It's 917 and a fragile peace exists between the kingdoms of Britain. The tables have turned on the
invading Norsemen, once so mighty it looked like they would wipe out the Anglo-Saxon population, but now corralled in the north-western lands of Northumbria, cautious and wary of the enemies that surround them. In the absence of war, an aging Lord Uhtred has turned his attentions back to his lifelong dream, to regain the formidable fortress at Bebbanburg, his by right of inheritance, stolen by his uncle and now ruled by his cousin. But fate has other ideas. Factions in Wessex and Mercia have a dream of their own, to destroy Northumbria and unite the Saxon peoples in one country, 'Englaland'. Caught up once more in dark politics and devious plots, before Uhtred can secure Bebbanburg, he must first secure peace.
 |
| 'The Flame Bearer' by Bernard Cornwell (HarperCollins, 2016) |
I really enjoyed this book. Cornwell demonstrates once again how a master story teller creates tension and puts the reader right at the heart of the action. As Uhtred ages, he's also becoming more reflective, and the passages in 'The Flame Bearer' in which he muses on the side of battle nobody talks about add a whole new dimension to our aging hero.
I also love the cast of characters that Cornwell juggles in the Last Kingdom novels. Unfortunately, there's not much for the girls to do in this book, but it's hard not to enjoy the camaraderie and humour that comes from playing Uhtred's band of warriors off each other.
Overall, as always, if you've enjoyed Cornwell's other novels, you'll probably like this one! It's a tale of adventure and heroes, action and friendship and will doubtless leave you (war) crying out for more!
Now, what next...?
Related Posts
'Warriors of the Storm'
'The Empty Throne'
'The Pagan Lord'
'Death of Kings'
'The Burning Land'
'Sword Song'
