"David Ebsworth takes you into the sixth century with flawless ease." - Helen Hollick, author of The Pendragon's Banner trilogy

"A detailed re-imagining of post-Roman Britain in a tale of warlord rivalry, betrayal, plague, heartbreak and famine." - Alison Morton, author of the acclaimed Roma Nova series

"David Ebsworth has woven a rich, glorious, intricate tapestry of the time we know of as the Dark Ages. With echoes of Rosemary Sutcliff's magnificent Sword at Sunset and Mary Stewart's Crystal Cave series, this is at once a fast, fierce tale of the old gods versus the new, of old politics and honour replaced by venal expediency - and of humanity in the face of implacable disease as the first great plague swept through. It's steeped in authenticity and heart. I loved it!" - Manda Scott, author of the bestselling Boudica series and Into the Fire