The Last Kingdom - Bernard Cromwell
Synopsis
Set in ninth-century England, Uhtred, a minor Northumbrian noble, is taken by the Vikings when his father is killed in battle. He grows up learning the Viking ways, but wants to reclaim his birthright and castle, which his uncle stole from him. He joins King Alfred of Wessex (later known in history as Alfred the Great) and becomes one of the greatest warriors to fight for what will be known as England.
Review
This book has long been on my "To Read" list, and because the BBC made a TV series out of it did I finally decide I needed to read it. And I'm glad I did!
Uhtred is the main character, and narrator. He tells the story from the future looking back on his life, so he gives plenty of foreshadowing. Sometimes I don't like this "storytelling" narration, especially since some of the sentences tended to ramble, but in this case it works and makes you want to keep reading. It is interesting to see Uhtred grow and develop. He finds Danish life better suited to him, and paganism better than Christianity, and resists going back to the English. Even when he is reluctantly forced back, he still maintains a foot on either side. He is also cocky and foolhardy, not fully thinking through decisions he makes, and we see him learn those hard lessons as he grows up.
In terms of historical fiction, this is great stuff! I love British history almost as much as Ancient Egypt, and especially the era this book takes place, early Medieval times, where the identity of "England" was being forged. Also, it is violent. Just throwing that warning out there. The brutality of the Viking raids and warfare at that time is bloody and awful and so completely different than anything we face today. Also, it is a story of men. All the women are background characters, even Brida, who is Uhtred's best friend and later lover (I would love to see this series from her perspective, to be honest).
All in all, I want to keep reading the series. It is a vivid portrayal of a time in English history where England almost ceased to be. If you like Vikings and warrior books, this is a good pick for you!
Rating
I give it 4 stars.
Details
Genre: Historical Fiction
Sex: Sex is talked about, women are raped, but it is a background occurrence in the story. Nothing graphic is described.
Violence: As I said above, it is violent and brutal.
Language: An occasional swear word.
Synopsis
Set in ninth-century England, Uhtred, a minor Northumbrian noble, is taken by the Vikings when his father is killed in battle. He grows up learning the Viking ways, but wants to reclaim his birthright and castle, which his uncle stole from him. He joins King Alfred of Wessex (later known in history as Alfred the Great) and becomes one of the greatest warriors to fight for what will be known as England.
Review
This book has long been on my "To Read" list, and because the BBC made a TV series out of it did I finally decide I needed to read it. And I'm glad I did!
Uhtred is the main character, and narrator. He tells the story from the future looking back on his life, so he gives plenty of foreshadowing. Sometimes I don't like this "storytelling" narration, especially since some of the sentences tended to ramble, but in this case it works and makes you want to keep reading. It is interesting to see Uhtred grow and develop. He finds Danish life better suited to him, and paganism better than Christianity, and resists going back to the English. Even when he is reluctantly forced back, he still maintains a foot on either side. He is also cocky and foolhardy, not fully thinking through decisions he makes, and we see him learn those hard lessons as he grows up.
In terms of historical fiction, this is great stuff! I love British history almost as much as Ancient Egypt, and especially the era this book takes place, early Medieval times, where the identity of "England" was being forged. Also, it is violent. Just throwing that warning out there. The brutality of the Viking raids and warfare at that time is bloody and awful and so completely different than anything we face today. Also, it is a story of men. All the women are background characters, even Brida, who is Uhtred's best friend and later lover (I would love to see this series from her perspective, to be honest).
All in all, I want to keep reading the series. It is a vivid portrayal of a time in English history where England almost ceased to be. If you like Vikings and warrior books, this is a good pick for you!
Rating
I give it 4 stars.
Details
Genre: Historical Fiction
Sex: Sex is talked about, women are raped, but it is a background occurrence in the story. Nothing graphic is described.
Violence: As I said above, it is violent and brutal.
Language: An occasional swear word.
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