The Burning Land: A Novel Audiobook, by Bernard Cornwell Play Audiobook Sample

The Burning Land: A Novel Audiobook

The Burning Land: A Novel Audiobook, by Bernard Cornwell Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: John Lee Publisher: HarperAudio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 7.33 hours at 1.5x Speed 5.50 hours at 2.0x Speed Series: The Warrior Chronicles / Saxon Tales Release Date: January 2010 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9780061953644

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

18

Longest Chapter Length:

55:23 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

15 seconds

Average Chapter Length:

36:58 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

69

Other Audiobooks Written by Bernard Cornwell: > View All...

Publisher Description

The fifth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling Saxon Tales 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.

At the end of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in ill health; his heir, an untested youth. His enemy, the Danes, having failed to conquer Wessex, now see their chance for victory. Led by the sword of savage warrior Harald Bloodhair, the Viking hordes attack. But Uhtred, Alfred’s reluctant warlord, proves his worth, outwitting Harald and handing the Vikings one of their greatest defeats.

For Uhtred, the sweetness of victory is soon overshadowed by tragedy. Breaking with Alfred, he joins the Vikings, swearing never again to serve the Saxon king. Instead, he will reclaim his ancestral fortress on the Northumbrian coast. Allied with his old friend Ragnar-and his old foe Haesten-he aims to invade and conquer Wessex itself.  But fate has different plans . . .

In The Burning Land, Bernard Cornwell, “the reigning king of historical fiction” (USA Today), delivers a rousing saga of Anglo-Saxon England-an irresistible new chapter in his thrilling Saxon Tales, the epic story of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible.

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"I've been bouncing between 3 and 4 stars on this series, though they could probably all get 4 stars. This is the last one published, with a teaser that number 6 is in the works. I'm glad for the break, but honestly can't wait for the next one. Political, bloody, mythic, historical fiction covering the founding of England and the Saxon/Dane wars. Great characters, great set pieces, and did I mention bloody? Killing someone with a dagger through the eyeball and into the brain - in detail. Yum. OK, I'm off to an earlier period with the same author, The Warlord Chronicles - King Arthur et al - an easy trilogy."

— Richard (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Slathered in blood and gore, Saxon warlord Uhtred of Bebbanburg hacks his way through the ninth century in the exciting fifth installment to bestseller Cornwell’s Saxon Tales…Vivid descriptions of merciless battlefield slaughter, rape, and destruction are artfully related by a masterful storyteller.”

    — Publishers Weekly
  • “Cornwell has been described as a master of historical fiction, but that may be an understatement. Cornwell makes his subject material come alive. Better, his major protagonist is totally believable and human.”

    — Library Journal
  • “Cornwell, a master of martial fiction, makes history come alive with his rousing battlefield scenes.”

    — Booklist

Awards

  • A New York Times bestseller

The Burning Land Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.03125 out of 54.03125 out of 54.03125 out of 54.03125 out of 54.03125 out of 5 (4.03)
5 Stars: 8
4 Stars: 17
3 Stars: 7
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 3.66666666666667 out of 53.66666666666667 out of 53.66666666666667 out of 53.66666666666667 out of 53.66666666666667 out of 5 (3.67)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 2
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 (5.00)
5 Stars: 3
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The pacing of the narrative is a bit too quick. I would have liked to find a way to slow the audio down, by my player had no capability to slightly slow it down. The choice was only too fast or too slow. I like John Lee as a narrator, and I think the problem was an engineering problem. The recording was processed at a speed that was too fast. It was, however, a very good story. "

    — Joan, 7/20/2021
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a wonderful series. Great reading and detail. "

    — Jade, 5/21/2017
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 Narration Rating: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 Story Rating: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The Burning land is the 5th book in the Saxon Series from Bernard Cornwell. It is a historical fiction of the birth of England and it fantastic! I suggest you start with book 1 "The Last Kingdom" as they should be read in order. "

    — Chap, 5/4/2016
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Old reliable- another solid story, consistently between the three and four star mark. I wish he would finish them. This is a better series than the Archer series. "

    — Coy, 2/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " a most excellent offering in the Saxon Tales.... "

    — Penny, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a great series. "

