Dark Earth
Book description
A “superb” (The Guardian) novel about two sisters fighting for survival in Dark Ages Britain that weaves “a dazzling blend of history and fantasy” (BuzzFeed)
“Rich in history and folklore . . . Stott is astute on the use of stories to control others and maintain power. . . .…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Dark Earth as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This is a unique piece of writing. It is set in AD500 in the walled ghost city of Londinium, abandoned by the Romans and sinking back into the river and the earth.
This land is ruled by blood ties and feuds, where women struggle to find a place. It's a magical book set at a time when myth, folklore, and the old gods compete for space with the new.
The world-building is incredible, and the plot is packed with tension as the two sisters, who are its main characters, fight to beat the odds and survive. It's an absolute page-turner.
Rebecca Stott sets her adventure story in the Roman ruins of early London around 500 AD, and is included in this collection because Stott is, in a sense, creating the first draft of history where none exists with this admirable tale.
It’s of two sisters, Isla and Blue, whose father dies and they must deliver the Sword he forged to the client, King Osric. Listening to the story transported me to the sister’s side as they overcome one obstacle after another. Found myself listening in a dream state — an extraordinary listen that called me to make the exception to…
From Warner's list on covering the first draft of history.
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