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The Last Kingdom

(The Last Kingdom #1)

Bernard Cornwell (Goodreads Author)

4.24 · Rating details · 77,922 ratings · 4,323 reviews

This is the story of the making of England in the 9th and 10th centuries, the years in which King Alfred the Great, his son and grandson defeated the Danish Vikings who had invaded and occupied three of England’s four kingdoms.

The story is seen through the eyes of Uhtred, a dispossessed nobleman, who is captured as a child by the Danes and then raised by them so that, by t ...more

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Paperback, 351 pages

Published January 3rd 2006 by Harper Paperbacks (first published October 4th 2004)

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Jan 02, 2021 Petrik rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I have a Booktube channel now! Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/petrikleo

Uthred, son of Uthred, it’s finally time for me to read your story in its prose form.

I am no stranger to Bernard Cornwell’s work, ever since John Gwynne recommended me The Warlord Chronicles trilogy—which I finished and loved—to read, I was already a fan of his books; even though I haven’t read any of his other books yet. Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten the chance to read his other books. Seeing that I’m fully caught ...more

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Aug 17, 2011 h. rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: anyone looking to escape

Shelves: a-lot-of-book, for-the-airplane, kids-dig-it, fantastic-reads

A Review That Has Very Little to Do with This Book:

Sometimes you need a lot of book. You know what I mean.

Those Fridays you come home, lie down on the couch, and resolve not to come back until Sunday afternoon. You have vetoed faces and the spoken word. The phone will remain unplugged except for the ordering of something greasy.

On these Fridays you have two options: dissolve into a self-pitying, gelatinous blob or turn to a lot of book.

You are not without survival skills. You put stock in the ...more

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Dec 03, 2015 Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-all, favorites, own

$1.99 on Kindle today 6-10-17

BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List

EVERYONE SHOULD COME RIGHT ALONG AND READ THIS BOOK/SERIES!

ME THINKS THERE'S GOING TO BE SPOILERS!

♣♣♣♣♣

I am Uhtred, son of Uhtred, and this is the tale of a blood feud. It is a tale of how I will take from my enemy what the law says is mine. And it is the tale of a woman and her father, a king.

He was my king and all that I have I owe to him. The food that I eat, the hall where I live, and the swords of my men, all come from Alfred, ...more

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Dec 17, 2013 Markus rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: cornwell, it-changed-my-life, favourites, historical-fiction, 2010-2012, extraordinary-gentlemen

"My name is Uhtred. I am the son of Uhtred, who was the son of Uhtred and his father was also called Uhtred. My father’s clerk, a priest called Beocca, spelt it Utred. I do not know if that was how my father would have written it, for he could neither read nor write, but I can do both and sometimes I take the old parchments from their wooden chest and I see the name spelled Uhtred or Utred or Ughtred or Ootred, and I look at the deeds which say that Uhtred, son of Uhtred, is the lawful and sole ...more

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Jan 29, 2015 Sean Barrs rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical, 5-star-reads

The Last Kingdom, by Bernard Cornwell, is a triumph of a novel; it is historical fiction at its finest. Uhtred’s story is as fantastic as it is gripping, and most importantly it feels realistic. It’s like I’ve read a chapter of a man’s life that could have existed, that could have been a part of history. His character is just that well written.

The book begins with an aged Uhtred narrating his life to the reader. He is full of a life’s wisdom and a warrior’s experience as he tells the adventures ...more

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May 24, 2020 Mischenko rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

The story begins in England in the 9th century with young Uhtred of Bebbanburg. He’s born a Christian Saxon, but from a young age is raised by pagan Danes. This dispossessed Ealdorman grows into a fierce warrior and eventually is torn between two identities. His main goal is to regain his father’s homeland, but there are many steps to be taken on his journey.

The law says I own that land, and the law, we are told, is what makes us men under God instead of beasts in the ditch. But the law does not The story begins in England in the 9th century with young Uhtred of Bebbanburg. He’s born a Christian Saxon, but from a young age is raised by pagan Danes. This dispossessed Ealdorman grows into a fierce warrior and eventually is torn between two identities. His main goal is to regain his father’s homeland, but there are many steps to be taken on his journey.

