Knights of the Sacred Blade

Set in twelfth-century Northumbria, the first part of Julian Atterton's trilogy gives a vivid picture of life in feudal times, and of communities trapped between warring factions. Simon de Falaise devotes himself to the ways of knighthood and to the quest for the Sacred Blade which he believes will save Northumbria. The book's 281 pages are packed with hasty journeys and a bewildering number of characters, but the uncluttered, evocative prose brings the settings to life. A historical novel which is also likely to appeal to lovers of the fantasy genre.