Martin Wall (1) (1962–)

A rather superficial military history of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms/monarchs in England. This book didn't provide much information on their culture or anything else, other than who invade which kingdom, when and the atrocities committed. While a fair number of colour photos and a few poor maps were included in this book, a time line and genealogy would have been helpful as well. I'm hoping [b:A Brief History of the Anglo-Saxons: The Beginnings of the English Nation|645627|A Brief History of the Anglo-Saxons The Beginnings of the English Nation|Geoffrey Hindley|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328856573s/645627.jpg|631786] provides more information on the Anglo-Saxons other than their wars.… (meer)

Yes, I purchased this one one obvious reason. The clue is in the title- The Lady of the Mercians! Its about Ethelfleada, the awesome daughter of Alfred the Great- and I am looking for anything about her I can get hold of!

The disappointment is that only about half the book is actually about her. The first part is about the early life of the hero, Aneurin, and his home getting destroyed by the Danes, and afterwards his service to the Lady.
In some parts, it was an enjoyable and realistic account of life in the early tenth century, when the incursions of the Danish Vikings posed a very real threat to people. Also, the passages that did deal with 'Fleada's career were useful.

However, I didn't have much time for the type of hippy- dippy silliness that took up some considerable passages of the book. Yeah, is Aneurin's learning about Pantheism, being at one with nature and just the creepy bits about contacting the spirit world necessary? Do they further the story? No, and I found myself skimming over much of that stuff.

An adventure story with Ethelfleada as a main character. Sure, well and good, but ruined by the apparent fixation with neo-paganism, syncretic mysticism blended with an odd type of 'Christianity' and just the general weirdness of the pseudo-priest guy with special powers.… (meer)