The law says I own that land, and the law, we are told, is what makes us men under God instead of beasts in the ditch. But the law does not help me take back my land. The law wants compromise. The law thinks money will compensate for loss. The law, above all, fears the blood feud. But I am Uhtred, son of Uhtred, and this is the tale of a blood feud. It is a tale of how I will take from my enemy what the law says is mine. And it is the tale of a woman and of her father, a king.

Reluctantly, I agreed to start watching the Netflix series with my husband before getting to the books, but then stopped after season one to catch up. It’s wonderful that, for the most part, the series is following the book so far with only minimal changes as far as events and characters. There were a few changes that I actually liked more about the series, and then a few things that I liked better about the book.

The writing, story, characters—I pretty much loved everything about this book. It’s fantastic, thrilling, and full of action and adventure. Historical fiction isn’t one of my most favorite genres, but this book was awesome and changed everything. The history during this period of time and location is something I haven’t learned that much about, and now I’m inspired to learn more about King Alfred and others in the story.

To be honest, I love a good revenge story, and I’m pretty sure there’s going to be plenty of it in this series. Seeing Uhtred get his revenge is something to look forward to. He’s a favorite character that you simply can’t get enough of, and it’s perfect that he narrates this entire book. There were other likable characters too, and of course some you just can’t help but hate.

Something really stuck in my mind when reading though: how much of this was actually true? The author included a much appreciated historical note at the end which answered the majority of my questions. It was interesting learning in the end which characters and events were real.

Moving forward now to The Pale Horseman after a short break.

5*****

You can also see this review and others @www.readrantrockandroll.com ...more

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May 18, 2015 Frances rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourite-books

An outstanding novel set in England during medieval times in the year 866 AD. The author introduces real historical figures; Guthrum the Unlucky, Ubba the Horrible, and Ivar the Boneless, all fearless Dane warriors’ intent on taking over the English kingdoms. They arrive in their magnificent ships outfitted with rich colorful shields, finely carved prows, sterns with ominous dragons and serpents, and mastheads painted with bold eagles. A frightening sight for many townspeople who flee their home ...more

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Dec 04, 2010 Willow rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, favorites, viking

I had no idea what I was getting into when I read this book. I'd never read Bernard Cornwell. All I knew was that it was a book about Vikings.

Anyway, I absolutely loved it! And I became a permanent Bernard Cornwell fan. I think Uhtred is one of my favorite characters of all time. Yes he’s mean, arrogant, and a bit of an antihero, but he’s a full blooded character, and I felt like I really got to know him.

This book goes through Uhtred’s childhood as a Saxon raised by the Danes, and after readin ...more

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Aug 23, 2018 Mary ~Ravager of Tomes~ rated it really liked it

Shelves: year-2020, year-2018, 4-star

Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars

THIS WAS. THE MOST FUN. VERY BLOODY. LOTS OF BATTLE. WOULD RECOMMEND.

Weird thing I noticed upon rereading, I could’ve sworn Uhtred’s phrase was “Fate is inexorable.” But on this read through the narrator said “Fate is all.” and “Fate is everything.” Now I’m wondering if the phrase has been edited in the audio version?

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May 14, 2020 James Tivendale rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

In The Last Kingdom, we follow Uhtred. son of Uhtred who is the Ealdorman of Beddanburg by birthright. In the first-person perspective, Uhtred tells us his tale and throughout The Last Kingdom, he presents his formative years from a youth, through his teenage years to the time that he becomes a man.

During the prologue, Danes attack the outskirts of Beddanburg. Uhtred's brother is murdered by a Dane called Ragnar the Fearless. The Saxons retaliate in a pitched battle, during which 9-year-old Uht In The Last Kingdom, we follow Uhtred. son of Uhtred who is the Ealdorman of Beddanburg by birthright. In the first-person perspective, Uhtred tells us his tale and throughout The Last Kingdom, he presents his formative years from a youth, through his teenage years to the time that he becomes a man.

