The Flame Bearer (Saxon Tales)

Love love love the tail of uhtred and all that happens in that period of time. Big fan of bernard Cornwell. Always looking forward to the next book. Everyone who is interested in history in Europe and in the tails of vikings should read this books

I love these books and have read all of them thus far in addition to many other Bernard Cromwell series. I think my fourth star is probably influenced by my love of this series...and the ending that I won't spoil. That said, I could not put down past books..but didn't have that trouble with this one. The story line was good, the writing was good, yes nice ending. However, it got kind of boring. There just wasn't the magic in the previous books. Based on the ending and foreshadowing of past books I am sure the series is not done. Hopefully the next book will be better. I should change to three stars...doing so.

I love these books and have read all of them thus far in addition to many other Bernard Cromwell series. I think my fourth star is probably influenced by my love of this series...and the ending that I won't spoil. That said, I could not put down past books..but didn't have that trouble with this one. The story line was good, the writing was good, yes nice ending. However, it got kind of boring. There just wasn't the magic in the previous books. Based on the ending and foreshadowing of past books I am sure the series is not done. Hopefully the next book will be better. I should change to three stars...doing so.

If you have another author you enjoy finish their books before you read any of Bernard Cornwells books because compared to his wrighting most other authors pale in comparison. I wait eagerly for his new works to come out and devour them within days of their release. Often having to force my self to put them down at night to get some sleep and sometimes I don't and it is totally worth the resultant sleep deprivation! The only bad thing about discovering this author is that I read more quickly than ge can write ...but it is worth the wait. My sincere thanks to Mr. Cornwell for his work.

Always enjoyable, but why so complicated? The author's allegiance to historic names and places ( names and places which he readily admits confuse historians) keep the reader baffled as to the simple elements of the story-- the who and where. The Reader needs a chart for the cast of players and a map for their strongholds and travels (oh, we are provided a map, but it's nonsensical).

Notwithstanding this criticism, the plot was generally comprehensible, and the battles and fighting are delightful.

I'm engrossed in the story, so I gobbled up the book. But it seems to have lost the gripping and entertaining pace of the earlier installments. Seems like Cornwell is milking it a bit, in my opinion. But I enjoyed the continuation of the tale nonetheless.

I like Cornwell and Uhtred but the series has gotten too formulaic and predictable. This did resolve most of the loose ends, though, so I won't likely bother with an future installments unless they are in the $3.99 area - and I don't see that happening.

A very entertaining read, but not the strongest book in this series. It seemed to drag on through the middle section of the book, and the battle scene at the end was difficult to follow. Not up to Mr. Cornwell's usual standards, but a worthwhile read nonetheless.

I have enjoyed this series since the first book. Each year, I look for the next installment. In large part, I enjoy this series because Cornwell draws interesting characters who develop over time. Uthred has many continuing traits but he also ages and gains perspective. He also draws strong and interesting women. They are much more than wenches, nuns and loyal wives. They fight and scene and occasionally rule. There is always lots of action and it's will crafted. Highly recommended

How to counter Athelhelm’s power? Father Herefrith’s anger? Einar’s ships? Constantin’s power? Aethelflaed’s decline? Cousin’s fortress? Jeremias’s madness? Is it Athelstan’s courage? Foolhardiness? Son Uhtred’s fiery temperament? “You’re an idiot,” says Uhtred to his son. Young Uhtred replies, “Men often tell me I’m like you, father.” And they both fit those remarks. Earlier, Uhtred had remarked, “When a man cannot fight he should curse. The gods like to feel needed.” True. True through all ten installments of this great series of novels! ‘ “Uhtredaerwae!’ It meant Uhtred the Wicked’ says the Christian priest. But Uhtred has just observed that “pagans rarely persecute Christians. We believe there are many gods, so we accept another man’s religion as his own affair, while Christians, who perversely insist that there is only one god, think it their duty to kill, maim, enslave or revile anyone who disagrees.” Cornwell takes us to the basis of conflicts: personalities, politics, and religion. Wow! I’ve enjoyed these ten novels!

