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Lords of the North

Book 3 in the series:The Saxon Stories

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In "Lords of the North," Uhtred, a Viking warrior, finds himself embroiled in a web of loyalties between King Alfred and the Saxons, and the Danes. The story follows Uhtred as he helps young Guthred become the king of Northumbria, faces slavery aboard a Danish trader, and navigates the complexities of alliances in 9th century Anglo Saxon kingdoms. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot, vivid battle scenes, and historical backdrop of the conflict between Alfred and the Vikings.

The narrative in "Lords of the North" delves deeper into the character of Uhtred, showcasing his struggles, adventures, and thirst for vengeance in a brutal and chaotic Northumbria. Bernard Cornwell's writing style is commended for its ability to vividly recreate the historical setting, incorporate detailed battle sequences, and maintain a captivating pace that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.

Characters:

The characters are multi-dimensional, with Uhtred at the forefront as a morally complex anti-hero whose relationships and conflicts with others enrich the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by impactful dialogue and rich, visceral descriptions that bring historical battles and emotions to life, despite some critiques of dialogue attributions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Uhtred's journey to reclaim his home, explore his loyalties, and face off against rightful enemies, intertwining personal vendettas with the historical context of the time.

Setting:

The setting immerses the reader in 9th century England, capturing the tension between the Saxons and Danes and showcasing vivid historical landscapes.

Pacing:

Pacing varies throughout, with a gradual build-up leading to intense action sequences, though some sections may feel slower or drawn out.

Notes:

Lords of the North is the third book in Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories series.
The story is set in 878 CE, shortly after a battle victory for the Saxons.
Uhtred, the protagonist, is Saxon by birth but identifies more with the Danes.
King Alfred appears minimally in this installment, but his influence is felt throughout the story.
Uhtred is on a quest to reclaim his ancestral home, Bebbanburg.
The novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the clash between Paganism and Christianity.
Uhtred's sidekick is Beocca, a devout priest who often disapproves of Uhtred's actions.
The book features strong, complex characters and rich historical detail.
It contains graphic depictions of battle scenes and the brutality of the era.
Uhtred is portrayed as an unreliable character who values his oaths to Alfred despite personal conflicts.
The novel mixes humor, action, and historical intrigue, making it a captivating read.
Cornwell's writing style includes vivid descriptions and a fast-paced narrative.
The character development of Uhtred continues, showing a mixture of loyalty and personal ambition.
The story includes slavery, political intrigue, and power struggles in medieval England.
Overall, the book was well-received, despite some criticisms regarding dialogue attribution and pacing.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains content that may trigger readers, such as depictions of violence, warfare, slavery, and themes of betrayal.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present as Uhtred navigates relationships amidst his adventures.

From The Publisher:

The third 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.

The year is 878. Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord, has helped the Saxons of Wessex defeat the invading Danes. Now, finally free of his allegiance to the victorious, ungrateful King Alfred, he is heading home to rescue his stepsister, a prisoner of Kjartan the Cruel in the formidable Danish stronghold of Dunholm. Uhtred's best hope is his sword, Serpent-Breath, for his only allies are Hild, a West Saxon nun fleeing her calling, and Guthred, a slave who believes himself king. Rebellion, chaos, fear, and betrayal await them in the north, forcing Uhtred to turn once more, reluctantly, to the liege he formerly served in battle and blood: Alfred the Great.

Ratings (11)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (5)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (16):

Read It (10)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

It Was OK
1 month

Even tough I've read and re read the first books in this series since 2006 I never got past the second one and I've decided to finally finish the series once and for all. I like the overall plotline and the history behind it but this book didn't do much for me. Maybe I've grown away from the series or it was simply just a dud and I would hopefully enjoy the rest. But nevertheless this is my main book goal for the year

 
 
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