During the prologue, Danes attack the outskirts of Beddanburg. Uhtred's brother is murdered by a Dane called Ragnar the Fearless. The Saxons retaliate in a pitched battle, during which 9-year-old Uhtred sees his brother's killer and tries to get revenge.

"I recognised him as the man who had killed my brother and, like the fool I was, I screamed at him."

Seeing the courage and fearlessness that Uhtred already holds at such a young age, Ragnar doesn't kill him but takes Uhtred with him at the end of the battle. Throughout the next years, Ragnar becomes fond of Uhtred and sees him as an adopted son. Uhtred, likewise, loves Ragnar like a father.

During this period, Uhtred lives like a Dane. He lives alongside Ragnar's family including his sons, his adopted daughter Brida, his real daughter Thyra, and Rangar's blind and wise father Ravn. Throughout this time Uhtred learns the warrior ways, learns how to speak Danish, and finds out about the ways of Woden, Thor, and the "pagan gods." He takes part in numerous battles and skirmishes against the Saxons and meets the army's heavy hitters such as Ubba, Ivar, and Guthrum.

There are so many excellent and memorable characters. Cornwell's penmanship expertly brings them to life. I finished The Last Kingdom yesterday and last night I had a dream about Uhtred and Young Ragnar. It is not often that an author's characters invade my subconscious in such a way. Uhtred is a great character. Not quite Danish and not quite a Saxon. Confused regarding his religious beliefs as he just wants to fight and to get Beddanburg back from his treacherous uncle. Characters like Ubba, Leofric, Ragnar, and Young Ragnar jump of the page and their dialogue exchanges with Uhtred are well composed and extremely memorable.

"Destiny is all, Ravn liked to tell me, destiny is everything. He would even say it in English, “Wyrd biõ ful ãræd."

When I started reading The Last Kingdom I hadn't watched the BBC series yet. I initially decided that I would read ahead so that the show didn't spoil events for me. I purchased the novel and also the audiobook which features the excellent Jonathan Keeble as Uhtred. This plan didn't quite work out. After I had read the first few chapters I decided to watch the first episode. The finale of this episode reveals a huge moment of death and deceit that doesn't take place in the novel until around 60%. I've only got my self to blame for spoiling it for myself but thought I would highlight this in my review so that potential readers don't make the same mistake. This moment was still extremely powerful and important to the novel's narrative but I think I'd stolen away the unpredictable nature of the incident. The book focused a lot more on young Uhtred than the show. The scenes of Uhtred's youth are extremely important to who he becomes and I think the show missed out on some amazing moments that are featured here.

"The preachers tell us that pride is a great sin, but the preachers are wrong. Pride makes a man, it drives him, it is the shield wall around his reputation... Men die, they said, but reputation does not die."

The Last Kingdom was an extremely enjoyable historical fiction read that features excellent drama, well-realised characters, and is chock-full of memorable battles and duels. The pacing is great too and at the more heated moments, I almost felt like I was part of the battle bellowing "shield wall!" with the sweat, blood, gore and death dripping from the pages. I am so glad that I started Uhtred's story. With there being 13 books in The Last Kingdom/ The Warrior Chronicles/ The Saxon Stories series I am aiming to read one a month for the foreseeable future. I'd like to thank Edward Gwynne for recommending this series to me. ...more

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Nov 17, 2011 Shannon rated it it was amazing

Shelves: action, for-history-buffs, historical-fiction, my-very-best-reads, owned, books-reviewed

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is a first person narration of a child who grows up as a Briton/Saxon but is captured by Vikings, who are more accurately called Danes. He comes to love his Danish father and begins to appreciate their customs and battle lore, as well as becoming battle trained himself.

At the same time, though, his roots are with Briton, and, in the end, he joins with the future Alfred the Great, showing him how to defeat the enemy.

