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The Wolf Banner: Sons of the Wolf Book 2 Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 99 ratings

WAR AND BLOODFEUD

"Best battle description ever!"
1056...England lurches towards war as the rebellious Lord Alfgar plots against the indolent King Edward. Sussex thegn, Wulfhere, must defy both his lord, Harold Godwinson, and his bitter enemy, Helghi, to protect his beloved daughter.
As the shadow of war stretches across the land, a more personal battle rages at home, and when it follows him into battle, he knows he must keep his wits about him more than ever, and COURAGE AND FEAR MUST BECOME HIS ARMOUR…

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paula has always wanted to write. Since she was a little girl, coming home from school to sit at the table with her notebook and write stories that buzzed around in her head. 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 books and 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 promised herself one day she would 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 Books, in kindle. A new paperback version will be published by June. 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, about this amazing time in English history. She has always admired the works of Sharon Penman and Bernard Cornwell, Edith Pargetter 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 my writing.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01IS4CIPY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Longship Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 20, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 429 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Sons of the Wolf
  • Best Sellers Rank: #2,668,263 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 99 ratings

About the author

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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.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
99 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's well-developed plot, particularly its battle scenes, and appreciate its historical accuracy, with one customer noting how it offers insight into pre-Conquest England. The character development receives positive feedback, with one review highlighting the vast canvas of personalities and maturities. Customers find it to be a fabulous follow-up to the first book in the series.

7 customers mention "Plot"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed plot of the book, particularly praising the battle scenes, with one customer noting how it makes readers feel like part of the action.

"...The plot is more complex, the pace is faster, the characters deeper and more nuanced...." Read more

"...and it all just feels right and realistic...." Read more

"...'Sons of the Wolf,' spinning the happenings of 1058 into a compelling saga of betrayal...." Read more

"...has a unique ability to merge historical facts and people into a relatable tale full of detail, action, emotion and conflict...." Read more

6 customers mention "Historical accuracy"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, with reviews highlighting its vivid setting, realistic characters, and authentic portrayal of pre-Conquest England.

"...Lofting writes what she knows extremely well, her world is authentic and so are her battles!..." Read more

"...siege of Scrobbesbyrig all combine to form a thrilling, plausible account of what could have transpired in 1058...." Read more

"Paula Lofting has a unique ability to merge historical facts and people into a relatable tale full of detail, action, emotion and conflict...." Read more

"...This results in a vibrant historical setting, little details of everyday life blending together to create quite the time travelling experience...." Read more

4 customers mention "Follow-up"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book as a follow-up to Sons of the Wolf.

"A terrific follow-up to Sons of the Wolf...." Read more

"Outstanding book. I can't wait for the next installment. You feel like a part of the action. Amazing read. Ms Lofting has a gift" Read more

"Fabulous follow-up to the first book..." Read more

"Terrific sequel to Sons of the Wolf..." Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting its vast canvas of personalities and maturities, while another describes it as more nuanced.

"...The plot is more complex, the pace is faster, the characters deeper and more nuanced...." Read more

"...the setting, Ms Lofting adds a well-developed plot and an interesting cast of characters...." Read more

"...Her character development draws you in so much. Hard to put the book down." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2016
    The Wolf Banner is the second book by author Paula Lofting. Set in a period I knew little about before diving in –the decade or two leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, or the Norman Conquest — this book along with its forerunner, Sons of the Wolf, tells the stories of several families of Englalond (England) embroiled in the age-old struggle for land, power, and family honor leading up to the end of English rule and the coming of the Normans.

    Sons of the Wolf focuses primarily on the family of a thegn (a retainer of the king ranking below an ealdorman, what would eventually come to be known as an earl) of Edward. Wulfhere, the thegn, as he struggles to balance family life with the duties he owes the king, risking much and making many mistakes along the way. These mistakes impact not only the economic future of his family, but also its relational well-being. His children are growing, and as they do, each makes his or her own choices which bring a parallel future ramification. These choices build the plot, propelling the story alongside the historical events.

    The Wolf Banner picks up where Sons left off. The storylines of Wulfhere, his wife, and their children is continued, but we also meet new characters whose stories move the action to other parts of England and Wales, revealing the complexities of the politics of this era through the shifting of power and control, and the subterfuge and greed that creates it.

    Lofting’s first book was good, but like most second novels, The Wolf Banner shows a maturing of the author’s writing. The plot is more complex, the pace is faster, the characters deeper and more nuanced. Among these characters, there are the basest of military men, politicians with single-focus, fathers who use their children solely to meet their selfish ends, laid-back fathers who shrug their shoulders and trust their children to wyrd, flawed people, guilt-ridden people, boys who want to be men yet don’t know how, fickle and flighty women, emotionally strong women who carry those around them, mothers who fail their children, mothers who do what they can for their children with little success and few resources… all in all we see a vast canvas of personalities and maturities, some who gain ground and others who lose it. I often say that a strongly developed character can carry any book. Had there been little to no plot in this book (and there was), I still would have enjoyed it for the sake of the individuals filling the pages alone.

