You don't get 5 books into a series and suddenly not like the writing or the story, so it won't surprise you to learn that I really enjoyed this book. I have read the other books in the series and have enjoyed them all. I also kind of forget how good they are in between reading them because I always have a little gap. In fact I have loved everything I have read by this author apart from the Sharpe series. For some reason I've never got on with that one.

Anyway this is an immense book full of twists and turns and some absolutely epic battle scenes. Cornwell is really skilled at making the battles gory and hyper real, but also focussing on the feelings and the visceral fear of it all. It doesn't matter how many people he describes being killed in terrible ways in battle, he always makes it different and tragic and human.

I enjoyed the religious issues too. You probably are aware if you know me or follow me on social media, that I am an atheist, but at the same time I am fascinated by religion in general and I found these early days of Christianity in the British Isles absolutely gripping. I also enjoyed reading about the Pagan and Norse gods and rituals and just enjoyed the cynicism of the main character towards religion. He believes in Thor and the old gods but he sees man's interpretation of god's will with a really clear and open minded eye.

Anyway I will definitely continue reading this series and no doubt enjoying it.