War of the Wolf (The Saxon Stories, #11)

War of the Wolf by Bernard Cornwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would have probably given it 5 stars but I am annoyed that he killed off Stiorra and that her death didn't get more attention. She deserved a more dramatic death then the few paragraphs he gave it.

Uhtred was summoned to AEthelstan's aid under false pretenses. AEthelstan didn't send for him and didn't need aid. To late he discovers it was a plot by Skoll to ensure he wasn't at Jorvik (aka Eoferwic) when Skoll attacked. Uhtred learns that his daughter (Stiorra) lead the defenders of Eoferwic (as Sigtryggr was away at King Edward's behest) and that she was killed by Skoll and his son.

King Edward summoned King Sigtryggr to a Witan and AEthelstan suggested that Uhtred be there. Uhtred assumes that AEthelstan is going to ask him to swear allegiance to him again, but instead he proposes a different bargain. AEthelstan ask that Uhtred kill AEthelhelm (AElfweard's Uncle) upon King Edward's death in exchange he promises not to attack Northumbria as long as Uhtred lives. Uhtred agrees to this bargain, which gives AEthelstan a better shot at becoming King upon his Father's death. King Edward marries Sigtryggr off to Eadgyth (King Edward's daughter and AEthelstan's twin sister).

Sigtryggr and Uhtred discover where Skoll lives and take their armies to avenge Stiorra. To late they realize that attacking Skoll's fortress was a mistake. Badly injured Sigtryggr and Uhtred try to find a way for some of their men to escape when Skoll's wolf warriors attack, Sigtryggr and Uhtred's disciplined armies are able to defeat the undisciplined wolf warriors and thanks to a stroke of luck Uhtred is able to snatch victory from certain defeat.

Uhtred's man Berg had taken his family's flag into battle as his family was known for their fierce warriors, it was his hope the flag would frighten the wolf warriors who knew his family's reputation. When he was separated from Uhtred during the first attack Uhtred feared he was dead or taken prisoner, but the truth was even stranger. Berg's elder brothers found him and he convinced them to switch sides. So after Uhtred and Sigtryggr defeated the wolf warriors the Snaelanders kept the North gate closed so Uhtred and Sigtryggr were able to finish off the wolf warriors and then opened the gate for Uhtred, Sigtryggr and their men and turned on Skoll. Uhtred fought Skoll in single combat and defeated him, he took Skoll's sword from him and allowed Sigtryggr to kill him.

Now Uhtred waits at Bebbanburg for King Edward to die...

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