Part of The Last Kingdom, book 8
First published 2015
Uhtred bears the scars of recent battle as early tenth century Britain convulses with change. Viking raiders strike from Ireland while Saxons fracture over Mercia's future. Æthelred lies dying without a legitimate heir, and the West Saxons push for their own king to claim his throne. Uhtred backs Athelflaed, King Edward's sister and Æthelred's widow. She commands love and respect, but Saxon warriors have never accepted a woman as ruler. While political enemies circle the weakened kingdom, Uhtred faces a personal quest. His battle wounds refuse to heal, and he believes only by finding the lost sword that cut him can he recover his strength. Somewhere in the blood-soaked aftermath of war, that blade lies hidden among Viking or Saxon hands. As rivals prepare to tear Mercia apart, one champion must rise to crush the Viking threat and determine England's destiny. The eighth Saxon Tales novel tests whether Uhtred's loyalty to Athelflaed can overcome the brutal realities of medieval politics and warfare.
Genres: historical-fiction, military-fiction, adventure, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Britain, Ireland, Mercia, West Saxons
Period: Early 10th Century
293 pages · Hardcover · Harper