The Empty Throne

Bernard Cornwell’s books are ❤️❤️❤️...

Bernard Cornwell writes a gripping story. When I begin an 'Uhtred' book, I find it so hard to put down. Well-crafted descriptions set the tone for the story, bringing the dark ages environment to life. I can almost smell the meat roasting over the campfires, the sounds of men sharpening their weapons of wet-stones, the stench of the combined sweat of man and horse. This man can set the scene, ready for the political and romantic intrigues surrounding Uhtred. But enough of that, Bernard Cornwell writes great books of this time period, and if that's what you're into, you won't do better than Mr Cornwell.

This is one of a series about Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg (Bamburgh) set around the time of King Alfred. Uhtred is a Saxon war leader, raised as a Dane but fighting to stop the Danes taking over the kingdoms of England. It is well written as you would expect from Bernard Cornwell and holds your attention so you don't want to put it down. The descriptions of battle scenes are not for the faint hearted but capture the brutality of the times.

Another satisfying Uthred book. As usual the pace is wicked fast from start to finish.I read this book in under a day. LIterally could not (and didn't want to) put it down. The plot of this book is as compelling as the rest of them. There is as much action and and gore as in previous books and Cornwell, as always, does not disappoint. It is a slick production and one that is as entertaining and emotional as any blockbuster. After reading 8 of his Uthred books I cannot get enough and when this saga comes to a close, it will feel like the loss of a friend. As ridiculous as that sounds, reading this whole series you cant help but invest part of yourself in the story.Long may this series continue. A world with Uthred Uthredson is not a world that I wish to see.

Bernard Cornwell just gets better and better. I've been a long time fan of BC and this one delivers to the already high standard that he's been setting. This book brings in his relationship with his children in a way which we've not seen before in any other BC series. This is really interesting and creates a great dynamic, helping the reader see well known characters in a different light. It could also be the first series to change main character as it would be an easy step to change over to kill of Uthred and follow his son's experience after this book.

Since reading the Last Kingdom series, (several times) I have sought out Bernard Cornwell's other books and read most of the historical ones, except Sharpe, which I will probably begin one day. The Warlord series is a brilliant read as is the Grail Quest series. Azincourt and 1356 are also a great read.