Lords of the North

The author combines historical elements with fiction in this tale of Saxons vs Danes. The tale takes place mainly in what is now Northern England. Perhaps most interestingly after the tale is over the author reveals the fictional and the real life characters, battles and locales.

The author combines historical elements with fiction in this tale of Saxons vs Danes. The tale takes place mainly in what is now Northern England. Perhaps most interestingly after the tale is over the author reveals the fictional and the real life characters, battles and locales.

Even though it is a work of fiction, the chronology is quite accurate. Well written, very well researched. Once again the author manages to weave personal story lines and development of characters into real history, making it a great read.

First, let me say that I've read alot of Cornwell's works including the entire Sharpe series and the other books that preceded Lords of the North. I'm a big fan of his and thinks he does outstanding work especially with military history. Bottom line I was disappointed in this one. There were too many things that 'just happened to happen'. And the ending was a big letdown as well. Perhaps my expectations have become so high that when he writes something that, I think, is not up to his high standards its a big disappointment. In spite of that I eagerly await the next installment in this series and will buy it the first day its available!

By the way for any Sharpe fans out there I came across a Sharpe-related book (blessed by Cornwell) called Sharpe's Companion (Adkins). Its got everything you wanted to know about the British military including uniforms, ordnance, unit sizes, pay scales, unit makeup, tactics etc. I would recommend this for hardcore Sharpe fans. Adkins also "replays" some of the highlights from Sharpe's time in India.

This complete and unabridged title is available to order on 10CDs (ISBN-9781405623698) and is brilliantly read by Richard Armitage. It is available to order exclusively from AudioGO, based in Bath, UK.

There probably isn't much I can say about this one that I haven't already said about the other two. This one is probably my favorite so far because Uhtred and Ragnar Ragnarson are reunited. Alfred proves sneaky and cunning as ever. Finan is introduced and Steapa is proven to be a loyal friend to Uhtred and I loved them both. It almost makes up for what happened to Leofric.

There is a point in the book that drags slightly, but luckily that part is fairly short. Minor spoilers: I love that Uhtred still has shackles on his feet and immediately starts boasting about how he killed Ubba and dismounted Svein of the White Horse and is demanding people call him Lord. I know some people complain about his lack of maturity but I don't really know what they expect of a 21/23 year old. At some point he does mature because you can see it in the passages where he is reflecting about these events that happened so long ago.

As always- the history is well researched and it always surprises me how much of it Cornwell includes. The ending was beautiful and I'm looking forward to reading more about Uhtred in the next book!

Uhtred the pagan Saxon who was raised as a Dane continues to be conflicted about serving King Alfred - but fate is fate.

There's some beautiful pieces of Kingly treachery, but Uhtred's feelings about kings are more complicated that action-reaction. Kings, slaves, warriors - all are subject to their fate/weird, and don't the three spinners love a good joke? Hah. Ha ha ha, fates.

Uhtred still has a wife in a nunnery - who might or might not be alive - but guess who else has been in a nunnery for a while? Meanwhile Hild the former nun also has some conflict in her character arc, which is very interesting - most women in this series are fairly one dimensional. This is not a complaint, the way it usually is, because a lot of characters here are deliberately one-dimensional as hard as they can. It is their fate!

I wonder if Bernard Cornwell can write a book called 'The Once and Future Nun' based on this version of Hild. All his other books are heavily male-centered.

As always, I rec Hild by Nicola Griffith as an excellent book full of world-building and three-dimensional characters, fate and arranging your destiny, politics and friendship.
[...]

If you walk into a Viking bar and the first two characters you meet are named Kjartan The Cruel and Sven One-Eye, chances are pretty good you might be in for a rough day...

Where to begin? This magnificent saga of high adventure and misadventure includes betrayal, revenge, two years of captivity as a galley-slave, storming the castle, turning a pack of wild dogs onto your worst enemy in a flesh ripping feeding frenzy of Ragnarokian proportions, and finally a multiplicity of connubial blisses bursting forth all over, played out against background music of monks chanting while rattling saint's bones.

...and then he goes off and kills Lothbrok's grandson! Making the Danelagh safe for Saxons once again.

A great read.

If you’re thinking of reading this book, I’m just going to assume that by now you have already read the first two installments in the series. In light of that fact, I’ll spare you the backstory of this book as you should already have it well in hand. The same goes for the characters as well. While there are some new characters in this book, the majority are already familiar to the series and return in fine form. In short, this book is fantastic. To me, it is the best in the series so far. The pacing is fantastic. The various plotlines are tremendous and even though some of the loose ends tied up here span across the previous books, it only serves to make those moments all the more meaningful. There are some truly powerful moments in this book. From unending joy to terrible grief and circling around to incredibly satisfying revenge, this book really covers a lot of ground emotionally. I will say that Uhtred seems to go through a “Forest Gump-esque” amount of events in his young, tumultuous life but that really only ultimately contributes to the near constant adrenaline rush present in these pages.
There aren’t really too many bad things I can say about the book. There’s something really satisfying about staying with a cast of characters like this for a while and seeing their goals and ambitions come to pass (successfully or not) over the series. I feel like the other books in the series were building up a crescendo of pending intensity while this book was the tipping point and it all begins to come crashing down in a downpour of excitement and uncertainty. Wyrd bið ful aræd and it may be true that fate is inexorable but hell if I know where that fate will lead. But I’m quite anxious to find out in the next entrance in the series.

Lords of the North, book three in the Saxon series by Bernard Cornwell was full of vintage Cornwellian storytelling devices. Notably, the protagonist, Uhtred of Bembanburg makes a series of plot complicating bad choices, always involving his pride and murder. At first, I was delighted to find some respite from the really unlikable characteristics of Uhtred. The first part of the book focuses on more of the reasons I like Uhtred; his strength, loyalty, outspokenness, and his continuing quest to reclaim his home.

Now that was exciting. As much as I enjoyed the first two books, I have been chomping at the bit to see Uhtred face his treacherous uncle and reclaim Bembanburg.

But then he committed one of his other frequent failings. He embraced stupidity and was cast into slavery for his lack of foresight. Nothing about the slavery ordeal or the eventual (rather long) action sequence at the end of the book was original. It was however, well written and the narrator, Tom Sellwood, did a really good job.

I would give this a 4.5 star rating, instead of a 5 like the first two books in the Saxon series. I ranked The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman high because the were very powerful and emotionally engaging even when I wanted to turn away from the protagonist. Lords of the North was easier to listen to, but not as good on a technical level.

Next month, when I have some new audiobook credits to spend, I will be looking forward to Sword Song. That will be about halfway through the Saxon series and I will decide if I plan to continue to the end. I kind of think so, but lately I have realized there is only so much time and if a book or book series isn't awesome, I am inclined to shop around.

Bernard Cornwell writes historical fiction at its best. You won't find any headless women on the cover wearing anachronistic dresses, only stinking lusty men who want nothing more than to die with a sword in their hand. Lords of the North is gritty, gory, and realistic without a romantic word uttered.

Our somehow lovable Uhtred is back with a twisting and turning adventure that one is only certain of his survival through because he narrates it as he is old enough to be embarrassed by his age. Uhtred and the reader are taken back to Northumbria where Uhtred is still considered by some to be Lord of Bebbanburg, though his uncle has usurped his position for a decade. Uhtred finds many enemies await him in the north, but it is a friend who causes his greatest downfall.

There is no shortage of battle, blood, and brutality in this novel, but it does not come across as superfluous. This is simply the way life was lived in the ninth century, especially for men like Uhtred who probably couldn't settle down on a comfortable estate if he were ordered to.

Despite the rough and tumble plot, character development is not ignored. Throughout his adventures, Uhtred discovers that most people are more than they appear to be and that he can deeply respect someone that he doesn't necessarily like.

I look forward to more tales of our favorite irreverent Saxon as I continue Cornwell's Saxon Stories.

“Lords of the North” is the third book in Bernard Cornwell’s “Saxon Tales” series. I felt this one was on par with book one and better than book two. This installment had a more substantial plot and did more than simply move Uhtred from one battle to the next, although there were several battles in this book. One aspect that I thought was interesting was the idea of Christian “sorcery” or “magic” told from the Danish-Pagan point of view. I can imagine how it would have been difficult for Christianity to compete with the more “manlier” gods of Thor and Odin, but this book did have one vivid scene featuring a weak Christian doing something that took a lot of bravery. I thought this was an excellent example of Christianity in action.

I am beginning to wonder if Cornwell will have a new love interest for Uhtred in each book in the series, or if he will continue to cut short Uhtred’s love interests. There is a bit of “prophecy” related to Uthred’s future, and I’m hopeful this is something the author will pursue in other books. As with the other novels, a bit of the wonder/intrigue is missing because we know Uhtred is recounting this story in his old age. Even so, it is still exciting to see how Cornwell manages to bring his main character victory, escape, and/or another chance.

Another aspect of the story that was enjoyable was Uhtred’s campaign against his blood-sworn enemy, Kjartan, and his son, the one-eyed Sven. Christianity clearly speaks against vengeance, but Uhtred’s pagan upbringing demanded vengeance for the deplorable things Kjartan did in the first book. Uhtred still doesn’t manage to retake his former home, but he and Ragnar the Younger deal with Kjartan and Sven.

A final interesting aspect of the story was the introduction of slavery, and what that would have been like in late 800 A.D. This type of slavery didn’t target a specific race or skin color, instead it was more equal minded in that slaves could come from any country in and and/or Britain. The conditions depicted were awful, and it is easy to see how this could spell the end of a person’s life if they were sold or captured into slavery.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, and found it a well-paced continuation of the series. Uthred’s likability and desires seem better in this book, and I look forward to seeing where Cornwell takes the story next.

I've listened to all of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon series in audiobook format (and read them in hardcover, too) and this is the best of them all. Richard Armitage's reading is vastly superior to the other narrators (Tom Sellwood, Jamie Glover, and Gerard Doyle). Mr. Armitage is a master storyteller. His narration does not sound like the book is being read (as it sometimes does in the other versions) -- it's being performed -- no, it's lived. The pacing is impressive -- calm and contemplative when required, intense and passionate for the action sequences. He adds just the right level of humor (sometimes wry but without too much sarcasm) which is sorely lacking in the other audiobooks.