    — Sharon, 1/29/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Although this rounded off the series neatly, it really was a step too far. I think some judicious editing to have compacted the 5 part series into 4 parts would have sufficed. There is not a huge amount of repetition, fortunately, but it has simply been too long drawn out. The early novels in the series were very readable, with great insights into Danish conquering, and the emerging country of England-hitherto a number of independent counties which co-existed to greater or less degree. I had hoped the last in the series would have examined how Uhtred recaptured Bamburgh (did he retake it?), and conclude the tale in this way-instead we see Alfred's forces at the end of yet another battle-so I suspect there may be a 6th in the series at some point! "

    — Elaine, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great historical fiction. Cornwell's style easily takes me to that time and place to follow along with Uhtred through 9th century Mercia. "

    — Jack, 1/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great read - can't wait for the next in the series as I want to find out what happens next "

    — David, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " "Chaos and bee stings." "

    — Ruthie, 12/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " same story as the others in the series but always enjoyable "

    — Adam, 12/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " As always Mr.Cornwell has spun a compelling story rife with historical elements. It is a great tale of Saxon and Dane conflict set in early England. A well writtena nd enjoyable story. "

    — Reggie, 12/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I enjoy this man's writing. He brings the middle ages in England alive. "

    — Patricia, 11/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I have a special fascination with Anglo Saxon history and so have enjoyed Cornwell's series. As always, Cornwell spins a fast and engaging narrative. However, I do not think this series measures up to the Sharpe novels, perhaps because they portray life and battle through a common soldier's eye. "

    — Eruditus, 10/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love this series. Rich detail. Great action and story. "

    — Kathy, 10/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Well done, Bernard. I love these Saxon Stories. I'm already waiting for #6. "

    — Dustin, 9/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I'm enjoying this book more than I thought I would. I really like the good sportsmanship and common sense of the main character, Uhtred. He and the author have a different perspective than I do, though: several pages about a battle and only one paragraph about sex? Seriously? "

    — Marie, 2/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Book 5 in Cornwell's so-called Viking books, continuing the story of Alfred the Great and Uhtred of Bebbanburg and the creation of what would come to be called, in later years, England. "

    — David, 7/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another excellent addition to Cornwell's Saxon Tales. "

    — Carrie, 5/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Just finished up the last of the series today, and I can wait for the new release in November. "

    — Trevin, 4/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another great book if you love Cornwell. "

    — Josh, 3/27/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another tremendous book from one of ths great stoty tellers. This is a gripping story as aee all of the King Alfred novels. I'm not going go try to precis the story as you really have to read it for yourself. As always it is meticulously researched. Highly recommmended. "

    — Gordon, 3/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Another very engaging chapter in this enthralling saga. "

    — Ross, 1/2/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Can't wait for the next one in the series "

    — Max, 9/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Violent historical telling of the danish invasions during the 9th century of what is now England. Exciting installment in the Saxon chronicals. "

    — Phil, 8/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " First sentence -"Not long ago I was in some monastery." "

    — Douglas, 7/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Man I love these Viking stories... "

    — Basil, 6/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Another enjoyable entry in the series. Cornwell fans will like this. "

    — Pudding, 6/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I found out that this is book 5 in the series, but it didn't seem to matter. I really enjoyed the history of Europe and the characters. It reminded me a bit of Outlander by Gabaldon with the battles, traveling throughout the country, family feuds and relationships, just without the romance. "

    — Holly, 5/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Think this is the 4th of the series. While I enjoyed the story, don't think I'll read the other books, as the brutality of the 9th-10th centuries is a bit much. "

    — Lucy, 3/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Entertaining and quite a bit of new information. I like historical story that have a bit of fact behind them. "

    — Sahar, 2/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " An amusing read, but the series is getting repetitive. Same story, different location. "

    — Rich, 1/31/2011

About Bernard Cornwell

Bernard 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.

About John Lee

John Lee is the winner of numerous Earphones Awards and the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration. He has twice won acclaim as AudioFile’s Best Voice in Fiction & Classics. He also narrates video games, does voice-over work, and writes plays. He is an accomplished stage actor and has written and coproduced the feature films Breathing Hard and Forfeit. He played Alydon in the 1963–64 Doctor Who serial The Daleks.