The third installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC America television series.
After achieving victory at King Alfred’s side, Uhtred of Bebbanburg is returning to his home in the North, finally free of his allegiance to the King—or so he believes. An encounter with a vicious slave trader introduces Uhtred to Guthred, the self-proclaimed King of Northumbria. Curious about Guthred’s astounding claim, Uhtred follows him north. But he soon discovers fate has another incredible surprise in store, and begins an unexpected journey that climaxes in the midnight siege of a city thought impregnable—a dangerous seige that results in the forging of England.
Lords of the North is Bernard Cornwell’s finest work yet—a breathtaking adventure, but it also tells the story of the creation of English identity, as the English and Danes begin to become one people, appropriating each other’s languages and, thrillingly, fighting side-by-side.
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"Now officially my favorite series from BC. This is the third of four about Dark Ages England, historical fiction and apparently accurate. The main character is like Conan. One of the reviews on the back called him the "the Han Solo of the Ninth Century." I like that. The depiction of Christian religion at this time is hilarious. I got this one in the mail before the second. Out of order, but I had to finish it anyway. Awesome."
— Michael (5 out of 5 stars)
“Cornwell…breathes life into ancient history with disarming ease, peppering it with humor and even innocence.”
— Publishers Weekly“Jamie Glover authentically captures the atmosphere of the era of the Saxon Chronicles with seemingly effortless narration in this historical fiction.”
— AudioFile“Of course, all plotlines lead to combat, and Cornwell does not disappoint.”
— Booklist“Filled with plenty of action, betrayal, and bloodshed, along with a healthy dose of religion and superstition…Historical fiction lovers and those who want a good old-fashioned action tale should enjoy this book.”
— School Library Journal" Bernard Cornwell is an excellant historical writer! Although his books are as bloody as the times, his characters are compelling. Like Shakespeare, they relate to current times; different consciousness, same emotions. I have completed the Saxon series and hated to see it end. Uhtred is the man I would want on my side, should trouble come my way. "
— Mary, 1/15/2014" Bernard Cornwell continues to amaze me with these books. I love how the main character, Uhtred, continues to grow wiser and wiser. Some other really interesting characters are introduced in this too, my favorite was the Slave King. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Tom Sellwood and I'm a little upset he isn't the one reading the next books in the series :/ "
— Gui, 12/17/2013" I read the whole Saxon series and was enthralled. Cornwell brings the 900's to life for the reader and makes one grateful one is reading, not living, in the era. Outstanding series! "
— Sharon, 12/9/2013" Another great read in Bernard Cornwell's Saxin series. "
— Tasha, 12/3/2013" The battles are less descriptive in this saxon series than in the Sharpe ones im used to but the pace is good and the story is fun. The characters all seem similar and have similar names but that doesn't ruin it. "
— Michael, 12/1/2013" The series keeps getting better. "
— Mark, 11/20/2013" I love this series. Uhtred is an amazing character, as are the rest of the characters. The action starts right at the beginning and doesn't slow down until the final scene. It's hard to pick who to root for, the Saxons or the Danes. "
— Sara, 11/20/2013" Very interesting and well researched historical novel but a little heavy on the violence. "
— Deborah, 11/2/2013" Best book of the Saxon series yet. Can't believe I never discovered Cornwell before now. "
— Paul, 10/29/2013" The more I read of this series, the more I enjoy it. "
— Becca, 10/15/2013" The third book in the series, this one is filled with deception and betrayal, as well as revenge and justice. It was a satisfying novel that shows a maturing of the main character, as he faces further challenges and learns a bit more about loyalty. "
— E., 10/4/2013" I think I'm done with these....one battle after another...weird names...know how this is going to end. "
