“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