Better than Gold

Description

Egfrid is the prince of Bernicia, an Anglo-Saxon kingdom. When he is captured by Penda, King of Mercia during a raid, all seems lost. But though the fierce warrior Penda hates Egfrid's cowardly father, he won't kill the boy. Instead, Egfrid is to be brought up, as hostage and adopted son, in the court of his father's worst enemy... This fascinating look into a long-vanished past reveals the clashes between small kingdoms, between pagan and Christian beliefs, and between the loyalty demanded by blood and given from the heart. A richly detailed and moving tale, inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard, the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.

Theresa spent most of her childhood in Cleveland and North Yorkshire, whereher father was a vicar. Many of her fiction ideas come from the rich sources of history and mythology, still very much alive in that area. She has three grown up children and is now a doting grandmother, living in Whitby with her architect husband Tom. As a child she loved drawing, painting and dancing and it was only as an adult that she began to write and illustrate stories for her children. She especially enjoys writing historical fiction.

...this engrossing story takes the reader back to a time of clashes between rival factions and strong loyalties. Children in KS2 will be studying the Anglo-Saxons as part of the new curriculum so this is an excellent way to obtain some background period details - try it as a class reader. -- Sarah Brew * Parents in Touch * The plot drives along at a good pace and concludes with a satisfyingly nail-biting battle. Whether Theresa Tomlinson's account is true or not, it sounds plausible and brings alive the often complicated politics of the time. -- Cassandra Clark * Historical Novel Society *