Wednesday, 23 September 2020

Review - Warriors of the Storm (The Last Kingdom Series, Book 9) by Bernard Cornwell

 

Warriors of the Storm 

(The Last Kingdom Series, Book 9) 

By Bernard Cornwell 

 

A fragile peace is about to be broken…

King Alfred’s son Edward and formidable daughter, Æthelflaed, rule Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia. But all around the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the kingdoms’ greatest warrior, controls northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of Chester. But forces are rising up against him. Northmen allied to the Irish, led by the fierce warrior Ragnall Ivarson, are soon joined by the Northumbrians, and their strength could prove overwhelming. Despite the gathering threat, both Edward and Æthelflaed are reluctant to move out of the safety of their fortifications. But with Uhtred’s own daughter married to Ivarson’s brother, who can be trusted?

In the struggle between family and loyalty, between personal ambition and political commitment, there will be no easy path. But a man with a warrior’s courage may be able to find it. Such a man is Uhtred,and this may be his finest hour.

Review:

I am really running out of adjectives - I cannot express in words how great this series is and how it keeps on getting better and better. You really need this series on your to-read list. 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 16 September 2020

Review - The Pagan Lord (The Last Kingdom Series, Book 7) by Bernard Cornwell

 The Pagan Lord

(The Last Kingdom Series, Book 7) 

By Bernard Cornwell

 

Uhtred – sword of the Saxons, bane of the Vikings – has been declared outcast.

Peace in Britain has given Uhtred time to cause trouble – for himself. Branded a pagan abomination by the church, he sails north. For, despite suspecting that Viking leader Cnut Longsword will attack the Saxons again, Uhtred is heading for Bebbanburg, fearing that if he does not act now he will never reclaim his stolen birthright.

Yet Uhtred’s fate is bound to the Saxons. To Aethelflaed, bright lady of Mercia and to a dead king’s dream of England. For great battles must still be fought – and no man is better at that than Uhtred.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg’s mind is as sharp as his sword. A thorn in the side of the priests and nobles who shape his fate, this Saxon raised by Vikings is torn between the life he loves and those he has sworn to serve.

Review:

I have never been so enthralled in a series in my life. I am loving absolutely everything about this series. Cornwell’s ability to make this era come alive is a testament to his incredible skill as an author. Likewise, his characters come across as very real in the telling, and the turbulent time in which they lived is masterfully portrayed.

If you love everything Viking, then you are going to adore this series.


 

 

Wednesday, 9 September 2020

Review – The Burning Land (The Last Kingdom Series, Book 5) by Bernard Cornwell

 

The Burning Land 

(The Last Kingdom Series, Book 5) 

By Bernard Cornwel


To King Alfred he is the ‘lord of battles’. He has gained riches, loyal men and a beloved wife. But Uhtred is dogged by betrayal and tragedy.

The ailing Alfred presses Uhtred to swear loyalty to his son and heir Edward, preventing the warrior lord from taking vengeance on those who stole his home at Bebbanburg. Now Uthred will once again defend the Christian kingdom – in a battle which could smash the growing power of the deadly Danes.

In so doing he meets a woman more dangerous than any warlord. A killer, a schemer with a dark power over men’s hearts: Skade.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg’s mind is as sharp as his sword. A thorn in the side of the priests and nobles who shape his fate, this Saxon raised by Vikings is torn between the life he loves and those he has sworn to serve.

Review:

I LOVE this series so very much. I really cannot get enough of it. All I can think about is Uhtred and all the trials he has to go through. This series has everything a Viking nut like me could ask for. I am literally sitting on my hands as I am expecting the postman to deliver book 6 today!

 

 

Wednesday, 2 September 2020

Revew - Sword Song (The Last Kingdom Series, Book 4) by Bernard Cornwell

 Sword Song 

(The Last Kingdom Series, Book 4) 

By Bernard Cornwell

 

The year is 885, and England is at peace, divided between the Danish kingdom to the north and Alfred's kingdom of Wessex in the south. But trouble stirs, a dead man has risen and new Vikings have arrived to occupy London.

It is a dangerous time, and it falls to Uhtred, half Saxon, half Dane, a man feared and respected the length and breadth of Britain, to expel the Viking raiders and take control of London for Alfred. His uncertain loyalties must now decide England's future.

A gripping tale of love, rivalry and violence, Sword Song tells the story of England's making.

Review: 

I just don't have the time to stop and review this novel. I already have Book 5 in my hand and I cannot wait to start reading it!!! 

 

 

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