You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
thefussyreader 's review for:
The Lords of the North
by Bernard Cornwell
I do enjoy these Uhtred books and Bernard Cornwell never disappoints me. The man knows how to write a historical novel.
I read two books from the series a year, after the TV series has ended (because spoilers) I find reading the books after watching the programme makes for easy reading. I already know more or less what's going to happen but get to relive the action a second time but with added content. It's a win win situation.
Setting
Set in 878. King Alfred is still trying to unite the kingdoms of England, and Uhtred is still trying to reclaim his homeland of Bebbanberg.
Uhtred's pursuit takes him across all of England, from Wintanceaster Wessex, to Dunholm and Eoferwig Northumbria (among many other places) Though Nothumbria is mostly occupied by Danes by now, the south still belongs to the Saxons.
Characters
Uhtred is obviously the star of the show. Told from his perspective, and I like how it's related in past tense, the long life he's already lived. He occasionally mentions his present position and being an old man, before continuing with his story in which he is a young man in his early twenties.
Uhtred is proud and arrogant but that's why we love him. There's little humility in Uhtred and he knows exactly who he is. He is Uhtred of Bebbanberg, the one who killed Ubba Lothbrokson beside the sea, and he wants to make damn sure everyone knows it. He's a warrior, and a bloody good one at that.
In this book we're also introduced to loveable Irishman, Finan. Also a warrior and fellow slave, Uhtred and Finan become fast friends in their shared predicament. He's a great character, funny and needed. I feel like Uhtred was in need of a loyal male friend after losing Leofric. Finan can easily fill that role and I hope to see more of his character in later books.
Plot
In this book, Uhtred befriends the new king of Northumbria after freeing him from slavery. He becomes a trusted ally, adviser and friend to King Guthred and falls in love with his sister, Gisela. Then Uhtred is betrayed by Guthred and sold into slavery at the request of Uhtred's usurping uncle in order to gain his alliance and army so Guthred can seize control of Dunholm.
Trapped, and without any hope of escape or any hope of returning to the woman he loves, Uhtred despairs, but he never gives up hope of returning to Northumbria. Luckily for Uhtred he has a few allies in pretty high places.
Writing Style
Cornwell's writing style is so easy to read and easy to follow. Never do I read these books and get confused or wonder what's going on. They're pure ease and enjoyment.
He can write some terrific battle scenes, never sparing on the gory details. It's all realistic, which only adds to the atmosphere of the story.
Final Impression
These are highly enjoyable books for anyone who has an interest in historical fiction, or an interest in the Viking/Saxon era.
I own the whole set so will definitely be working my way through them all over time.
I read two books from the series a year, after the TV series has ended (because spoilers) I find reading the books after watching the programme makes for easy reading. I already know more or less what's going to happen but get to relive the action a second time but with added content. It's a win win situation.
Setting
Set in 878. King Alfred is still trying to unite the kingdoms of England, and Uhtred is still trying to reclaim his homeland of Bebbanberg.
Uhtred's pursuit takes him across all of England, from Wintanceaster Wessex, to Dunholm and Eoferwig Northumbria (among many other places) Though Nothumbria is mostly occupied by Danes by now, the south still belongs to the Saxons.
Characters
Uhtred is obviously the star of the show. Told from his perspective, and I like how it's related in past tense, the long life he's already lived. He occasionally mentions his present position and being an old man, before continuing with his story in which he is a young man in his early twenties.
Uhtred is proud and arrogant but that's why we love him. There's little humility in Uhtred and he knows exactly who he is. He is Uhtred of Bebbanberg, the one who killed Ubba Lothbrokson beside the sea, and he wants to make damn sure everyone knows it. He's a warrior, and a bloody good one at that.
In this book we're also introduced to loveable Irishman, Finan. Also a warrior and fellow slave, Uhtred and Finan become fast friends in their shared predicament. He's a great character, funny and needed. I feel like Uhtred was in need of a loyal male friend after losing Leofric. Finan can easily fill that role and I hope to see more of his character in later books.
Plot
In this book, Uhtred befriends the new king of Northumbria after freeing him from slavery. He becomes a trusted ally, adviser and friend to King Guthred and falls in love with his sister, Gisela. Then Uhtred is betrayed by Guthred and sold into slavery at the request of Uhtred's usurping uncle in order to gain his alliance and army so Guthred can seize control of Dunholm.
Trapped, and without any hope of escape or any hope of returning to the woman he loves, Uhtred despairs, but he never gives up hope of returning to Northumbria. Luckily for Uhtred he has a few allies in pretty high places.
Writing Style
Cornwell's writing style is so easy to read and easy to follow. Never do I read these books and get confused or wonder what's going on. They're pure ease and enjoyment.
He can write some terrific battle scenes, never sparing on the gory details. It's all realistic, which only adds to the atmosphere of the story.
Final Impression
These are highly enjoyable books for anyone who has an interest in historical fiction, or an interest in the Viking/Saxon era.
I own the whole set so will definitely be working my way through them all over time.