Cecelia Holland continues the saga of Corban Loose-Strife in this absorbing sequel to "The Soul Thief." Upon the death of Eric Bloodaxe, Corban, his wife, his sister, and her newborn son fled to a quiet life in Vinland. There they were happy, until the day a ship appeared on the horizon, bringing a summons to Corban to return to Jorvik and the intrigues of those who would be King. The coming war of succession will be a clash of clan against clan and army against army. Corban must tread a careful path between those who hate him and those who would be his allies, while concealing his nephew's true parentage. For though Corban is bound to the women's side--the witches' kitchen--in this power struggle, the boys are not, and they see only the glory of battle and the promise of bright gold. Meanwhile, in Vinland, the native tribes are eyeing Corban's fortified island and wondering if the strangers can finally be driven away. From Vinland to Jorvik, to the great trading town of Hedeby, Holland conjures up the terrible and wonderful world of the Vikings, in a time when men battled with swords and women ruled with quiet power behind closed doors.