NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER“I gulped it right down. Excellent, as always. . . . Cornwell brings battles to life like no one else.” –George R.R. Martin, Author of Game of ThronesThe final installment in Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling Saxon Tales series, chronicling the epic story of the making of England—the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit Netflix series.THE FINAL BATTLE AWAITS… Last Kingdom, the hit Netflix series.
THE FINAL BATTLE AWAITS…
The epic conclusion to the globally bestselling historical series.
England is under attack. Chaos reigns. Northumbria, the last kingdom, is threatened by armies from all sides, by land and sea – and only one man stands in their way. Torn between loyalty and sworn oaths, the warrior king Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg faces his greatest ever battle – and prepares for his ultimate fate…
“Perhaps the greatest writer of historical adventure novels today” (Washington Post), Bernard Cornwell has dazzled and entertained readers and critics with his prolific string of page-turning bestsellers. Of all his protagonists, however, none is as beloved as Uhtred of Bebbanburg, and this thrilling historical novel continues the saga of his adventures and the turbulent early years of England.
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I’ve read all 13 books in the Saxon Tales series and am crushed that War Lord will be Cornwell’s last in the series. Ah well, I’ll just have to read all of his couple dozen other books. Cornwell is a master at historical fiction storytelling.
The ultimate complement to a well designed and well written series. From the first book to this one you will be enthralled with Utred and his actions. Bernard Cornwell is a master storyteller and the 10th century Pre-England that he brilliantly places at our reading pleasure.
4 stars for the last book in the Saxon Stories. In this book, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, fights at the Battle of Brunanburh. The author believes that this significant battle laid the foundation for modern England. While Uhtred is a fictional character, there was an actual battle at this site. Athelstan, monarch of the kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia, defeated an army led by Anlaf Guthfrithson, King of Dyflin in Ireland, and by Constantine of Scotland. They were joined by the men of Strath Clota, by the Norse warriors of what are now the Orkneys and the Hebrides, and by sympathetic Norseman of Nothrumbria.
This is evidently the last book in the series, and like my Goodreads friend Rob, I am sad to see it end. Cornwell writes such vivid battle scenes that is as if you have a front row seat.
I read this library book in 3 days.
Uhtred was being raised as a Christian, until he was 8. But his father was killed in a Viking raid, and his father’s killer took a liking to Uhtred and adopted him. So Uhtred believes in Norse gods.
Two quotes: Uhtred; “We look for omens. Even Christians search the world for such signs. We watch the flight of birds, fear the fall of a branch, look for the wind’s pattern on water, draw breath at a vixen’s cry, and touch our amulets when a harp string snaps, but omens are hard to read unless the gods decide to make their message plain.”
Conversation between Uhtred and a priest: “Swithun opened the small box reverently. ‘It is the toenail of Lazarus, whom our Lord rose from the dead.”
“I’ll swear it on your toenails, ” I said, “but you won’t believe a pagan’s oath so I wonder why you bothered to come at all?”
I’ve read the whole series, this is just the latest story of Uhtred, and he’s getting old. Reading the author notes at the back, he points out the tale is based on fact. Extremely interesting as are all of the Last Kingdom books.
He always writes a good story!
Great series,enjoyed every book!
Cornwell’s final instalment in The Last Kingdom series doesn’t disappoint. It’s another action-packed page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. Farewell Uhtred of Bebbanburg-you’ve given me many hours of reading pleasure.
This is another entry in this great series ..
A great send-off for Uhtred and friends. One of the most entertaining series I’ve ever read. Cornwell should be knighted!
Unlucky 13, not the best way to end a series. But plot wise and story line wise not a bad finish to a great series. Maybe an opening for a book 14, to follow Uhtred’s only surviving son. The plot lines were kind of a repeat from previous novels, Uhtred always saves the day and the kingdom. It is nice that Uhtred’s goal in life was achieved finally, of getting back his families lost land of Bebbanburgh. But like in every book Uhtred’s loyalty is tested and relied upon to save the day. This author is very talented in the realm of historical adventure mixed with suspense and entertainment. There is a lot of historic research and verifiable knowledge thru out each of this author’s novels. It definitely makes for enjoyable reading and binge ability for this author’s other works. Cannot wait for another series from this author.
As usual, Cornwell’s books are terrific – fast paced, interesting and history just the way I like it
War Lord by Bernard Cornwell is the newest in the series depicting the life and struggle of Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the 13th in the Last Kingdom series. There is not much to say about the plot of the story. Uhtred has recaptured Bebbanburg and is living there with Benedetta, who has negative views of marriage, so her and the e-slave have not gone through the ceremony but are married in every other way. Everyone wants to take Bebbanburg away from Uhtred, with by war, or bribery, or deceit. He is determined that will never happen.
Amazingly, given the dearth of unpronounceable names, and constant warfare, Cornwell manages to keep his books very readable. The reader need not be a scholar or a historian to keep up. He also explains the reality at the end of the book. Many of the characters are fictional, many are not, and most of the battles are historically accurate, if somewhat obscure. War Lord was an excellent example of historical fiction and of the life of a noble in the Middle Ages circa, 1000 CE. It was an enjoyable read and this come from a person who is not overly fond of warfare. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of War Lord by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #warlord
Exceptional