The Author: Bernard Cornwell was born in London in 1944 to an English mother and a Canadian father. After marrying his American wife Judy he began writing novels as he did not require to green card to do so. He is perhaps best known in the UK as the author of a series of books featuring the central character of Richard Sharpe. A number of these have been filmed for television starring Sean Bean in the central role. Outside of the Sharpe series of novels Cornwell has also penned a number of trilogies, quartets and one-off novels covering various historical periods. These are:- + The Warlord Chronicles: The Winter, Enemy Of ...  Read the complete review

When constructing a historical novel, or a series of them, it must really help to have facts to base it around. This is what Bernard Cornwell does so well in his novels, and it continues here with The Saxon Stories. The backdrop for his character based saga is the Danish invasion of England in the 9th Century. Cornwell chooses a 10 year old boy named Osbert as his literary champion to follow through the series, which will shortly reach 6 books with the publication of Death of Kings at some point this year. Cornwell's style is to bombard us with historical facts about battle and buildings and lifestyle, but doing it within the context of our hero and other ...  Read the complete review

The Last Kingdom (Book 1 of the Saxon Stories/Alfred the Great 1) Bernard Cornwell ISBN: 000721801X Paperback released 2005 This is the first book of a series about the Danish invasions of the 9th Century. Told through the eyes of Uhtred Ragnarson (Uhtredson) we are given a glimpse into the life of another warlord, who learns his trade as he lives his life. Uhtred (born Osbert and the second son of Ealdorman Uhtred) is young boy who is suddenly thrust into manhood when the Vikings invade Northumbria and kill his brother and also his father. He is captured by a Danish Lord, called Ragnar, and is brought up by him, whilst his uncle usurps ...  Read the complete review

The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell Starting in 866 AD the story begins with a young boy, Osbert, son of Earldorman Uhtred in Northumbria. The family and their followers and slaves live in a castle at Bebbanburg. Their lives are changed when the first Viking ships, piloted by Danes, are seen off the coast. the eldest son of the earl is dispatched to carry out reconnaissance but his horse returns with a new rider, Ragnar, and the son's head is left outside the castle as a souvenir and a signal of intent. After the death of his brother, Osbert has his name changed by his father as is the custom and he becomes Uhtred, son of Uhtred. Uhtred ...  Read the complete review

Bernard Cornwell- There is no one better at depicting a battle scene, a ride through the country or a love affair. He keeps the reader enticed throughout with great use of detail especially within the intense battle scenes where he is able to create a vivid picture for the reader. The Story The Story begins in the 9th Centuruy with a boy called Uhtred (the protagonist) who is the son of the Lord of Bebbanburg. When the Danes invade England, Uhtred is captured and taken prisoner by a Dane named Ragnar. He takes him in and treats him like a son, and so Uhtred grows up a Dane, believing in their Gods and their customs. When he grows up and loses his ...  Read the complete review