SWORD SONG

In 855, a peaceful England faces a Viking threat. Uhtred, loyal to King Alfred, faces tests of that loyalty, as well as his savvy, as he becomes involved in the fight for control of London and in the ransoming of Alfred's daughter. Gerard Doyle reads Uhtred's first-person narrative with a voice of aged wisdom and reflection, yet he keeps the narrative vital, full of action and wry humor. Doyle's reading carries the weight of moral authority, even as Uhtred lives by the sword. Doyle is also good at conveying the dangers of Cornwell's bloody combat scenes. The mix of adventure, history, and intelligent writing, topped off with an engaging narration, will draw listeners in. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]