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, fifteen­-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 readers to a fascinating, overlooked period of history and an unforgettable heroine whose quest to find her place in the world will resonate with modern readers.

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.” – Publisher’s Weekly

“The familiar themes of political rivalry, court scandal, and disputed lineage so often explored in historical fiction get a new cast of schemers and scoundrels set in a less familiar but no less dramatic period of English history. Readers of historical sagas and romances will embrace this rich narrative.” – Library Journal

“What a great book! A fascinating, little-known period of history, a tense, exciting story, and characters who spring as naturally from their own time as mushrooms from the forest floor.” – Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series

“Who could have known that the court of Aethelred the Unready was as full of intrigue, passion, and danger as anything in Tudor times? A well-wrought journey back to those little known times, this novel entertains while it educates.” – Margaret George, author of Elizabeth I: A Novel

"A stellar achievement.” – Adrienne McDonnell, author of The Doctor and The Diva

"A woman whose spirit will not be vanquished, Emma of Normandy will live in your heart long after you finish the last page.” – Ella March Chase, author of Three Maids for a Crown

"From the moment I picked up the book it captivated me, calling me back and back again until I abandoned everything to finish it in a breathless rush. Brava!” – Emma Campion, author of The King’s Mistress

“Shadow on the Crown drew me in from the first page and held me in its grip... a vivid and compelling tale.” – Gillian Bagwell, author of The September Queen

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!).