Sword of Kings: A Novel

Bernard Cornwell

Nov 2019 · Saxon Tales Book 12 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

The twelfth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England—"superior entertainment that is both engaging and enlightening” (Washington Post), and  the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit Netflix series.

It is a time of political turmoil once more as the fading King Edward begins to lose control over his successors and their supporters. There are two potential heirs—possibly more—and doubt over whether the once separate states of Wessex and Mercia will hold together . Despite attempts at pulling him into the political fray, Uhtred of Bebbanburg cares solely about his beloved Northumbria and its continuing independence from southern control.

But an oath is a strong, almost sacred commitment and such a promise had been exchanged between Uhtred and Aethelstan, his onetime companion in arms and now a potential king. Uhtred was tempted to ignore the demands of the oath and stay in his northern fastness, leaving the quarrelling Anglo-Saxons to sort out their own issues.  But an attack on him by a leading supporter of one of the candidates and an unexpected appeal for help from another, drives Uhtred with a small band of warriors south, into the battle for kingship—and England’s fate.

Ratings and reviews

Although I love every moment of The Saxon Tales & wouldn't skip a second of it, this novel may have been the weak spot in my opinion. I still enjoyed the story but I'm comparing it to the works overall. These books usually feel epic and packed with power even as quick reads. This one felt like a quick read without much Mmmph. I'll gladly accept it as a stepping stone to an amazing finale & my hope is that it isn't a preview of what the story has become over time and after the release of the TV show. 🤞🏻

Yet another great entry in the story of Uhtred and the semi fictional creation of Englaland!

An excellent story woven by a master storyteller.

About the author

BERNARD CORNWELL is the author of over fifty novels, including the acclaimed New York Times bestselling Saxon Tales, which serve as the basis for the hit Netflix series The Last Kingdom. He lives with his wife on Cape Cod and in Charleston, South Carolina.