From Booklist
Kay's third excellent fantasy set in the world of The Lions of Al-Rassan (1995) and The Sarantine Mosaic (1999) begins about three centuries after the events of the latter. The place is an alternate Britain, the specific time the era in which a king modeled on Alfred of Wessex (849-99), called the Great, began to make headway against raiders from the north. The times and the battles are presented from several points of view, including those of Bern Thorkellson, a young northern outlaw; Aeldred of the Anglcyn (Alfred); his children; and Cenion, a learned cleric of Llywerth (Wales). Not all the battles involve weapons. The princes of Llywerth struggle with the half-world not accepted by the new faith of Jad, and Aeldred fights to get his lords to learn to use more than their weapons. The Erlings (northmen) struggle for a living, as their lives and land are hard, but realize that raiding is harder than it used to be. A distinguished story that, for those so inclined, poses intriguing historical riddles. Frieda Murray

Once I got started on this book, I found it almost impossible to put down. I love Kay's prose - it ebbs and flows like the tides and a harper's song - perfect for the story within. There are several distinct threads (and quite a few one-off random stories) in the book, but Kay manages to revisit them all and tie up any loose ends just in time. Powerful themes of loss, sorrow, and change dominate the book, but there's still room for love, humor, and most importantly, hope. Fascinating stuff! I hope future readers enjoy it as much as I have! Passing on to candyisdandy to fulfill a bookswap.

Received the book yesterday. It's going in Candy's m-bag. Thank for the help with postage!

Whew!! What a big book - looks good. That helped fill my m-bag!!
Thanks midwinter and mellonhead.

I haven't got round to reading this and need some space, so this is off to herrgirl who won it in a bookswap on bcuk extra.

What a huge book to be going through the post! Received today, thanks , candy-is-dandy.

Taking this to the bookcrossing meet at lunchtime. If not taken from the table, will be wild released.