Mr. Armitage's range of voices and accents is astonishing. He's lucky to have such flexible vocal chords to be able to go high enough yet gentle for the women and children and never sounds false or forced. Hild, Gisela and Thyra are particularly wonderful, exuding patience, passion and rage. I lost count of the number of male voices he created but the range is stunning -- some very bass, some very tenor -- age, class and region all incorporated so smoothly that at times I forgot that one person was creating them all. Every voice, even the least incidental ones, has a distinct character.

It's a shame that the store doesn't sell this version but you can get it through audiobookcollection{.com}. This company is in the UK but they do ship overseas. I truly hope that Mr. Armitage will be available to record an unabridged version of Sword Song, the next book in the series.

Dec. 1, 2013:
Update: I've just learned that AudioGo Ltd (http:%%www_audiogo_com), the company that currently distributed this recording, has gone into administration (bankruptcy). Audible.co.uk have bought the rights to many of their titles but it's not known if this was one of the recordings acquired. I certainly hope that it won't vanish forever. Look for used copies (CDs) on eBay.

After reading some of the reviews here for "Lords of the North", I was a bit worried about what I would find. Being the third book in the series, I wondered if Cornwell could keep it going for a third book. It would have been understandable if things slipped a bit. I needn't have worried.

Following from The Pale Horseman: A Novel from the year 878, "Lords of the North" sees our hero Uhtred head north to follow his fate. Of course, the Three Spinners have other plans and Uhtred soon finds himself enslaved and alone.

I won't mention too much of the plot, as I do not want to ruin it for you. There are some good twists and turns, and I was rather surprised sometimes. Elements and people I had forgotten about made sudden reappearances, much to my own pleasure, I might add.

In this volume, Alfred the Great is developed a bit more, as is the relationship between him and Uhtred. Always a tense one, that relationship moves to a new level as Uhtred develops a more complex picture of the King he hates, yet serves.

The violence seems to be stepped up a couple of degrees in this violence, and at times, I have to admit relishing it. Some very deserving people got to taste Serpent-Breath's edge as Uhtred took his revenge on them. At times, the descriptions get pretty detailed, with mentions of "gristle" thrown in, just in case the reader does really get it with the "blood" gushing everywhere and coating the hilts of swords and mail.

Cornwell has kept up the pace in this book, with a seething tale of revenge and some excellent twists that kept me rivetted to the pages. This book kept me hooked to much greater degree than the last two volumes, and the turns in the plot were a big factor in that. The developing characters were also a large factor, especially those of Uhtred and Alfred the Great. I still have some puzzlement with regard to Uhtred and his deeper motivations.

This is a great volume that keeps the pace and keeps the plot moving. It is a fantastic read and I can only hope that Cornwell hurries to get number 4 out.

I am now a self-professed Bernard Cornwell fan.

This is great!

Anyone can write words and put them into some sort of sequence and call it a story. Especially historical fiction.

Then there are authors who captivate the reader and when you open their story everything around the reader disappears and the words on the page come alive.

Bernard Cornwell is one of those authors.

I almost never started this series but am I glad I did! I cannot get enough of Cornwell's Dark Age England. So much research has been done but it never feels like I am reading a history book.

Uthred is a great character that is rough to the core but still has a heart. He will probably tick you off and at times you wish you could reach in there and punch him in the nose! (and not walk away to tell the tale.) But thats ok because he is that way through the entire story. He was raised by a warrior viking and then became a warrior viking. It fits perfectly.

I've learned to love and hate him at the same time.

Great series and I am glad there are still more to read! I have found my favorite historical fiction author and it will be hard to find another that is of the same quality.

Originally, I thought Cornwell's engaging, entertaining, and very well-written story of the struggles of King Alfred ("the Great") to preserve England as an English land was going to be a trilogy, ending with the Battle of Edington, the treaty with Guthrum, and the establishment of the Danelaw. It appears, however, that he's going for the full franchise. The series is up to five volumes now, and still growing. And that's fine with me because he's doing such a good job at it! Uhtred, through whom we experience the world of the late 9th century, is the rightful lord of Bebbanburg (Bamburgh, in Northumberland), exiled by circumstances, and replaced by his uncle, who would prefer to see him dead. Though Anglo-Saxon by birth, he was raised by the Danes who captured him after his father's death in battle and he's decidedly equivocal in his loyalties. He's also determinedly pagan, which pisses off every priest he comes across (and has annoyed a lot of fundamentalist readers, which is always good). In this third volume, Uhtred has gotten Alfred back on his throne -- having been the one who actually got things organized during the bleak months hiding out in the fens of Somerset -- and now wants only to return north to resolve the blood-feud that followed the murder by hall-burning of his foster father, Ragnar, and to settle scores with his despised uncle. Early on, he has the opportunity to rescue Guthred, the young and rather feckless Danish claimant to the throne of Northumbria, from slavery, and that gets him immediately into the inner circles. Then his foster brother, Ragnar Ragnarson, who had been a hostage after Edington, gets into the act and things get interesting. The author spins a complex and exciting story, deftly plotted in terms of believable military strategy and political goals, and Uhtred, admittedly not always a likeable person, is still very much a hero. And he knows it, too. The historical essentials of Alfred's wars in the south are pretty much known, which limits what one can get away with in fiction, but in the north history is pretty much up for grabs and Cornwell takes full advantage of the possibilities. And I don't think anyone writing today can do a battle scene -- or even a duel -- better. Let's hope this series rivals Sharpe's adventures for longevity.

I've read a fair few novels & generally find that three things make for a great story: surprises, an educational/ spiritual message and believable characters who you can idolize.
These three may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I find that this novel had all three & much else aside.
And this is highly unusual in a series as, often, one of the first 2 is the classic and the third one is a dud (e.g. with James Frey's books or Prince Caspian from The Chronicles of Narnia). However this book proves more than a match for the other two, despite the limited historical material it has to draw on.

Basically the plot sees Uhtred (a Lord of the North - deposed ruler of Bebbanburgh/ Bamburgh to be exact) going North to finish a plot feud with Kjartan (Lord of Dunholm/ Durham) and to take back Bebbanburgh Castle from his usurping uncle. The novel has many surprising twists and turns and ultimately, Uhtred is mostly successful.

In the process we are treated to a view of the historic North of England (which is often overlooked), including interesting details in the form of the various rulers of the North, the curious blending of Dane and Saxon, Christian and Pagan that was going on at the time and the complex politics that arose.

Best of all, we are given a full view of the most gruesome aspects of the Viking era: Slavery. As three of the main charactors (including Uhtred) experience being slaves, we see what a barbaric institution it was & how it was frowned upon by the West Saxons even then.

And last thing to mention is that, even if you're not into History or learning about how Britain came to be, this book still has one of the best plots I've ever encountered, taking full advantage of Cornwell's experience writing the Sharpe novels. The way the plot jinks back and forth is simply breathtaking & the thoughts, fears and triumphs of Uhtred are so vividly written that you think and feel them yourself.
Cornwell also has the storyteller's touch in making Uhtred's reality congruent with his pagan beliefs. As an example, before being enslaved, Uhtred witnesses a particularly bad casting of the rune sticks (which we would see as superstition, but to Uhtred would be real). He also takes Thunder and Lightning during a battle as a sign that Thor is on his side. These details may seem irrelevant, but they do help immerse you in a novel far more thoroughly than lesser books...

So, if you haven't read this book then I encourage you to start off with The Last Kingdom (Alfred the Great 1) and The Pale Horseman (Alfred the Great 2) to understand the context of the series
If you've read them already however, then this is the best one to try again as it includes all the most interesting bits of the series and is a gripping read.
It's a pity that its brilliance didn't continue much into Sword Song, but this novel is all the better because of it.

I loved this book, and like the Saxon Chronicles series a little more with each installment. There's something about Cornwell's writing that is liberated in the first-person narrative of the Saxon warrior Uhtred, something not found even in the Sharpe series.

Perhaps it's the savage, joyous attitude Uhtred and kindred spirits like his Danish friend Ragnar have towards fighting: that it's glorious, that they do it for themselves, that they find it liberating, that the freebooting life is the one most worth living.

Maybe it's the uncertain politics, where Uhtred, of divided loyalty himself, fights for a king he respects but doesn't like - Alfred - or for one he likes but doesn't respect - Guthred - in states with shifting borders like Wessex, or in the lawless, warlord-riven north of what will later become England. Yes, the battles are fateful and historical as they shape that future path, but meanwhile Uhtred operates in uncertain waters, with rivalries cutting so across ethnic groups, territory and religion that they boil down to mostly personal ambition.

After the stunning victory of Ethandun, which Uhtred engineers for Alfred after keeping him alive in hiding in the swamps, Uhtred is underwhelmed by the paltry rewards he receives and heads north, focused as always on regaining his familial castle at Bebbanburg from his usurping uncle Aelfric. And he has old scores to settle with the warlord Kjartan and his son. From them he liberates a slave, Guthred, who turns out to have a claim on the throne of wild Northumbria, and helps make him king. Guthred takes his advice on kingship, following what Uhtred tells him of Alfred's ruling style, but sells Uhtred into slavery to clear the way for alliances with Aelfric and the Danish warlord Ivarr. Uhtred survives years in slavery, dreaming often of Guthred's sister Gisela. Finally liberated, he heads north once more at Alfred's behest ostensibly guarding a churchman, but really to settle the hash of Ivarr and Kjartan on Alfred's behalf. His war party brings together a lot of his best pals - Ragnar, Steapa and new characters Clapa, Rypere and the Irish warrior Finan - for a great battle climax.

This is the third novel of the Saxon Chronicles, and it is another enjoyable book. Cornwell continues to make the story of Uhtred interesting, so I am glad to see that there is now a fifth book in this series (The Burning Land) with perhaps even more books to follow.

