Bloodmoon

Sister Fidelma #29

by Peter Tremayne

A secret mission. A murdered abbot. A false the compelling new Sister Fidelma mystery.

Ireland, AD 671. Sister Fidelma has a mission, and she is sworn by oath to reveal her purpose to no other. The secret investigation leads her and her companions to the abbey of Finnbarr to question the abbot. But before they have a chance to speak to him, the abbot is found murdered - and the young girl suspected of the crime has fled the scene.

As vicious rumours spread, accusing Fidelma's family, the Eóghanacht Kings of Cashel, of conspiring to assassinate the High King and abduct his wife, Sister Fidelma's life is placed in mortal danger.

Unable to tell the truth of her quest to anyone, including her husband Eadulf, Fidelma's time is running out - and now she has no choice but to face the challenge, and her enemies, alone

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Ireland, Medieval, Historical

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2018

About the author

Peter Berresford Ellis (born 10 March 1943) is a historian, literary biographer, and novelist who has published over 90 books to date either under his own name or his pseudonyms Peter Tremayne and Peter MacAlan. He has also published 95 short stories. His non-fiction books, articles and academic papers have made him acknowledged as an authority on Celtic history and culture. As Peter Tremayne, he is the author of the international bestselling Sister Fidelma mystery series. His work has appeared in 25 languages.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exciting and intriguing mystery is the 29th volume of the wonderful "Sister Fidelma" series from the author Peter Tremayne, which is the fiction pseudonym of Peter Berresford Ellis.
The historical details concerning this mystery can be found at the beginning of the book in the Author's Note, as well as in the Historical Afterword at the end, where they are both very well documented and explained.
Also at the beginning of the book you'll notice a saying from Jerome, 4th Century, concerning the "Bloodmoon", as well as a wonderful list of Principal Characters, who are fantastically featuring in this gripping mystery, and not to forget a well-drawn map of "The Territory of Southern Ui Liathain, the area where the main events will take place.
Storytelling is as ever of a top-notch quality, all the characters come vividly to life within this exciting mystery, the storyline is superbly executed, with quite some twists and turns, and at the end an eventful suspenseful plot to make this all such a very entertaining read.
The story is situated at the end of the year, December AD 671, and it is mainly set in the territory of the Ui Liathain, in what is now east Co. Cork.
This story brings Fidelma and her husband Eadulf along with the warrior of the Golden Collar, Enda, to another mystery of evil and murder, and that will start by finding the truth behind the murder of the abbot at Finnbarr Abbey.
What follows is a very challenging encounter for Fidelma, for she's on a Geis, a secret mission, even her husband, Eadulf and the warrior, Enda, cannot be told about her quest, but at some point, after several deadly challenges, she has to reveal the reason behind her secrecy, and in doing so in the end they will persevere and resolve the mysteries behind all these murders.
Highly recommended, for this is a tremendous series, and what this book is concerned: "Fidelma Excels Once Again"!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really dithered about this rating. I think a 2.5 stars would be accurate.

I used to read the Fidelma mysteries faithfully and then stopped about 8 years ago. Now I remember why. I really struggle with the names and, thus, keeping track of who is who. This one had a lot of history on which tribe was eligible to have a member to be High King of Ireland. The history, well researched, went back hundreds of years and, frankly, I got lost and then was a little miffed because it really didn't matter to the story.

The story was a mess and by the end of it I really didn't understand it. The plot was so confusing involving Saxon warriors, feuding families and the apparent secret kidnapping of the High King's wife for no apparent reason. On top of that, Fidelma was bound by an ancient oath, a geis, that forbids her from telling anyone her mission including her traveling companions, husband Eadult and bodyguard Enda.

They chase after secret goals, get captured, meet unpleasant people and encounter death. At the end, I have no real clue what really happened and why it mattered so I was dissatisfied. What I did like was the history of the times. It is really interesting but the story itself? Not great.

Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book to review.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the series. Not one mention of their son as Fidelma and her husband along with a member of the elite soldiers who guard Cashel and its king head off on what might be called a false trail. From the beginning the reader can pick up on questionable assumptions, but in this book Fidelma seems dim, a bit off her game. She has been given a mission by the high king and made to promise not to tell.
In the meantime, her guard and husband are put at considerable risk as is she.
It is a wild trek through ancient Ireland with many hazards and always didactic with a surfeit of explanations.
But, hey. I have read them all and will continue to do so as long as Peter Tremayne writes them.

[Judy Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the digital galley of this novel.

In the previous book for this series, number 28, Sister Fidelma had sworn to a secret oath and this book concerns her travels to carry out that secret oath. This oath is of such a sensitive nature that Fidelma cannot share it with anyone, not even her husband Eadulf of Seaxmund's Ham. The first part of their journey takes them to the Abbey of the Blessed Finbarr so Fidelma can speak to Abbot Nessan but he is found murdered before she can discuss anything with him. Sister Fidelma of Cashel is a lawyer and a legal advisor to her brother, Colgu, King of Muman so she takes on the task of finding out who killed the abbot with suspicion pointing toward a young woman who fled the abbey after escorting the Abbot back to his living quarters.

This story is filled with information about what life was like in 7th Century Ireland. Old Irish words are used in abundance with the English translation following. I most enjoy a book relating to this time period when the mystery takes up the main story line. This book concentrated much more on the political side of the time period when Ireland was divided into many kingdoms and many factions seem to have always been trying to overthrow one kingdom or another. I didn't get quite enough mystery here to keep me completely satisfied and reading about Eadulf complaining because Fidelma wouldn't tell him what the secret oath was just got downright irritating.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I read the Kindle edition.

It is 671 is the wild lands of Ireland where Sister Fidelma and her husband Eadulf live. She is an advisor and sister to the King of Muman. She is a lawyer. They are on a journey to see Abbott Nessan. He has a message for her and she is sworn to secrecy about her task – she cannot even tell her husband. Eadulf is more than a little miffed about this. This book focusses more on Eadulf and Fidelma’s relationship than some of the other Sister Fidelma novels. When they arrive at the abbey, they find Abbott Nessan has been murdered.

Suspicion for his murder falls on a young girl – the Abbott’s niece – Fidelma feels that this is not so. She sets off to look for the missing girl. With her own life in danger, for she is suspected in the plot to murder the King and abduct his wife, she pursues the truth.

The language used in this novel is beautiful – except for all the ancient Irish words. It is tightly written and plotted. This is my first Sister Fidelma book, and I was very interested to look at the others in the series. I liked the novel and enjoyed the characters and the descriptions of the countryside and of ancient Irish traditions.

I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read, enjoy and review.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read some of the Sister Fidelma books a while ago. This one didn't seem as interesting. I'm not sure whether this is because the author's style has changed or whether it's a change in my taste.
Although this is classified as a mystery it seemed more of an opportunity for the author to display his knowledge of Gaelic (Irish) words and traditions. Many items were described with the Gaelic name but then never referred to again, so after a while the use of the old language seemed superfluous.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comfortable piece of escapism into seventh century Ireland, where Fidelma, lawyer and sister to the king of Munster is asked to solve the mystery of a rumoured bid to assassinate the High King at Tara. She is under a sacred oath not to disclose what she it is doing. She sets out with her husband Eadulf and Enda one of the king`s bodyguards. It is extremely complex but eventually after much adventure and following mixed leads she breaks the oath and with the help of her companions manages to solve the mystery.

[Karenne Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad

[Kerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. A little long winded

[Irene B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting at the end of the series is probably not best. Author likes to "tell" detail about life in Ireland ca. 700 A.D. Every other line is an Irish word followed by a definition. Needs to reread Tolkien. He wrote using many names of things without such tedium. Just not a good match for me. I enjoy a novel with some introspection by the characters.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

In 671 AD Fidelma is given a mission, under a sacred oath not to reveal the aim. This is my second attempt at the series and unfortunately I can't seem to like the characters or be interested in them, the story or the writing style. Two stars because I did manage to finish it.
A NetGalley Book

[Laura Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad giving this such a low rating since Sister Fidelma is one of my favorite series, so I feel a need to justify the 2 rating.

