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    Oswald: Return of the King
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    Oswald: Return of the King
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    Oswald: Return of the King
    Ebook556 pages8 hours

    Oswald: Return of the King

    By Edoardo Albert

    4.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    The exiled family of King Æthelfrith of Northumbria arrive, after much hardship, on the island of Iona, where the monastery founded by St Columba has become a centre of worship and learning. Young Oswald becomes firm friends with a novice, Aidan. When Aidan professes his final vows, Oswald and his little brother Oswy are received into the church. As befits a young prince, Oswald learns to fight. However, Aidan's example attacts him and he is on the point of deciding to become a monk when news reaches Iona that his half brother, Eanfrith, has been killed by Cadwallon, the king who defeated Edwin. Oswald sails back to Northumbria and meets Cadwallon in battle, defeating and killing him. Oswald, now undisputed king of Northumbria, gives Aidan the island of Lindisfarne as his base. But Penda, the last great pagan king in England, is raising troops against him ...
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLion Fiction
    Release dateMay 15, 2015
    ISBN9781782641179
    Unavailable
    Oswald: Return of the King
    Author

    Edoardo Albert

    Edoardo Albert is a copywriter, editor and writer of short stories, features and books. His stories have appeared in Daily Science Fiction and Ancient Paths, and he has written features for Time Out, TGO and History today. He was the editor of the Time Out Cycle London Guide. He is the author of Northumbria: a lost Kingdom (History Press), The Northumbrian Thrones series (Lion Fiction), and London: A Spiritual History (Lion Books).

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    Reviews for Oswald

    4.5/5

    25 ratings11 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Oswald: Monk or King…. If he had his choice he would choose the former over the latter but he needs to unify the kingdoms and bring peace…. Or at least try.Oswald and his brother, Oswiu have spent most of their lives in exile in a monastery on the isle of Iona. When news arrives that their uncle the King is dead, the man who killed their father, they are unsure how—or if—it will affect them. Abbot Segene convinces Oswald to take his rightful place as ruler and lead the people of Northumbria and spread the ways of the new religion. Will he succeed or will the Old Ways win out? Will Oswiu stand by him and succeed in avoiding unnecessary bloodshed?The book took a bit to get started but after a bit I was hooked. I did not read the first book in the series (Edwin: High King of Britain 2014) but there is no need as it was able to stand alone. There is a recap in the front that sets the scene within the historical context. Oswald was a real King, briefly mentioned by Bede in Ecclesiastical History of the English People, however Edoardo Albert does a stellar job ‘filling in’ his story. English history is a favorite of mine so I enjoy when an author can tell a story AND keep it historically accurate. I enjoyed his book , it was not fast paced but the story gained momentum and left me wanting more. 3.75 stars
    • 4/5
      This is the second book in The Northumbrian Thrones Trilogy. I had not read the first book in this trilogy, but I had no difficulty following the plot. There is an excellent summary at the beginning of the book that explains the major events of the previous book. I am now looking forward to reading both the first and the third books. I found this to be an intriguing story based on a fascinating time in history. Using Bede's History as an inspiration, Albert writes a convincing story about Oswald and his struggles as a prince, and a king. There is the added element of religious conversion that provides another source of tension to the story. Oswald and others have become Christian, while many still cling to their Pagan beliefs. The drama of the battles and in the character's lives made me not want to put the book down.I also appreciated the excellent Historical Note that Albert included at the end of the book. I was pleased with the details he provided, and liked learning where the story differed from historical events. There are also some books suggested for those that want to learn more about this time period. I found this to be an enjoyable historical fiction novel, and I would recommend reading this book.
    • 5/5
      This is the second book -Edwin being the first. I've had the good fortune to read both. Early English history is a favorite of mine. As you can imagine, there is not much written record left from the 7th century so the author has done a remarkable job of bringing the characters - most them are based on people who lived in the time period - to life. It's a harsh time and the writing is such that you truly feel you are living with Oswald as he goes through his day.A thrilling look at a time period lost to many.
    • 4/5
      The sequel to the first book in this trilogy 'Edwin: High King of Britain' was for me, long awaited. I remembered a little of Oswald’s story- for which the sources are sparse- but the wait was well worth it. The title is a conscious nod to Tolkien, of which it is, I believe legitimate to draw at least some comparison.

