BURNING LAND

To King Alfred of Wessex he is the 'Lord of Battles'. He has gained riches, loyal men and a beloved wife, but Uhtred of Bebbanburg is dogged by betrayal and tragedy. The ailing King presses Uhtred to swear loyalty to his son and heir Edward. Preventing the warrior lord from taking vengeance on those who stole his home at Bebbanburg, now Uthred will once again defend the Christian kingdom, in a battle which could smash the growing power of the deadly Danes. In doing so he meets a woman more dangerous than any warlord - a killer, a schemer with a dark power over men's hearts - Skade. 384pp, paperback.