Right off the bat the writing is horribly stilted, even for Peter Tremayne. What was with the weird build up to Fidelma's introduction into the novel, unveiling her name with an unnecessary flourish, as if the reader wouldn't be able to identify her after 28 books? Normally I enjoy learning new words, phrases and customs, but Tremayne seems to cram four or five Gaelic words and their meanings into every other paragraph, making for a very tedious read. Lately, I've been reading the Irish Country doctor series by Patrick Taylor. He also uses Irish words and phrases, yet his story flows so much more smoothly because a dictionary is provided in back and a long-winded explanation is not needed every time. Not to mention, Tremayne repeats information throughout. How many times does the reader need a "les" (Eadulf's medical bag, see I remembered) explained? Or the fact every warrior carries the means to start a fire? Or an explanation of Fidelma's combat method and how it came about? On top of that, the plot was very confusing, more so than usual.

When Fidelma is kidnapped by the Saxon raiders, why did the Saxon warriors then fire on Tiallain and his men (their only allies in the area)? The main reason seems to be author contrivance, in order to allow Eadulf and Enda a chance to go down to the wharf, so they can follow and make an attempt to rescue Fidelma. Makes no sense otherwise.

The relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf is also perplexing. I certainly don't want the book to veer toward the romantic (ugh), but I'd like to feel they care about each other (at least while they're alone) more than they care about Enda, the warrior, or Muirgen, the nurse. Any spark there might have once been has fizzled and died. They have to be the most staid couple (at least, of couples who supposedly love each other) in the history of literature.

The good parts of the story were stunted because of the tediousness of the writing. Any suspense regarding the rescue attempt of Fidelma or the way Fidelma, Eadulf and Enda don't know who to trust fizzles away to nothing because of the stilted prose and tedious explanations. I sure hope Peter Tremayne isn't so long-winded the next time. His writing is really hit or miss for me.

[Shirley Schwartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been a long-time fan of Peter Tremayne's Fidelma books, but I found this one difficult to follow. It is tricky to read these books because Tremayne uses the ancient spelling of many words and all the names are historical figures so they are difficult as well. This book had a lot of new characters in it because Fidelma and Eadulf are on a trip to the extreme southeast of the Irish realm, and a place they've never travelled before. The year is 671 AD and Fidelma has been called to complete a very secret mission for the High King. It is one of the most dangerous missions that the pair have been on, so accompanied by Enda, one of her brother's top guards, they begin. Trouble begins almost immediately when they reach the abbey of Finnbar to talk to the abbot. Before Fidelma gets a chance to talk to him, he is found murdered in his chambers, and a young girl is on the run. Fidelma and her two companions saddle up and try to follow the girl, and they run into all sorts of dangerous and unpredictable people. The further they get in their quest, the deeper the conspiracy goes. The three face many dangers, but due to their cunning and perseverance, they manage to unravel the deep mystery. I found the plot was quite detailed and convoluted, and it was difficult to follow the threads to its conclusion. I got bogged down with the many new characters, and really found it difficult to follow the actual conspiracy. It didn't help that Fidelma was her usual imperious self throughout most of the book. The way she treats her faithful companions, and the people that they come across was off-putting, because in the last number of books, thereI have seen many softer sides to Fidelma, which is mostly because of the influence of her husband Eadulf. Not my favourite in this long-running series, but still worthwhile to read it if only because it furthers the story of the incredible Fidelma and rock-steady Eadulf again.

[Anam Cara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have long loved the Sister Fidelma mysteries and normally give them 5 stars (except when I went through a period of wondering if I give everything 5 stars, how will I know what is REALLY good). But the book before this one in the series "Night of the Lightbringer" only earned 3 from me. And the problems I had with that book were only magnified in this one.

Too many pages of a 334 page book with a smaller font were spent with Fidelma and Eadulf remembering things past, previous exploits were referenced for no reason that affected the current story line, much time was spent with them reviewing everything they knew (or rather didn't know - who? what? why?) reviewing the facts as they knew them and wondering how it all fit together. How many times does one have to hear the relationship of some of the characters. Yes, we got it. Grella is the wife of the high king Cenn Failed! We don't need to be told over and over again how pigeons were used to carry messages. That's not a complex idea.

Normally, I have a hard time putting Sister Fidelma down. This time I had a hard time forcing myself to read it out of loyalty to the series. (I don't mind not finishing a book if it isn't bringing me pleasure - after all, I am reading for enjoyment and if it's not enjoyable....)

Since Night of the Lightbringer was only 3 stars and Bloodmoon was only 2 in my opinion, I am not certain how much time i want to invest in the next 4 novels in this series. Probably out of loyalty (again) I will give Sister Fidelma another chance. Maybe the author was going through a rough time. But if the next now is no better than these, I am finished. There are too many other authors and books I want to read to spend my time effectively rereading a book before I finish it because the author can't edit out the repetitive parts.

[ma_mots_et_images · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retour en Irlande, au VIIe siècle, où nous retrouvons notre héroïne, Lady Fidelma, ancienne religieuse, dalaigh de son état (c'est-à-dire avocate), et bien entendu, soeur du roi de Cashel.

Fidelma est confrontée à une histoire bien sombre, qui la touche particulièrement et pourrait entacher l'honneur de sa famille. Elle se lance, accompagnée par son époux Eadulf, le moine angle, et Enda, l'un d'un guerrier de son frère, à la suite d'une jeune femme accusée de meurtre. Plus secrète que jamais, Fidelma conduit ses deux acolytes à travers une sorte de "road trip" à travers les terres gouvernées par son frère : à cheval, en bateau, à pied... Ils y rencontrent des gentils et des méchants, se retrouvent prisonniers, côtoient des branches rebelles de la famille et des Saxons intraitables ! Une aventure grandeur nature rendant ce roman dynamique et plein de suspense.

Dans cet opus, Fidelma se montre beaucoup plus fragile et nettement moins arrogante qu'elle ne l'est habituellement. Seule à connaître le but de son enquête, elle ne peut expliquer à ses compagnons de route le fil de ses réflexions. En effet, elle est tenue par un geis, promesse celtique à valeur magique, dont elle ne peut dévoiler le contenu sans encourir des conséquences catastrophiques. Peter Tremayne nous ouvre encore ici, toujours avec habileté, une porte sur la culture irlandaise !

Un roman très réussi, un vrai récit d'aventure qui permettra, à l'issue de bien des péripéties, de résoudre le cas de conscience de l'héroïne.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blood-red moon of the title, esca cro-deirg, symbolised to contemporaries that an important event was about to occur, and, if they were Christian, that God was about to act against those who had offended Him.

Little seems to happen in this leisurely-paced 29th entry in the Sister Fidelma canon. However we do gain insights into the occasionally-fraught relationship between the learned dalaigh and her companion, Eadulf.

Fidelma is carrying out an investigation but is under an oath of secrecy which means she must conceal much from her partner and the warrior, Enda, who accompany her on her journey. Much of the story is about that journey and the people encountered on it, rather than the details the plot which she is looking into. This means that a lot of explanation is crammed in quite late on.

Although characters often spoke of how complicated it all was, I thought the “mystery” element here was less convoluted than usual.This did not in any way detract from the joys which the book conveys by way of accuracy of historical detail and atmosphere, excellent writing and the use of languages, including Old Irish, Latin and Greek.

This was a delightful read and is highly-recommendable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the digital review copy.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bloodmoon is always an omen…

I assume that those reading this review know the history of Fidelma of Cashel, once Sister Fidelma of Kildare. The mystery solving dàlaigh of the Irish court system is aided by Brother Eadulf of Seaxmund’s Ham, her husband.

The wife of the High King of Ireland is on a secret journey to an obscure abbey. Fidelma and Eadulf are themselves on a journey that will end at the same place.

