As a child we would often watch Tony Robinson on the TV either on Time Team or Blackadder. I absolutely loved both shows so you can imagine my excitement reading his debut novel.

The House of Wolf tells the story of Alfred the Great through a multi POV. Set in the Dark Ages and spanning many locations including Rome, Wessex and Lindisfarne, Tony has really brought the story to life with witticism and entertainment, creating a historical masterpiece.

There are plots, greed, ambition, betrayals, which kept me captivated throughout. The characters are richly layered and perfectly imperfect.

I look forward to reading Tony's next novel.

The House of Wolf is quite possibly the best historical novel I’ve read in a very long time. Tony Robinson fleshes out his characters and events in such a warm, entertaining and colourful manner that he makes this dark ages saga essential reading for all fans of the genre.

I was genuinely sorry when I was approaching the end, but then I realised that the story was intended to continue and I will be keenly seeking out Volume 2 onwards.

Many, many thanks to all concerned for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this terrific novel.

This three-pronged approach to the history of Wessex is a great idea, and based on sound historical sources. The fighting, in-fighting and intrigue provide a tortuous mix of plotting, liaisons made and promises broken. The scenic descriptions are excellent, the contrast between the various stages of civilisation well set, and the peripheral characters (mostly the working people) given scant regard. But enough for you to know that they did get scant regard from everyone else, too.

But it reads very slowly, for such an action packed story. Maybe it goes in skirmishes; advance and retreat. There were several times I felt I had to get on and read it, rather than looking forward to picking it up again. The only time I felt I couldn’t put it down, really, was the last scene, with the ending and flight from Rome.

However I always felt in safe hands, a tale that had been told in countless pieces before by the author, who, for international readers, is probably even better known to UK readers for his archaeology programmes than for the inimitable Baldrick in Blackadder. Tony Robinson knows this era, and it shows. There is a brilliance about it that made me wonder why I felt something was lacking. At 72%, I realised what it was: I really didn’t care what happened to any of the characters. Now, if Sir Tony can fix that, it’ll be worth a 5 star rating, and I can look forward to the next in what promises to be a series.

When writing an historical novel, how do you balance authenticity with the creation of an engrossing plot? In 'The House of Wolf' there is understandable trimming away of various Anglo-Saxon nobles, and a believable evocation of that violent, dun-coloured, world. But (as far as I know and not being a scholar of the period), one of the main characters, Asser, never lived in Rome as portrayed. Tony Robinson places him there with Alfred, who I think only went there as a child., Well, given the huge gaps in historical record, I suppose it could have happened. In any case, it establishes their relationship and adds an exciting sub-plot of church intrigue (as well as a gratuitous hint that one of them might be gay).

The book certainly is a well-written page-turner. And with the introduction of Guthrum, it seems I can look forward to a sequel!

An interesting piece of historical fiction, from a period I don't know much about, this was told from multiple points of view. In fact, sometimes it seemed hard to keep up with who was who. Having an already famous person writing books is always a bit of a challenge, as you wonder if they've got the book deal because of the quality of the writing or because of who they are, but Tony Robinson did a good job here, and I look forward to the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review of the book.

The House of Wolf is an excellent piece of historical fiction inspired by ‘The Life of King Alfred’ - a 9th century biography by Bishop Asser of Wales.
A multi POV epic, it tells the story of the family of King Alfred; The House of Wolf. It moves between Anglo-Saxon Wessex & 9th century Rome and paints a vivid picture of a European Christendom in crisis, attacked by Vikings and each other. The political plots, alliances, betrayals and back stabbing are fascinating and make the story exciting and so very clever!
The House of Wolf are all fighting each other for the ‘crown’, so much so they’ve made themselves vulnerable to Viking attacks and plots from the Holy Roman Emperor & the Pope. Weaved through the exciting plot is just wonderful historical detail which makes you feel like you’re walking through Anglo-Saxon feasting halls and fields. And so witty & full of heart.
My favourite parts though were the characters themselves; flawed and complex. The female characters were my favourite-especially Swift, Moria & Rhiannon. The author brought them to life so well & I rooted for them throughout.

The evening and the morning by Ken Follet meets Game of Thrones. Loved it and can’t wait for the next instalment.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC to review.