The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles Series #1)

by Bernard Cornwell

Book Overview

The first 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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060887184
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 5.3" x 0.8"

Customer Reviews

HIGHLY ENTERTAINING LISTENING

Having played title roles in both Hamlet and Henry V, British actor Jamie Glover is the perfect choice to read Bernard Cornwell's latest historical adventure. Glover is expressive without being overly dramatic as he takes listeners back to the 9th and 10th centuries and a young warrior, Uhtred, who discovers his allegiances are divided in the midst of a bloody war. Appreciated for his historical authenticity and rousing battle scenes, Cornwell paints an almost vanquished King Alfred pitted against the dreaded Vikings as he strives to protect a last outpost. Uhtred, of noble blood, is captured after seeing his father slain in battle. He's but a boy of ten in A.D. 866 and is influenced by the Earl Ragnar who raises the boy with affection and trains him in Viking warfare. Uhtred feels beholden to and loves the man who has brought him up but also knows that he is English and owes an allegiance to the King. It will take years, the love of a woman, and the loss of many lives for Uhtred to choose which path he must follow. What a saga; what a terrifically entertaining listen! - Gail Cooke

my favorite of all

I've read almost all the Cornwell books: the Sharpe series, Civil War series, the archer, and King Arthur--only the 2 or 3 individual novels have been missed. This is my favorite so far. It is similar to the King Arthur books but with less of the mysticism and magic. The hero is a spunky boy who amuses a Viking chief during a battle and is adopted; the Norse life proves to be more suited to his taste and he grows up as a Dane. However, some old business brings him back to the English side. I won't tell more but any lover of historical fiction will find it hard to put this book down.