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Paula Lofting

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Sons of the Wolf Kindle Edition

by Paula Lofting (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.1 126 ratings

Book 1 of 2: Sons of the Wolf

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"Bloody. Brutal. Brilliant." - Mary Anne Yarde author of the Du Lac Chronicles founder of the Coffee Pot Book awards.

On the battlefield, Wulfhere fights for his life but elsewhere the enemy is closer to home, sinister and shadowy and far more dangerous than any war.

"Paula Lofting has woven an excellent story around the sparse records of historical events that are available from the opening years of the second millennium."

Winner of Chill with a Book Award and BRAG Medallion Award.

It is 1054 and King Edward sits on the throne of England.A forbidden love affair rekindles a dangerous ancient bloodfeud and when Lord Harold, Earl of Wessex, demands that Wulfhere, thegn of Horstede, wed his daughter to his sworn enemy, Wulfhere must find a way to save his daughter from a life of certain misery at the hands of the cruel and resentful Helghi without compromising his honour and loyalty to his lord, Harold.

A tale of Battles & Bloodfeud in the years leading up to the Norman Invasion

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About the Author

It has been Paula's dream to write since she was a child, but it was not until she was in her mid-forties that she was able to realise her dream. She was born in Middlesex and grew up in South Australia where she was encouraged to read avidly. At the age of 16, she returned to the country of her birth and after facing many of life's challenges, she finally started writing whilst training to be a psychiatric nurse. Home is now in West Sussex where she lives with her family. She has a love of history and also re-enacts with Regia Anglorum, one of the leading re-enactment societies, and has just recently written the second book in the Sons of the Wolf series, The Wolf Banner.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01C4LMJC4
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Longship Books; 2nd edition (March 15, 2016)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 15, 2016
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 3654 KB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 394 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #1,654,973 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #6,715 in Military Historical Fiction
- #8,751 in War Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #19,080 in War Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.1 126 ratings

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Paula Lofting

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Paula has always wanted to write since she was a little girl coming home from school to sit at the table with her notebook. A prolific reader, she loved nothing better than to spend weekends with a book in her hand. Earliest influences such as Rosemary Sutcliffe, Leon Garfield, Charles Dickens, C.S.Lewis, inspired an interest in history. It became her lifelong wish to one day write and publish a book, but not being able to type, and having no funds for a typewriter to learn on, this ambition was reluctantly put on hold. With the advent of PC's and a need to retrain and use a computer, this old ambition was stirred and she decided to rekindle her love of writing at the grand old age of 42. At this point, she had reached a turning point in her life and studied nursing, and also decided to write the book she had been promising herself she would one day write. Her début novel, 'Sons of the Wolf' was first published with the assistance of Silverwood Books in 2012. More recently she has republished it with her new publishing company Longship Publsihing. in kindle. It is a story set in the years leading up to the Norman Conquest of England and the first in the Sons of the Wolf series. She has always admired the works of Sharon Penman and Bernard Cornwell, and Mary Stewart, amongst many others. History is a great love of hers and her interest in the subject goes beyond that of the keyboard. She also enjoys Anglo-Saxon re-enactment with Regia Anglorum, also a great source of research for her writing.

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4.1 out of 5

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Reader

Vivid debut novel

Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2016

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While I am a relative newcomer to reading books set in pre-Norman Conquest England, I have made my way through several different authors, all of whom I would recommend. Paula Lofting's Sons of the Wolf is a worthy addition to the ever-growing offering.

The book follows the trials and fortunes of two families, one of these being the Godwinson family (whom history remembers mostly because of a little battle at Hastings in 1066). The very first pages introduce us to an event that happened in earlier days, an event which planted the seeds of contention for the Godwinsons. These are the seeds of contention which propel their motivations, causing more and more tensions to build through the story.

The other prominent plotline follows the family of the king’s thegn, Wulfhere of Horstede. Whenever I start reading a book, I actively look for a reason to care about the characters. I will take a skeletal plot filled with well-drawn characters over a superficial action/adventure with hollow characters any day. These characters can even take their sweet time to warm to me, but eventually they do have to come around. This was the case for Wulfhere. Initially I was indifferent to him, though with time and patience he grew on me.

Well-drawn does not mean perfect. In fact a perfect character quickly becomes tepid, because flaws make a more interesting life. Wulfhere succeeded for me because his life and choices wove a delightfully flawed tapestry with each failing. Again and again he proved this to be true with one emotion-induced tantrum after another, each step seemingly making his life and future more and more difficult. Yet in his mistakes, his humanity became readily recognizable. No matter how often he failed, I cheered for him to do better, to make right choices. The same could be said for the rest of Wulfhere's family -- his wife, sons, and daughters.