I noticed in the assault on the fortress Dunholm how many characters were involved in the battle, and I realized that despite the large quantity of Saxon and Danish swordsmen that Cornwell had done such an excellent job at description that each character seemed to have a distinct personality, whether it was mighty Steapa or Kjartan the Cruel, the Irishman Finan the Agile, mighty axe-wielding Steapa, young Clapa (who Uhtred was going to execute, but instead adopts as a squire), or the Danish warrior Ragnar, the lifelong friend of Uhtred. These characterization show Cornwell's talent as a writer, he gives Uhtred a convincing set of people to interact with.

Uhtred seems to have a secular view of the world (though he frequently mentions how the Three Fates control our lives), but the men around him are quite superstitious. They fear omens, believe that casting bones can predict the future, and are haunted by fears of undead warriors. Uhtred takes advantage of these superstitions by disguising himself as the Dark Swordsman of Niffelheim, a leper - to free the likable but untrustworthy King Guthred from slavery. But later in the book, when reading about a seemingly magical deed performed by Thyra, and I wondered why Uhtred isn't more superstitious himself, because Cornwell makes it seem that magic DOES exist in Uhtred's world. I recall that in the first novel, another woman (Brida?) performed an inexplicable (ie: magical) deed to save the son of King Alfred in the swamps.

Uhtred's ultimate goal in these novels is to reclaim the castle Bebbanburg, which was his father's castle, but is now occupied by his treacherous uncle. Uhtred doesn't get much closer to this goal by the end of Lords of the North, but the reader gets to follow him through multiple battles and adventures along the way. Perhaps after a few more volumes of shield walls and duels I will grow tired of Uhtred's exploits - after all, even the best warrior in the world must slip some time, get hit by a random arrow, or face three opponents at once - but for now I am still enjoying these books.

Bernard Cornwell is well known as one of best historical fiction authors of our time.

In the first two installments of the Saxon Tales, chronicling the rise of King Alfred the Great,the father of what we now call England. The story takes place mainly in the 9th Century. Uhtred, the main character, is a Saxon who was raised as a Dane and is now essentially one of Alfred's warriors.

The stories are complex with the interrelationships of Saxons, Danes, Norsemen, priests and nuns. And, mirroring the era, there are endless wars and lots of killing.

In the first two novels, Cornwell harnessed the force of his story and kept it moving aggressively forward.

In "Lords of the North", Cornwell couldn't seem to muster the same energy.The story begins with Uhtred sneaking away from King Alfred in Wessex, with a former nun Hild. Uhtred intends to regain his inheritance in Northumbria by conquering the ancestral castle. Of course, first he will have to gather an army and so on.

The story moves on with Uhtred freeing a slave who becomes a king who, in turn, betrays Uhtred - and I'm not going to give away the story.

The good news is that Cornwell crams a lot of actual and imagined history into his books. You'll get a good idea of the overall grunginess of 9th Century life. It wasn't particularly great for the nobles and the ordinary folks got the worst of it. Ending up as a slave was a common hazard. Death was a constant companion, both from natural causes and the acts of others. Religious fanaticism held great sway. Killing was an ordinary act.

In all, Cornwell takes your breath away with the scope of his depictions of the world he surveys.

The problem is that while the plot holds together well, the story is simply too long. I would have been happier with much tighter editing and perhaps 50 - 100 pages less.

Cornwell is still one of the very best at historical fiction, but this one feels like it was rushed or just didnt' receive the full measure of Cornwell's talent.

Still a good read, though.

Jerry

The first person narration is MASTERFUL in this novel, first of all -- Cornwell uses it perfectly, allowing us to experience the events of Uhtred's life as he does, and keeping us on our toes throughout. But honestly, this whole book was great! I feel like Uhtred really came into his own -- and maybe it was because he was finally out from under Alfred for a while, and was free to act for his own sake for a time, but it was glorious to see, and for me, the best part of this book was the bromance of Ragnar and Uhtred, reunited and fighting side by side.

I'm definitely going to be getting my hands on book 4.

Book three in the Saxon Chronicles is the best book by Bernard Cornwell that I have read. I had read his "Grail Quest Trilogy" before coming to this series, which I thought was a trilogy, but now know could go on much longer (it will be at least 4 books and I certainly hope for more).

"Lords of the North" continues the fantastic, emotional tale of Uhtred, the fictional Saxon-born, Dane-adopted and raised warrior, that is fated to fight for England and a king that he does not like, Alfred.

Uhtred lost his family when he was a boy and was adopted by a Danish Viking warrior, Earl Ragnar, who he loved as a father, and from whom he learned of the pagan deities, especially the spinners, the three mythical creatures that weave the fate of every man; hence his repeated statement through the entire series, "Fate is inexorable".

Uhtred, after assisting Alfred the Great with the defense of Wessex against the Danes, marches north to regain his birthright which was taken by his uncle when Uhtred's birth father died in battle. But fate has other plans for Uhtred, including assisting another king, killing priests, killing Saxons, killing Danes, loving a woman who becomes a nun, loving another woman who is betrothed to another, betrayal, slavery and revenge. Not bad for six months in the life of a Saxon/Danish warrior in the ninth century.

The author admits in his historical note at the end of the book that this tale is more fiction than fact, mainly because not much is known about the history of the Northumbria, the northern Saxon province. Using the name of the king, Guthred, and the characters he created in books 1 & 2,(which I highly recommend you read before coming to this; not because you need to in order to understand this book, but because the entire series is fabulous and why skip the salad and appetizer to get to the main course when the entire meal should be savored?) to weave a more fictional tale that is still most definitely anchored in fact, so far as the customs, trials, dangers, life, religions and battles would have been in the ninth century; that is to say that, despite the fact that none of the characters are real (except Guthred of whom not much is known) the entire story is told in accordance with the period and should be taken as an authentic description of fictional people. The world which Cornwell writes is wonderful, historically accurate and vivid.

This book is the best of the "Saxon Chronicles" by far and I eagerly await the release of book 4, "Sword Song" which is slated for release early 2008.

Recently, The New York Times had a long editorial excoriating President Bush over the treatment of al-Qaeda and Taliban prisoners in the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. If you didn't read this particular piece, odds are you've seen something similar: calls to close Guantanamo, end the military tribunals, provide free legal counsel for detainees, and so on. Basically, it's a call to apply a set of rules to detainees --- the rules of the Geneva Convention and the Constitutional rules regarding the right to counsel and the right against self-incrimination. No matter which rules you think are appropriate, nearly everyone agrees that there must be certain regulations that govern how prisoners are treated.

In the ninth-century world of Bernard Cornwell's LORDS OF THE NORTH, this is how it works. You have a ring of people carrying branches from a hazel tree, which provide the same function as ropes in a boxing ring. You take your prisoner, give him a sword and match him up against the best fighter from the victorious side. And only one of the two men is coming out of the ring alive. Those are the rules. Actually, it's a good deal --- because the alternatives include hanging and roasting to death. If you're a Viking captured in battle, there are worse ways to lose your life than with a sword in your hand --- at least that way you get to feast in the mead-halls of Valhalla instead of spending eternity at what Cornwell calls the "corpse-hall," which sounds much less fun than even Guantanamo.

LORDS OF THE NORTH is the third in a series of books (THE LAST KINGDOM and THE PALE HORSEMAN) about the battles between the Danes and the Saxons in the kingdom of Alfred the Great. The novels follow Uhtred, a Saxon by birth but a Dane by philosophy and inclination, as he plays off both sides to get what he wants --- riches, fame, women, and most importantly, revenge. Here, Uhtred leaves Alfred's southern kingdom in search of adventure. (The first two installments featured Alfred prominently; he's only a supporting character here, which is good because he comes off as a bit of a pill.)

Uhtred's glory-road leads to the northeast corner of England, where he hopes to face old enemies Kjartan the Cruel and Sven the One-Eyed. His long-term goal is to regain the fortress of Bebbanburg, where his father once ruled, but revenge is also on his mind. He finds his enemies without too much trouble, but accidentally manages to liberate a slave named Guthred, who turns out to be the rightful king of Northumbria. With the fervent backing of the Church, Guthred takes command, raises an army under the banner of Saint Cuthbert, and sets himself against the Danish warlords who threaten the peace.

LORDS OF THE NORTH is striking in that it manages to display even more ruthlessness and treachery than the previous entries in the series, not to mention one stunning, unexpected plot twist. But Uhtred is up to the task; he returns to the North to settle accounts and take his long-delayed revenge at last, in the shield-wall.

Cornwell's masterful touch in describing wars and warriors has not deserted him here, and the final battle is as satisfying as it is barbaric and bloody. Uhtred's tale is grim, blood-soaked and defiantly politically incorrect, but it is also rousing, stirring and even philosophical at times. Fate, we're reminded over and over again, is inexorable. Should yours draw you to the shield-wall of the Vikings, you'll have no better guide than Bernard Cornwell.

--- Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds

To me, as a retired soldier, this book is enjoyable for its vivid descriptions of battles and tactics. Some of the tactical strategies are still valid today.

The Lords of the North, a historical novel, is the third book in the "Saxon tales", a series of sagas during the reign of Alfred the Great of England in the late 800s. The series recounts the Danish invasion of England and the subsequent resistance of the Saxon population. Nominally the series is about Alfred the Great, his ascent to power as King of Wessex, his attempt to secure his kingdom and recapture the rest of England.

This story mostly relates the campaign to assist Guthred, the new King of Northumbria, and efforts to secure his new kingdom. The main character is Uhtred, a man who is the extant Ealdorman of in Bebbanburg, a castle in the kingdom of Northumbria.

Uhtred is the complete warrior who practices his art and enjoys the feel and challenge of the battle. Uhtred is proud of being a warrior, rejects any other career for himself, and judges others by their battlefield behavior. Uhtred, although twice baptized, is considered pagan by members of the Christian clergy.

I enjoyed the scenes that articulate battle strategies. The strategies of the three primary battles are discernible and fascinating. The battle scenes are bloody and vicious and because of the rich detail the reasons for victory and defeat are clear.

