Warriors of the Storm (The Last Kingdom Series - Book 9)

Its an Bernard Cornwell tale of Uthred and as such it is of course well written and very entertaining. That being said I find it the one if the lesser instalments in the series. The story line this time around is interely fictious and Cornwell uses it to (rather of handedly) tie several loose knots and bring Uthred in a position to start the final battle for Bebbanburg.
Uthred is by far my favourite Cornwell hero but I fear his author seems to have grown a bit bored with him. My gues is the next tale will be his last adventure.

I have devoured and enjoyed every book of this series, and I really do suffer a little let down when they end. They're fun, and I do feel that I learn a lot. I know the details of the story are not history, but the larger historical movements are accurate enough. The "Historical Note" is important and appreciated.

another great chapter of the Saxon Series follows the adventures of Uthred. I have loved these books, so I may be considered biased. While I wouldnt consider this the best of the series, it is still a great book and held my interest from page 1

Like its predecessors in this engrossing series, this novel is just as well composed and interestingly written. In my opinion, Bernard Cornwell is absolutely the best living writer of historical fiction. Not only are his books action filled and thus compulsively readable, they are carefully researched and beautifully written. And Uhtred is such a complex character. I have a feeling that the series will end in the next novel and I shall certainly miss him.

Quite probably the absolute best writer of historical thrillers today. Anyone who ahsn't read at least one of Cornwell's books probably should, but it's a good idea to have a taste for printed violence. His battle descriptions get very gory at times.

I can and have found fault with Cornwell's apparent obsessive dislike of the Christian faith, but he's a great writer and historian. So I overlook our difference viewpoints and read him because I enjoy the tale.

I have read the entire series. I just hope there are more to follow. The characters are vivid, the author appears to know English history, and I was greatly entertained. I have begun reading more books by the author. He makes my time on the treadmill a time to look forward to.

In a way--fairly predictable--follows the earlier story lines---still--it's Cornwell and he tells a great story even tho' you can generally see where it is going early in the story--when he writes the next one--I'll buy it again--I'm hooked on Cornwell since the Sharp series--have read every book he has written--his battle scenes are always convincing--and Uhtred--as always is a sly old fox--

This is perhaps my favorite historical fiction series of all time. This is another great story. This one is actually an interesting story of leadership of the times. It has been so long since I started reading the series it may be time to reread then again.

Vintage Cornwell with his Saxon stories. If you are a fan of the others you will like this. Was nice to see a face from the earlier novels as well in this one. So many characters are in the series, you sometimes forget the ones he doesn't address in every novel.

Vintage Cornwell with his Saxon stories. If you are a fan of the others you will like this. Was nice to see a face from the earlier novels as well in this one. So many characters are in the series, you sometimes forget the ones he doesn't address in every novel.

Lord Uhtred, a natural warrior, never fails to meet the challenges that come hurdling into his path. Again, we meet interesting new characters, some I would like to be carried forward. Other characters are our old acquaintances who add so much texture to the tale. A great read!

A series about the origins of England. There are many descriptions of battles the Saxons wage against the Danes and North Men trying to take over their territory. The battle scenes are very vivid and explain the warfare of that era in detail. As in most of Cornwell's novels the history is well researched.

Cromwell continues to bring this fascinating period in British history to the forefront with "Lord Uhtred" and his adventures. I've enjoyed each one of these and find so many parallels in the issues of today. I'll be ready for the next saga when it hits the airwaves.

Cornwell doesn't disappoint in his most recent book about Uthred et al. Accurate, vivid storytelling that puts a panorama of early English history at your fingertips. Some family suprises for our main character, and some interesting twists to the existing story lilne.

The Saxon series are my most favorite books. Warrior's of the Storm did not disappoint. It was thrilling and action packed. The author brings the misty world of the dark ages alive. Uhtred is as magnetic and wild as ever.

This series of novels by Bernard Cornwell is to me only second to Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey and Maturin 20 book saga. The main character of these novels, Uhtred, is one of the most fascinating characters I have ever read about in any book of any kind.

Classic Cornwell, I admit to skimming over the battle tactics. The only battle description I ever read completely was Alexander @ Gaugemela.
His characters are compelling and I'm waiting for the final book in the series

This is one of my favorites from this series. Bernard Cornwell did a fantastic job of switching things up to keep this story line interesting and new. He is a fantastic story teller and I just wish I did not have to wait for the next one.

Another great book in the Saxon Tales, riveting, humorous, and descriptive but not tediously so. My only objection is the overuse of exclamation points, which is new & distracting. It could have been a little meatier, with more detail on Uhtred's relationship with Aethelfled, but I love Bernard Cornwell and can't wait for the next in the series.

The latest in the Saxon Series. Perhaps not as strong as earlier books in the series but enjoyable none the less. It had a bit of a transitional feel to the story. I would purchase again and will purchase the next installment as well.

Bernard Cornwell, The Saxon Chronicles! What else is there to say! If you are a fan you will love it, if you are new to the series you will go back and read the rest! Only complaint it it goes by too fast!

Another stunning Uhtred adventure! Glad to finally hear the backstory on Finan. The only bad thing about reading Cornwell is that you have to wait another year for the next installment; but good things are worth waiting for.

Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Tales are simply incredible! I've learned so much about 10th-11th C. Saxons and Vikings, but never at the expense of the readability of these books. My favorite Cornwell seriies by far!

Excellent book that continues the Uthred sagas. If you have read the first 8 and are hooked then this is a must read. It is a fast enjoyable read that is a wonderful story. The characters continue to be like old friends or old enemies.

I find Cornwell's view of historical context and norse culture quite refreshing. It is very interesting the fact that Uthred chooses not to embrace cristian religion through the entire saga, considering it to be hypochritical and weakening. Somehow it made me think what would have happened to Europe if Cristianity had not been there. Perhaps Uthred's vision of England, as the future of Britain, is also a little bit as a I see the future: to civilized and contained.

