-
The Last Kingdom
- The Saxon Chronicles, Book 1
- Narrated by: Jamie Glover
- Series: Saxon Stories (abridged), Book 1
- Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Action & Adventure
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $19.38
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Pale Horseman
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Great Book, Great Read...but NO AUTHOR'S NOTES!
- By reball01 on 07-06-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Lords of the North
- The Saxon Chronicles, Book 3
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Tom Sellwood
- Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Different reader
- By Tracy Moshier on 05-14-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Sword Song
- The Battle for London
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
5 stars
- By Ryan on 05-20-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Burning Land
- The Saxon Chronicles, Book 5
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
I got used to Jonathan Keeble
- By JohnE on 09-27-16
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Death of Kings
- Saxon Tales, Book 6
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Stephen Perring
- Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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....
-
-
Love Cornwell. Hate this reader
- By Bill on 04-13-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Pagan Lord
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Great Book, BUT, Not The End! Grrrr.. LOL
- By G.Monie on 01-10-14
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Pale Horseman
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Great Book, Great Read...but NO AUTHOR'S NOTES!
- By reball01 on 07-06-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Lords of the North
- The Saxon Chronicles, Book 3
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Tom Sellwood
- Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Different reader
- By Tracy Moshier on 05-14-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Sword Song
- The Battle for London
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
5 stars
- By Ryan on 05-20-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Burning Land
- The Saxon Chronicles, Book 5
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: John Lee
- Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
I got used to Jonathan Keeble
- By JohnE on 09-27-16
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Death of Kings
- Saxon Tales, Book 6
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Stephen Perring
- Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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....
-
-
Love Cornwell. Hate this reader
- By Bill on 04-13-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Pagan Lord
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Great Book, BUT, Not The End! Grrrr.. LOL
- By G.Monie on 01-10-14
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Empty Throne
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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?
-
-
The old man still had it
- By Christopher Majetich on 03-26-18
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Warriors of the Storm
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Cornwell gets still better!
- By NW on 01-19-16
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Flame Bearer
- Saxon Tales, Book 10
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
So so
- By Brent on 12-08-16
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
War of the Wolf
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
It was Good I miss Jonathan Keeble
- By EH on 03-15-19
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Sword of Kings: A Novel
- Saxon Tales, Book 12
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates, Bernard Cornwell
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Cornwell Is At The Top Of His Game
- By James E. Carr on 12-12-19
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Winter King
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 19 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Might be my favorite take on Arthur
- By Allen Young on 06-12-16
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
War Lord
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 13
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After years fighting to reclaim his rightful home, Uhtred of Bebbanburg has returned to Northumbria. With his loyal band of warriors and a new woman by his side, his household is secure – yet Uhtred is far from safe. Beyond the walls of his impregnable fortress, a battle for power rages. To the south, King Æthelstan has unified the three kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia – and now eyes a bigger prize.
-
-
One of the best in the series
- By Nicole on 10-17-20
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Excalibur
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 18 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
An Original Story from a legend?
- By Laurel on 04-08-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Enemy of God
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Great take on Arthur legend
- By Drjackl on 07-18-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Agincourt
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Charles Keating
- Length: 16 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bernard Cornwell, the New York Times best-selling "reigning king of historical fiction" (USA Today), tackles his most thrilling, rich, and enthralling subject yet - the heroic tale of Agincourt. The epic battle immortalized by William Shakespeare in his classic Henry V is the background for this breathtaking tale of heroism, love, devotion, and duty from the legendary author of the Richard Sharpe novels and the Saxon Tales.
-
-
What is WITH that music?
- By Lois on 08-26-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Harlequin
- The Grail Quest, Book 1
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Andrew Cullum
- Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
A Masterful Tale Told by a Truly Gifted Narrator
- By Syphi on 11-27-14
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Gallows Thief: A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The year is 1820 and England has fought its last victorious battle against the French. Rider Sandman, a hero of Waterloo, has finally returned to London to wed his young bride. But instead of being able to settle down to his fame and glory, he finds himself penniless in a country where unemployment and social unrest are raging high, and where men - innocent or guilty - are hung for the merest of crimes. Thus, when the Home Secretary offers him a job as private investigator.
-
-
Another excellent Cornwell & Keeble collaboration
- By Swashbuckle on 01-30-17
By: Bernard Cornwell
Publisher's Summary
From Bernard Cornwell, the New York Times best-selling author whom the Washington Post calls "perhaps the greatest writer of historical adventure novels today", comes a saga of blood, rage, fidelity, and betrayal. In the ninth and 10th centuries, King Alfred and his heirs fought to secure the survival of the last outpost of Anglo-Saxon culture by battling the ferocious Vikings, whose invading warriors had already captured and occupied three of England's four kingdoms.
In AD 866, Uhtred, a boy of 10 and the son of a nobleman, is captured in the same battle that leaves his father dead. His captor is the Earl Ragnar, a Danish chieftain, who raises the boy as his own, teaching him the Viking ways of war. As a young man expected to partake in raids and bloody massacres of the English, he grapples with divided loyalties, torn between Ragnar, the warrior he loves like a father, and Alfred, whose piety and introspection leave him cold. It takes a terrible slaughter and the unexpected joys of marriage for Uhtred to discover his true allegiance, and to rise to his greatest challenge.
Critic Reviews
More from the same
Narrator
What listeners say about The Last Kingdom
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Elizabeth
- 03-10-12
Not Worth a Credit for Abridged Version
I enjoyed Jamie Glover's narration and adore Bernard Cornwell's writing. But it's a travesty that abridged versions of these glorious novels are allowed to be created. There isn't a book printed that couldn't benefit from some editing. But half? The Saxon Chronicles are a little over 300 pages long. When they are abridged you get all the battles and little of the character development. So disappointing.
