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King Alfred's Daughter: The Remarkable Story of Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians, the Heroine who Written out of History by David Stokes: A Book Review

King Alfred’s Daughter: The Remarkable Story of Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians, the Heroine who was Written out of History

Author: David Stokes

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: The Book Guild

Publication Date: 2023

Pages: 348

Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: King Alfred is dead and the achievements that made him great are in jeopardy. Rebels challenge the succession of his son Edward to the Wessex throne, and his old ally in Mercia is sick. The Vikings in the Danelaw sense the time has come to complete their conquest of England.


      It falls on Alfred’s firstborn, his daughter, Æthelflæd, to unite the Anglo-Saxons. Reluctantly, she takes up the challenge. But can a woman rebuild ruined towns and lead men into battle against hardened Viking warriors? And can Æthelflæd fulfil her father’s dream of uniting England?


      Based on contemporary sources and archaeological evidence, King Alfred’s Daughter is rich in drama, family conflict and historical achievement.


     My Review: Aethelflaed was once a forgotten warrior queen. However, she emerged into popular culture due to the hit tv show, The Last Kingdom. Aethelflaed was the Lady of Mercia who fought the Vikings to unite Anglo-Saxon England. King Alfred’s Daughter retells Aethelflaed’s story from her perspective. After the death of her father, King Alfred the Great, Aethelflaed takes up arms to wage a war against the Vikings.


     I found Aethelflaed to be a very fascinating character. She was a very strong woman. She has to carry her father’s torch and fulfill his dream of a united England. I also like how the novel shows Aethelflaed as a ruler. She has to make tough choices for the good of her kingdom. Aethelflaed proved to be a formidable figure. I admired her courage, strength, and wisdom. I also like how this novel portrays her various roles other than a ruler. I like how it shows Aethelflaed as a daughter, wife, and mother. This showed her as a woman who loves and cares for those around her. Thus, Aethelflaed was a very fleshed out character. I was very invested in her story to see how it would end.


Overall, this book is about war, choices, and ambitions. I thought that all of the characters were well-developed. I also loved how the story is told in first person because it was more engaging and accessible! I also loved the writing, especially when depicting gritty battle scenes! Therefore, Mr. Stokes made Anglo-Saxon England come alive! The only thing I did not like about this book was that it seemed a bit rushed in certain areas. Nevertheless, King Alfred’s Daughter was a very engrossing read! I recommend this for Swords Across the Thames, To Be a Queen, and The King’s Daughter!


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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