      King Oswald of Northumbria, a seventh century Saxon King, was the inspiration for Aragorn- and Middle Earth was what Oswald’s people the Anglo-Saxons, called the earth. For once again Edoardo Albert has taken the material that gives the barest details and created a grand, moving and realistic historical drama recreating the lives of half-forgotten figures who lived in a period that is as much shrouded in myth as it is known from history.

      It tells the story of an exiled Prince, who returned to his homeland to reclaim his Kingdom, and, once it was won, to spread the New Faith of Christianity which he had embraced. This led him to establish the great monastry of Lindisfarne, and other foundations that would become famous as centres of Early Medieval English Christianity
      As a ruler, Oswald ‘flashed for a few short years’when much was against him- when fellow Kings said that no throne could survive when there were two brothers to compete for it.
      His was a tale of a a King who sought to bring hope to his people of brotherly love, loyalty, intrigue and sacrifice - tainted by betrayal, pride and mistrust.
      The characters are 'real people'- flawed and relatable- this heroes genuinely heroic- yet not always having a heroic motivation for their actions.

      As with the last book the often beautifully written descriptive passages helped re-create a far distant age and really transport the reader back to the time, to feel as if they are there with the characters as the story unfolds. in the King's hall high on the fortress of Bamburgh , on the battlefield, sailing through the misty fens of East-Anglia. Vouching for and caring for them.

      One problem with some historical fiction novels is the tendency to inject modern values, thoughts and ideas into the heads of historical characters- harder still is the avoid modern idioms and turns of phrase.
      In this series- even the way that the characters speak evokes the world of Tolkien, and, for literary buffs- Old English and British poetry.
      Some of my favourite passages included:

      "But even the sea, first and masterless, had quietened at the command of her heart-Lord. If he had chosen Oswald, she would not hold him back for her mother fear.

      “We are all afraid…Death takes…glory fades, deeds are forgotten. In a generation, who will remember out names? But there is a hope in the new ways: a hope of life, a hope in death, a hope even in defeat”.

      “When I was a boy, all I wanted was to be a warrior, to wield sword and win fame…but now I am glad the story is greater than sword glory”.

      My only complaints were that the Oswald’s actual reign seemed to take something of a back foot. He didn’t even develop King until halfway into the novel- and the section devoted to his rule is nearly three quarters of the way through.
      Much time is devoted to the preliminaries- mostly the warfare which ravaging the Kingdom of Northumbria, waged by rival Kings who Oswald had to defeat and bring to heel. This much of the first part of the book is the backstory about how he became King, in which relatively minor character from the last book get a lot of attention.

      One such characters was Coifi, the former pagan priest who ostensibly converted to Christianity it the last book. The characterization of him here was- dubious to say the least. In the last book, it seemed to be implied that his supposed supernatural ‘powers’ of prophecy were a delusion, and he was something of a powerless charlatan, who lost realized the gods he served held no power. Here, it is implied many times that he really can see into the future- when he goes into trances, his ‘visions’ often prove uncannily accurate.

      One minute he claimed the gods abandoned him- but then claims they have given him is abilities back when he gets his visions again. I almost felt the author was trying to cast his as a Gandalf like- character- when such was really not needed and I feel is not appropriate- especially in a work of historical fiction by an ostensibly Christian Publisher.
      It is almost counter-productive to have a figure to whom who believes the gods have given him power- and whose power seems very real- when other characters are shown abandoning the worship of those capricious gods because they believe it can give them no hope.

      Also, in a couple of places some details seemed confusing. Perhaps the last section seemed too ‘rushed’. Oswald went from gaining his throne, to everyone calling him High King very quickly, one I sometimes found it hard to recall when the other kings had given him their allegiance. In some places, also, there seemed to be little sense of the passing of time- so until we were told that someone’s child was so old, it was hard to keep track of how much time had passed.

