The story of Æthelflæd, the daughter of King Alfred is told in an engaging way. Stokes brings to life of the little-known story of Æthelflæd, Alfred’s eldest daughter to life with a strong and pretty much forgotten ruler.
She had to fight hard for her position when Alfred’s eldest son, known as Edward the Elder, took the throne after Alfred’s death in 899. The power play is captured as to when Edward tried to take control of Mercia at a time when Æthelflæd’s husband was struck down by a stroke.
She is depicted with steely resolve, fair but politically very astute. Not afraid to seek the opinion and views of others, compassionate about her people, reflective about her abilities. Æthelflæd with strong nerve and assertiveness triumphed and she was gradually recognised within Mercia as an effective ruler. A massive achievement being a woman in those times.
There are some great bloody battles, and many risky situations negotiated and you feel part of. Edward and Athelstan did get the credit for uniting England but without his eldest daughter, Aethelflaed Lady of the Mercians, Alfred’s dream could not have been recognised.

King Alfred's daughter is about King Alfred the Great's his eldest daughter Aethelflaed, who was Lady of the Mercians.

The books starts with Alfred's death, as Aethelflaed's younger brother Edward presumes succession to the throne and starts to make controversial changes. His claim to the throne disregards a pact that his father made with his uncle and it emerges that perhaps the title should have passed to Edward's cousin Aethelwold. This causes much political conflict and Edward's increasing intereference in matters over Mercia also makes life difficult for for his sister. To make matters worse Aethelflaed's husband Athelred's health is declining and his status as ruler of Mercia hangs in the balance.

The unstability within the Anglo-Saxons kingdom could weaken them, particularly with the increasing attacks from the Danes. Unusually for a woman at the time Aethelflaed takes on many of her husbands roles and bravely attempts to strengthen their boundaries and ward off attacks

The story is told from the perspective of Aethelflaed, in a diary-type narrative. The voice of powerful women from this era of history is almost unknown of so this is an interesting slant on events.

I must admit that I got a bit confused in the middle as there are a lot of names to remember, all of which sound quite similar! The author does helpfully provide a list of names and explanation of their roles at the start of the book, which can be referred to.

A fascinating read for those interested in the political and social history of England.

I was fairly familiar with this history from Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom series. This was nowhere near as well written. Historically accurate I'm sure (although I doubt they had sprouts back then, or had a choice of grilled trout for breakfast, or that the Lady of the Mercians "swigged" her ale), it was just a list of I did this, then I did that with no nuance or insight at all.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

This is a Lovely read of a forgotten feminist hero- enjoyed finding out the true English history- recommended to anyone who enjoys history

I really enjoyed reading this book - a well-researched blend of historical fact and fiction.

Although I've read several books where Æthelflæd was mentioned, I had no idea of the full extent of her achievements. It is a great shame that she was in effect written out of the "official" records in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, but lucky that her achievements were recorded in other texts such as the Mercian Register. I could understand her brother - Edward - wanting to downplay her role, but would have expected Athelstan (who described her as his "beloved foster mother") to give her due credit.

The author has obviously spent a great deal of time researching the background to this novel, and this book has inspired me to read further into the history of these distant times.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

This book appealed to me because I had watched a programme by Michael Wood in which he talked about Athelflaed, the Lady of the Mercians.
Athelflaed was the daughter of King Alfred, married to the king of Mercia. They had one daughter and then , reading between the lines, the king had a severe stroke and Athelflaed took over. This was rare in those times, but she managed it. I would say she was a force of nature. Sometimes this book shows that and that she had to let her brother Edward of Wessex think that things were his ideas and ultimately, take the credit.
It was an easy read which I did enjoy.

I'm a big fan if The Last Kingdom and the happenings of England at that time. While the women in that appear strong they are over shadowed by the men. So seeing Æthelflæd's story from historical research was an interesting book I couldn't pass up.

And it doesn't disappoint. Strong, fierce and worthy of her own history been told. King Alfred's daughter is an insightful read for English history and female history.

As the times were so tumultuous it does lurch from battle to skirmish, but avoids filling in lulls with fictional melodrama. Several time jumps push the story to the next conquest some that the casual history lover may recognise. Along with places I certainly didn't know had paid such an important role in history.

