The Flame Bearer

The Last Kingdom Series, Book 10

By: Bernard Cornwell

Narrated by: Matt Bates

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

The tenth book in the epic and bestselling series that has gripped millions.

A hero will be forged from this broken land.

As seen on Netflix and BBC around the world.

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 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.

©2016 Bernard Cornwell (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Another winner

A compelling story, wonderfully performed by Matt Bates. I need more of these stories from Bernard Cornwell!

Wow

I know that reviewing this book is a waste of time as it is number 10 in a series but I will do it anyway as tribute to the author

I've read a lot of books, I believe more than 400 in fact. This was one of the best!

Well done sir, and thank you

Probably one the best in the series

Uthreds last stand is action packed and ties up the series well. Although the end could use a little more dialogue especially between old friends like Uthreds and Finnan but, overall you've got to love the way we not only finally answer the question: "will Uthred ever retake bebbanburgh?" but, also, get to reminisce with the character on his achievements to date.
Ultimately, the biggest disappointment in the book is that I've now finished a series that I've been following for years through the paperback and audio books. I can only hope that the next few years of the tv show are just as gripping (even though I know the story and uthreds nicer than he is here)

A fine ending to a long tale.

Well narrated and a fine story to finish Utred's journey. Although who knows if it's the end ;-)

Flame Bearer

Not the most exciting of his books but at least Uhtred got his home, Bebbanburg, back.