A powerful Norse leader challenging Æthelstan's authority.

The ambitious grandson of Alfred the Great who dreams of a united England.

The novel follows an elderly but still formidable Uhtred as he faces the ultimate conflict that will decide the fate of "Englaland".

King Æthelstan has unified Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia but seeks to conquer the North. Simultaneously, King Constantine of Scotland and Norse leaders from Ireland (Anlaf) invade from the North.