    The pace of the book is good. The first 40% or so continues in a similar cadence to the first book. Around this point the reader is left with some closure regarding many of the earlier events, and this was satisfactory. But then… look out. The pace picks up, and the book turns into a page-turner with non-stop action and adventure. Lofting’s battle scenes are magnificent, leaving little to the imagination. Readers who are a bit squeamish may want to skim through these as the battle gore is somewhat graphic at times. Yet even in the violence we find an illustration, and Thegn Wulfhere capitalizes on this as he implores a group of young men on the eve of battle not rest on false bravado or to glory in the upcoming death-giving and gore. He relates the terror of battle in full color so they proceed with eyes wide open, harnessing their energy to survive rather than dissipate their energy through ignorant bravery as untried young men are wont to do.

    Lovers of historical fiction who enjoy thoroughly drawn characters along with their action and adventure will not be disappointed by this book. I enjoyed the story, but even more so did I enjoy exploring the thoughts and motivations of the characters behind it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2021
    Here I am again ready to review "The Wolf Banner," the second book in the "Sons of the Wolf" series. Lofting did not disappoint and proved her writing skills yet again. I opened her second book (and let me say after finishing the first I immediately rushed to order the second!) and found myself pulled in the 11th century with no other choice but to fight alongside her characters and witness their personal stories as they unraveled in these historically beautiful (yet ruthless) times of Anglo-Saxon England where honor, duty, power, and survival fought like rabid dogs. In this second book, we meet again our beloved protagonists Wulfhere, Thegn of Horstede, and his lively family as they face the issues brought on by their family feud with Helghi Of Gorde, and the turmoil created by the belligerent Aelfgar, Earl Of Mercia, and his two allies the welsh king Gruffydd ap Llewelyn and the Norwegian leader Magnus Haraldsson, son of Harald Hardrada. We also meet Aelfgar's son, Burghred Of Mercia, yet another man struggling with the expectations, needs, and wants of the time that always seems to come at a great cost. We also have the pleasure to spend some time with the brilliant Harold Godwinson as he also struggles between family and politics under the rule of King Edward. The eleventh century is an unfair and difficult world for all heroes and villains alike, and Lofting has a way to present characters in such a way that even a villain is worthy of the reader's compassion or understanding. The battles! We must talk of the battles! If like me you also enjoy reading well-written, emotional, in-depth (super juicy) battle scenes you are in for a double-chocolate cake! Lofting writes what she knows extremely well, her world is authentic and so are her battles! The fighting techniques used in both of her books are well researched (the author is a re-enactor!) and it all just feels right and realistic. I could hear the squishing of blood and mud under my boots, I could smell the putrid air, I could feel the sweat trickle down my cheeks. Astounding! Lofting's writing is sincere, and she doesn't recur to needless embellishments, she writes in the voice of a medieval village's scop and you just want to sit and listen. I also appreciate the length of her books! Some reviewers lamented her books were too long because of too much info-dumping. I find myself in disagreement with these readers as I am perfectly happy with their length. It takes skill as a writer to squish together a story and history without giving too much information and too little story. As a history lover, I feel as though the information is never enough, hence I am perfectly happy when a historical fiction writer willingly gives a load of juicy information pertinent to the historical period in question, and all while keeping you latched on to the story, like a suckling lamb to his mother. I am so glad I found her world, and her characters, and now I find myself missing them and wanting for more. Luckily Lofting is writing "Wolf's Bane," the third book in the series, and I know I will be pre-ordering it whenever it will be available. I can't wait! Dear Paula Lofting, I don't mean to rush you but... please hurry!!! 4.5 STARS
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024
    'The Wolf Banner' follows on from 'Sons of the Wolf,' spinning the happenings of 1058 into a compelling saga of betrayal.

    Wulfhere and his family still take center stage in the narrative, as his blood feud with Helghi escalates to new heights. His children find themselves further enmeshed in the disintegration of his marriage and his failings as a father, slowly coming to realize that Wulfhere is not just the courageous hero the scops sing about, but a deeply flawed man. Wulfhere's pain and the struggles faced by Ealdgytha, Tovi, Winflaed, and the twins kept me rapt, turning the pages to discover what was going to happen next.