I have read and enjoyed each of Cornwell's "Saxon Stories" featuring Uhtred of Bebbanburg. It's escapist literature at its best, if you like to read about war, heroes, bloody fighting, with a little romance and a bit of history. If you don't enjoy historical-action-adventure, then neither this book nor any of Cornwell's I've read is for you. He writes in the great tradition of Homer. It's bloody, epic, and bloody good writing about the glory and horror of war. It will get your own blood up, if you have fought, or fantasized about risking your life in a fight. But, like Homer's Illiad, Cornwell's depictions of combat include the fear, sweat, gore, and death. He glorifies and horrifies.
Monsters of the Midway 1969: Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll, Viet Nam, Civil Rights, and Football

The Flame Bearer actually doesn't have as much combat as several others in the series. It has a bit more intrigue and plot twists. Uhtred is more like Odysseus than Achilles in this one. As Uhtred has aged he’s become more reflective and pragmatic. Like the Athenians in Thucydides' The Peloponnesian War, Uhtred debates with himself to what extent he should concentrate solely on achieving his personal ends without concern for others as opposed to living up to ideals of fairness and justice. It's a balance.

I am been a HUGE fan of this series for years. I have read and re-read them multiple times. That is why this book was so horribly disappointing. This was the book all fans of Uhtred have been waiting for since The Last Kingdom and to say we were let down was an understatement. It was so slow and so boring. When the action finally started (in maybe the last 2% of the book, it was so uncharactistic of Cornwell in that it was so disjointed and confused and then BAM it was all over. For an event some of us have been waiting 10+ years to finally see happen it was one of THE most anticlimactic moments in the entire series. I really hope the next book is better...and as much as I hate to say it, the last.

With hundreds of reviews, I will keep it short. We travel by mind back to the 10th century on the east side of the British Isles, in Northumbria. Uhtred, a successful war lord, must play all sides against the middle in his plotting to re-acquire his birthright fortress from his absconding cousin. What happens is an entirely believable and very complicated tale of political and military struggle at the end of the dark ages or the beginning of the middle ages, take your choice.
Uhtred is smart, charming in his way and totally ruthless in pursuit of his goals. I liked this so much that now I must go back and read the 9 volumes in the story that preceded this one. Lucky me.

Uhtred is going home to Bebbanburg. However, he knows it will not be easy as three other forces want Bebbanburg. Constantin, King of the Scots has declared that Bebbanburg is how his and intends to besiege the ramparts. Aethelhelm, advisor and father in law to Edward of Wessex, wants Bebbanburg and intends to use trickery to steal it from his enemy Uhtred. Living high on Bebbanburg's impregnable walls is Uhtred's usurper cousin. The four forces will have a victor.

This book is amazing. The plot never waivers and I greedily sucked up each detail and word. Our powerful cast of characters is still with us; Uhtred the Warlord and thinker, Fintan and Uhtred, the warrior who is just like his father. I did enjoy that Uhtred reflected on his past, which brought a smile to my face, as well as his. Edith said it best "But you're Uhtred." This book continues the amazing series. A must must read!

The Flame Bearer is the 10th installment in Uhtred saga in 9-10th century Saxon Britain. This time the book depicts more personal events taken from the fictional life of Uhtred than historical chapters of England creation and the struggle between Saxons and Norse and Danes. The story is always satisfying with Uhtred coming oou from every difficult sitution with upper hand and finally fulfilling his long-life dream of settling in Northumbria. There are battles and skirmishes, funny dialogue and humorous interactions. However, with the exception of few historical crumbs, we dont much learn about history of England. The book, although a little bit short, is still interestinbg and the end gratifying for Uhtred's fans. I will definitely read the next part but I'd also like to have a sense of finity to Uhtred's story.

The 10th novel in Bernard Cornwall’s ‘Last Kingdom’ series. The story continues in the reign of King Edward (Alfred the Great’s son) and the Saxon’s now control much of England. There is a truce between the Saxons and the Vikings, so our hero Uhtred, decides he will attempt to retake Bebbanburg, the family estate that was stolen from him by his Uncle when he was a boy. As with the rest of the series, this is a highly entertaining book, that moves at a fast pace with lots of action. A lot less focus on historic fact in this novel. This is due to the need to concentrate on our fictional hero’s ambitions. However, this does not detract from yet another excellent book from a master storyteller. Another great read.

Uthred continues along the path of his eventual battle for Bebbanburg. When will we ever get to that battle. Well I'm not telling. Once again Uthred is forced to wrestle with his commitment to the Saxons (his people of birth) and his commitment to the old gods and the people who raised him. His allegiance to his son-in-law and his daughter continue to be major themes of this novel, and he is forced to battle forces that have been gathering against him for years. Look for betrayals, political intrigue and clever solutions. This is one of the better novels of the series.

Another entertaining episode in the life of Uhtred, who is growing old and grey and relying increasingly on his son and namesake to win his battles. Like all of the rest in this great series, this book is just so much fun to read. You really cannot put it down once you get pulled into the narrative. I truly hope Bernard Cornwell will keep the series going, even if Uhtred has finally wrested control of his ancestral home in Northumbria.

