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There are currently 17 member reviews
for The Widow Queen
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Kay K. (Oshkosh, WI)
The Widow Queen
I enjoyed this book once I got past trying to keep the names of people and places straight. They are foreign and made it challenging at first. If you like the History Channels series The Vikings, you will love this book. Fans of Philippa Gregory would like this book. It has intrigue, battle strategy, love triangles, and plots inside the plot. The main family that this story is about seeks to unify all the lands of Europe and Scandinavia. They are courageous and intelligent, spreading Christianity amongst Vikings. The author depicts the time and people in a very believable way. I would recommend this read.
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Peggy K. (Westminster, CO)
More, please
For lovers of deep historical fiction with sweeping scope—and a healthy dose of strong, savvy women characters—Elzbieta Cherezinska's The Widow Queen delivers richly. While there are many names and places to keep track of in the book, the story of Swietoslawa is a wryly told saga that only promises more. This is the first book in the trilogy, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. Be prepared to be swept off your feet, sometimes forcefully (we are talking about Vikings after all), and absorb the rich history of Poland during the late 10th century. Love, betrayal, war, exile...this story will stay with you. I'm looking to read more about Poland's past as a result of this book. Do not let this one pass you by.
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Sharon R. (Deerfield, IL)
Forgotten Polish Princess
This is a sweeping and detailed journey of a Polish princess that has not come to light in this century. She is strong, fiercely independent and brave beyond her years.
There is Witchcraft; people who change from human to animals and back again; Wars; Feasts; all richly detailed down to exactly what everyone is wearing.
This is wonderful present to be opened by historical fiction fans everywhere. Many have compared this work to the "Game of Thrones" Series however instead of waiting for the next episode you, the reader, can immerse yourself into the destiny that only the heroic Swietostawa can achieve.
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Julie M. (St Paul, MN)
Historical Saga
In The Widow Queen we meet a Polish princess in the tenth century who is determined as a young girl to end the chain of women forgotten by history. It was refreshing to see a woman as the main character in a saga where the main players are usually men. Even though this book is just shy of 500 pages, I did not want it to end. Imagine how excited I was to find out at the end that there will be a sequel called The Last Crown. If readers enjoyed Ken Follet's Kingsbridge series or Linnea Hartsuyker's Viking series, The Widow Queen will not disappoint!
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Margaret A. (Cornelius, NC)
The Widow Queen
The story is not lost in translation!
The Widow Queen is a historical fiction masterpiece set in the time period from 984 A.D. - 997 A.D. The story focuses on the Piast dynasty of Poland and the Vikings in Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Norway
Duke Mieszko of Poland is a ruthless leader, who seeks to expand Poland's borders through cunning, strength and his children. He grooms his children in the roles they are to play and arranges marriage alliances between his children with whomever he chooses he feels will aid them to become the most powerful rulers of all time.
At the center of this epic novel, is Swietoslawa, the Bold One, Mieszko's favorite daughter with intelligence, and her very presence that commands respect, because she indeed has proven herself to be the Bold One.
This historical fiction has something for everyone; battles, intrigue, alliances, betrayals and even some love stories. It will keep you turning the page and leave you wanting more.
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Jan, Colorado
An Adventure of a Different Time
The Widow Queen is not just a story, it's a saga. Elzbieta Cherezinska writes so powerfully that her words pull one through the story. The lands and the times are as foreign as the names of the characters that you can't forget. This book is packed with timeless stories of love, deceit and power. This is not a "beach read." One must take the time to explore the many plots and subplots, know the many characters, and discover the many foreign places. The author leaves the reader ready for her promised next book "The Last Crown."
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Bonne O. (Hartwell, GA)
Royals of the 10th Century
Chroniclers of 10th Century Scandinavia, known as the "dark ages", have scant documentation for historians to fully detail and recount various kingdoms and royal families. But the author, Cherezinska, has collected what factual evidence is available and woven a rich tapestry of budding kingdoms from Poland to Scandinavia, royal characters, monarch manipulations, obsession for power, territorial battles, betrayal, political intrigue and love with personal sacrifice. One is tempted to make certain comparisons to the 21st Century.
A 13 year period with the main noble individuals details the daily workings and religious/pagan practices of a kingdom as well as highlighting the continuous internal maneuvering required to expand and/or protect a monarchy. The role of royal daughters is of particular interest as we learn how men politically determine their futures. One woman's resistance is at the center of this story.
Kings, Jarls, Chieftains all seek to acquire territory, alliances, dominance and power. As the conflicts continue, the emergence of a new influence, Christianity, begins to casts an unknown into any victory where pagan societies exist.
This story contains numerous foreign names, place and things which could be a deterrent for some readers but the swift attachment to the characters, and rapid pace of plot keep the reader involved. At the end of the book there is much as stake and a new exciting scheme is implied but alas, the reader will have to wait for the sequel for all to be revealed.
