About the Author

Helen Hollick lives in north-east London on the edge of Epping Forest with her husband, adult daughter and a variety of pets, which include several horses, cats and two dogs. She has two major interests: Roman / Saxon Britain and the Golden Age of Piracy - the early eighteenth century. Her particular pleasure is researching the facts behind the small glimpses of history and bringing the characters behind those facts to full and glorious life. She has an Honours Diploma in Early Medieval History, and may one day, if ever she finds the time between writing and helping her daughter with her career as a semi-professional show jumper, go on to obtain her full degree. For up-to-date information you are invited to visit: www.helenhollick.net

Reviews

"If only all historical fiction could be this good" Historical Novels Review. A wonderful book ... breathes new life into an ancient legend. Compelling, convincing and unforgettable" Sharon Penman. "Uniquely compelling... bound to have a lasting and resounding impact on Arthurian literature" Books Magazine.

As the rightful son of Uthr Pendragon, Arthur dreams of uniting the warring kings of Britain. Gwenhwyfar's hope, as the only daughter of Cuncedda, the Lion Lord of Gwynedd, is to join Arthur's cause. Hollick's first novel re-creates the uneasy political climate of fifth-century Britain, a land suffering under the rule of the tyrant Vortigern. Stripped of its medieval trappings, the story of Arthur's rise loses none of its legendary power. Most libraries will want to add this well-researched, skillfully constructed trilogy opener to their collections.