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The Last Kingdom #9
Warriors of the Storm
The new novel in Bernard Cornwell’s number one bestselling series The Warrior Chronicles, on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg.
A fragile peace reigns in Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia. King Alfred’s son Edward and formidable daughter,Æthelflaed, rule the kingdoms. But all around the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids.
Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the kingdoms’ greatest warrior, controls northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of Chester. But forces are rising up against him. Northmen allied to the Irish, led by the fierce warrior Ragnall Ivarson, are soon joined by the Northumbrians, and their strength could prove overwhelming. Despite the gathering threat, both Edward and Æthelflaed are reluctant to move out of the safety of their fortifications. But with Uhtred’s own daughter married to Ivarson’s brother, who can be trusted?
In the struggle between family and loyalty, between personal ambition and political commitment, there will be no easy path. But a man with a warrior’s courage may be able to find it. Such a man is Uhtred, and this may be his finest hour.
A fragile peace reigns in Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia. King Alfred’s son Edward and formidable daughter,Æthelflaed, rule the kingdoms. But all around the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids.
Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the kingdoms’ greatest warrior, controls northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of Chester. But forces are rising up against him. Northmen allied to the Irish, led by the fierce warrior Ragnall Ivarson, are soon joined by the Northumbrians, and their strength could prove overwhelming. Despite the gathering threat, both Edward and Æthelflaed are reluctant to move out of the safety of their fortifications. But with Uhtred’s own daughter married to Ivarson’s brother, who can be trusted?
In the struggle between family and loyalty, between personal ambition and political commitment, there will be no easy path. But a man with a warrior’s courage may be able to find it. Such a man is Uhtred, and this may be his finest hour.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2015
1924 people are currently reading
13442 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
536 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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September 6, 2021
Warriors of the Storm has violence, funny moments, and an engaging turn of events.
I’m close to the end now. Warriors of the Storm is the ninth book in The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell, and this marked my first uncharted territory with the series. All the previous eight books have been adapted into the TV show, and I have to admit that many shocking moments were obviously lost in my reading experience. In this novel, Uthred is now more than 50 years old, and this doesn’t mean he lost his edges with battle; experiences have built him to be the lord of war, and this volume featured him at his most violent and expertise. The storytelling structure is still familiar to the previous eight books; a new enemy appeared, priests acting like crap, but eventually, they need Uthred to save them again. However, there were several events I totally didn’t see coming, and I’m thankful for them as they increased the stakes in the narrative.
And speaking of violence exhibited by Uthred earlier, Warriors of the Storm do feature some of the most ruthless and gory scenes of the series so far. The hatred between the Danes and Christians was so powerful, and it seemed like back then, there was nothing that could bridge the gap between them. Warriors of the Storm also built the character of Finan and Aethelstan further; seeing Uthred’s interaction with these two characters was probably my favorite part of this installment. If there’s one thing that I didn’t really enjoy in this novel, it did feels a bit like filler. To be fair, this has been the case for the past few books as the story written is slowly progressing Uthred’s journey towards retarking Bebbanburg; remember, the narrative from the first book is being told through Uthred in his old age.
Warriors of the Storm was another great book in the series. I don’t have much else to say; if you’ve read the previous eight books, then you know what you’re getting into here. The ending of this novel did make me excited to read Flame Bearer in September, and I must say that I’m curious about what Cornwell wrote in the remaining four books. From what I’ve read so far, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of Uthred’s story left to tell. Maybe the next one will have Uthred finally retake Bebbanburg? We’ll see.
You can order the book from: Blackwells (Free International shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Andrew, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Element, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Jennifer, Joie, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Meryl, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Shaad, Xero, Wendy, Wick, Zoe.
