Death of Kings

Another fine entry in the series.

While this seems to follow a pretty solid pattern Cornwell has established for these books, this one was an exceptionally smooth and easy read.While it can be said that Uthred is nearly superhuman (and despite knowing that there is another book in the series) I will admit I was honestly worried near the end that Uthred could fall. The final battle I particularly enjoyed because it really set the situation up much like real war: a confusing mess, violent and loud, and never certain of the outcome. I also liked that others were given the opportunity to shine: a major battle was clearly won by the acts of others, and in fact you could say rescued Uthred, but still Uthred played a major, major role.

One thing I particularly liked was that Uthred is starting to feel his age. Much like me I am getting older and things just don’t work as well, people mention your age, etc. While it may be a silent shadow over you, your age is constantly there as you get older and the reminders scattered throughout the book were placed perfectly to start shaping the idea that yes, Uthred will die some sad day in the future.

If you have enjoyed the other books in the series I would recommend this one as well, it continues the story well and provides an interesting look at the events that helped shape England.

** No Spoilers ** King Alfred of Wessex is dying, and the Viking invaders unify in hopes of unleashing an invincible army to destroy the Saxon forces once and for all. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Sword of the Saxons seeks his destiny during this turbulent period walking the razors edge fighting friends and foes alike, and unable to trust no one. Death of Kings the sixth installment in a thirteen-book series known as the Saxon Tales aka The Last Kingdom written by Bernard Cornwell continues to fascinate and certainly entertain. Mr. Cornwell is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors and I have truly enjoyed the series so far. As I have stated in previous reviews of the books, I became aware of Uhtreds story after watching the amazing Netflix series. The television show is a great introduction into this lavish and interesting world but I find that it is the books that really provide insight into the characters and really do a wonderful job of transporting you to this period in time. Although a work of historical fiction the author weaves many real historical characters into his work. For example, if one were to study the real biography of King Alfred the Great you could not help but notice the author is none other than a 9th-century welsh scholar and Bishop our friend Asser, a constant source of irritation to Uhtred.

I love this series. I started reading it because I liked BBC America’s production of “The Last Kingdom” and was curious about what would happen next (I am not big on waiting around for the next season). I tore through the rest of the books. I love historical fiction and this time period, Britain in the dark ages during the reign of Alfred, when the country was divided into multiple kingdoms and was in large part occupied by Danes, particularly interests me. This is not a bodice ripper. To enjoy it you had better love battle scenes and have a fair amount of tolerance for blood and gore, as the focus is on the struggle to unify Britain under Christian Saxon rule, warfare between Danes and Saxons, and the conflict between Christianity, which was growing in power and influence, and the pagan way of life. Uhtred, the protagonist, is a Saxon raised by Danes who remains a pagan despite fighting on the Saxon side. His viewpoint is interesting, and his observations, as an outsider, of the growing influence of Christianity are often critical. His observations about the faded remnants of Roman occupation are poignant. I could not put it down and my spouse was forced to tolerate my telling him I could not speak because I was in the middle of an important battle. I liked the postscripts at the end of each volume, when the author points out what was based on historical fact vs what fictional.

To this point in the series, the story has built upon one book to another. It is a series that must start from the beginning to gain understanding, for the past books give the reason and understanding for the current story. King Alfred The Great dies and leaves a young king a legacy, vision, and chaos to manage before the onslaught of the greatest Dane army yet to ravage Wessex and Mercia. Utred, the narrator, lays out the plot in a steady coherent manner that brings intrigue and anticipation together on pages in a way few story tellers are able to do. I started and finished the book in two days and since starting the series have struggled to put the story down and take time to eat, drink, sleep and work. A series not for the faint of heart. Graphic in the story telling are details that paint the picture of a hard life where no one worried about upcoming elections even while the leadership changed. People served not by choice but by the compulsion to survive. Men slaughtered. Women were property and children were necessary pawns played out by fate in a world that cared little for freedom, equality and fairness.

The endings of his books leave me feeling as though I had just finished the dessert of a multi-course meal. Now is the time to get something done before the next meal is ordered and the feasting begins again.

This is the sixth book in thee Saxon Tales and follows Uthred a Saxon that was raised by the Danes but finds himself fighting the Danes again and again. This time Uthred finds himself doing what he didn’t want to do, pledging to a dying King Alfred that Uthred will pledge himself to Alfred’s son, Edward when he is crowned. After a period of unusual inaction from the Danes, they finally invade again and it is up to Uthred to help a hesitant King Edward preserve his kingdom. This book can be read as a standalone, but it is better if you read the series in order. This is a great historical novel that tells of the battles and men who fought to form a nation. I highly recommend it.

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