Fortress of Fury
AD 647. Anglo Saxon Britain. Penda of Mercia has travelled north with his allies. Beobrand, leader of men, warrior, brave and feared by his enemies, is leading his men in pursuit of a raiding party. However, it soon becomes clear that the raiders are only a small part of a large army. With the King away Beobrand takes his men back to the fortress of Bebbanburg (Bamburgh) to warn the garrison and prepare for the inevitable onslaught. This is more than just a story of a bloody battle. This is a story of murder, vengeance, a passion which cannot be satisfied and a king’s unspoken ambition which will fan the flames of war.
The first chapter opens strongly and sets the tone for the rest of the novel. With a strong plot and characters, the story is fast-paced and exciting. The action scenes are stirring without being too graphic, while the personal internal conflicts provide a backdrop of character development. This is the seventh in the Bernicia Chronicles series but can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I can’t wait for the next instalment to find out how Beobrand is going to get out of the mess he is in! Highly recommended.
