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Azincourt
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Bernard Cornwell;
2008-10-01;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.45
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 Customer Reviews
Odd one out, 20 Nov 2008
I have read every one of Bernard Cornwells Books,had this book on pre order and looked forward so much to the books publication. I can only say, I was so dissapionted, I couldn't wait to get to the end and put it down.
400 pages, only two battles and it really didn't hold my interest at all, I can't express my dissapointment enough.
I must be the odd one out.
Great narrative...dreadfull dialogue..., 20 Nov 2008
This pains me..... Anyone who has met Bernard Cornwell at a book signing would I am sure agree with me when I say that he is a smashing bloke. I have many of his novels personaly signed and always buy his latest hardback.
Cornwell's 'hero' Hook is like so many other Cornwell hereos, so like Sharpe in fact and also Hookton.The dialogue between characters is repetative and boring and there are only so many ways you can insult the French!
Cornwell's discriptive narrative is always good though, and he paints great landscapes of blood, gore and battle with his usual sense of flair.
Most of the novels action does not take place at Agincourt but at Harfleur and the march towards the field of battle.
This was an effort to get through, mainly because of the one dimensional characters. His slowest and dullest book since another 'stand alone' novel, 'Stonehenge'
Cornwell's historical notes at the end of the book were of more interest and more insightful than the novel itself.
And now to really upset him.... BRING BACK STARBUCK!!!
Solid, but lacks something, 17 Nov 2008
Or Agincourt as it was when I was at school!
The Battle of Agincourt was a King Henry V led English victory against a larger French army during the Hundred Years' War (1415). In addition to a great deal of luck (ground conditions, poor French tactics) this was a battle where the power of the English archer (okay, a few Welsh as well) reigned supreme.
In typical Cornwall style he gives us a character (Nicholas Hook an English archer) against which to tell the tale and politics of the events leading up to, and the battle itself.
Cornwall's skill is in the blend of character, action and history. The Sharpe novels are obviously the perfect mix, and perhaps the blend was wrong with the Starbuck novels set in the US Civil War. In this novel it `almost' works but not quite. Hook is a talented fighter who hears voices (a Saint giving him advice) but his character felt lacking. On the march to Azincourt he suffers a personal tragedy, yet seems over it by morning!
The historical elements are, as always, excellent but the rest of this novel lacks that perfect blend that we have come to expect.
Disapointment, 14 Nov 2008
As a big fan of Bernard Cornwell I was disapointed with this latest work. The characters were dusted off versions from his 'Grail' series, the plotline unimaginative and unconvincing. To make it work It was necessary for the hero to start hearing the voices of saints, who would tell him what to do - hardly the convincing narrative we're used to. The only saving grace was the descriptions of the siege of Harfleur and the Battle of Agincourt itself. Well researched and excitingly told. Did Mr Cornewell succumb to the siren song of the Christmas Market and rush this one out? It certainly feels like it.
not yet available in Nice, 12 Nov 2008
WHY is the book called AZINCOURT? The famous battle was fought at AGINCOURT but the French, having lost the battle, changed the name of the village to AZINCOURT. The U.S. edition of this book reverts to the original name. One-up to the Yanks!
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Sharpe's Story
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £2.66
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Customer Reviews
Odd one out, 20 Nov 2008
I have read every one of Bernard Cornwells Books,had this book on pre order and looked forward so much to the books publication. I can only say, I was so dissapionted, I couldn't wait to get to the end and put it down.
400 pages, only two battles and it really didn't hold my interest at all, I can't express my dissapointment enough.
I must be the odd one out.
Great narrative...dreadfull dialogue..., 20 Nov 2008
This pains me..... Anyone who has met Bernard Cornwell at a book signing would I am sure agree with me when I say that he is a smashing bloke. I have many of his novels personaly signed and always buy his latest hardback.
Cornwell's 'hero' Hook is like so many other Cornwell hereos, so like Sharpe in fact and also Hookton.The dialogue between characters is repetative and boring and there are only so many ways you can insult the French!
Cornwell's discriptive narrative is always good though, and he paints great landscapes of blood, gore and battle with his usual sense of flair.
Most of the novels action does not take place at Agincourt but at Harfleur and the march towards the field of battle.
This was an effort to get through, mainly because of the one dimensional characters. His slowest and dullest book since another 'stand alone' novel, 'Stonehenge'
Cornwell's historical notes at the end of the book were of more interest and more insightful than the novel itself.
And now to really upset him.... BRING BACK STARBUCK!!!
Solid, but lacks something, 17 Nov 2008
Or Agincourt as it was when I was at school!
The Battle of Agincourt was a King Henry V led English victory against a larger French army during the Hundred Years' War (1415). In addition to a great deal of luck (ground conditions, poor French tactics) this was a battle where the power of the English archer (okay, a few Welsh as well) reigned supreme.
In typical Cornwall style he gives us a character (Nicholas Hook an English archer) against which to tell the tale and politics of the events leading up to, and the battle itself.
Cornwall's skill is in the blend of character, action and history. The Sharpe novels are obviously the perfect mix, and perhaps the blend was wrong with the Starbuck novels set in the US Civil War. In this novel it `almost' works but not quite. Hook is a talented fighter who hears voices (a Saint giving him advice) but his character felt lacking. On the march to Azincourt he suffers a personal tragedy, yet seems over it by morning!
The historical elements are, as always, excellent but the rest of this novel lacks that perfect blend that we have come to expect.
Disapointment, 14 Nov 2008
As a big fan of Bernard Cornwell I was disapointed with this latest work. The characters were dusted off versions from his 'Grail' series, the plotline unimaginative and unconvincing. To make it work It was necessary for the hero to start hearing the voices of saints, who would tell him what to do - hardly the convincing narrative we're used to. The only saving grace was the descriptions of the siege of Harfleur and the Battle of Agincourt itself. Well researched and excitingly told. Did Mr Cornewell succumb to the siren song of the Christmas Market and rush this one out? It certainly feels like it.
not yet available in Nice, 12 Nov 2008
WHY is the book called AZINCOURT? The famous battle was fought at AGINCOURT but the French, having lost the battle, changed the name of the village to AZINCOURT. The U.S. edition of this book reverts to the original name. One-up to the Yanks!
Must read, 12 Aug 2008
If you ever enjoyed any Sharpe story or film then you must buy this book, A. it is for charity
B. It fills a lot of gaps in the films.
C. it is funny and amusing.
and
D. I t ends with a great true life story about the author which explains a lot about Richard Sharpe.
Actually it is the Appendix which merits the five stars!... "Cakes and Ale", 25 Mar 2008
I bought it as I have done with all Bernard Cornwell related to Sharpe material.
The fact it is a skinny book (like Sharpe's Skirmish and Sharpe's X'mas), and what is in it (meaning the History of Sharpe books and TV series... was already very well known to me) wouldn't come as a surprise did not stopped me, because there is always something knew to learn.
So, in a way I was not disappointed at all, I did not knew some funny anecdotes, and other not so funny related to the books and the TV series.
That alone was worth the price (ouch... happy it goes for charity though) of the little book.
What is really worth your time is the tale of the "peculiar" Bernard Wiggins infancy... as a piece of information it is truly revealing and in a way explains why Richard Sharpe has so much anger inside... I do not blame it a bit... I can't stand zealots or proselytists myself.
I read it on one sitting... and I have to confess I skipped the extracts of the books (I already knew them ... not by heart... but nearly), I do not agree about the TV series... even if Sean Bean is well casted... I love much more the books!... insufficient "numbers" of "extras" were a big disappointment when I bought the VHS tapes (in their time)... and I have not bothered to buy them in DVD...
What I did not knew, and had escaped me when reading the ACW novels is that Patrick Lassan... IS... OF COURSE!!!... Sharpe's son!!!... one probably focus too much on the narrative and do not relate one series to the others!... IT WAS A GOAL BERNARD CORNWELL MADE! (and the ball passed between my legs!!!).
I just hope Patrick Lassan is (why not) the protagonist of a future novel set in the Crimea and he rides in the Chasseurs d'Afrique to the rescue of the remains of the light brigade... (THAT NOVEL WOULD BE A MUST READ MR. CORNWELL!!!).
Well, stopping my wishful thinking... if you buy this book you will learn why "Sweet William" was so named... and after whom... and a lot of juicy anecdotes akin.
IT IS ABOUT TIME HE DELIVERS ANOTHER ONE!... after all he always says:
Sharpe and Harper will march again... (and hopefully US with them...)
ADB
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Customer Reviews
Odd one out, 20 Nov 2008
I have read every one of Bernard Cornwells Books,had this book on pre order and looked forward so much to the books publication. I can only say, I was so dissapionted, I couldn't wait to get to the end and put it down.
400 pages, only two battles and it really didn't hold my interest at all, I can't express my dissapointment enough.
I must be the odd one out.
Great narrative...dreadfull dialogue..., 20 Nov 2008
This pains me..... Anyone who has met Bernard Cornwell at a book signing would I am sure agree with me when I say that he is a smashing bloke. I have many of his novels personaly signed and always buy his latest hardback.
Cornwell's 'hero' Hook is like so many other Cornwell hereos, so like Sharpe in fact and also Hookton.The dialogue between characters is repetative and boring and there are only so many ways you can insult the French!
Cornwell's discriptive narrative is always good though, and he paints great landscapes of blood, gore and battle with his usual sense of flair.
Most of the novels action does not take place at Agincourt but at Harfleur and the march towards the field of battle.
This was an effort to get through, mainly because of the one dimensional characters. His slowest and dullest book since another 'stand alone' novel, 'Stonehenge'
Cornwell's historical notes at the end of the book were of more interest and more insightful than the novel itself.
And now to really upset him.... BRING BACK STARBUCK!!!
Solid, but lacks something, 17 Nov 2008
Or Agincourt as it was when I was at school!
The Battle of Agincourt was a King Henry V led English victory against a larger French army during the Hundred Years' War (1415). In addition to a great deal of luck (ground conditions, poor French tactics) this was a battle where the power of the English archer (okay, a few Welsh as well) reigned supreme.
