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Sword of Kings: A Novel
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While Uhtred might have regained his family’s fortress, it seems a peaceful life is not to be - as he is under threat from both an old enemy and a new foe. The old enemy comes from Wessex, where a dynastic struggle will determine who will be the next king. And the new foe is Sköll, a Norseman, whose ambition is to be king of Northumbria and who leads a frightening army of wolf-warriors, men who fight half-crazed in the belief they are indeed wolves. Uhtred, believing he is cursed, must fend off one enemy while he tries to destroy the other.
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From the day it was stolen from me, I dreamed of recapturing Bebbanburg. The great fort had been built on a rock that was almost an island. It was massive; it could be approached only 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 to 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.
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A fragile peace reigns in Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia. King Alfred's son, Edward, and formidable daughter, Aethelflaed, rule the kingdoms. 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.
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Cornwell gets still better!
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Britain, early 10th century AD: a time of change. There are new raids by the Vikings from Ireland, and turmoil among the Saxons over the leadership of Mercia. A younger generation is taking over. Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Athelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Aethelred. Widely loved and respected, Athelflaed has all the makings of a leader - but can Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler?
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At the onset of the tenth century, England is in turmoil. Alfred the Great is dead and Edward his son reigns as king. Wessex survives but peace cannot hold: the Danes in the north, led by Viking Cnut Longsword, stand ready to invade and will never rest until the emerald crown is theirs.
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As the ninth century wanes, Alfred the Great lies dying, his dream of a unified England in danger and his kingdom on the brink of chaos. While his son, Edward, has been named his successor, there are other Saxon claimants to the throne - as well as ambitious pagan Vikings to the north. Uhtred, the Saxon-born, Viking-raised warrior, whose life seems to shadow the making of England itself, is torn between his vows and his desires....
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Love Cornwell. Hate this reader
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- Narrated by: Matt Bates
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-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,996
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,836
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While Uhtred might have regained his family’s fortress, it seems a peaceful life is not to be - as he is under threat from both an old enemy and a new foe. The old enemy comes from Wessex, where a dynastic struggle will determine who will be the next king. And the new foe is Sköll, a Norseman, whose ambition is to be king of Northumbria and who leads a frightening army of wolf-warriors, men who fight half-crazed in the belief they are indeed wolves. Uhtred, believing he is cursed, must fend off one enemy while he tries to destroy the other.
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3 out of 5 stars
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- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 2,727
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 2,505
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From the day it was stolen from me, I dreamed of recapturing Bebbanburg. The great fort had been built on a rock that was almost an island. It was massive; it could be approached only 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 to 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.
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4 out of 5 stars
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So so
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Warriors of the Storm
- A Novel
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- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 2,634
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,407
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 2,394
A fragile peace reigns in Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia. King Alfred's son, Edward, and formidable daughter, Aethelflaed, rule the kingdoms. 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.
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5 out of 5 stars
-
Cornwell gets still better!
- By NW on 01-19-16
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- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,659
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,426
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,414
Britain, early 10th century AD: a time of change. There are new raids by the Vikings from Ireland, and turmoil among the Saxons over the leadership of Mercia. A younger generation is taking over. Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Athelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Aethelred. Widely loved and respected, Athelflaed has all the makings of a leader - but can Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler?
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The Pagan Lord
- A Novel
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,588
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,350
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,358
At the onset of the tenth century, England is in turmoil. Alfred the Great is dead and Edward his son reigns as king. Wessex survives but peace cannot hold: the Danes in the north, led by Viking Cnut Longsword, stand ready to invade and will never rest until the emerald crown is theirs.
-
4 out of 5 stars
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Great Book, BUT, Not The End! Grrrr.. LOL
- By G.Monie on 01-10-14
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Death of Kings
- Saxon Tales, Book 6
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Stephen Perring
- Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,448
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 2,239
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,242
As the ninth century wanes, Alfred the Great lies dying, his dream of a unified England in danger and his kingdom on the brink of chaos. While his son, Edward, has been named his successor, there are other Saxon claimants to the throne - as well as ambitious pagan Vikings to the north. Uhtred, the Saxon-born, Viking-raised warrior, whose life seems to shadow the making of England itself, is torn between his vows and his desires....
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3 out of 5 stars
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Love Cornwell. Hate this reader
- By Bill on 04-13-15
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The Winter King
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 19 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,238
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 2,070
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,067
The tale begins in Dark Age Britain, a land where Arthur has been banished and Merlin has disappeared, where a child-king sits unprotected on the throne, where religion vies with magic for the souls of the people. It is to this desperate land that Arthur returns, a man at once utterly human and truly heroic: a man of honor, loyalty, and amazing valor; a man who loves Guinevere more passionately than he should; a man whose life is at once tragic and triumphant.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Might be my favorite take on Arthur
- By Allen Young on 06-12-16
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The Burning Land
- The Saxon Chronicles, Book 5
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 2,849
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 2,431
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,436
In a clash of heroes,the kingdom is born.A t the end of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in ill health; his heir, an untested youth. His enemy, the Danes, having failed to conquer Wessex, now see their chance for victory. Led by the sword of savage warrior Harald Bloodhair, the Viking hordes attack. But Uhtred, Alfred’s reluctant warlord, proves his worth, outwitting Harald and handing the Vikings one of their greatest defeats. For Uhtred, the sweetness of victory is soon overshadowed by tragedy.
