The new novel in Bernard Cornwell’s number
one bestselling series The Warrior Chronicles, on the making of England
and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
A fragile
peace reigns in Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia. King Alfred’s son Edward
and formidable daughter, Aethelflaed, rule the kingdoms. But all around
the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are
mounting raids.
Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the kingdoms’ greatest
warrior, controls northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of
Chester. But forces are rising up against him. Northmen allied to the
Irish, led by the fierce warrior Ragnall Ivarson, are soon joined by the
Northumbrians, and their strength could prove overwhelming. Despite the
gathering threat, both Edward and Aethelflaed are reluctant to move out
of the safety of their fortifications. But with Uhtred’s own daughter
married to Ivarson’s brother, who can be trusted?
In the struggle
between family and loyalty, between personal ambition and political
commitment, there will be no easy path. But a man with a warrior’s
courage may be able to find it. Such a man is Uhtred,and this may be his
finest hour.