From the pen of Richard Marman, an exceptional Viking Coming of Age YA novel. A Viking Epic, with nothing but high adventure between the covers.
While hunting close to his home of Hollowford, fifteen-year-old Henry discovers a pair of mysterious amulets on the bodies of two warriors who've been killed by a wolf pack. Accompanying his mentor, Archer, they travel throughout his homeland, investigating the amulets.
During their adventures they discover the amulets belong to a band of marauders called Starkmen, who consider the amulets to be their wealth and currency. The Starkmen form an alliance with Hollowford's arch enemy Olag Blackaxe of Velma and his marauding horde.
A battle ensues and the Hollowford militia defeat Velma's horde, but Ayla and Macayle, wife and daughter Hollowford's chief, Gareth, are kidnapped. Carried off to sea in a Starkmen's wolf-ship, Gareth immediately takes five warriors and gives chase overland. Meanwhile Henry forges a plan for a seaborne chase to track down and save Ayla.
A hair-raising pursuit ensues. Gareth's veteran warriors meet enemies aplenty. Pitting their wits and strength against their foe, they overcome. Henry's party face an equally dangerous path in their quest. Great perils lurk, with each challenge seemingly more insurmountable than the last.
Ultimately our heroes face a seemingly unconquerable foe at the gates of a hostile alien city. With no magic or special skills to hand, Henry must undergo a right-of-passage with only his wits, courage and determination as armour. He can only count on the friendship of his companions and pet wolf. Will Henry survive in this cruel realm which makes no concessions for youth? Vicious villains are everywhere and when all seems doomed, help arrives from a surprising source.
