- Paperback: 368 pages
- Publisher: Mercia Books (1 April 2011)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0956810314
- ISBN-13: 978-0956810311
- Product Dimensions: 14 x 21.6 x 1.9 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,857,805 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Amber Treasure (Northern Crown)
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Product Description
Review
'...well written and entertaining novel, which has a sympathetic lead character and a good feel for its very obscure period and for the brutal nature of battle in the shield wall' --.historyofwar.org/bookpage/denning_amber_treasure.html
'Enjoyable novel set in sixth century Northumbria. Accurate detail and vivid fight scenes together with an engaging central character and his coming-of-age make this an absorbing read for fans of historical fiction...'
--thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=The_Amber_Treasure_by_Richard_Denning
'...well written and entertaining novel, which has a sympathetic lead character and a good feel for its very obscure period and for the brutal nature of battle in the shield wall'
From History of War - Review - The Amber Treasure --historyofwar.org/bookpage/denning_amber_treasure.html
'Enjoyable novel set in sixth century Northumbria. Accurate detail and vivid fight scenes together with an engaging central character and his coming-of-age make this an absorbing read for fans of historical fiction...' --thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=The_Amber_Treasure_by_Richard_Denning
'Enjoyable novel set in sixth century Northumbria. Accurate detail and vivid fight scenes together with an engaging central character and his coming-of-age make this an absorbing read for fans of historical fiction...'
--thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=The_Amber_Treasure_by_Richard_Denning
'...well written and entertaining novel, which has a sympathetic lead character and a good feel for its very obscure period and for the brutal nature of battle in the shield wall'
From History of War - Review - The Amber Treasure --historyofwar.org/bookpage/denning_amber_treasure.html
'Enjoyable novel set in sixth century Northumbria. Accurate detail and vivid fight scenes together with an engaging central character and his coming-of-age make this an absorbing read for fans of historical fiction...' --thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=The_Amber_Treasure_by_Richard_Denning
Product Description
Cerdic is the nephew of a great warrior who died the hero of the 6th century Anglo-Saxon country of Deira. Growing up in a quiet village, he dreams of the glories of battle and of one day writing his name into the sagas. He experiences the true horrors of war, however, when his home is attacked, his sister kidnapped, his family betrayed and his uncle's legendary sword stolen. Cerdic is thrown into the struggles that will determine the future of 6th century Britain and must show courageous leadership and overcome treachery, to save his kingdom, rescue his sister and return home with his uncle's sword. The Amber Treasure is historical fiction set in the chaotic, bloody years of the late 6th century. This is the first novel in a series entitled "Northern Crown" which shows, through the eyes of Cerdic, the rise to greatness of the Kingdom of Northumbria. It is a journey that involves treachery, murder, great courage and epic battles.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
An entertaining novel set in one of the darkest parts of the Dark Ages, when the Angles and the Britons were still fighting for control of the north of England while all around them the remains of Roman civilisation crumbled away. Has a nice feel for its brutal period and the nature of the shield wall as well as a sympathetic lead character and an interesting plot.
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
posted as UK Indie Review Editor for the Historical Novel Society http://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/?type=indie[...]
"All good stories are about a sword." This delightful tale for young adults is just that. Good, and about a sword.
Set in Anglo Saxon Northern England, it is told by Cerdic, the nephew of a great warrior hero who died, gloriously, in battle. Cerdic's world revolves around the stories of the past, of brave and daring deeds, his Uncle's revered sword, and some amber jewels. The ideals of glory in battle is ripped apart when Welsh invaders destroy his home, kill his brother, kidnap his sister and make off with the sword and amber treasure. The ensuing adventure of revenge against the Welsh, getting his sister and the treasure back is a roller-coaster ride. There are battles, brutality, broken friendships and thoughtful relationships. There is courage, tears, and the occasional glimmer of laughter. In other words, this is the reality of Anglo Saxon England brought to life through the words of well written fiction.
