In “War of the Wolf” by Bernard Cornwell,  Lord Uhtred is sent relieve the siege of Ceaster and rescue   King Edward’s son.  In fact, he has been sent “to rescue a man who did not need rescuing.”   Uthred, who has neither pledged loyalty to the throne nor embraced the Christian faith, is an odd man out in the king’s realm.  His risky mission deters him protecting his own lands from Viking invaders.   This is “great entertainment for fans of historical epics” (Kirkus Reviews).  If you have missed earlier entries in the series and your are gripped, we can take you back to the top.