Once again Bernard Cornwell lives up to his reputation with another great book in the exciting period of ancient England when the Viking and Danish sparred with the Saxons of England while the wile Scottich Pics and ever dangerous Welch wait to slip in and nip at the heels and take what they can. The fighting is visual to the reader with the tactics of warfare, armor and weapons of the time with old scores finally being accounted for in a brief window of opportunity. Great read, fantastic series and a real adventure you won't want to put down to got to bed at night it draws you into it so deeply.

I count myself among those in the Bernard Cornwell fan club - he is an engaging writer - and like others, I eagerly awaited this last installment of Uhtred's epic journey. Overall, a fantastic series. However, The Flame Bearer is a disappointment. The book is weighted down with so much exposition and a laundry list of references to places and names that the reader (me) feels stuck in a thick patch of mud. In each new book, Cornwell has always reserved some pages to remind the reader of Uhtred's back story. If that slowed down the action, it wasn't for long - Cornwell is a terrific teller of battles and confrontations. More than a third through this (short) book, Uhtred has travelled throughout the divided country (soon to be Engaland), with little to show, a rather tedious back and forth traversing the country. But the real problem is Cornell's tendency in this book to pile on names and places and story lines in long paragraphs meant to serve as background. Eyes glaze over these long paragraphs that don't work as back story because they are simply too dense. I have read each and every book in the series and still could not make much sense of page 77 with 16 names, a multitude of rulers or conquerors, and other references, complicated by old English "place-names." I'm still working out the connections Ledecestre, Hornecaste, Lindcolne, etc. Cornwell stops his story in midstream with all of this. In fairness the story of the birth of England is complex; the early country is split into various kingdoms, with Saxons, Danes, and Norsemen fighting for turf, shaded by battles between paganism and Christianity. Uhtred is fascinating in that he moves between these groups (often illuminated with colorful characters), at times switching loyalties himself over the course of the series. I acknowledged that I have only made it halfway through this last book - and I thank Cornwell for this long ride in historical fiction; it's been entertaining and enlightening - but I'm genuinely sorry that this ending fizzled for me. Will look forward though to more historical time travel with the man in his next series.

I cannot entirely put into words how much I love this series. This book is no exception. Uhtred still makes me laugh outright as I read this latest book. And though my family looks at me curiously when I do, trying to explain what's so funny is difficult because it goes beyond that one moment and encompasses a lifetime with Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

Cornwall continues to deliver the best battle scenes, even with the aging characters. And Uhtred's warriors' concern for him even more endearing, even if Uhtred doesn't need it.

Favorite line: "I was Thor, I was Odin, I was the lord of the battle." And I felt Uhtred's battle joy.

What are you waiting for? Read this book!

The quest for Bebbanberg continues as B Cornwell weaves once more; frail skeins of history into another engaging Saxon Tale. Peace in Britain during this period means that everyone is choosing sides to go to war. Uhtred has a plan which requires selecting allies from his many enemies and creating sufficient confusion that his meager army can divide, multiple and conquer. It is hard not to like a warlord who's solutioin when all else fails is: we will kill them. Cornwell is the consumate teller of stories in this venue.

Matt bates is OUTSTANDING!
I listened to all the Cornwell books he has recorded and he is superb. Of course, having incredibly good material also helps.
Matt is one of the best readers, just like Davina Porter, Dick Hill, George Guidall, Will Patton, Scott Brick and others. These are the readers that are not "big star celebrities" just really, really good readers that make a book come alive. Even better than watching a movie!

Another ripping good yarn about Uhtred! Not much character development, but at this point Uhtred is pushing 50, so one can safely say his character is molded. The next generation starts to shine Uhtred and his plucky band bounce to and fro over Angleland. Don't forget to read the "historical notes" at the end of this book. Anyone (almost?) who has enjoyed this series will also enjoy this latest adventure.

I hope Cornwell continues to publish new books for many years to come.

Excellent! I was delighted when I found out that the tenth book of the Saxon Tales was being released. As with the other books in the series I listened to the Audible version of the novel, which I find highly entertaining. The author gives us a well written story which bring history to life albeit a work of fiction. Uhtred is one of the best characters created in literature and his personality shines through from the first novel until this one. “Fate is inexorable”

Like the others in the series, this book was truly enjoyable. Furthermore, it wrapped up the saga, but at the same time, left the door open for more novels chronicling the adventures of Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
Highly recommended, but read the others first, and read them in order.

