The King’s Shadow
The King’s Shadow is a historical fiction novel that does an excellent job of bringing Britain at the time of Hastings to life.
Evyn, a young Welsh serf, has dreamed all his life of becoming a storyteller. But in a cruel twist of fate, Evyn and his father suffer a brutal attack by a group of murderous ruffians. Mercileslly, the ruffians cut off Evyn’s tongue and kill his father.
Orphaned and unable to speak, Evyn assumes he will be a slave for the rest of his life. Nonetheless, Evyn does not stay mired in hopelessness. He finds resilience and teaches himself to read and write. Others around him take notice, culminating with his appointment to be the personal companion to Earl Harold of Wessex — who later becomes the King of England.
The two travel the countryside together, forming a close father-son bond as Evyn chronicles all of their exciting journeys. Their adventures culminate at the Battle of Hastings, where the future of the country is decided.
Note:Â The King’s Shadow is a terrific novel based on the time period of William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings, however it also has several scenes that include graphic violence.
- About the author: Elizabeth Alder is an award-winning writer of historical fiction for young people. An experienced English and history teacher, Alder has spent most of her teaching
years at an international boarding school for equestrian students. She lives in Northeast Ohio.