In typical Cornwall style he gives us a character (Nicholas Hook an English archer) against which to tell the tale and politics of the events leading up to, and the battle itself.
Cornwall's skill is in the blend of character, action and history. The Sharpe novels are obviously the perfect mix, and perhaps the blend was wrong with the Starbuck novels set in the US Civil War. In this novel it `almost' works but not quite. Hook is a talented fighter who hears voices (a Saint giving him advice) but his character felt lacking. On the march to Azincourt he suffers a personal tragedy, yet seems over it by morning!
The historical elements are, as always, excellent but the rest of this novel lacks that perfect blend that we have come to expect.
Disapointment, 14 Nov 2008
As a big fan of Bernard Cornwell I was disapointed with this latest work. The characters were dusted off versions from his 'Grail' series, the plotline unimaginative and unconvincing. To make it work It was necessary for the hero to start hearing the voices of saints, who would tell him what to do - hardly the convincing narrative we're used to. The only saving grace was the descriptions of the siege of Harfleur and the Battle of Agincourt itself. Well researched and excitingly told. Did Mr Cornewell succumb to the siren song of the Christmas Market and rush this one out? It certainly feels like it.
not yet available in Nice, 12 Nov 2008
WHY is the book called AZINCOURT? The famous battle was fought at AGINCOURT but the French, having lost the battle, changed the name of the village to AZINCOURT. The U.S. edition of this book reverts to the original name. One-up to the Yanks!
Must read, 12 Aug 2008
If you ever enjoyed any Sharpe story or film then you must buy this book, A. it is for charity
B. It fills a lot of gaps in the films.
C. it is funny and amusing.
and
D. I t ends with a great true life story about the author which explains a lot about Richard Sharpe.
Actually it is the Appendix which merits the five stars!... "Cakes and Ale", 25 Mar 2008
I bought it as I have done with all Bernard Cornwell related to Sharpe material.
The fact it is a skinny book (like Sharpe's Skirmish and Sharpe's X'mas), and what is in it (meaning the History of Sharpe books and TV series... was already very well known to me) wouldn't come as a surprise did not stopped me, because there is always something knew to learn.
So, in a way I was not disappointed at all, I did not knew some funny anecdotes, and other not so funny related to the books and the TV series.
That alone was worth the price (ouch... happy it goes for charity though) of the little book.
What is really worth your time is the tale of the "peculiar" Bernard Wiggins infancy... as a piece of information it is truly revealing and in a way explains why Richard Sharpe has so much anger inside... I do not blame it a bit... I can't stand zealots or proselytists myself.
I read it on one sitting... and I have to confess I skipped the extracts of the books (I already knew them ... not by heart... but nearly), I do not agree about the TV series... even if Sean Bean is well casted... I love much more the books!... insufficient "numbers" of "extras" were a big disappointment when I bought the VHS tapes (in their time)... and I have not bothered to buy them in DVD...
What I did not knew, and had escaped me when reading the ACW novels is that Patrick Lassan... IS... OF COURSE!!!... Sharpe's son!!!... one probably focus too much on the narrative and do not relate one series to the others!... IT WAS A GOAL BERNARD CORNWELL MADE! (and the ball passed between my legs!!!).
I just hope Patrick Lassan is (why not) the protagonist of a future novel set in the Crimea and he rides in the Chasseurs d'Afrique to the rescue of the remains of the light brigade... (THAT NOVEL WOULD BE A MUST READ MR. CORNWELL!!!).
Well, stopping my wishful thinking... if you buy this book you will learn why "Sweet William" was so named... and after whom... and a lot of juicy anecdotes akin.
IT IS ABOUT TIME HE DELIVERS ANOTHER ONE!... after all he always says:
Sharpe and Harper will march again... (and hopefully US with them...)
ADB
The 4th Uhtred and Alfred novel... still going strong , 22 Oct 2008
Our Hero Uhtred just as he thinks things are settling down, he gets some new enemies to fight.... well it wouldn't be a Cornwell without would it? He is stuck fighting for the Saxons and their King Alfred, of which he has no love, and against the Danes who he has an affinity to. Not suprisingly this gives him problems just about every where he turns. This first person narrative style is different to the other Cornwell series and is a nice change. This is not the strongest in the series, but still excellent. well researched, gripping historical fiction from the master Bernard Cornwell! Only problem is I dont know when the next book is due.......
A great saga, 09 Oct 2008
Not appealing for all readers, for the atipic "old british" scenario, at levels of Sharpe's or the Arthur's books, the Saxons stories are like (almost) every Cornwell's book: solid plot, well done battle scenes, big characters, a bit of fine humorism. In a saga, some books are better than others, by the point of view of readers, but for a Cornwell's fan a new book on the wars between Saxons and Vikings are good (very good) news.
And Sword song is the last (but non least) adventure of a group of "old friends".
Uninspiring, 01 Oct 2008
As I find this period of British history fascinating I thought I'd give Sword song a try, but I must admit defeat - I have abandoned reading it after only 73 pages. Yes, it has period feel, yes, the research is there - but it fails to hold me. I find the personalities less than gripping, and the story doesn't really flow for me. It is rather basic stuff, adventure for boys, but even then it is less engaging than Rosemary Sutcliffe or W.E. Johns. Obviously a matter of taste as the author seems very popular!
I would recommend the books by Alfred Duggan from the same period - the same gritty imperfect heroes, but smarter writing, with more humor - which seems completely missing from this book, and that makes it not very readable for me.
not as good, 08 Aug 2008
Sadly, I was very disapointed with this book, definitely not a patch on the other three, I really was very disapointed and feel quite let down. Alfred was portrayed as a untrustworthy idiot, only interested in his books and his priests. The Danes I am sure would have most certainly killed any "traitor" out of hand, and were the Irish ever involved? if they were, I certainly never learnt that in school, and in my day we were actually taught History although we did know that the Norseman did land there in Eire and make settlements, as they did in America.
I just hope that the next book is better.
History lessons you don't fall asleep during!, 05 Jul 2008
Well I'll get all the negative stuff out of the way first! Uhtred really is just a dark ages 'Sharpe' he even has an Irish side kick now and whilst Sharpe was loathed as a commoner amongst upper class twit fellow officers, Uhtred is loathed because he is a pagan amongst pious preachy christians!
That said for many years I loved Sharpe! and likewise I am loving Uhtred and the Saxons, a major part of our national history largely ignored till now! Romans and vikings by the score, Saxons, hardly any!.
Back to the book it's architypical Cornwell. Our hero is unloved by his masters, out numbered by his foe's but backed up by his savage comrades. Yes we've seen it a hundred times before from Cornwell but it is such a winning formula and he does it probably better than anyone. Also I like the stories being told from the first person perspective by Uhtred himself as you really feel like you are in the heart of the action.
This book starts with the re-taking of London from the Danes an actual event but then takes a sharp left down imagination lane to put Uhtred in a daring rescue bid. As with most Cornwell stories the action is compelling gritty and believable, the book is fast paced though perhaps a hundred pages short of what we normally expect of him.
We are promised more Uhtred action shortley by the author and I'll no doubt be there with my credit card though I hope he doesn't over do it as I felt he did with Sharpe as there are so many other great bits of history he can take us to but I have not quite had enough of Uhtred yet! So I'll be sharpening my battle axe for next time.
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Sharpe's Christmas
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £2.54
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Customer Reviews
Odd one out, 20 Nov 2008
I have read every one of Bernard Cornwells Books,had this book on pre order and looked forward so much to the books publication. I can only say, I was so dissapionted, I couldn't wait to get to the end and put it down.
400 pages, only two battles and it really didn't hold my interest at all, I can't express my dissapointment enough.
I must be the odd one out.
Great narrative...dreadfull dialogue..., 20 Nov 2008
This pains me..... Anyone who has met Bernard Cornwell at a book signing would I am sure agree with me when I say that he is a smashing bloke. I have many of his novels personaly signed and always buy his latest hardback.
Cornwell's 'hero' Hook is like so many other Cornwell hereos, so like Sharpe in fact and also Hookton.The dialogue between characters is repetative and boring and there are only so many ways you can insult the French!
Cornwell's discriptive narrative is always good though, and he paints great landscapes of blood, gore and battle with his usual sense of flair.
Most of the novels action does not take place at Agincourt but at Harfleur and the march towards the field of battle.
This was an effort to get through, mainly because of the one dimensional characters. His slowest and dullest book since another 'stand alone' novel, 'Stonehenge'
Cornwell's historical notes at the end of the book were of more interest and more insightful than the novel itself.
And now to really upset him.... BRING BACK STARBUCK!!!
Solid, but lacks something, 17 Nov 2008
Or Agincourt as it was when I was at school!
The Battle of Agincourt was a King Henry V led English victory against a larger French army during the Hundred Years' War (1415). In addition to a great deal of luck (ground conditions, poor French tactics) this was a battle where the power of the English archer (okay, a few Welsh as well) reigned supreme.
In typical Cornwall style he gives us a character (Nicholas Hook an English archer) against which to tell the tale and politics of the events leading up to, and the battle itself.
Cornwall's skill is in the blend of character, action and history. The Sharpe novels are obviously the perfect mix, and perhaps the blend was wrong with the Starbuck novels set in the US Civil War. In this novel it `almost' works but not quite. Hook is a talented fighter who hears voices (a Saint giving him advice) but his character felt lacking. On the march to Azincourt he suffers a personal tragedy, yet seems over it by morning!
The historical elements are, as always, excellent but the rest of this novel lacks that perfect blend that we have come to expect.
