In a thrilling adventure of brotherhood, warfare, and treachery, Giles Kristian takes us into ninth-century England, a world of darkness, epic conflict, and an unforgiving God served by powerful priests. On ships shaped like dragons, bristling with oars and armor, Jarl Sigurd and his fierce Norsemen have come in search of riches. And riches they are promised, by an English ruler who sends Sigurd and his wolves to steal a holy manuscript from another kingdom. Osric, an orphan boy, sees beyond the terror of these warriors, and somehow knows the heathens’ tongue. Renamed Raven, rechristened in blood, he will join them. They are his people. And they will be his fate.
 
“Astonishing and riveting, a powerful, lightning-paced tale.”—New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell
 
“A gripping tale that splendidly conjures up the sounds, sights and smells of Dark Age Britain.”—Harry Sidebottom, author of the Warriors of Rome series
 
“[Kristian] compares favorably with writers like Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.”—Historical Novels Review
 
“A rip-roaring Viking saga . . . fine, powerful, thrilling stuff.”—Manda Scott, author of The Crystal Skull