What do you think?
Rate this book
Second Son Chronicles #4
Upon This Throne
Coming to his senses in a place he's never seen before, Alfred discovers he has survived the deadly sickness sweeping the land and has also managed, quite by accident, to find his family. But he’s also a traitor to the Crown for desertion on the field of battle, so he and his family must live in complete seclusion in a remote corner of Gwen’s homeland. Avoiding all contact with the outside world lest the king's spies discover their whereabouts, they have no idea what is happening with the war, if the king has turned on the lords for dissolving the kingdom, or if they will ever be able to return home.
When horsemen are spotted in the forest one wintry morning, the chill that runs through the cottage has nothing to do with the temperature outside.
When horsemen are spotted in the forest one wintry morning, the chill that runs through the cottage has nothing to do with the temperature outside.
- GenresFantasy
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2020
161 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Taylor
13 books56 followersPamela Taylor brings her love of history to the art of story-telling. An avid reader of historical fact and fiction throughout her life, she finds the past offers rich sources for character, ambiance, and plot that allow readers to escape into a world totally unlike their daily lives.
“I’d tried my hand at several ideas and wasn’t quite satisfied with any of them,” she says. “I’ve always been intrigued by the importance of first sentences and first paragraphs. So when the opening of Second Son came to me, utterly unbidden, during one of those nights when one’s mind won’t shut down and let sleep take over, I knew I had to see where it would take me.
“Once I found Alfred’s voice, his story began to unfold. By the end of the first book, I was completely in love with him and knew that he had so much more to tell.
“Step into Alfred’s world. Once you do, I’m confident you’ll be as eager as I’ve been to discover what happens next.”
“I’d tried my hand at several ideas and wasn’t quite satisfied with any of them,” she says. “I’ve always been intrigued by the importance of first sentences and first paragraphs. So when the opening of Second Son came to me, utterly unbidden, during one of those nights when one’s mind won’t shut down and let sleep take over, I knew I had to see where it would take me.
“Once I found Alfred’s voice, his story began to unfold. By the end of the first book, I was completely in love with him and knew that he had so much more to tell.
“Step into Alfred’s world. Once you do, I’m confident you’ll be as eager as I’ve been to discover what happens next.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 3, 2021
Book 4 of Pamela Taylor's Second Son Chronicles picks up the story where Book 3's cliffhanger of an ending left us and happily resolves it with Alfred's recovery from the pestilence. The volume follows Alfred through his recuperation and as he inherits a not-too-surprising shift of responsibilities and authority and grows into his new position. The characters throughout are well drawn and engaging; the camaraderie between Alfred and his circle of friends rings true. Ms. Taylor has a lovely sense of detail and a fine hand with small surprises; I particularly enjoyed scenes where interactions played out in a slightly different way than I might have expected. The story line was captivating, enough that I had a hard time putting the book down and read it through overnight.
I also found that as Alfred developed into the leader that his grandfather had foreseen, there were several examples of Alfred learning to get things done through others, especially appreciating and becoming skilled at engaging individuals' unique and subtle strengths. Imagine finding business leadership education in a historical novel!
The book ends with a lovely bit of homage to Alfred's grandfather, nicely linking the series. I highly recommend the book (and the series) and now I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment in Alfred's story.
I also found that as Alfred developed into the leader that his grandfather had foreseen, there were several examples of Alfred learning to get things done through others, especially appreciating and becoming skilled at engaging individuals' unique and subtle strengths. Imagine finding business leadership education in a historical novel!
The book ends with a lovely bit of homage to Alfred's grandfather, nicely linking the series. I highly recommend the book (and the series) and now I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment in Alfred's story.
August 26, 2023
I don’t usually read novels in a series, but The Second Son Chronicles by Pamela Taylor has grabbed me from the first page of the first book. Upon This Throne is the fourth in the series and is so satisfying, and incredibly enjoyable. Taylor’s research, even to learning a language fit for remote medieval fictitious kingdoms, sets the reader deep into the period. Alfred, Gwen, the Court, the Knights all feel so real that I actually had to Google this royal family when I read the first book in the series – only to find out what I believed – that this author knows her stuff! Taylor knows how to bring exciting historical adventure to the reader.
December 21, 2024
Amazing, amazing, amazing!
This book has everything you could want in a historical novel—amazing writing, a captivating story, and richly complex characters. The author brings history to life with vivid details and emotional depth, creating a world that feels as real as the one we live in. The characters are so real and compelling that it’s almost impossible to stop reading this series. I cannot wait to dive into the next book! If you're a fan of historical fiction, this is an absolute must-read!