This is the second book I have read by Richard Denning (previously, Tomorrow's Guardian, HNS review, Feb 2012) and although the two are different in flavour, I enjoyed both reads very much. The characters in The Amber Treasure are very real, as are the rather bloody battle scenes, but this was an age of warfare, where death lurked around every corner, and a boy on the brink of manhood had to fight to stay alive.
The research is as well done as the story telling, and any school library that did not stock this book would be letting down their readers, especially the boys, who will enjoy the energy of this splendid tale.
My only critical remark, if I must make one, is that younger readers may find the names of people and places difficult, but that is a fault of the need to be accurate when writing historical fiction, not the author's. And maybe a bit of colour in the cover? The overall "greyish" is perhaps not very eye-catching for children?
Adults who love Anglo Saxon fiction will enjoy this tale for its detail. Recommended.
Review by Eliza Bryan.
(Hard copy reviewed)
"All good stories are about a sword." This delightful tale for young adults is just that. Good, and about a sword.
Set in Anglo Saxon Northern England, it is told by Cerdic, the nephew of a great warrior hero who died, gloriously, in battle. Cerdic's world revolves around the stories of the past, of brave and daring deeds, his Uncle's revered sword, and some amber jewels. The ideals of glory in battle is ripped apart when Welsh invaders destroy his home, kill his brother, kidnap his sister and make off with the sword and amber treasure. The ensuing adventure of revenge against the Welsh, getting his sister and the treasure back is a roller-coaster ride. There are battles, brutality, broken friendships and thoughtful relationships. There is courage, tears, and the occasional glimmer of laughter. In other words, this is the reality of Anglo Saxon England brought to life through the words of well written fiction.
This is the second book I have read by Richard Denning (previously, Tomorrow's Guardian, HNS review, Feb 2012) and although the two are different in flavour, I enjoyed both reads very much. The characters in The Amber Treasure are very real, as are the rather bloody battle scenes, but this was an age of warfare, where death lurked around every corner, and a boy on the brink of manhood had to fight to stay alive.
The research is as well done as the story telling, and any school library that did not stock this book would be letting down their readers, especially the boys, who will enjoy the energy of this splendid tale.
My only critical remark, if I must make one, is that younger readers may find the names of people and places difficult, but that is a fault of the need to be accurate when writing historical fiction, not the author's. And maybe a bit of colour in the cover? The overall "greyish" is perhaps not very eye-catching for children?
Adults who love Anglo Saxon fiction will enjoy this tale for its detail. Recommended.
Review by Eliza Bryan.
(Hard copy reviewed)
Format:Kindle Edition
In Richard Denning's The Amber Treasure, a young man's initiation into the warrior class of his society sets him on a perilous journey, pitting him against merciless enemies and exposing long-buried family secrets. Set in sixth century Saxon England, the coming of age of the hero Cerdic immerses the reader in a vivid, brutal story of revenge and warfare.
The bonds of family and kinship propel much of the action and remain a persistent theme. At the opening, the remnants of the Saxon defense, Cerdic's uncle Cynric and his companion Grettir, stand against a host of three hundred Welsh men. Cynric valiantly gives his life and fosters a legend surrounding the strength of his sword. Cerdic, inspired by stories of his uncle's bravery from Grettir and the famous bard Lilla, begins training as a warrior. His friends Cuthbert and Eduard join him, but also two others whose actions will determine Cerdic's destiny, a slave named Aedann and the warrior Hussa. Both share an equal disdain for Cerdic, yet their reasons are dissimilar.
A brutal attack ravages Cerdic's village, in which Welsh marauders steal his mother's priceless amber jewelry, his uncle's legendary sword and some of the villagers, including Cerdic's sister. Cerdic's family questions the loyalty of the salve Aedann, who has gone missing in the aftermath. The Saxons prepare to reclaim their people and property. When Cerdic finds Aedann along the Welsh border, he gives into a foolish impulse for revenge that endangers all the warriors. The enemy captures them and nearly kills their leader in the process. Cerdic soon learns that his assumptions about Aedann are wrong, and that another has betrayed his people. The Saxons escape with many losses but their fight is not over. To turn the tide against the Welsh, rescue their people, the legendary sword and the amber treasure, they risk a confrontation even though they are outnumbered. The ensuing battle is a test of Cerdic's wits and valor.