If you like historical fiction, if you enjoy viewing brutal battles, and if you appreciate learning about the roots of the English culture, you will enjoy this book.

This story is even more enjoyable if you read the first two tales.
The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles Series #1)
The Pale Horseman (The Saxon Chronicles Series #2)

Cornwell is masterful at evoking the past and delivering a great adventure story. My husband and I got hooked on his Sharpe series after watching the first movie back in the 90's. I think I've read all of his historical novels to date and am now repeating the Saxon Tales series. These take place during the reign of Alfred the Great, when Danes and Norsemen had conquered most of England's north, and the Saxons under Alfred were struggling to hold the south against constant Viking raids.

These should strike a familiar chord with Game of Thrones fans. The Seven Kingdoms and 9th Century England parallel each other in many ways.

Bernard Cornwell must be part machine - there's no way that a mere mortal can continue to crank out so many novels and have them be so darn good. While it's true that Cornwell recycles a bit of material now and then (I think he's got a macro on his PC that contains the paragraph showing how to load a Baker rifle, since that passage shows up in virtually every Sharpe novel), a review of his works shows a staggering scope. And his books rarely seem tired.

"Lords of the North" may not go into the pantheon of Cornwell's best novels, but there is plenty of the hallmark Cornwell style at play here. This is a savage, pell-mell novel that has plenty of history and humor for the careful reader.

Lord Uthred is now 21 years old, in the full flower of his strength and fighting prowess. He has a hoard of silver in his bag, his swords in his belt, and his woman, Hild, on his arm, and yet Uthred is enraged at the outset of the novel. Why? Because he helped King Alfred win his kingdom in the last novel ("The Pale Horseman") and yet Alfred gave him a paltry award. For a Saxon raised by the Danes to believe in honor and the spoils of victory, this is a massive slight.

And so it is with rage in his heart that Uthred returns to the north, the land of his youth. What ensues is a tale of revenge and treachery as Uthred confronts the men and women who played such a key role in his younger years.

I'll try to write a spoiler-free review here, so that's as much as I will say about the plot. But Cornwell is up to his usual tricks here, so be surprised at twists and turns in Uthred's road, but trust Uthred to solve his problems with a sword and more than a bit of cunning. Cornwell also gets to poke fun at the early Christians who ran around Britain, just as he did with his King Arthur series. The Danish perspective on Christian rites and devotions is hilarious, and Cornwell has clearly done his research into the early years of the church.

Don't look for much new ground here - Uthred is who he is, and while he is learning a bit about the nuances of life and actually gains a bit of appreciation for King Alfred, he's still a warrior born and raised. Here's looking to the next novel, expected in the late spring of '08.

In Lords of the North (coming January 23rd), the wonderful writer of great historical periods and characters brings us the third in his increasingly popular Saxon Chronicles series, as he tells the story of King Alfred the Great's life and his work in unifying the many kingdoms into the country we know today as England.

We continue with our hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who has just helped Alfred save and maintain control over the land of Wessex, therefore preventing the complete invasion by the Danes. Angered with Alfred's piousness and making every decision according to God, Uhtred flees north to Northumbria, still hoping one day to defeat his uncle and take back his beloved Bebbanburg. It is here that he meets old Danish friends and before he realizes what's going on, a deal has been brokered to maintain peace in Northumbria in return for Uhtred's enslavement. With his blood-stained blade - Serpent-Breath - the many lords of the region are happy to get rid of this formidable warrior.

Uhtred, stripped of his title and power, then spends most of the book suffering the abuse and torture of a slave on a trading traveling along the Flemish coast, and back and forth between Britain and the mainland. On a number of occasions they face off again this "red ship" that is a trader like them. Upon returning to the original place where Uhtred was sold - so that more slaves can be bought - the red ship appears out of nowhere and beaches the shore. Foreign Danes stream out and Uhtred soon finds himself face to face with an even older friend who raised him.

Eventually he discovers that it is thanks to Alfred's help that he has received his emancipation. With his title, weapons, and armor restored, along with more allies from the south forming a considerable army, they set out to defeat these lesser heathen lords and regain control of the kingdom of Northumbria. The book ends with the reader contemplating what is next for Uhtred in the further Saxon Chronicles: Will he regain control of his land? Will he remain a lone pagan among the many determined Christians? Sadly, we will have to wait another whole year before we can read more about Uhtred of Bebbanburg, slayer of the great Ubba Lothbrokson, and his adventures with the pious Alfred the Great.

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Another fantastic installment in the series! Mr. Cornwell never fails to disappoint. All of your favorites are here in this installment of the Saxon Tales/Warrior Chronicles and some new ones as well.

So far, I feel this one is my favorite. The ending chapters!!! LOVED it.

I'm not going to discuss plot, I feel it will provide too many spoilers.

My only issue with this series is the Kindle price of each book, ridiculous! Especially since they can be found so easily at your local library. Bummer that our love of technology, has equated to ridiculous eBook prices.

I agree with the other reviews. This is a great series and in my view this book number 3 is the best of the series so far. Book 1 started very strong and laid the foundation, book two was very good as well focussing much on Alfred, but book 3 is the best so far, because the book closes some of the background stories very nicely and it is full of twists and surprises with a very satisfying and convincing ending.

Since Uhtred is going north (as the title says already), he meets several known characters from book 1 and several eagerly awaited things are going to happen (not always as expected though). I also liked the story of the new leader in the North which was a refreshing difference to book 2.

Not only does this book entertain greatly, but the reader also learns a lot about that much neglected historical time period, which is not known very well to us. We learn how people live, what happens politically and also what happens militarily (strategically and on the battlefield). The battle scene descriptions are superb and give a great view how battles were fought at that time period. I feel sometimes to be inside that shield wall by myself. Nobody surpasses Cornwell on battle scenes (as even George R. R. Martin said in an interview).

Very interesting and a must read for historical fiction fans.

I am now looking forward to read book 4 and 5 and hope that there are more to come. The "Saxon Chronicles" is one of the best historical fiction book series out there, if not THE BEST.

If you've read books one and two in the Saxon Chronicles, it goes without saying that this is not to be missed. This is also the best of the series, and that's saying quite a lot. No, we're not talking literary masterwork -- although as always Bernard is engaging, often amusing, certainly disarming as a writer -- but there's just something about he way Bernard can bring to life the dark ages. Sure, I enjoy Sharpe novels, but where Bernard shines is in the dark ages, the time before we have "reliable histories." He manages to make everything from King Arthur to the "Vikings" -- which he explains just means "raiders" not Northmen -- come alive. It feels right. Sure, the dialogue is very twentieth-century, but it has to be for us to stay interested. Uhtred is, perhaps, his best hero yet, larger-than-life yet human and vulnerable at times, and Uhtred is a hero for both men and women to relate to, where perhaps some of Bernard's other protagonists are "macho man" heroes. This is a period in history very rarely touched in literature, and perhaps that's the charm of it. There are moments of satire as well, (anyone familiar with my work will know I thrive on satire), humor, adventure. What more can you ask in a yarn. Who else can make a slave a king, and a hero a slave then back to a hero all in one story? Who else can come across as a lover of all things British, yet create a character who is more Danish and Northman than Saxon or British? Just a lot of fun, great pace, humor, characters that you'll want to come back to. I'd say his best yet.

The third book in Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Chronicles, Lords of the North picks up just after the end of book two, The Pale Horseman. We are following Uhtred, our hero, as he moves north in the kingdom and away from King Alfred. Uhtred fortuitously frees a slave named Guthred along the way, only to unwittingly help Guthred become King of Northumbia. Uhtred, looking to mend his broken heart over the death of Iseult, quickly finds himself in love with Guthred's sister Gisela, and fighting to help the likeable Guthred keep his kingdom. What follows next is a betrayal of the first order, and oaths that must be remade despite promises to never give one again.

Uhtred is a hero that is larger than life: a superb swordsman, a brilliant war maker, a randy lover, and someone you can never count out. Still looking to regain his lost inheritance, Uhtred manages to find plenty of excitement along his journeys, joining forces with his best friend Ragnar to support those most in need and seemingly coming out on top most of the time.

Cornwell's saga is turning into a rich, vibrant tale that envelops gore, war, romance, and humor. Uhtred is ever smart and canny, and his loyalties are never in question. The length of the novel is perfect, and there is just enough of a cliffhanger that I'm waiting impatiently for the next in the series. Cornwell's bringing to life a very murky period in history, and he's doing it with style and fun. Highly recommended for historical fiction lovers, as well as those who simply enjoy an action-packed, engaging tale.

I'm a fan of Bernard Cornwell and I'll read anything he writes. For action and entertainment value, the books in THE SAXON CHRONICLES is Cornwell at his best.

But fans of pure (highly accurate) historical fiction may be disappointed in this - the third - book in the series. The fictional Uhtred becomes the type of character you might expect him to be if Hollywood turned the series into a movie. He continues to grow into the role of charismatic leader, but many of his actions or accomplishments are over the top and increasingly difficult to believe.

But if you can suspend belief, Cornwell is an amazing storyteller, capturing your attention from the start and not letting you go even when the story ends. Uhtred is just a few weeks older when LORDS OF THE NORTH opens. His experiences have jaded him, making him even more irreverent and determined to recapture Bebbanburg.

Having sworn an oath to Alfred, even though he detests him, Uhtred continues to fight for him. To this end, he furthers Alfred's plans in Northumbria after first making an ill-fated side trip to Wessex to avenge his stepfather.

Readers of the series (THE LAST KINGDOM, THE PALE HORSEMAN) will learn what happened to Uhtred's step-sister, Thyra. They will also meet Uhtred's lover.

A qualified 5-star recommendation, particularly suited for those who can suspend belief while enjoying historical fiction.

This series gets better and better. Telling the story of early England and their struggles with the Danes can't be easy on a normal day, throw in all the misinformation available, all the variations of spellings for names and places used back when, it's a wonder these stories can be told at all. Hats off to Cornwell for such a fine job.