I’m close to the end now. Warriors of the Storm is the ninth book in The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell, and this marked my first uncharted territory with the series. All the previous eight books have been adapted into the TV show, and I have to admit that many shocking moments were obviously lost in my reading experience. In this novel, Uthred is now more than 50 years old, and this doesn’t mean he lost his edges with battle; experiences have built him to be the lord of war, and this volume featured him at his most violent and expertise. The storytelling structure is still familiar to the previous eight books; a new enemy appeared, priests acting like crap, but eventually, they need Uthred to save them again. However, there were several events I totally didn’t see coming, and I’m thankful for them as they increased the stakes in the narrative.
“An enemy sees his attackers laughing? It is better than all the insults. A man who laughs as he goes into battle is a man who has confidence, and a man wit hconfidence is terrifying to an enemy.”
And speaking of violence exhibited by Uthred earlier, Warriors of the Storm do feature some of the most ruthless and gory scenes of the series so far. The hatred between the Danes and Christians was so powerful, and it seemed like back then, there was nothing that could bridge the gap between them. Warriors of the Storm also built the character of Finan and Aethelstan further; seeing Uthred’s interaction with these two characters was probably my favorite part of this installment. If there’s one thing that I didn’t really enjoy in this novel, it did feels a bit like filler. To be fair, this has been the case for the past few books as the story written is slowly progressing Uthred’s journey towards retarking Bebbanburg; remember, the narrative from the first book is being told through Uthred in his old age.
“He sounded pathetic and he knew it, but he had been driven to this humiliation by love. A woman can do that. They have power. We might all say that the oath to our lord is the strong oath that guides our lives, the oath that binds us and rules all the other oaths, but few men would not abandon every oath under the sun for a woman. I have broken oaths. I am not proud of that, but almost every oath I broke was for a woman.”
Warriors of the Storm was another great book in the series. I don’t have much else to say; if you’ve read the previous eight books, then you know what you’re getting into here. The ending of this novel did make me excited to read Flame Bearer in September, and I must say that I’m curious about what Cornwell wrote in the remaining four books. From what I’ve read so far, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of Uthred’s story left to tell. Maybe the next one will have Uthred finally retake Bebbanburg? We’ll see.
You can order the book from: Blackwells (Free International shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions | I also have a Booktube channel
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Andrew, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Element, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Jennifer, Joie, Luis, Lufi, Melinda, Meryl, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Samuel, Sarah, Sarah, Shaad, Xero, Wendy, Wick, Zoe.
August 13, 2020
This is the 49th book that I have read by Bernard Cornwell and I have enjoyed every one. My late father in law introduced me to Cornwell and I will be forever grateful. In this book, #9 in the Saxon Stories series, Uhtred of Bebbanburg faces a formidable enemy, Ragnall Ivarson, a Northman who has recruited Irish mercenaries and Northumbrians to invade and take over Mercia, attacking Uhtred first.
How Uhtred confronts them makes for a rousing tale that I read in 3 days.
The Saxon Stories are set in 9th century England, with Saxons fighting encroaching Northmen and Danes. Cornwell's battle scenes are vivid and probably the best in this genre of historical fiction.
One quote: "Thirty paces, twenty, and you can see the eyes of the men who will try to kill you, and see the spear blades, and the instinct is to stop, to straighten the shields. We cringe from battle, fear claws at us, time seems to stop, there is silence though a thousand men shout, and at that moment, when terror savages the heart like a trapped beast, you must hurl yourself into the horror."
This was a library book.
How Uhtred confronts them makes for a rousing tale that I read in 3 days.
The Saxon Stories are set in 9th century England, with Saxons fighting encroaching Northmen and Danes. Cornwell's battle scenes are vivid and probably the best in this genre of historical fiction.
One quote: "Thirty paces, twenty, and you can see the eyes of the men who will try to kill you, and see the spear blades, and the instinct is to stop, to straighten the shields. We cringe from battle, fear claws at us, time seems to stop, there is silence though a thousand men shout, and at that moment, when terror savages the heart like a trapped beast, you must hurl yourself into the horror."
This was a library book.