STRENGTHS:

(1) Vivid details of shield walls. Think gritty and blood ...more

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Jul 23, 2019 Chelsea Humphrey rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Recommended to Chelsea by: Leigh Kramer

Shelves: library

Whomp Whomp WHOMP. Review to come.

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Jan 08, 2014 Athena Shardbearer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: paperback, re-read, historical-fiction, own, having-book-babies, lord-markus-the-book-pusher

I am Uhtred, Earl Uhtred, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, and destiny is everything.

Love, all I feel is love for this book. It's like an epic love story but for a man who fought for what was rightfully his.

Definition

Love, noun. Pronunciation: luhv

A feeling of strong attachment induced by that which delights or commands admiration; preëminent kindness or devotion to another; affection; tenderness; as,

the love of brothers and sisters.
Of all the dearest bonds we prove
Thou countest sons' and mothers' love
M

...more

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Aug 29, 2019 Dana Ilie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction

Great book!
I promise to review as soon as possible

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Feb 04, 2012 Jason Koivu rated it liked it

The Last Kingdom is the beginning of Bernard Cornwell's take on the Alfred the Great story. The series starts in the year 866 and follows the son of a lesser Saxon lord, whose father is killed. The boy loses his inheritance and is raised by the Danes, who are threatening to overrun all of what will one day be called England.

The boy, who comes to be called Uhtred, prefers the ways of the Danes, especially their freedom and their gods, over the Saxons and their pious Christian priests. The book l The Last Kingdom is the beginning of Bernard Cornwell's take on the Alfred the Great story. The series starts in the year 866 and follows the son of a lesser Saxon lord, whose father is killed. The boy loses his inheritance and is raised by the Danes, who are threatening to overrun all of what will one day be called England.

The boy, who comes to be called Uhtred, prefers the ways of the Danes, especially their freedom and their gods, over the Saxons and their pious Christian priests. The book lingers about while Uhtred is 11 or 12, then speeds up through his teens until he is a young man making important choices that would change battles, battles that could mean the boom or bust of England.

Readers come to Cornwell for his trademark action sequences and his attention to historical detail, and The Last Kingdoms provides plenty of both. Yes indeedy, there are battles aplenty here. Cornwell's research and the amount of period detail he deftly slides into his work really helps the reader get stuck in, to feel as if they inhabit the time and place. The sights, sounds and stinks of the "Dark Ages" get all up in your face without overwhelming you. And never does it overshadow the importance of his characters. Cornwell fries up a mean anti-hero. Very salty stuff indeed!

However, there were times where I felt that the way the story was told was too much like reading history. There are quite a few real life people-as-characters in this one. These are folks who are remembered even to this day for their deeds, misdeeds and colorful natures. Their larger-than-life histories read like legends and that tended to make The Last Kingdom read like a history book.

Cornwell is also inventing the myth of his main character in these pages and occasionally he relies on the old "tell" instead of "show" technique in order to build up this boy into the heroic man he's to become. (SPOILER-ISH STUFF A'COMING!) Cornwell has written such a series before. He knows basically what's in store for his main character before he's even started book two of what so far is a seven book series. He's going to throw a ton of shit at him, but Uhtred will persevere. There's tons of series out there in which the protagonist doesn't die, but they still manage to hold up the tension. This one kept reminding me that Uhtred would live a long life and that's something a writer should avoid. Let me get lost in the story and at least give me a chance to maybe forget that, no matter the danger, Uhtred will survive. ...more

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Aug 25, 2017 Nicole rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017, historical-fiction

This book was good but I had some problems with it, nothing major or about the story but rather the way it's told. Review to come. Maybe. ...more

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Jun 15, 2014 Will M. rated it really liked it

Recommended to Will by: Markus

Shelves: medieval, historical-fiction, 2014, fantasy, war

*Update 10/11/15
There are two episodes out already for The Last Kingdom! I had no idea they were adapting this whole series into a TV series. Will have to read the next novels really soon.