      Finally, it may be pertinent to mention that readers seeking a story with a happy ending may be disappointed. This novel is true to the history of the period, which was frequently violent and sometimes tragic.
      Yet is it not a story entirely devoid of hope. Those seeking a realistic work of historical and literary fiction, which explores some deeper issues without being preachy or clichéd, and is free of gratuitous sex, excessive, unnecessary violence, or plain silliness which plagues some historical dramas may well find what they are looking for here.

      I received an ARC of this book free from the publisher for review. I was not required to write a positive one, and all opinions expressed are my own.
    • 4/5
      Second book of the Northumbrian Thrones trilogy. Exiled prince Oswald must decide his future: become a monk in the young English Christian church, or claim the throne and attempt to unite Britain, as other kings battle it out all over the British Isles. As a deeply devout man, Oswald is torn between his religious and earthly duties.Intentionally echoing Tolkien's subtitle (Return of the King) as they used the same source material (though Albert tries to stay with the historical facts insofar as possible, where Tolkien of course veered into fantasy), this is a historical epic and a fine standalone story (I haven't read the first book yet). A bit slow to start, it becomes a very exciting page-turner, with well drawn, nuanced characters and covering a fascinating period. I found the endnote on sources also extremely interesting. Recommended for anyone with an interest in the Dark Ages, or just wanting a great historical fiction read.
    • 5/5
      From only a few mentions about Oswald's life in Bede, Albert has written another engrossing historical novel about the 7th century struggle for kingly dominance in Northumbria and the rest of England. Oswald, the nephew of the murdered King Edwin, would much rather be a monk in a remote monastery in Ireland. Instead, he is duty-bound to lead the opposition to Northumbria's enemies, Cadwallon of Wales and Penda of Mercia. He and his younger brother Oswey succeed in setting Oswald on the throne of his fathers, at least for a time.This novel is not as stylistically rigid as the first novel, Edwin: High King of Britain. The language used seems more contemporary and Albert even introduces humorous banter between the brothers to lighten the somber story. But the realities of life at this time are fully shown. Marriages are alliances and Oswald weds a child who is more interested in play and too young to understand her complex husband. When she dies in childbirth, Oswald cannot shake the guilt that he subjected her to an ordeal which killed her immature body.War is the central theme. Kings must reward their retainers with gold and the way to get gold is to take it from other kings. Add to that, the still strong belief that the most honorable death is in battle and it is obvious why Oswald and his enemies are always anticipating the next encounter. The fights, based on historical and archeological sources, are not glorious. They are bloody skirmishes fought between armies of often 70 to 100 men. Shifting alliances and betrayals make any outcome uncertain.Except for a secret admiration for Oswey's wife, Oswald is depicted as the perfect king In this instance, the author is faithfully following Bede's account where more words are given to the miracles associated with Oswald's relics than to his short reign. I admit that because I was familiar with Bede's account, I was dreading the final battle. Albert does it justice and it is devastating.I am looking forward to the final volume of the trilogy.
    • 4/5
      It was required that we learn English history when I was in school. I still remember Mr. Majeski drumming the names of the English royalty into our heads. But I'm pretty sure that we did not go as far back as the seventh century when England was divided into many small kingdoms. Certainly I don't remember hearing the name Oswald until I received this book. So it was a completely new saga in which I immersed myself as I read this book. I found it absolutely fascinating.Oswald was the son of King Ethelfrith of Bernicia and Deira in Northumberland, an area that straddled Hadrian's Wall. However Ethelfrith was killed in battle by Edwin. Edwin brought Christianity to the area and became overlord to much of south England. His reign was overthrown by King Cadwallon of Gwynedd in conjunction with Penda of Mercia (present day Wales roughly). Cadwallon and Penda ravaged the Northumbrian countryside for a year after defeating Edwin. Oswald, who had been living with the monks on the island of Iona, did not want to be king but he was persuaded that it was God's will that he win back the throne. He and his brother, Oswiu, with a small band of warriors managed to overcome Cadwallon who had stayed behind in Northumbria while Penda returned to Mercia. Thereafter it seemed that Oswald could do no wrong as he subdued or made treaties with most of the other kings. Even Penda had to admit defeat and leave his brother as hostage. However, kings had a habit of not lasting on their throne for very long and even Oswald only reigned for eight years.The author really knows this era and he has written non-fiction about it. Do not worry that the material will be dry historical facts though; besides excellent historical detail this book has very interesting characters and most of them really existed.