October 12, 2021
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
July 24, 2025
The sun smiled upon my weary soul the day i picked this glorious series, in my book Uthred can do no wrong , It found me in a time when i read the best there is in historical fiction and i had begun despairing and losing hope, some garbage out there: i shudder to think of...
Our hero in this novel faces a new threat,surprisingly the brother of his son in law :his daughter and his first grandchild are besieged in their fortress and they're close to defeat and death, so naturally Uthred disobeys all orders and reason and sail to Ireland to the rescue ...
This novel has been a grand journey that ended with Uthred making queen and king of his daughter and her husband , a first love that turned sour , and a most fantastic unusual war cry : 'M'uss
Man how hard i laughed, it brought cherished memories of my first...
Our hero in this novel faces a new threat,surprisingly the brother of his son in law :his daughter and his first grandchild are besieged in their fortress and they're close to defeat and death, so naturally Uthred disobeys all orders and reason and sail to Ireland to the rescue ...
This novel has been a grand journey that ended with Uthred making queen and king of his daughter and her husband , a first love that turned sour , and a most fantastic unusual war cry : 'M'uss
Man how hard i laughed, it brought cherished memories of my first...
September 18, 2020
Warriors of the Storm is the 9th entry in The Saxon Stories series that follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg and it is my favourite of the books so far. It has a brilliant opening and the standard doesn't drop for the length of the whole book.
At the beginning of Warriors of the Storm, a fifty-something-year-old Uhtred is residing at the stronghold of Ceaster. Mercia seems to be thriving under the rule of Æthelflæd. Things have been tranquil and peaceful for a couple of years but now a new threat is on the horizon. The fierce warrior Ragnall Ivarson leads an army and he has his sights set on both Mercia and Northumbria. Ragnall is a leader of repute and for all intents and purposes, a man to be feared. To make matters more interesting, he is also Uhtred's son-in-law's brother
"Ragnall Ivarson. I had never met him, but I knew him. I knew his reputation. No man sailed a ship better, no man fought more fiercely, no man was held in more fear. He was a savage, a pirate, a wild king of nowhere, and my daughter Stiorra had married his brother."
Being the ninth novel in the series, a lot of what is presented here has been seen before throughout these tales. Battles, skirmishes, shield-walls, formidable opponents, intelligent tactics, and quality side characters (both seasoned and new). Alongside The Burning Land and The Last Kingdom, Warriors of the Storm, for me, is a perfect example of Cornwell's formula. The formula seems to be working on me though as I have read all 9 of these books so far this year. With them all being 300 or so pages and enticingly devourable within 3-4 days I may very well finish this series this year, timing it well with the imminent release of the final novel War Lord. I have rated all of the books 3-stars and above.
"I was Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg, in my war-glory. The arm rings of fallen enemies glinted on my forearms, my shield was newly painted with the snarling wolf’s head of my house, while another wolf, this one of silver, crouched on the crest of my polished helmet. My mail was tight, polished with sand, my sword belt and scabbard and bridle and saddle were studded with silver, there was a gold chain at my neck, my boots were panelled with silver, my drawn sword was grey with the whorls of its making running from the hilt to its hungry tip. I was the lord of war mounted on a great black horse, and together we would make panic."
Although ageing, Uhtred is still formidable, imposing, often stubborn, Thor-following, battle-ready, and fiercely intelligent. He is renowned across the land. It's a joy to follow Uhtred's first-person perspective as an even older Uhtred tells the reader his tales. His family is extremely important to the narrative here and some of his children have become stars of the cast too. There is a brutal and tragic moment that features one of his family members and it definitely plays with the heartstrings.
In Warriors of the Storm, we find out about more about fan favourite Finan's past with their being an important Irish presence in this story. These parts made me love Finan even more. He is of a similar age to Uhtred but still possesses unrivalled speed with a blade. Other ageing characters who were first featured at the very start of the series in our narrator's younger days play important parts here too. I adore stories where we follow a character from youth for their whole lives. Alongside the narrative of FitzChivalry Farseer in The Realm of the Elderlings, the tale of Uhtred is the finest I have ever read where we follow a character for 50+ years.
