Lords of the North

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.

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.

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

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......