I listened to Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. They were each about 39 hours long and they were superb. What am I missing? Is there a goal of how many books one can listen to in a certain amount of time? What difference does it make how long a book on tape runs if the goal is to enjoy the story and performance? The longer it runs, the longer you have the pleasure of experiencing the book.
I'm currently reading the print editions of The Saxon Chronicles and may try the one or two unabridged versions of this series, but will not waste any more credits on the abridged versions.
28 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Stephen
- 04-04-05
Great Historical Fiction!
Cornwell writes exceedingly well. His historical novels are, usually, excellent and compelling with well-drawn heroes and dastardly villains. Cornwell's narrative style is often gripping and heavily laced with known historical nuances. Simply put, Cornwell combines imaginative storytelling with historical detail that "sells" the story in such a way that it often proves difficult to separate actual fact from fancy, which can be great fun. Never a disappointment, Cornwell deftly creates a backstory which often facilitates an intensely immersive listening experience. In addition, Cornwell's "Grail" series featuring 3 parts which includes (in order) "The Archer's Tale" "Vagabond" and "Heretic" are triumphant examples of historical narrative with superb adventure storytelling and sympathetic characters engaged in great struggles of class, character and conscience. Sometimes "dry" on-paper, Cornwell is a magnificent "listen!"
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- spencerm
- 05-17-08
really enjoyed
I read a couple of Bernard Cornwell books many years ago, and as I remember I thought they were alright. I listened to the A.Conan Doyle "The White Company" last month and I really liked it, so I wanted to find another book like it and this is want I came up with.
I liked this book almost as much and have already downloaded the next in the series, the pale horseman. It really moves and is action packed. It is very discriptive of the battle scenes. I also like the main character Uhtred, very no-nonsence, tough, smart and a little bit lucky.
I usually only listen to unabridged versions but there is no option on the first two books in this series. That is probably why the story goes so quickly, I can't help but think that I'm really missing a lot of the story
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- David
- 04-01-10
Why Abridged?
This was a good, fast moving story. I also think that the narator did a fantastic job. Especially with the different name pronunciations. He really helped you get into the time period. Unfortunately, I cannot help but feel that there was depth missing from the abridged version. As interesting as the story was, it often felt like just a combination of historical events (true or not.) I am looking forward to the next in the series, though it is abridged also. If it is as good as this, I will really look towards the third in the series, which is the first that Audible offers (at least to me) unabridged. It is interesting though, that before I became a member, it seems that this book is available unabridged. Be that as it may, don't let it discourage you from listening to this book. Bernard Cornwell seems to have a special ability to make history come to life.
18 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Robert
- 08-28-06
Vikings vs. Saxons! Sex, Blood, & Rock N' Roll!!
I have known about Bernard Cornwell for quite some time but only when I saw the premise of "The Last Kingdom" did I finally bite: and now I'm addicted!
This is a real "Guy's Tale": if you loved the film "Braveheart" you'll love "The Last Kingdom". Gory details about the sword & axe battles; the burning & looting of villages; the scams & schemes from both the Danish & the English lords; the kidnapping and enslaving of the defeated. On top of all that the narrator is top-notch and I even laughed out loud at many of the little jokes thrown in between the heavy action!
I am downloading the 2nd book in this trilogy ASAP: "The Pale Horseman", and I'm thrilled to learn that the final part, "The Lords of The North" has just been released in the U.K. and will be in the USA in early '07!
Can't wait to hear the next round of blood spilling, gut churning, butt-kicking adventures of Utread Utreadsson!
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Gary
- 08-03-05
An Interesting Escape
The 9th century is brought to life in this book. The story revolves around a young noblemen who switches his allegiance back and forth between his native England and the invading Danes. Although a short book, it is packed with action and characters. The ancient names are a little tough to keep straight in the beginning, but the author gives you enough clues when he brings them in and out to keep them sorted out. The book has strong male and female characters living in a tough time. You will feel like you have an understanding of what it was like to live then and that there aren't always black and white, good guys and bad guys. I only wish it was longer.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- S. Harris
- 02-19-05
Vikings: Who knew!
A young boy experiencing a new and unexpectedly exciting culture made good listening on a short road trip. Never knew Vikings could be so good for an orphaned minor nobleman. The novel certainly offers perspective about honor while providing action aplenty.
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Juan
- 01-31-07
More fun than standing in a shield wall !
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to stand in a shield wall with 500 of your closest friends, facing and enemy, that wants you dead...
Well then you'll enjoy this hot blooded, fun, but serious adventure!
A real page turner! I laughed out loud a few times along the way! Enjoy!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jean
- 01-25-12
The Last Kingdom
Jamie Glover did a super job narrating this book. I did this series backward and had been looking the first book in the series(The Last Kingdom) for sometime. As soon as I saw that Audible had it I downloaded it. This book and series covers the 866 a.d. in England when the Saxon and Danish were at war for control of all England. Bernard Cornwell is in my opinion, the best writer of battle scenes. He brings the battle to life, you feel as if you are there and can hear, smell and feel the battle raging around you. This series took me to the history books to learn more about this time in history.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Patrick Marstall
- 07-22-05
Vintage Cornwell
If you've liked any of Cornwell's stuff in the past, you'll likely enjoy this one as well. It has many things in common with both the Archer's Tale, and the superior Winter King. In the end, many of Cornwell's themes and plots are similar, but it's certainly a page-turner and (as always) his historical details are top-notch.
2 people found this helpful