I recently finished reading a captivating historical novel set during the time of the Viking invasion of England. The story follows the adventures of a young Saxon prince named Edmund who joins forces with the legendary King Alfred to fight against the ruthless Vikings. The author, George Alfred Henty, does a fantastic job of bringing this turbulent period of history to life through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with exciting battles and daring escapades, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. I was particularly impressed by the attention to historical detail and the way Henty seamlessly weaves real events and figures into the narrative. It was clear that he had done meticulous research to ensure the accuracy of the historical backdrop against which the fictional story unfolds.

One aspect of the book that I particularly enjoyed was the strong moral themes that run throughout the story, emphasizing the importance of honor, courage, and loyalty. The characters are faced with difficult choices and moral dilemmas, and it was interesting to see how they navigated their way through these challenges.

Overall, I found The Dragon and the Raven to be a highly engaging and well-written historical novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy a combination of action, adventure, and history. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read set in a fascinating historical period.

Book Description:
During the reign of King Alfred, Danish forces have invaded the English countryside. Although the English try to repulse these attacks, they are overrun by the savagery and sheer numbers of the Danes.

One of those deeply touched by these attacks is young Edmund. As a boy, he watched as his father was slain in battle fighting the Danes. Although young, he was intelligent, and noted the mistakes made on the battlefield. As he grew into a man, he put that knowledge into use and created a uniquely trained group of soldiers and built a new, stronger ship called the Dragon. Manning this ship with his special soldiers, Edmund joins the battle for freedom from Danish oppression. His adventures take him all throughout Europe and lead to glory, wealth, and eventually love.