Housecarl cover art

Housecarl

Aelfraed, Book 1

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Housecarl

By: Griff Hosker
Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
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About this listen

From the ashes of Saxon England rises a hero for the ages.

Book One in the Aelfraed Trilogy

Set in the years before the Battle of Hastings, the story follows the trials and tribulations of Aelfraed, a young boy who aspires to be a warrior. When his uncle, Aethelward, takes him to join the warriors of Harold Godwinson, his life is irrevocably changed. Fighting the Welsh brings him great honour and when he saves the life of Edward the Confessor, he becomes a man of great reputation. The novel culminates in the battle of Stamford Bridge when the Housecarls defeated the last of the Vikings, Harald Hadrada.

©2016 Griff Hosker (P)2022 W. F. Howes Ltd Action & Adventure Ancient Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense War & Military Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant
I enjoyed the story but found the narration off putting. A lot of the time sentences ran into each other. Longer pauses were required or a change in voice between characters.

Decent story

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Interesting story at a time of upheaval in our history. Set in the 11th century. Well performed.

excellent read

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The battles and intrigues leading up to the Norman conquest of england are brought to life through the protagonist Alfred, his family and fellow warriors. The feudal system of government, the pagan/catholic religion shift and familial loyalties are clearly visible.
The story was good - the narration average.

A pivotal moment in history brought to life

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Good story, well rounded characters but woeful narration.listened to the end but it was grating and disjointed the monotone delivery of the narrator was very offputting.

dire emotionless narration

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Having listened to a fair few of Griff Hoskers stories and found them all really enjoyable, well written and full of historic tidbits, This was spoilt by the narration which I found to be emotionless, rushed and monotone. I thought that I'd get used to it but in fact it prevented me from becoming "immersed" in the story. Other books by the author are much better read.

Great historical story ruined by the narration

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