Hollick (A Hollow Crown) constructs a magnificent epic in this unabashedly pro-Saxon recounting of a turning point in English history. Twenty-two years before the Battle of Hastings, Harold Godwinesson lives happily with his wife in the turbulent era of Edward the Confessor, but as a member of the most powerful noble family in England, Harold is drawn into a political drama that will eventually lead him to assume the rule of England as the last of the Saxon kings. While Edward's Norman associates stir resentment in England, an enemy is consolidating his position across the channel: the ruthless William, duke of Normandy, who considers himself heir to Edward's throne. Hollick's enormous cast and meticulous research combine to create a convincing account of the destructive reign of the hapless Edward and the internecine warfare that weakens England as William prepares to invade. Thanks to Hollick's masterful storytelling, Harold's nobility and heroism enthrall to the point of engendering hope for a different ending to the famous battle of 1066. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review
Hollick's enormous cast and meticulous research combine to create a convincing account of the destructive reign of the hapless Edward and the internecine warfare that weakens England as William prepares to invade. Thanks to Hollick's masterful storytelling, Harold's nobility and heroism enthrall to the point of engendering hope for a different ending to the famous battle of 1066. (_Publishers Weekly_ 20110311)
Shut off the phones, order takeaway, and have beverages at hand because once begun, this book is close to impossible to set down. I adored I Am the Chosen King and highly recommend it to all readers, do not be put off by the size of this book for in the end I fancy the reader will have wished it longer. (_Rundpinne_ 20110311)
This was a book that was very hard for me to put down. I found myself immersed in time and place and just about felt like I was THERE. Ms. Hollick is a master at delivering a tale that you don't want to end. (_The Broken Teepee_ 20110311)
One thing for certain, reading a historical novel by Helen Hollick will leave you feeling satisfied if a little sad that the novel has ended. Even though you basically know the ending before you start the novel, it is in the telling of the story in between that will captivate you and keep you reading.
(_Peeking Between the Pages_ 20110311)
In the days when I was reading I Am the Chosen King, I felt I was kidnapped by this story of the Saxon England. When I couldn't read the book, I thought about it during the day, I researched what I didn't know online and when sleeping, I dreamed about the characters. I think it will not be an exaggeration when I say that Helen cast a spell on me, the one that made me fully absorbed in the world of I Am the Chosen King. (_Reading Extravaganza_ 20110311)
The descriptions of the Battle of Hastings were breathtaking, and heartbreaking, I had goosebumps reading these scenes. Hollick's author notes were a wonderful addition and much appreciated by this reader. All up, another winner for Helen Hollick and fans of historical fiction. (_Queen of Happy Endings_ 20110311)
The genius of Hollick's writing is her rare ability to combine accurate historical fact with damned good storytelling. (_A Reader's Respite_ 20110311)
Helen Hollick is an author who is conquering the world one country at a time with her intricate way of bringing the past to life, especially through the historical fiction favorite; I am the Chosen King. (_Suite 101 Romance_ 20110311)
I really enjoyed this book and I know that historical fiction fans will absolutely love it. Hollick has the ability to take a very detailed historical account and give it life. Her style is very approachable and leaves the reader feeling like they have learned a lot, while still being entertained. (_Deb's Book Bag_ 20110510)
Like Beethoven's Symphony Number 7, I am the Chosen King starts out quiet and touching and then slowly, almost without you realizing it, it moves to a stunning and powerful conclusion. For the last two hundred or so pages, I found myself totally obsessed with the book. (_Laura's Reviews_ )
You'll find yourself sucked into a world from the past where everything is different, yet nothing is. (_Literary Litter_ )
There are many historical fiction authors I admire: writers who can tell a good story, keep my interest, and whisk me away to times and places far away. There are, however, very few of whom I am in awe; ones whose writing skill and depth are so encompassing that I am no longer an observer of events, but a participant. Helen Hollick is that sort of author, and I Am the Chosen King is arguably her best writing. (_Historical Novels Review_ )
Description:
