Charles W. Whistler, A Thane of Wessex

A friend made me a gift from my wishlist on birthday. Wanted to hold this book in my hands for a long time. So I know what to do on Christmas holidays. Going to share my feedback soon!

Set in Saxon England, in the 9th Century AD, Heregar is a nobleman, with lands of his own, in what is now the county of Somerset. Out of the blue, one day, he is arrested, and thrown into solitary confinement. After a couple of months, he is brought before a grand council, called a moot, where he is charged with treason against the King.

Heregar freely realizes that with the impetuousness of youth (he is in his early 20s), he occasionally says some stupid things, especially when the ale is flowing. But there is a huge difference between that and treason. He is confident that his friends will exonerate him, but they are the ones who condemn him. They are led by Matelgar, the father of the fair Alswythe, the love of his life. He is found guilty, declared an outlaw, stripped of his lands, and told to leave Somerset, permanently.

His only option is to head for the coast, and join the Danish Vikings. When he reaches a town on the coast, it's in flames. The Vikings are already there. Heregar knows that Matelgar's lands, formerly his lands, will be next, so he manages to warn the people, while staying out of the way. He runs into a messenger, who gives him a war arrow. It means that all able-bodied men are called to fight, immediately. A person does not ignore a war arrow. Heregar walks up to Matelgar, and, returning the arrow, says, in effect, "I am reporting as ordered, and now I'm leaving."

The Saxon authorities feel that the best thing thatt Heregar can do is to get Alswythe, and her maidens, out of the way. Meantime, Matelgar falls in battle, and Heregar has a couple of visions of Matelgar apologizing for the way Heregar was treated. Heregar becomes a senior adviser in the counter-attack, led by the local bishop. A major problem for the Danes is that, during low tide, their ships are literally stuck in the mud. Does the counter-attack succeed? Do Heregar and Alswythe liver happily ever after? Is Heregar's punishment lifted?

Great book and it really kept me entertained throughout the weeks of me reading this. If you like fiction, this book is for you!

One of the greatest books that I have ever read. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

This book is amazing and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone out there. You will not be disappointed.

Absolutely love this book and you will love it too.

This is a great book and I recommend this book to everyone.

What an interesting and lovely book this is. I absolutely could not put this book down.

great book 5 out of 5 and i recommend it to my friends.

Great book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and absolutely loved it.