Warriors of the Storm is another brilliant example of Cornwell's historical fiction. My line up of reviews for October and November features some of the most anticipated reads in science fiction, fantasy, and horror but I'm sure I will sneak another couple of The Saxon Stories books in between as they are criminally addictive and feature a lead whose escapades I just want to read more about.
"It is not difficult to be a lord, a jarl, or even a king, but it is difficult to be a leader. Most men want to follow, and what they demand of their leader is prosperity. We are the ring-givers, the gold-givers. We give land, we give silver, we give slaves, but that alone is not enough. They must be led. Leave men standing or sitting for days at a time and they get bored, and bored men make trouble. They must be surprised and challenged, given tasks they think beyond their abilities. And they must fear. A leader who is not feared will cease to rule, but fear is not enough. They must love too."
At the beginning of Warriors of the Storm, a fifty-something-year-old Uhtred is residing at the stronghold of Ceaster. Mercia seems to be thriving under the rule of Æthelflæd. Things have been tranquil and peaceful for a couple of years but now a new threat is on the horizon. The fierce warrior Ragnall Ivarson leads an army and he has his sights set on both Mercia and Northumbria. Ragnall is a leader of repute and for all intents and purposes, a man to be feared. To make matters more interesting, he is also Uhtred's son-in-law's brother
"Ragnall Ivarson. I had never met him, but I knew him. I knew his reputation. No man sailed a ship better, no man fought more fiercely, no man was held in more fear. He was a savage, a pirate, a wild king of nowhere, and my daughter Stiorra had married his brother."
Being the ninth novel in the series, a lot of what is presented here has been seen before throughout these tales. Battles, skirmishes, shield-walls, formidable opponents, intelligent tactics, and quality side characters (both seasoned and new). Alongside The Burning Land and The Last Kingdom, Warriors of the Storm, for me, is a perfect example of Cornwell's formula. The formula seems to be working on me though as I have read all 9 of these books so far this year. With them all being 300 or so pages and enticingly devourable within 3-4 days I may very well finish this series this year, timing it well with the imminent release of the final novel War Lord. I have rated all of the books 3-stars and above.
"I was Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg, in my war-glory. The arm rings of fallen enemies glinted on my forearms, my shield was newly painted with the snarling wolf’s head of my house, while another wolf, this one of silver, crouched on the crest of my polished helmet. My mail was tight, polished with sand, my sword belt and scabbard and bridle and saddle were studded with silver, there was a gold chain at my neck, my boots were panelled with silver, my drawn sword was grey with the whorls of its making running from the hilt to its hungry tip. I was the lord of war mounted on a great black horse, and together we would make panic."
Although ageing, Uhtred is still formidable, imposing, often stubborn, Thor-following, battle-ready, and fiercely intelligent. He is renowned across the land. It's a joy to follow Uhtred's first-person perspective as an even older Uhtred tells the reader his tales. His family is extremely important to the narrative here and some of his children have become stars of the cast too. There is a brutal and tragic moment that features one of his family members and it definitely plays with the heartstrings.
In Warriors of the Storm, we find out about more about fan favourite Finan's past with their being an important Irish presence in this story. These parts made me love Finan even more. He is of a similar age to Uhtred but still possesses unrivalled speed with a blade. Other ageing characters who were first featured at the very start of the series in our narrator's younger days play important parts here too. I adore stories where we follow a character from youth for their whole lives. Alongside the narrative of FitzChivalry Farseer in The Realm of the Elderlings, the tale of Uhtred is the finest I have ever read where we follow a character for 50+ years.
Warriors of the Storm is another brilliant example of Cornwell's historical fiction. My line up of reviews for October and November features some of the most anticipated reads in science fiction, fantasy, and horror but I'm sure I will sneak another couple of The Saxon Stories books in between as they are criminally addictive and feature a lead whose escapades I just want to read more about.