---------

I've been a huge history fan ever since I was young. Especially Greek, Roman, and Egyptian history. I've never really read or watched other histories like UK, American, Russian, Asian, etc. Lately though, I've been wanting to read more of UK and Russian, so I was pretty excited to read this.

This was a *Update 10/11/15
There are two episodes out already for The Last Kingdom! I had no idea they were adapting this whole series into a TV series. Will have to read the next novels really soon.

---------

I've been a huge history fan ever since I was young. Especially Greek, Roman, and Egyptian history. I've never really read or watched other histories like UK, American, Russian, Asian, etc. Lately though, I've been wanting to read more of UK and Russian, so I was pretty excited to read this.

This was a fantastic novel about the life of Uthred. That kid's freakin' amazing. He started out strong, as a child, and continued to develop into a powerful man. Despite being held captive, he found a way to make the situation in favor of him. Truly a shrewd man. He was once a Saxon, but because he was held captive of a Danish man, he was forced to convert. Despite learning to love his danish father, in his heart, he will forever be a saxon. This novel also tacked the topic regarding Christianity and Norse Mythology[Paganism]. Reading about Thor and Odin was really fun.

This was my very first legit historical fiction novel. I don't think I want to consider Dan Brown's novels as Hist-Fic, cause it was more of Crime-Thriller. So that being said, I was excited yet I didn't know what to expect. What I got was an amazing novel that truly engulfed me to a beautiful world.

While reading this, I felt like I was reading an epic-fantasy novel. I was fully engrossed and I loved the main character. I couldn't think of any dull moments, because this novel was really great. It was so good that it even felt like a short read , despite the length of the novel.

At first I rated this 4 stars, but after a few days of contemplating, I decided to change my rating, and give this book the very deserving 5. It would be a crime not to do so. This novel was vivid. Everything was described to near perfection. This would be the book to read if you want to be fully engrossed, and feel like you're actually the main character. It felt like I was Uthred, and everything that happened to him happened to me.

I also liked the setting very much. Despite the awesome countries mentioned, I also really liked the medieval setting of this novel. I'm a huge fan of medieval history, more so of the fictional ones. I'm now planning to read more Britain related history, and historical fiction novels. British history is truly entertaining.

I'll surely be checking the next few books of the series, as I heard from Markus [the one who recommended this to me, thanks dude] that the second book is the best of the bunch [as of now]. I'll surely have to read and see for myself. Time to be engrossed in yet another seemingly amazing novel. This is a must read novel, and it looks like a much read series. Bernard Cornwell might be added to my favorite authors, as long as his other books are just as good, or even better. ...more

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Dec 11, 2016 Lucia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-stars-read, favorites, historical

„Wyrd bið ful ãræd.“ – „Fate is inexorable.“

I had a super long review written for this series but I deleted the document accidentally so let me share with you at least some major points to explain my reasons for loving this series so much:

* Astonishing storytelling skills. Bernard Cornwell brought 9th and 10th century England alive for me.

* Unforgettable narrator. Uhtred of Bebbanburg is unapologetic and ruthless yet lovable and admiration worthy character with brilliant military strategic m ...more

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Jun 13, 2016 TS Chan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Aside from the tales of King Arthur and Ken Follet's Pillars of the Earth, I did not have much exposure to historical fiction, and definitely not one with this much historical accuracy. I was made aware of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stores through the reviews of fellow readers on Goodreads whom I share similar taste in books with. The main impetus that nudged me to finally pick up this book among my long list of to-be-read was in fact History Channel's Vikings, as I didn't even know that this book Aside from the tales of King Arthur and Ken Follet's Pillars of the Earth, I did not have much exposure to historical fiction, and definitely not one with this much historical accuracy. I was made aware of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stores through the reviews of fellow readers on Goodreads whom I share similar taste in books with. The main impetus that nudged me to finally pick up this book among my long list of to-be-read was in fact History Channel's Vikings, as I didn't even know that this book itself has inspired a television series given I don't spend much time in front of one. Through watching Vikings, I've developed a fascination for the history of these misconceived barbarians, or whom the Christian world liked to call pagans, and how they shaped Western Europe through their expansive invasions and eventual settlement.

