With this new novel, science fiction and
fantasy grandmaster Poul Anderson has crafted a powerful story of a
mighty queen, magic, and the mastery of ancient nations.
Blending characters both historical and mythological, Mother of Kings is
the tale of Gunnhild, Queen of England and Norway, who loomed so large
in the tenth century – at the end of the Age of the Vikings – that she
became a figure of legend, even of myth.
As a child of just
seven summers, Gunnhild finds herself fascinated with the powers of a
witchwoman who is a concubine of her father's, a powerful Norse
chieftain. She also finds another fascination in handsome and lordly
Eirik, son of their king. When her mother dies, Gunnhild promises, "I
will never yield," and that, "through me, our blood shall flow greatly."
Gunnhild
has learned from her chieftain father the way the powerful use the
weak. But there are other lessons and other powers she seeks. Sent away
to learn the magic of a pair of shamans, Gunnhild becomes a Spaewife – a
knower of the Gods, a master in the ways of witchcraft and sorcery.
Aided by her new abilities, Gunnhild marries Eirik. She is destined to
become queen, and her magic is a fearsome complement to Eirik's
strength. But Eirik's enemies are cunning, and Gunnhild is soon without
his might.
If Gunnhild can keep the promise she made as a child
to never yield, her family's blood will flow greatly, and the sons she
bore Eirik will each become a king.
Her own struggles, though, are far from over...
"With Mother of Kings, Poul Anderson proves that he is indeed a master." – Robert Jordan
