A weakened crown. A country besieged by Vikings, suffering under the oppression of a powerful church. 994AD King Aethelred the Unready's rule falters. Policies recommended by the controlling bishops invite more attacks upon his Saxon kingdom as Sweyn Forkbeard, Viking battle-king of the Danes, grows in power; bloodthirsty for conquest.Beornoth, Viking-killer and kings thegn believed his days in the shield wall to be over until summoned by the king to enforce a policy of retribution against his enemies.In a time of shifting loyalties, alongside a savage warband of cruel Norman warriors, Beornoth embarks upon a brutal quest to rid England of King Aethelred's so-called Viking enemies.However, when this murderous campaign leads to the door of an old friend, Beornoth must choose sides, as his loyalty to king, country, and his brothers of the sword are put to the test.Can Beornoth triumph over insurmountable odds in this shield splintering battle for the future of England itself?If you enjoyed Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom, you'll love the continuation of Beornoth's epic adventure to save Saxon Britain from the Vikings and the Crown.