England is in turmoil as Vikings and Saxons battle for territory. Rumours build about the fatal sickness of the King, and the country awaits an heir. A violent clash at sea forces the warrior lord Uhtred to lead his men from his Northumbrian fortress to London and plunge into the eye of the storm. An oath of loyalty, two warring kings, and a destiny he didn't choose... Two kings claim the empty throne and a new kingdom cannot be born without bloodshed. Uhtred's sword will leave one king dead and the other victorious, but sometimes it is hard to know the will of the gods. 384pp, paperback.

Follow Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg in nine bestselling titles now in a popular BBC TV series. The Sword Song (Book 4), The Burning Land (Book 5), The Death of Kings (Book 6), The Pagan Lord (Book 7), The Empty Throne (Book 8), Warriors of The Storm (Book 9), Flame Bearer (Book 10), War of The Wolf (Book 11) and Sword of Kings (Book 12). Buy all nine paperbacks and save even more.