Jon Lehman asked Paul Burnette:

Paul, You mentioned you've posted reviews of Bernard Cornwell's books, but I didn't see them. My question is: I'm thinking of giving "The Last Kingdom" to my 11-yr-old grandson, a very bright, studious boy (read all the Harry Potters before he was 10). Interested in D&D, lives in NYC, etc. Do you think there's any graphic sexual language that would make this novel a problem for a boy?

Paul Burnette Yes, there's pretty graphic sex in all of the Saxon Tales series. Not so many depictions of rape as portrayals of a man and a woman discovering love, most pretty tasteful, but still graphic enough to advise you to read the book yourself before you make the decision. Eleven is right on the cusp of puberty, but without knowing your grandson, I'd say wait a year. There is a tv series available on Netflix which covers the first two books in the series, The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman. Another concern is what Cornwell is probably best known for -- his battle scenes. VERY graphic violence, but historically accurate in their detailed depiction of the shield wall's gore and savagery. And last, our hero Uhtred, though fighting on Christian Alfred's side against the pagan Danish invaders, makes fun of so many Christian practices and beliefs, that some readers have been shocked by his observations and attitude. I'd say again, read it first, enjoy it, and then think if grandson is ready for all that. Don't underestimate the boy at all.

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