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4 out of 5 stars
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I got used to Jonathan Keeble
- By JohnE on 09-27-16
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Enemy of God
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,599
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,489
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Story5 out of 5 stars 1,486
At the end of The Winter, King Arthur fought the battle that forces unity on the warring British kingdoms and now he sets out to face the real enemy - the English (it is one of the great ironies of the Arthur stories that he should have become an English hero when, if he existed at all, he was a great war-leader who opposed the invading Sais). First, though, Merlin leads a perilous expedition into the mysterious west to retrieve a cauldron, one of the treasures of Britain.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Great take on Arthur legend
- By Drjackl on 07-18-15
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Sword Song
- The Battle for London
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 2,720
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 2,526
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Story5 out of 5 stars 2,515
Alfred of Wessex has survived the Danish invasions, but though he now has an uneasy truce with his enemies, fresh Viking ships are arriving to plunder and enslave the Saxons. Those Vikings must be defeated, and Alfred's first move is to deny them their fortress on the Thames, the decayed Roman city of London. His weapon is Uhtred, a warrior of formidable reputation. But neither Alfred's wisdom, not Uhtred's prowess, might be enough to save Wessex when a Viking lord captures a prize of inestimable value.
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5 out of 5 stars
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5 stars
- By Ryan on 05-20-15
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Harlequin
- The Grail Quest, Book 1
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Andrew Cullum
- Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,098
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 997
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 992
Thomas of Hookton is one of these archers. But he is also on a personal mission: To avenge his father's death and retrieve a stolen relic. Thomas begins a quest that will lead him through fields smeared with the smoke of fires set by the rampaging English, until at last the two armies face each other on a hillside near the village of Crécy.
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5 out of 5 stars
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A Masterful Tale Told by a Truly Gifted Narrator
- By Syphi on 11-27-14
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Lords of the North
- The Saxon Chronicles, Book 3
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Tom Sellwood
- Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3,323
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 2,881
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,873
The year is 878, and the Saxons of Wessex, under King Alfred, have defeated the Danes to keep their kingdom free. Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord, helped Alfred win that victory, but now he is disgusted by Alfred's lack of generosity. Uhtred flees Wessex, going north to search for his stepsister in the formidable stronghold of Dunholm.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Different reader
- By Tracy Moshier on 05-14-15
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Excalibur
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 18 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,574
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,464
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Story5 out of 5 stars 1,459
In Excalibur, we follow Arthur and Derfel to that enormous struggle and incredible victory. It not only throws the Saxons back, but reunites Arthur and Guinevere. He might hope now to be left alone, to have a time of peace after gaining a great victory, but new enemies arise to destroy all he has achieved. First is Mordred himself, the crippled king who owes everything to Arthur and now tries to kill his benefactor. Mordred's ally is Nimue who has come to hate her mentor, Merlin.
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5 out of 5 stars
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An Original Story from a legend?
- By Laurel on 04-08-15
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The Pale Horseman
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 3,667
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 3,387
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Story5 out of 5 stars 3,373
At the end of The Last Kingdom, The Danes had been defeated at Cynuit, but the triumph of the English is not fated to last long. The Danish Vikings quickly invade and occupy three of England's four kingdoms - and all that remains of the once proud country is a small piece of marshland, where Alfred and his family live with a few soldiers and retainers, including Uhtred, the dispossessed English nobleman who was raised by Danes.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Great Book, Great Read...but NO AUTHOR'S NOTES!
- By reball01 on 07-06-15
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God of Vengeance
- The Rise of Sigurd 1
- By: Giles Kristian
- Narrated by: Philip Stevens
- Length: 15 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 934
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 876
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 872
Norway, AD 785. It began with the betrayal of a lord by a king.... King Gorm puts Jarl Harald's family to the sword but makes one fatal mistake - he fails to kill Harald's youngest son, Sigurd. His kin slain, his village seized and its people taken as slaves, Sigurd wonders if the gods have forsaken him. Hunted by powerful men, he is unsure who to trust, and yet he has a small band of loyal followers at his side.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Fine adventure tale
- By Brother Adrian on 03-04-17
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Agincourt
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Charles Keating
- Length: 16 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3,742
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 2,718
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 2,720
Young Nicholas Hook is dogged by a curse, haunted by what he has failed to do and banished for what he has done. A wanted man in England, he is driven to fight as a mercenary archer in France, where he finds two things he can love: his instincts as a fighting man, and a girl in trouble. Together they survive the notorious massacre at Soissons, an event that shocks all Christendom. With no options left, Hook heads home to England, where his capture means certain death.
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4 out of 5 stars
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What is WITH that music?
- By Lois on 08-26-15
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Vagabond
- The Grail Quest, Book 2
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Andrew Cullum
- Length: 16 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 805
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 728
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 724
1347 is a year of war and unrest. England’s army is fighting in France, and the Scots are invading from the North. Thomas of Hookton, sent back to England to follow an ancient trail to the Holy Grail, becomes embroiled in the fighting at Durham. Here, he meets a new and sinister enemy, a Dominican Inquisitor, who, like all of Europe, is searching for Christendom’s most holy relic. It is not certain the grail even exists, but no one wants to let it fall into someone else’s hands.
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5 out of 5 stars
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awesome sequel
- By Elizabeth on 03-06-16
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The Last Kingdom
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 5,693
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 5,247
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 5,215
The story is seen through the eyes of Uhtred, a dispossessed nobleman, who is captured as a child by the Danes and then raised by them so that, by the time the Northmen begin their assault on Wessex, Alfred's kingdom and the last territory in English hands, Uhtred almost thinks of himself as a Dane.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Great series of books
- By Joshua on 10-02-15
Publisher's Summary
The 12th installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times best-selling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England - "superior entertainment that is both engaging and enlightening” (Washington Post), and the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit Netflix series.
It is a time of political turmoil once more as the fading King Edward begins to lose control over his successors and their supporters. There are two potential heirs - possibly more - and doubt over whether the once separate states of Wessex and Mercia will hold together. Despite attempts at pulling him into the political fray, Uhtred of Bebbanburg cares solely about his beloved Northumbria and its continuing independence from southern control.
But an oath is a strong, almost sacred commitment and such a promise had been exchanged between Uhtred and Aethelstan, his onetime companion in arms and now a potential king. Uhtred was tempted to ignore the demands of the oath and stay in his northern fastness, leaving the quarrelling Anglo-Saxons to sort out their own issues. But an attack on him by a leading supporter of one of the candidates and an unexpected appeal for help from another, drives Uhtred with a small band of warriors south, into the battle for kingship - and England’s fate.
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Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Brother Adrian
- 01-06-20
Cornwell still the Lord of his genre
Cornwell shows once again his mastery of historical fiction. Plus he demonstrates supremely capable narration skill. This is another tightly- woven adventure with Mary a full moment. His unsurpassed artistry in dialogue, character and scene description, storytelling and action flow are on full display. I read (really devour) historical fiction and have done so for the past 40 years. Cornwell still represents the gold standard. Many emulate him but none has reached the high bar he has set. I have yet to be disappointed in one of his works and I can say that about no current author writing in his genre. And when I say his genre, I mean HIS genre because he owns it, at least the choicest part of it. I had better stop now, lest my effusiveness serve to embarrass me.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- James E. Carr
- 12-12-19
Cornwell Is At The Top Of His Game
Cornwell shines best with his series books, and Uhtred appears to be his favorite. This episode has all the elements I have previously loved with an interesting plot line that doesn’t disappoint. Our hero is getting older, but not necessarily wiser in avoiding trouble. As usual, he finds a way to overcome his own mistakes and overwhelming odds to muddle through to an acceptable conclusion which resolves the immediate crisis, while leaving more trouble on the horizon. The author’s notes at the end on facts vs fiction in the book are a nice bonus. Read and enjoy!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 01-04-20
The Saxon Tales - Sword of Kings...
An exceptional continuation of Uhtred's of Bebanburg's saga. I am eager for the next book!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- DARRYL JOHNSON
- 12-17-19
Outstanding!! The Saga Continues!!!
The Saga Continues!!! Bernard Cornwell has not lost a beat with "Sword of Kings"!! It was a wonderful way to continue the "Lost Kingdom" tale. I am so glad that Uthred survives his most recent adventure and lives to be heard of again. Excellent presentation by Matt Bates who in my opinion is the best of the Saxon Chronicle Narrators!! Outstanding!!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Clayton
- 12-09-19
a little slow
I've read this series twice and have enjoyed it immensely. This is the only book in it that I have not awarded 5 stars.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Barbara Adams
- 12-07-19
Still excellent
This book does not disappoint. The story of Uthred and his times continues to be an excellent listen, thanks to the great storytelling of Bernard Cornwell and readin by Matt Bates.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- L. Ford Ballard, Jr.
- 12-06-19
Another wonderful Saxon novel
Enjoy them all, and a delightful novel to listen to on my morning walks. Excellent narrator.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ramel Nasseri
- 12-01-19
wyrd bith ful araed
Bernard Cornwell yet again proves to be one of the most exciting novelist of his time. He skillfully weaves history, legend, myth and fiction into a breathtaking tale of Lord Uthred of Bebbenburg and gives us a colorful glimpse into the history of Saxon England. I can't wait to meet my friend Uthred in the next novel.