Sincere thanks to Netgalley/Aries & Aries for letting me have an advance copy of this great book.

I've read the authors 'War of the Archons' trilogy, (as R.S. Ford), and was greatly looking forward to this new historical series.

The cover description starts with Styrkar (known as the Red Wolf), surviving the battle of Senlac hill, and the guilt he feels at being unable to protect his king (Harold Godwinson). However, his story begins way before then, when he's captured as a child by Norwegian raiders, and enslaved for most of his youth.

An encounter with Harold (before he becomes King), changes all that and he becomes one of Harold's most trusted warriors, and Styrkar comes to regard him as a father, his love and loyalty unquestionable.

We follow them through all the political machinations of the time, which are beatifully described, explained and discussed, without it becoming a history lesson.

The showdown in the North with Harold Hadrada is next, then the fateful battle of Hastings. I loved this section, as with no great battle description, we see the aftermath, Harold's body being secured in a sack, Edith crying over him, and a lowly knight is sent to burn his remains. This is our introduction to Ronan, our other main protagonist, and that Styrkar and Ronan are destined to meet, seems inevitable.

This is where the story starts to excel, with Ronan seeing an opportunity to better himself by capturing the Red Wolf (Styrkar), and Styrkar being dragged back a life he thought he was starting to escape.

As I mentioned, the historical setting is wonderfully brought to life, and the depiction of the conquest and William I and the political goings-on of the time, encouraged me to read about the factual history of this period, which is always good.

The battle scenes are great, the sounds, sights and smells of the period are vividly depicted, and the whole book has a great adventure-feel to it. I had Robin of Sherwood in my head when 'seeing' the world of the book.

The characters are well sketched out, each an individual person, with real motivations for what they do and how they react in different situations. The star of course is Styrkar himself, the 'Red Wolf', slayer of Franks. A formidable warrior, a loyal friend, and one whose further adventures I can't wait to read. (Seriously, when's the next one out?)

A fabulous five-star read for me.