IN A world somewhat similar to post-Roman Britain, but with intriguing differences, the land of Albion is home to the human Sutherners as well as the giant, long-lived Anakim.

Mutual incomprehension means that the two races have often been at war and The Wolf by Leo Carew (Wildfire, £16.99), the first of a new epic fantasy series, begins with a period of unsatisfactory peace coming to an end.

Leaders of both nations have independently concluded that co-existence is unsustainable — there must be a final war, with one final winner. The Anakim's new lord is young, unprepared, and friendless. The Sutherners' general is a commoner without wealth or background. Both men are only ever half a step ahead of death from their own side.