Red the Kell, the Northlands Annals

Born to a Kelltish princess, Red is a Northland smith's slave by capture, but a warrior at heart, and a generous lover - as his many admirers attest. Rescued from Orkish wolf riders by the lovely Sword Maiden, Freya, he sets out on a long quest that takes him, via an enchanting druidess called Fion, to the slaughter of Grakel, the terrible Firedrake, in the icy Iron Mountains. The town of Yorvic beckons, with a redhead called Mohirah and a settled life. But Red is soon off to join the Viker dragon boats, to raid his homeland, Alban. Here he meets the McLarys of the Dark Isle, a clan involved in sorcery, political intrigues and unspeakable personal crimes. Here he comes face to face with his own past in a magnificent, doom-laden finale. Brilliant set piece battles and the immediate feel of the past, plus a host of unforgettable characters, give Peter Henderson's epic saga an urgency and liveliness that is irrestistible. There's the salt of the sea in it, and the taint of corruption - and real tragedy in the shocking twist at the end.