This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Find all my book reviews, plus author interviews, guest posts and book extracts, on my blog: The author introduces us to the key characters in the story, some of whose fortunes we will follow in the second book, The Quest for the Crown of Thorns. Passions run high, both on the battlefield and the bedroom. Readers who crave plenty of spice with their historical fiction will be well served forgive the pun. The author keeps the action moving along apace with many twists and turns.
Whilst some of the characters are imagined, many are not and the book makes reference to actual events giving the story an air of authenticity and credibility. It all adds up to a very enjoyable read for lovers of historical fiction who like an element of romance with their history. Aug 15, Rissa rated it really liked it Shelves: From that very first look they knew they had to have one another. If you want a mushy romance filled with love and relationships along with trials and fighting to be with each other this is perfect.
The characters were well rounded and I liked them alot. I also love the name Garic so that was just another plus. They were strong and daring. Arrias father wanted a boy so he taught her all the things he would have taught his son so she knows how to alot of things women were not taught. Which makes her a very outgoing strong character, having that edge up from others.
You know they are going to get together. You know it, but how they get together and what obstacles they have to face in the meantime kept me reading. The writing was beautiful and I really loved Cynthias attention to detail throughout the book. It really helped pull me back in time and im picky with historical fiction and i loved this!
I had the pleasure of meeting the author and Im really glad I met her because it makes me appreciate her work even more knowing that she is not just a name on the cover. She was also really kind and I talked with her for probably a half hour and she was just such a nice person. So pick the book up because she was awesome and her book is wonderful. What can you say about Atilla the Hun? Well, he was one nasty dude, but not any more so than the Roman Empire. Both were hungry for control. In On the Edge of Sunrise, we read about two people caught in the crossfire of this power struggle.
Arria is a young widow, who is forced into a marriage to Tribune Drusus, who she despises. She loves another, a forbidden love. She is requested by a Roman commander Aetius to deliver a mess What can you say about Atilla the Hun?
On the Edge of Sunrise, Book by Cynthia Ripley Miller
She is requested by a Roman commander Aetius to deliver a message to Attila the Hun asking for his support. She is the daughter of a Roman senator and is very knowledgeable in politics but she becomes a hostage. The love they share is fraught with danger as there are many enemies of both the lovers.
An Egyptian slave who is determined to see that Garic and Arria are killed, an ambitious Tribune who looks for power are among the enemies that Garic and Arria have. During this time when the Roman Empire is on the edge of collapse and Aetius's power grows Garic and Arria must do whatever it takes to protect their love and to see that they and their friends and family are safe from political intrigue and death. Years ago I was fascinated with stories of Rome during this timeframe, just the civilization and its culture that has a lot of influence in our own society today.
This novel takes the reader into a time that was dangerous with political intrigue and danger from outside invaders such as Attila the Hun. The author's research brings to life a long distant time, the story is exciting from the beginning, on the battlefield where Arria finds her husband dying to the ending that could lead to another novel. At least, I hope so because it would be fun to see more of the characters and how their lives progressed. I really liked this novel and give it 5 stars! Atilla the Hun What can you say about Atilla the Hun?
A rich and lush story that grabs the reader from the first and plunges them headlong into action.
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Simply put, I loved this story. I love a heroine with some steel in her spine and Arria has it in spades. The attraction between her and Garic was instant, with a wonderfully tense buildup as they navigate Roman and Barbarian politics, with the further complication that Garic is not the only one quite taken with Arria. Then there is the slimy Roman commander Drusus and the slave Marcella, whose mach A rich and lush story that grabs the reader from the first and plunges them headlong into action.
Then there is the slimy Roman commander Drusus and the slave Marcella, whose machinations makes the impeding threat of the Huns seem paltry by comparison. Miller has created an immersive experience with her flowing prose and well-timed action, which I know is not the easiest thing to write. This book will go on my bookshelf as one to be read and re-read. I received a copy of this book for an honest review. A completely out of the blue request from an author I've not read before to read and review their work is not a common occurrence, but one that proved to be a definite pleasure.
