The gripping sequel to I AM THE BLADE, from an outstanding adult writer new to children's books.
Tog has fulfilled his destiny - but destiny bites back. He's got it all: power - he's the high king; friendship - those who fought for survival alongside him are still at his side; love - Jenna, his extraordinary young warrior queen, who seems to hold the key to some all-powerful mystery in her very being.
Then a savage warlord called the Dragon rips it all away. What do you do
If you're Tog, you set off to win it back, even though the quest seems hopeless, even though everyone tells you it's hopeless. Alone, guilt ridden, you push down the rivers of Britain into the heart of country to pit your courage and resolution against the Dragon, this byword of evil and depravity who rules with a powerful war band that includes vicious child soldiers. He's terrorizing the country round his stronghold, turning everything to a blasted ruin, corrupted and corrupting. There is no way forward for Tog but to face the forgotten armies, the hostile tribesmen, the ancient mysteries he can barely grasp - and his own demons.
Praise for his adult novels: 'wonderfully well-written.' - Time Out
A modern fairy story ... Buxton is possibly the best of the new supernatural writers. - Phil Rickman
More than just a historical novel ... It succeeds in being a novel set in the past. This is achieved by Buxton's confident control over the many subtle strokes which make up his layered narrative, and by his adroit handling of the story. - Times Literary Supplement