Although this book is less rooted in historical fact than most of the series, Cornwell still makes the time come alive and his unsurpassed ability to describe battles makes them feel very real.

This book can be read as a stand-alone, but it is far richer for readers who have been following Uhtred and company through their many adventures, and this is a particularly satisfying excursion. I had a smile on my face when I finished it!

Many battles and journeys have lead Uthred to this rock, the place he calls his home. It is the battle he has waited and prepared for most of his life. Cornwall, as always, paints such a vivid picture with his words. We can easily see the battle as it unfolds before us. We can hear the clanging of metal against metal as sword hit shields or the sound of bones crunching under the war axes and the cries and screams of the dying men. It took nine other brilliant books to bring Uthred home to his Beddanburg. Others like me who have taken this journey are happy he took his Beddanburg back, however we hope there are other adventures for Uthred before he makes his journey to Valhalla.

The weakest in my opinion of the Saxon Tales. I sense Cornwell has finally grown weary of Uhtred. He's a great writer read everything he has written. Hope to see a new series with new characters and new challenges. However if you have not read all he books in this series you should do so, they have been great entertainment.

I'm happy that Uhtred has finally made it back to Bebbanburg. Great battle scenes, described in fine detail. Can Uhtred hold his ancestral home after capturing it? We'll have to wait for future books to find out. That said, I would be eternally grateful if Cornwell would write that book about Gettysburg in his American Civil War series.

I take exception to the choice "graphic violence" for the question: "Is there violence." The book is not a graphic novel. I'd use the term "tactile violence" because there is a description the feeling when a sword thrust penetrates chain mail and slides into the softer guts of an opponent.

Uhtred knocks them dead Cornwell brings a era ignored by most other writers to life. This is a great series with wonderful character development, perhaps the best I've read. Although Uhtred achieves his life's goal in this novel, it seems clear that the series will confinue. Long live Uhtred!!!!

This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
"There can be no better praise than to say that this is one of the best of an absolutely excellent and always gripping series."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs

This story has been building to a climax for years and Cornwell somehow delivers (again)! Uhtred at his cunning, clever, courageous best. And best of all...it may not be over yet. The Saxon Chronicles are some of the best books on Earth!

Like the others in this series, The Flame Bearer is a fast paced adventure with loads of twists & turns. The reality of the battle scenes and the ties to English history of the Dark Ages make this book a good piece of historical fiction.

This is the 10th book in the series and I can hardly wait for book 11. I never thought I would be interested in this type of a book but the author is an amazing story teller and it is based on true history. Highly recommend.

As usual Lord Uhtred delivers and in what a fantastic ending. I love Cornwell and can't wait for the next Uhtred tale. May Uhtred live forever and fill the halls of Valhalla with more defeated foes. Bebbanburg is his once again.

Love the book, the story, the plot and the evolution of the character. Just one small details, swords, no matter how good do not pierce mail as Uthred seems to be able to do over and over again all over the saga. The reason chain mail used to cost to much at the time was that it kept you safe from sword injuries like the ones Uthred inflicts to his adversaries.

I have read every book in this series. The description of life during that period of history is so vivid it definitely makes you grateful to live in 'today's world' no matter how difficult it may seem.

Cornwell is a consistently good storyteller who never deviates from a winning formula. A good, if predictable plot that keeps things moving, interesting characters, and a good re-creation of the historical era (he actually researches the history and historical characters) for a good novel. I am primarily a fan of Cornwell's Richard Sharpe and Saxon Tales series.

To those of you that enjoy historical fiction, these books are a must. Ten volumes will keep you wanting more. You get to enjoy a great hero and learn about the struggles to create England. I will pursue other books by this author.

A bit too graphic at the end especially in the description of how Uhtred dealt with his cousin. But typical Cornwell, lots of action and adventure as well as twists and turns. I'm wondering if this is the end of Uhtred's story?

Cornwell is a consistently good storyteller who never deviates from a winning formula. A good, if predictable plot that keeps things moving, interesting characters, and a good re-creation of the historical era (he actually researches the history and historical characters) for a good novel. I am primarily a fan of Cornwell's Richard Sharpe and Saxon Tales series.

To those of you that enjoy historical fiction, these books are a must. Ten volumes will keep you wanting more. You get to enjoy a great hero and learn about the struggles to create England. I will pursue other books by this author.

there is a lot more conversation going on in this book that usual. The same great scheming and planning but the interludes were slightly boring for this writer. I have read EVERYTHING published by Cornwell here in the USA, and am a huge fan. not so much this book