Far Traveler

January 31, 2005
In a starred review of The Edge on the Sword, PW predicted, "Medieval history buffs will be enthralled by Tingle's first novel." In its sequel, Far Traveler by Rebecca Tingle, lfwyn, now 17, escapes the imprisonment of her uncle, King Edward, after the death of her mother. Disguised as a bard, she becomes intricately involved in the intrigues of the 10th-century British court. .

February 1, 2005
Gr 7 Up -An exciting novel set in 10th-century England. In this sequel to "The Edge on the Sword" (Putnam, 2001), which ended as King Alfred's daughter, Æ thelflæ d, was about to marry Ethelred of Mercia, Tingle moves a few years forward to tell of Æ thelflæ d's 16-year-old daughter, Æ lfwyn. A scholarly girl with no interest in the riding, swordplay, or politics that absorb her widowed mother, Wyn is surprised to learn that her uncle, the West Saxon King Edward, has arranged her marriage to a much older earl in order to solidify a political alliance. Then her mother's unexpected death throws Mercia's future into a state of uncertainty. With King Wilfrid of Northumbria eager for an alliance with Mercia, Wyn's uncle insists that her marriage take place immediately or that she enter a convent. Knowing that either choice will mean the downfall of her country, Wyn decides instead to flee. Disguised as a boy, she passes herself off as a scop (itinerant bard) and adopts the name Widsith ("Far Traveler"). By chance, she joins King Wilfrid and his men and soon finds herself falling in love with him. When she unwittingly becomes embroiled in Wil's attempts to regain power from her uncle, she must decide where her loyalties lie. This compelling novel is filled with well-researched details, an action-packed plot, and well-drawn and sympathetic characters. Tingle is a worthy successor to Rosemary Sutcliff, sharing her ability to make British history come to life for modern readers." -Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA"

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