This book almost read like a sequel to the Vikings series as it relates to the rise of King Alfred The Great. Uhtred was a fascinating main protagonist who has all the virtues and vices of a warrior of two conflicting worlds, torn between loyalty to his kin or the foreigners who took him under their wings and treated him as family. Even as the ruthless invaders, I actually liked the Danes more than the English given the latter's excessive religious piety and self-righteousness.

The breadth and depth of characters, and their names (especially all the Athel-this and Athel-that) did initially throw me off a fair bit. Bernard Cornwell also has this tendency to string together, with the use of a lot of commas, amazingly long sentences that can span an entire paragraph. I definitely was not used to his writing style but in the end the strength of the story and the well-written battle and action scenes won me over.

In short, this is great fiction with fascinating characters that contained as much historical accuracy as possible, while maintaining a cohesive and engaging tale of destiny, loyalty, love, war and death without turning into a history lesson.

This review can also be found at Booknest ...more

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Mar 29, 2011 Ajj rated it it was ok

I will just review this book but what I say will count for all the books in the Saxon Chronicles.

These books are good for people who want viking themed adventure that is not too difficult or rewarding. While the plot is engaging it is not brilliant. The characters are not really developed or very exciting and most people seem to be quite one dimensional. The characters are either blood thirsty, greedy, pious, or manipulative. While some of them are generated from historical figures no one really ...more

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Aug 20, 2007 Hana Zakova rated it it was amazing

Asolutely loved it. I went to the library and randomly picked a book. It was The Pale Horseman, and I realized it was second part of Ulthred's life, so I went back and got this first part out. I love England and so I loved those 3 books. (now waiting for another to come out. There must be 4 book.) It's the same feeling like waiting for Harry Potter books to come out. ...more

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Dec 12, 2015 Lo9man88 rated it it was amazing

what an unexpected joy this book has been, man i did not think it could be this good, Uthred is undeniably a very well written and a very very well liked character , and what a gripping story , i watched the TV show and it was excellent but it left out a lot and they changed many things so I'm very glad i read this book .... ...more

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Jan 23, 2021 Meredith rated it it was amazing

Shelves: great-characterization, all-time-faves, historical-fiction, historical-fiction-vikings, well-crafted-prose, memorable-side-characters, tearjerker, excellent-dialogue, badass-female-characters, revenge

One of the best historical fictions I've ever read. With my five star reviews, the ones that are short or have no reviews are the books I liked best. I'm unable to put into words how much I loved it. ...more

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Dec 05, 2016 Sarah rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical, awesome-characters, favorites

Apparently I've never reviewed this- which is stupid, because I tell everyone I can to read it.

But- It's $1.99 on the U.S. Kindle store today!

Disregard the 4 star rating, the series as a whole gets 5 stars. ...more

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Jan 04, 2015 Peter rated it really liked it

great historic novel, catchy description of battles, historical background and life of the vikings, went to Sweden after I read this novel...

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Jun 27, 2015 Molly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, historical-fiction, adventure, own, bernard-cornwell

“Destiny is all. And now, looking back, I see the pattern of my life’s journey. It began in Bebbanburg and took me south, ever southward, until I reached the farthest coast of England and could go no farther and still hear my own language. That was my childhood’s journey. As a man I have gone the other way, ever northward, carrying sword and spear and ax to clear the path back to where I began. Destiny.

Rating, 5 stars.

description

“We came shrieking from the half-light. We were a nightmare in the dawn ...more

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Feb 22, 2021 William Gwynne added it

Shelves: historical

I have begun this journey! Finally. I cannot fathom what has taken me so long to delve into The Last Kingdom, by Bernard Cornwell.

I finished this first instalment of The Saxon Stories today, and thoroughly enjoyed it! In The Warlord Chronicles, I learnt how amazing Bernard Cornwell is at forming a gritty, authentic historical tone and atmosphere, and this skill is applied again to the 9th century war-torn England that is presented in The Last Kingdom.

