A sequel to "The Hammer and the Cross" which continues the story of Shef Sigvarthsson, god-chosen warrior and mystic. It is AD 867, and from the Vikings of the North Sea to the scheming priests of Germany, from the frozen north to the Finnish tundra, Shef fights his way towards kingship.From Publishers WeeklyCleverly combining mystical visions of Norse and Christian mythologies with an alternative history of the ninth century, Harrison's (The Stainless Steel Rat Sings the Blues) latest is an entertaining follow-up to The Hammer and the Cross. Though returning hero Shef Sigvarthsson has been made co-king of the English, at every opportunity he shucks the trappings of power and returns to his much-preferred role as blacksmith and inventor. Fleeing a disastrous attraction to his foster sister, Godive, he heads north into Viking territory, where the Way-College, run by priests dedicated to technological innovation and the god Rig, is located. Meanwhile, the Christians, led by the scholarly priest Erkenbert and the warrior Bruno, are also heading north, in search of the lance that pierced Christ's side on the cross?a relic they believe will help them build an invincible Christian Empire. In the first book, Shef angered the Ragnarsson brothers, favorites of the god Othin; now they seek to send him to Hel, where he will be their slave for eternity. The story is richly laden with detailed accounts of period naval warfare and changes in technology and culture, but one of its most satisfying pleasures is the intertwining of pagan mythologies and Christian dreams. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library JournalShef Sigvarthsson, coruler of England, takes the fledgling navy he has chosen to build on a journey of exploration, a journey that brings him into conflict with his long-time Danish enemies as well as the rising power of the Holy Roman Empire. Set in an alternate world in which Viking culture did not fall prey to Christianity, this latest novel by Harrison (The Stainless Steel Rat Sings the Blues, LJ 3/15/94) evokes the true spirit of the period falsely termed the Dark Ages. Fascinating details of the various Norse societies provide a rich backround for a compelling saga of a hero who rivals Arthur. A good choice for fantasy collections. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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