"It is not difficult to be a lord, a jarl, or even a king, but it is difficult to be a leader. Most men want to follow, and what they demand of their leader is prosperity. We are the ring-givers, the gold-givers. We give land, we give silver, we give slaves, but that alone is not enough. They must be led. Leave men standing or sitting for days at a time and they get bored, and bored men make trouble. They must be surprised and challenged, given tasks they think beyond their abilities. And they must fear. A leader who is not feared will cease to rule, but fear is not enough. They must love too."
March 16, 2023
BookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Another great instalment!
It seems that this series has picked up for good now. There was a dip for books 5 and 6, but these last three instalments have been wonderful. Fresh and engaging despite still loosely following a template. I love the continued exploration of the relationships between Uhtred and his children, which was a rare occurrence in the first seven instalments.
This continues Uhtred's incredible growth as a character, as he his entering the stage of life where he is now out of his prime, and has to come to terms with it. Before, he could charge at an enemy and believe in his abilities to fight his way through and survive. Now, he has to use his mind-cunning far more. Old wounds and age slow him down, and the responsibility of his oaths weigh heavily upon his shoulder.
I cannot say much more, as this is the ninth instalment and anymore would be spoilers, but if you are currently a few books into this series and feeling like it is too receptive, I urge you to push through because it really does pick up again. And these instalments are so easy to read and fast-paced that even at the low points it does not feel like a slog. Then at the high points, Warriors of the Storm among them, it is an utterly immersive, engaging and moving read.
5/5 STARS
My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Another great instalment!
It seems that this series has picked up for good now. There was a dip for books 5 and 6, but these last three instalments have been wonderful. Fresh and engaging despite still loosely following a template. I love the continued exploration of the relationships between Uhtred and his children, which was a rare occurrence in the first seven instalments.
This continues Uhtred's incredible growth as a character, as he his entering the stage of life where he is now out of his prime, and has to come to terms with it. Before, he could charge at an enemy and believe in his abilities to fight his way through and survive. Now, he has to use his mind-cunning far more. Old wounds and age slow him down, and the responsibility of his oaths weigh heavily upon his shoulder.
I cannot say much more, as this is the ninth instalment and anymore would be spoilers, but if you are currently a few books into this series and feeling like it is too receptive, I urge you to push through because it really does pick up again. And these instalments are so easy to read and fast-paced that even at the low points it does not feel like a slog. Then at the high points, Warriors of the Storm among them, it is an utterly immersive, engaging and moving read.
5/5 STARS
November 22, 2023
4.5/5 Estrellas
Después de darle un merecido descanso a la saga, he vuelto con la 9ª entrega y no me ha podido ir mejor.
Volvemos a los mejores momentos de esta gran serie. Libro lleno de acción desde casi la primera página, con menos batallas decisivas, pero bien contadas y sin momentos de confusión de entregas anteriores.
En el año 924, los hijos de Alfredo, Ethelfleda y Eduardo, se sientan en los tronos de Mercia y Wessex respectivamente. Siempre con la supremacía nominal de Eduardo (el viejo), ya sabemos que eso de que las mujeres detenten el poder, no ha sido bien digerido por los hombres en ningún momento de la Historia.
Los hombres del norte (daneses y escandinavos), todavía dominan Northumbría y el norte de Mercia en Britania. En el resto de las islas, también se habían asentado en las costas occidentales de Irlanda y en Escocia, sobre todo en costas e islas del mar de Irlanda. La creciente presión de nativos irlandeses y escoceses, están expulsando a los hombres del norte de estos territorios, hombres que, vuelven a poner en su foco en los reinos británicos, como posible diana de saqueos, conquistas y asentamientos.
Una nueva invasión se gesta, en este caso desde el Oeste, al norte de Gales y el reino de Mercia es el objetivo. La enésima invasión. Pero a los hombres del norte cada vez les cuesta más que sus expediciones tengan éxito, suelen estar muy divididos y se desmoronan al mínimo revés y los sajones ya saben como luchar contra ellos y saben esperarlos bien pertrechados en fortines y fortalezas.
