Bernard Cornwell's new novel continues the series of bestsellers "The Saxon Chronicle" about the creation of England and the fate of its remarkable hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. In a battle for power there can only be one leader. England is fragmented, torn apart more by internal strife than by Viking invasion. The ruler of Mercia dies without leaving a legal heir. His wife is a formidable warrior and a great leader, but women have never ruled the Kingdom of England. And she lost her strongest warrior and protector, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. So the stage is set for a brutal battle between aldermen and warriors for the empty throne. The empty throne presents a dangerous opportunity for the rival West Saxons to take over Mercia. But Edward of Wessex is busy with his own succession problems, because there are two contenders for the West Saxon throne. And while the kingdoms are in turmoil, the Vikings this time will come from the west to devastate the country again. The fate of England hangs in the balance. She needs a hero who can ward off all threats from Mercia, a hero who will finally decide the fate of the nation.   Translation: “Historical Novel” group, 2014.