Oswiu: King of Kings
By Edoardo Albert
Having already read and reviewed the author's novels which precede this new book, I was excited to read it. My reviews of the author's first two books are glowing since I greatly enjoyed reading them. This book follows the intricate historical account of Christian kings in Britain, picking up where the second book leaves off. This book is as well written as the others by the author. I am impressed by how Eduardo Albert can know so much historical information and weave it into a fabulous novel which fascinates the reader. This third book didn't captivate me as much as the previous two did; I believe this is simply the curse of all third books in a series. The first leave the reader breathless while the third is not as needed. This one was harder for me to get into. However, if you liked the author's first books, you will be happy to add this one to your collection.
I received this copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
In the third entry chronicling the rise of Christian kings in Britain, Oswald dies and the great pagan king Penda becomes overlord in his place. To stand against the increasingly powerful Penda, Oswiu, king of Bernicia, tries to unite the smaller neighboring kingdoms by marrying a daughter of Deira. But the struggle for power leads Oswiu to order the assassination of the king of Deira. He wins the throne but loses the approval of the people. In atonement, he establishes a monastery at the site of the slaying. What will happen when Oswiu and High King Penda at last meet in battle? Though the kingdom may become politically one, both the Celtic and Roman strands of Christian faith vie for supremacy, mirroring the king's own struggle for power.
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