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Historical Fiction · 2014 · PG

The Summer of the Danes

by Ellis Peters

Cadfael journeys to Wales—and into a Danish raid and royal intrigue

The twelfth-century Welsh monk is caught up in civil war and captured by Danish mercenaries, in the Silver Dagger Award–winning medieval mystery series. In the summer of 1144, a strange calm has settled over England. The armies of King Stephen and the Empress Maud, the two royal cousins contending for the throne, have temporarily exhausted each other. On the whole, Brother Cadfael considers peace a blessing. Still, a little excitement never comes amiss to a former soldier, and Cadfael is delighted to accompany a friend on a mission of diplomacy to his native Wales. But shortly after their arri

For10+GenreHistorical FictionLength230 pagesRead time~6 hours

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What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.

Violence

Some

Period warfare and a murder; non-graphic medieval violence

Language

Barely any

Mild, archaic language

Sexual Content

Barely any

A romantic subplot; no explicit content

Substance Use

Barely any

Mead and ale in medieval context

Emotional Intensity

Barely any

Mild tension from political and military conflict; overall gentle in tone

What this book is about

Brother Cadfael accompanies Prior Robert on a diplomatic mission to Wales, where they become caught in a conflict between a Welsh prince and a Danish invasion force. A young woman disappears into the chaos, and Cadfael must navigate political alliances, battlefield violence, and cultural clashes to solve a murder and bring the girl home safely.

Notes for sensitive readers

Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.

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