Disapointment, 14 Nov 2008
As a big fan of Bernard Cornwell I was disapointed with this latest work. The characters were dusted off versions from his 'Grail' series, the plotline unimaginative and unconvincing. To make it work It was necessary for the hero to start hearing the voices of saints, who would tell him what to do - hardly the convincing narrative we're used to. The only saving grace was the descriptions of the siege of Harfleur and the Battle of Agincourt itself. Well researched and excitingly told. Did Mr Cornewell succumb to the siren song of the Christmas Market and rush this one out? It certainly feels like it.
not yet available in Nice, 12 Nov 2008
WHY is the book called AZINCOURT? The famous battle was fought at AGINCOURT but the French, having lost the battle, changed the name of the village to AZINCOURT. The U.S. edition of this book reverts to the original name. One-up to the Yanks!
Must read, 12 Aug 2008
If you ever enjoyed any Sharpe story or film then you must buy this book, A. it is for charity
B. It fills a lot of gaps in the films.
C. it is funny and amusing.
and
D. I t ends with a great true life story about the author which explains a lot about Richard Sharpe.
Actually it is the Appendix which merits the five stars!... "Cakes and Ale", 25 Mar 2008
I bought it as I have done with all Bernard Cornwell related to Sharpe material.
The fact it is a skinny book (like Sharpe's Skirmish and Sharpe's X'mas), and what is in it (meaning the History of Sharpe books and TV series... was already very well known to me) wouldn't come as a surprise did not stopped me, because there is always something knew to learn.
So, in a way I was not disappointed at all, I did not knew some funny anecdotes, and other not so funny related to the books and the TV series.
That alone was worth the price (ouch... happy it goes for charity though) of the little book.
What is really worth your time is the tale of the "peculiar" Bernard Wiggins infancy... as a piece of information it is truly revealing and in a way explains why Richard Sharpe has so much anger inside... I do not blame it a bit... I can't stand zealots or proselytists myself.
I read it on one sitting... and I have to confess I skipped the extracts of the books (I already knew them ... not by heart... but nearly), I do not agree about the TV series... even if Sean Bean is well casted... I love much more the books!... insufficient "numbers" of "extras" were a big disappointment when I bought the VHS tapes (in their time)... and I have not bothered to buy them in DVD...
What I did not knew, and had escaped me when reading the ACW novels is that Patrick Lassan... IS... OF COURSE!!!... Sharpe's son!!!... one probably focus too much on the narrative and do not relate one series to the others!... IT WAS A GOAL BERNARD CORNWELL MADE! (and the ball passed between my legs!!!).
I just hope Patrick Lassan is (why not) the protagonist of a future novel set in the Crimea and he rides in the Chasseurs d'Afrique to the rescue of the remains of the light brigade... (THAT NOVEL WOULD BE A MUST READ MR. CORNWELL!!!).
Well, stopping my wishful thinking... if you buy this book you will learn why "Sweet William" was so named... and after whom... and a lot of juicy anecdotes akin.
IT IS ABOUT TIME HE DELIVERS ANOTHER ONE!... after all he always says:
Sharpe and Harper will march again... (and hopefully US with them...)
ADB
The 4th Uhtred and Alfred novel... still going strong , 22 Oct 2008
Our Hero Uhtred just as he thinks things are settling down, he gets some new enemies to fight.... well it wouldn't be a Cornwell without would it? He is stuck fighting for the Saxons and their King Alfred, of which he has no love, and against the Danes who he has an affinity to. Not suprisingly this gives him problems just about every where he turns. This first person narrative style is different to the other Cornwell series and is a nice change. This is not the strongest in the series, but still excellent. well researched, gripping historical fiction from the master Bernard Cornwell! Only problem is I dont know when the next book is due.......
A great saga, 09 Oct 2008
Not appealing for all readers, for the atipic "old british" scenario, at levels of Sharpe's or the Arthur's books, the Saxons stories are like (almost) every Cornwell's book: solid plot, well done battle scenes, big characters, a bit of fine humorism. In a saga, some books are better than others, by the point of view of readers, but for a Cornwell's fan a new book on the wars between Saxons and Vikings are good (very good) news.
And Sword song is the last (but non least) adventure of a group of "old friends".
Uninspiring, 01 Oct 2008
As I find this period of British history fascinating I thought I'd give Sword song a try, but I must admit defeat - I have abandoned reading it after only 73 pages. Yes, it has period feel, yes, the research is there - but it fails to hold me. I find the personalities less than gripping, and the story doesn't really flow for me. It is rather basic stuff, adventure for boys, but even then it is less engaging than Rosemary Sutcliffe or W.E. Johns. Obviously a matter of taste as the author seems very popular!
I would recommend the books by Alfred Duggan from the same period - the same gritty imperfect heroes, but smarter writing, with more humor - which seems completely missing from this book, and that makes it not very readable for me.
not as good, 08 Aug 2008
Sadly, I was very disapointed with this book, definitely not a patch on the other three, I really was very disapointed and feel quite let down. Alfred was portrayed as a untrustworthy idiot, only interested in his books and his priests. The Danes I am sure would have most certainly killed any "traitor" out of hand, and were the Irish ever involved? if they were, I certainly never learnt that in school, and in my day we were actually taught History although we did know that the Norseman did land there in Eire and make settlements, as they did in America.
I just hope that the next book is better.
History lessons you don't fall asleep during!, 05 Jul 2008
Well I'll get all the negative stuff out of the way first! Uhtred really is just a dark ages 'Sharpe' he even has an Irish side kick now and whilst Sharpe was loathed as a commoner amongst upper class twit fellow officers, Uhtred is loathed because he is a pagan amongst pious preachy christians!
That said for many years I loved Sharpe! and likewise I am loving Uhtred and the Saxons, a major part of our national history largely ignored till now! Romans and vikings by the score, Saxons, hardly any!.
Back to the book it's architypical Cornwell. Our hero is unloved by his masters, out numbered by his foe's but backed up by his savage comrades. Yes we've seen it a hundred times before from Cornwell but it is such a winning formula and he does it probably better than anyone. Also I like the stories being told from the first person perspective by Uhtred himself as you really feel like you are in the heart of the action.
This book starts with the re-taking of London from the Danes an actual event but then takes a sharp left down imagination lane to put Uhtred in a daring rescue bid. As with most Cornwell stories the action is compelling gritty and believable, the book is fast paced though perhaps a hundred pages short of what we normally expect of him.
We are promised more Uhtred action shortley by the author and I'll no doubt be there with my credit card though I hope he doesn't over do it as I felt he did with Sharpe as there are so many other great bits of history he can take us to but I have not quite had enough of Uhtred yet! So I'll be sharpening my battle axe for next time.
Short but sweet, 22 Oct 2008
This is basically 2 Newspaper Christmas stories expanded and published for the fans. As a huge Cornwell & Sharpe fan I really wanted to read these, and was very glad I did. 2 very good stories full of Christmas spirit done in a way that only Sharpe can manage. OK, this is expensive for 2 short stories but a must have for all Sharpe fans, and the profits are for the Sharpe appreciation society and their charities, so was happy to pay for this.
Sharpe's Christmas, 03 Feb 2008
These stories are typical "Sharpe" with attention to historical detail, fluid prose and lively military action - a great Christmas present. However the book or rather booklet is rather short, and printed very poorly on cheap paper giving the book a rather home-made feel and therefore poor value for money.
Short but enjoyable, 16 Nov 2007
Sharpe's Christmas is a thin volume of two stories that were originally in the Christmas editions of the Daily Mail and like Sharpes Skirmish have been reprinted and added to by Mr Cornwell. it is a thin volume of two short stories but I loved them and I am sure every Sharpe fan will too.
Excellent, 28 May 2005
For those of as all who know and love Sharpe, this story comes just after "Sharpe's Regiment", set in the Pyrenees, and it's a typical Sharpe story.Excellent, but too short.
Cornwell at his best (But too short), 06 Jul 2004
I have read every Sharpe book and have enjoyed them all. These two short stories keep up the trend, though I found them on the short side. I especially enjoyed the Peace time Sharpe's Ransom and would like to hear more of how Sharpe copes with civilian life in enemy territory. As with all the books you are left wanting more and I hope Cornwell fills in more of the gaps in the Sharpe years.
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Customer Reviews
Odd one out, 20 Nov 2008
I have read every one of Bernard Cornwells Books,had this book on pre order and looked forward so much to the books publication. I can only say, I was so dissapionted, I couldn't wait to get to the end and put it down.
400 pages, only two battles and it really didn't hold my interest at all, I can't express my dissapointment enough.
I must be the odd one out.
Great narrative...dreadfull dialogue..., 20 Nov 2008
This pains me..... Anyone who has met Bernard Cornwell at a book signing would I am sure agree with me when I say that he is a smashing bloke. I have many of his novels personaly signed and always buy his latest hardback.
Cornwell's 'hero' Hook is like so many other Cornwell hereos, so like Sharpe in fact and also Hookton.The dialogue between characters is repetative and boring and there are only so many ways you can insult the French!
Cornwell's discriptive narrative is always good though, and he paints great landscapes of blood, gore and battle with his usual sense of flair.
Most of the novels action does not take place at Agincourt but at Harfleur and the march towards the field of battle.
This was an effort to get through, mainly because of the one dimensional characters. His slowest and dullest book since another 'stand alone' novel, 'Stonehenge'
Cornwell's historical notes at the end of the book were of more interest and more insightful than the novel itself.
And now to really upset him.... BRING BACK STARBUCK!!!
Solid, but lacks something, 17 Nov 2008
Or Agincourt as it was when I was at school!
The Battle of Agincourt was a King Henry V led English victory against a larger French army during the Hundred Years' War (1415). In addition to a great deal of luck (ground conditions, poor French tactics) this was a battle where the power of the English archer (okay, a few Welsh as well) reigned supreme.
In typical Cornwall style he gives us a character (Nicholas Hook an English archer) against which to tell the tale and politics of the events leading up to, and the battle itself.
Cornwall's skill is in the blend of character, action and history. The Sharpe novels are obviously the perfect mix, and perhaps the blend was wrong with the Starbuck novels set in the US Civil War. In this novel it `almost' works but not quite. Hook is a talented fighter who hears voices (a Saint giving him advice) but his character felt lacking. On the march to Azincourt he suffers a personal tragedy, yet seems over it by morning!
