After becoming hooked to The Vikings TV series, I did a little internet search (as you do, right?) and came across The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell.
And wow! This is the first book in the Saxon Stories (10 books and counting so far…), and I’m hooked once again.
The story follows Uhtred who was born a Saxon but is captured by the Vikings during one of the many raids. At 11 years old, Uhtred is raised in the ways of the Danes and becomes a warrior, proudly wearing the Hammer of Thor around his neck.
As you’d imagine, he’s constantly torn between the two sides. Not just regarding who he should be fighting for, but he’s also stuck between two religions: the Christian English and the Pagan Danes. In this story, he’s young, brash and has little respect for people in positions of power. This makes for an extremely humorous read.
It’s skillfully written in the first person and is full of “little nuggets” of 9th century living at a time when England was ravaged by Viking forces. Think seal-skinning, Viking longships, Ale, and honour.
I love the way Cornwell describes battle scenes. It really feels like you’re in the thick of it. Also, most characters like Ragnar Lothbrook, Ubba, Guthrum, and Ivar the Boneless are real historical figures. To give that air of authenticity, he uses the Old English spelling for place names which are all given at the beginning of the novel.
The Last Kingdom is a great historical novel which provides intricate details of 9th Century life without becoming a bore. I’m already on to the next book, The Pale Horseman which is equally as good.
How far into the Saxon Stories are you? Let us know in the comments below.
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