The Last Kingdom
By Bernard Cornwell
- Release Date: 2009-03-17
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Description
The first installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC America 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 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 the time the Northmen begin their assault on Wessex (Alfred’s kingdom and the last territory in English hands) Uhtred almost thinks of himself as a Dane. He certainly has no love for Alfred, whom he considers a pious weakling and no match for Viking savagery, yet when Alfred unexpectedly defeats the Danes and the Danes themselves turn on Uhtred, he is finally forced to choose sides. By now he is a young man, in love, trained to fight and ready to take his place in the dreaded shield wall. Above all, though, he wishes to recover his father’s land, the enchanting fort of Bebbanburg by the wild northern sea.
This thrilling adventure—based on existing records of Bernard Cornwell’s ancestors—depicts a time when law and order were ripped violently apart by a pagan assault on Christian England, an assault that came very close to destroying England.
Reviews
Gripping tales of a young warrior coming of age
5By EHLKIn the years when Christian society was put to the test and England nearly lost to Danish invaders, the author tells the tales of a fictional hero named Uhtred. Born Anglo-Saxon but raised Danish, Uhtred is able to move between the lines to tell the story. The novel is well written, captivating and exciting.Awesome Read
5By Tia CorieI love, love historic novels & have discovered that I’m a bit of an Anglophile. And, now, I’m on to book two. This is a very well written novel. It’s easy to become invested in the various characters ~ both good and bad. I’m a big fan of Uhtred & looking forward to his continuing story.Historical Fiction at its peak.
5By vantacrocsMagnificent. Truly well written, incredible story and great main character. I cannot wait to finish the rest of the books.Pure fun and fury
5By karenindixieI’ve started reading this series because I loved the Netflix series by the same name. Books are way better than the film version as usual, but it does take a bit of time to adjust to the names and sites. The fast pace is great, the modernized wording is fun, and the fury of battle is palpable. On to the next!It’s a must read if you watched the series or not
5By bugsjeepVery well DetailedBeautifully written
5By Yolanda LampoleI see now why this book gets such high reviews. The battle scenes are intense. They always say the book is better, and although I love the show, the book is definitely better.Fantastic history and novel
5By joematthews29One of the best historical novels that I have read. Well written. Well documented in history. Well worth the time to read.R. Elmer McCartney
5By Yinzer 59I enjoyed the book. I watched the series on Netflix as well. As usual, the book is better. However, the film is well done too. This really captures the period well. A great writer and another great book of Historical fiction!Poor Apple
5By Anonymous EricThis is an excellent NOVEL! Apple chooses to sell it as history. It is NOT history and should not be sold that way.The Last Kingdom
5By boots saddleGreat oldtimey yarn of wooden ships and iron men. Very entertaining window of life fifteen hundred years ago in one of today’s most prominent European areas.The book that started it all
5By BD EarlBernard Cornwell’s masterpiece starts here.Uhtred’s story captivates and Cornwell’s writing brings the ninth and tenth century struggle between the Saxons and Danes alive like few authors can. It made me look deeper into my own Anglo-Scandinavian heritage. Cornwell tops the list of the great historical fiction writers.Great series
5By StaypuffedI've read all of this series to date, and each book gets better. I don't want the story to end, as Cornwell builds such wonderful characters and settings that I will be sad to let them go. Also, no one does a battle scene better that Bernard.Excellent Start to a Gripping, Informative Series
5By auagfinderThe Last Kingdom is the first of who knows how many Saxon Chronicle novels. As of early 2014, there are six(6), and there will be more. English history in the late 800's through mid 900's is told from the point of view of a Saxon War Chief, Uhtred. The nature of battles from that time is told in gritty detail. The relationship between the early Christian church in England and the warriors who fought the battles is a focus of the series. If one or two battles had gone in a different direction, there would be no England or English language. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Mr. Cornwall is on a level with Steven Pressfield in the quality of his writing and the gripping nature of the story lines.A great read!
5By Pam-O-LandFascinating historical novel, told narrative style by a young warrior. Uhtred is a character you love to follow. Even through the blood 'n'guts of battle, he is fearless, daring, and all too human. Can't wait to read the sequel!As goods it gets
5By redjack63Cornwell is a masterful storyteller, and books are grounded in history. The Last Kingdom sets the stage for what is to be a great epic series and keeps you riveted until the very last page.Ugh-find something else to read
1By 3pennyLots of murder, mayhem and tedious battle scenes. The characters are for the most part uninteresting and sort of hard to keep straight. You might learn a little bit about England during this era, but mostly what you come away with a profound sense of relief that you weren't around then. I for one will not be reading any more books in this series (and I actually liked Game of Thrones!)Cornwell is the best
5By skeletorsamboraThe Warlord Chronicles were so good I read them twice. I just finished this book and can't wait to start the Pale Horsemen.JV rendition of Game of Thrones.
1By Lynz1111JV rendition of Game of Thrones.Exciting
5By Kathy5723We have lived in Germany 9 years in the recent past. We toured much of England in our adventures. We developed a great interest in the Middle Ages, before and after. Having always enjoyed Vikings we appreciated the great details and history. Thank you for the Wonderful adventures! Den & Kathy Ryan