The historical elements are, as always, excellent but the rest of this novel lacks that perfect blend that we have come to expect.
Disapointment, 14 Nov 2008
As a big fan of Bernard Cornwell I was disapointed with this latest work. The characters were dusted off versions from his 'Grail' series, the plotline unimaginative and unconvincing. To make it work It was necessary for the hero to start hearing the voices of saints, who would tell him what to do - hardly the convincing narrative we're used to. The only saving grace was the descriptions of the siege of Harfleur and the Battle of Agincourt itself. Well researched and excitingly told. Did Mr Cornewell succumb to the siren song of the Christmas Market and rush this one out? It certainly feels like it.
not yet available in Nice, 12 Nov 2008
WHY is the book called AZINCOURT? The famous battle was fought at AGINCOURT but the French, having lost the battle, changed the name of the village to AZINCOURT. The U.S. edition of this book reverts to the original name. One-up to the Yanks!
Must read, 12 Aug 2008
If you ever enjoyed any Sharpe story or film then you must buy this book, A. it is for charity
B. It fills a lot of gaps in the films.
C. it is funny and amusing.
and
D. I t ends with a great true life story about the author which explains a lot about Richard Sharpe.
Actually it is the Appendix which merits the five stars!... "Cakes and Ale", 25 Mar 2008
I bought it as I have done with all Bernard Cornwell related to Sharpe material.
The fact it is a skinny book (like Sharpe's Skirmish and Sharpe's X'mas), and what is in it (meaning the History of Sharpe books and TV series... was already very well known to me) wouldn't come as a surprise did not stopped me, because there is always something knew to learn.
So, in a way I was not disappointed at all, I did not knew some funny anecdotes, and other not so funny related to the books and the TV series.
That alone was worth the price (ouch... happy it goes for charity though) of the little book.
What is really worth your time is the tale of the "peculiar" Bernard Wiggins infancy... as a piece of information it is truly revealing and in a way explains why Richard Sharpe has so much anger inside... I do not blame it a bit... I can't stand zealots or proselytists myself.
I read it on one sitting... and I have to confess I skipped the extracts of the books (I already knew them ... not by heart... but nearly), I do not agree about the TV series... even if Sean Bean is well casted... I love much more the books!... insufficient "numbers" of "extras" were a big disappointment when I bought the VHS tapes (in their time)... and I have not bothered to buy them in DVD...
What I did not knew, and had escaped me when reading the ACW novels is that Patrick Lassan... IS... OF COURSE!!!... Sharpe's son!!!... one probably focus too much on the narrative and do not relate one series to the others!... IT WAS A GOAL BERNARD CORNWELL MADE! (and the ball passed between my legs!!!).
I just hope Patrick Lassan is (why not) the protagonist of a future novel set in the Crimea and he rides in the Chasseurs d'Afrique to the rescue of the remains of the light brigade... (THAT NOVEL WOULD BE A MUST READ MR. CORNWELL!!!).
Well, stopping my wishful thinking... if you buy this book you will learn why "Sweet William" was so named... and after whom... and a lot of juicy anecdotes akin.
IT IS ABOUT TIME HE DELIVERS ANOTHER ONE!... after all he always says:
Sharpe and Harper will march again... (and hopefully US with them...)
ADB
The 4th Uhtred and Alfred novel... still going strong , 22 Oct 2008
Our Hero Uhtred just as he thinks things are settling down, he gets some new enemies to fight.... well it wouldn't be a Cornwell without would it? He is stuck fighting for the Saxons and their King Alfred, of which he has no love, and against the Danes who he has an affinity to. Not suprisingly this gives him problems just about every where he turns. This first person narrative style is different to the other Cornwell series and is a nice change. This is not the strongest in the series, but still excellent. well researched, gripping historical fiction from the master Bernard Cornwell! Only problem is I dont know when the next book is due.......
A great saga, 09 Oct 2008
Not appealing for all readers, for the atipic "old british" scenario, at levels of Sharpe's or the Arthur's books, the Saxons stories are like (almost) every Cornwell's book: solid plot, well done battle scenes, big characters, a bit of fine humorism. In a saga, some books are better than others, by the point of view of readers, but for a Cornwell's fan a new book on the wars between Saxons and Vikings are good (very good) news.
And Sword song is the last (but non least) adventure of a group of "old friends".
Uninspiring, 01 Oct 2008
As I find this period of British history fascinating I thought I'd give Sword song a try, but I must admit defeat - I have abandoned reading it after only 73 pages. Yes, it has period feel, yes, the research is there - but it fails to hold me. I find the personalities less than gripping, and the story doesn't really flow for me. It is rather basic stuff, adventure for boys, but even then it is less engaging than Rosemary Sutcliffe or W.E. Johns. Obviously a matter of taste as the author seems very popular!
I would recommend the books by Alfred Duggan from the same period - the same gritty imperfect heroes, but smarter writing, with more humor - which seems completely missing from this book, and that makes it not very readable for me.
not as good, 08 Aug 2008
Sadly, I was very disapointed with this book, definitely not a patch on the other three, I really was very disapointed and feel quite let down. Alfred was portrayed as a untrustworthy idiot, only interested in his books and his priests. The Danes I am sure would have most certainly killed any "traitor" out of hand, and were the Irish ever involved? if they were, I certainly never learnt that in school, and in my day we were actually taught History although we did know that the Norseman did land there in Eire and make settlements, as they did in America.
I just hope that the next book is better.
History lessons you don't fall asleep during!, 05 Jul 2008
Well I'll get all the negative stuff out of the way first! Uhtred really is just a dark ages 'Sharpe' he even has an Irish side kick now and whilst Sharpe was loathed as a commoner amongst upper class twit fellow officers, Uhtred is loathed because he is a pagan amongst pious preachy christians!
That said for many years I loved Sharpe! and likewise I am loving Uhtred and the Saxons, a major part of our national history largely ignored till now! Romans and vikings by the score, Saxons, hardly any!.
Back to the book it's architypical Cornwell. Our hero is unloved by his masters, out numbered by his foe's but backed up by his savage comrades. Yes we've seen it a hundred times before from Cornwell but it is such a winning formula and he does it probably better than anyone. Also I like the stories being told from the first person perspective by Uhtred himself as you really feel like you are in the heart of the action.
This book starts with the re-taking of London from the Danes an actual event but then takes a sharp left down imagination lane to put Uhtred in a daring rescue bid. As with most Cornwell stories the action is compelling gritty and believable, the book is fast paced though perhaps a hundred pages short of what we normally expect of him.
We are promised more Uhtred action shortley by the author and I'll no doubt be there with my credit card though I hope he doesn't over do it as I felt he did with Sharpe as there are so many other great bits of history he can take us to but I have not quite had enough of Uhtred yet! So I'll be sharpening my battle axe for next time.
Short but sweet, 22 Oct 2008
This is basically 2 Newspaper Christmas stories expanded and published for the fans. As a huge Cornwell & Sharpe fan I really wanted to read these, and was very glad I did. 2 very good stories full of Christmas spirit done in a way that only Sharpe can manage. OK, this is expensive for 2 short stories but a must have for all Sharpe fans, and the profits are for the Sharpe appreciation society and their charities, so was happy to pay for this.
Sharpe's Christmas, 03 Feb 2008
These stories are typical "Sharpe" with attention to historical detail, fluid prose and lively military action - a great Christmas present. However the book or rather booklet is rather short, and printed very poorly on cheap paper giving the book a rather home-made feel and therefore poor value for money.
Short but enjoyable, 16 Nov 2007
Sharpe's Christmas is a thin volume of two stories that were originally in the Christmas editions of the Daily Mail and like Sharpes Skirmish have been reprinted and added to by Mr Cornwell. it is a thin volume of two short stories but I loved them and I am sure every Sharpe fan will too.
Excellent, 28 May 2005
For those of as all who know and love Sharpe, this story comes just after "Sharpe's Regiment", set in the Pyrenees, and it's a typical Sharpe story.Excellent, but too short.
Cornwell at his best (But too short), 06 Jul 2004
I have read every Sharpe book and have enjoyed them all. These two short stories keep up the trend, though I found them on the short side. I especially enjoyed the Peace time Sharpe's Ransom and would like to hear more of how Sharpe copes with civilian life in enemy territory. As with all the books you are left wanting more and I hope Cornwell fills in more of the gaps in the Sharpe years.
Great story but not the best performance, 17 Nov 2008
I've listened to all of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon series in audiobook format (and read them in hardcover, too) and this is an OK version of book 3. I'm not going to comment on the plot but rather about the reader. If you are going to listen to a book, the reader is as important as the content. The right reader can bring a good story to another level. Unfortunately, while Jamie Glover is a good reader but this is not the best version available. Hold out for the one read by Richard Armitage. His reading is far superior to the other narrators (Tom Sellwood reads the unabridged version and Jamie Glover's version is abridged). It's a shame that Amazon doesn't sell Mr. Armitage's version but you can get it through audiobookcollection{.com}.
Revenge is sweet, 22 Oct 2008
The 3rd in this excellent Cornwell series sees our confused hero Uhtred finally get his chance at revenge. As normal, Cornwell produces a gripping page turning historical novel full of friends, fighting and women. This series of books is turning out to be a rival to his excellent Sharpe series, with an excellent narrative style that makes is feel a bit different to his other books. Started the next one alreay!
Sharpe dressed as a Saxon, 25 May 2008
When I started this series it was with the hope that it would be another trilogy like Cornwell's Wonderful Arthurian trilogy. However this series is far more like one of his Napeoleonic sagas, with each book being an individual story centred around a Saxon/ Viking version of Sharpe called Uhtred.
No doubt this will please many readers, especially lovers of Sharpe, however I thought they got a little formuliac and monotonous after a while. With the 'Warlord' (Arthurian) trilogy, Cornwell took his writing to a new level, the charactors were more complex and multi-layered and it was one story chopped into three very good books.