This book has everything you could want in a historical novel—amazing writing, a captivating story, and richly complex characters. The author brings history to life with vivid details and emotional depth, creating a world that feels as real as the one we live in. The characters are so real and compelling that it’s almost impossible to stop reading this series. I cannot wait to dive into the next book! If you're a fan of historical fiction, this is an absolute must-read!
September 30, 2022
When we last saw Alfred, neither he nor his kingdom was in good shape. At the beginning of this volume, he awakens from the sickness and must recover physically and mentally if he is to restore the kingdom to its prior status. He faces multiple challenges (which I won’t disclose here) as the story continues and proves himself to be equal to all of them. A very enjoyable read. I’m eager to get into Volume 5 to see where the story goes next.
December 30, 2020
Upon This Throne was a captivating story of the events that occurred following the sickness that hit the kingdom and surrounding area. Ms. Taylor has once again developed a story that is compelling and begs the reader to continue reading. Alfred has survived the sickness, and there is more adventure in store for him. A truly delightful and satisfying tale, once again, I can hardly wait for the next volume.
October 2, 2021
For a historical fiction this story pulls you into the lives of the Kingdom.
For a historical fiction this story pulls you into the lives of the Kingdom. I usually read straight up fiction, but the storyline is well written and helps you feel what the characters feel. I highly recommend this Chronicles.
For a historical fiction this story pulls you into the lives of the Kingdom. I usually read straight up fiction, but the storyline is well written and helps you feel what the characters feel. I highly recommend this Chronicles.
March 25, 2021
Good story!
The only weak part was how did John get the chests of gold from were they were, to up high, going through a brick wall, up a rickety ladder, to hide them? It took three men and a strong boy to get it down, so I'm confused, again. Good story, through.
The only weak part was how did John get the chests of gold from were they were, to up high, going through a brick wall, up a rickety ladder, to hide them? It took three men and a strong boy to get it down, so I'm confused, again. Good story, through.
December 26, 2020
I read the entire book on Christmas day and I am looking forward to the next volume of Alfred's story.
January 12, 2021
A satisfying conclusion
A great final book to a very enjoyable series. I will definitely be reading more books by this terrific author.
A great final book to a very enjoyable series. I will definitely be reading more books by this terrific author.
July 5, 2022
Very good read
Loved the flow of the book.loved the way the plots happen. A really good read as we're books one to three.I love then .excellent series.
Loved the flow of the book.loved the way the plots happen. A really good read as we're books one to three.I love then .excellent series.
September 11, 2022
King Alfred
Alfred has become after the death of his brother. He has built back up the kingdom as was once his father's and grandfather's.
Alfred has become after the death of his brother. He has built back up the kingdom as was once his father's and grandfather's.
August 17, 2023
Great Series
I have enjoyed all 4 books so far. It is difficult to stop reading this series because the characters are so real. Cannot wait to read the next book.
I have enjoyed all 4 books so far. It is difficult to stop reading this series because the characters are so real. Cannot wait to read the next book.
November 19, 2020
Overall Rating = 4.75
Storyline & Concept = 4.25
Writing & Delivery = 5.0
Editorial = 5.0
Upon this Throne is the fourth book in the Second Son Chronicles series, taking up the story as Alfred recovers from the disease that swept the country, and he is reunited with his family. However, he is considered a traitor by many and remains in hiding, until surprise visitors arrive.
I looked forward to reading the most recent installment in the lives of Alfred, Gwen, and their comrades, and I wasn’t disappointed. It was like getting together with old friends after a long absence. The author invites you into the medieval kingdom she created, and with her attention to historical detail, she continues to weave the tale of the very likeable Alfred and his family, along with a few less likeable characters to add tension to the story. As always, the quality of the writing is exceptional.
Sublime Line: “Upon This Throne is another outstanding complement to the chronicles, continuing the saga with warmth, intensity, and historical detail.”
Storyline & Concept = 4.25
Writing & Delivery = 5.0
Editorial = 5.0
Upon this Throne is the fourth book in the Second Son Chronicles series, taking up the story as Alfred recovers from the disease that swept the country, and he is reunited with his family. However, he is considered a traitor by many and remains in hiding, until surprise visitors arrive.
I looked forward to reading the most recent installment in the lives of Alfred, Gwen, and their comrades, and I wasn’t disappointed. It was like getting together with old friends after a long absence. The author invites you into the medieval kingdom she created, and with her attention to historical detail, she continues to weave the tale of the very likeable Alfred and his family, along with a few less likeable characters to add tension to the story. As always, the quality of the writing is exceptional.
Sublime Line: “Upon This Throne is another outstanding complement to the chronicles, continuing the saga with warmth, intensity, and historical detail.”
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews