Bernard Cornwell’s exciting story of the battle for London in 885 is actually the fourth book in his “Saxon Tales” series. Although you don’t need to read the first three books to understand the plot, you’ll want to read the first three books because they’re so good. This is historical fiction at its best.

The novel is narrated by Uhtred, a dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord, who has sworn an oath to King Alfred who is trying to unite the Saxons against the marauding Vikings. Political wheeling and dealing, deceit, and violence abound. Meticulously researched, SWORD SONG delivers a thrilling reading experience and a painless history lesson.