Some series of books decline after a strong and inspired start, but not the Warrior Chronicles (aka the Saxon Series), which just gets better and better. "Lords of the North" continues to deepen a strong plot, engaging characters and intriguing relationships between them. In this book, the geographic focus shifts from southern England (Wessex) to the north (Northumbria). In addition, part of the book unfolds aboard a traders' ship on which slaves -- including the series' hero -- do all the hard work. That ship travels far and wide, from Denmark and Norway all the way to Iceland and back. I wasn't 100% convinced of Bernard Cornwell as a story teller after the first book in the series ("The Last Kingdom"), but I certainly am now.

This is a great series that just keeps getting better and better! The Lords Of The North is the third book in the Alfred the Great series and is every bit as good as the previous two. Cornwell's dark age epic is well written and packed with political intrigue and war, you can get a real feeling what it must have been like to live in this dark, violent and brutal time.

This novel starts a few months after the end of The Pale Horseman and we see that Uhtred not happy being under the Alfred's rule. So bored on his new small holdings Uhtred decides to travel north with his friend and former nun Hild to see if he can reclaim hid lost lands of Bebbanburg. During this journey he will make new friends when he frees a slave caravan and meets a new King and falls in love with his sister, we see the return of some of the old favourites Ragner and Father Beocca as well as some of Uhtreds old enemies. He will have a hard time, he will face betrayal by a friend he cares about he will bring an end to a blood feud that has lasted ten years.

For the lovers of history and action, you really don't get much better than this and the previous two books in this series.

This is a historical fiction set in the times when the Danes were settling in the British territories of the Anglo-Saxons. The story takes place in the reign of King Alfred of Wessex.

This is actually the third in a series, but it reads well as an independent story. I had not seen the series and just came across this volume in a bookstore while living in Edenvale, South Africa in 2007. I was not familiar with Bernard Cornwell, and was pleased with the authentic flavour and style of his writing and character development.

He comments in the story on the differences in the Germanic dialects of the Danish Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons. The author reflects extensive historical research and projects a realism in the use of word-forms and names of places and people of that era.

The historical note at the end of the book provides some background to the characters and situation the story portrays. The story illustrates out the reality of the complex relationships between the different Viking and related Anglo-Saxon tribes and their rivalry over the centuries of settlement of the British Isles.

Book three in what is now being referred to as the Saxon Tales series. This is another excellent entry and further cements Bernard Cornwell as a master of historical fiction. I really like how the main character, Uhtred, and the most historically significant character, Alfred the Great, don’t really like each other but can’t do without one another either. It’s also impressive to me how likable Uhtred is, given his barbaric nature and crudeness, a real testament to Cornwell’s charm. This guy really knows how to spin a tale, and if you want to be transported to a completely different reality, I don’t think anyone is doing this better.

I enjoy Richard Sharpe and Cornwell's other creations but Uhtred Rocks! I find myself trying not to think about when another work will be completed. I just want to get into another volume and read about Uhtred getting together his boon companions in the shield-walkl again, and gutting the bad guys to win the gold and hot babes.

This is bloody read meat and dark ale. Comfort food for the masculine imagination. Can't praise it enough. Keep them coming Bernard! Vite vite! Don't bother trying to pick one book or the other from this series either, it's short enough and of uniform quality to just cut to the chase and buy them all and plow through them.

As for all that Wyrd bið ful aræd stuff , the author knows that it's a grim and balancing counterpoint of an idea contrasting against the strong will and spirit of the hero. Well done again!

Outstanding novel, well written and truly enjoyable. The author once again continues the Saxon Tales saga with his protagonist who was born a Saxon and raised by the Danes. This story is full of battles, betrayals, etc. and highly entertaining for anyone who loves history, factual and fictional. Set in Ninth century Britain the author goes to great lengths to describe the environment and with an assortment of varied characters makes it feel like every part of the work is plausible. I am doing the series with the Audible versions as for me it enhances the entertainment value.

"Lords of the North" is the third installment in a series which author Bernard Cornwell calls "The Saxon Chronicles". Uhtred's story barrels ahead in exciting fashion, although not flawlessly.

Cornwell uses a time-proven fictional device to bring us into convincing contact with the historical realities or myths of the period into which the novel is set. First, an author constructs a protagonist who has personality traits the reader will feel comfortable identifying with for the course of the novel. Since this is an historical novel, the protagonist should also combine characteristics drawn from several of the identifiable groups relevant to the story. And finally the author must thrust this protagonist into the known dynamics of the period, bringing him or her into contact with some major historical figures and events.

In "Lords of the North", Cornwell wields this device adroitly. The historical context is late 9th-century Britain, as Danes and Saxons, Christians and pagans fight for land, wealth, and supremacy. Cornwell centers this series of novels on the fictional Uhtred, Saxon-born but raised by Danes. Uhtred remains a pagan (so far anyway), but often fights with and on behalf of Christians. He becomes a distrustful champion of Alfred the Great, and, in this latest novel, a betrayed protector of Guthred, erstwhile King of Northumbria. Other historical and semi-historical figures cross or join the narrative path. Cornwell pulls the strings just out of sight, as we are easily caught up in a compelling and convincing story. At the end we feel it could have happened just like this.

Event-filled narratives such as we have here, with battles won and lost, loves lost and found, sudden turns of fortune, and an ending that implies more adventures to come, may always leave us feeling that they were too short. But this one is indeed short, and so does have a dashed-off sense about it that other reviewers have noted. Cornwell may be getting too good at this, too complacent in his own talent, and needs to mix things up some. But not too much.

Adding to the somewhat perfunctory sense is that there's only one poorly drawn map. With the events depending so much on a widely-ranged geography, many readers will need to understand that aspect better in order to fully appreciate the novel. Even on the web there's not much to go on, as the era's constantly shifting boundaries are apparently still poorly understood. But let's hope the next installment gives us more to work with in this regard.

What will help some is reading the brief back-page Historical Note first. It's not in any way a spoiler.

I have been a fan of Bernard Cornwell for many years and have read almost all of his books. His Saxon series ranks as some of the best that I have ever read. Addictive and stunning, I have read through the entire series in a matter of months. There are epic battles, political intrigue, shifting allegiances, love, and loss. Fans of Bernard Cornwell will not be surprised at how good these books are.

Set in late ninth and early tenth centuries of England, the books detail the turmoil of dealing with a viking invasion. England does not exist, but is the dream of one of the greatest kings in England's history, King Alfred the Great. As the vikings ravage across the kingdoms, King Alfred of Wessex stands alone.

The books are told from the point of view of Uhtred, an exiled Northumbrian Lord. After swearing allegiance to the King of Wessex he leads the army to several key victories that holds Wessex from falling into viking hands. King Alfred fights all of his life for his dream of a united nation. Unfortunately, he never lives to see it. But, his children finish what he began. They realize his greatest dream: the birth of England.

By Odin's beard and then go out and buy LORDS OF THE NORTH. Cornwell is back with Uhtred, England's semi berserker and a contination of the Saxon series (this is book# 3)that will keep you smiling like a madman (or woman too, for that matter!) with high adventure and his usual swath of 9th century English history.
This isn't Hollywood's THE VIKINGS but a better, more factual portrayal of those loveable little Norse rascals who brought chaos and havoc to the English, Scots, Irish and...well, dang near everybody else they came in contact with. But at least for those of us who are descendants of the Vikings we like to believe that in the process they improved the local DNA or say, their victim's appreacition for prayer.
Thanks to Cornwell we also get to see how the English may have shown us the proverbial door as a result. Good storyline, good battle scenes, and Good Lord, does this guy know how to keep us turning the page!

I am enjoying the series. As the series has progressed, the writing has become richer and has better held my attention. The books are short enough that they can be read in a day or two with a break between to go on to something else for awhile.

This is the third and latest instalment of the tale of Uhtred and, in my view, is even better than the previous two. By now, those who've been following the story will know of Uhtred's history, his divided loyalties and his determation to try to recover his family lands.

Cornwell has so gradually built up the picture of conflict and introduced characters through the last two books that reading this novel is like rejoining old acquaintances. Uhtred remains constant in his objectives and despite betrayal will continue to ally with whomever is most likely to take him towards his goals.

Set in the 9th century, the battles - between the mighty Danes and the Kingdom of Wessex continue, as do the lesser battles between the apparent allies on both sides. As in the previous two books, Cornwell makes these battles come alive. There is plenty of action, intrigue and mayhem.

Be warned: this is not a book for the squeamish. The battle scenes are integral to the plot and I suspect it would be difficult to follow the story without reading them.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Fast paced story of northern England as the Saxons and Danes try to live together and settle old grudges. Uthred is the warrior who becomes again Alfred's sword to help his fellow Christian king. Read on to the next novel.

History the way I like it: a well-researched and educational history about largely-unexplored era in the history of Briton. The descriptions of the early evolutionary struggles of the times are made very readable with excellent fictional characters, dialogue, and plot(s). Although not absolutely required, I began the "Saxon" series from the beginning, so the characters and plots make more sense. Perhaps it's just my approach to learning history.

If you like the TV series "Vikings", Cornwell's "Saxon Tales" series is somewhat parallel and some characters (both historical and fictional) overlap.

Mr. Cornwell has a history of writing well researched and accurate historical fiction, and this book is no exception. I have found few books that offer anything like this series on this period of Britain's history. His characters are interesting, the sense of being in the time is compelling and he does not rely on too many implausible story turns to save the plot. The violence level will be hard to take for those who choose to believe it never happens, but history is well documented.

Tighten your sword belt, put on your helmet and learn what the Norns weave!

I just finished "Lords Of The North," by Bernard Cornwell. It is the third novel in "The Saxon Tales" about Anglo-Saxon England and Alfred the Great. I could not put this book down. I hate to use the old clique, "it was a real page-turner," but it really was. "Lords Of The North" is filled with exciting and enthralling action from the very first pages until the very last paragraph. I now move on to the fourth volume in "The Saxon Tales," entitled "Sword Song: The Battle For London." I can only hope that the fourth volume in this series is as good as the first three books were. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves exciting historical fiction and stories of Anglo-Saxon England and Alfred the Great.