Along the way, they are menaced and attacked by raiders using crossbows. A mysterious religious seems to always be in the background. He is at the first abbey they visit, he is on a warship when Fidelma is kidnapped and haunts the pair all through the adventure.

Murders and attacks fill the story until the final reveal.

I liked this story, but I don’t think it was Tremayne at his best. The story lacks a bit in continuity, and it drags at times. I give it three stars…

Quoth the Raven…

[Avis Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bloodmoon” is one of a series from the Sister Fidelma mysteries. If you’re not familiar with this series as I am, I’m sure you’ll still enjoy reading this one.
Sister Fidelma is a super-sleuth, a woman of wit and courage who would stand out in any era, but she is from medieval Ireland in AD681.
Sister Fidelma journeys to the abbey of Finnbarr to question the Abbott and is sworn by oath to tell no one the reason for her quest. Moments after she arrives, a young woman has fled the scene and becomes the main suspect, when the Abbott is found murdered. Fidelma follows the woman into the territory of the High King. Rumors, before long begin to catch up with Fidelma, darkening her family name, the Eo’ganacht, and accusing them of conspiring to assassinate the High King.
Now she is a foe in a land where her enemies are closing in and Fidelma’s time is running out. She has little choice but to face the challenge alone, as no one else is aware of her mission.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sister Fidelma has been charged with a secret mission and placed under a geis by the High King. The first task is to talk to the abbot of Finnbarr. Traveling with her is her husband, Eadulf, and a warrior, Enda; neither of which she can tell of her mission. Before she can speak with the abbot, he is found murdered. Sister Fidelma and her companions search for a young woman who left about the time of the murder. But perils and other mishaps seem to follow them wherever they go, and their very lives become endangered. Can Sister Fidelma complete her task for the High King and solve the mystery?

These mysteries are very good. I thoroughly enjoy each and every one of them. This one was quite convoluted. The characters are so well developed and the plots very well executed. I will always look for more of these books.

[Elite Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction at its best.

Set in Ireland AD 671, Sister Fidelma and her companions, her husband Eadulf and Enda, warrior of the golden collar, are on a secret mission to discover the truth about an assassination plot against the High King.

She is unable to tell her companions about this secret until the very end of their journey, even though her very life is in mortal danger.

Intrigues, mysterious deaths and rumours of a conspiracy by Fidelma’s own family abound.
The twists and turns of this story, based upon historical fact, keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

I loved this book, and the way Peter Tremayne got me involved in the characters and the old Irish landscapes. This is the first time I’ve read one of his many books, hopefully not the last!

Dona

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

[patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fidelma is under an oath and cannot reveal what it is. She, Eadulf, and Enda set out to see Abbot Nessan but before they can speak with him he is murdered; and the young girl who was with him has fled. The three are now looking for this young girl. Eadulf is upset that his wife Fidelma won't reveal what she is after. One thing after another, more questions than answers. The plot thickens and danger abounds. Is it a plot to start war between the five kingdoms or with the Saxons, was the high king's wife kidnapped and why? Fidelma is captured by a Saxon warship and Eadulf stages a rescue. Eadulf and Enda witness a Bloodmoon and in that age it was considered an omen. This is one of my favorites of this series. Peter Tremayne writes about Ireland in what has been called the Dark Ages when Ireland was a beacon of light in the European world.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this one 4 stars because of its convoluted plot. It wasn't quite clear to me, due to the many characters, who was in or out of the plot or even engaged in another plot. Still, because of its intricate plot, perhaps I should have given it 5 stars--for after all even the best planned plots (this time against the High King) can go astray. Eadulf plays a bigger role than usual in this #29, for which I am glad, and more of his personality is developed. Fidelma remains a little sharp tempered. Other characters are fairly delineated, as is the countryside of Ireland itself. Of great interest to me was Tremayne's historical note relating what happened to certain of the characters that were indeed real historical figures. Note: the real history does not bode well for Ireland.

