Review by Dennis D. McDonald

I had not read any prior books in this series but that did not matter. I was familiar already with other historical novels by this author and was not at all disappointed with this one.

Cornwell’s ability to put the reader into another time and place is exceptional. He keeps the plot twists coming while we move about the pre-England countryside following the exploits of Lord Uhtred as he and his men travel via land, river, and sea. Action is driven both by a personal blood oath and by the civil war between the sons of the late King Edward who in his will foolishly split his kingdom between the two.

As with other Cornwell novels the story is replete with nitty gritty details of the times ranging fron the effects of tides on river travel, the frequent outbreak of violence, hand to hand combat strategy, the sweetness of revenge, and the odoriferous effect of ancient “big city” London on its surroundng environment.

Most interesting is the interplay of languages and cultures with Saxons, Danes, Irish, Northumbrians, and Phyrygians rubbing shoulders. Throughout the book allegiances to the old Norse gods and to Christianity interact in ways that are frequently violent but which are pointing to the eventual unification of England into a single English speaking country.

Throughout the book Lord Uhtred is our guide. He rules with strength and fairness. He prays to Thor but is married to a level-headed Christian woman. Her sage advice, thankfully for the reader’s entertainment, he ignores at the outset of the book. Internally he harbors doubts but understands leadership. His men respect him, his enemies fear him, and by the end of this book we have come to ask, “Tell me more about England!”

Review copyright (c) 2023 by Dennis D. McDonald

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