[The Northern Crown 01] • The Amber Treasure

597 A.D. Treachery in Dark Ages Northumbria.

Cerdic is the nephew of a great warrior who died a hero of the Anglo-Saxon country of Deira. Growing up in a quiet village, he dreams of the glories of battle and of one day writing his name into the sagas. He experiences the true horrors of war, however, when his home is attacked, his sister kidnapped, his family betrayed and his uncle's legendary sword stolen.

Cerdic is thrown into the struggles that will determine the future of 6th century Britain and must show courageous leadership and overcome treachery, to save his kingdom, rescue his sister and return home with his uncle's sword.

“I will take care of the body of my lord and you can carry the sword, story teller. For all good stories are about a sword.”

The Northern Crown series follows the story of a young nobleman - Cerdic - as he lives through the darkest years of the Dark Ages. Through his eyes we witness the climatic events that forged the nations of Britain. For it out of this time that the English, Welsh, Irish and Scots races began to form: born in the conflict between Saxon and Celt, Pagan and Christian.

Review'...well written and entertaining novel, which has a sympathetic lead character and a good feel for its very obscure period and for the brutal nature of battle in the shield wall' 

-History of War

'Accurate detail and vivid fight scenes together with an engaging central character and his coming-of-age make this an absorbing read for fans of historical fiction...' --thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=The_Amber_Treasure_by_Richard_Denning

From the AuthorI find this time period fascinating. 

The period of history following the departure of Roman troops from Britain in about the year 416 and lasting until the reign of Alfred the Great almost five hundred years later, represent the most poorly documented in the history of Britain. Enormous changes overtook the Island. Large parts of the country passed from the domination of one race to a completely different one. Place names, history, culture and language were swept away. Invasions, battles and wanton destruction raged across the land as never before, or after. 

In this time, there would have been heroes and villains. Legends would have arisen. Folk would have spoken with familiarity of battles and warlords, as we today talk of celebrities and sports teams. Amongst all this, normal people lived normal lives. People were born and died. They lived and loved, as we do today. 

Yet we know almost nothing about these people. That seems unfair to me - so I decided to write a fiction set in this time. Hope you enjoy it.