Nuestro Uhtred, ya entrado en años, sigue siendo el paladín de los sajones, de Mercia en este caso, y vuelve a enfrentar el nuevo peligro. Sin embargo, hay nuevos factores, que van a dificultar sus acciones: intrigas políticas y religiosas, sus relaciones con las distintas facciones danesas, sus hijos, que también entran a formar parte del tablero bélico y de alianzas....
En fin un perfecto mosaico de intriga y batallas, que he disfrutado plenamente y que no te deja bajar la guardia en ningún momento.....
Que pena que esta serie ya está llegando a su fin.......iré espaciando lo que me queda.
Después de darle un merecido descanso a la saga, he vuelto con la 9ª entrega y no me ha podido ir mejor.
Volvemos a los mejores momentos de esta gran serie. Libro lleno de acción desde casi la primera página, con menos batallas decisivas, pero bien contadas y sin momentos de confusión de entregas anteriores.
En el año 924, los hijos de Alfredo, Ethelfleda y Eduardo, se sientan en los tronos de Mercia y Wessex respectivamente. Siempre con la supremacía nominal de Eduardo (el viejo), ya sabemos que eso de que las mujeres detenten el poder, no ha sido bien digerido por los hombres en ningún momento de la Historia.
Los hombres del norte (daneses y escandinavos), todavía dominan Northumbría y el norte de Mercia en Britania. En el resto de las islas, también se habían asentado en las costas occidentales de Irlanda y en Escocia, sobre todo en costas e islas del mar de Irlanda. La creciente presión de nativos irlandeses y escoceses, están expulsando a los hombres del norte de estos territorios, hombres que, vuelven a poner en su foco en los reinos británicos, como posible diana de saqueos, conquistas y asentamientos.
Una nueva invasión se gesta, en este caso desde el Oeste, al norte de Gales y el reino de Mercia es el objetivo. La enésima invasión. Pero a los hombres del norte cada vez les cuesta más que sus expediciones tengan éxito, suelen estar muy divididos y se desmoronan al mínimo revés y los sajones ya saben como luchar contra ellos y saben esperarlos bien pertrechados en fortines y fortalezas.
Nuestro Uhtred, ya entrado en años, sigue siendo el paladín de los sajones, de Mercia en este caso, y vuelve a enfrentar el nuevo peligro. Sin embargo, hay nuevos factores, que van a dificultar sus acciones: intrigas políticas y religiosas, sus relaciones con las distintas facciones danesas, sus hijos, que también entran a formar parte del tablero bélico y de alianzas....
En fin un perfecto mosaico de intriga y batallas, que he disfrutado plenamente y que no te deja bajar la guardia en ningún momento.....
Que pena que esta serie ya está llegando a su fin.......iré espaciando lo que me queda.
August 13, 2018
It’s been two years since I last read a volume in this series. I just started to grow tired of it and the formulaic approach to novel writing. Although a series, each story is quite self-contained and follows a similar pattern of development. So I definitely needed a break from Uhtred of Bebbanburg for a short while.
And I’m glad I took it because I found myself enjoying this one more than many of the others and, even better, I’m actually quite excited to read the rest of the series. Though I do really think it needs to start drawing to a conclusion very soon before all life is beaten out of the characters and plot. I don’t want to see fifteen books in this series. Ending it around book thirteen would be perfect for me, anymore and it will start to loose it’s edge.
So what’s good about Warriors of the Storm?
“That is why battles of the shield wall are slow to start. Men have to nerve themselves for the horror.”
The tittle for one. For me it was all about the desperation and the great action. We’ve all seen Uhtred in tight scrapes before, but this time I felt like he might actually die because the odds seemed so powerfully against him. It took some real cunning to survive them and turn the tide of battle in his favour. And that’s why he does so well. His experience allows him to predict the actions of his enemies and he can lead them exactly where he wants them. He is a true lord of war even if his age means he has to withdraw slightly from the front lines. He still leads the charge, though he is more cautions than his former reckless self.
