertaining read. As I am a history fan, I particularly enjoyed the Tudor setting and the characterization of Walsingham. Highly recommend for those looking for an exciting blend of history and fantasy.
September 30, 2020
I have been following and loving Josh Winter throughout June Wilson’s Middengard series. He has always been my favourite character and now he’s got his own book! I highly recommend this step from Middengard into our regal past. If you love fantasy and you admire Queen Elizabeth the First then you’re probably going to enjoy Gloriana.
November 4, 2020
Having read the Middengard Sagas, which introduces readers to three of the main characters featured in Gloriana – Isolde, Josh and Molly plus others – I must say that I have enjoyed reading Gloriana even more than I did the previous series, which I found to be original and enchanting.
You don’t have to have read The Middengard Sagas to get into the new series but I think you will understand the characters better if you do. It’s an exciting prequel series that takes you to another world full of magic, time travel, and fantasy adventure.
Gloriana is set in London in 1571 and explores intrigue in the court of Elizabeth 1. Josh and Molly are tasked with travelling back in time to 1571 to help Isolde on behalf of Freya (Goddess of Truth) and Mae (Fae Queen) to solve a riddle and stop a dark disaster from happening.
Without giving away too much, this story has everything from intrigue to murder to magic to a budding romance and you won’t be disappointed as it is a page-turner that will keep you interested right up to the last page!
June, I cannot wait to read The Empress, Book 2!
You don’t have to have read The Middengard Sagas to get into the new series but I think you will understand the characters better if you do. It’s an exciting prequel series that takes you to another world full of magic, time travel, and fantasy adventure.
Gloriana is set in London in 1571 and explores intrigue in the court of Elizabeth 1. Josh and Molly are tasked with travelling back in time to 1571 to help Isolde on behalf of Freya (Goddess of Truth) and Mae (Fae Queen) to solve a riddle and stop a dark disaster from happening.
Without giving away too much, this story has everything from intrigue to murder to magic to a budding romance and you won’t be disappointed as it is a page-turner that will keep you interested right up to the last page!
June, I cannot wait to read The Empress, Book 2!
March 9, 2021
2.5 STARS
The mix of Norse gods, fae, and Tudor England didn't work well. It was an interesting premise that did not pan out. Overall, the storyline was clunky, disjointed, and left me wanting. I didn't care for the ending and have little desire to read the next in the series to see what happens to Molly. While this was a first in the series, there were a number of references to the prior adventures of Josh and Molly that left me wishing I had read the other books prior to this one so I had all of the context.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads giveaways program in return for my honest review.
The mix of Norse gods, fae, and Tudor England didn't work well. It was an interesting premise that did not pan out. Overall, the storyline was clunky, disjointed, and left me wanting. I didn't care for the ending and have little desire to read the next in the series to see what happens to Molly. While this was a first in the series, there were a number of references to the prior adventures of Josh and Molly that left me wishing I had read the other books prior to this one so I had all of the context.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through the Goodreads giveaways program in return for my honest review.
October 12, 2020
I was waiting for this new book from the author of ’The Middengard Sagas’, which sees two of the Middengard characters, Josh and Molly, travel back in time to Tudor England.Mixing fantasy elements with historical fact, this was a great read - I could hardly put it down!
I loved Balthazar (a mostly bad-tempered cat) and the author’s take on Elizabeth 1. The writing is clear and moves you through the plot with ease. I can’t wait for the next book, and to see which queen comes up next.
February 18, 2021
Gloriana? Glorious!
I had read the authors previous series (the Middengard Sagas, check them out) and loved each book, so was keen to read the new collection to June Wilson's library. Riveting from beginning to end! Only fault for me?...... now I have to wait for the next instalment! Will absolutely be reading the next offerings with gratitude.
I had read the authors previous series (the Middengard Sagas, check them out) and loved each book, so was keen to read the new collection to June Wilson's library. Riveting from beginning to end! Only fault for me?...... now I have to wait for the next instalment! Will absolutely be reading the next offerings with gratitude.
Read
October 11, 2020Compelling story that held me from beginning to end and left me wanting more. Beautifully written, with well developed characters that take you on a great adventure into their magical world. Can't wait for the next book!
November 1, 2020
This is a thrilling historical fantasy.
I had previously read all the Middengard Sagas so was looking forward to the new series. ‘Gloriana' didn’t disappoint - the story was gripping and I liked all the historical detail. The only problem now is that I have to wait for the next book!
I had previously read all the Middengard Sagas so was looking forward to the new series. ‘Gloriana' didn’t disappoint - the story was gripping and I liked all the historical detail. The only problem now is that I have to wait for the next book!
February 7, 2024
sci-fi
Even though it is a standalone story, a lot was confusing that may have been known if reading the previous books in the series. That may have just been the reader though. The story was interesting nonetheless
Even though it is a standalone story, a lot was confusing that may have been known if reading the previous books in the series. That may have just been the reader though. The story was interesting nonetheless
Read
October 31, 2020Review my own book? Of course not! I just thought I'd share what inspired me when writing it:
1. History of the Tudors - I love the Tudors! I've always found them incredibly fascinating, especially Elizabeth. I was beyond thrilled when Hilary Mantel's masterful trilogy became such a phenomenon.
2. Norse mythology. My fascination with this started in my college days when we got to read some of the original poems and sagas. For anyone who wants a fabulous modern update, you can't go past Neil Gaiman's take on it, in (the aptly-named) 'Norse Mythology'.
3. Dr. Who. Yes, seriously! I've been watching it since the '60s when it first started. I love the humor and the time travel and the way various doctors get to meet an array of historic characters....You'll see this influence in 'Gloriana'.
1. History of the Tudors - I love the Tudors! I've always found them incredibly fascinating, especially Elizabeth. I was beyond thrilled when Hilary Mantel's masterful trilogy became such a phenomenon.
2. Norse mythology. My fascination with this started in my college days when we got to read some of the original poems and sagas. For anyone who wants a fabulous modern update, you can't go past Neil Gaiman's take on it, in (the aptly-named) 'Norse Mythology'.
3. Dr. Who. Yes, seriously! I've been watching it since the '60s when it first started. I love the humor and the time travel and the way various doctors get to meet an array of historic characters....You'll see this influence in 'Gloriana'.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews