Æthelflæd is one of my favourite characters in The Last Kingdom TV series, so as I came to the conclusion of her storyline on TV, I wanted to know more about her life.

I was very fortunate to find this wonderful tale of Æthelflæd, it gave me the story I have been looking for. To see how a woman could raise in the ranks of men and rule her lands with the respect of her subjects was riveting.

How historically accurate this narrative is I can only hope it tells more truth than tale about this incredible woman.

Very much enjoyed this story of the ‘Lady of the Mercians’. With this and The Last Kingdom, I have been thoroughly immersed in this part of history. Makes a change from the Tudors. Thanks to Netgalley.

3.0/5.0

A thoroughly well researched historical novel detailing the life of Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians. Although a great timeline of events I did find myself wishing it wasn't dragged out quite so much.

In King Alfred’s Daughter, David Stokes brings Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians, to life in this fantastic historical fiction novel. Following her life after the death of her father, King Alfred, and the accession of her brother Edward as King of Wessex, Stokes brings the politics of Anglo-Saxon England to life and brings Aethelflaed’s story to the forefront of the period. Focusing on her political and military leadership, Stokes highlights the complicated relationship between Aethelflaed and Edward, Mercia and Wessex, and their uneasy coexistence with the Danelaw and the Norse raiders. Bringing in historical figures and elements as the narrative demands, Stokes’ focus on Aethelflaed allows him to highlight and expound upon her role in these historically masculine environments. Highlighting her contributions to creating an united England, Stokes uses the historical fiction style and format to educate his readers about an unknown, powerful Anglo-Saxon woman. The novel is brilliantly written and action-packed, and the first-person narrative allows Stokes to prescribe thoughts and feelings to Aethelflaed as well as her perception of other characters she interacts with. Supplemented by a broad cast of allies, enemies, and relatives, Stokes allows the reader to explore an understudied historical era through one of its most formative individuals.

“… when he (King Alfred) died, his dream of a united land, under one ruler and one God, was very distant .… Until a woman was brave enough to stand once more against the pagan invaders. How do I know? I am her daughter. She entrusted me with her story so that the truth would be known.”

Having read, watched and loved ‘The Last Kingdom’, I was all for losing myself once more with the Anglo, Saxons and Danes in early Briton. Finally, the story of Æthelflæd, daughter of King Alfred, the Lady of Mercia. After the death of her father, there would come a change of power and all that entails - threats from without and within - from over the seas with Vikings and political fighting from within. This book has it all - history, drama, court intrigue and battles. Æthelflæd was brave, strong and determined to continue her father’s work and in time, come to be recognised as the successful ruler she was.

This book is for fans of The Last Kingdom and Vikings as not only does it take you back to this eventful period but allows you to see events through the eyes of a woman. Æthelflæd is often overlooked, so it is wonderful to read of her recognition of the power and influence she had. This is a book that is well researched and fans of this period will be sure to enjoy what the author has to offer.

‘It tells of a woman who brought the Angles and Saxons together to create England. Yes, it was a woman. Not a king, nor a warlord, nor a magician. A woman. There are men who want her story to remain untold so they can take the glory. Have courage. Turn the page. Read the truth.’

I am really interested in this period of our history and was an avid reader and viewer of the Last Kingdom. I enjoyed this book from the first page told from Athelfelds perspective. I think the book could have been longer and certainly the latter part of her life seemed a little rushed. It was well researched and a very enjoyable read.

As the daughter of the great King Alfred, Aethelflaed is from a noble line and her marriage to the King of Mercia has brought her power. However after her father's death her brother Edward takes control of Wessex and starts to assert his authority. Aethelflaed's husband is old and increasingly incapable of ruling so she takes the reins of power. Whilst many mistakes are made, Aethelflaed proves herself more that a match for warring nobles and invading Danes.
Based on the true story of Aethelflaed, the daughter of King Alfred who ruled Mercia for many years, this book is a light but very enjoyable romp through 10th century history. Although Aethelflaed has been written out of many histories (well, she is woman!) Stokes has conducted enough research to make this believable. Although the writing is very clunky at times, the comments at the end of every chapter are annoying, this is an entertaining piece of history.

King Alfred's Daughter tells the story of the life of Aethelflaed, daughter of British King Alfred, in her own voice (although the very first and last chapters are told from the perspective of her daughter, Aelfwyn). I was familiar with Aethelflaed from Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom novels but this book really opened my eyes about all she achieved during her short life. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning with David Stokes' easy-to-read writing style.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

A well-researched and engaging piece of historical fiction that illuminates the strength and power of an overlook and underappreciated woman. This is the case for most, if not all, of history's great female figures and it is refreshing to be able to add this novel to the list of feminist retellings and historical fantasies that reimagine these women's lives, portraying their deeds with the strength and value they deserve. The author really did justice to the protagonist's voice and experiences, too. Perfect for fans of The Last Kingdom.

This epic novel explores the life of Æthelflæd, The Lady of the Mercians, in a narration based on historical events, analysis, and fact. You meet Æthelflæd on her way to her father, King Alfred the Great’s, funeral, and are plunged immediately into political intrigue, family drama, and secrets with her. As she is forced to take on more power in defense of her country and family you see the phenomenal strength in the woman so many tries to bury and pass over.

As someone who has studied the history surrounding this time period I can say this brought that world to bright life. Such a testimonial to the research and painstaking attention to detail the author took.

I was incredibly excited to read King Alfred's Daughter: The Remarkable story of Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mericans, the heroine was written out of history. I first discovered Aethelflaed through the tv show The Last Kingdom, which inspired be to read more about this real life historical figure who is largely unknown by many.

Unfortunately, this book really let me down and I had to drag myself through start to finish. I just don't think this book could decide what it wanted to be - I felt Stokes struggled to balance and blend an academic/historian voice with that of a fictional writer. Due to this, the prose, and therefore the characterisation, felt disjointed and inconsistent. The multiple time jumps did the characters no favour either - we'd jump ahead in time and the characters would be different (but also not really) and it felt so hard to connect with them when we had missed out on so much of their story.

Overall, I just found the writing really weak. It lacked any type of complexity and just felt really poor, and again, I'm really disappointed by this.

I also found it interesting (and I wonder if this is Stokes making a point with the use of irony) that this book was written to give Aethelflaed the recognition she deserves for her role she played in uniting England, 'King Alfred's Daughter' failing to call her by her own name! I am hoping this was an intentional choice (like I said earlier, using irony/satire) and not just because it wasn't well thought out, therefore being unintentionally ironic.

My two stars were awarded because I did like the start of this novel, and I did find it interesting that this was written like a diary/chronicle. However, this wasn't always executed the best . . .

I also did like how some of the events were interpreted/fictionalised and I appreciated the notes at the end explaining why these choices were made.

Thank you to the Book Guild for sending me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

All in all, just didn't really like this, I expected a lot better.

This is one of those times where you need to have half a star on Goodreads! I would definitely put this at 3.5, 4 feels a little too much but 3 doesn’t quite convey the interest I had in it. Let me explain further.

Before reading this book my knowledge of Anglo-Saxon England was basic. Most of my thoughts/knowledge has come from watching The Last Kingdom (based on Bernard Cornwall’s Saxon Stories). I was interested to know whether this book would give a slightly different view for me or just build upon the existing mental picture that I had. I found it was a bit of a mixture - in the cases of Aethflaed, Edward & Aelfwyn definitely not but Aethlered was completely different & much more likeable. Anyway, enough of the comparison and onto the most likeable points of the author’s book.

Stokes’ characterisation is very good. The main characters are distinct and have their own qualities which make you root for them, or not, as the case arises. They aren’t wishy-wishy or bland (which normally turns me off of a book quite early). The prose is also good - interesting enough to want you to read on without being too wordy or with a lot of jargon. Considering the period of history being written about & how different that time was to now (including language differences) I would say that pitching the tone right would be a challenge. Stokes deals with the challenge well.

The plot is interesting and is enough of a story to keep you wanting to read. However (and you knew there had to be one of those to explain the half a star!) for me the last part of the book seemed rushed. There was plenty of set up with a younger Aethlflaed negotiating her position and her relationship with others and it really helped to get me into the story. However the latter years of her life seemed glossed over a bit more quickly & I’d have preferred this to be treated more in the same way the start was. I also found the epilogue left me wanting more. It was nice to know what happened but it almost felt a bit rushed, like it was the only way to tie up the loose ends. To me though it felt like the cliff hanger in the last few episodes of a tv series where they quickly have to tie up loose ends because the series hasn’t been renewed. If it wasn’t for this feeling I’d have definitely put it at 4 stars.

All of the above being said, I would pick this book up if you like historical fiction & you get the chance. It’s different to see something in this time period & I did enjoy it.

Thank you to the publishers & NetGalley for this ARC.

The story of Aethelflaed, daughter of King Alfred (Alfred the Great), whose statue is in Winchester and famously burnt the cakes. It is a time of constant warring with Vikings and others and Aethelflaed’s story reflects this, as she defends Chester and fortifies other towns against attack. An important and powerful woman of her time, acknowledged as such in her lifetime.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for a genuine review.
As a lover of The Last Kingdom, I was desperate to read this book as soon as I saw it. Aethelflaed was a powerful and incredible woman, her story was a joy to read. The novel depicts her life as she progressively gains power as the leader of Mercia as her husband begins to fall ill. We follow her as she combats the new world of military and political decisions. The firsthand account was wonderful and I especially loved the points where Aethelfaed would internally react to others (mostly her brother) underestimating her simply because she is a woman.
It’s clear a lot of research went into the novel and it was fascinating to hear about the groups of the time.
I’ve seen other reviewers say they were uncertain about the battle descriptions. I loved them. I don’t often read historical fiction but if I do, I want to feel as though I’m watching the events take place in my mind - the authors description does this perfectly. I found the battles so interesting and I surprised myself by how much I enjoyed them! I loved this book and I think it may have unlocked a new love for historical fiction that I can’t wait to explore.

A really amazing story about an amazing woman. Very compelling writing that felt extremely vivid and completely captured my attention.

'It tells of a woman who brought the Angles and the Saxons together to create England. Yes, it was a woman. Not a king nor a warlord, nor a magician. A woman.'

'King Alfred's Daughter', brings to life Aethelflaed's key contribution to England's history during the 10th Century when not only were there still regular Viking invasions, but England had not yet unified as a country or as Christians. When her husband, Lord of Mercia becomes incapacitated due to ill health, Aethelflaed increasingly takes on his leadership responsibilities. When you have the wild Welsh sharing one border and the Vikings of Danelaw sharing another, defense and military prowess are key. It isn't long before Aethelflaed must make life-and-death decisions for her and her people. When her husband finally dies, the Witan and King of Wessex decide that Aethelflaed should continue to lead her people as Lady of the Mercians.

I'm so glad I read this book. I was aware of Aethelflaed and some of her military contributions but there is so little written about her - both fiction and non-fiction. I enjoyed the way David Stokes brought Aethelflaed's story to life using a memoir, reflection style. By writing in the first person, Stokes is able to highlight the nuanced ways in which Aethelflaed may have approached and thought about leadership, military tactics, and war, 'They should fear the force of my tongue, not my sword.' Further, Stokes includes a map, family tree, list of names, historical timeline, and notes to not only wrap the story with accurate context but to highlight what is ultimately fact and fiction within his story. For me, the story had a couple of lulls in pacing but I still am more than happy to recommend it to all history lovers and Anglophiles - especially those taken with stories from The Last Kingdom and Vikings. Well worth a read.

Fast paced and action packed, my ideal historical novel! I was grateful to the author for the lack of sex and swearing (usually abound in historical fiction!) which means my history loving daughter can also enjoy this novel! I thought this was a well written, well researched account of the Lady of the Mercians, showing her to be an intelligent and important historical figure.

Thank you to Netgalley, David Stokes and The Book Guild for this ARC.

This was a brilliant book I am a huge fan of The Last Kingdom books and TV series and it was nice to get Aethlfleds story.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Bernard Cornwell or in fact any fan of historical fiction set in the 10th century I have purchased another book by this author as I loved this one.

While this book was fast paced, it didn't grab my attention and was a bit of a struggle to get through as I wasn't invested in many of the characters. I found it quite tough even remembering who all the characters were! There is a character list at the beginning of the book but I found it annoying flicking back to that in an ebook.

A lot of the book is made up of fight scenes (which is kind of understandable I guess) but I personally find those a bit boring to read about. The writing itself wasn't bad, I think it just wasn't the book for me.

Having been fascinated by and started doing my own research into Aethelflaed, I was delighted to come across this little gem by David Stokes. He clearly is also very fascinated by her and does a brilliant job with bringing her story to life. Very little is actually known about her since she was a mere woman and therefore almost erased from history but enough fragments exist to be able to construct a very plausible story and Stokes does so beautifully. Telling her story herself, as though sitting around a fire in a great hall with food and wine and family and friends, gives it a sense of intimacy that would be lacking in third person narration. Having said that, it does at times feel rushed, especially the last third or so, moving from battle to battle, I feel like the story would have been greatly served by slowing it down some, maybe detailing a bit more the lives and environments of the people of these times as well as some deeper introspection. But overall Stokes does a fantastic job of fleshing out the story of one of the greatest women in English history who almost went by unnoticed but deserves as much recognition as all the great male leaders of the kingdom. Highly recommend.