War of the Wolf
Ratings15
Average rating4
Bernard Cornwell’s epic story of the making of England continues in this eleventh installment in the bestselling Saxon Tales series—"like Game of Thrones, but real" (The Observer)—the basis of the hit Netflix television series The Last Kingdom. His blood is Saxon His heart is Viking His battleground is England "Perhaps the greatest writer of historical adventure novels today" (Washington Post), Bernard Cornwell has dazzled and entertained readers and critics with his page-turning bestsellers. Of all his protagonists, however, none is as beloved as Uhtred of Bebbanburg. And while Uhtred might have regained his family’s fortress, it seems that a peaceful life is not to be – as he is under threat from both an old enemy and a new foe. The old enemy comes from Wessex where a dynastic struggle will determine who will be the next king. And the new foe is Sköll, a Norseman, whose ambition is to be King of Northumbria and who leads a frightening army of wolf-warriors, men who fight half-crazed in the belief that they are indeed wolves. Uhtred, believing he is cursed, must fend off one enemy while he tries to destroy the other. In this new chapter of the Saxon Tales series—a rousing adventure of courage, treachery, duty, devotion, majesty, love and battle, as seen through the eyes of a warrior straddling two worlds—Uhtred returns to fight once again for the destiny of England.
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13 primary books14 released booksThe Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom is a 14-book series with 13 primary works first released in 2004 with contributions by Bernard Cornwell.
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WotW is another good book in Cornwell's long-running Saxon series.
Uhtred is getting on in years and one would think that he should consider resting in Bebbanburg and letting younger men fight the wars. But that is not his way. Northumbria has problems and as warlord he can do nought but lead his warriors. And a wily leader he is.
There is unrest in Mercia following Æthelflaed's death. There are those there who seek to use Uhtred in their machinations and others there who plot his downfall. And as always the Scots lurking to the North must be considered when making military decisions. The most immediate threat, however, is Sköll – a Norseman who styles himself King of Northumbria and is trying to take it by force.
If you are a fan of Bernard Cornwell's books, you know what to expect – plenty of bloody action, desperate battles and chases, dastardly deeds, plot twists, and interesting sometimes oddball characters. Tenth century Britain was a hard place and Cornwell brings it to life.
Many of the characters in this book are actual historical figures. Read the historical note at the end of the book for a synopsis of which they are.
Good book. Solid 4 stars.
