LORDS of the NORTH—Bernard Cornwell—Continuing from The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman, Cornwell explores in novel form, King Alfred's slow but constant consolidation of power in Britain. Set in 878 AD hero Uhtred returns to the North to reclaim his 'kingdom' there discovering rebellion and chaos. With the fates spinning his web of life, Uhtred rescues Guthred who has claims to significant lands and learns how to work with both Dane and Saxon, while keeping the Church in mind at all times. Full of battles, intrigue, descriptions of every-day-life, Uhtred ultimately partially succeeds, moving the story toward the next 'installment'. Entertaining read with less battle descriptions than the last books.