War hangs heavy in the hot summer air as Penda of Mercia and his allies march into the north. Caught unawares, the Bernician forces are besieged within the great fortress of Bebbanburg.

It falls to Beobrand to mount the defence of the stronghold, but even while the battle rages, old and powerful enemies have mobilised against him, seeking vengeance for past events.

As the Mercian forces tighten their grip and unknown killers close in, Beobrand finds himself in a struggle with conflicting oaths and the dreadful pull of a forbidden love that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.

With the future of Northumbria in jeopardy, will Beobrand be able to withstand the powers that beset him and find a path to victory against all the odds?

'Nothing less than superb ... The tale is fast paced and violence lurks on every page' Historical Novel Society.

'Beobrand is the warrior to follow' David Gilman.

'A tale that rings like sword song in the reader's mind' Giles Kristian.

'Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this' Angus Donald.

'A brilliant characterization of a difficult hero in a dangerous time. Excellent!' Christian Cameron.

'A terrific novel. It illuminates the Dark Ages like a bolt of lightning' Toby Clements.

'Battles, treachery, revenge and a healthy dose of Dark Age adventure' Simon Turney.

'Matthew Harffy tells a great story' Joanna Hickson.

'Harffy's writing just gets better and better ... He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown' Jemahl Evans.

'Harffy has a real winner on his hands ... A genuinely superb novel' Steven McKay.

'A breathtaking novel that sweeps the reader into a dark and dangerous world' Paul Fraser Collard.