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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I read The Pagan Lord and The Empty Throne back to back while I’m watching season 4 of the The Last Kingdom, and I’m so into it. You’re damn right I’ve gone straight into book 9. I’ve been savouring these books for years, reading them only when a new season comes out. But I can hold it back no longer. Just give me Uhtred and Finan for the rest of my life please, and I’ll die happy.
But, because I read books 7 and 8 back to back, they’ve blurred into one and now I can’t remember where one ends and another begins, so they’ll be sharing this review.
That’s what I love about this series, though. Each book is pretty small and easy to digest. It’s easier still to just roll straight into the next one. The story itself, from one book to the next, is seamless. It really feels like one long book that I’m just taking a damn long time to read.
Bernard Cornwell remains a master of written combat. Just the mention of a shield wall and I’m grinning like a fool. Each book pretty much ends with a climatic battle scene or badass fight sequence and I anticipate it every time. Nothing quite like a good Viking battle.
I love this series. The fact that I’ve made it to book 9 proves that. I’ve started many series, and finished few. Some I’ve given up on. Some are on-hold. Some have simply fallen by the wayside, but these Uhtred books/Saxon Stories/The Last Kingdom/whatever you wish to call them, are a staple in my reading life. I’m going to be gutted when the series ends. And that end is drawing closer with each book.
After the ambiguous ending of The Pagan Lord, I would have said Uhtred had died, if I didn’t have another three books in this series sitting on my shelf. And then the opening of The Empty Throne threw me completely, as Uhtred’s son takes the reigns of narration. I was ready to freak the fuck out, but luckily Bernard was just teasing us, and the Uhtred we know and love is back at the helm by the next chapter.
Finan is a sweet Irish cinnamon roll. His loyalty and love for Uhtred is so endearing. Even though he’s a Christian and Uhtred is Pagan, and Uhtred asks him to do things ordinarily considered sinful, or against his belief, Finan does it anyway with a smile on his face. He’s just happy to serve and fight at Uhtred’s side. They have a total bromance and I adore them both so much.
At this rate, I’ll likely read Warriors of the Storm and The Flame Bearer back to back too and then mourn the fact that I don’t own the next three books yet.
But, because I read books 7 and 8 back to back, they’ve blurred into one and now I can’t remember where one ends and another begins, so they’ll be sharing this review.
That’s what I love about this series, though. Each book is pretty small and easy to digest. It’s easier still to just roll straight into the next one. The story itself, from one book to the next, is seamless. It really feels like one long book that I’m just taking a damn long time to read.
Bernard Cornwell remains a master of written combat. Just the mention of a shield wall and I’m grinning like a fool. Each book pretty much ends with a climatic battle scene or badass fight sequence and I anticipate it every time. Nothing quite like a good Viking battle.
I love this series. The fact that I’ve made it to book 9 proves that. I’ve started many series, and finished few. Some I’ve given up on. Some are on-hold. Some have simply fallen by the wayside, but these Uhtred books/Saxon Stories/The Last Kingdom/whatever you wish to call them, are a staple in my reading life. I’m going to be gutted when the series ends. And that end is drawing closer with each book.
Spoiler
I found The Empty Throne particularly interesting because Uhtred spent so long injured and unable to fight. This was a massive blow for our favourite pagan war lord. Uhtred unable to lift his sword is no Uhtred at all.After the ambiguous ending of The Pagan Lord, I would have said Uhtred had died, if I didn’t have another three books in this series sitting on my shelf. And then the opening of The Empty Throne threw me completely, as Uhtred’s son takes the reigns of narration. I was ready to freak the fuck out, but luckily Bernard was just teasing us, and the Uhtred we know and love is back at the helm by the next chapter.
Finan is a sweet Irish cinnamon roll. His loyalty and love for Uhtred is so endearing. Even though he’s a Christian and Uhtred is Pagan, and Uhtred asks him to do things ordinarily considered sinful, or against his belief, Finan does it anyway with a smile on his face. He’s just happy to serve and fight at Uhtred’s side. They have a total bromance and I adore them both so much.
