Books
The Heroes of Wessex Series
Experience the triumphs and the trials of the early middle ages through this captivating series set during the reign of Alfred the Great.
Written by Amy Ullrich, this series brings to life a crucial period of English history, allowing readers to experience the 9th century through the eyes of realistic and relatable characters.
Suitable for ages 12+ or as a read-aloud for ages 8+
Among the Great (Book 1)
The year is AD 877, and King Alfred has succeeded in driving the marauding Danes from his kingdom – for the time being. Edwin and his sister Edith are just beginning to enjoy their liberty when, one terrible night, their lives change forever. Separated from one another and caught up in the turmoil of their times, Edwin and Edith must learn to discern between truth and falsehood, friend and foe, or be swept away on a tide of treachery.
A blind bard, a lame blacksmith, and an ambitious warrior all have their role in this tale of courage and true heroism set during the reign of Alfred the Great.
Among the Outcast (Book 2)
As thunder crashes overhead, condemnation throbbing in its ominous tones, Edwin flees from the kingdom he has betrayed. With every passing mile, his hopes of ever earning King Alfred’s forgiveness grow fainter. But while he wrestles with guilt and seeks for refuge among any who will shelter him, he has no idea of the great danger closing in on his family. Unless he can face the truth about himself and find the courage to return, all may be lost.
Journey back in time with this fast-paced, soul-stirring adventure that immerses you once again in the fascinating and complex world of Alfred the Great.
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What People Are Saying
“Thank you for the book! This world needs more good fiction like this one.” ~ Erin Hylands, Author of With Eyes of Blue
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“This is an excellent historical fiction book! With great character development, a strong brother-sister bond, delightful twists and turns, and a beautiful message of redemption, this book is definitely on my favorites list. I can tell the author did a lot of research and is very passionate about the time period and themes.
Amy Ullrich did an excellent job of writing a gripping adventure story with deep themes in a family-friendly way. I was glad to find another historical fiction book that isn’t focused on romance and is well-written with a strong Christian message naturally woven into the story.” ~ Savannah Jane McCrary, Author of The Fire and the Trial
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“I liked this one even more than the last! The story flows at a wonderful pace.” ~ Tina B., Editor
The Story Behind the Story
FAQs
Who was Alfred the Great?
Alfred the Great was a king who ruled the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex from 871-899 A.D. And he was no ordinary king! Not only did he succeed in liberating his kingdom from the continual threat of invasion by the Danes, but he laboured to re-build Wessex from the inside, educating his people, refining the law code, establishing a navy, translating works of great literature into English, and much more. During the early years of his reign, he suffered several devastating defeats, and throughout his life he struggled with severe illness. In spite of all this, he continued to strive and serve, relying on God and emphasising the importance of Scripture. King Alfred’s life is a powerful testimony to the way in which God brings strength through weakness (2 Cor 12:9-10), using ordinary human beings to accomplish truly great things.
This inscription on the statue of King Alfred in Wantage, England, puts it beautifully:
“Alfred found learning dead, and he restored it. Education neglected, and he revived it. The laws powerless, and he gave them force. The Church debased, and he raised it. The land ravaged by a fearful enemy, from which he delivered it. Alfred’s name shall live as long as mankind respects the past.”
What inspired you to write about King Alfred?
I’ve always been fascinated by King Alfred’s life and times, but my desire to set a story during his reign was sparked when I discovered that he was not only a ruler and a warrior, but a writer and translator. This led me to take a more in-depth look into his life and work. The more I studied him, the more fascinated I became with the heart and story behind this monarch who changed history. It is impossible to fully capture the details of a life such as Alfred’s in one novel, or even a series of novels. However, I hope that Among the Great will help to bring to life this pivotal period in history and will inspire my readers to find out more about this great king.
Can you recommend any resources for studying King Alfred?
Dr. Benjamin Merkle’s The White Horse King is an excellent biography on King Alfred.
The Dragon and the Raven by G.A. Henty is a great historical novel that spans most of King Alfred’s reign.
Have you written any scholarly works on King Alfred?
Yes! I have written a detailed research paper on King Alfred’s translation of a poem by the philosopher Boethius.
When will Book III be released?
Book III is in progress, but we’re not sure yet when it will be released. Hopefully early 2026. Subscribe to Amy’s email newsletter for updates!
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