Denning's greatest strengths lie in his characterizations and the ability to convey a vivid portrayal of warfare in all its glory and brutality. The history of the Saxons in England is replete with tales of bravery, often against overwhelming odds. The warrior who defends his land and people is the quintessential hero. Cerdic, who enjoys an idealized existence, is arrogant, anxious and impulsive. His experiences in brutal warfare temper his natural disposition. He suffers at the hands of a true villain, a man who will do anything to guarantee victory, even using Cerdic's sister as a pawn. The experience shapes Cerdic. Without this challenge, he can never grow. Through it, Cerdic learns about sacrifice, honor and duty to his fellow combatants, and rises to the heroic challenge.
The bonds of family and kinship propel much of the action and remain a persistent theme. At the opening, the remnants of the Saxon defense, Cerdic's uncle Cynric and his companion Grettir, stand against a host of three hundred Welsh men. Cynric valiantly gives his life and fosters a legend surrounding the strength of his sword. Cerdic, inspired by stories of his uncle's bravery from Grettir and the famous bard Lilla, begins training as a warrior. His friends Cuthbert and Eduard join him, but also two others whose actions will determine Cerdic's destiny, a slave named Aedann and the warrior Hussa. Both share an equal disdain for Cerdic, yet their reasons are dissimilar.
A brutal attack ravages Cerdic's village, in which Welsh marauders steal his mother's priceless amber jewelry, his uncle's legendary sword and some of the villagers, including Cerdic's sister. Cerdic's family questions the loyalty of the salve Aedann, who has gone missing in the aftermath. The Saxons prepare to reclaim their people and property. When Cerdic finds Aedann along the Welsh border, he gives into a foolish impulse for revenge that endangers all the warriors. The enemy captures them and nearly kills their leader in the process. Cerdic soon learns that his assumptions about Aedann are wrong, and that another has betrayed his people. The Saxons escape with many losses but their fight is not over. To turn the tide against the Welsh, rescue their people, the legendary sword and the amber treasure, they risk a confrontation even though they are outnumbered. The ensuing battle is a test of Cerdic's wits and valor.
Denning's greatest strengths lie in his characterizations and the ability to convey a vivid portrayal of warfare in all its glory and brutality. The history of the Saxons in England is replete with tales of bravery, often against overwhelming odds. The warrior who defends his land and people is the quintessential hero. Cerdic, who enjoys an idealized existence, is arrogant, anxious and impulsive. His experiences in brutal warfare temper his natural disposition. He suffers at the hands of a true villain, a man who will do anything to guarantee victory, even using Cerdic's sister as a pawn. The experience shapes Cerdic. Without this challenge, he can never grow. Through it, Cerdic learns about sacrifice, honor and duty to his fellow combatants, and rises to the heroic challenge.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Self-published bargain on Kindle!!
This is a well written novel written in a gritty and realistic way that transports the reader into post-Roman Britain in the 7th century. A must for any fan of historical fiction. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Dor
Bringing The Dark Ages to Life!
Historical fiction is a personal favourite genre of mine. Richard Denning has well researched the Dark ages and the reader is instantly transported into the dark ages. Read more
Published 12 months ago by S.Duncan
A worthy addition to Dark Ages fiction
I read this book several months ago and have been meaning to review it since. This is a very good piece of historical fiction, easily managing to stand shoulder to shoulder with... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Ian Hall
A great read!
Just finished reading this, what a great book this is, exciting from start to finish, and very well researched, being a re-enactor I know what it's like to stand and fight in a... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Richard Nicholls
Faction at its Best!
As both a historian and wargamer I find the mixture of fact and fiction (faction) a good way of bringing history to life. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Dr RN Watt
PUTTUNG THE 'DARK' IN DARK AGES
Written by a practising GP and gamer - organiser of UK Games Expo no less - this novel of the Dark Ages is self-published and yet (the occasional poof-reading error aside), is... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Gary Mitchell
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