    • 4/5
      Edoardo Albert's tale of Oswald reads like straightforward history but told in an engaging fictional narrative. As far as I can tell, and confirmed by Albert's historical note at the back, the story is extremely accurate to the history of the actual Oswald, king of Bernicia and Deira during Britain's Middle Ages. Of course, little enough is known about Oswald and so Albert believably fills in the gaps. The culture he creates feels authentic and the characters are believably of their times but also relatable. Albert writes in clear modern English, but he also uses key terms from the Middle English that Oswald and his contemporaries would have spoken. The words, such as "witan" for a group of nobles that select a king, or "scop" for a king's singer and storyteller are crucial to the story and easily understood through context, but there is also a helpful glossary and pronunciation guide in the beginning. I highly recommend Oswald: Return of the King to fans of British history, but expect a lot of battle narrative and not as much interior drama as we'd expect from a modern novel. This is really history in a fictional guise.
    • 5/5
      This was, hands down, one of the best novels I've read this year-- enthralling, stirring, poignant and with gentle humor in spots. From a short mention in Bede and with other facts the author garnered from elsewhere--and, a certain amount of dramatic license--the author has crafted a well-written life of Oswald, a 7th century king of Northumbria. From boyhood with his brother Oswiu, he rises from exile in Dal Riada and the monastic island of Iona to become king of a united Northumbria. Always desiring the monastic life, he nonetheless is a great and compassionate king. Oswald, in the author's conception, is an inspirational figure. He spreads Christianity through his realm, much through the simple, unprepossessing example and actions of his lifelong soul-friend, Brother [later Bishop] Aidan to whom he gives Lindesfarne, which becomes a monastic center. Because of the treachery and betrayal of a man he has considered a friend, he faces off against the evil Penda, King of Mercia, in an exciting winter battle at Maserfield. I did smile at Oswald's pet raven, Bran, almost a character in itself/himself. I've read elsewhere that many Celtic saints, of which Oswald was one, had a furry or feathery companion. I am assuming the stunning cover shows Bran outlined in red against a black background.I was on an emotional roller-coaster for the whole novel and still haven't quite gotten my equilibrium or breath back. I'm not ashamed to say sometimes the writing of particular incidents or conversations was so powerful, my eyes would fill with tears.Very highly recommended.
    • 4/5
      Oswald wants to be a monk not a king, but the high king is killed in battle and one by one his other relations are killed in claiming the throne so the duty falls to him. He seems blessed and lucky in his early reign, winning battles with far fewer troop numbers. Much of the story centers around the relationship between Oswald and his brother Osiwu. Their main rivals are also a pair of brothers, Penda, King of Mercia, and his brother Eowa. The difference between the relationships is interesting. It is a very well woven story keeping to the small bit of history that is recorded about the time. The historical note in the back is great. I read it first so I would know how much of the story was historical fact, and what was the author's embellishment, A very entertaining read portraying life in a very early period in British history, (circa 640 A.D.)
    • 5/5
      This is the second book -Edwin being the first. I've had the good fortune to read both. Early English history is a favorite of mine. As you can imagine, there is not much written record left from the 7th century so the author has done a remarkable job of bringing the characters - most them are based on people who lived in the time period - to life. It's a harsh time and the writing is such that you truly feel you are living with Oswald as he goes through his day.A thrilling look at a time period lost to many.