The Last Kingdom

A refreshing take on historical fiction. The plot is fast pacing, there is hardly any time to get bored. Uhtred is a charismatic protagonist, and the supporting characters are well fleshed out.

The duality of his allegiance is well played out. He was born and raised in his family stronghold in Normandy, until the age of 10. But then he was captured by the Dane Ragnar the Fearless, who raised and loved him as a son. So at times his heart wants to go back to his Saxons origins and rule the land that is rightfully his, becoming an Earl on his own terms. At other times, he just want to fight and go raiding with the Danes.

King Alfred's cunning is demonstrated as he is the only ruler capable of hold off the viking invasions. He is the historical figure that would eventually lead to the unification of England. He manages to fool Uhtred into not only fighting, but wanting to fight for him, burning out all his Danish sympathies.

Fatter Beocca is another endearing character. Crossed eye, ugly as hell and devotedly pious, he never looses hopes for the young Uhtred, that one day he would be rescued and become a christian again.

The author portrays really well the true spirit off the vikings, their love of fighting, ferocity and strategic minds which brought down the English to their knees. But they were not just warriors. They were farmers, and had families, and the rulers cared about the lives of their subjects, and they saw in the fertile lands of England an opportunity for their people to prosper. At the cost of eliminating half of the native population though.

The antagonist Kjartan and his son Sven gives us something to look forward to in future books.

I saw the series first and I liked it. I can now tell it was very faithful to the book.