Long ago, Danish Vikings put into question the very existence of Britain—when all the English kingdoms were on the brink of annihilation. And only King Alfred, the only ruler in English history ever called “the Great,” intended to defend the island’s independence.
The novel’s hero, Uhtred, was kidnapped by the Danes as an infant and raised by them as a Viking, honoring the northern gods. Growing up, he is forced to decide which side he will fight for: to defend his true homeland or to stand with the invaders? He has to make this choice himself, not counting on fate to rule everything.