Because I know the history, I know what will become of the Godwinsons. As for Wulfhere and the sons of the wolf, I’m more uncertain. While this book leaves the reader hanging because of the unfinished business left for the characters, it is only the first book in a series, and the necessary ground will be covered in future books. I eagerly look forward to discover what is in store for these colorful, vividly drawn people. The Wolf Banner is due out in June, 2016. Undoubtedly Wulfhere’s children will take said banner and run!

3 people found this helpful

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Kim

A great escape into the world of medieval England!

Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2016

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Set in England not long before the Norman Invasion of 1066, Sons of the Wolf is an engaging story that works on several different levels. At the top is the global level, with the conflict between King Edward the Confessor, the Godwinsons, and the other Earls of England. I enjoyed these scenes and characters, especially Harold Godwinson, and each scene had such great historical detail that I was swept up in the political machinations. The next level was the personal and the conflict that arises in a household between husband and wife, parents and children. Wulfhere, the main protagonist of the story, is a good man, although with some flaws. But who likes a perfect character anyway? I sure don’t. Wulfhere is immensely believable and likeable. The historical context surrounding his world is very rich, detailed, and accurate (as accurate as I can tell!). The author’s world building is excellent and I felt like I was living in a medieval great hall or traveling across the English countryside. The final level: Wulfhere’s internal conflict. Like I said, he’s not perfect. He is torn between two loves and that causes distress in his relationships. Put all three levels together and you have an excellent first novel filled with multi-dimensional characters, rich detail, and historical accuracy.

I am looking forward to the next installment of the trilogy!

One person found this helpful

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Marcia GLoster Ammeen

An intimate, insightful and fascinating story of a moment in England’s treacherous history

Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2017

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As an American who has lived in London, I have always been fascinated by the history of Medieval Great Britain and Europe. Each time I visit the ruins of castles and fortifications of that period, I try to imagine how difficult and treacherous life must have been.

Now thanks to Ms. Lofting, I have been given an intimate and insightful portrayal of a family and the events that swirl around them in 11th-century England. It was as if I was living with these characters and their daily lives, particularly the wonderfully realized Wulfhere and his wife. Sons of the Wolf is not only a story of the belief systems and attitudes of the time; it offers a detailed glimpse into the politics and schemes that orbit the King. The characters are vibrant and relatable and despite my difficulty with the names, I thoroughly enjoyed following Wulfhere, Ealdgytha and their somewhat raucous family. The story is engrossing all the way–including a highly descriptive, if bloody, battle and an unexpected rescue. It left me looking forward to what was coming next.

One person found this helpful

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Elara

A gripping tale of pre-conquest England

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 1, 2023

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It is not easy being a man of substance in Anglo-Saxon England - especially if you are Wulfhere.
You have demands from your eorl and your king, a wife who doesn't understand you, a mistress who understands you too well and children who seem set on making things as difficult as possible for you. And that is before you have to deal with your feuding neighbour and his son!
In Sons of the Wolf, Wulfhere has to somehow navigate a path of sorts through political and personal perils whilst keeping some sense of his own honour.
This is a fabulous story, with Wulhere at its heart. But it embraces the whole tapestry of pre-conquest England, with wayward and rebellious nobles, battles and skirmishes, political wrangling and the daily life of men and women - and children.
The book shows a time and place removed from us by a thousand years of intervening history, so very different and yet with echoes of the familiar. If you are intregued by the period, or already enjoy reading stories in this setting, this is a book to add to your library.

One person found this helpful

Francine Howarth

Well-researched novel, and enjoyable read!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 18, 2016

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At a time when Edward the Confessor was King of England, much of the power lay within the hands of three Earls: Leofric of Mercia, Siward of Northumbria, and Godwin(e) of Wessex, the latter's daughter thus wife to Edward - thereby Godwin's sons are Edward's brother-in-laws. Although all these important persons of their day indeed feature on the political map, and within specific scenarios of Ms Lofting's novel, instead of following in the footsteps of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the era, as have other authors writing about this period, Ms Lofting has taken a lesser known figure, Wulfhere. Albeit a man of this time, this author has woven a tapestry depicting Wulfhere's life to the very best of her ability, given little is known of his private affairs. The reader is presented with a wide picture of his family and all those affected by brokered marriages, plus political intrigues and personal ambitions. Is it any wonder Hell, Fire, and Brimstone collide and erupt within the pages of this book, thus the sights, sounds, odours, and snipits of humour impress upon the reader the primitive nature of warriors amidst sense of intellect and scholarly beliefs. Whilst codes of conduct and chivalry do exist, their are those, including Wulfhere, who fail to abide to the C and Cs with enthusiasm, thereby elicit love and wishful thinking is oft the bane of a man's existence as is glory of conquest in bed, and on the battlefield. All in all, a well-researched novel, and enjoyable read!

