Saxony, 772: After the war, Leova has nothing but her children, Deorlaf and Sunwynn. Her husband died in combat. Her faith lies in the ashes of the Irminsul, the Pillar of Heaven. Relatives sell her and her family into slavery. In Francia, Leova vows to protect her son and daughter at any cost.
Leova's determination only grows stronger as Sunwynn blossoms into a beautiful young woman attracting the lust of a cruel master and Deorlaf becomes a headstrong man willing to brave starvation and demons to free his family. Yet Leova's most difficult dilemma comes in the form of a Frankish friend, Hugh. He saves Deorlaf from a fanatical Saxon and is Sunwynn's champion—but he is the warrior who slew Leova's husband.
Set against a backdrop of historic events, including the destruction of the Irminsul, "The Ashes of Heaven's Pillar" explores faith, friendship, and justice—a tale described by reviewers as "transportive and triumphant," "captivating," and "compelling."