Grab this book for a weekend historical jaunt and prepare to learn about the read figure who united England.

A fascinating read into the life of Æthelflæd, the Lady of the Mercians and daughter of King Alfred.

Women are so often overlooked for the roles that they play in history and this well researched book allows the narrative to be played for Æthelflæd’s flæd - a warrior queen and major strategist.

The book flows written as the timeline unfolds, spoken from Æthelflæd’s perspective. There are descriptions of empathy (fostering her nephew Athelstan - later known as the first King of a united England) of strategy in battle and of pragmatist - the continued fortification of land and founding of churches.

The author’s writing showcases Æthelflæd’s strengths clearly, she is written as a likeable leader and with humility.

I’d I had to change one thing - it would be to honour and to celebrate Æthelflæd in the title of the book, rather than for her to be hidden as King Alfred’s daughter.

This book was gifted by NetGalley as an ARC in return for an honest review and I would like to thank the publishers and author for this opportunity.

Aethelflaed, daughter of King Alfred and Lady of the Mercians, ensured the independence of Mercia, with her husband the king and in his illness under her own authority. She negotiated Mericia's place under the overall authority of her brother, somewhat unwise heir of Alfred of Wessex, and kept the Vikings at bay. This biography is a great retelling of her story and of the position of women in 900's. Read and enjoy.

It's been a while since I've read any historical fiction (I'm usually a romance reader) so I was expecting to find this hard going. I was wrong. The writing hooked me from page one.

If you've read (or seen the TV series) The Last Kingdom, then you'll be familiar with Æthelflæd, along with some of the other characters who crop up. I'll admit—that's what drew me to this book. Plus I grew up near Wednesbury, where there's a monument to Æthelflæd, so she's always been a fascinating character to me.

It's obvious that the author really knows his stuff. The information and details are incredible, however, this can sometimes feel like an exposition overload which is a shame as it detracts from the character development and often slows the pace.

This didn't put me off though.

All in all, It's a refreshing and entertaining tale and a fantastic tribute to a woman who deserves greater acknowledgment in our history books and classrooms.

This book was overall an interesting read. The story of Æthelflæd, the daughter of King Alfred is told in an engaging way. It is worth a read, as a historical fiction and also to learn a few not so known facts about the daughter of King Alfred, Æthelflæd.

Restoring Æthelflæd, daughter of King Alfred, to her rightful place in history.

Stokes's knowledge of his subject is undeniable. And fictionalising an historical character or event can bring that person or event to life.

The battle scenes are truly vivid, and I loved the detail about the beehive as a weapon.. However, the quieter moments are less engaging, with wooden dialogue and rather too much exposition. giving the impression that the author is shoehorning all his expertise into the narrative at every opportunity. So much so that at times the narrative becomes less of Æthelflæd than of Stoke's own voice, such as when she refers to her mother as 'mother' and Ealhswith on the same page. Elsewhere, the author deems it necessary to over-explain, as when Æthewold is deceived by the reeve of Braydon.

As much as I was invested in this moment in history, the voice of King Alfred's eldest daughter fails to convince.

My thanks to Netgalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd for the ARC.

Interesting historical study. Stokes writes with a sense of agency, spinning through historical events to shape the formation of England - if you've read Cornwell's The Last Kingdom, you'll be in familiar ground here, multiple of the same figures crop up. It's not hard to make the comparison, and I like the first person narrative that Stokes gave Æthelflæd - it's more of a character being used to show the events that happened than an exploration of the character; I would have liked more development with most of them but they're distinctive enough to stand on their own.

We get to explore the weight of leadership in these times and Æthelflæd's decisions; and the book feels a bit rushed with the pacing having to tie everything together, breezing over the end of her life - I almost think this could've been a duology, there's too much to cover in one book.

Yet what we do get is worth the read: the battle sequences are compelling, engrossing and had me enthralled. The author's note at the end gives more context to why so little is known about Æthelflæd - there was plenty of propaganda that diminished her impact, and it's good to see it executed here in a way that gives a spotlight to the character that's ultimately, a refreshing perspective compared to Bernard Cornwell's and has me keen to read more of David Stokes. The voice of certain historical key women from history is so little told any perspective helps; and the diary approach lends a touch of authenticity.

