Sword Song. Bernard Cornwell

after reading Agincourt and the first of his Saxon tales, I thought the rest of the series would be good, but they're kind of pot-boilers. Not really bad, but not really good either. Not a lot of details of HOW the people of the time really lived, or fleshing the environment out, just moving the characters from place to place.

Cornwell is a skilled teller of tales and Sword Song does not disappoint. If you like sword and shield tales, this novel is highly recommended. Sit back by the fireplace, pour yourself a dark ale, and dive into this historical adventure. It's hard to put down. Can't wait for the next installment. More please!

Most of the characters are fictional with cameo appearances by King Alfred. It is interesting to read about how military men, their wives, and minor religious authorities lived. I enjoyed it and will read the final book in the series.

The continued saga of Henry the Great and his champion Uthred of Baddenberg. If some of it wasn't fiction you would be hard pressed not to become invoved, from a historical point of view,how did we survive at all as an English speaking civilisation? What our relatives went through to survive and continue as a people, even thought my ancestory is mainly Irish. Great story and please continue Bernard as I have just finished Book 6 and cannot wait for the story to further unfold.

Most of the characters are fictional with cameo appearances by King Alfred. It is interesting to read about how military men, their wives, and minor religious authorities lived. I enjoyed it and will read the final book in the series.

The continued saga of Henry the Great and his champion Uthred of Baddenberg. If some of it wasn't fiction you would be hard pressed not to become invoved, from a historical point of view,how did we survive at all as an English speaking civilisation? What our relatives went through to survive and continue as a people, even thought my ancestory is mainly Irish. Great story and please continue Bernard as I have just finished Book 6 and cannot wait for the story to further unfold.

This is a great book. Strong character driven plot. Dramatic twists some enemies become friends some friends become enemies. Great action. Solidly written by Bernard Cornwell. Fast delivery. Very happy with the product and service.

Another great book from Bernard Cornwell. The only problem was, I read it too quickly! This is the 4th book in the series and there is more to come, can't wait. It is sort of like a medieval Sharpe, with swords instead of muskets. If you like action, a bit of blood and guts and historical drama, you will love these books, just make sure you read the other 3 in the series first.

Fast paced and intriguing, Cornwell mixes well-reseached historical elements with his characters. This series is just as good as Sharpe! The main character still has some life in him so I expect a series which has a few more volumes. Can't wait for the next one.

Mr Cornwell sheds light on a portion of history that is otherwise bleak or often times completely untold. His treatment of the political complexities of the time is nothing less than brilliant and his characters are fully three dimensional. What element of the human condition did he miss? I especially enjoyed the conflict between Christianity and the ancient pagan beliefs.

For those of you who have faithfully read the entire Sharpe series, and all the other series, you know full well that Bernard Cornwell is a master author who never fails to fully involve you in everything he writes. I've read other reviews about his books, and such carping, such trifling squabbles over insignificant details always amazes me. I have no trouble believing that any of those peole would ever read a book by anyone twice. "What for?" they would squeal. And that says it all.
I simply want to say that I've always enjoyed anything I've ever read by Bernard Cornwell. His research is very impressive, his characters always completely credible, and as a plotter he has few equals. For those of you who enjoy finding an author who has a lot to offer, look no further. Here's to you, Bernard, may you continue to write for many years. And thank you for all the wonderful time I've spent with your books.

The Saxon tales are a perfect summer read. Fast paced, full of adventure, swagger, sword play, with interesting and enjoyable characters albeit almost all male! The protagonist is a young Saxon warrior (Uthred) heavy on brawn, who would much rather swing his sword (named 'Serpent breath') than almost anything else. (A NY Times review apty described him as a 9th century Han Solo). Each story is a tale of an adventure, filled with arch villains, scheming clergy, brave comrades in arms,impossible odds, a great castle or flotilla of ships, and of course a love interest. Uthred joyfully describes his battles with the enemy Vikings, his disdain for the clergy, his mixed feelings about his king, all with a sly sense of humor but no self awareness.