First published 1974
Harald Redbeard sets sail for Viking raids with his twin sons Jan and Brus aboard the dragon ship Raven of the Wind. Storms destroy their fleet and wreck the Raven on Scotland's Isle of Skye, ruled by the giant Scot Began Mor. The boys lose track of their mother's ship and watch their father die. They meet Gavin, known as the Black Fox of Lorne, who becomes their guide across the Scottish Highlands. The twins discover that no one realizes there are two of them, since they look identical. They use this secret to their advantage as they navigate a dangerous land filled with warring clans, hostile Picts, and English invaders. The brothers encounter loyal clansmen, humble crofters, and powerful lairds during their journey. They practice clever deceptions to stay alive while searching for their missing mother and hunting their father's killer. The quest takes them across half of wild Scotland before their secret identity is finally revealed and their long search reaches its end.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, coming-of-age, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, mistaken-identity
Setting: Isle of Skye, Scottish Highlands
Period: Viking Age
191 pages · Hardcover