A powerful historical novel by the late Ariana Franklin and her daughter Samantha Norman, The Siege Winter is a tour de force mystery and murder, adventure and intrigue, a battle for a crown, told by two courageous young women whose fates are intertwined in twelfth century England’s devastating civil war.1141. England is engulfed in war as King Stephen and his cousin, the Empress Matilda, vie for … Empress Matilda, vie for the crown. In this dangerous world, not even Emma, an eleven-year-old peasant, is safe. A depraved monk obsessed with redheads kidnaps the ginger-haired girl from her village and leaves her for dead. When an archer for hire named Gwyl finds her, she has no memory of her previous life. Unable to abandon her, Gwyl takes the girl with him, dressing her as a boy, giving her a new name—Penda—and teaching her to use a bow. But Gwyn knows that the man who hurt Penda roams free, and that a scrap of evidence she possesses could be very valuable.
Gwyl and Penda make their way to Kenilworth, a small but strategically important fortress that belongs to fifteen-year-old Maud. Newly wedded to a boorish and much older husband after her father’s death, the fierce and determined young chatelaine tempts fate and Stephen’s murderous wrath when she gives shelter to the empress.
Aided by a garrison of mercenaries, including Gwyl and his odd red-headed apprentice, Maud will stave off Stephen’s siege for a long, brutal winter that will bring a host of visitors to Kenilworth—kings, soldiers . . . and a sinister monk with deadly business to finish.
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Set in the 12th century, this is an interesting historical fiction tale involving King Stephen and Queen Matilda during the 19-year period known as The Anarchy. The fictional story weaves around historical facts quite nicely, especially the portrayals of both Stephen’s inability to rally loyalty and Matilda’s shocking arrogance.
As stated in the …
One of my best reads this month. If you are a fan of historical fiction, I think this provides realism, but enough diversity in characters that it would also appeal to this century reader.
An action-packed story with intriguing and appealing characters.
This book started a bit slow for me but then I grew to like the characters and I didn’t want to put it down. There were several unexpected twists and turns easing to a well thought out ending.
This is a great series.
This was a great read! Characters developed well and believable. Wish there were a sequel so continue to follow these endearing women into next phase of their lives.
This historical fiction takes place during the power struggle between King Stephen and the would be queen Matilda. We cheer for the main characters but the author always has tragedy in her stories. It’s sad to know this is Franklin’s last book.
This book deserves ten stars. The authors skillfully blend the stories of Penda and Gwil with those Maud, Milly, and William, as well as with Stephen and Matilda, who are warring for the English crown in the twelfth century. The narrator, an elderly abbot, wants to have the story recorded before he dies and the history is lost. The tale is …
I highly recommend anything written by Franklin. Sadly, this was her last book. Sharing author credit for it, does not diminish it.
I enjoy historical fiction and this one does a great job of presenting an important era in British history from interesting perspectives. Too bad it was the author’s final work, but perhaps her daughter will keep writing!
I’ve loved all of her books. Wish there were more.
I listened to this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book was excellent. Although mom is now gone, RIP, daughter can certainly follow on since she did such a great job finishing the book. Hope there is a further book or more in series!
Great historical detail plus action.
This glimpse into the 12th century as England lives under constant siege, as the royals fight for the crown. The devastation visited on the everyday citizens, contrasted with the excesses of the ruling class – notwithstanding standing that the men went out to fight the crusades – leaving wives and children to survive in the midst of tumult….. …
Good characters and followed fairly closely to the history of the period. Well written. I would recommend it and read others from same author.