Oswald: Return of the King by Edoardo Albert (Book Review!)

Oswald: Return of the King (Book 2 of The Northumbrian Thrones)

By Edoardo Albert

(received in exchange for an honest review)

 

Genre- Fiction / Christian / Historical

Published by- Lion Hudson

Copyrighted- 2015

Number of pages- 448

Age Group- Adult 

Description of book- paperback, listed price- $14.99, ISBN 978-1-78264-116-2

Cadwallon is now the king of Northumbria, but Oswald is the rightful king.  He has been exiled for many years on the island of Iona with monks and his brother, Oswiu.  He has learned to fight with courage, but he would much rather just be a monk.  The abbot would like him to be the person he is supposed to be.  The abbot needs a king who will help spread the faith. 

Will Oswald fight Cadwallon and win?  What will Penda, the pagan king do if Oswald becomes king?

This book also contains a synopsis for Edwin: High King of Britain, a list of characters, glossary, and a historical note.

About the Author-

Edoardo Albert has written for Time Out, History Today, and Minerva.  He is also a historian.

My thoughts-

One of my favorite time periods to read and learn about is the 1800’s and the American West.  My other favorite time period to read and learn about is the time when King Arthur could have lived. 

Oswald: Return of the King, was interesting.  I enjoyed learning more about one of my favorite time periods.  I did think that this book was a bit too long.  If around a 100 pages were eliminated, I think the book would have been a perfect length.  It is possible however that by doing that it would ruin the storyline. 

I enjoyed the historical note at the end of the book.  It was fun learning about the history that this novel was based on.  Since there were so many characters, I found the character list to be of great use.  The map and pronunciation guide were helpful as well.  I often referred to the glossary, because of the word, “wyrd.”  I kept thinking it meant word, but it means fate or destiny.  I was grateful for the synopsis of Edwin: High King of Britain.  I appreciate it when authors put them in their book series. 

My favorite character was Brother Aidan, because he was the most most likeable character.  He was also mentally and spiritually strong.  Oswald was not.  He needed to be a much stronger king.  He never should have been a king.  He was a good person though, because of all of the time he spent with the monks.

Albert did a wonderful job of writing this book from a historical point-of-view.  I highly recommend it.

Here is my review of Edwin: High King of Britain.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Oswald: Return of the King, by Edoardo Albert, for free from the Kregel Publications’ Blog Tour.  All links were current when posted.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.