The Uhtred story is a return to Cornwell's bread and butter, 9 to 5 job. Not that this is bad, far from it Cornwell is a master of historic fiction. He stays very close to fact (unlike Iggulden at times!) but still writes exciting stories but... well... he just could have done a bit better I feel and stretched himself a bit more.
Still, lover's of heroic sword play will enjoy this book, as I did and will probably buy a few more Uhtred books in the future as I'm sure I will! Cornwell, cleverly makes our hero a Saxon raised by the Danes so we get to experience both cultures and lets face it Vikings are more exciting and glamorous than us Saxons!
I feel a bit mean only giving it 3 stars because it's better than that but it's not quite a 4 star book but if you like Iggulden, Scarrow and Cornwell's previous works this is a safe bet and worth the money, so go on get yourself a battle axe and push your way to the front of the shield wall.
Starting to get repetative, 28 Apr 2008
I loved the first two books, having read them in order one after the other for a couple of weeks now, and in particular found The Pale Horsemen especially worthy of praise. Therefore it was with some enjoyment that I settled down with this (slimmer) volume, the third in the series.
Sadly the series seems to be getting a trifle samey and short of originality and by midway through I found I could predict the actions easily. I am staggered to think how Cornwell will stretch these tales but hopefully he will return to the form found in the first two. I shall await the paperback of book 4.
One to read but only to see (and if truly interested in) what happens to the protaginists
The Epic Tale Continues.............., 22 Apr 2008
If you have read and enjoyed the first two books in the series (The Last Kingdom, and The Pale Horseman) then you will love this too as it is just as good. This time Uhtred settles a score with his old enemies from the 1st book Kjartan the cruel and his son and at some point he ends up as a slave until Ragnar saves him and creates an assault on Kjartans fortress. I'm not going to ruin the story, it is exellent, thats all you need to know. This entire series brings alive the struggle of the small English kingdoms against the Vikings and how they had to unite in order to survive and slowly a new kingdom began to emerge, that kingdom is England. This series brings alive Englands struggle better then any history book or movie. You must read it its awesome, I'm already enjoying the 4th book which has started out very violent-i love it.
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Customer Reviews
Odd one out, 20 Nov 2008
I have read every one of Bernard Cornwells Books,had this book on pre order and looked forward so much to the books publication. I can only say, I was so dissapionted, I couldn't wait to get to the end and put it down.
400 pages, only two battles and it really didn't hold my interest at all, I can't express my dissapointment enough.
I must be the odd one out.
Great narrative...dreadfull dialogue..., 20 Nov 2008
This pains me..... Anyone who has met Bernard Cornwell at a book signing would I am sure agree with me when I say that he is a smashing bloke. I have many of his novels personaly signed and always buy his latest hardback.
Cornwell's 'hero' Hook is like so many other Cornwell hereos, so like Sharpe in fact and also Hookton.The dialogue between characters is repetative and boring and there are only so many ways you can insult the French!
Cornwell's discriptive narrative is always good though, and he paints great landscapes of blood, gore and battle with his usual sense of flair.
Most of the novels action does not take place at Agincourt but at Harfleur and the march towards the field of battle.
This was an effort to get through, mainly because of the one dimensional characters. His slowest and dullest book since another 'stand alone' novel, 'Stonehenge'
Cornwell's historical notes at the end of the book were of more interest and more insightful than the novel itself.
And now to really upset him.... BRING BACK STARBUCK!!!
Solid, but lacks something, 17 Nov 2008
Or Agincourt as it was when I was at school!
The Battle of Agincourt was a King Henry V led English victory against a larger French army during the Hundred Years' War (1415). In addition to a great deal of luck (ground conditions, poor French tactics) this was a battle where the power of the English archer (okay, a few Welsh as well) reigned supreme.
In typical Cornwall style he gives us a character (Nicholas Hook an English archer) against which to tell the tale and politics of the events leading up to, and the battle itself.
Cornwall's skill is in the blend of character, action and history. The Sharpe novels are obviously the perfect mix, and perhaps the blend was wrong with the Starbuck novels set in the US Civil War. In this novel it `almost' works but not quite. Hook is a talented fighter who hears voices (a Saint giving him advice) but his character felt lacking. On the march to Azincourt he suffers a personal tragedy, yet seems over it by morning!
The historical elements are, as always, excellent but the rest of this novel lacks that perfect blend that we have come to expect.
Disapointment, 14 Nov 2008
As a big fan of Bernard Cornwell I was disapointed with this latest work. The characters were dusted off versions from his 'Grail' series, the plotline unimaginative and unconvincing. To make it work It was necessary for the hero to start hearing the voices of saints, who would tell him what to do - hardly the convincing narrative we're used to. The only saving grace was the descriptions of the siege of Harfleur and the Battle of Agincourt itself. Well researched and excitingly told. Did Mr Cornewell succumb to the siren song of the Christmas Market and rush this one out? It certainly feels like it.
not yet available in Nice, 12 Nov 2008
WHY is the book called AZINCOURT? The famous battle was fought at AGINCOURT but the French, having lost the battle, changed the name of the village to AZINCOURT. The U.S. edition of this book reverts to the original name. One-up to the Yanks!
Must read, 12 Aug 2008
If you ever enjoyed any Sharpe story or film then you must buy this book, A. it is for charity
B. It fills a lot of gaps in the films.
C. it is funny and amusing.
and
D. I t ends with a great true life story about the author which explains a lot about Richard Sharpe.
Actually it is the Appendix which merits the five stars!... "Cakes and Ale", 25 Mar 2008
I bought it as I have done with all Bernard Cornwell related to Sharpe material.
The fact it is a skinny book (like Sharpe's Skirmish and Sharpe's X'mas), and what is in it (meaning the History of Sharpe books and TV series... was already very well known to me) wouldn't come as a surprise did not stopped me, because there is always something knew to learn.
So, in a way I was not disappointed at all, I did not knew some funny anecdotes, and other not so funny related to the books and the TV series.
That alone was worth the price (ouch... happy it goes for charity though) of the little book.
What is really worth your time is the tale of the "peculiar" Bernard Wiggins infancy... as a piece of information it is truly revealing and in a way explains why Richard Sharpe has so much anger inside... I do not blame it a bit... I can't stand zealots or proselytists myself.
I read it on one sitting... and I have to confess I skipped the extracts of the books (I already knew them ... not by heart... but nearly), I do not agree about the TV series... even if Sean Bean is well casted... I love much more the books!... insufficient "numbers" of "extras" were a big disappointment when I bought the VHS tapes (in their time)... and I have not bothered to buy them in DVD...
What I did not knew, and had escaped me when reading the ACW novels is that Patrick Lassan... IS... OF COURSE!!!... Sharpe's son!!!... one probably focus too much on the narrative and do not relate one series to the others!... IT WAS A GOAL BERNARD CORNWELL MADE! (and the ball passed between my legs!!!).
I just hope Patrick Lassan is (why not) the protagonist of a future novel set in the Crimea and he rides in the Chasseurs d'Afrique to the rescue of the remains of the light brigade... (THAT NOVEL WOULD BE A MUST READ MR. CORNWELL!!!).
Well, stopping my wishful thinking... if you buy this book you will learn why "Sweet William" was so named... and after whom... and a lot of juicy anecdotes akin.
IT IS ABOUT TIME HE DELIVERS ANOTHER ONE!... after all he always says:
Sharpe and Harper will march again... (and hopefully US with them...)
ADB
The 4th Uhtred and Alfred novel... still going strong , 22 Oct 2008
Our Hero Uhtred just as he thinks things are settling down, he gets some new enemies to fight.... well it wouldn't be a Cornwell without would it? He is stuck fighting for the Saxons and their King Alfred, of which he has no love, and against the Danes who he has an affinity to. Not suprisingly this gives him problems just about every where he turns. This first person narrative style is different to the other Cornwell series and is a nice change. This is not the strongest in the series, but still excellent. well researched, gripping historical fiction from the master Bernard Cornwell! Only problem is I dont know when the next book is due.......
A great saga, 09 Oct 2008
Not appealing for all readers, for the atipic "old british" scenario, at levels of Sharpe's or the Arthur's books, the Saxons stories are like (almost) every Cornwell's book: solid plot, well done battle scenes, big characters, a bit of fine humorism. In a saga, some books are better than others, by the point of view of readers, but for a Cornwell's fan a new book on the wars between Saxons and Vikings are good (very good) news.
And Sword song is the last (but non least) adventure of a group of "old friends".
Uninspiring, 01 Oct 2008
As I find this period of British history fascinating I thought I'd give Sword song a try, but I must admit defeat - I have abandoned reading it after only 73 pages. Yes, it has period feel, yes, the research is there - but it fails to hold me. I find the personalities less than gripping, and the story doesn't really flow for me. It is rather basic stuff, adventure for boys, but even then it is less engaging than Rosemary Sutcliffe or W.E. Johns. Obviously a matter of taste as the author seems very popular!
I would recommend the books by Alfred Duggan from the same period - the same gritty imperfect heroes, but smarter writing, with more humor - which seems completely missing from this book, and that makes it not very readable for me.
not as good, 08 Aug 2008
Sadly, I was very disapointed with this book, definitely not a patch on the other three, I really was very disapointed and feel quite let down. Alfred was portrayed as a untrustworthy idiot, only interested in his books and his priests. The Danes I am sure would have most certainly killed any "traitor" out of hand, and were the Irish ever involved? if they were, I certainly never learnt that in school, and in my day we were actually taught History although we did know that the Norseman did land there in Eire and make settlements, as they did in America.
I just hope that the next book is better.
History lessons you don't fall asleep during!, 05 Jul 2008
Well I'll get all the negative stuff out of the way first! Uhtred really is just a dark ages 'Sharpe' he even has an Irish side kick now and whilst Sharpe was loathed as a commoner amongst upper class twit fellow officers, Uhtred is loathed because he is a pagan amongst pious preachy christians!
That said for many years I loved Sharpe! and likewise I am loving Uhtred and the Saxons, a major part of our national history largely ignored till now! Romans and vikings by the score, Saxons, hardly any!.
