The brand new novel in Bernard Cornwell’s number one bestselling series on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
BBC2’s major TV show THE LAST KINGDOM is based on the first two books in the series.
From the day it was stolen from me I had dreamed of recapturing Bebbanburg. The great fort was built on a rock that was almost an island, it was massive, it … massive, it could only be approached on land by a single narrow track – and it was mine.
Britain is in a state of uneasy peace. Northumbria’s Viking ruler, Sigtryggr, and Mercia’s Saxon Queen Aethelflaed have agreed a truce. And so England’s greatest warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, at last has the chance to take back the home his traitorous uncle stole from him so many years ago – and which his scheming cousin still occupies.
But fate is inexorable and the enemies Uhtred has made and the oaths he has sworn combine to distract him from his dream of recapturing Bebbanburg. New enemies enter into the fight for England’s kingdoms: the redoubtable Constantin of Scotland seizes an opportunity for conquest and leads his armies south. Britain’s precarious peace threatens to turn into a war of annihilation.
But Uhtred is determined that nothing, neither the new enemies nor the old foes who combine against him, will keep him from his birthright. He is the Lord of Bebbanburg, but he will need all the skills he has learned in a lifetime of war to make his dream come true.
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I have read many of Bernard Cornwell’s books, and I continue to be impressed by his narrative power. In particular, I admire the writing in his combat scenes. He doesn’t glory in the blood and gore, but he takes you into the fight—ugliness, heroics, and all.
4 stars for book 10 in the Saxon Stories. In this book, Uhtred of Bebbanburg tries again to regain his ancestral home of Bebbanburg, stolen from him decades ago by his Uncle. Uhtred’s cousin and the uncle’s son now holds the fortress and surrounding land. If you decide to read this series, start with book 1. I did read some out of order, but they work better if read in order.
I have previously written that I think that the author writes the best battle scenes of anyone in this genre. The author still writes vivid battle scenes.
Uhtred was born a Christian, but kidnapped by Norse raiders as a child. He adopted Norse ways and Gods. He casts a skeptical eye on the Christian gods and practices.
One quote: “I doubt that I shall ever understand Christianity. ‘Thou shalt not kill!’ their priests teach, then encourage warriors to give battle against the heathen or even against other Christians if there is a half-chance of gaining land, slaves or silver. Father Beocca had taught me the nailed god’s ten commandments, but I had long learned that the chief commandment of the Christians was ‘Thou shalt make my priests wealthy.”
I read this library book in 2 days. Cornwell’s books are hard to put down.
I love the Last Kingdom series. Cornell makes the period come alive. Highly recommend these books.
I have enjoyed the series.
He had me hooked with the Sharp books
Big thanks to Mr. Cornwell for continuing Uthred’s story.
Excellent series. Start with book 1, so you can follow chronologically. Each book can stand alone as well.
Bernard Cornwell always worth the read. This one was particularly good if you are reading the Utred series.
A continuation of the history of the formation of the country England from a pagan’s point of view.
This is book 10 of the Saxon tales. Uhtred of Bebbanburg finally comes home to reclaim his birthright and to defeat his cousin who usurped his throne. But Bebbanburg cannot be taken directly, and with enemies at every gate, it won’t be an easy win. The climactic battle is bloody, brutal and final. If you have followed the series, you won’t be disappointed by the final entry in Uhtred’s saga.
Have read every book in this series by Cornwell. You always root for Uthred in his quest to take back his home. Though raised a Christian he is a great Viking.
I will never tire of reading Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels. This is one of his best.
I have loved every book in the series but this one was my favorite.
This is the time of Aurthur and Camelot, but not the beauty of Camelot. The characters are real and the background is war and more war.
Have enjoyed Bernard Cornwell for years. He never disappoints.
Another great page-turner with action, strategy and intrigue around every corner. The characters have been so well developed that you feel more like family than just acquaintances. Great book!
As with all of his books, Cornwell has another winner!
Spoiler alert. He finally recaptures his home! I’ve been waiting for this to happen.
Great story.
Just goes to show what an immigrant with a command of the language, a vivid imagination, and no green card allowing gainful employment can achieve.
Uhtred is one of my favorite heroes, partly because he is the essential outsider, who can’t be excluded since his talents are essential, allowing his rebelliousness to be tolerated in an era of which I know so little that I can’t dispute the historical facts.
Some of the tension is always gone from these books, because Uhtred is reliving his past, secure in his fortress with his latest (Christian) wife in the earlier books. No matter how perilous the situation, nor grave the injuries, you know he has to live to tell the tale. This isn’t the best of the series, but it will complete the saga, satisfying fans (and me).