Like all of Cornwell's books, it's extremely well researched, extremely well-written and extremely entertaining. It's possible he's written a bad book -- but I doubt it. The Saxon Tales series is well worth the read.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series from the first book to the (sadly) last. The characters are loved,despised,respected,admired.
I will miss them and wonder if Uhtred will win his beloved Bebbenburgh...

Always good to read Bernard Cornwell. I've read everything he has written and I would give all his books five stars. Warriors of the Storm did not disappoint. The only concern is Uhtred is getting old and I know the story will come to an end. That will be a sad day. Love Mr. Cornwell's writing. No one can write a battle scene better. Strongly suggest starting with the first book in series.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg has started feeling his age--he must be almost 50 at this point in the series, which is pretty elderly for a warrior.Yet, he continues to lead with imaginative strategies. His daughter Stiorra continues to develop as a warrior in her own right, as is shown in one on the climatic scenes of the story. Cornwell keeps readers of the series wondering, however, if Uhtred will ever regain Bebbanburg castle.

A rollicking adventure! Bernard Cornwell does not disappoint! Hopefully, Uhtred is back on the track to his true home Babbanburg! Thanks so much! Please write more! We love the BBC American production "The Last Kingdom", too!

The latest book in the Saxon tales series. These stories come alive as you read them and there is always room for one more tale of Uhtred the Bold. I would liked a longer book but such is life, I do recommend.

Uhtred defends western Mercia from Norsemen and Danes invading from Ireland. Ragnall, a Norse warlord pushed out of Ireland, decides Britain’s western lands across the Irish Sea will be easier pickings and the place to start a new kingdom.

Uhtred defends Mercia for Aethelflaed, Alfred’s daughter and its queen, but Northumbria is weak and vulnerable. Warlords come and go in the walled city of Eoferwic (York) but never consolidate their rule. Aethelflaed’s brother Edward rules Wessex, but there’s a delicate balance between the two. England will one day be unified but it needs to be under Edward, and he still has his hands full elsewhere. He isn’t ready to march to Mercia’s aid or retake Northumbria.

It’s Northumbria where Ragnall aims to go. Or does he? He lands near Caester (Chester) in Mercia where Uhtred and Aethelflaed are, but Uhtred must sift out feints and double feints to figure out the ruthless Ragnall’s real game, and the penalty for being wrong will be death. It’s a ruthless and dirty war.

It’s a story of loyalties divided by conflicting national, religious and family ties. Ragnall’s brother Sigtryggr is now Uhtred’s son-in-law. Is he part of this invasion? And what of Uhtred’s daughter Stiorra? Uhtred’s main man Finan finds himself in a similar bind: His brother Conall, an Irish king, has joined Ragnall’s force, and it is only now that we learn what has kept Finan in exile all these years.

Uhtred doesn’t have the men to deal head on with Ragnall. And he must use every ounce of cunning to hold him off, including desperate journeys to try to convince enemies to cross over and join him - and also save his daughter. One obstacle is Brida, the first lover of Uhtred’s youth but now a crazed witch wanting to reclaim England for the pagans and soak it with Christian blood.

There are Norse and Christians on both sides – pagans like Uhtred who fight for the Christian Aethelflaed, Irish Christians who side with the pagan Ragnall – plus the conflicting national loyalties as Saxons, Norse and Irish fight for control of the British Isles. Another great Saxon Tale.

I have read all of Cornwell's Saxon Tales. Frankly, I was getting bored with the previous book. I do no know if the new BBC Series, "The Last Kingdom" brought some fresh air to the series or Cornwell just got his wind. But this book is a big improvement. It bumps and rumbles along.
Finally, Uhtred is coming into his own. Instead of just getting in trouble then winning some battles, Uhtred has become a father with a family to make him proud. He uses his head instead of humping and fighting. He lets his children take over some of the tasks. And even his son-in-law steps in to win some important personal combat. Uhtred even finds he likes a Christian Bishop! (Against his own prejudices.) Oh, and remember the new
slogan, "Mus! Mus!" You will love Mus.

Some people need some spoilers and others hate them. So stop reading here if you don't want to learn any new plot points.
I read Wikipedia to find out some background on Uhtred. Cornwell alludes to an ancestor called Uhtred. There were two of note from roughly that historical period. Uhtred the Bold was from Northumbria but some decades later than this fictional Uhtred. Then of all things, Wikipedia gives spoilers for this book! Don't read the Wikipedia article if you don't want to find out what happens before reading the book. I have become very fond of Ragnar the Younger and Brida from the BBC series. All of them are played by good fun young actors. Nope, not going to tell you about Brida. Just let us say that things change. But, I am very proud of Stiorra Uhtredsdottir. Great new plot points with Father Oswald, Uhtred the younger, and Stiorra. It is best if you discover Uhtred's children for yourself. And if I could spell Uhtred's son-in-law's name, then I would.

Finally, this book is the least historical of any of the Saxon Tales. There is more fiction about Uhtred's family and less about Alfred, Edward the Elder, Aethelflaed, and Aethelstan. From history you know the Northmen win in the end. Just after the Saxons take back and unite all of Englaland, a new group of Northmen (Normans) take it all. The Saxons march and march with Uhtred winning battles but a few decades later (1066) it will all be over. So don't get your hopes up.

Bernard Cornwell, as usual, does it again. The story rests, uneasily, on History and has some surprising twists and holds interest. A good read that makes on anticipate the next book in in the series.

This latest installment of the Saxon Chronicles is a fast moving read. The unification of England continues and Cornwell captures the tension and action with his agility to creat three demensional characters and great action writing.