'The Empty Throne' by Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction novel set in the time of King Alfred and his son, Edward the Elder. The story follows Uhtred, a dispossessed Saxon lord raised by Danes, as he navigates the political intrigue and military conflicts of the time. The book delves into Uhtred's internal struggle between his loyalty to the Danes and his oaths to the Saxon rulers, particularly Alfred's daughter, Aethelflaed, the Lady of the Mercians. Through Uhtred's perspective, readers are taken on a journey filled with battles, alliances, and personal conflicts, all set against the backdrop of a divided England in the midst of power struggles.
The narrative in 'The Empty Throne' is characterized by vivid descriptions of warriors, intricate details about historical events and battles, and a blend of political intrigue with military action. Bernard Cornwell brings to life the world of 9th-century England with a focus on the clash of cultures between the Saxons and the Danes, as seen through the eyes of the protagonist, Uhtred. The writing style immerses readers in a world where loyalties are tested, alliances are fragile, and the protagonist grapples with his identity and beliefs amidst the chaos of war and power struggles.
From The Publisher:
The eighth 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.
Britain, early tenth century AD: a time of change. There are new raids by the Vikings from Ireland and turmoil among the Saxons over the leadership of Mercia. A younger generation is taking over.
Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Æthelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Æthelred. Widely loved and respected, Æthelflaed has all the makings of a leader-but could Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler? The stage is set for rivals to fight for the empty throne.
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