"Bernard Cornwell does the best battle scenes of any writer I've ever read, past or present." -- George R.R. Martin

"Superior entertainment that is both engaging and enlightening....Historical adventures as smart and vigorous as Cornwell's are in short supply." -- Washington Post

"A big-bellied, bushy-bearded tale of 9th century England. Our hero is Uhtred, a good-hearted lout with a pleasantly sour disposition; he's like a 9th century Han Solo....He endows the book with an unexpectedly complex, thoughtful soul." -- Time

"A suavely rendered tale ... [brings] turbulent times to vivid life." -- Philadelphia Inquirer

"Entertaining" -- Arizona Republic

"A crackerjack adventure tale from a master of the craft." -- Booklist

"Filled with bawdy humor, bloodlust, treachery and valor, this stirring tale will leave readers eager for the next volume ." -- Publishers Weekly

"Great stuff, as always, from the master." -- Kirkus Reviews