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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
Ah! Good to see Uhtred north again!
Certainly this book will pass as one of my favorite adventures of Uhtred. His thirst for more power and recognition drives him back to his ancestors' lands. Unlikely alliances and risky plots fill these pages with a lot of reasons to never stop turning them.
Cornwell has a magical skill of making a character repeat the same lines in a few pages, and each time they feel more real and significant rather than repetitive.
Cornwell can also "spoil" the outcome of a battle or a whole chapter, right before it begins, while maintaining the interest and keeping the stakes high. Foreshadowing at its best! Good to see some old characters return, as well.
My only complain would be that i felt Uhtred to be TOO LUCKY in this one. Not that he had not done enough himself to deserve some intervention from the spinners of fate!
Maybe not one of my favorite books of all time, hence the lack of the 5th star. But for sure one of the most enjoyable books of my reading year.
Certainly this book will pass as one of my favorite adventures of Uhtred. His thirst for more power and recognition drives him back to his ancestors' lands. Unlikely alliances and risky plots fill these pages with a lot of reasons to never stop turning them.
Cornwell has a magical skill of making a character repeat the same lines in a few pages, and each time they feel more real and significant rather than repetitive.
Cornwell can also "spoil" the outcome of a battle or a whole chapter, right before it begins, while maintaining the interest and keeping the stakes high. Foreshadowing at its best! Good to see some old characters return, as well.
My only complain would be that i felt Uhtred to be TOO LUCKY in this one. Not that he had not done enough himself to deserve some intervention from the spinners of fate!
Maybe not one of my favorite books of all time, hence the lack of the 5th star. But for sure one of the most enjoyable books of my reading year.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Favorite of the series so far
rightfully torn uhtred remains steadfast in his reluctant oath to a bipolar king and still manages to wreak a most satisfactory revenge on his most hated enemies.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
With this series, I’m balancing on the edge of wanting to fully devour every volume as quickly as possible while also wanting to space out the books to savor them. I’m simply enthralled by the story. This particular book was just as great, if not better than the last.
I have been listening to these on audio, specifically narrated by Jonathan Keeble. However, this volume was only available at my library, narrated by Tom Sellwood. He did all right. He just lacks all forcefulness in his speech. He’s just not my Uhtred. Despite these thoughts, I still loved the book.
I have been listening to these on audio, specifically narrated by Jonathan Keeble. However, this volume was only available at my library, narrated by Tom Sellwood. He did all right. He just lacks all forcefulness in his speech. He’s just not my Uhtred. Despite these thoughts, I still loved the book.
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Continuing to enjoy this series immensely. Uthred, the surly pagan protagonist from the first two novels, matures as a fighter and leader, although is still naive in many ways and repulsive in others. All of which makes him a very real character, despite his tiresome bravado. The plot winds and twists through several unexpected adventures and ends on a spectacular note. This isn't necessarily fine literature, but it is a fast-paced sword and sail tale set in a 9th century England, assaulted on all sides by Viking raiders. If this time period appeals to you or this type of, admittedly coarse, novel then by all means pick this up. Probably more like 3 stars to the average reader but, like I said, I really enjoyed this one.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No