England, 1141. The countryside is devastated by a long civil war as the English king, Stephen, and his cousin, the Empress Matilda, battle for the crown. . . .
Emma is the eleven-year-old redheaded daughter of a peasant family. When mercenaries pass through their town, they bring with them a monk with a deadly interest in young redheaded girls. Emma is left for dead in a burned-out church until Gwil, an archer, finds her by chance. Gwil takes Emma with him, dressing her as a boy to avoid attention. Emma becomes Penda—and Penda turns out to have a killer instinct with a bow and arrow.
Maud is the fifteen-year-old chatelaine of Kenniford, a small but strategically important castle she's determined to protect. But when Maud provides refuge for the empress, Stephen's armies lay siege to Kenniford Castle. Aided by a garrison of mercenaries—including Gwil and his odd, redheaded apprentice—they must survive a long winter under siege. It's a brutal season that brings everyone to Kenniford—including the sinister monk who has never stopped hunting the redheaded girl. . . .
"Seizes you from the first page . . . and doesn't let go!"—Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Chalice
"Enthralling. . . . A grand yet intimate historical adventure." —Library Journal
"Highlighted by solid characterization of historical and fictional figures alike, the authors' research on day-to-day medieval life shines. . . . This thoroughly captivating tale was begun by celebrated historical novelist Franklin, who died before its completion, and completed seamlessly by her journalist daughter, Norman." —Kirkus Reviews
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
March 19, 2024 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9780062282583
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9780062282583
- File size: 906 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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