With the exception of some of the language but realizing these were crude men, I am really enjoying this series. There is lots of action in the form of graphic war...as you would expect since it's during the time of the Vikings and the Saxons and the quest for Britain. The story also deals with Christianity and Paganism, honor, love, and loyalty. A very good read if you enjoy historical fiction.

In his long string of historical novels, set in various eras, Cornwell really delivers his best in this series set in the time of King Alfred the Great, along with his earlier trilogy about Arthur's time (The Winter King, Enemy of God, & Excalibur). Characters, major to minor, are well-drawn; historical detail is rendered with minimal anachronism; and the plot and action are gripping.

One recurring theme in both the Saxon Chronicles and the Arthur trilogy should be mentioned: the author's unrelenting hostility to Christianity. In Cornwell's 5th and 9th century England alike, priests and bishops are liabilities crippling the efforts of good rulers to bring peace and security to their subjects. Corrupt and duplicitous when not fanatical, the clerics of the early church (as portrayed by Cornwell) come off poorly by comparison with the more honorable pagan warriors at the center of these narratives. Some readers should be prepared to have their faith challenged.

"The country north the river Humber extends into the countries of the barbarians..."

(Uhtred Uthredson)

On May 6th 878 Alfred of Wessex defeats the army of the Danish invaders in the heavy battle of Ethandun (Edington/Wiltshire). The remainders of the beaten troops withdraw into an nearby attachment, where they capitulate finally after a two-week siege. After another three weeks the Danish warlord Guthrum the Old accepts baptism. Æthelstan (jewel), how the proselyt is called from now on, promises to keep peace in future and for this he get's the acknowledgment as a king of East Anglia from his godfather Alfred. This Danish retreat from Wessex and parts of Mercia is the beginning of the so called "Danelag" (Danelaw), the countries on the eastside of the old Romans road (Watling Street)...

... to these events, that are reportet by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Bernard Cornwell ties volume six of his "Warlord Chronicles", which is also the third part of his novels around king Alfred the Great. After ten pages the author however leaves this relative safe foundation and goes in a space and a time of poor historical sources. In his "Historical Note" at the end of the novel the author explains, that "moving from the history of Alfred's Kingdom in the late ninth century to that of Northumbria is like to pass from light into confusing darkness". Such "dark ages" however are offering a large area for fictional liberties, those Cornwell uses in his his typical way to submit a further emotional packing story, which also proves again that the fate is inexorable....

...when his fictitious protagonist Uhthred Uthredson is going to solve old problems by returning to his native country Northumbria, that is controlled by several mighty warlords. As a follower of the Danish king of Eoferwic (Jorvik/York) Guthred he is finally betrayed and sold into slavery by this king, who also pretends to be a christian. After this has been told to Alfred, the King of Wessex recalls, that for keeping his own interests in Northumbria he will require further service of the difficult and unpopular Ealdorman from Bebbanburg, who still worships the old Gods. Therefore the christian ruler of Wessex instructs Steapa Snotor and Ragnar Ragnarson to go on the search for their old combat companion Uthred on board of the "Dragon Fire"....

Beside the already well known actors Cornwell creates further impressing characters into the novels action, like Finan the agile one from Ireland, Gisela, the sister of king Guthreds, Ivar, the son Ivar Ragnarsson etc. Also interesting is the author's presentation of the gradual "growing together" of Northmen, Anglo-Saxons and a Britons, christians and pagans, particularly in linguistic regard and for which linguistic examples are stated.Two maps at the beginning of the book are offering a geographical overview of the anglo-saxonian kingdoms in Britannia and the geography from Northumbria to Scotland. Beside there is a listing, which confronts the anglo-saxonian and nordic names of villages, forts etc. of the ninth century to their today designations.

As the most fascinating part of the novel series around Alfred "The Lords of the North" has to be evaluated with 5 the storestars and leaves the meanwhile addicted reader waiting with impatient delight for still titled "Volume 4", that is advertized for september 2007.

Bernard Cornwell is the best! All the books of the Saxon tales are easy to read, hard to put down, and disappointing because they end. They also shed some light on the Dark Ages, a task Cornwell revels in as does Uhtred the reviled pagan warrior and wily, if somewhat reluctant, savior of Christian Wessex

Fascinating twists & turns and you feel as tough you are part of the story...
Continuous conflicts between warlords and non-stop invasions from the vikings made life very insecure in those days... if you're lucky, you win and plunder your enemy and keep his women & children as your slaves but if you have a bad day, you're killed savagely and only God knows what happens to your family...
And they didn't have radar technology in those days, so an attack could be sprung on anybody at any time... and women & children sold in slavery and/or prostitution and never knowing where the next meal will come from...
What a life and described so realistically... 5 stars...
I bet some of them wished the Romans would come back and keep the peace???

Again, Cornwell walks the perfect line of historical fiction here. Too many authors get bogged down one way or the other, they are too interested in the historical accuracy, movement of troops, description of weapons, etc - that they abandon story and narrative voice. Other writers don't ground themselves enough in this world - and you end up with another book in the "fantasy/science fiction" pile. What I love about Cornwell, is that his books, give you some history to root the book, but the thrust of the book is a a strong narrative, an emersing feel to the time period, and a strong bond to the characters (most of which are fictional).

Lords of the North is admittedly more fictional than others in the series, he says as much in his author's note. However, Cornwell does extremely well to make you feel the anguish, betrayal, fear and joy of the narrator - Uthred. A wonderful read and I cannot wait for the next Saxson chronicle.

No one writes historical fiction like Bernard Cornwell. The Lords of The North takes us back to Northumbria on the narrative of Uhtred. From Uhtreds time as a slave to the battle at Dunholm, the story moves at an exciting and fluid pace. The battle scenes are incredibly detailed and graphic as are the previous 2 books. I read some other reviews here and agree that the lower page count made the story feel a bit rushed at times. However, there is no question in my mind that this installment leaves you with a deeper admiration of the characters and provides plenty of action. Trust in Cornwell, this book will not disappoint. This is not a stand alone novel so if you haven't already, go back and read The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman. I have read that Cornwell plans to continue the Saxon Stories for at least 6 books... can't wait!!

3rd installemt in Saxon series is as good as the 1st two. Cornwell paints the picture of 9th century England in a brisk and refreshing fashion using his protagonist as the 1st person narrator. The story is already well established, and although we know what happened to Saxon England based on historicals, I am still yearning to find out the conclusion to king's and fictional characters fortunes. Make suer to read all 3 novels before the next chapter of Saxon adventures apparantly coming Fall of this year.

This is a really compeling historical series,based mainly in real battles and places . That said, this one relies almost entarely on the grit of its main character to keep it all plausable. The spinners change his fate, plot changes so much that only the inner monologs that go through his head make you belive that makes some sense. In the end, after some good battle scenes, the history feels like a gap filler, ending old quarels and presenting a new way to the series in a too short period. Leaving its pourpose on the series aside,there are two moments that make it all worth. The first is the boat travel that Uthred takes, that could have been skipped, but as a plot turn woks splendid.The other one is the last attack to a fortress, wich packs cunning, luck and fate to work out.The master Cornwell made a possible weak gap book into a gripping one.

This is the 3rd book in Cornwell's Saxon Chronicles. It's also the 3rd book I've read from him, so I'm not sure how this series stands as an example of his work.

I enjoyed the first one, The Last Kingdom. It's not a work of art, but it had been a while since I had a book I couldn't put down, so I enjoyed it. Enough to buy the next two in the series.

About 3 chapters into the second one, The Pale Horseman, I realized that I was reading fluff. Because it's historical fiction per se, it makes it harder to give him a pass for fluff. It's easier to get away with little substance in the fantasy or romance genre. When you slap the word historical on a novel, you expect a little book learnin.

Not much of that with this series. It's loosely outlined around Alfred's life, of which there is very little written record to draw from. Aside from a basic timeline and place names, not much here is really historical. Many characters and battles are just made up, including Uthred, the character the story revolves around.

The books have a churned out feel. Like Cornwell has no problem churning out these little moneymakers whenever he's low on cash. Cardboard characters, fast pace, re-hashed material. Fate is inexorable. Got it.

I won't be picking up any more of this series.

Bernard Cornwell has an amazing talent to pull you back into the smell and sweats, passions and hatreds, of long-gone eras, whether the Napoleonic wars, the high Middle Ages, or the late Dark Ages in this book, part of King Alfred saga.

As a woman, I flinch from the violence but he really puts you there on the battlefield. Goodness knows, I've never been close to a modern battlefield, but I'm sure this is how it must've been. I'm all for "peace," but we're never going to reach it if we go on pretending that man is an inherently placid primate and it's only evil capitalists or kings who make them fight. Men, or at least a large percentage of them, glory in combat. That trait is an essential component of all of Mr. Cornwell's novels.

Of course, the novel is pure fiction and he makes no pretense to historical accuracy in who did what to whom, but he evokes this chaotic period in England's history to where they were becoming an Anglo-Saxon country.

He also makes sure that the women are strong, intelligent and contributing members of societies that he recreates, though of course, since battles are the central scenes, it's always the guys bashing each other.

I will assume that anyone reading this novel has read the 2 that precede it, so that makes it simpler to write a short critique. This is for the most part a worthy continuation, with more of the same elements that made us enjoy the story thus far. And I will look for more, since I have grown to like Uhtred and company. But I must say that as the story progressed, some of the action and the narrating of it made me feel as though Mr.Cornwell had a deadline to meet, (it is actually shorter than the first installments) and things got a little rushed. I am referring mostly to the action at Dunholm in Chapter 10, and I would be curious to see if any other readers agree. Still and all, I did enjoy the read, and will continue with the next book whenever it shows up.

With the exception of some of the language but realizing these were crude men, I am really enjoying this series. There is lots of action in the form of graphic war...as you would expect since it's during the time of the Vikings and the Saxons and the quest for Britain. The story also deals with Christianity and Paganism, honor, love, and loyalty. A very good read if you enjoy historical fiction.