Back to the book it's architypical Cornwell. Our hero is unloved by his masters, out numbered by his foe's but backed up by his savage comrades. Yes we've seen it a hundred times before from Cornwell but it is such a winning formula and he does it probably better than anyone. Also I like the stories being told from the first person perspective by Uhtred himself as you really feel like you are in the heart of the action.
This book starts with the re-taking of London from the Danes an actual event but then takes a sharp left down imagination lane to put Uhtred in a daring rescue bid. As with most Cornwell stories the action is compelling gritty and believable, the book is fast paced though perhaps a hundred pages short of what we normally expect of him.
We are promised more Uhtred action shortley by the author and I'll no doubt be there with my credit card though I hope he doesn't over do it as I felt he did with Sharpe as there are so many other great bits of history he can take us to but I have not quite had enough of Uhtred yet! So I'll be sharpening my battle axe for next time.
Short but sweet, 22 Oct 2008
This is basically 2 Newspaper Christmas stories expanded and published for the fans. As a huge Cornwell & Sharpe fan I really wanted to read these, and was very glad I did. 2 very good stories full of Christmas spirit done in a way that only Sharpe can manage. OK, this is expensive for 2 short stories but a must have for all Sharpe fans, and the profits are for the Sharpe appreciation society and their charities, so was happy to pay for this.
Sharpe's Christmas, 03 Feb 2008
These stories are typical "Sharpe" with attention to historical detail, fluid prose and lively military action - a great Christmas present. However the book or rather booklet is rather short, and printed very poorly on cheap paper giving the book a rather home-made feel and therefore poor value for money.
Short but enjoyable, 16 Nov 2007
Sharpe's Christmas is a thin volume of two stories that were originally in the Christmas editions of the Daily Mail and like Sharpes Skirmish have been reprinted and added to by Mr Cornwell. it is a thin volume of two short stories but I loved them and I am sure every Sharpe fan will too.
Excellent, 28 May 2005
For those of as all who know and love Sharpe, this story comes just after "Sharpe's Regiment", set in the Pyrenees, and it's a typical Sharpe story.Excellent, but too short.
Cornwell at his best (But too short), 06 Jul 2004
I have read every Sharpe book and have enjoyed them all. These two short stories keep up the trend, though I found them on the short side. I especially enjoyed the Peace time Sharpe's Ransom and would like to hear more of how Sharpe copes with civilian life in enemy territory. As with all the books you are left wanting more and I hope Cornwell fills in more of the gaps in the Sharpe years.
Great story but not the best performance, 17 Nov 2008
I've listened to all of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon series in audiobook format (and read them in hardcover, too) and this is an OK version of book 3. I'm not going to comment on the plot but rather about the reader. If you are going to listen to a book, the reader is as important as the content. The right reader can bring a good story to another level. Unfortunately, while Jamie Glover is a good reader but this is not the best version available. Hold out for the one read by Richard Armitage. His reading is far superior to the other narrators (Tom Sellwood reads the unabridged version and Jamie Glover's version is abridged). It's a shame that Amazon doesn't sell Mr. Armitage's version but you can get it through audiobookcollection{.com}.
Revenge is sweet, 22 Oct 2008
The 3rd in this excellent Cornwell series sees our confused hero Uhtred finally get his chance at revenge. As normal, Cornwell produces a gripping page turning historical novel full of friends, fighting and women. This series of books is turning out to be a rival to his excellent Sharpe series, with an excellent narrative style that makes is feel a bit different to his other books. Started the next one alreay!
Sharpe dressed as a Saxon, 25 May 2008
When I started this series it was with the hope that it would be another trilogy like Cornwell's Wonderful Arthurian trilogy. However this series is far more like one of his Napeoleonic sagas, with each book being an individual story centred around a Saxon/ Viking version of Sharpe called Uhtred.
No doubt this will please many readers, especially lovers of Sharpe, however I thought they got a little formuliac and monotonous after a while. With the 'Warlord' (Arthurian) trilogy, Cornwell took his writing to a new level, the charactors were more complex and multi-layered and it was one story chopped into three very good books.
The Uhtred story is a return to Cornwell's bread and butter, 9 to 5 job. Not that this is bad, far from it Cornwell is a master of historic fiction. He stays very close to fact (unlike Iggulden at times!) but still writes exciting stories but... well... he just could have done a bit better I feel and stretched himself a bit more.
Still, lover's of heroic sword play will enjoy this book, as I did and will probably buy a few more Uhtred books in the future as I'm sure I will! Cornwell, cleverly makes our hero a Saxon raised by the Danes so we get to experience both cultures and lets face it Vikings are more exciting and glamorous than us Saxons!
I feel a bit mean only giving it 3 stars because it's better than that but it's not quite a 4 star book but if you like Iggulden, Scarrow and Cornwell's previous works this is a safe bet and worth the money, so go on get yourself a battle axe and push your way to the front of the shield wall.
Starting to get repetative, 28 Apr 2008
I loved the first two books, having read them in order one after the other for a couple of weeks now, and in particular found The Pale Horsemen especially worthy of praise. Therefore it was with some enjoyment that I settled down with this (slimmer) volume, the third in the series.
Sadly the series seems to be getting a trifle samey and short of originality and by midway through I found I could predict the actions easily. I am staggered to think how Cornwell will stretch these tales but hopefully he will return to the form found in the first two. I shall await the paperback of book 4.
One to read but only to see (and if truly interested in) what happens to the protaginists
The Epic Tale Continues.............., 22 Apr 2008
If you have read and enjoyed the first two books in the series (The Last Kingdom, and The Pale Horseman) then you will love this too as it is just as good. This time Uhtred settles a score with his old enemies from the 1st book Kjartan the cruel and his son and at some point he ends up as a slave until Ragnar saves him and creates an assault on Kjartans fortress. I'm not going to ruin the story, it is exellent, thats all you need to know. This entire series brings alive the struggle of the small English kingdoms against the Vikings and how they had to unite in order to survive and slowly a new kingdom began to emerge, that kingdom is England. This series brings alive Englands struggle better then any history book or movie. You must read it its awesome, I'm already enjoying the 4th book which has started out very violent-i love it.
Will Arthur ever find his peace? A great end to the trilogy, 28 Oct 2008
The third and final book of the Arthur/warlord trilogy is again a Bernard Cornwell classic. Not many authors have his ability for you to get into the heads of their characters in the same way he manages. You are so immersed in them, the story and the time period that it gives you an extra depth when you read his work. Our heroes think that maybe at last they have found a lasting peace for Britain..... of course that could never do! With twists, plots and power hungry rulers, there is still plenty for them left to fix. Cornwells interpretation of the Arthur legend is based on the stories from the time, rather than the much later Arthur legends which were written over 500 years later. This gives a much more believable Arthur legend than many others. He has included many of the later additions to the legend such as the round table, Camelot and alike so as not to make the story too different to the one we all grew up with, however still keeps the story in the dark ages as it was meant to be. An excellent end to the set and for me unfortunately only a couple more of his novels left to read.....
Cutting through the nonsense with Excalibur, 13 Jun 2008
Remembering first and foremost that this is myth wrapped into fiction, a dangerous mix at the best of times, this is far and away the best of the 3 books in the trilogy. However, the whole trilogy was spoiled for me by the incessant 'he spat' to the point when I began to believe that Southern England is a place of bogs and marshland due to the amount of saliva spat into it during Saxon times. Unfortunately an author does tend to fasten onto a word (with Martina Cole, for example, in Faces, it was 'sipped') and they do not realise they are overdoing it to an alarming degree. This is where the editor should be taking note and they aren't.
Having said that, this trilogy far outweighs the Holy Grail books in both content and characterisation, even if Arthur is nowhere near the heroic figure he deserves to be and Lancelot is more cowardly than I presumed him to be. But that is entirely a matter of opinion. Enjoy the books. He won't write better than these.
Inspiring, 23 Mar 2008
These are the finest books that I have ever read. They tell the tale of King Arthur in the dark ages in a way that makes you believe in such men, or certainly hope they existed. The story is brilliantly told through the writings of the main character Derfel Cadarn and these books blend the myth of King Arthur with what little is known of those times. Derfel tells the tales with such heart that you can almost feel the landscapes and characters he describes, from the mischievous Merlin to the imperious Guinevere. Quite simply, buy these books and treasure them.
A magnificent ending to my all time favorite trilogy., 22 Oct 2007
All the unanswered treads from the previous two books are sorted out here, the Battle of Mount Badon is proberbly the best described and gripping battle i have ever read. The last 100 pages ore amazing and the ending, as you would expect very sad. I only wish Bernard Cornwell would write about what happened to the surviving Charactors from between the end of the book and the start when Derfel is an old Monk re-telling the tale that only he and sly Bishop Sansum remember living through. Maybe he feels some stories should not be told and that we dont need all the answers? Overall the best book in what in my opinion is the Greatest trilogy ever written, highly recommended, now will someone make this series into a movie or tv series (without ruining it!)
The trilogy ends - but what an ending!, 10 Aug 2007
And three! Bernard Cornwell managed to finish his Warlord trilogy with another masterpiece - and this is not a small achievement. So many promising book and movies fail at the finish! So here we have a slow buildup leading us to the inavoidable wagnerian great finale! I just loved this book - and loved the whole trilogy. And I will not reveal anything - be surprised. And delighted, although it will be a sad delight.... as you can expect from the end of King Arthur story.
