Shadow on the Crown

A Novel

By: Patricia Bracewell

Narrated by: Katie Firth

A rich tale of power and forbidden love revolving around a young medieval queen

In 1002, 15-year-old Emma of Normandy crosses the Narrow Sea to wed the much older King Athelred of England, whom she meets for the first time at the church door. Thrust into an unfamiliar and treacherous court, with a husband who mistrusts her, stepsons who resent her, and a bewitching rival who covets her crown, Emma must defend herself against her enemies and secure her status as queen by bearing a son.

Determined to outmaneuver her adversaries, Emma forges alliances with influential men at court and wins the affection of the English people. But her growing love for a man who is not her husband and the imminent threat of a Viking invasion jeopardize both her crown and her life.

Based on real events recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Shadow on the Crown introduces listeners to a fascinating, overlooked period of history and an unforgettable heroine whose quest to find her place in the world will resonate with modern listeners.

©2013 Patricia Bracewell (P)2013 Penguin Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Using the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle as her marker, Patricia Bracewell has produced a magnificent work of historical fiction, evoking time and place in a remarkable way, and engaging the reader firmly in her story." (The Daily Mail, UK)

"Bracewell’s portrayal of Emma...is a real tour de force. A five star debut!" (Historical Novels Review)

"Bracewell delivers a highly entertaining addition to the historical fiction genre." (Publishers Weekly)

Reads like a Medieval Soap Opera

The idea was interesting and I like the ties to Queen Emma's true history. However, it's a bit shallow and at times I felt like I was plodding along just trying to find out what happens in the end. I'm hooked enough to complete the trilogy, but wouldn't rank it among my favorites.

Dark without much redemption

The performance was good and the book played out royal politics well, but it was just a dreary story.

Loved

I loved this book. Great story. I listened for hours on end, unable to pause it. I was so excited to buy the second book in the trilogy. Alas, the different reader made me unable to listen to it. So, I’ll never know what happens to the characters.

Great story!

I loved LOVED this book. Until the end and that fell short. Like there as all this build up and then nothing. Even just a short epilogue would've helped.

Compelling story, excellent narrator!

Very compelling, well paced story about a relatively unknown heroine and the destiny of England during the Middle Ages. Narration was pitch perfect. Highly recommend (especially for historical fiction fans!).

Good story, not great

Aethelred is a tortured soul. Hard to fathom that there's been so many years of peace and prosperity with such a king. Emma is admirable, strong, good. Not too many flaws. Tortured souls, interesting villains and bodice ripping.

Captivating!

Shadow on the Crown is the first of an outstanding trilogy! Both Shadow on the Crown (book 1) and Steel Beneath the Silk (book 3) were entertaining books to listen to on audible. Unfortunately, The Price of Blood (book 2) I cannot recommend. I could get past the first 10 minutes because the narration was awful. Her voice was annoying, she spoke incredibly slowly and pronounced words and names in a funny way. It completely ruined the second book for me, which is a huge bummer because I really enjoyed the first one and the last one and wish I could’ve had the middle part of the story. All in all, Patricia Bracewell is an excellent author, and pulls the key details of history into a very intriguing storyline. I highly recommend the first and the third of this trilogy.

Unfinished story

The story doesn’t go anywhere and the ending leaves issues developed in the story incomplete

Awesome story.

Told in such a way that you are drawn into the story and want to listen to more to know what is going to happen. can't wait to hear the second book.

Captivating and intriguing.

Would you consider the audio edition of Shadow on the Crown to be better than the print version?

For me? Definitely. That may not be the case for all maybe.

What did you like best about this story?

Emma's character.

Which scene was your favorite?

The chase with the King of Denmark for action! Emma's challenges at court for character!

If you could take any character from Shadow on the Crown out to dinner, who would it be and why?

“Margot” ! I was deeply touched by the way Margot becomes the embodiment and extension of the voice and hands of Emma’s mother. When Emma doesn’t know what to do, her "voice" is there. When Emma would give up in the midst of stormy seas, her "voice" is there. It’s the voice of her mother.

Any additional comments?

Bravo Katie! Great job reading this with the pronunciations and inflections! I hope you are there when the next book comes out!

This book has sex.