In his long string of historical novels, set in various eras, Cornwell really delivers his best in this series set in the time of King Alfred the Great, along with his earlier trilogy about Arthur's time (The Winter King, Enemy of God, & Excalibur). Characters, major to minor, are well-drawn; historical detail is rendered with minimal anachronism; and the plot and action are gripping.

One recurring theme in both the Saxon Chronicles and the Arthur trilogy should be mentioned: the author's unrelenting hostility to Christianity. In Cornwell's 5th and 9th century England alike, priests and bishops are liabilities crippling the efforts of good rulers to bring peace and security to their subjects. Corrupt and duplicitous when not fanatical, the clerics of the early church (as portrayed by Cornwell) come off poorly by comparison with the more honorable pagan warriors at the center of these narratives. Some readers should be prepared to have their faith challenged.

"The country north the river Humber extends into the countries of the barbarians..."

(Uhtred Uthredson)

On May 6th 878 Alfred of Wessex defeats the army of the Danish invaders in the heavy battle of Ethandun (Edington/Wiltshire). The remainders of the beaten troops withdraw into an nearby attachment, where they capitulate finally after a two-week siege. After another three weeks the Danish warlord Guthrum the Old accepts baptism. Æthelstan (jewel), how the proselyt is called from now on, promises to keep peace in future and for this he get's the acknowledgment as a king of East Anglia from his godfather Alfred. This Danish retreat from Wessex and parts of Mercia is the beginning of the so called "Danelag" (Danelaw), the countries on the eastside of the old Romans road (Watling Street)...

... to these events, that are reportet by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Bernard Cornwell ties volume six of his "Warlord Chronicles", which is also the third part of his novels around king Alfred the Great. After ten pages the author however leaves this relative safe foundation and goes in a space and a time of poor historical sources. In his "Historical Note" at the end of the novel the author explains, that "moving from the history of Alfred's Kingdom in the late ninth century to that of Northumbria is like to pass from light into confusing darkness". Such "dark ages" however are offering a large area for fictional liberties, those Cornwell uses in his his typical way to submit a further emotional packing story, which also proves again that the fate is inexorable....

...when his fictitious protagonist Uhthred Uthredson is going to solve old problems by returning to his native country Northumbria, that is controlled by several mighty warlords. As a follower of the Danish king of Eoferwic (Jorvik/York) Guthred he is finally betrayed and sold into slavery by this king, who also pretends to be a christian. After this has been told to Alfred, the King of Wessex recalls, that for keeping his own interests in Northumbria he will require further service of the difficult and unpopular Ealdorman from Bebbanburg, who still worships the old Gods. Therefore the christian ruler of Wessex instructs Steapa Snotor and Ragnar Ragnarson to go on the search for their old combat companion Uthred on board of the "Dragon Fire"....

Beside the already well known actors Cornwell creates further impressing characters into the novels action, like Finan the agile one from Ireland, Gisela, the sister of king Guthreds, Ivar, the son Ivar Ragnarsson etc. Also interesting is the author's presentation of the gradual "growing together" of Northmen, Anglo-Saxons and a Britons, christians and pagans, particularly in linguistic regard and for which linguistic examples are stated.Two maps at the beginning of the book are offering a geographical overview of the anglo-saxonian kingdoms in Britannia and the geography from Northumbria to Scotland. Beside there is a listing, which confronts the anglo-saxonian and nordic names of villages, forts etc. of the ninth century to their today designations.

As the most fascinating part of the novel series around Alfred "The Lords of the North" has to be evaluated with 5 the storestars and leaves the meanwhile addicted reader waiting with impatient delight for still titled "Volume 4", that is advertized for september 2007.

Bernard Cornwell is the best! All the books of the Saxon tales are easy to read, hard to put down, and disappointing because they end. They also shed some light on the Dark Ages, a task Cornwell revels in as does Uhtred the reviled pagan warrior and wily, if somewhat reluctant, savior of Christian Wessex

Fascinating twists & turns and you feel as tough you are part of the story...
Continuous conflicts between warlords and non-stop invasions from the vikings made life very insecure in those days... if you're lucky, you win and plunder your enemy and keep his women & children as your slaves but if you have a bad day, you're killed savagely and only God knows what happens to your family...
And they didn't have radar technology in those days, so an attack could be sprung on anybody at any time... and women & children sold in slavery and/or prostitution and never knowing where the next meal will come from...
What a life and described so realistically... 5 stars...
I bet some of them wished the Romans would come back and keep the peace???

Again, Cornwell walks the perfect line of historical fiction here. Too many authors get bogged down one way or the other, they are too interested in the historical accuracy, movement of troops, description of weapons, etc - that they abandon story and narrative voice. Other writers don't ground themselves enough in this world - and you end up with another book in the "fantasy/science fiction" pile. What I love about Cornwell, is that his books, give you some history to root the book, but the thrust of the book is a a strong narrative, an emersing feel to the time period, and a strong bond to the characters (most of which are fictional).

Lords of the North is admittedly more fictional than others in the series, he says as much in his author's note. However, Cornwell does extremely well to make you feel the anguish, betrayal, fear and joy of the narrator - Uthred. A wonderful read and I cannot wait for the next Saxson chronicle.

No one writes historical fiction like Bernard Cornwell. The Lords of The North takes us back to Northumbria on the narrative of Uhtred. From Uhtreds time as a slave to the battle at Dunholm, the story moves at an exciting and fluid pace. The battle scenes are incredibly detailed and graphic as are the previous 2 books. I read some other reviews here and agree that the lower page count made the story feel a bit rushed at times. However, there is no question in my mind that this installment leaves you with a deeper admiration of the characters and provides plenty of action. Trust in Cornwell, this book will not disappoint. This is not a stand alone novel so if you haven't already, go back and read The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman. I have read that Cornwell plans to continue the Saxon Stories for at least 6 books... can't wait!!

3rd installemt in Saxon series is as good as the 1st two. Cornwell paints the picture of 9th century England in a brisk and refreshing fashion using his protagonist as the 1st person narrator. The story is already well established, and although we know what happened to Saxon England based on historicals, I am still yearning to find out the conclusion to king's and fictional characters fortunes. Make suer to read all 3 novels before the next chapter of Saxon adventures apparantly coming Fall of this year.

This is a really compeling historical series,based mainly in real battles and places . That said, this one relies almost entarely on the grit of its main character to keep it all plausable. The spinners change his fate, plot changes so much that only the inner monologs that go through his head make you belive that makes some sense. In the end, after some good battle scenes, the history feels like a gap filler, ending old quarels and presenting a new way to the series in a too short period. Leaving its pourpose on the series aside,there are two moments that make it all worth. The first is the boat travel that Uthred takes, that could have been skipped, but as a plot turn woks splendid.The other one is the last attack to a fortress, wich packs cunning, luck and fate to work out.The master Cornwell made a possible weak gap book into a gripping one.

This is the 3rd book in Cornwell's Saxon Chronicles. It's also the 3rd book I've read from him, so I'm not sure how this series stands as an example of his work.

I enjoyed the first one, The Last Kingdom. It's not a work of art, but it had been a while since I had a book I couldn't put down, so I enjoyed it. Enough to buy the next two in the series.

About 3 chapters into the second one, The Pale Horseman, I realized that I was reading fluff. Because it's historical fiction per se, it makes it harder to give him a pass for fluff. It's easier to get away with little substance in the fantasy or romance genre. When you slap the word historical on a novel, you expect a little book learnin.

Not much of that with this series. It's loosely outlined around Alfred's life, of which there is very little written record to draw from. Aside from a basic timeline and place names, not much here is really historical. Many characters and battles are just made up, including Uthred, the character the story revolves around.

The books have a churned out feel. Like Cornwell has no problem churning out these little moneymakers whenever he's low on cash. Cardboard characters, fast pace, re-hashed material. Fate is inexorable. Got it.

I won't be picking up any more of this series.

Bernard Cornwell has an amazing talent to pull you back into the smell and sweats, passions and hatreds, of long-gone eras, whether the Napoleonic wars, the high Middle Ages, or the late Dark Ages in this book, part of King Alfred saga.

As a woman, I flinch from the violence but he really puts you there on the battlefield. Goodness knows, I've never been close to a modern battlefield, but I'm sure this is how it must've been. I'm all for "peace," but we're never going to reach it if we go on pretending that man is an inherently placid primate and it's only evil capitalists or kings who make them fight. Men, or at least a large percentage of them, glory in combat. That trait is an essential component of all of Mr. Cornwell's novels.

Of course, the novel is pure fiction and he makes no pretense to historical accuracy in who did what to whom, but he evokes this chaotic period in England's history to where they were becoming an Anglo-Saxon country.

He also makes sure that the women are strong, intelligent and contributing members of societies that he recreates, though of course, since battles are the central scenes, it's always the guys bashing each other.

I will assume that anyone reading this novel has read the 2 that precede it, so that makes it simpler to write a short critique. This is for the most part a worthy continuation, with more of the same elements that made us enjoy the story thus far. And I will look for more, since I have grown to like Uhtred and company. But I must say that as the story progressed, some of the action and the narrating of it made me feel as though Mr.Cornwell had a deadline to meet, (it is actually shorter than the first installments) and things got a little rushed. I am referring mostly to the action at Dunholm in Chapter 10, and I would be curious to see if any other readers agree. Still and all, I did enjoy the read, and will continue with the next book whenever it shows up.

Lords of the North is the third book in the Saxon Stories and Cornwell promises that more - perhaps many more - are in the offing. As is almost obligatory, let me acknowldge that I am a big Cornwell fan - I've read many of the Sharpe books, part of the Grail series and all three of the Saxon Stories.

The Lords of the North picks up right after Alfred's historic victory at Ethandun (or Edington) in 878 CE and continues the tale of Uhtred, a man stuck between the worlds of Saxon and Dane. Uthred returns to the north as he begins what will apparently be a multi-volume quest to reclaim his title as Lord of Bettanburg. Unfortunately, the historical record for Northumbria at this time is extremely sparse and confused. Consequently, Lords of the North is more fictional and less historical than the previous two books.