    Additionally, Burghred, son of Alfgar, steps up to take a more prominent role in the narrative. Reading the author's notes at the end of the book was fascinating, as the plot of Burghred's intrigue and double betrayal, causing Alfgar to be outlawed once again from the king's court before rejoining it, is largely of the author's invention. The sources of the time give very little, aside from mentioning that the story is 'too tedious to tell.' Lofting took the precious little given to her by the historical record and told a story anything but tedious! Burghred's danger and daring escape from Wales, the involvement of the Norse in Alfgar's plotting, Burghred's desperate attempt to rally the men of Mercia, and the fictional siege of Scrobbesbyrig all combine to form a thrilling, plausible account of what could have transpired in 1058.

    I find myself thoroughly immersed in Lofting's vivid portrait of Saxon England, and I very much look forward to seeing where she takes us next in the series' third installment!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Mrs. J
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating portrayal of 11th century war and peace
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 19, 2016
    Starting this book was like meeting old friends again; so happy was I to be back at Horsteade with Wolfhere and his family. However, life back in the time just a few years before the Battle of Hastings was just as hard and unfair as life seems to some today, although I’d like to see today’s people coping with the kind of life as it was then. It was a hard life, everyone had their daily toil, even children, and girls as young as ten were given in marriage, often to men much older than themselves and were often bargaining tools or used to set up alliances.

    Above the hardship of the life, there was still time for tricks, fun and laughter, for love and friendship.

    The author’s skills at writing battle scenes is to be admired; I’m sure I couldn’t do it, which means I’m not likely to include a battle scene in any of my books! Obviously, much research into this time period has been undertaken and so the narration is strong and authentic and makes the reader believe, sometimes in things that possibly never took place at all.

    I thoroughly enjoyed this book; the characters maintained their personas as portrayed in the first book and there is no part where there is not some action to keep the reader consistently engaged. I look forward to the third book.
  • P. Wiltshire
    4.0 out of 5 stars Meet one of King Harold's men
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2019
    Paula Lofting portrays Wulfhere as a knight in pre-conquest 11th century England. He’s an experienced soldier, but not quite ‘Field Marshall’ material – having a short fuse and a lack of self-control in the groin area. His problems are not helped by his wife being somewhat dour, and the fact that he has a devoted mistress who his wife knows about. He also has at least six children, all of whom place demands upon him, which he is ill-equipt to deal with. Furthermore, he’s been having a vicious feud with his neighbour for many years. On top of this somewhat demanding lifestyle, his ‘Earl’ who is the future King Harold, is up to his ears in intrigue and back-biting of the Anglo/Danish/Norman aristocracy, and takes Wulfhere off on campaigns against the disaffected. To me, however, it’s not the extremes of Wulfhere’s military exploits that best display the author’s skills, it’s in her portrayal of the knight’s dysfunctional domestic setting. After all, he’s not going to be a cautious, level-headed sort of bloke, is he? To chop people in half with an axe or sword, he’s very likely to be a bit mad, a bit bad and somewhat dangerous to know.
  • Miklagard
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is powerful powerful storytelling!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2016
    The Wolf Banner (Sons of the Wolf Book 2) I have just finished this absolutely compelling tale. personally i have found it to be written with great poise and style and feel that i am in the hands of a major league storyteller when the pages are open. in answer to the one negative review here- yes, the story does start a little slowly- but having read the first book int series i had great faith that this is the control and confidence of the author. and wow , she does not disappoint , again! the intensity of the book is quite breathtaking at times ,and it feels like a great deal of understanding for the grittiness of what it must have been like to fight for existence in those times. to say that I'm eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series is to understate how much i was am engrossed in the tale of these Saxons. this book is recommended!
  • Macavity
    3.0 out of 5 stars Loose ends
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 30, 2016
    The portrayal of daily life in the 11th century is excellent and is by far the best aspect of he book. The stories are also good but I found that there were too many loose ends making it a frustrating read. For example there was a traumatic miscarriage by one of the female character which is never mentioned again and also the capture of an enemy leader where the captor dramatically ponders what to do with them. Again this character is never mentioned again. For all we know he is still out there wondering! All in all not a bad effort but the first book was better.
  • ken
    5.0 out of 5 stars An brilliant insight into the final days of Anglo Saxon England
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2017
    One of the toughest things to do is to explain the social, political and religious aspects of an era without losing the readers interest or detracting from the story. The author did this perfectly with blood feuds, family disputes, love interests and political treachery. all this kept the pot boiling and the pages turning. Then the characters took over the story, I was spellbound as I followed them into battle and and shared their anguish as families were torn apart, I could have laughed and sang with them as they celebrated victory and cried with them as they buried their dead. The gaps in history were filled in very credibly the time line was spot on. the research meticulous. A great sequel to the first book, I am now in suspense waiting for the final chapters to be released.

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