Cornwell happily points out the major historical differences at the conclusion of each novel, but doing your own digging is part of the fun.
Like all the previous Saxon Stories books, War Lord sends readers down plenty of history holes, and had me looking up the real-world events that had Uthred scurrying around Britain. Along the way, Uhtred does what Uhtred has always done: sniff out traitors, outmaneuver his foes, and work to better his beloved Bebbanburg and his family that dwells within and without.
That final battle, the Battle of Brunanburh, is considered by British historians as one of the country’s most significant. From there, plots upon plots carry Uhtred from the farthest reaches of England back to familiar territory for a final battle. But a man of Uhtred’s stature and power can’t help but be pulled into the events of his day, which in this case involve King Aethelstan’s desire to rule the entirety of the island of Britain, and a meeting of the isle’s leaders. War Lord opens with Uhtred where he’s always wanted to be, sitting in his home of Bebbanburg, content to spend his remaining years ensconced in its walls. War Lord manages to honor the many previous entries in the series all while telling its own story and bringing the whole thin to a close. Martin raved about War Lord, saying he “gulped it right down.”Īt the same time, Cornwell’s work is incredibly rich. A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. And Cornwell’s work can always be counted on to be both easy to digest and exciting. Thirteen books is a lot for any author, but Cornwell is nothing if not dependable, cranking out new books at a rate so regular you can set your watch to it. The thirteenth book gives us a satisfying ending for Uhtred son of Uhtred, even if we could still do with more of the elderly warrior. Happily, War Lord, the final novel in Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories series (which Netflix is adapting as The Last Kingdom) falls into the second category. Terrible endings can leave a bitter taste in fans’ mouths, while good endings can leave you wanting more. The conclusion of any beloved series - be it in film, television or book form - can be a bittersweet event. By Corey Smith 2 years ago War Lord, Bernard Cornwell’s final novel in his Saxon Stories series, brings Uhtred son of Uhtred’s tale to a satisfying end.
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