The Edge on the Sword

A fantastic book filled with courage and character! Originally, we borrowed it from the library and read it together as a family. Our daughters enjoyed it so much, we ended up buying two copies...one for each of them. My youngest was 12 yrs when she received her copy and has no trouble reading it on her own.

I found this book to be action packed and kept my interest right to the end.

This was my daughter's favorite medieval-era book.

school

good book, my daughter like it

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.

"Surprise, stealth, unbalancing her enemy, these were the ways her guardian had taught her to save herself, and to win," are the words that are featured on the back of the book, The Edge on the Sword, because the things her guardian taught her is a crucial point. Making history come alive, Rebecca Tingle mixed magnificent facts and fiction together to make an unforgettable story, where any girl can escape. In 2001, it was published by Penguin Putnam Books. Beautifully, remarkably, and magnificently done, the front cover illustration of The Edge on the Sword was drawn by Karen Savary, a memorable artist.At the end of the ninth century, Flæd was now on her fifteenth year of living. Living in the burgh, staying with family, and learning her languages were all she knew, since she had done that for all her life. Her father was King Alfred of Wessex. He had a passive kingdom. As Flæd grew up, her main companion was her brother, Edward. They enjoyed their ambitious adventures among the forests around the burgh. Eventually, these trips got slim because Flæd began her education in writing, Latin, and Greek under her instructor, (w) Bishop Asser. Little did she know that soon her life would dramatically alter.As instructed, Flæd headed toward her father's private chamber. Inside the small room she entered, sat King Alfred, who had been waiting. He gestured for her to sit. Alfred looked at her for a second then said gently, "Æthelflæd, as women grow they obtain more responsibilities. Now, that you are almost sixteen, it is time for you to be married. At the end of the summer you will travel to Lundon, Mercia, to be married to my friend and partner, Æthelred." Being the daughter of a very powerful man, Flæd had known this was coming, but it still shocked her. Soon, she would leave everything. She would lose her family. Permanently, she would leave home. Immediately the next morning, a warrior and envoy from Lundon came to be her guardian and warder. His name was Red. Flæd had always had a strong, enduring friendship with her brother, but as that last summer came and went, that friendship was almost lost, but that friendship lasted. No longer could they go on their private adventures in the woods, because of Red, Flæd guardian, who followed her everywhere.At the end of the summer, Flæd equipped herself, packed up, and prepared her gifts for Æthelred in preparation for her departure to Mercia, because it would be several days before they would arrive in Lundon. As her protection, she had been trained in the arts of the sword and had a minute band of warriors with her. Leading them, Red rode at the front, followed by two wagons and a small amount men on horse back. They followed the river. Surprisingly, they were attacked and many of the men fell in battle, leaving Flæd with a few desperate men and little hope. Could they arrive safely after this tragedy?This book has a fantastic twist of history and adventure, as if the excitement is literally bounding off the pages. As a great source of entertainment and much more, every pre-teen and early teen girl should read this book. Over all, The Edge on the Sword is an astounding masterpiece, because of the unforgettable story and amazing use of words, which is a charismatic combination.

An interesting little medieval tale. The focus on poetry and simple living makes for an almost tranquil read. I was a little disappointed that the action indicated by the cover and summary really only comes into play during the last quarter of the book.3.5 stars

Enjoyable read, historically fairly accurate. Good to have a strong female main character.

9-12歳児とありますが、むしろヤングアダルトものです。９世紀のイングランドの地はマーシャと呼ばれてました。が、スコットランドからのデーン人の侵略に脅かされてました。そのデーン人をサマーセットの沼沢地でゲリラ戦で破って撃退し、マーシャの独立を保ったのがアルフレッド王です。その娘で、後にレイディ・オブ・マーシャと呼ばれ、優れた統治と軍事能力を称えられた、偉大な女性、エルフレーデの若い頃の物語です。沼沢地や森を自由に駆け回り、あるいは歴史書や英雄談を読みふけり、気ままに暮らしていた彼女の生活がある日、一変します。父王アルフレッドが親友である隣国の王へ彼女を嫁がせることに決めたから。しかも、これを察知したデーンは、彼女の結婚でこの二国が強力な同盟関係になることをおそれて、彼女をさらう計画をすすめます。圧巻は、結婚するため隣国へ旅にでた彼女の一行がデーンの襲撃を受けてからです。四倍の敵に襲われて隊長が戦死、エルフレーデは機知とリーダシップを発揮して・・・・。