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The Pale Horseman
(The Last Kingdom #2)
by
The second installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” (The Observer, London)—the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit television series.
This is the exciting—yet little known—story of the making of England in the 9th and 10th centuries, the years in which King Alfred ...more
This is the exciting—yet little known—story of the making of England in the 9th and 10th centuries, the years in which King Alfred ...more
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Paperback, 384 pages
Published
December 26th 2006
by Harper Paperbacks
(first published October 3rd 2005)
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Another great installment about loyalty, power, faith, friendship, and ambition.
Putting into consideration that the first season of The Last Kingdom TV shows are adaptations of the first two books in the series, and now that I’ve read both The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman, I can definitely say that I prefer the first two books over the first season. To be fair, despite being a huge fan of the TV series, it was ...more
Another great installment about loyalty, power, faith, friendship, and ambition.
Putting into consideration that the first season of The Last Kingdom TV shows are adaptations of the first two books in the series, and now that I’ve read both The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman, I can definitely say that I prefer the first two books over the first season. To be fair, despite being a huge fan of the TV series, it was ...more

Ahhhhh Uhtred you are quite the lad .........
Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Lord of Northumbria is as headstrong, arrogant, and fearless as ever. Now married with a child at the age of 21, he rode into battle to Cynuit and slaughtered the Danish leader, Ubba Lothbrokson. Fully expecting recognition for the deed upon his return to King Alfred, Uhtred meets the inexorable fate he always believed in. The pompous, self-important, Odda the Younger took the credit for the slaying, and no one, not even King A
...more
The Pale Horseman is every bit as good as the first book. This, again, feels like another chapter of a man’s life. Uhtred has grown up a little and is more resolute in his ambitions since we last saw him. He has fought in his first shield wall and has completed the transformation from boy to man: he is now a proven warrior and, more importantly, he now has a growing reputation but, not necessarily a good one.
His glory has been stolen by the coward Odda the Younger. He has claimed the victory at ...more
His glory has been stolen by the coward Odda the Younger. He has claimed the victory at ...more

"There comes a moment in life when we see ourselves as others see us. I suppose that is part of growing up, and it is not always comfortable."
I read The Last Kingdom in 2015, while a book it didn't like enough to continue the series. Fast forward 2017, I started watching Vikings and I liked it very much, that in turn made me come back to this series. While the History's Viking has a different plot than this but the theme of Danes' invasion of England is where both match. I am very happy tha ...more
I read The Last Kingdom in 2015, while a book it didn't like enough to continue the series. Fast forward 2017, I started watching Vikings and I liked it very much, that in turn made me come back to this series. While the History's Viking has a different plot than this but the theme of Danes' invasion of England is where both match. I am very happy tha ...more

The Pale Horseman is the excellent continuation of Uhtred of Bebbanburg's story. Set between 876 - 878 AD, Uhtred is now in his early 20's, having proven himself as a man and a warrior. He's fought in a shield wall, killed Ubba in one on one combat, and has sworn an oath to the Saxon king Alfred. Uhtred believes life revolves around fighting, women, ale, and creating a reputation. Uhtred has a reputation now, but it is not always glowing as he is as misunderstood as he is feared. He's a complex
...more

"For here starts war, carrion birds sing, and grey wolves howl."
A fragile peace still holds in the realms of Britain. After the forces of Wessex prevailed at Cynuit, the Danes have pulled back. King Alfred thinks himself safe, but in truth the last kingdom of the Saxons is in grave peril...
Writing a sequel to an amazing novel can sometimes be amazingly hard. Bernard Cornwell fulfilled that task with style, and in the process created my personal favourite Uhtred novel and proved himself a master ...more
A fragile peace still holds in the realms of Britain. After the forces of Wessex prevailed at Cynuit, the Danes have pulled back. King Alfred thinks himself safe, but in truth the last kingdom of the Saxons is in grave peril...
Writing a sequel to an amazing novel can sometimes be amazingly hard. Bernard Cornwell fulfilled that task with style, and in the process created my personal favourite Uhtred novel and proved himself a master ...more

Feb 26, 2017
Scott Hitchcock
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction
This one took a lot longer to get going than book one but the second half and the ending were very good. The religious overtones to everything Alfred does makes me want to root for the Danes as does the corruption of many of the priests.

