Mother of Kings

By: Poul Anderson

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Synopsis: This epic tale based on Norse sagas by the Science Fiction Grand Master &“proves that he is indeed a master!&” (Robert Jordan, #1 New York Times–bestselling author). In Mother of Kings, Poul Anderson &“brings to life the bloodthirsty Norse as they evolve into the looting, plundering Vikings of popular lore&” (Publishers Weekly). During the tenth century, Gunnhild, the daughter of a Norse warlord, is sent to study sorcery under the auspices of two Finnish wizards. She is able to ensnare as a husband a man she has only seen in visions—the formidable Norse king Eirik Blood-Ax—and bears him nine children. Wielding her magic as a weapon, Gunnhild survives political intrigues and power struggles at Eirik&’s side, forging a family dynasty that will cement its place in Scandinavian legend and lore . . . &“An unquestionably great work.&” —Kirkus Reviews &“The genre&’s guru blends mythology and history into a powerhouse of a tale that tells readers the story of Gunnhild, a real persona who has received legendary status over the last millennium. The gritty but vivid story line provides a powerful look at the tenth century as rarely seen by literature except perhaps [in] Beowulf and that is a few centuries earlier. The beginning of the end of the Age of the Vikings is fitting posthumous triumph from one of the greats.&” —AllReaders.com