num_pages: 352
description: Debut historical fiction series vividly recreating the rise of the Christian kings of Northumbria EnglandIn 604 AD Edwin the deposed king of Northumbria seeks refuge at the court of King Raedwald of East Anglia. But Raedwald is urged to kill his guest by Aethelfrith Edwin's usurper. As Edwin walks by the shore alone and at bay he is confronted by a mysterious figure--the missionary Paulinus-- who prophesies that he will become High King of Britain. It is a turning point.Through battles and astute political alliances Edwin rises to power in the process marrying the Kentish princess Aethelburh. As part of the marriage contract the princess is allowed to retain her Christian faith. But in these times to be a king is not a recipe for a long life.This turbulent and tormented period in British history sees the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon settlers who have forced their way on to British shores over previous centuries arriving first to pillage then to farm and trade--and to come to terms with the faith of the Celtic tribes they have driven out.The dramatic story of Northumbria's Christian kings helped give birth to England as a nation English as a language and the adoption of Christianity as the faith of the English.
language: English
title: Edwin: High King of Britain
publisher: Lion Fiction