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A review by topdragon
Warriors of the Storm by Bernard Cornwell
5.0
The ninth book in the “Saxon Chronicles” series (or the “Saxon Stories” or the “Saxon Tales”, or “The Last Kingdom” series…take your pick) is another great entry. The Saxons are slowly closing in on King Alfred’s dream of uniting the four primary regions into a single Saxon kingdom of England. Similarly, Uhtred of Bebbanburg is inching closer to his goal of reclaiming his birthright and wresting back control of Bebbanburg from his cousin. This novel sees Uhtred having to face a formidable enemy, Ragnall Ivarson, a Northman who has recruited Northumbrians and Irish mercenaries to invade to the South in an attempt to take over Mercia.
All of the elements of a Bernard Cornwell historical adventure are here to be enjoyed. We have great battles with swords, shields, pikes, and more spilled blood than you can measure. We have clever tactics, showing off Uhtred’s reputation as one of the greatest warriors in all the land, to include desperate measures to turn imminent defeat into glorious victory. (We also get to see him take matters into his own hands despite the orders of those above him - absolutely true to his character). We have the on-going conflict between Christians and those that follow the old gods. And we have humor in just the right places - sometimes subtle and sometimes of the knee-slapping variety.
I’ve been watching the “Last Kingdom” television series as I read these novels. Each season of the show covers, roughly, two books. The show and the books differ in many ways but I really enjoy both of them. Sometimes, due to the many similar names of the characters, I find it is easier to watch the shows first before delving into the books. Makes it easier to tell the difference between Aethelred, Aethelflaed, Aethelhelm, Ælflæd, Æthelstan, Ælfwynn, and Ælfweard, as an example.
Only four more novels to consume. Looking forward to each of them.
All of the elements of a Bernard Cornwell historical adventure are here to be enjoyed. We have great battles with swords, shields, pikes, and more spilled blood than you can measure. We have clever tactics, showing off Uhtred’s reputation as one of the greatest warriors in all the land, to include desperate measures to turn imminent defeat into glorious victory. (We also get to see him take matters into his own hands despite the orders of those above him - absolutely true to his character). We have the on-going conflict between Christians and those that follow the old gods. And we have humor in just the right places - sometimes subtle and sometimes of the knee-slapping variety.
I’ve been watching the “Last Kingdom” television series as I read these novels. Each season of the show covers, roughly, two books. The show and the books differ in many ways but I really enjoy both of them. Sometimes, due to the many similar names of the characters, I find it is easier to watch the shows first before delving into the books. Makes it easier to tell the difference between Aethelred, Aethelflaed, Aethelhelm, Ælflæd, Æthelstan, Ælfwynn, and Ælfweard, as an example.
Only four more novels to consume. Looking forward to each of them.