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The Last Kingdom Series #1-6
Start the epic journey today.
This is the ultimate the first six books in the epic and bestselling series that has gripped millions.
A hero will be forged from this broken land.As seen on Netflix and BBC around the world.
THE LAST KINGDOM, THE PALE HORSEMAN, THE LORDS OF THE NORTH, SWORD SONG, THE BURNING LAND, DEATH OF KINGS.
Uhtred, born into Saxon aristocracy in ninth-century Northumbria is orphaned at ten. He is captured and adopted by a Dane and taught the Viking ways. Yet Uhtred's fate is indissolubly bound up with Alfred, King of Wessex, who rules over the only English kingdom to survive the Danish assault.
The Last Kingdom Series is an epic series from the master of historical fiction, that tells the tale of Alfred the Great, his descendants, and the Viking enemies they face. The struggle between the English and the Danes and the strife between Christianity and paganism is the background to this outstanding series of how England was made – and very nearly lost.
This is the ultimate the first six books in the epic and bestselling series that has gripped millions.
A hero will be forged from this broken land.As seen on Netflix and BBC around the world.
THE LAST KINGDOM, THE PALE HORSEMAN, THE LORDS OF THE NORTH, SWORD SONG, THE BURNING LAND, DEATH OF KINGS.
Uhtred, born into Saxon aristocracy in ninth-century Northumbria is orphaned at ten. He is captured and adopted by a Dane and taught the Viking ways. Yet Uhtred's fate is indissolubly bound up with Alfred, King of Wessex, who rules over the only English kingdom to survive the Danish assault.
The Last Kingdom Series is an epic series from the master of historical fiction, that tells the tale of Alfred the Great, his descendants, and the Viking enemies they face. The struggle between the English and the Danes and the strife between Christianity and paganism is the background to this outstanding series of how England was made – and very nearly lost.
1866 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
666 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
537 books19.1k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 15, 2014
When you go to Bernard Cornwell for a reading fix, you go for impeccable historical research, gritty reality(no sanitized Jane Austen romance here)and characters who are larger than life, very human in their flaws.
This six book series of Cornwell's is no exception, chronicling the embryonic years of England's conception under the vision of Alfred the Great, and told through the crusty voice of Alfred's fictional warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. It should be noted, however, the character of Uhtred is very loosely based on one of Cornwell's own ancestors.
I would have to work hard to find a criticism of the series, and at that it would be the battle scenes often seem repetitive, the skill of the protagonists legendary. Such hero-building can become wearying; however, Cornwell retains a reader's interest in his unflagging dedication to his subject matter and minute details which he weaves beautifully into the flow of the narrative.
Overall, a great winter or summer read, escapism with virtue.
This six book series of Cornwell's is no exception, chronicling the embryonic years of England's conception under the vision of Alfred the Great, and told through the crusty voice of Alfred's fictional warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. It should be noted, however, the character of Uhtred is very loosely based on one of Cornwell's own ancestors.
I would have to work hard to find a criticism of the series, and at that it would be the battle scenes often seem repetitive, the skill of the protagonists legendary. Such hero-building can become wearying; however, Cornwell retains a reader's interest in his unflagging dedication to his subject matter and minute details which he weaves beautifully into the flow of the narrative.
Overall, a great winter or summer read, escapism with virtue.
November 2, 2015
Absolutely inhaled books 1-6 in a half month. Why the hell am I just finding out about this series now!!?
Amazing story about the 9th Century "Viking" invasions of Britain. Cornwall puts you right in the action, explaining the tactics describing the visceral feeling of being in a shield-wall during battle. To make things even better, his hero (anti-hero?) Has a sense of humour that had me laughing out loud at times.
Highly recommend this series and I'm starting book 7 immediately.
Amazing story about the 9th Century "Viking" invasions of Britain. Cornwall puts you right in the action, explaining the tactics describing the visceral feeling of being in a shield-wall during battle. To make things even better, his hero (anti-hero?) Has a sense of humour that had me laughing out loud at times.
