This fifth instalment of the Saxon Stories is set during the early 890s when Alfred the Great is ailing yet is still the most powerful man in the divided England that he hopes to unite.As usual, the tale is narrated by the anti-hero of the piece, Lord Uhtred, who is a Saxon warrior with a liking for his countrymen’s enemies, the Danes. At one time or another he has fought on both sides, as he does is this tale, though he’s predominantly – and unwilling – on the Saxon side in this episode.By now Uhtred is in his mid-thirties with a renowned reputation as a great warlord. He is a pagan but is also good friends with three Christian priests. His conversation with them is often amusing, as are his confrontations with priests who he doesn’t get along so well with.Uhtred is also a man who honours his pledged oaths. This leads to him leading more great battles against the Danes, first on behalf of King Alfred – who he doesn’t like – and lastly on behalf of Alfred’s daughter Æthelflæd – who he likes well.As always, Bernard Cornwell’s depictions of battle scenes are vivid and believable. This is one of the author’s greatest talents. Confrontation of all varieties, be it physical or verbal, is expertly portrayed. The characterization and plotting are also superb.The thing that, in my view, prevents Mr Cornwell from being an even better writer than he is – and he’s one of my favourites – is his dialogue attribution. The actual dialogue is excellent, but for 90+ per cent of the time he interrupts the flow by needlessly reminding the reader who’s speaking, more often than not inserting this pointless information (pointless because it’s obvious who’s speaking) in the middle of sentences, as the following excerpt shows:“He’s only doing it,” Æthelflæd said, “so my father doesn’t attack him.”“He’s a weasel’s earsling,” I said.“He wants East Anglia,” she said. “Eohric’s a weak king and Haesten would like his crown.”“Maybe,” I said dubiously, “but he’d prefer Wessex.”The reader knows whether it’s Uhtred or Æthelflæd speaking, not only because there are no other characters taking part in the conversation, but also because these are two strong characters. Mr Cornwell maybe does not realise that the strength of his characters make it clear to the reader who’s talking, just as he fails to grasp how irritating is to have his well-written dialogue swamped with superfluous attribution.This is the best example of needless dialogue attribution, plus it’s the stupidest line in the book: “I am Ragnar Ragnarson,” Ragnar said.Anyway, apart from this pet hate of mine, this is a great read by a great author. I really like Uhtred, Alfred, Ragnar, Haesten, Æthelflæd, and most of the priests. I also like a character new to this series, namely Skade – beautiful but brutal. This fifth instalment of the Saxon Stories is set during the early 890s when Alfred the Great is ailing yet is still the most powerful man in the divided England that he hopes to unite.As usual, the tale is narrated by the anti-hero of the piece, Lord Uhtred, who is a Saxon warrior with a liking for his countrymen’s enemies, the Danes. At one time or another he has fought on both sides, as he does is this tale, though he’s predominantly – and unwilling – on the Saxon side in this episode.By now Uhtred is in his mid-thirties with a renowned reputation as a great warlord. He is a pagan but is also good friends with three Christian priests. His conversation with them is often amusing, as are his confrontations with priests who he doesn’t get along so well with.Uhtred is also a man who honours his pledged oaths. This leads to him leading more great battles against the Danes, first on behalf of King Alfred – who he doesn’t like – and lastly on behalf of Alfred’s daughter Æthelflæd – who he likes well.As always, Bernard Cornwell’s depictions of battle scenes are vivid and believable. This is one of the author’s greatest talents. Confrontation of all varieties, be it physical or verbal, is expertly portrayed. The characterization and plotting are also superb.The thing that, in my view, prevents Mr Cornwell from being an even better writer than he is – and he’s one of my favourites – is his dialogue attribution. The actual dialogue is excellent, but for 90+ per cent of the time he interrupts the flow by needlessly reminding the reader who’s speaking, more often than not inserting this pointless information (pointless because it’s obvious who’s speaking) in the middle of sentences, as the following excerpt shows:“He’s only doing it,” Æthelflæd said, “so my father doesn’t attack him.”“He’s a weasel’s earsling,” I said.“He wants East Anglia,” she said. “Eohric’s a weak king and Haesten would like his crown.”“Maybe,” I said dubiously, “but he’d prefer Wessex.”The reader knows whether it’s Uhtred or Æthelflæd speaking, not only because there are no other characters taking part in the conversation, but also because these are two strong characters. Mr Cornwell maybe does not realise that the strength of his characters make it clear to the reader who’s talking, just as he fails to grasp how irritating is to have his well-written dialogue swamped with superfluous attribution.This is the best example of needless dialogue attribution, plus it’s the stupidest line in the book: “I am Ragnar Ragnarson,” Ragnar said.Anyway, apart from this pet hate of mine, this is a great read by a great author. I really like Uhtred, Alfred, Ragnar, Haesten, Æthelflæd, and most of the priests. I also like a character new to this series, namely Skade – beautiful but brutal.
What do You think about The Burning Land (2009)?
Review carried forward from Facebook wall.Just finished the first five books (all of the books that are out in paperback so far) of the Saxon Chronicles, by Bernard Cornwell. They are light fare but I am a sucker for historical fiction and enjoyed them all. The books so far are set in the 9th century and are focused on Alfred the Great's defense of Wessex against the Danes and other Northmen. I had previously, years ago, enjoyed Cornwall's Arthurian series and so expected to enjoy these also - and did. Of course, now I have to wait until subsequent books are out in paperback, and by then will have forgotten the ones I've read, and will have to re-read them...
—Debbie
What more is there too say? Bernard Cornwell continues to bring history back to life with the Saxon series. Uhtred defeats all enemies, struggles through personal loss, all while overcoming continued evil plots from Christians who desire his ruthless skills, but refuse to acknowledge that without him they would they would have no chance of success. Already have the next novel, and can't wait to see what's next.
—suga
Another fabulous Uhtred book by Bernard Cornwell. Loved it.
—PotterPerson
