In the third novel of the Saxon series, Uhtred continues to use his extreme cunning against Kjartan and his men in the North. He continues to serve Alfred, albeit reluctantly, while also seeking ways to exact revenge upon those who killed his family.
Sold into slavery, Uhtred beats the odds to take a stronghold and defeat a hostile faction of Danes. He resumes his role as a shadow-walker (sceandugengan) but it is Thyra’s ability to control Kjartan’s dogs that may win the Saxons’ success.
Like the first two novels, this is a fast-moving tale that is both complex and riveting.
Review by Chantal Walvoord