Oh Bernard, how do you do what you do?
If I could write like this man, well, I'd be one very happy chick. And I do not want to write like this to make money, or make fans, or make myself famous, I just want to have this skill for myself, to know that I can do it, to know that I can create magic on paper, although, Bernard Cornwell, in this series at least, is more than merely skilled, he is an absolute master.
Would it be presumptuous of me to say that I think that he is a writer's writer? or mo ...more
If I could write like this man, well, I'd be one very happy chick. And I do not want to write like this to make money, or make fans, or make myself famous, I just want to have this skill for myself, to know that I can do it, to know that I can create magic on paper, although, Bernard Cornwell, in this series at least, is more than merely skilled, he is an absolute master.
Would it be presumptuous of me to say that I think that he is a writer's writer? or mo ...more

Mar 01, 2021
William Gwynne
added it
After finishing The Last Kingdom, I immediately dived into this second instalment. Uhtred is already a brilliant, unique protagonist who I could not wait to accompany through more trials and tribulations.
Whilst The Last Kingdom was by all means great, I would say that The Pale Horseman took a whole step up. Cornwell in this has built on an already solid cast of charters, providing more brilliant action sequences and pushing forward the plot, all whilst making me more emotionally engaged.
Full Rev ...more
Whilst The Last Kingdom was by all means great, I would say that The Pale Horseman took a whole step up. Cornwell in this has built on an already solid cast of charters, providing more brilliant action sequences and pushing forward the plot, all whilst making me more emotionally engaged.
Full Rev ...more

THE PALE HORSEMEN is the second book in the Cornwell series focusing on England before it was England. Unlike the first book, there's less fighting and more political maneuvering and focus on relationships.
HISTORY: at this time England was something of a bunch of Saxon Kingdoms. Seven, if memory serves. The Saxons had actually taken most of the Kingdom from the Britons & Welsh and had held a good chunk for several hundred years. Now, it's the late 800s and the Danes are seriously beating the Sa ...more
HISTORY: at this time England was something of a bunch of Saxon Kingdoms. Seven, if memory serves. The Saxons had actually taken most of the Kingdom from the Britons & Welsh and had held a good chunk for several hundred years. Now, it's the late 800s and the Danes are seriously beating the Sa ...more


I can't even......
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"And I looked," Pyrlig said to me, "and I saw a pale horse, and the rider's name was death,"
You like Viking?
You like badasses like my boyfriends, Uhtred??
You want a GOOD STORY????? THEN READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!
Also, I think its safe to say that buying all the books in the series before finishing the first one was a wise choice...

...more

"REINVIGORATE, MAN!" I shouted, then calmly began my review.
Cornwell always does a decent job of adding in just enough historical detail, both physical and immediate, to the story as well as historic and atmospheric for the background. Then he layers on his stock, misunderstood hero regardless of time or place and serves up another entertaining action/adventure story. Hard to argue with a winning recipe, other than the argument that the palette desires something new sooner or later, and that th ...more
Cornwell always does a decent job of adding in just enough historical detail, both physical and immediate, to the story as well as historic and atmospheric for the background. Then he layers on his stock, misunderstood hero regardless of time or place and serves up another entertaining action/adventure story. Hard to argue with a winning recipe, other than the argument that the palette desires something new sooner or later, and that th ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