Not only is the book full of great characters, superb action and wonderfully descriptive narrative, it is also fairly new historical territory for me. Attila is on the rampage and has Rome in his sight. Arria, a Roman Senator's daughter, is a recently widowed diplomatic envoy. On a mission to The Franks her life is chang A completely out of the blue request from an author I've not read before to read and review their work is not a common occurrence, but one that proved to be a definite pleasure. On a mission to The Franks her life is changed as well as the lives of all who she is involved with.
A forbidden love, a betrothal to a power mad Roman commander, a slave with many secrets and abilities Page turning excitement awaits. I know I am a bit biased as I love history based books but I loved this book. It mixes perfectly history and romance, which I want to say romance is not normally my first choice. A woman's choice her duty or love? Oh chose the love girl it is much better. The scenes are perfectly orchestrated and draws you into each and every page.
I loved it and finished it in record time. A must read for the history lovers who love a little romance to spice it up. On the Edge of Sunrise is a gripping story with extraordinary characters, adventure, action, intrigue and love. The author's scrupulous scholarship makes the fifth-century time period more than stage setting: Our senses experience the world around us. First book in a new historical trilogy. Edge of Sunrise is a beautifully done historical read with just the right touch of Romance. The characters will pull you in an leave you wanting to read more.
A must for any historical romance fan! There was a lot of potential, but sadly I was quickly disappointed. There are some good points, though. The stars are for choosing the time of the Fall of Rome which one of my favorite historical periods, unfortunately very little explored by contemporary literature, in spite of its excellent dramatic potential and fascinating cultural context. The author does a good job in capturing some main features of this declining civilization, and its confrontation to other cultures -the refinement of Rome There was a lot of potential, but sadly I was quickly disappointed.
The author does a good job in capturing some main features of this declining civilization, and its confrontation to other cultures -the refinement of Rome, the bravery of the Franks and the cultural melting pot of the Huns. There is the semblance of a true plot here, BUT it is much too often overshadowed by the romance -it should be the other way round.
As a result, the story is very weak. The explicit sex scenes constitute almost half of the action I also wished there was a better dynamic between the characters: One could expect that the daughter of a Roman senator would have struggled more to accept her inclination for a Barbarian, and that the cultural encounter would have been harder The personality of the two lovers is extremely flat and leave little room for surprise.
The villain Drusus also lacks extraordinary contrast. The most interesting characters happen to be the secondary characters: Marcella and Garic's friend whose name I already forgot, but they deserved a better digging. I might read the sequel though, because of the historical setting and with the hope that the author shifted the focus from an overwhelming cheesy romance to a more solid intrigue. I enjoyed reading Cynthia's books. This book can satisfy your thirst for both romance and history all at once. It takes place in a time period that I have not read much about so I liked that I learned a little while being entertained.
There is romance, adventure, battle scenes a little of everything. The author did a good job of making you feel like you were a part of the story through her detailed descriptions. She did her research and it shows. I also thought the story flowed nicely and was ea I enjoyed reading Cynthia's books. I also thought the story flowed nicely and was easy to read. I liked how she made Arria such a strong woman. I am looking forward to book two in this series. A Roman romance with intrigue and Attilla the Hun--what's not to love? She capably wove historical details into an addicting story of love and intrigue featuring realistically drawn characters whose desires are easy to get caught up in.
I particularly liked the Latin chapter headings. This is a unique historical romance set in a unique time. Even if you are not inclined to read stories set i A Roman romance with intrigue and Attilla the Hun--what's not to love? Even if you are not inclined to read stories set in this time period, give this one a try. You might just discover a new favorite writer-I have! The Roman Empire has been weakened by ineffectual leaders and invaders from the north.
