Wolves of the Empire

Name: Wolves of the Empire
Rating: 4.6 (1140 reviews)

by J. C. Duncan Book 4 in the Last Viking series.

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4.6(1,140)

In 1041, the Byzantine Empire is weakened by rebellion, corruption and a contested succession. After years of service, Harald Sigurdsson still needs the fortune and renown that will allow him to return to Norway, but Empress Zoe offers him advancement at the price of his oaths. Caught between imperial factions, Harald must decide whether honour or ambition will determine his final acts in Constantinople.

Harald's problem is that Byzantine service has given him exactly what he needs to pursue Norway while also making him valuable to imperial factions that do not want to release him. The court of Zoe turns military achievement into political leverage, and loyalty to fellow Varangians may conflict with the oath demanded by rulers whose position is changing. Escape from Constantinople becomes the final campaign of his eastern career.