Highly recommend this series and I'm starting book 7 immediately.
August 6, 2016
Have read the series faster than any other series, you just get draw in and can't stop, the man is a great story teller and the detail from the historical side is fantastic, makes English history even more bloody and interesting..
April 14, 2018
Brilliant book, brilliant series, brilliant history lesson and conflicts on religion. Pagans, Christians. Insight into Viking crusades into the British isles.
A gifted story teller who leaves you searching for the next copy immediately following the last.
A good read.
A gifted story teller who leaves you searching for the next copy immediately following the last.
A good read.
September 5, 2024
I read the series of 13 books and I loved them all. I would recommend these books to anyone who loves a good story and to learn about Saxon history in the process.
March 3, 2023
I loved it all
I’ve never read 6 books so fast. Riveting, brutal and often humorous accounts of the early days of England (which Cornwell acknowledges are steeped in some fact but lots of fiction) The mighty Uthred commandeers his Saxon hordes to success, but encounters so much personal pain and ruin and the reader feels the tearing pain of his mixed loyalties; are we Dane or are we of the Angelcynn.? What differs majorly from the brilliant Netflix series of the same name is that every aspect of this story is seen through Uthred’s eyes. We don’t jump to other characters perspectives ala Game of Thrones. These stories are truly the chronicles of Uthred of Bebbanberg, from slave boy to the mightiest sword of Wessex. I begin book 7 as soon as this review is posted!
I’ve never read 6 books so fast. Riveting, brutal and often humorous accounts of the early days of England (which Cornwell acknowledges are steeped in some fact but lots of fiction) The mighty Uthred commandeers his Saxon hordes to success, but encounters so much personal pain and ruin and the reader feels the tearing pain of his mixed loyalties; are we Dane or are we of the Angelcynn.? What differs majorly from the brilliant Netflix series of the same name is that every aspect of this story is seen through Uthred’s eyes. We don’t jump to other characters perspectives ala Game of Thrones. These stories are truly the chronicles of Uthred of Bebbanberg, from slave boy to the mightiest sword of Wessex. I begin book 7 as soon as this review is posted!
July 12, 2023
I'm a sucker for historical fiction, and I thoroughly enjoyed the t.v. series, and I read the books to basically stay ahead of the Netflix release dates. While the series stays fairly true to the books, the books were quite disappointing. Uhtred is so one-dimensional in the books, and I get it, he's a Viking/Lord warrior, but come on, can we have some deeper character development? Please. The show does well to strengthen that essential piece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2019
Amazing book!
I read the whole series of 6 books in 2 weeks, 2 very busy weeks, but every free minute was dedicated to reading these books. I would highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys both history and fiction. I also loved the historical notes as I learnt a lot about England pre 1066
I read the whole series of 6 books in 2 weeks, 2 very busy weeks, but every free minute was dedicated to reading these books. I would highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys both history and fiction. I also loved the historical notes as I learnt a lot about England pre 1066
January 10, 2021
A reasonable read but very repetitive
An interesting insight into this period of history. However becomes somewhat repetitive in it’s style. After 6 books seems very like a march, a battle, another march, another battle with a promise of more of the same. After the 1st book there is little new in the others.
An interesting insight into this period of history. However becomes somewhat repetitive in it’s style. After 6 books seems very like a march, a battle, another march, another battle with a promise of more of the same. After the 1st book there is little new in the others.
February 4, 2020
Bargain!!!
Wow! Just astonishing, real history intertwined with a fictional character, told as memories. Watch the tv series (all three) and the voices in the books come alive! Bought on friday, read by tuesday, overwhelmingly readable!
Wow! Just astonishing, real history intertwined with a fictional character, told as memories. Watch the tv series (all three) and the voices in the books come alive! Bought on friday, read by tuesday, overwhelmingly readable!