For once, Cornwell actually wrote about a priest who is not a complete buffoon. All the religious types seems to fit into a stereotyped role of piety that shields their gaze and prevents them from perceiving the realities of a nation at war in this series. For once, Cornwell wrote about a practical priest who understood that he knew nothing about war. And he was a genuinely likable character, and genuine in his faith rather than using it for personal gain. Even Uhtred liked him, and Uhtred hated almost everybody who wore Christian robes.
Uhtred is starting to get old
Of further note, the historical basis of this series is becoming looser and looser (it never claimed to be accurate or anything) though it began by recounting some battles and political turmoil between actual historical figures, but now the battles are purely fictious as are all the foes that Uhtred faces. Whereas before it was a mixture of history and fiction. It’s an interesting turn of events, to make it all fiction, and it says to me that Cornwell is willing to adapt his style to keep this series going. I suppose there was only so much source material he could play with and once Alfred died he had to get quite creative.
This is a good instalment into the series, and it tops the previous two, though I am really hoping that the series will start to slowly draw to a conclusion before Uhtred's story starts to run dry and he can no longer stand in a shield wall.
And I’m glad I took it because I found myself enjoying this one more than many of the others and, even better, I’m actually quite excited to read the rest of the series. Though I do really think it needs to start drawing to a conclusion very soon before all life is beaten out of the characters and plot. I don’t want to see fifteen books in this series. Ending it around book thirteen would be perfect for me, anymore and it will start to loose it’s edge.
So what’s good about Warriors of the Storm?
“That is why battles of the shield wall are slow to start. Men have to nerve themselves for the horror.”
The tittle for one. For me it was all about the desperation and the great action. We’ve all seen Uhtred in tight scrapes before, but this time I felt like he might actually die because the odds seemed so powerfully against him. It took some real cunning to survive them and turn the tide of battle in his favour. And that’s why he does so well. His experience allows him to predict the actions of his enemies and he can lead them exactly where he wants them. He is a true lord of war even if his age means he has to withdraw slightly from the front lines. He still leads the charge, though he is more cautions than his former reckless self.
For once, Cornwell actually wrote about a priest who is not a complete buffoon. All the religious types seems to fit into a stereotyped role of piety that shields their gaze and prevents them from perceiving the realities of a nation at war in this series. For once, Cornwell wrote about a practical priest who understood that he knew nothing about war. And he was a genuinely likable character, and genuine in his faith rather than using it for personal gain. Even Uhtred liked him, and Uhtred hated almost everybody who wore Christian robes.
Uhtred is starting to get old
Of further note, the historical basis of this series is becoming looser and looser (it never claimed to be accurate or anything) though it began by recounting some battles and political turmoil between actual historical figures, but now the battles are purely fictious as are all the foes that Uhtred faces. Whereas before it was a mixture of history and fiction. It’s an interesting turn of events, to make it all fiction, and it says to me that Cornwell is willing to adapt his style to keep this series going. I suppose there was only so much source material he could play with and once Alfred died he had to get quite creative.
This is a good instalment into the series, and it tops the previous two, though I am really hoping that the series will start to slowly draw to a conclusion before Uhtred's story starts to run dry and he can no longer stand in a shield wall.
January 13, 2017
Dashingly handsome Uthred of Bebbanburg's life story vikings along in Warriors of the Storm, the ninth book in the Saxon series.
First off, Uthred is never described as being handsome in the books. That is a tv fabrication. Okay, I just needed to get that out of the way.
Anywho, this is a serviceable book that continues the saga admirably. It's not anything special. No major historically related events take place. It's more personal. In fact, at one point Uthred has to rescue his daughter and son-in-law.
