This is the sixth book in the Saxon Chronicles series, focusing on Uhtred of Bebbanburg, by Bernard Cornwell. Read my review (one of the first on this blog) of the first book if you haven’t read this series before and want to avoid spoilers!
The great King Alfred is on his deathbed, and with that thought in mind, chaos is ready to strike the country that would become England. The Vikings still haven’t been completely vanquished and are a constant threat, but worse are the factions that threaten to split the fledgling kingdom up from within. After nearly being killed up North, Uhtred returns to his king to pay his final homage and to do his best to keep the realm from falling to pieces without a strong leader.
Uhtred remains true to his warrior roots in this novel, more or less constantly fighting to secure his kingdom. It wouldn’t be a book about him without a battle in the shield wall and the adrenaline of a fight well won. But though the battles are well written, they’re not all this series has to offer, and as in other installments, this sixth one has the power to keep us drawn to Uhtred and those he remains close to.
One of these is Aethelflaed, Alfred’s daughter, a true leader of her people. As soon as she appeared in this series, as a young girl, I was thrilled, and I’ve only been more pleased with her development as the series carries on. Naturally, she and Uhtred have become a couple, and very much contrary to the way Cornwell sometimes treats his women, Aethelflaed is developed as the strong, leading woman that history tells us she was, with a bit of loving to round out her character in fiction. I can’t wait to read more about her, and Uhtred’s devotion to her, as the series carries on.
As always, Cornwell successfully delivers a number of other fascinating encounters and adventures for Uhtred. One that sticks in my mind here is his encounter with a mysterious witch and “earth goddess”, a potent reminder that while Alfred’s kingdom is becoming increasingly Christian, the religious landscape of the time was far from black-and-white, even beyond Uhtred’s own Norse beliefs. It also adds a creepy interlude for Uhtred as he’s forced to contemplate the future of this realm he’s committed to defending.
For those who want an adrenaline-filled look into early England, with a fantastic main character who feels like he belongs in that time period, you simply can’t go wrong with this series. Death of Kings is an installment that will keep fans like me very happy and eagerly anticipating the next volume. This is a much grittier variety of historical fiction, perfectly suited to a society based around battle, and provides an excellent change if you’re a bit tired of reading about the same old Tudors.
All book links to external sites are affiliate links. I received this book for free for review from the publisher.
I’m only two books into this series but I’m glad to hear it keeps getting better.
Amy´s last post …Review – Claire Dewitt and the City of the Dead
Ooh I didn’t realize this book was out – I love this series! I’m not reading your review b/c I don’t want to know what happens in this one until I read it for myself.
Broken record: I must, must, must get to this series.
Beth F´s last post …Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
I have a feeling most of my book club would love this. I’m going to ask if they’ve read Cornwell’s work.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last post …Mailbox Monday
He writes such good battles. I’m glad to hear that the woman in this one is good because I don’t feel that is usually one of his strengths. Maybe I’ll bump it up my TBR list.
JR Tomlin´s last post …Countenance of War: Sneak Peek
Our copy arrived over the weekend. Hubby gets to read it first since he farther along in the series than I am, but glad to hear it’s a good one!
Daphne´s last post …New This Week – October 9, 2011
While I do enjoy the Tudors, I also like the grittier and more battle-focused sound of this book as well. I might do really well to pick up this series when I can. It sounds wonderful, and I am glad you enjoyed it!
zibilee´s last post …What Alice Forgot by Laine Moriarty — 432 pgs
I am making a note of the series. Thanks for the post.
Mystica´s last post …Mailbox Monday and It’s Monday What are you reading?
I collect this author and then am very slack about actually reading him… Must remedy that!
Kailana´s last post …Reasons to be Happy by Katrina Kittle
I have read the first 5 and love everything about them, going to the shop in the next hour to buy this one…. I’m all giddy!
In my view, for historical fiction with teeth you just can’t go past Bernard Cornwell and this, his latest series, is my favourite. With any series, as a new book is released, I try not to expect the impact the previous book had; I only need to be disappointed once to drop the series and sometimes even the author, but Bernard Cornwell’s, and particularly his Saxon Chronicles, just keep getting better and better. Actually I think he is improving with age.
This is a wonderful series as all of Bernard Cornwell series are. I have greatly enjoyed it and am awaiting the next installment. I have wondered about the interchange of Uhtred of Bebbanburg to Uhtred of Bambra or Bambria in the last book. I listen to the books on my i-pod so am not sure of the spelling. Wasn’t it Uhtred of Bebbanburg in the first books and Uhtred of Bambra or Bambria (sp) in the last?
A worthy successor to the other 5. Come on Bernard, let’s have the sequel before we die of suspense !
Irene, it is ‘Bamburgh’ a castle adjacent to Lindisfarne. Both are just East of the A1 south of Berwick upon Tweed. Now owned by the National Trust, and was latterally owned by William Armstrong – industrialist inventor and philanthropist. A long interesting history, please google it. Better still visit the area and the place