At this rate, I’ll likely read Warriors of the Storm and The Flame Bearer back to back too and then mourn the fact that I don’t own the next three books yet.
Bernard sure knows how to tell a story. Sad its over. But time for a change of pace after a months worth of Danes.
Reread April 2021: This book is where I'm starting to mourn that the end is coming in sight.
Reread April 2021: This book is where I'm starting to mourn that the end is coming in sight.
Hubby and I realised a little later on in the series that we were missing a part of the story, so ordered and read this after reading The Flame Bearer.
It was spoiled a little by already knowing what was going to happen, but not by much, as Cornwell is extremely readable, regardless of whether you know the story or not. No-one writes action as well as he does.
At least I should be a little less confused when I read the next one now!
It was spoiled a little by already knowing what was going to happen, but not by much, as Cornwell is extremely readable, regardless of whether you know the story or not. No-one writes action as well as he does.
At least I should be a little less confused when I read the next one now!
In the past month I have read 5 of Uthreds stories and each one gets better and better. I'm not going to try and write a long drawn out review here because the writing style makes me want to pick up then next one and start now.
The Pagan Lord by Bernard Cornwell is the 7th book in the Saxon Stories series. This installment is narrated by Matt Bates.
Possible Spoilers Ahead!!
Alfred the Great’s dream was to unite Britain under one King and one God. Now he is dead and his son assumes the throne. Uhtred has never been popular in Wessex, especially with the church. So he takes this moment to go and retake his home of Bebbanburg. After events go awry, news of the rise of Cnut Longsword reaches Uhtred. In true Uhtred fashion, he falls into a chain of events that would lead to a great battle. However, with the death of the king, the nation is more divided than ever.
As I have mentioned with the past 6 books in this series, it is pretty obvious I am addicted. The historical detail brings so much life to the stories I read in history books. I have also been to some of these locations and it gives them so much more meaning to me.
Although, these books wouldn’t be nearly as captivating without the cast of characters. I love Uhtred. However, I swear if anything happens to Finan, I will riot.
Be prepared this book ends on a MASSIVE cliffhanger. So you better have book 8 in hand when you finish this book. (I did.) Bernard Cornwell knows how to keep his reader’s hooked, that’s for sure! Also, you all know how much I love Johnathon Keeble narrating this series, but I have to give it to Matt Bates…he is pretty spectacular as well. He really nails Uhtred’s personality.
Another 5 out of 5 stars for Bernard Cornwell!
Possible Spoilers Ahead!!
Alfred the Great’s dream was to unite Britain under one King and one God. Now he is dead and his son assumes the throne. Uhtred has never been popular in Wessex, especially with the church. So he takes this moment to go and retake his home of Bebbanburg. After events go awry, news of the rise of Cnut Longsword reaches Uhtred. In true Uhtred fashion, he falls into a chain of events that would lead to a great battle. However, with the death of the king, the nation is more divided than ever.
As I have mentioned with the past 6 books in this series, it is pretty obvious I am addicted. The historical detail brings so much life to the stories I read in history books. I have also been to some of these locations and it gives them so much more meaning to me.
Although, these books wouldn’t be nearly as captivating without the cast of characters. I love Uhtred. However, I swear if anything happens to Finan, I will riot.
Be prepared this book ends on a MASSIVE cliffhanger. So you better have book 8 in hand when you finish this book. (I did.) Bernard Cornwell knows how to keep his reader’s hooked, that’s for sure! Also, you all know how much I love Johnathon Keeble narrating this series, but I have to give it to Matt Bates…he is pretty spectacular as well. He really nails Uhtred’s personality.
Another 5 out of 5 stars for Bernard Cornwell!
I felt that the book before this (Death of Kings) was a little bit slower than I usually like my Uhtred tales so it took me a little to finally pick up The Pagan Lord and I was very happy that I did. I really don't think I will ever grow tired of reading about the adventures of Uhtred. I really enjoy Uhtreds quick wit and humor. Bernard Cornwell is an incredible historical fiction writing. The Warlord chronicles are my favorite works by him, but Uhtred comes in a tight second.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
sad
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
Uhtred's story moves on a few years. Fast moving and visceral.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced