Winter Warrior: 3 (The Wolf of Kings)
Prologue: England, 1067. Frankish invaders feast in a Saxon manor, the owner’s head spiked on a beam, his womenfolk forced to serve. Scotland, 1069. English rebels gather under the protection of Mael, King of Alba. Amongst them is Styrkar, the Red Wolf, self-sworn to avenge the death of his former lord, King Harold Godwinson of England. So begins a new telling of the English resistance to William the Conqueror.
This is third in a series but can be read alone. Styrkar, honourable warrior, has lost everything. All he has left is lust for vengeance – which he follows with iron determination. Hence, he is thrown into two major documented rebellions against King William’s rule. Styrkar’s experience is counterpointed by that of Ronan Dol-Combourgh, serving in William’s army. Ronan, self-professed coward, wishes for nothing but the fighting to be over so he can enjoy his promised rewards.
Styrkar’s woes are unrelenting, unleavened by camaraderie or love. As the rebels strike, William responds with increasing brutality. When not physically fighting, Styrkar endures the macho posturing, blustering, and treachery evidenced in the historical record – the meat for Styrkar’s non-stop conflict.
Readers who enjoy fight scenes will revel in this story. Hats off to Cullen for dreaming up so many ways for enemies to do battle. He also has an interesting new twist – it would be a spoiler to explain – on one of the famous resistance stories. As everyone knows, William did ultimately conquer. So how can Styrkar snatch victory from defeat? Cullen delivers. Fans will hope it propels Styrkar into further adventures. Suitable for readers who appreciate a dedicated fighter, right to the bitter end.