A well written page turner. For fans of historical fiction and for those who loved the series The Last Kingdom, this book is a must. The book begins in 899 with the death of Alfred the Great and the succession of his son Edward. Æthelflæd is the daughter of Alfred and sister to Edward. She was married off to the much older King of Mercia, Æthelflæd comes in to her own. She leads Mercia intelligently, builds up Mercia's defences against the Danes and her brother Edward's expansion plans. Æthelflæd takes Athelstan, Edwards first born son who was discarded on Edwards remarriage in favour of a second son. She leads her armies into battled, founded new towns, was an excellent diplomat.

Our titular character is well fleshed out by the author, bringing her to life by using contemporary sources and archaeological evidence.. She was a trailblazer who the first woman to govern an Anglo Saxon state.An excellent blend of history and fiction. The information lists at the start of the book are invaluable of keeping track of who is who. Particularly with names that are similar. The historical notes at the end give a timeline of events that helps put the story into the historical context. as is the map showing England at the time of Æthelflæd and showing the places of battle.

I was gifted a copy of this book by Netgalley for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

Æthelflæd is one of my favourite characters in The Last Kingdom TV series, so as I came to the conclusion of her storyline on TV, I wanted to know more about her life.

I was very fortunate to find this wonderful tale of Æthelflæd, it gave me the story I have been looking for. To see how a woman could raise in the ranks of men and rule her lands with the respect of her subjects was riveting.

How historically accurate this narrative is I can only hope it tells more truth than tale about this incredible woman.

Very much enjoyed this story of the ‘Lady of the Mercians’. With this and The Last Kingdom, I have been thoroughly immersed in this part of history. Makes a change from the Tudors. Thanks to Netgalley.

3.0/5.0

A thoroughly well researched historical novel detailing the life of Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians. Although a great timeline of events I did find myself wishing it wasn't dragged out quite so much.

In King Alfred’s Daughter, David Stokes brings Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians, to life in this fantastic historical fiction novel. Following her life after the death of her father, King Alfred, and the accession of her brother Edward as King of Wessex, Stokes brings the politics of Anglo-Saxon England to life and brings Aethelflaed’s story to the forefront of the period. Focusing on her political and military leadership, Stokes highlights the complicated relationship between Aethelflaed and Edward, Mercia and Wessex, and their uneasy coexistence with the Danelaw and the Norse raiders. Bringing in historical figures and elements as the narrative demands, Stokes’ focus on Aethelflaed allows him to highlight and expound upon her role in these historically masculine environments. Highlighting her contributions to creating an united England, Stokes uses the historical fiction style and format to educate his readers about an unknown, powerful Anglo-Saxon woman. The novel is brilliantly written and action-packed, and the first-person narrative allows Stokes to prescribe thoughts and feelings to Aethelflaed as well as her perception of other characters she interacts with. Supplemented by a broad cast of allies, enemies, and relatives, Stokes allows the reader to explore an understudied historical era through one of its most formative individuals.

“… when he (King Alfred) died, his dream of a united land, under one ruler and one God, was very distant .… Until a woman was brave enough to stand once more against the pagan invaders. How do I know? I am her daughter. She entrusted me with her story so that the truth would be known.”

Having read, watched and loved ‘The Last Kingdom’, I was all for losing myself once more with the Anglo, Saxons and Danes in early Briton. Finally, the story of Æthelflæd, daughter of King Alfred, the Lady of Mercia. After the death of her father, there would come a change of power and all that entails - threats from without and within - from over the seas with Vikings and political fighting from within. This book has it all - history, drama, court intrigue and battles. Æthelflæd was brave, strong and determined to continue her father’s work and in time, come to be recognised as the successful ruler she was.

This book is for fans of The Last Kingdom and Vikings as not only does it take you back to this eventful period but allows you to see events through the eyes of a woman. Æthelflæd is often overlooked, so it is wonderful to read of her recognition of the power and influence she had. This is a book that is well researched and fans of this period will be sure to enjoy what the author has to offer.

‘It tells of a woman who brought the Angles and Saxons together to create England. Yes, it was a woman. Not a king, nor a warlord, nor a magician. A woman. There are men who want her story to remain untold so they can take the glory. Have courage. Turn the page. Read the truth.’