The Shield Ring (Puffin Books)

Rosemary Sutcliff's books woke my passion for history as her books inspired me to study and learn what was fact and what was fiction in her stories. As a historian, I wondered at the little north west corner of Saxon England that did not come immediately under the Norman yoke as the rest of England did. I wondered at the leader, warriors and people that defied the Normans and held the Lake district against the invaders for so many years. The Shield Ring is the story of that people and that struggle. Norsemen and Saxons stand together in an ever weakening band of warriors that time and again throw back the steadily increasing strength of the Normans. Against all odds they fight the seemingly hopeless battle to retain their freedom and their land. We may never know the true story of that hard fought defensive campaign by Saxon and Viking against the Normans but in this book we come to know the spirit of the people who did. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Though intended for youth, adults will enjoy it as well. This is a wonderful book written by a master story teller.

I am a big fan of Rosemary Sutcliff, but this was one of my favourites of her books. What I love about Sutcliff is that she writes about parts of history usually neglected by history books, and she presents them in a very real way. I feel like I'm IN a viking stronghold, or facing the enemy. I feel like I'm living and breathing in the book, and that it is my life; it is how it ought to be. Somehow she leaves me with a deep sense of having lived someone else's life and being able to relate to them - which is the ultimate dream any author/authoress has for the reader, I think. This book is especially good.

A lot of people refer to Rosemary Sutcliff books as childrens books. To that I say , if this is a childrens book I don't ever want to grow up!Wether you are a Rosemary Sutcliff fan , have an interest in history, historical fiction or you just love a good read, this book is for you.Once again we are removed to a time long ago when the world was a much different place.Centering on a group of Vikings from a northern lake district she weaves a tale with so much realism and emotion that you could almost believe you were there.As usual her historical research is spot on along with the depth of characters and the interaction between them.Rosemary shows an unrivalled understanding of human nature that makes for an excellent read, especially when set in such a romantic yet harsh reality.I have been Rosemary Sutcliff fan for years and I can honestly say I have never been so happily lost in a book as I was in this one.