Child of the Phoenix

A powerful Barbara Erskine classic, the story of a remarkable mediaeval noblewoman whose life shaped the history of three crowns

The child whose hands would hold three crowns is born in fire.

In 1218 an extraordinary princess is born. Her mystical powers and unquenchable spirit will alter the course of history.

Raised by her fiercely Welsh nurse to support the Celtic cause against the predatory English king, Princess Eleyne is taught to worship the old gods and to look into the future and the past. However, unable to identify time and place in her terrifying visions, she is powerless to avert forthcoming tragedy…

Despite impassioned resistance, Eleyne's world is shaped by powerful men – but her tempestuous life and loves tie her to the destinies of England, Scotland and Wales…

Readers LOVE Barbara Erskine:
‘Atmospheric' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Enthralling' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Spellbinding' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Another fabulous read from the mistress of the genre' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Immensely and deeply immersive fiction' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I loved every minute' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘An exceptional writer of great books' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘You can rely on this author to keep you wanting more' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A joy to read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Captivating and engrossing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviews

'Her forte is mood, atmosphere and the toe-curling frisson.' Sunday Times

‘Readers of Barbara Erskine are held in thrall'
Woman's Realm

‘Stephen King meeting Ruth Rendell'
Frank Delaney

'Barbara Erskine's storytelling talent is undeniable' The Times

About the author

A historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of thirteen bestselling novels that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural, plus three collections of short stories. Her books have appeared in at least twenty-six languages. Her first novel, Lady of Hay, has sold over three million copies worldwide. She lives with her family in an ancient manor house near Colchester and in a cottage near Hay-on-Wye.