Books matching: 9th century england
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- #1
Save:A must-read for lovers of historical epics and action, though its blood-soaked realism and gritty detail mean it's not for the faint of heart. If you want a front-row seat to Viking-era England with a complex, memorable hero, jump in!
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.
The Danes were clever that day. They had made new walls inside the city, invited our men into the streets, trapped them between the new walls, surrounded them, and killed them. They did not kill all t...2004•372 pages - #2
Save:A bloody, adrenaline-fueled Viking adventure that's hard to put down - perfect for fans of Norse sagas and action-packed historical fiction.
Blood Eye by Giles Kristian is a fast-paced Viking tale that follows the journey of an orphan named Osric who finds himself among Norse warriors, leading to his transformation into the mighty warrior known as Raven. The book is filled with blood, guts, action, betrayal, and treachery, painting a vivid picture of the harshness and cruelty of Viking life. The plot is engaging, the characters are well-developed with a mix of flaws and strengths, and the writing style is easy to follow, making it an exciting and gripping read for fans of historical fiction and Viking tales.
IT WAS April. The lean days of fasting and the long months of winter had been forgotten with the full bellies of the Easter feast. The people were busy with the outdoor tasks that the icy winds had ke...October 2009•432 pages - #3
Save:A fast, action-heavy historical horror romp with a cool premise - but if you crave depth or subtlety, it might leave you wanting more.
'Abomination' by Gary Whitta is a historical horror fiction set in the dark ages after the fall of the Roman Empire. The story revolves around the discovery of ancient scrolls detailing rituals that transform animals and humans into hideous abominations, leading to death, destruction, and tragedy. The plot involves a chain of events triggered by these rituals, creating a lovecraftian feeling with visceral gore, action, and heartbreaking situations that suck the reader in at every turn. The narrative features two protagonists engaging in yammering dialogues, an unconvincing double cross, and a soft conclusion, keeping readers engaged despite some pacing issues.
Alfred was tired. It had been a long, hard war, and though he had won it, he had barely rested since. He knew that the peace would not last long. For an English king, he had learned, it never did. The...July 2015•366 pages - #4
Save:A beautifully researched, character-driven saga with a strong sense of place and time, The Circle of Ceridwen is a must for lovers of authentic historical fiction - especially if you crave depth, detail, and complex, courageous women at its heart.
The Circle of Ceridwen is a historical fiction novel set in 9th century Anglia, following the life of Ceridwen, a young heroine navigating through a world filled with warfare, love, loyalty, and family bonds. The plot is riveting, taking unexpected turns while maintaining a strong emotional tension that keeps readers engaged. The book is rich in historical details, offering a glimpse into the lives, customs, and survival strategies of people during that turbulent time period.
I was daughter to two men, but no woman claimed me as hers. My dead sire was an ealdorman, the chief of our shire. He had long fallen in a skirmish with the wild Welsh beyond our river Dee, and his st...2012•763 pages - #5
Save:Raw, riveting, and relentlessly brutal - The Pale Horseman delivers gritty Dark Age action with gusto. Not for the faint-hearted, but perfect for anyone craving immersive and authentic historical adventure.
'The Pale Horseman' is the second book in Bernard Cornwell's 'The Saxon Stories' series, following the protagonist Uhtred of Bebbanburgh in ninth-century England during the time of King Alfred of Wessex. The story revolves around King Alfred's battles with the Danes, particularly culminating in the Battle of Ethandun in 878 AD. The book combines historical events with fictional storytelling, showcasing themes of revenge, loyalty, and the struggle between Saxon and Danish loyalties. Cornwell's writing style is described as fast-paced, well-written, and filled with vivid descriptions of battles and combat, bringing the historical setting to life for readers.
Alfred and Uhtred form an unlikely alliance as they organize English resistance against the Danes, highlighting the intense time of transition and turning points in English history. The novel captures the harsh realities of the time, including the barbaric practices of armies, the struggle for power and survival, and the complexities of religious beliefs. Cornwell's attention to historical detail and accurate portrayal of the era, along with engaging characters and thrilling battle scenes, make 'The Pale Horseman' an excellent piece of historical fiction that immerses readers in the world of ninth-century England.
These days I look at twenty-year-olds and think they are pathetically young, scarcely weaned from their mothers' tits, but when I was twenty I considered myself a full-grown man. I had fathered a chil... - #6
Save:A visceral, fast-paced historical novel packed with action, betrayal, and larger-than-life characters - perfect for fans of gritty epic drama and darkly charismatic heroes.
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.
- #7
Save:A haunting, beautifully layered portal fantasy that rewards patient, inquisitive readers - perfect if you're craving a deeper, literary take on coming-of-age stories and mythic quests.
The Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe is a fantasy tale that follows a young American boy named Able who is swept into a magical medieval world. This world, steeped in Norse and Arthurian mythology, challenges him to embrace his destiny as a wizard and knight. The plot weaves themes of honor, duty, and self-discovery, all while presenting a colorful cast of characters and vivid settings that immerse the reader in a richly detailed landscape.
Wolfe's writing style is marked by simplicity that cleverly conceals deeper layers of complexity within the narrative. Readers encounter a dreamlike quality throughout the story, prompting them to explore philosophical themes and character motivations. While surface-level, it resonates with deeper meaning and invites multiple readings to unpack its emotional and thematic richness. Though it may seem daunting to some, the book delivers a satisfying journey through an enchanting yet tragic fantasy that leaves a lasting impact.
You must have stopped wondering what happened to me a long time ago; I know it has been many years. I have the time to write here, and what looks like a good chance to get what I write to where you ar...2004•530 pages - #8
Save:A standout in time-travel romance - equal parts adventure, heart, and historical grit. Expect emotion and action wrapped in a tale that's hard to put down. Worth a read for anyone craving something fresh in the genre.
'Eirik' in the series 'Mists of Albion' by Joanna Bell is a captivating time travel romance that surprises readers with its engaging writing style from the very beginning. The story follows Paige, a complex character with a troubled past, who finds herself drawn to the enigmatic and strong Eirik, a Viking leader. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with excitement, vivid descriptions, and richly drawn characters, transporting them seamlessly between modern times and Dark Ages Viking England. The author skillfully weaves together elements of romance, history, and action, creating a tale of soulmates through time that keeps readers glued to the edge of their seats.
I know at once that something is off. The light is all wrong, for one thing. I didn't know what real darkness was until I became a regular visitor to Caistley – and now there is a strange orange glow...November 2017•331 pages - #9
Save:The Viking's Woman by Heather Graham is a historical romance set during the time of the Viking invasions in England. The story follows Rhiannon, King Alfred's cousin, who is forced into marriage with the Viking prince Eric as a token of peace. Initially filled with animosity towards each other, Rhiannon and Eric navigate through misunderstandings, treachery, and their own personal histories to eventually find love amidst the turmoil of war and political alliances. The plot is rich in historical detail, showcasing the complexities of relationships and power dynamics during this tumultuous period, while the writing style is described as engaging and immersive, keeping readers hooked with its nearly 470 pages of well-crafted storytelling.
The fury of the Norseman was well-known along the Saxon coastlines of England. The Danes had wreaked havoc upon the land for years, and all Christendom had learned to stand and tremble at the sight of... - #10
Save:A fast, dramatic Viking romance that packs in the angst and adventure - enjoyable for lovers of old-school historicals, but not for those seeking modern sensibilities or soft romance vibes.
"Season of the Sun" in the series "Viking" by Catherine Coulter follows the story of Magnus, a Viking farmer and trader, who encounters Irish Zarabeth in York and decides to make her his wife. However, complications arise due to Zarabeth's evil stepfather, Olav the Vain, who wants her for himself. After Olav's death, Zarabeth is sold as a slave to Magnus, the Viking she initially rejected. The plot unfolds with themes of love, betrayal, hardship, and resilience set in the late 9th century in England and Norway.
The author, Catherine Coulter, presents a well-researched Viking tale filled with compelling characters, violent times, and emotional depth. The story delves into the challenges faced by Zarabeth and Magnus as they navigate misunderstandings, loss, and societal expectations in a historical setting, creating a blend of romance, drama, and historical accuracy.
Her name was Zarabeth. She was the stepdaughter of the Dane Olav the Vain, a rich fur merchant of Jorvik, or York, as the local Anglo-Saxons called it. She wasn’t the most beautiful woman he’d ever se...October 1991•417 pages