Executive Summary: Another enjoyable Historical Fiction book that I probably would have liked a bit better if I hadn't already known what was coming from watching the TV show. I'm really looking forward to book three now.
Full Review
In retrospect I wish I had read this book before watching The Last Kingdom. I had no idea that a 10 episode season would cover two books. That's partly because they glossed over half of the first book, and partly because they cut a lot of detail out.
I had been hop ...more
Full Review
In retrospect I wish I had read this book before watching The Last Kingdom. I had no idea that a 10 episode season would cover two books. That's partly because they glossed over half of the first book, and partly because they cut a lot of detail out.
I had been hop ...more

A worthy follow up to its predecessor. Bernard Cornwell, apart from having a talent for writing epic duels and battles, is also proving to be a great story teller. I loved all the new characters he added and enjoyed revisiting the old ones, including the Danes.
Uhtred's arc was fun. Mainly because he's becoming a great warrior and we get to see him build his reputation. Proud and arrogant, fearless and unpredictable and thus respected and feared. But now he is also growing into a leader and a ...more
Uhtred's arc was fun. Mainly because he's becoming a great warrior and we get to see him build his reputation. Proud and arrogant, fearless and unpredictable and thus respected and feared. But now he is also growing into a leader and a ...more

The second series in the Saxon chronicles - picking up where The Last Kingdom left off- 9the century England and Uhtred go's raiding into Conrwall and though hired by Briton king Peredur, to defend his kingdom against the Danish chieftain Svein of the White Horse, he teams up with Svein and kills Peredur, pillaging his kingdom and capturing Peredur's Queen, the beguiling and strikingly beautiful Pagan priestess and shadow Queen. He rescues several fascinating women including the spunky red-haire
...more

The Pale Horseman gets a solid 4 stars. BC is a very good writer but I’m not feeling like he is stretching himself here. Not that his writing is flawed, no way. I could not put this book down and just raced through it. I thought his battle scenes were as bloody and chaotic and good as ever. His characters were likeable or despicable and you do care about them. But it seemed too much of a template to get 5 stars. His main character, Uhtred, is a young rebellious youth, much like the main protagon
...more

Wow! That last 50 pages or so were awesome...That's just an estimate, since I listened to the audio and didn't have the page count right in front of me.
After several disappointing endings in books lately, this was refreshing. The finish actually brought my rating up, instead of the opposite as some have done recently.
I've long heard that Bernard Cornwell is the best at describing battles. If I wasn't convinced already, I am now. ...more
After several disappointing endings in books lately, this was refreshing. The finish actually brought my rating up, instead of the opposite as some have done recently.
I've long heard that Bernard Cornwell is the best at describing battles. If I wasn't convinced already, I am now. ...more

Jul 06, 2016
Tosh
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
bernard-cornwell,
re-read
**RTC
...more
This isn't just a war over land, it's a war about God. And Alfred...is Christ's servant...
The shield wall is a terrible place. It is where a warrior makes his reputation, and reputation is dear to us.
...more

This is a wonderful second novel in The Saxon Stories series. The young English nobleman Uhtred, captured and raised by the Danes, is called upon by King Alfred to save his kingdom from the Danes. King Alfred is just learning about human nature, and does not recognize when his enemies are being deceptive. But he is smart, and he learns from his mistakes.
Uhtred is a warrior, and he is very good. He revels in his fight. He yearns for battle, with incredible enthusiasm. But he is still young and so ...more
Uhtred is a warrior, and he is very good. He revels in his fight. He yearns for battle, with incredible enthusiasm. But he is still young and so ...more

This was a brutal read. I love historical fiction when it gets real like this. The characters were vivid and realistic. The author understands the era and how to bring us into it.
All of the basic themes are present, betrayal, revenge, cruelty, heroism etc. The story never really slows down- it's pace is consistent with a building sensation towards the end. This was a good, brutal read. So far this series is a go-to consistently good read that I will return to from time to time. ...more
All of the basic themes are present, betrayal, revenge, cruelty, heroism etc. The story never really slows down- it's pace is consistent with a building sensation towards the end. This was a good, brutal read. So far this series is a go-to consistently good read that I will return to from time to time. ...more

