Pit of Vipers - historical fiction by Millie Thom

http://www.amazon.com/Pit-Vipers-Sons-Kings-Book-ebook/dp/B00RDB7H0A

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00RDB7H0A

The 9th century story of King Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia continues to unfold against the ever increasing threat of Danish raids. After years as a slave to the Viking Danes, Eadwulf has returned to his Mercian homeland and settles to a life of calm domesticity, marred only by his constant desire for revenge. His frequent absences from his new home, connected to his past life, threaten to destroy the relationships he has fostered and alienate the family he has come to love.

In Wessex, Alfred, now a young man, has spent his childhood at the successive courts of his father and older brothers, learning the skills of diplomacy and leadership. Before too long those skills will be put to the test.

The Danish invasion of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in 865 is merciless and relentless. Every year more Norse ships come to join their comrades in a quest to plunder for wealth and gain control over the people. The Wessex king is now Aethelred, Alfred’s last surviving brother, and Alfred becomes his trusted second-in-command.

The Danes take kingdom after kingdom and Alfred and Aethelred wait with baited breath for them to set their sights on Wessex. By 869, their worst fear is realised.

And Eadwulf follows vital leads to the objects of his revenge.