History looks back on Eadric Streona as one of the most villainous men of his time. The BBC History Magazine elected him as the worst Englishman of the 11th century, and many also blame him for the victory of the Vikings over England. Streona means "the grasper," and such was Eadric's character: he clutched for power and money wherever he could. But what most historians fail to consider is that Eadric Streona's primary goal was peace and stability for England. Without contradicting the known facts, "Eadric the Grasper" presents another conception of this historical figure: he is suave,...

Godric is the bastard son of Eadric Streona, spurned by Eadric's wife and promised nothing by society. At a young age his life is steeped with murder, loss, and betrayal. Godric seems destined for a life of exile and insignificance, but he swears to avenge his father's death, no matter what the cost. Living under the roof of Thorkell the Tall, he learns to become a Jomsviking. The life of a warrior brings him comfort, but his hunger for vengeance remains. He finds a new identity for himself and successfully reenters the royal court where he initiates his plans of assassination. As success...

The mischievous red-head named Edric leads a pleasant life in Shropshire, hunting in the woods and dancing in the taverns, until his Norman neighbor Osbern falsely accuses him of murder. Edric takes his first stance against the growing power of the Normans-a stance he soon holds for all of Saxon Engla-lond.
Osbern FitzRichard, who moved to Engla-lond at a very young age, yearns with all of his heart for the Anglo-Saxons to love Normandy as much as he does. Unfortunately, Osbern also suffers from strange visions and pestering voices that lead him down dark and destructive paths. His...