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Product Description
Does the fact that the The Last Kingdom inaugurates yet another series from Bernard Cornwell fill you with anticipation--or trepidation? His immensely popular Sharpe novels are, of course, the bedrock of the author's popularity. But when readers learned that he was to abandon the redoubtable Sharpe for a Grail Quest series, there were those who invoked the `if isn't broke, why fix it?' rule. However, when Cornwell proved himself equally adept at conjuring a world of knights and savage combat, his Grail Quest series (the first book of which was Harlequin) soon established itself as another Cornwell winner. And here's yet another series from the protean writer. Do we really need it? Yes, we do--it's a safe bet that The Last Kingdom will prove that the author is seemingly capable of beginning an endless run of new novel sequences. As well as the impeccably plotted narrative, Cornwell has other fish to fry here: nothing less than a totally fresh look at a historical figure we think we know: Alfred the Great. Cornwell's protagonist is Uhtred, caught in the conflict between the Danes and the English in the ninth century. He is born into the English aristocracy, but loses his parents at the age of ten and is raised in Viking fashion by a Dane. When massacres reign down on both sides, Uhtred is torn between his loyalties--and when his family disappears, a reckoning with a Viking chieftain is in the offing. Behind all this is the King, Alfred: complex, conflicted, and by no means the figure that the conventional history books render him. All of the customary Cornwell virtues are fully on display here.--Barry Forshaw
Customer Reviews
Odd one out, 20 Nov 2008
I have read every one of Bernard Cornwells Books,had this book on pre order and looked forward so much to the books publication. I can only say, I was so dissapionted, I couldn't wait to get to the end and put it down.
400 pages, only two battles and it really didn't hold my interest at all, I can't express my dissapointment enough.
I must be the odd one out.
Great narrative...dreadfull dialogue..., 20 Nov 2008
This pains me..... Anyone who has met Bernard Cornwell at a book signing would I am sure agree with me when I say that he is a smashing bloke. I have many of his novels personaly signed and always buy his latest hardback.
Cornwell's 'hero' Hook is like so many other Cornwell hereos, so like Sharpe in fact and also Hookton.The dialogue between characters is repetative and boring and there are only so many ways you can insult the French!
Cornwell's discriptive narrative is always good though, and he paints great landscapes of blood, gore and battle with his usual sense of flair.
Most of the novels action does not take place at Agincourt but at Harfleur and the march towards the field of battle.
This was an effort to get through, mainly because of the one dimensional characters. His slowest and dullest book since another 'stand alone' novel, 'Stonehenge'
Cornwell's historical notes at the end of the book were of more interest and more insightful than the novel itself.
And now to really upset him.... BRING BACK STARBUCK!!!
Solid, but lacks something, 17 Nov 2008
Or Agincourt as it was when I was at school!
The Battle of Agincourt was a King Henry V led English victory against a larger French army during the Hundred Years' War (1415). In addition to a great deal of luck (ground conditions, poor French tactics) this was a battle where the power of the English archer (okay, a few Welsh as well) reigned supreme.
In typical Cornwall style he gives us a character (Nicholas Hook an English archer) against which to tell the tale and politics of the events leading up to, and the battle itself.
Cornwall's skill is in the blend of character, action and history. The Sharpe novels are obviously the perfect mix, and perhaps the blend was wrong with the Starbuck novels set in the US Civil War. In this novel it `almost' works but not quite. Hook is a talented fighter who hears voices (a Saint giving him advice) but his character felt lacking. On the march to Azincourt he suffers a personal tragedy, yet seems over it by morning!
The historical elements are, as always, excellent but the rest of this novel lacks that perfect blend that we have come to expect.
Disapointment, 14 Nov 2008
As a big fan of Bernard Cornwell I was disapointed with this latest work. The characters were dusted off versions from his 'Grail' series, the plotline unimaginative and unconvincing. To make it work It was necessary for the hero to start hearing the voices of saints, who would tell him what to do - hardly the convincing narrative we're used to. The only saving grace was the descriptions of the siege of Harfleur and the Battle of Agincourt itself. Well researched and excitingly told. Did Mr Cornewell succumb to the siren song of the Christmas Market and rush this one out? It certainly feels like it.
not yet available in Nice, 12 Nov 2008
WHY is the book called AZINCOURT? The famous battle was fought at AGINCOURT but the French, having lost the battle, changed the name of the village to AZINCOURT. The U.S. edition of this book reverts to the original name. One-up to the Yanks!
Must read, 12 Aug 2008
If you ever enjoyed any Sharpe story or film then you must buy this book, A. it is for charity
B. It fills a lot of gaps in the films.
C. it is funny and amusing.
and
D. I t ends with a great true life story about the author which explains a lot about Richard Sharpe.
Actually it is the Appendix which merits the five stars!... "Cakes and Ale", 25 Mar 2008
I bought it as I have done with all Bernard Cornwell related to Sharpe material.
The fact it is a skinny book (like Sharpe's Skirmish and Sharpe's X'mas), and what is in it (meaning the History of Sharpe books and TV series... was already very well known to me) wouldn't come as a surprise did not stopped me, because there is always something knew to learn.
So, in a way I was not disappointed at all, I did not knew some funny anecdotes, and other not so funny related to the books and the TV series.
That alone was worth the price (ouch... happy it goes for charity though) of the little book.
What is really worth your time is the tale of the "peculiar" Bernard Wiggins infancy... as a piece of information it is truly revealing and in a way explains why Richard Sharpe has so much anger inside... I do not blame it a bit... I can't stand zealots or proselytists myself.
I read it on one sitting... and I have to confess I skipped the extracts of the books (I already knew them ... not by heart... but nearly), I do not agree about the TV series... even if Sean Bean is well casted... I love much more the books!... insufficient "numbers" of "extras" were a big disappointment when I bought the VHS tapes (in their time)... and I have not bothered to buy them in DVD...
What I did not knew, and had escaped me when reading the ACW novels is that Patrick Lassan... IS... OF COURSE!!!... Sharpe's son!!!... one probably focus too much on the narrative and do not relate one series to the others!... IT WAS A GOAL BERNARD CORNWELL MADE! (and the ball passed between my legs!!!).
I just hope Patrick Lassan is (why not) the protagonist of a future novel set in the Crimea and he rides in the Chasseurs d'Afrique to the rescue of the remains of the light brigade... (THAT NOVEL WOULD BE A MUST READ MR. CORNWELL!!!).
Well, stopping my wishful thinking... if you buy this book you will learn why "Sweet William" was so named... and after whom... and a lot of juicy anecdotes akin.
IT IS ABOUT TIME HE DELIVERS ANOTHER ONE!... after all he always says:
Sharpe and Harper will march again... (and hopefully US with them...)
ADB
The 4th Uhtred and Alfred novel... still going strong , 22 Oct 2008
Our Hero Uhtred just as he thinks things are settling down, he gets some new enemies to fight.... well it wouldn't be a Cornwell without would it? He is stuck fighting for the Saxons and their King Alfred, of which he has no love, and against the Danes who he has an affinity to. Not suprisingly this gives him problems just about every where he turns. This first person narrative style is different to the other Cornwell series and is a nice change. This is not the strongest in the series, but still excellent. well researched, gripping historical fiction from the master Bernard Cornwell! Only problem is I dont know when the next book is due.......
A great saga, 09 Oct 2008
Not appealing for all readers, for the atipic "old british" scenario, at levels of Sharpe's or the Arthur's books, the Saxons stories are like (almost) every Cornwell's book: solid plot, well done battle scenes, big characters, a bit of fine humorism. In a saga, some books are better than others, by the point of view of readers, but for a Cornwell's fan a new book on the wars between Saxons and Vikings are good (very good) news.
And Sword song is the last (but non least) adventure of a group of "old friends".
Uninspiring, 01 Oct 2008
As I find this period of British history fascinating I thought I'd give Sword song a try, but I must admit defeat - I have abandoned reading it after only 73 pages. Yes, it has period feel, yes, the research is there - but it fails to hold me. I find the personalities less than gripping, and the story doesn't really flow for me. It is rather basic stuff, adventure for boys, but even then it is less engaging than Rosemary Sutcliffe or W.E. Johns. Obviously a matter of taste as the author seems very popular!
I would recommend the books by Alfred Duggan from the same period - the same gritty imperfect heroes, but smarter writing, with more humor - which seems completely missing from this book, and that makes it not very readable for me.
not as good, 08 Aug 2008
Sadly, I was very disapointed with this book, definitely not a patch on the other three, I really was very disapointed and feel quite let down. Alfred was portrayed as a untrustworthy idiot, only interested in his books and his priests. The Danes I am sure would have most certainly killed any "traitor" out of hand, and were the Irish ever involved? if they were, I certainly never learnt that in school, and in my day we were actually taught History although we did know that the Norseman did land there in Eire and make settlements, as they did in America.
I just hope that the next book is better.
History lessons you don't fall asleep during!, 05 Jul 2008
Well I'll get all the negative stuff out of the way first! Uhtred really is just a dark ages 'Sharpe' he even has an Irish side kick now and whilst Sharpe was loathed as a commoner amongst upper class twit fellow officers, Uhtred is loathed because he is a pagan amongst pious preachy christians!
That said for many years I loved Sharpe! and likewise I am loving Uhtred and the Saxons, a major part of our national history largely ignored till now! Romans and vikings by the score, Saxons, hardly any!.
Back to the book it's architypical Cornwell. Our hero is unloved by his masters, out numbered by his foe's but backed up by his savage comrades. Yes we've seen it a hundred times before from Cornwell but it is such a winning formula and he does it probably better than anyone. Also I like the stories being told from the first person perspective by Uhtred himself as you really feel like you are in the heart of the action.
This book starts with the re-taking of London from the Danes an actual event but then takes a sharp left down imagination lane to put Uhtred in a daring rescue bid. As with most Cornwell stories the action is compelling gritty and believable, the book is fast paced though perhaps a hundred pages short of what we normally expect of him.
We are promised more Uhtred action shortley by the author and I'll no doubt be there with my credit card though I hope he doesn't over do it as I felt he did with Sharpe as there are so many other great bits of history he can take us to but I have not quite had enough of Uhtred yet! So I'll be sharpening my battle axe for next time.
Short but sweet, 22 Oct 2008
This is basically 2 Newspaper Christmas stories expanded and published for the fans. As a huge Cornwell & Sharpe fan I really wanted to read these, and was very glad I did. 2 very good stories full of Christmas spirit done in a way that only Sharpe can manage. OK, this is expensive for 2 short stories but a must have for all Sharpe fans, and the profits are for the Sharpe appreciation society and their charities, so was happy to pay for this.
