At the end of the ninth century, with King Alfred of Wessex in ill health and his heir still an untested youth, it falls to Alfreds reluctant warlord Uhtred to outwit and outbattle the invading enemy Danes, led by the sword of savage warrior Harald Bloodhair. But the sweetness of Uhtreds victory is soured by tragedy, forcing him to break with the Saxon king. Joining the Vikings, allied with his old friend Ragnarand his old foe HaestenUhtred devises a strategy to invade and conquer Wessex itself. But fate has very different plans.Bernard CornwellsThe Burning Landis a new chapter in his story of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible.