The Flame Bearer (The Last Kingdom Series, Book 10)

Product Information

I wish every day was an Uhtred day. When I am reading a new book in the series, this character just brings so much enjoyment to my week. All in all, The Warrior Chronicles/Saxon Stories series (all 10 available books) is spectacular story with spectacular writing. It is one of the best historical fiction stories I have ever read and it is the perfect example of how to write engaging historical fiction series that never get boring or predictable! But Uhtred is determined that nothing, neither the new enemies nor the old foes who combine against him, will keep him from his birthright. The latest chapter in Bernard Cornwell’s “violent, absorbing historical saga,” The Flame Bearer confirms his title as “perhaps the greatest writer of historical adventure novels today” ( Washington Post). I was born a Saxon, but raised by Danes, my daughter had married a Norseman, my dearest friend was Irish, my woman was a Saxon, the mother of my children had been Danish, my gods were pagan, and my oath was sworn to AEthelflaed, a Christian. Whose side was I on?”

This is the penultimate volume of The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell. The first several books of the series have been made into a TV series The Last Kingdom" by BBC and Netflix. The TV series is very good; the books are better. They are better because they portray how the hero of the story, Uhtred, reacts to the Saxons in the south and the Danes to the north. In an historical note at the conclusion of the book, Cornwell writes of the significance of the novel’s title. Ida, an Anglian, invaded Britain in the mid-6th century A.D. and captured the land upon which the fortress of Bebbanburg was eventually built. His enemies called him the Flamebearer. Uhtred hopes to repeat the event. Eventually, the real Uhtred family came to rule the area. In fact, Cornwell claims he is a descendant of that family. The Saxon Chronicles has been a historical fiction series following the story of King Albert the Great of Wessex and his offspring. Unlike the other books in the series, Cornwell does not have to worry about historical accuracy in this book. In this book, he can allow his imagination to run free. Of course, he still stays within the historical parameters of his series. Uhtred recaptures his Babbenberg home, land and titles.Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing! Strong narrative, vigourous action and striking characterisation, Cornwell remains king of the territory he has staked out as his own' SUNDAY TIMES Uhtred was born a Christian, but kidnapped by Norse raiders as a child. He adopted Norse ways and Gods. He casts a skeptical eye on the Christian gods and practices. The Flame Bearer, the tenth of the Saxon Stories of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, is a triumphant return from what I have always considered one of my favourite fictional book series, but also a series I had feared had grown stale. The tenth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” ( The Observer, London)—the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit television series.

Here we are at book 10 of this series and it's not the ending. We finally get some good plot progress in this book however. I liked it more than its predecessor but since War of the Wolf is scheduled to come out later this year the series will be at at 11 books, when I think it might have better to end with 10. Although The Flame Bearer a little quieter than the previous books, it feels like the calm before the storm, and the ending is just simply fantastic. Uhtred has about him his loveable cast of friends and together, they begin to plan the capture of his birthright. Unforgettable narrator. Uhtred of Bebbanburg is unapologetic and ruthless yet lovable and admiration worthy character with brilliant military strategic mind. He is a true hero! One of the most beautiful women ever to grace the silver screen, Hedy Lamarr also designed a secret weapon against Nazi Germany. Uhtred's on-again, off-again lover and ruler of Mercia, dies. Edward, King of Wessex, seizes the opportunity to take over her kingdom. Uhtred ignores Edward's summons to swear fealty to him, and his Mercian lands are forfeited, but Uhtred is content with his beloved Bebbanburg.

Need Help?

I really enjoyed this read, though not as strong as the last few, but that’s probably because I’ve been binging them. The tension did build excellently however, and the ending is gripping and bloody. Exactly what we love to see in an Uhtred story. The rise of Prince AEthelstan begins in this book but for me the best character was the mad Bishop, Ieremias, who was loads of fun. Cornwell will have to find another strong female character to replace AEthelflaed.. perhaps it will be Stiorra, his daughter, but there is room for one or two more strong women characters... be they good or bad!! I hope Hannah pops up again and also the young daughter of AEthelhelm, who will hopefully acquire some depth of character as well as being stunningly beautiful. persuades Uhtred not to kill Æthelhelm but to ransom him so he can replenish his coffers and diminish Æthelhelm's ability to buy more men into his service. Æthelstan also suggests Uhtred keep Æthelhelm's daughter – Ælswyth, who was supposed to be wed to Uhtred’s cousin as part of the resupply deal – as a hostage and this is much to Uhtred’s son’s liking as he has taken a shine to her. Uhtred then goes and tells the Scots to leave his land, which they do, for now. Warriors of the Storm is the ninth historical novel in The Saxon Stories series by Bernard Cornwell, first published in October 2015. It is set in 10th-century Mercia, Northumbria and Northern Ireland and continues to follow the fortunes of the fictional Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

As long as she rules, Uhtred will not raise a hand against the Saxons. The Danes’ English territory has been reduced to only Northumbria. Bebbanburg (modern-day Bamburgh), an impregnable fortress located on the rugged coast of Northumbria, is now ruled by Uhtred’s cousin, his father having died, thus cheating Uhtred of his revenge. It is under siege by invading Scots led by King Constantin with support from Danish fighters. Did it come easily - nah, does it ever come easy for Uthred? Nope- he’s got so many enemies. There’s a ton of obstacles to get past in this installment. You’ve got his cousin Uthred, who is currently the Lord of Bebbanburg, a Viking Lord- Einar the White, a Pirate- the Mad Bishop, Aethelhelm the West Saxon Noble, Constantine the King of Scotland and more.

The best battle scenes of any writer I’ve ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive’ George R.R. Martin The final battle is one for the ages, bursting with gory detail and flush with savage death as the wolves of the shield wall smite his enemies. --Lee Scott, Florida Times-Union" It is set in 10th-century England and continues to follow the fortunes of the fictional Uhtred of Bebbanburg. In this novel Uhtred is finally secure in his childhood home, Bebbanburg. It is the next stage in a long story that has many fans. [3] Plot [ edit ] One quote: "I doubt that I shall ever understand Christianity. 'Thou shalt not kill!' their priests teach, then encourage warriors to give battle against the heathen or even against other Christians if there is a half-chance of gaining land, slaves or silver. Father Beocca had taught me the nailed god's ten commandments, but I had long learned that the chief commandment of the Christians was 'Thou shalt make my priests wealthy."