Seen through the eyes of Hrethric, son of the king and heir to the throne of the Scylding Kingdom, we learn that for twelve long years the monster Grendel has laid waste to the kingdom, devouring even the mightiest of its warriors. Tonight he will claim yet another victim. The blood debt is heavy, but few are left to avenge the dead in this bitterly one-sided feud.

Already much weakened by the marauder, the kingdom is also threatened from within. The King's nephew Hrothulf plans to seize the throne. Our hero, Hrethric, is young and has yet to prove his strength. The coming of the Geat hero, Beowulf, brings new hope but also new and terrifying dangers.

First published in 1979 by Abelard-Schuman Limited.

This book has been graded for interest at 12-17 years.

There are 176 pages in this book. This book was published 2011 by Hodder & Stoughton General Division .

June Oldham is the prize-winning author of more than a dozen books for children and adults. She was brought up in Lincolnshire, read English at university and has two children. June has taught in colleges of further education and enjoys walking on the moors. She is married to an actor and has lived in Yorkshire for over twenty years, where many of her novels are set.