June 14, 2020
Goosebumps
Simply put I reread this series and even though I know what's to come, the author's epic impression still gives me the same stirring of emotions as if it was my first. A masterpiece
Simply put I reread this series and even though I know what's to come, the author's epic impression still gives me the same stirring of emotions as if it was my first. A masterpiece
July 28, 2020
A wonderfully written tale
These first six books take a boy from Northumbria right through the reign of Alfred the Great and beyond. An entertaining mix of history and storytelling that cast a little light upon these interesting times
These first six books take a boy from Northumbria right through the reign of Alfred the Great and beyond. An entertaining mix of history and storytelling that cast a little light upon these interesting times
April 11, 2021
Truly amazing
This series is truly amazing. Such a rich and important period in English history is brought to life by the narration of Uthred. The character grows and develops and throughout the series we see his strengths and flaws. Absolutely wonderful.
This series is truly amazing. Such a rich and important period in English history is brought to life by the narration of Uthred. The character grows and develops and throughout the series we see his strengths and flaws. Absolutely wonderful.
May 31, 2021
Excellent historical fiction
Fascinating insight into the formation of England as we know it. Rich in detail and characterisation, these novels bring history to life in a very accessible way.
Fascinating insight into the formation of England as we know it. Rich in detail and characterisation, these novels bring history to life in a very accessible way.
July 8, 2022
Gripping
It is hard to describe how excellent these books are, but I could hardly put them down at night in order to sleep. These novels have given me a fascinating glimpse into long-ago history and the fact that Uhtred is largely an invention does not spoil the effect at all.
It is hard to describe how excellent these books are, but I could hardly put them down at night in order to sleep. These novels have given me a fascinating glimpse into long-ago history and the fact that Uhtred is largely an invention does not spoil the effect at all.
October 6, 2018
Enjoyable, fictionalised history
Bernard has a lovely style, and the thread of true history in his novels makes them all the more attractive to me. A fascinating read.
Bernard has a lovely style, and the thread of true history in his novels makes them all the more attractive to me. A fascinating read.
July 23, 2019
Brilliant series, set in a time where almost little is really known, short and easy to follow, engaging throughout and strong characters. Bernard Cornwall does a fantastic job with the dark ages
December 7, 2019
I've been reading this set on and off for most of the year - it's a slog but a damn good one! If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. Excellent series of books.
January 8, 2020
Great Story telling continues
Really love this series. Looking forward to next book. Strongly recommend. Much better than films. Already looking for next one
Really love this series. Looking forward to next book. Strongly recommend. Much better than films. Already looking for next one
January 17, 2020
A hell of a better yarn than the disappointing Netflix series, which totally hacked the storyline apart.
February 9, 2020
Still in the process of reading this, but really enjoying it. Most Bernard Cornwall stuff I've read is good & worth looking at if you like ,historical fiction
April 17, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed
Good mix of fiction referenced on history. Occasionally a bit repetitive. Laden with blood gore and fighting. Character development sometimes superficial
Good mix of fiction referenced on history. Occasionally a bit repetitive. Laden with blood gore and fighting. Character development sometimes superficial
June 26, 2020
Loved the netflix series - loved the books
A series you can read again & again. Looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series
A series you can read again & again. Looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series
November 19, 2020
Engaging,exciting read
From almost the first page to the last, it was like ‘being there’ I engaged fully with Uhtred & his honour & life choices. What exciting times!
From almost the first page to the last, it was like ‘being there’ I engaged fully with Uhtred & his honour & life choices. What exciting times!
December 29, 2020
Gripping
This series of books kept me awake into the early hours for many nights. Gripping and strangely an encompassing read.
This series of books kept me awake into the early hours for many nights. Gripping and strangely an encompassing read.
June 20, 2022
This was book six of collection I brought. It was more of the same which is enjoyable snappy forthright action and enveloped in historical fiction. I’ll take a break here.
November 2, 2023
I’ve read the 13 book series twice. It’s fantastic.
February 4, 2024
Really enjoyed this series - Uthred is a great character !
Took a long time to read the books between others and also to keep ahead of the TV series
Took a long time to read the books between others and also to keep ahead of the TV series
April 6, 2015
great reads from Cornwell. Just what is expected.
April 29, 2016
Easy read great plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews