Uhtred Unleashed

I've just finished 'The Pagan Lord' by Bernard Cornwell, the latest in the Saxon Stories series and, I think, the best so far.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg is restless.  The characteristics that make him a hero in times of war are causing trouble in times of peace.  His sense self-importance, quick reactions and strength mean he soon clashes with the Church, while his reputation, status and daring make him a target for the devious Danes conspiring over the border.  Exiled from a Wessex dominated by a naive priesthood and hated by the Northmen whose plans he's repeatedly dashed, he finds himself alienated from everyone and everything that gives him direction and purpose.  Bereft of land and fortune and with few followers, Uhtred doesn't know what to do next.  So his thoughts return to an oath older than any sworn to King or Queen, a promise that draws him back to the fortress inheritance stolen from him as child.  Bebbanburg calls.

'The Pagan Lord' by Bernard Cornwell
(HarperCollins, 2013)

I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Pagan Lord'.  The plot was tighter than some of its predecessors and Mr Cornwell clearly took full advantage of the fact that the Uhtred of this book is a free agent, oath sworn to nobody, and that there were fewer known historical events for him to fit the plot around.  Mr Cornwell seized the opportunity to let his imagination run riot and, as a result, has created what I think is the best instalment yet.  I was on tenterhooks throughout and can't wait to see where Mr Cornwell takes his wayward warrior during his next outing.

I've heard the Saxon Stories described as 'Game of Thrones but real', which I think does them a disservice.  Historical fiction is where mud and myth meet, where hearsay and history are combined expertly to evoke a past that we all have links to  Not only does a plot have to be built around indisputable events and facts, it has to be interesting and surprising enough to make us keep reading.  A really good piece of historical fiction will not only tell you about the past, but make you feel something about it too.  'The Pagan Lord' recreates bloody battles, rural landscapes and Dark Ages culture, but also presents engaging characters who make you think about how it may have felt to step into your first shieldwall, crew a warship on violent seas or live amongst the ruins of the Roman world.

Usually when reading a series of books, it makes sense to start at the beginning.  But if someone asked me which Saxon Story to start, I would be sorely tempted to suggest this one.  So let's hope no-one ever asks.  It's nice to have something this good to look forward to!

Related Posts

'Sword Song' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Four)

'The Burning Land' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Five)

'The Death of Kings' by Bernard Cornwell (Saxon Story Six)