Who Would Like This Book:
This is historical fiction at its most gripping! Bernard Cornwell brings 9th-century England roaring to life with vivid battle scenes, cultural clashes, and a hero, Uhtred, who's as compelling as he is flawed. The first-person storytelling makes you feel like you're right there in the shield wall. If you love epic adventures, gritty battles, conflicted protagonists, or you’re a fan of shows like Vikings or Game of Thrones, this book will completely pull you in. Fans of well-researched history who enjoy learning as they read, and anyone seeking a rich, action-packed introduction to early England will find it irresistible.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re not a fan of frequent (and often graphic) battles or you prefer stories with lots of romance and deep exploration of female characters, you might not click with this one. Some readers found the violence relentless and wished for more character development, especially among the women. The story’s first-person memoir style (and occasional lack of narrative focus) can also make it hard for some to immerse themselves fully, especially if you prefer third-person narratives or fast-paced plots with less introspection. If historical accuracy isn't your thing or you prefer fantasy elements, you may find it a bit dry or repetitive.
About:
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction novel set in ninth-century Britain during the Danish invasion. The story follows Uhtred, a young Saxon boy who is captured and raised by Danes, navigating the complexities of loyalty and identity. Through vivid battle scenes and detailed historical context, the book paints a picture of a tumultuous time in English history, focusing on the clash between Saxons and Danes. The narrative is driven by Uhtred's transformation from a boy to a warrior, exploring themes of destiny, loyalty, and the struggle between paganism and Christianity.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include depictions of violence, including battle scenes and references to rape, which reflect the harsh realities of the historical setting.
From The Publisher:
The first 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 Netflix series.
In the middle years of the ninth century, the fierce Danes stormed onto British soil, hungry for spoils and conquest. Kingdom after kingdom fell to the ruthless invaders until but one realm remained. And suddenly the fate of all England-and the course of history-depended upon one man, one king.
From New York Times bestselling storyteller Bernard Cornwell comes a rousing epic adventure of courage, treachery, duty, devotion, majesty, love, and battle as seen through the eyes of a young warrior who straddled two worlds.
Ratings (62)
Incredible (16) | |
Loved It (31) | |
Liked It (11) | |
It Was OK (2) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (156):
Read It (65) | |
Want To Read (67) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (22) |
3 comment(s)
Dnf boring, I thought the show was bad and maybe the books were better but it seems like the show, while still bad, cut out most of boring and unnecessary parts.
It takes a bit for the action to really get going, but then it really gets going. Good points: the audio book reader was fantastic! Also, the action was fantastic, and it presented a historical period that I know little about. Bad points: I would have liked a bit more in the main character's relationship with his wife. But it was a pretty great book.
I can see the appeal, and this might be the right book for me at some other time when I have more patience.
What can you read after
The Last Kingdom?
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