From Publishers Weekly
Hollick (A Hollow Crown) constructs a magnificent epic in this unabashedly pro-Saxon recounting of a turning point in English history. Twenty-two years before the Battle of Hastings, Harold Godwinesson lives happily with his wife in the turbulent era of Edward the Confessor, but as a member of the most powerful noble family in England, Harold is drawn into a political drama that will eventually lead him to assume the rule of England as the last of the Saxon kings. While Edward's Norman associates stir resentment in England, an enemy is consolidating his position across the channel: the ruthless William, duke of Normandy, who considers himself heir to Edward's throne. Hollick's enormous cast and meticulous research combine to create a convincing account of the destructive reign of the hapless Edward and the internecine warfare that weakens England as William prepares to invade. Thanks to Hollick's masterful storytelling, Harold's nobility and heroism enthrall to the point of engendering hope for a different ending to the famous battle of 1066. (Mar.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review
Hollick's enormous cast and meticulous research combine to create a convincing account of the destructive reign of the hapless Edward and the internecine warfare that weakens England as William prepares to invade. Thanks to Hollick's masterful storytelling, Harold's nobility and heroism enthrall to the point of engendering hope for a different ending to the famous battle of 1066. (_Publishers Weekly_ 20110311)
Shut off the phones, order takeaway, and have beverages at hand because once begun, this book is close to impossible to set down. I adored I Am the Chosen King and highly recommend it to all readers, do not be put off by the size of this book for in the end I fancy the reader will have wished it longer.
(_Rundpinne_ 20110311)
This was a book that was very hard for me to put down. I found myself immersed in time and place and just about felt like I was THERE. Ms. Hollick is a master at delivering a tale that you don't want to end. (_The Broken Teepee_ 20110311)
One thing for certain, reading a historical novel by Helen Hollick will leave you feeling satisfied if a little sad that the novel has ended. Even though you basically know the ending before you start the novel, it is in the telling of the story in between that will captivate you and keep you reading.
(_Peeking Between the Pages_ 20110311)
In the days when I was reading I Am the Chosen King, I felt I was kidnapped by this story of the Saxon England. When I couldn't read the book, I thought about it during the day, I researched what I didn't know online and when sleeping, I dreamed about the characters. I think it will not be an exaggeration when I say that Helen cast a spell on me, the one that made me fully absorbed in the world of I Am the Chosen King. (_Reading Extravaganza_ 20110311)
The descriptions of the Battle of Hastings were breathtaking, and heartbreaking, I had goosebumps reading these scenes. Hollick's author notes were a wonderful addition and much appreciated by this reader. All up, another winner for Helen Hollick and fans of historical fiction.
(_Queen of Happy Endings_ 20110311)
The genius of Hollick's writing is her rare ability to combine accurate historical fact with damned good storytelling. (_A Reader's Respite_ 20110311)
Helen Hollick is an author who is conquering the world one country at a time with her intricate way of bringing the past to life, especially through the historical fiction favorite; I am the Chosen King. (_Suite 101 Romance_ 20110311)
I really enjoyed this book and I know that historical fiction fans will absolutely love it. Hollick has the ability to take a very detailed historical account and give it life. Her style is very approachable and leaves the reader feeling like they have learned a lot, while still being entertained. (_Deb's Book Bag_ 20110510)
Like Beethoven's Symphony Number 7, I am the Chosen King starts out quiet and touching and then slowly, almost without you realizing it, it moves to a stunning and powerful conclusion. For the last two hundred or so pages, I found myself totally obsessed with the book. (_Laura's Reviews_ )
You'll find yourself sucked into a world from the past where everything is different, yet nothing is. (_Literary Litter_ )
There are many historical fiction authors I admire: writers who can tell a good story, keep my interest, and whisk me away to times and places far away. There are, however, very few of whom I am in awe; ones whose writing skill and depth are so encompassing that I am no longer an observer of events, but a participant. Helen Hollick is that sort of author, and I Am the Chosen King is arguably her best writing. (_Historical Novels Review_ )