Sharpe's Christmas, 03 Feb 2008
These stories are typical "Sharpe" with attention to historical detail, fluid prose and lively military action - a great Christmas present. However the book or rather booklet is rather short, and printed very poorly on cheap paper giving the book a rather home-made feel and therefore poor value for money.
Short but enjoyable, 16 Nov 2007
Sharpe's Christmas is a thin volume of two stories that were originally in the Christmas editions of the Daily Mail and like Sharpes Skirmish have been reprinted and added to by Mr Cornwell. it is a thin volume of two short stories but I loved them and I am sure every Sharpe fan will too.
Excellent, 28 May 2005
For those of as all who know and love Sharpe, this story comes just after "Sharpe's Regiment", set in the Pyrenees, and it's a typical Sharpe story.Excellent, but too short.
Cornwell at his best (But too short), 06 Jul 2004
I have read every Sharpe book and have enjoyed them all. These two short stories keep up the trend, though I found them on the short side. I especially enjoyed the Peace time Sharpe's Ransom and would like to hear more of how Sharpe copes with civilian life in enemy territory. As with all the books you are left wanting more and I hope Cornwell fills in more of the gaps in the Sharpe years.
Great story but not the best performance, 17 Nov 2008
I've listened to all of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon series in audiobook format (and read them in hardcover, too) and this is an OK version of book 3. I'm not going to comment on the plot but rather about the reader. If you are going to listen to a book, the reader is as important as the content. The right reader can bring a good story to another level. Unfortunately, while Jamie Glover is a good reader but this is not the best version available. Hold out for the one read by Richard Armitage. His reading is far superior to the other narrators (Tom Sellwood reads the unabridged version and Jamie Glover's version is abridged). It's a shame that Amazon doesn't sell Mr. Armitage's version but you can get it through audiobookcollection{.com}.
Revenge is sweet, 22 Oct 2008
The 3rd in this excellent Cornwell series sees our confused hero Uhtred finally get his chance at revenge. As normal, Cornwell produces a gripping page turning historical novel full of friends, fighting and women. This series of books is turning out to be a rival to his excellent Sharpe series, with an excellent narrative style that makes is feel a bit different to his other books. Started the next one alreay!
Sharpe dressed as a Saxon, 25 May 2008
When I started this series it was with the hope that it would be another trilogy like Cornwell's Wonderful Arthurian trilogy. However this series is far more like one of his Napeoleonic sagas, with each book being an individual story centred around a Saxon/ Viking version of Sharpe called Uhtred.
No doubt this will please many readers, especially lovers of Sharpe, however I thought they got a little formuliac and monotonous after a while. With the 'Warlord' (Arthurian) trilogy, Cornwell took his writing to a new level, the charactors were more complex and multi-layered and it was one story chopped into three very good books.
The Uhtred story is a return to Cornwell's bread and butter, 9 to 5 job. Not that this is bad, far from it Cornwell is a master of historic fiction. He stays very close to fact (unlike Iggulden at times!) but still writes exciting stories but... well... he just could have done a bit better I feel and stretched himself a bit more.
Still, lover's of heroic sword play will enjoy this book, as I did and will probably buy a few more Uhtred books in the future as I'm sure I will! Cornwell, cleverly makes our hero a Saxon raised by the Danes so we get to experience both cultures and lets face it Vikings are more exciting and glamorous than us Saxons!
I feel a bit mean only giving it 3 stars because it's better than that but it's not quite a 4 star book but if you like Iggulden, Scarrow and Cornwell's previous works this is a safe bet and worth the money, so go on get yourself a battle axe and push your way to the front of the shield wall.
Starting to get repetative, 28 Apr 2008
I loved the first two books, having read them in order one after the other for a couple of weeks now, and in particular found The Pale Horsemen especially worthy of praise. Therefore it was with some enjoyment that I settled down with this (slimmer) volume, the third in the series.
Sadly the series seems to be getting a trifle samey and short of originality and by midway through I found I could predict the actions easily. I am staggered to think how Cornwell will stretch these tales but hopefully he will return to the form found in the first two. I shall await the paperback of book 4.
One to read but only to see (and if truly interested in) what happens to the protaginists
The Epic Tale Continues.............., 22 Apr 2008
If you have read and enjoyed the first two books in the series (The Last Kingdom, and The Pale Horseman) then you will love this too as it is just as good. This time Uhtred settles a score with his old enemies from the 1st book Kjartan the cruel and his son and at some point he ends up as a slave until Ragnar saves him and creates an assault on Kjartans fortress. I'm not going to ruin the story, it is exellent, thats all you need to know. This entire series brings alive the struggle of the small English kingdoms against the Vikings and how they had to unite in order to survive and slowly a new kingdom began to emerge, that kingdom is England. This series brings alive Englands struggle better then any history book or movie. You must read it its awesome, I'm already enjoying the 4th book which has started out very violent-i love it.
Will Arthur ever find his peace? A great end to the trilogy, 28 Oct 2008
The third and final book of the Arthur/warlord trilogy is again a Bernard Cornwell classic. Not many authors have his ability for you to get into the heads of their characters in the same way he manages. You are so immersed in them, the story and the time period that it gives you an extra depth when you read his work. Our heroes think that maybe at last they have found a lasting peace for Britain..... of course that could never do! With twists, plots and power hungry rulers, there is still plenty for them left to fix. Cornwells interpretation of the Arthur legend is based on the stories from the time, rather than the much later Arthur legends which were written over 500 years later. This gives a much more believable Arthur legend than many others. He has included many of the later additions to the legend such as the round table, Camelot and alike so as not to make the story too different to the one we all grew up with, however still keeps the story in the dark ages as it was meant to be. An excellent end to the set and for me unfortunately only a couple more of his novels left to read.....
Cutting through the nonsense with Excalibur, 13 Jun 2008
Remembering first and foremost that this is myth wrapped into fiction, a dangerous mix at the best of times, this is far and away the best of the 3 books in the trilogy. However, the whole trilogy was spoiled for me by the incessant 'he spat' to the point when I began to believe that Southern England is a place of bogs and marshland due to the amount of saliva spat into it during Saxon times. Unfortunately an author does tend to fasten onto a word (with Martina Cole, for example, in Faces, it was 'sipped') and they do not realise they are overdoing it to an alarming degree. This is where the editor should be taking note and they aren't.
Having said that, this trilogy far outweighs the Holy Grail books in both content and characterisation, even if Arthur is nowhere near the heroic figure he deserves to be and Lancelot is more cowardly than I presumed him to be. But that is entirely a matter of opinion. Enjoy the books. He won't write better than these.
Inspiring, 23 Mar 2008
These are the finest books that I have ever read. They tell the tale of King Arthur in the dark ages in a way that makes you believe in such men, or certainly hope they existed. The story is brilliantly told through the writings of the main character Derfel Cadarn and these books blend the myth of King Arthur with what little is known of those times. Derfel tells the tales with such heart that you can almost feel the landscapes and characters he describes, from the mischievous Merlin to the imperious Guinevere. Quite simply, buy these books and treasure them.
A magnificent ending to my all time favorite trilogy., 22 Oct 2007
All the unanswered treads from the previous two books are sorted out here, the Battle of Mount Badon is proberbly the best described and gripping battle i have ever read. The last 100 pages ore amazing and the ending, as you would expect very sad. I only wish Bernard Cornwell would write about what happened to the surviving Charactors from between the end of the book and the start when Derfel is an old Monk re-telling the tale that only he and sly Bishop Sansum remember living through. Maybe he feels some stories should not be told and that we dont need all the answers? Overall the best book in what in my opinion is the Greatest trilogy ever written, highly recommended, now will someone make this series into a movie or tv series (without ruining it!)
The trilogy ends - but what an ending!, 10 Aug 2007
And three! Bernard Cornwell managed to finish his Warlord trilogy with another masterpiece - and this is not a small achievement. So many promising book and movies fail at the finish! So here we have a slow buildup leading us to the inavoidable wagnerian great finale! I just loved this book - and loved the whole trilogy. And I will not reveal anything - be surprised. And delighted, although it will be a sad delight.... as you can expect from the end of King Arthur story.
Cornwell does it again, 22 Oct 2008
If you read my other reviews you will know I am a huge Cornwell fan, especially Sharpe. Having nearly finished all the Sharpe novels and the Grail Quest trilogy it was time to give these a try. I was wondering if I would start to get bored with his style as Grail Quest was Sharpe in the middle ages, however this was sufficiently different to keep me interested. This book as per usual is historically acurate, good entertainment, and written in such a narrative way as to think you are reading the diary of Uhtred and that it is real. This gives it a different feel to the others, but still retaining all the things that make his books so gripping. Just started the next book, and have a feeling that these will stop me reading my last 3 Sharpe novels for a while, which is some feat!
Cornwell just gets better and better, 16 Aug 2008
Excellent. Bernard Cornwell at his very best. Discussing the formation of the first Kingdom of England by the future King Alfred the Great, Cornwell adds glamour to an already tumultuous past, showing life from Danish eyes and from Saxon views. Eternally anti-Christian, the book is more enjoyable than his previous warlord series.
Pure Gold!, 10 Aug 2008
Over the years I've read several of Bernard Cornwell's novels and, by and large, have enjoyed them. "The Last Kingdom," however, is in a different league, combining a sound grasp of history with a storyline that is simply superb. The book tells the story of Uhtred, Ealdorman of Northumbria, dispossed by his uncle and brought up by Danes, who, more by way of fate than choice, becomes a warrior for Alfred of Wessex.
The strength of the novel, for me, lies in the way Cornwell conjures up the flavour of the period and gives the protagonists a human face. Uhtred is no cardboard cut-out, no Dark Age equivalent of a superhero, but a very believable human being struggling to understand himself and make his way in an uncertain world. Bernard Cornwell's wry look at the religious questions of the day - Paganism versus Christianity - is handled with great understanding and more than a touch of humour as Uhtred looks askance at those who accept Christianity with | | |