I frankly found the book fell somewhat short of my admittedly high expectations. The atmosphere of the tale seemingly has historical authenticity, but the ending is rushed and struck me as implausible. After a long struggle to overcome one of their major antagonists, Uthred and Ragnar dispense with another one in one brief encounter.

A good tale and fans of Cornwell will enjoy it, but in parts it felt like a book that simply bridges the gap from one part of the story to the next. The good news is that Uhtred lives into his 80's, so many more tales remain - let's just hope that doesn't become the bad news, too. Recommended.

I'm new to the Warrior Chronicles or Saxon Tales series and have loved every twist, turn and epic battle. I'm also new to this key area of English history and what a great way to learn more about the birth of a great nation. Highly recommend!

When reading 'historical fiction' I prefer more emphasis on history. I like the author to set a believable backdrop. I've recently finished Iggluden's `Emporer series' and Follet's Pillars of the Earth. Cornwell's work is in a similar vein to Iggluden, with much blood and gore, whereas Pillars is an epic novel. Nevertheless, Lords of the North is a great action adventure story with satisfying character development and an intriguing plot. Uhtred is like an old-school James Bond. It helps to have some knowledge of geography/history of Britain, but not necessary to enjoy this fast-paced romp.

Another good story from Bernard Cornwell. I've read about 70% of his books, and they are all good stories. He presents good characters and puts them in a relevant historical setting. I highly recommend Mr Cornwell for anyone that likes historical fiction.

Have enjoyed all the books of the series. The change of narrators has thrown me off at the beginning of each book but all have been excellent. I'm on Saxon tales book 7 now and it is like listening to stories of an old friend.

Great story writing talent; not just at the level of "an adventure", but at the deeper level of what drives people to do what they do in a setting most people can but imagine (the life of "the middle ages"). Melodramatic in places, and a tad bloodthirsty (no private read for a very young teen), but not gory (and zero sexual details, so you are safe with young teens reading it). Plot well-woven, in the sense of intersecting braids of characters that appear then re-appear... but not so convoluted that you need "dog-earred" pages, or re-reading to remember the details and nuances that are alluded to or referred to later in the series.

A great tale and a great tale spinner.

Nobody writes historical fiction like Cornwell and this is the third book in his Saxon Series and in many ways better than the first two. I seldom rate a book at 5 Stars, but this is one of them I'm happy to say. Cornwell weaves a great story and I'm not going to give anything away--just read it, but honestly read the other two first.

As with almost of all of his other historical novels, Bernard Cornwell provides well-researched authenticity of the era that delights the reader almost as much as does the first-person narratives. I have yet to find one of his many novels to be less than wholly entertaining to read.

Uhtred is a great creation down to earth, sarcastic and brutal but with a surprisingly good heart. Kind of like another version of Derval Cadon of the Warlord Chronicals.

This is the book where he is finally able to get some serious payback and although the payback is a long time comming it is worth it. I hope Cornwell continues to write this serise for many years to come.

This book is kind of predictable if you've read the rest of the series, but people read this sort of thing expecting a formula. This is the Starbuck chronicles with armor and swords, set in Saxon England.

Also, it is drearily anti-religious.

I first got hooked on to Bernard Cornwell reading his first book in this series, The Last Kingdom. I think it's interesting that Uhtred journeyed all the way to Northrumbia, became a slave, and still went on to kill Ivar Ivarson in an important battle, but frankly, he could have put in more action. I felt the pace of the story was rather slow. It was more illuminating to read the first episode and the fourth one that followed, the Sword Swong. Having said that, this one is much better than the Pale Horseman.

Bernard Cornwell demonstrates yet again why he's the best of the best of historical fiction authors. The characters come alive and you can smell the sea air when you read this book.

Many are taken aback by Cornwell's unabashed, un PC look at history. I for one may be occasionally taken aback by the gritty realities that Cornwell illustrates, but I wouldn't have him change anything!

I could only hope that Cornwell decides to tell a tale or two of Scotland or Ireland......

As one would expect, yet again, Cornwell has produced an exciting read with varied pace, thorough research, and above all, excellent action scenes. The strength of the plot hides a few weaknesses in the narrative (bumping into most key historical figures of the period; returning quickly to proficiency with a sword after countless months as a slave-rower at sea etc). But story is satisfying, and the character, Uhtred, is slowly finding some depth. Whilst this may not be Cornwell at his best (I would reserve that claim for his Agincourt) it is still a gripping read.

I am in LOVE with Uhtred!

He's the ultimate realist, the ultimate warrior, the ultimate Alpha Male, the ultimate loyal friend, and the ultimate hero.

He's a devastating blend of Hamlet, Errol Flynn (as Captain Blood), and Aragorn, but smarter, more perceptive, and more resourceful than all of them put together. He also has more heart than any protagonist I've ever encountered.

I am in love with Uhtred, and I'm in love with this series of books, every single one. I can't compare them because, to me, they are one long story with perfect continuity and a logical progression of characters and events, not three separate books.

I can't wait for the next one!

There's simply not a better historical fiction writer than Cornwell. The main character of this series, Uhtred, gets taken to a whole new level as well as we see his already bad-ss character develop further in this area as well as one more of compassion. I can't wait 'til the fourth book. This one blew me away.

This is the third book in the story of an English lord raised by vikings in the late tenth century. It is somewhat akin to 'Goodfellas" set 1100 years earlier. Compelling characters, fascinating plot, lots of action and excitement, and even a little educational. You should start with The Last Kingdom, and once you do start it's hard to stop until you've read all three volumes. I suspect that men will probably enjoy the stories more than women, since they're heavy on violence and action and short on mystery and romance.

The last, most recent reviewer wrote that he suspected the author had a deadline to meet. Bingo!

I am a huge Cornwell fan.....all of his series: Sharpe, Starbuck, Uhtred, the Grail, Stonehenge. I particularly enjoy and am grateful for all the historical and social detail he weaves into his narrative. The historical note at the end of many of his novels is always for me the cherry on the top of the sundae: Ahhh, I have not been wasting my time with a historical Jackie Collins....this is real, and meaningful, and.....

This time he ventures geographically and chronologically into misty venues. I think the book suffers for it. It drifts around, the characters are vague and less well sketched...the action scenes almost by rote....or Word cut-and-paste.

I bought the book at Heathrow, before a 10 hour flight back to SFO on an empty plane. I could barely focus, with no other distractions.

I hope it the cause for the let down was an early deadline. And, lord knows, Mr. Cornwell has delivered twenty or thirty winners in a row and deserves my gratitude.

One out of 20 ain't bad....just disappointing.

This was the best audio book I've ever heard. It was like watching a film, as you experienced the story and never felt you were just being read to. I would recommend this audio book - with reader Richard Armitage - to anyone.

Once you read vol 1, the subsequent volumes are mandatory. Cornwell continues with his saga of Saxon England and does a great job showing the interaction between the Danish and the Saxons. Vol #3 is not a good place to start; you need to start at The Last Kingdom.

For anyone who appreciates ancient History, this saga is fantastic. Cornwell introduces facts of history in such a way that it leaves a reader thirsting for more. Since beginning this Saga, i began my own research into Alfred, the Histories of Wessex, Northumbria, and the Danish control of what is now Great Briton. Simply amazing!

This is the third book of the Saxon chronicles and unfortunately it feels like Cornwell has run out of ideas. The same themes can only be revisited so many times and Cornwell goes to the same well too much in this one. Some examples:

In book one, Uhtred serves a Christian king for little reward. In book two Uhtred serves the same king (Alfred) for no reward. In book 3, well, I think you can guess, he serves a different king, rescues him from slavery as a matter of fact, and again there is no reward. The fact that Uhtred is constantly unrewarded for his service is one of the main ways of generating sympathy for him, but I had to draw the line here.

Again in this book we have the same theme of uniting power of Christianity and yet the ever corrupt church officials and its denials of life's pleasures ruining the day for Uhtred. This would be entertaining except this horse has already been beaten to death in books 1 and 2. I can only muster so much indignation at the monks and priests that Cornwell trots out before I give up on the book.

Finally, the plot of the book seems to be entirely unbelievable. So much of the books 1 and 2 was spent in telling us that Uhtred has no choice but to serve Alfred, because he has nowhere to go. Yet in book 3 he goed to Eoferwic alone, well with a woman, and he has hopes to somehow recapture Bebbanburg. Why he couldnt abandon Alfred beforehand and go North is utterly unclear now, because its not like his position has improved. Also, how he could ever hope to avoid detection is unclear. He even travels with a woman who speaks only Saxon, so he absolutely has to show his mastery of both languages while pretending to be a Dane. Its pretty clear that with his arrogance, arm rings and ability to speak both languages that he would stand out like a sore. But, of course, miraculously the Danes are not in Eoferwic, so this point never gets brought up. Then, in an even more unbelievable turn he rescues the future king of Northmbria, who of course is not going to reward him for it and well the book goes on but Cornwell is clearly out of steam on this one.

The third installment of the saxon series continues the saga at the same high level as the previous books. This fiction is a first person narrative of a man who helped shape the creation of the English nation.

Buy the book. You read Cornwell to be someone else, some place else. He does it again. Uthred is mellowing. Some nice twists. Not his best, but still very good. It's the type of crack'n good yarn that's hard to find any more.

Bernard Cornwell continues to write Medieval History series that once you

start a book in a series you have to read them all. Lords of the North continues the life and adventures of Uthred and in reading it you find yourself visualizing you are there. As all his books, this one also leaves you with a feeling that there will be another because the ending leaves it open to continue the story. To me this is wonderful reading

Why, why why is Jonathan Keeble not narrating this volume! This guy lacks the passion and grittiness that made the first two books superb. Very disappointed. Couldn't finish listening, will read it instead.

I just love this book and this whole series! The characters are very well put together in the plot, which has many suprises. Just so you know, this page's info about the book is wrong, its not from the Grail Quest Series it's from Saxon Tales (#3).