A weakened crown. A country besieged by Vikings, suffering under the oppression of a powerful church.

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King Aethelred the Unready’s rule falters. Policies recommended by the controlling bishops invite more attacks upon his Saxon kingdom as Sweyn Forkbeard, Viking battle-king of the Danes, grows in power; bloodthirsty for conquest.

Beornoth, Viking-killer and kings thegn believed his days in the shield wall to be over until summoned by the king to enforce a policy of retribution against his enemies.

In a time of shifting loyalties, alongside a savage warband of cruel Norman warriors, Beornoth embarks upon a brutal quest to rid England of King Aethelred’s so-called Viking enemies.

However, when this murderous campaign leads to the door of an old friend, Beornoth must choose sides, as his loyalty to king, country, and his brothers of the sword are put to the test.

Can Beornoth triumph over insurmountable odds in this shield splintering battle for the future of England itself?

If you enjoyed Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom, you'll love the continuation of Beornoth’s epic adventure to save Saxon Britain from the Vikings and the Crown.

Perfect for the fans of Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden, and David Gemmell this epic Saxon adventure is packed with battles, Vikings, and adventure.

Praise for Peter Gibbons

'Epic, brutal action, a flawed hero defending his people while fighting his own demons, implacable ruthless invaders, treacherous nobles' - Matthew Harffy

'Bloody and brutal, everything you want from a novel about 10th century England. Peter's vivid writing really brings the story to life.' - Donovan Cook

'Another blistering read - For an action packed read about these times you should look no further. An excellent series.' - Reader Review

'A superbly atmospheric tale of redemption that pitches the English against Viking raiders and resounds with the fierceness of battle-hardened warriors' - MJ Porter

'Thunderously atmospheric! Gibbons once again proves himself a master of Viking & Dark Age lore.' - Gordon Doherty

'Excellent series of novels! - A good sprinkling of fact and fiction, and always a good read. A series of books worth following. Well done.' - Reader Review

'A true page turner - Peter Gibbons has written an unputdownable series, cannot wait for the next. Which will have Swen Forkbeard and Canut in it' - Reader Review

'Absolutely cracking. The best Viking saga I've read in years. A joy to pick up again.' - Ross Greenwood