2 people found this helpful

Tricia Preston

Two books in one!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 11, 2016

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This was not really what I expected but it was a delightful surprise. Whilst it was clear that Paula has carried out extensive research into the political intrigue of the decade that swept England unerringly to that fateful encounter on 14th October 1066 in a field near Hastings, it is also obvious that she knows plenty about the everyday lives of the people, in all walks of life, as well. Perhaps this is a result of her being an active re-enactor, a snippet of info on her 'blog'.
Beginning in 1054, having realised that Edward the Confessor had no intention of his successor being the 'seed of his loins', we are treated to the posturing of his nobles as they vie for prominence in the succession. No one is clear about what Edward may have agreed with William, Duke of Normandy, and this is further confused by Edward's desire for Edward, son of Edmund Ironside, to return to England. We see the infighting between the sons of Godwin, with Tostig being promoted by his sister, the queen, and this being further exasperated by the reluctance of Edith and Tostig to encourage the king to secure the return of the son of Sveyn Godwinson and their youngest brother from the clutches of William in Normandy. We also view the disasterous consequences of the temporary fall from grace of Aelgar of Mercia, resulting in his alliance with Gruffydd ap Llewelyn and their attack on England. The depiction of the Battle of Hereford is bloodthirsty and brutal and puts pay to any ideas Earl Ralph, nephew to the king, may have had of being a contender.
Aside from this, what makes this tale truly special is the medieval soap-opera (not to be taken in any derogatory sense) that runs alongside the historical account. This is also the personal story of Wulfhere, thegn of Horstede, loyal to the king but also bound to Harold Godwinson, who has a role to play in the history, privy to the affairs at court and also a warrior at the battle in Hereford.
At the commencement of the tale, his returns from fighting in Scotland and we have a wonderful insight into his home life, a tepid relationship with his wife due to extramarital romantic assignations, infighting amongst his numerous offspring and a blood-fued with his neighbour, Helghi. This is all beautifully realistic and throws you into the everyday life of the thegn and his dependants in this period of history. Along with the feud, the depiction of the relationship between his offspring is particularly intriguing and both seem to be a precursor to what is to follow in future books.
All in all, a totally captivating read and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

4 people found this helpful

Melissa Speed

Like Stepping Back in Time

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2023

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Lofting shines an enticing light on the dark ages and brings a beautiful humanity to the aftermath of battle through her believable characters. Breath-holding scenes keep the reader eager to read on, and the age is brought to life through a rich tapestry of settings and supporting characters. Things don’t always go the way you hope they will, adding a reality to the lives created. Wulfhere is an imperfect hero with a lot going on and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.

LynnBryant1803

Compelling Historical Fiction

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 23, 2020

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I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-moving, action-packed book which takes the reader back to Saxon England in the years leading up to the Norman conquest.

This is the first book in a saga, following the fortunes of Wulfhere, a Saxon thegn owing allegiance to Harold, Earl of Wessex. When events conspire to reignite an old blood feud with his neighbour Helghi, Wulfhere finds himself torn between loyalties and old loves.

Paula Lofting introduces a big cast of characters, both fictional and real, to tell a tale of battle, love and loyalty set against the sweeping backdrop of Saxon England. Wulfhere is a man more at home on the battlefield than in the middle of family conflicts, and his struggles are sometimes painful to read, but all the more real for that. The author manages the complex threads of the story with great skill, and manages to convey her deep love of the period and her affection for her human and often exasperating hero with a deft touch.

This is so far out of my historical period, that I can't say much about the historical accuracy, but settings and descriptions feel very convincing, as though the author has done a lot of research. The book has action, excitement, romance and more than a touch of humour and will appeal to all lovers of epic historical sagas. A very good read.

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Sons of the Wolf Kindle Edition

"Bloody. Brutal. Brilliant." - Mary Anne Yarde author of the Du Lac Chronicles founder of the Coffee Pot Book awards.

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Paula Lofting

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