The Emma of Normandy 2-book Collection: Shadow on the Crown and The Price of Blood – Patricia Bracewell

The first two novels in an epic series about Queen Emma of Normandy, set in 11th-century England when Vikings are on the brink of invasion. A standout series of seduction, war, betrayal and unrequited love from an outstanding new voice in historical fictionSHADOW ON THE CROWNIn 1002 AD Emma, a young Norman girl, must take her place as bride to England’s King Æthelred, a ruler who is looking for nothing more than a political pawn to protect his shores and bear his next child. But Emma soon realises that her new role comes with danger: the seductive Elgiva, mistress to the King, will stop at nothing in her battle for the circlet of gold. Amidst the turmoil of a kingdom under threat and a forbidden love, both women will fight for the King’s attention, a king whose haunted past is as dark as the portent in the night’s sky.THE PRICE OF BLOOD1006 AD. Queen Emma, the Norman bride of England’s King Æthelred, has given birth to a son. Now her place as second wife to the king is safe and Edward marked as heir to the throne. But the royal bed is a cold place and the court a setting for betrayal and violence, as the ageing king struggles to retain his power over the realm. Emma can trust no one, not even the king’s eldest son Athelstan, the man she truly loves.Elsewhere Viking threats to the crown are gaining strength.Emma must protect her only child without abandoning her noble position. And her conflict will be played out against the dramatic and bloody struggle for Britain’s rule.