Writing this first book in the Bloodsworn Saga has been a lot of fun. Norse mythology and history has fascinated me for as far back as I can remember, and this series is my love-song to that. Since I opened the pages on a retelling of Beowulf when I must have been nine or ten years old, I have been captivated with that unique sense of Norseness, with its mystery, its tragedy, its darkly comic view of both the gods and humanity, and, of course, its brutally pragmatic epic battles. That might go some way to explaining why I am now a Viking reenactor, who enjoys standing in the shield wall with my sons around me. This book in essence is inspired by both Beowulf and Ragnarök, that end-of-days battle where the gods fell, and the world was made anew.

As always, a virtual warband has helped in making this book happen.

Firstly, I must thank my wife, Caroline, for the myriad ways she supports me, not least of which is putting up with my vacant look when my head is off in other worlds. She is the engine room of my family and the reason I rise each day.

My sons, James, Ed and Will are always so involved in my imaginary worlds and they make writing them a joy.

And of course, my daughter, Harriett, who brings the sunshine every day with her smile and her laughing eyes.

A huge thank you to my agent Julie Crisp, legendary for her bloodthirsty suggestions. It may say something about this book that upon reading it she did not suggest that I kill a single extra character. This is a first. I am deeply grateful for her belief and hard work in bringing this world to life. She is a consummate professional and a dear friend.

James Long, my editor at Orbit UK, who has been a pleasure to work with on this, our first venture together. His passion and enthusiasm for this tale has been a great encouragement and I am looking forward to journeying across the Battle-Plain with him.

A thanks also to Priyanka Krishnan, my editor at Orbit US, for her constant hard work on my behalf, and a massive thank you to the Orbit team, both in the UK and the US.

My thanks must also go to those people who have read my first draft and helped shape it into the book you are holding. My sons Ed and Will for reading this book from when it was just one chapter long, and for their passion for the world and characters of the Bloodsworn. I think they already see themselves as standing in the shield wall alongside the likes of Glornir Grey-Beard and Einar Half-Troll.

Kareem Mahfouz, a great friend and always bursting with enthusiasm and a keen eye, thank you for your indomitable spirit. Our telephone conversations are becoming a well-loved tradition.

Mark Roberson, whose support, historical knowledge and enjoyment of my made-up worlds is always so helpful. I will never tire of our chats over a good breakfast.

And of course, I thank you, the reader, because without you there would be no more journeys into fantastical worlds.

I hope you enjoy this book, and that you will join me on this new adventure as I follow the Bloodsworn while they carve a bloody path across Vigrið, the Battle-Plain.