‘It should have been a journey of just five or perhaps six days but, as I was to find to my cost, in life the road you’re given to travel is seldom what you wish for – and never what you expect.’

Wessex, 878.  Despite his great victory at Edington, King Alfred’s kingdom is far from secure as bands of restless Vikings still roam free, armed and intent on vengeance.

Matthew is tasked with riding ahead of the Saxon army to rally support but a surprise Viking attack leaves him desperately wounded with an arrow lodged close to his heart.

Rescued by a mysterious Pagan healer, Matthew survives and is determined to return to his King and to the woman he loves but his journey is haunted by a warning that his wound will one day consume him.  Along the way he is beset by danger and adversity and is forced to fight not just for his freedom, but also for his life

* * *

‘Bishop’s research is outstanding and very engaging. That can be a tall order, but make no mistake—this story is very entertaining and does not read as a history book. I was not a fan of books set in the 9th century until I had the good fortune of reading book one in this series, Blood and Destiny.’

The Historical Novel Society

‘Brilliant, brutal and bloody, this is the real deal in historical fiction set in a time when Vikings and Anglo-Saxons are locked in a savage face-off  to redefine England.  A young novice puts aside his vows to take up the sword in a clash between two honour codes of equal barbarism.  The Warrior with the Pierced Heart, second in the series The Shadow of the Raven, is a well-researched, tightly structured narrative told with Viking cunning.’

Cassandra Clark

‘This is an outstanding piece of historical fiction..’

                                                                                                            Thebookmagnet

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ISBN No. 1910453595