The Shadow of the Raven Series

It is 878 and Wessex stands alone against Guthrum’s Viking hordes as all England cowers beneath their raven banner. With most of his army destroyed following a surprise attack at Chippenham, Alfred King of Wessex, retreats to the desolate marshes at Athelney. Whilst few believe he can ever restore the kingdom, he remains determined – no matter the cost. Among the small band of weary survivors is Matthew, a novice monk who must learn to fight like a warrior if he, along with his brother and fellow Saxons, are to have any chance of defeating the Vikings. As the impending battle looms, Matthew is charged with a vital role that means he must face danger and betrayal, and undertake a hazardous journey during which his faith will face the ultimate test.

‘It should have been a journey of just five or perhaps six days but, as I was to find to my cost, in life the road you’re given to travel is seldom what you wish for - and never what you expect.’ Wessex, 878. Despite his great victory at Edington, King Alfred’s kingdom is far from secure as bands of restless Vikings still roam free, armed and intent on vengeance. Matthew is tasked with riding ahead of the Saxon army to rally support but a surprise Viking attack leaves him desperately wounded with an arrow lodged close to his heart. Rescued by a mysterious Pagan healer, Matthew survives and is determined to return to to his King and to the woman he loves but his journey is haunted by a warning that his wound will one day consume him. Along the way he is beset by danger and adversity and is forced to fight not just for his freedom, but also for his life.

Despite Alfred’s great victory at Edington, Wessex is far from secure. With the threat of an imminent Viking attack, Matthew, now a warrior, is sent to fortify and defend the ford at Leatherhead. There, hopelessly outnumbered, he faces his sternest test as he and a small band of barely trained Saxon warriors strive to hold out long enough for help to arrive – or resolve to die trying. In a time ravaged by political uncertainty, Matthew is placed in intense personal danger as he’s also ordered to investigate the tyranny of the Ealdorman’s stepson and dispense justice as he sees fit. With his life still threatened by the wound to his chest, what is asked of him seems more than any man should endure as he faces The Final Reckoning.

WESSEX 893 as King Alfred readies his defences against another Viking invasion Among his many concerns is the plight of Edward, his stable boy, who he believes to be the bastard son of Matthew, a renowned warrior who died fighting for the Saxon cause. If Edward’s heritage could be proved, he would stand to inherit a vast fortune which Alfred fears would attract every fraudster in the realm. Worse still, given his noble lineage, the boy could well be used to usurp him as King. Alfred therefore sends Edward to the burh at Wareham on the pretext of having him train Fleet, a magnificent black stallion so spirited it’s thought to be unrideable. The boy soon proves his skill with horses but is considered too puny to be a warrior. However, when the fyrd find themselves outnumbered and confronting a Viking warband, Edward’s quick thinking and extraordinary courage leave no doubt about his bloodline.

THERE IS REJOICING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER WHO REPENTS WESSEX 893. As the kingdom is once more plagued by Viking attacks, Wareham is obliged to strengthen its defences against the threat posed by huge fleet of Viking longships which are rampaging along the south coast and could strike there at any time Meanwhile, having recognised Edward’s true lineage, King Alfred fears that the boy may fall victim to every fraudster in the realm seeking to get their hands on the vast fortune he’s set to inherit. Worse still, given his newly established bloodline, he could well be used by those wishing to usurp Alfred as King.The most immediate threat to the boy comes from his treacherous uncle, Edmund, who has already tried once to kill him and failed. He is believed to have fled to join a band of desperate thieves in Wareham Forest from where he could strike again at any time.