[Doris Mahala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish with all my heart I had the ability to build shelves in a home dedicated to all of my favorite authors!
Book 29 in he saga of A Mystery of Ancient Ireland with Fidelma, her husband, bodyguard, her brother a lesser king of the five kingdoms of Ireland with murder, mayhem, betrayal, kidnappings!
Where does this man decide which adventure with history of Ireland?
The Old religion must give way to the New religion!
The historical facts are mind boggling!
Mr. Tremayne is a master at his craft!
If you are a lover of the Celt, Picti, Britin, and (Germanic) people "Angles and Saxons" histories this saga is a must!!
Start with book one and when you get to book 29 I just may get to read more on the Princess Fidelma!

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

AlthoughI enjoyed this story of Sister Fidelma’s journey, there were just too many unfamiliar Gaelic words (often followed by the definition, which seems pointless). I am not studying the language, I just want a story. Since the author is an expert on ancient Ireland and I have traveled there, it is fun to read and learn about the time period in the book. This book was not as interesting as others in the series, probably because I am not very interested in the relationship between Fidelia and her weak and insecure husband. He does prove his strength in this story, but his constant winging is so annoying. I have not read the complete series, but Every once in a while I find one of these books in the library and take it home for an enjoyable evening before the fire.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series for over 20 years, first discovering the Ireland mysteries in a favorite bookstore in Victoria, Canada. I have learned much about Ireland from the education in justice, early medicine, geography and travel difficulties. This is the first book in the series where I got thoroughly exasperated with Fildema. She is married to Edulf and thoroughly knows the warrior Enda from her brother's court, yet she stubbornly refuses to tell them why they are going to the south of Ireland, even as they continue on their perilous journey of being captured. This is the first time I have been thoroughly disgusted with our heroine Fidelma by the time she finally shares why they are making this journey.

[Argum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fidelma is being cagey with both Eadulf and her bodyguard as they travel to the Abbey. Then they find that the Abbot is dead and the mysterious girl cousin has vanished. Strange things are afoot in a strange land of somewhat unfamiliar territory. There is an unbreakable vow, lots of old Irish customs, and marital tension. Fidelma is a bit of an acquired taste based on the other reviews. Fidelma keeps a lot of information secret and the Ireland of the High Kings era is built up a lot over the course of the series. So I would recommend starting at the beginning rather than trying to piece the politics of the various tribes and customs out of any single entry.

[Bobbie N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fidelma has been given a mission, sworn by oath not to reveal to anyone, including her husband Eadulf and bodyguard Enda, who accompany her to the abbey of Finnbarr. Before they have a chance to speak to the abbott, he is found murdered, and the young woman suspected of the crime has fled the abbey. As rumors of a conspiracy to assassinate the high king spread and Fidelma herself placed in mortal danger, time is running out and she is still unable to tell the truth of her mission to anyone.
A very adventurous addition to one of my favorite series.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fidelma, sister to the king of Cashel, is traveling to the abbey of Finnbarr to meet with the abbot. With her are her husband Eadulf and her bodyguard, the young warrior Enda. The plot is contrived so that Fidelma cannot tell her companions what her mission is or even what dangers they might face. Naturally they are frustrated by this and much of the tension of the story is supplied by this frustration. The reason for reading this series is the setting in 7th century Ireland. Fidelma is a rather cold character and, in this story, becomes downright frosty.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was happy to find a number of Sister Fidelma books in our library that I haven't read. This one has a convoluted mystery that even Sister Fidelma and her husband Edaulf can not figure out. The wife of a king is abducted and her coachman and guard are killed. Her confidant is sent to an abbey to receive a message from a monk; he is killed and she is blamed. Sister Fidelma is on a mission so secret she can not even tell her husband. Wonderful mystery while learning about seventh century Ireland. Highly recommended.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but did struggle with the Irish names and doubt anyone would know who I was talking about if I tried to pronounce them! A twisting story and as I haven't followed the series I found some bits I understand but that is not the book's fault.
I find the historical information very interesting, as well as the comparisons between the Irish and Saxon/ Angle culture. Good to have the historical information from the author to help fill in detail of those times.