— Ninon, 10/1/2013" This one took me a while to get rhrough, even just listening to it. Once it finally started getting really good, it ended. I like the story he weaves, but the telling of the story... not so good. He a talent for taking a great story and making it unbearable to hear. "
— Robin, 9/3/2013" Absolutely fantastic. This was the first of the series I had read, quite some time ago. Looking through the Kindle store, I discovered it was a part of the series, and has since become one of my favorites, and I find myself anxiously awaiting the next release. "
— Zack, 7/21/2013" Really 2.5 stars--I feel obligated to finish the series but it's not my usual style... "
— Krista, 6/23/2013" I read it because of the audio book, btw I think that the pronunciation of the Old English is really fascinating so as the story itself, I might continue to listen to the rest two books as soon as I have had some time, really curious to find out what was in store for these characters "
— Crepes, 5/24/2013" Audio Book. Good book about Kings and Lords in England in the Middle Ages. Uhtred was our hero, Lord of Bebbenberg. He is kind of wandering the country and joins forces with different folks and the whole time it trying to get revenge on Kjartan and his "
— Jake, 3/31/2013" I missed the secon book, the Pale Horseman, but it didn't matter too much. I enjoyed the continuing tale and detailed descriptions of life in that time. "
— Bruce, 3/15/2013" I randomly picked this book up when I was looking for a book for a trip. I practically drank the book in a few days. Readers can't help but like Uhtred and cheer him on as he faces incredible odds. "
— Amy, 1/12/2013" Enjoyed this one in the series. "
— Julie, 11/16/2012" More of the same. These stories are alway fun to read. "
— Lucia, 9/12/2011" Audio Book. Good book about Kings and Lords in England in the Middle Ages. Uhtred was our hero, Lord of Bebbenberg. He is kind of wandering the country and joins forces with different folks and the whole time it trying to get revenge on Kjartan and his "
— Jake, 5/6/2011" Hard to like the protagonist in this edition of the series, but still great historical fiction of post-Roman Britain. "
— Mike, 3/30/2011" Bernard Cornwell writes the most amazing historical novels. If you're looking for a good yarn to get lost in you can't go wrong with any of his. "
— Deana, 3/2/2011" Bernard has really brought the history alive in these books, great great story, with good and trustworthy persons and a great perspective. "
— Ida, 2/2/2011" I've listened to the audiobook read by Richard Armitage which turned me on to the entire saga series. The book itself is a great read, interesting characters, an evolving plot line and an engaging protagonist. This is the third volume in the series and I've loved each book so far.. "
— Ann, 1/30/2011" Love this series! A definite must read for those who love historical fiction. "
— Malena, 1/21/2011" Typical B Cornwell. But, it does make me want to go a viking. Stand in a shield wall and murder some clergy. "
— Matthew, 1/20/2011" This was another very entertaining installment in the series.<br/><br/>Though it had one of my favorite segments (Uhtred meets Finan)in the entire series so far I think it was a bit slow to start. Which, is OK, because it finished off in great Saxon fashion. Bring on the next one. "
— Patrick, 1/11/2011" best line-Ivarr tells Uhtred he's going to make a saddle out of his hide so he can fart on him all day. Nice! "
— Matt, 1/5/2011" I love this series. Uhtred is an amazing character, as are the rest of the characters. The action starts right at the beginning and doesn't slow down until the final scene. It's hard to pick who to root for, the Saxons or the Danes. "
— Sara, 1/3/2011Bernard Cornwell, born in London, worked for the BBC and Thames Television before coming to the United States to write full time. His sweeping historical novels, including the acclaimed Richard Sharpe series and many more, make him a number one bestselling author in the United Kingdom and around the world. He is the author of the acclaimed New York Times bestselling Saxon Tales series, which serves as the basis for the hit television series The Last Kingdom.
Jamie Glover was trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama. He has appeared on stage in productions of The Cherry Orchard and Mother Tongue. His many radio credits include Ben Hur and Sherlock Holmes, and on television he has had roles in Brother Cadfael, The Broker’s Man, and Breaking Up. His film work includes Age of Treason, which was directed by Kevin Connor.