Full Review to Come

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Jul 24, 2013 Alicja rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, pre-gun-battles, male-author, early-mid-ages-eu-500-1000, viking-age-eu-793-1066, war-military-battle, 5th-16th-century, medieval, favorites, favorite-covers

rating: 5.5/5

Love, love, love it! An English boy gets captured by the Danes/Vikings. He is raised by his captor, Ragnar, as a son whom he grows to love like a father. But fate is peculiar and when Uhtred can't deny his English roots anymore he goes to battle under King Alfred's banner against the invading Danes.

It is funny, intense, bloody, passionate, gritty, witty, dark, sarcastic and, did I already mention, funny. I just couldn't not fall in love with Uhtred, the boy who went foolishly chargi ...more

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Mar 15, 2018 Rosa rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Great historical fiction read! Based on true historical events, the story revolves around a young lordling who is kidnapped in one of the many Viking invasions of old England.

It was a bit slow in a few places, but overall a very good read.

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Oct 27, 2019 David S Meanderings) rated it really liked it

“Laughter in battle. That was what Ragnar had taught me, to take joy from the fight.”

Thank you to HarperAudio for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I already had an experience in this series, its characters, and the story through the TV show, so starting The Last Kingdom gave me nostalgia and a sense of coming home. This is one of my favorite periods in history and Bernard Cornwell does a fantastic job of depicting this time where Kings reigned, danes raided, and you had to fight t “Laughter in battle. That was what Ragnar had taught me, to take joy from the fight.”

Thank you to HarperAudio for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I already had an experience in this series, its characters, and the story through the TV show, so starting The Last Kingdom gave me nostalgia and a sense of coming home. This is one of my favorite periods in history and Bernard Cornwell does a fantastic job of depicting this time where Kings reigned, danes raided, and you had to fight to keep everything you had. Cornwell creates this atmosphere with vivid descriptions of people, battles, landscapes, and cultures and that was one of my favorite parts of the book.

That leads me to talking about the characters. Bernard Cornwell used real accounts from his ancestors to frame this story. I believe because of this he had a clear picture of the type of people that lived back then. It was incredible how real every single person felt. Uhtred, the son of a nobleman, raised by Norsemen, and torn between two worlds. Alfred, brother to the king, an incredibly pious man with both spiritual and physical weaknesses that he hates. Ragnar the older, mentor and father figure to young Uhtred, and fierce Viking warrior. Not only these main characters, but everyone in the story was incredibly well described and had their own believable personalities and motivations.

“Destiny is everything.”

This story is told completely from Uhtred’s perspective as a narrator of his own life and I loved that format. Uhtred is a fascinating protagonist. A man born a Saxon, at first taken, and then raised by Danes, he is truly a man of two worlds and it shows. A huge part of this novel is depicting the struggle Uhtred has to figure out who he is and what he wants. Is he a Dane or a Saxon? Does he want to live and raid with the Danes or go and take back Bebbanburg as the rightful Alderman? Getting the perspective directly from Uhtred as he is looking back on his life was a perfect way to tell this story.

Shield walls, swords, spears, bows and arrows, this story has it all! The pace is fast and there is a lot of action. Cornwell’s descriptions of the gritty reality of the shield wall were especially riveting. Even in the spots that a battle is not going on there was always something interesting to keep the reader’s attention.

I highly recommend this book if you have even the slightest interest in historical fiction. This was a fun, at times even light hearted read with a compelling protagonist, vivid battle scenes, and incredibly realized historical figures and culture. ...more

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About Bernard Cornwell

Bernard Cornwell

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Cornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden n ...more

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“Destiny is all, Ravn liked to tell me, destiny is everything. He would even say it in English, “Wyrd biõ ful ãræd.” — 129 likes

“The preachers tell us that pride is a great sin, but the preachers are wrong. Pride makes a man, it drives him, it is the shield wall around his reputation... Men die, they said, but reputation does not die.” — 58 likes

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