BookLife Reviews
04/26/2021
Bracewell’s engrossing conclusion to her Normandy trilogy (after The Price of Blood) revisits 11th-century England, where King Æthelred’s Norman queen Emma has been married to her husband for a decade, has given birth to three children, and finds herself unsure who to trust. Her husband does not treat her well, his alliances have stirred dismay among his fellow Englishmen, and Danish King Swein Forkbeard has plans to oust him from his throne. Those plans appeal to Elgiva, the English concubine of Swein’s son, Cnut. As the Danish invasion begins, allegiances are called into question, and Emma must work to ensure that she and her children survive amid the chaos of war.
Bracewell’s extensive research adds convincing realism as she expertly details hard choices, secret loyalties, and brutal murders. While Bracewell focuses intently on the battle scenes and the changing landscape of allegiances, she also breathes life into her characters, giving them singular voices and emphasizing how broken promises of fealty impact relationships –and sometimes influence history. The concerns of her 11th century cast will resonate with historical fiction readers today.
Bracewell brings the lives of the novel’s women into sharp focus. Though Æthelred often discounts Emma’s opinions, other men respect her, as evidenced by her love for Æthelred’s oldest son from his previous marriage, Athelstan. Despite the knowledge that her desires are subservient to the demands of Æthelred, Emma works within the societal constraints to exert her influence and ensure the survival of her children. Bracewell examines the cunning of Elgiva, whose power over Cnut is limited by a marriage not blessed by the church, while Elgiva plots to continue to be important to Cnut, hoping that she will one day become queen herself. The efforts of these women to influence their destinies despite the control exerted by the men in their lives is an essential thematic element throughout the novel.
Takeaway: An 11th-century English queen seeks to make her mark in the world while ensuring her family's survival amid the dangers of war.
Great for fans of: Carol McGrath’s The Handfasted Wife, Donna Woolfolk Cross’s Pope Joan.
Production grades Cover: A Design and typography: A- Illustrations: A Editing: A Marketing copy: A
From the Publisher
"The Steel Beneath the Silk is a power anthem tribute to history's women-behind-the-scenes. Intelligent, observant Queen Emma might have very little authority as the ignored wife of England's failing king, but she takes her role as peace-weaver seriously as Danish warlords threaten everything she has helped build. Without her hand on the tiller guiding the machinations of rebellious princes, ambitious concubines, and Viking suitors, it might have been a very different Britain--and a very different world. Patricia Bracewell's impeccable research and steely heroine make this a perfect read for fans of Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom series!" - Kate Quinn, author of The Rose Code, The Huntress, The Alice Network, The Empress of Rome Saga and The Borgia Chronicles
"A magnificent book! This masterful culmination of Patricia Bracewell's epic Emma of Normandy trilogy could rival any Norse saga immortalizing the drama-laden events at the time of the Viking invasions of Anglo-Saxon England. I loved it!" - Anne Easter Smith, author of A Rose for the Crown and This Son of York
"The Steel Beneath the Silk is a triumph. As her husband King Æthelred and his sons confront the invading Danes on the battlefield, we watch Queen Emma wield power behind the scenes, forging alliances with cunning and diplomacy. Romantic, thrilling, richly embroidered with historical detail, this epic saga will satisfy fans of The Last Kingdom, Vikings, and Outlander. Highly recommended!" - Candace Robb, bestselling author of the Owen Archer mysteries
"The hard-hitting history of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle comes to life in this sweeping, cinematic saga of Emma of Normandy. In a violent, turbulent world full of treachery and the threat of Viking invasion, one strong woman rises to seize her power with a warrior's valor and a peace-weaver's foresight. In Patricia Bracewell's stunning new novel, Queen Emma makes an unforgettable impression." - Mary Sharratt, author of Revelations and Illuminations
"Plotting, deceit and familial divisions keep the reader guessing what fate has in store for eleventh century Queen Emma and her sons. The Steel Beneath the Silk is a gripping and fabulous, vividly written story. The detailed scents, sounds and visual period detail pull the reader right into an English eleventh century court threatened with intrigue. This excellently recreated world provides an authentic background to a thrilling story. What a wonderful and dangerous life Queen Emma lived. England, 1013--Strife, Danish conquest, a handsome, clever Viking prince, betrayal; what a thrilling tale this is, one inhabited by vivid, unforgettable characters." - Carol McGrath, author of The Handfasted Wife
"A queen's courage in the face of war, lost love, and betrayal takes center stage in this novel about Emma of Normandy, a woman whose critical role in English history is not as well known as it should be. I felt like I was plunged into the 11th century, thanks to the action-fueled pacing and sharply conveyed atmosphere. Anyone who enjoys Vikings and The Last Kingdom and is eager to read about the lives of women in such a tumultuous era should seize this book and prepare for an unforgettable saga." - Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Blue and the Joanna Stafford trilogy
"In this glorious conclusion to Bracewell's Emma of Normandy trilogy, Emma becomes an even greater, wiser, savvier queen than ever she was in the two previous novels.... A perfect conclusion to a brilliant trilogy-a great read!" - Historical Novel Review
