Far Traveler

By Rebecca Tingle
Period: Medieval England
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Reviewed by Noelle

Aelfwheyn is the niece of King Edward, and has been living her life quietly with her mother, who rules the Mercian territory on her own. But when Wyn's mother suddenly dies, the king wants to make sure that territory is under his control. King Wilfrid from the north comes to seek an alliance with her, but Wyn is too cowed to do much of anything. But when King Edward arrives and tells her she shall either be married to one of his allies or sent off to a nunnery, she decides it is time to take a chance. She cuts off her hair, disguises herself as a boy and a traveling storyteller, and ends up joining forces unintentionally with Wilfrid. Things come to a head when she finds out about a plot against her uncle. She should choose her new life with Wilfrid, or play the royal role she was brought up to fulfill? This is very good storytelling, and if you like a story set in medieval England, you'll love it. Readers who like this tale would also like Rebecca Tingle's first novel, The Edge on the Sword.