Uhtred the warrior lord must decide whether to help the Saxon King Alfred to defend the kingdom of Wessex against the invading Danes.
An entertaining adventure, full of action and leading to a spectacular battle scene, this was a gripping read. The time and place are brilliantly evoked, conveying what it was like to live in 9th century Wessex, as different tribes fought for supremacy, and Christianity took on the pagan gods.
The main problem for me is that Uhtred is a bit of a cartoon character. ...more
An entertaining adventure, full of action and leading to a spectacular battle scene, this was a gripping read. The time and place are brilliantly evoked, conveying what it was like to live in 9th century Wessex, as different tribes fought for supremacy, and Christianity took on the pagan gods.
The main problem for me is that Uhtred is a bit of a cartoon character. ...more

This is the second of the series but you can read it standing alone and it still makes a complete story because the events in this book are of vital importance in the life of Alfred The Great. In fact, these are the events that made him what he is. There is enough adventure, betrayal, oaths, and loyalty that was the seal of the people of that time and the constant struggle of the priests, bishops and church to gather riches and people to them while influencing the King and rulers! Full review yo
...more

I just wanted to take the time to mention just how much I'm enjoying this series to date and to thank all the readers who have recommended this series to me over the years.....Loving this stirring series of a bygone era. Well crafted with a wonderful hero in Uhtred, and a superb cast of supporting characters. Time and money well spent.
...more

What a fun series this is turning out to be. I read the first book in this series and then proceeded to binge watch every single episode of the TV version on Netflix in less than one day. From having already seen the episodes this book covers, I knew what was going to happen. It was a pleasant surprise that this wasn't exactly the TV version. So there were new elements.
I loved the MC. He was a strong POV and it comes through in vivid and rich way. What's not to love? I have the next one in the s ...more
I loved the MC. He was a strong POV and it comes through in vivid and rich way. What's not to love? I have the next one in the s ...more

I have read all the books so far in Cornwell’s Saxon series, and this is my favorite book so far. Of course, since I loved “The Last Kingdom” so much, I almost couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, and then read it in two days.
What can I say; I just adore mean old Uhtred, despite his flaws and his sometimes unethical behavior. I do believe one of Cornwell's flaws is he doesn’t write the best female characters, but I find his male characters so interesting and fun, it doesn’t bother me much.
I th ...more
What can I say; I just adore mean old Uhtred, despite his flaws and his sometimes unethical behavior. I do believe one of Cornwell's flaws is he doesn’t write the best female characters, but I find his male characters so interesting and fun, it doesn’t bother me much.
I th ...more

Man, I love the Adventures of Uhtred And His Poor Decisions! This one really makes Alfred come off like an asshole, and a very disloyal one. No matter what Uhtred does, literally giving up lives and risking his own to restore Alfred to the throne, one whisper of "He's a PAGAN!" in Alfred's ear sends Alfred through the roof.
Note: The reader for this reads everything in a super gruff voice that at times seems almost painful. I both enjoyed it and found it slightly comical. ...more
Note: The reader for this reads everything in a super gruff voice that at times seems almost painful. I both enjoyed it and found it slightly comical. ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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Goodreads Librari...: Incorrect cover image | 2 | 14 | Sep 06, 2018 05:06AM | |
Michael Palance | 1 | 9 | Aug 16, 2017 07:02PM | |
The Not a Book Cl...: TPH: Section 3 - Chapters 9-13 (Full Spoilers) | 18 | 19 | Dec 23, 2016 04:59PM | |
The Not a Book Cl...: TPH: Section 2 - Chapters 5-8 | 12 | 15 | Dec 20, 2016 04:56AM | |
The Not a Book Cl...: TPH: Section 1 - Chapters 1-4 | 10 | 24 | Dec 16, 2016 07:03PM | |
The Not a Book Cl...: TPH: General Discussion (No Spoilers) | 13 | 20 | Jan 12, 2016 08:17AM |
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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