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Later, their love is threatened by intrigues from within the Roman political spectrum and barbarians from other nations. I wanted to love this book, but it was just okay. It has so much potential, but fell flat for me. The formatting has errors throughout the text: The book needed more careful editing. Arria's role as a courier is mentioned in two 2. Arria's role as a courier is mentioned in two places before the battle at end of the book, yet it's described on the book-jacket as a significant plot-point.
This sort of thing happens with all the rest of the main characters to some degree, and it's annoying. It feels like lazy writing, like the author couldn't be bothered to develop that aspect but wasn't willing to cut it out of the story. It got awkwardly-flowery in a way that seemed unnecessary. I would have preferred more character development for Arria and Garic and time spent on them getting to know each other than constantly mentioning how their love is "destined". There was much more telling than showing, which is usually a basic "don't" in story-writing.
It needed at least one more rewrite before going to the printers. However, when I am asked to review these historical fiction books I pick them because of all the great history and plot involved. I think the romance is something swirled into it, but not at all like a harlequin-type read. I do generally really enjoy ancient history and so much of this was enticing. The romance between Arria, a Roman, and Garic, a Frank warrior, lends to soften to the over political story and bring some suspenseful tension.
We are propelled by their dangerous love story through the pages quickly and treated to a foundation of history of the time period. She wrote two heroic and courageous people as her leads, even though they come from different experiences. Cynthia adeptly creates the time period for us in all its tenuous detail, with many vivid images. I enjoyed learning about the rise of Christianity in that area and the juxtaposition of all the cultures.
She wrote battle scenes well without over doing the violence, but with fervent action that kept the book exciting. I would certainly consider reading the sequel Far Traveller. I would recommend this for all lovers of historical fiction, the Anglo-Saxon period, or just those wanting a good, clean read.
Parents considering the book may wish to know there is some violence towards the end, none of it particularly graphic, but at a level which may prove upsetting for some children. May 11, Gale rated it liked it Shelves: Set in post-Roman Britain of the late 9th Century this book chronicles a year in the life of the eldest daughter of King Alfred. Because of border skirmishes and raids from Danes plus the possibility of treachery from Irish kings Alfred of Wessex relishes an alliance through marriage with King Ethelred of Lunden.
Kindly and paternal Alfred also prizes literature and the ability to read, especially the Chronicles of Saxon history and ancient sagas of battles against monsters. Thus he insists that his daughter, as well as his son, be educated in the Scriptorium by Father John. As a result of serious threats to Flaed's personal safety Alfred employs an envoy from Mercia, a former slave whose own king had betrayed him, as her personal bodyguard.
Flaed enjoys reading ancient sagas and sneaking off to enjoy private time with her brother Edward, but her girlhood is drawing to a violent close. After a brush with abduction she grows to appreciate Red, her silent but faithful warder, and reluctantly accepts impending marriage to a man her father's age. But King Ethelred little suspects that his princess bride is also being trained in the arts of war; that she can ride a horse bareback, as well as wield a dagger, shield and sword.
For Red realized before anyone else the critical need to teach her to defend her royal person. The title and cover refer to more than just a female warrior earnest to be proactive in her own defense, for Flaed remembers the ancient words of warning that a person must always be ready for battle, and become a living Edge of any sword she bears. She comes of age in this captivating YA book--a bold heroine who accepts adult responsibility in times of crisis. How can she win the respect of the men who are to escort and protect her en route to Lunden?
Based on a real warrior princess this novel of historical fiction presents an inspiring female protagonist. For young adults of all ages--especially those interested in medieval lore. I welcome dialogue with teachers. Oct 21, Beth rated it really liked it Shelves: Set In the 10th century Anglo Saxony a Lady queen and her daughter forge their own destinies and those of their people. The novels are both excellent reads for those interested in early British history and an entertaining read.
In the late s, the role of a king's daughter was to marry to benefit her father's kingdom. That is the role that fifteen-year-old Aethelflaed has know all her life would someday be hers. But she never expected it to happen so soon, and is shocked when her father announces that she will marry Ethelred of Mercia to strengthen an alliance against the Danes. She couldn't be less prepared for this news, and is shocked by the fact that in a few short months, she will have to leave her family to mar In the late s, the role of a king's daughter was to marry to benefit her father's kingdom.
She couldn't be less prepared for this news, and is shocked by the fact that in a few short months, she will have to leave her family to marry a man that she has never even met. And there are those men that would wish to stop this alliance - Welsh and Danish raiders.
Because of this, Flaed's new fiance has sent a bodyguard for her, Red, a gruff man with a mysterious past. But Red has more to offer Flaed then just protection. He can teach her to defend herself using fighting skills that have traditionally only been taught to men. These are skills Flaed will need if she is to face the men who are plotting against her. This historical novel was both exciting and fascinating, with a setting not often seen in young adult historical fiction.
Aethelflaed grew up to be a great heroine, but I had never heard of her before. I loved reading about this strong and very real girl who became a leader at a time when women's roles were limited. Jul 01, Toni Pilcher added it. Rebecca Tingle and I should be friends. This novel, which tells the fictionalized story of a real Mercian queen from the ninth century, no less , is full of adventure, trepidation, and hope. In the story, Flaed this keyboard has no aesc symbol Outside forces are trying to prevent the alliance, so Flaed is preparing to defend herself.
In addition, however, she is being instr Rebecca Tingle and I should be friends. In addition, however, she is being instructed in reading and writing so that she can restore the art of learning to the Mercian people. This book has a good balance of action and gentleness. Flaed learns to be a leader but, more importantly, she learns to be a female leader.
Her character is thus inherently complex. She must make up for physical strength with quickness and battle strategy. Edge also provides interesting information on the history of West Saxon and Mercia, including King Alfred's push for literacy I heart Alfred! My favorite thing about this book is the inclusion of the epic poem, Beowulf.
Beowulf is the poem that Flaed and her brother read, and aspects of it become important to Flaed as challenges arise. The allusion to Beowulf adds to the richness of the narrative. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Old English history and princesses who can hold their own with a sword. Jul 26, Caitlyn rated it liked it Shelves: Our protagonist, Flaed, fills her traditional gender role after careful consideration of what she is doing. While she is not a feminist, she is a strong female lead by being a smart woman and a well-respected leader of her people.
Very slow-moving until the story reaches its climax; then I couldn't put it down. Well-researched and historically accurate without being overbearing. I am a language arts stu Our protagonist, Flaed, fills her traditional gender role after careful consideration of what she is doing. I am a language arts student, so I appreciated the explanation of the runes and the addition of a few symbols in the writing. I also appreciated the references to Beowulf, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, etc Beowulf remains unnamed in the story and is referred to as 'the hero.
A very good light read and a great find at the second-hand bookstore. I also loved the author's notes. There was explanation without being too wordy. Jul 26, Marilyn rated it liked it. This book was written by a friend of one of my sisters.
At the Edge of Summer
When she told us about it and we got a copy to read, I wasn't expecting too much, but I was surprised. I think it would make a good movie and the book is much better writing than some other Young Adult books that have been made into movies. I won't mention them by name but I have another sister who knows the author of these oh so popular books and I guess I should be happy for a local girl who made it big. Believe it or not, I have a third This book was written by a friend of one of my sisters.
Believe it or not, I have a third sister who also has a friend who has had seveal books published which have done well in a limited market. All this makes me wonder if I have any friends out there who will some day be popular authors? Identify yourselves, so I can start saving any memorabilia that might be valuable one day.
Mar 20, Gretchen rated it really liked it. Great book written by our neighbor's daughter, who has been here with her children for a few months, if you like young medieval heroines with a little history as well you will love this book. I'm glad that I don't live then though. Rebecca is a Rhodes scholar who studied English Lit.
There is also a sequel which I want to read. Jan 28, Kylara Jensen added it Shelves: I didn't even remember reading this book until I was looking through my old journal from where I chronicled all the books I read. It's a very vague memory. How many more books are there like this that I read once on a whim and have no memory of?
Nov 19, Jennifer rated it it was amazing. I read this book back in my early college days, and I didn't know if it would turn out as great as I remembered, but it really was! In fact, I enjoyed it even more the second reading. It's a timeless story of the forging of a great woman who lead her people with wisdom and courage.
I absolutely loved it! Jun 24, Ann Johnson rated it really liked it Shelves: Whoever wrote the Goodreads blurb didn't read the book.
I remember reading this book years ago with my daughters, and how one daughter was really intrigued with the idea that this book was based on a historical character. At the time we had a hard time finding more information about Aethelflaed, but when I Google her now there's a lot more information about the historical figure. Jul 24, Oyceter rated it really liked it Shelves: This was a solidly written historical YA with a strong heroine and a nice teacher-student relationship.
Tingle manages to make the heroine believable and brave without making her spunky or spirited. I should reread this some time Apr 26, Kyla rated it liked it. A good read, enough to keep you entertained. Also, the story is real, and that's something that surprised me. Usually, I don't like non fiction so much, but this was great. It was like fantasy in a way. Jun 07, Annika rated it liked it. I didn't even relize that it was historical fiction until the very end at the historical note!!! Jul 13, The Overflowing Inkwell rated it it was amazing Shelves: I remember loving this book as a kid.
Just absolutely adoring this book, toting it around school and reading it whenever I had a chance. I was hesitant to read it again now, eleven years later, because - hey, my taste was pretty crap back then; the same year I was reading this little gem I thought Paolini was one of the greatest authors ever, and boy howdy did that turn out to be a mistake. But this book is still just as good as when I first encountered it. The writing feels simple, but not dumbe I remember loving this book as a kid. The writing feels simple, but not dumbed down.
- At the Edge of the Orchard.
- Consequences: Book Three (The Celtic Vampyre Saga 3).
- Road Block Busters: Getting rid of the no to make more space for the YES in your life!;
- See a Problem?;
- The Edge on the Sword?
- Getting Syncd!
There are a lot of ideas and battle scenes that I know went right over my head the first time I read this. The plot of the book probably influenced my ideas on arranged marriage, and why my characters in my stories tended to find acceptance and happiness in their own, an influence I hadn't even realized until now. The cover is pretty terrible, but don't let that put you off a good book. It's a quick read - just a day, really - and you won't be disappointed. Jun 13, AngelAB rated it it was ok Shelves: This book make me have some difficulties while reading it.
First of all and the most part the pacing is slow which by the events where the slow pacing at makes it terribly boring exception to a few part that makes the he pacing good. However the pacing goes faster it does get more interesting and engaging near the end which most people might stop reading before they got to that part. Second of all, the story has long sentence structure that might make it boring to some readers. Finally, for th This book make me have some difficulties while reading it.
Finally, for this particularly book it's best that you know a little bit of background history about the era or else it makes it very uninteresting to read. I think it is great with its foreshadowing and the general plot is great, it's great for people who has historical background but not for someone who want to just jump right in. Oct 19, Natashia Rusnak rated it it was amazing. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here. This was my first real book when I was a preteen, I will never forget stealing my dads flashlight to read this book all night. I remember I cried which I didnt know would happen while reading. I loved the story and her strength to the core. I am not almost 30 and am about to reread the book. I still remember the whole story and as long as you aren't too nitpicky about history, just keep a open mind and it's a beautiful story. I read this book a long time ago, when I was in junior high or high school.
I remembered loving it and briefly remembered if when I studied the history of the English Language with King Alfred. This book is still good! An awesome book for anyone of any age. Dec 13, Jodee Clark rated it really liked it Shelves: This was a great story about embracing your destiny and being strong in your circumstances.