It does feel like maybe Bernard Cornwell is wrapping things up. A prominent character from earlier books bites the dust, and when that begins to happen the end is often nigh. However, we're talking about an author who's learned his lesson about rushing a good thing along just to get to the end. With his Sharpe series, Cornwell ended up going back and writing prequels because a tv show had developed and fans clamored for more. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Saxon series double in size before he's done with it. However, it probably should've already ended. I mean, at this point it feels like he's having to pull out of his ass new ways to get Uthred into hot water.
Having said that, if he does keep putting out more and more of these, I will keep reading them. It's enjoyable stuff and I'm fully invested in the characters. "Please sir, may I have some more?"
April 11, 2017
It has been a long time between drinks for me and, after a couple years since the last time I had read a book in this series, boy, it sure was good to be back drinking from the well of Bernard Cornwell's Uhtred.
I've missed the big guy, with all his scorching, sardonic quips and his unabashed mocking of just about anybody, he is a big personality to endure, and I endure him with such delight and immense gratitude.
Rarely does a character, consistently, make me smile and laugh out loud as much as Uhtred Uhtredsson of Bebbanburg. He is a character to be enjoyed and can carry these books and their stories on his back alone. No other character can compete and, thankfully, Bernard Cornwell never lets them. His Uhtred takes centre stage at all times. And most especially so in this book. Number nine in the series.
These books are stand alone. Cornwell always reiterates important back history so that people who are reading them as a stand alone, or who read the series but need a refresher, can follow along fairly seamlessly. If you do read the series, however, this book has a lot of closing chapters in it. With characters you have known for many, many years, leaving the series for good. I will not tell you who they are, so as not to spoil things, but like or loathe them, it is always a little sad to see characters that we have gotten to know over many years, finally become no more.
We even learned a thing or two about Finan in this book. His storyline was fascinating to follow and it felt like another loose end tied up. But, Uhtred is on to new chapters in his life, including, in maybe only a few more books, the end of his own story and the passing of an era, so it is expected to see some loose ends come together. It makes no sense to weave them to their conclusions in the last two books. That would be rushing it.
Warriors of the Storm turned out to be one of my favourites of the series. I loved it from start to finish. It could be because the leave taking of a few lingering characters from earlier books left me feeling sentimental. It could be because I did have a break for a couple of years and completely forgot how much I enjoy these books. Or, it could simply be because the book was a bloody good read. I am thinking it is all three, but in saying that, without the first two, I would still regard it highly and recommend to others based on nothing more than it being that good read. The former two matter little when it comes to me thinking of recommending it.
With battles and strategies, twists and turns (that you may or may not see coming), short journeys, some seafaring, some nostalgia, Christians who were tolerable for a change and Danes like we love them, brutal, blustery and bombastic, this was an entertaining, well paced read, that made me want to read it all over again as soon as I'd finished it.
I've missed the big guy, with all his scorching, sardonic quips and his unabashed mocking of just about anybody, he is a big personality to endure, and I endure him with such delight and immense gratitude.
Rarely does a character, consistently, make me smile and laugh out loud as much as Uhtred Uhtredsson of Bebbanburg. He is a character to be enjoyed and can carry these books and their stories on his back alone. No other character can compete and, thankfully, Bernard Cornwell never lets them. His Uhtred takes centre stage at all times. And most especially so in this book. Number nine in the series.
These books are stand alone. Cornwell always reiterates important back history so that people who are reading them as a stand alone, or who read the series but need a refresher, can follow along fairly seamlessly. If you do read the series, however, this book has a lot of closing chapters in it. With characters you have known for many, many years, leaving the series for good. I will not tell you who they are, so as not to spoil things, but like or loathe them, it is always a little sad to see characters that we have gotten to know over many years, finally become no more.
We even learned a thing or two about Finan in this book. His storyline was fascinating to follow and it felt like another loose end tied up. But, Uhtred is on to new chapters in his life, including, in maybe only a few more books, the end of his own story and the passing of an era, so it is expected to see some loose ends come together. It makes no sense to weave them to their conclusions in the last two books. That would be rushing it.
Warriors of the Storm turned out to be one of my favourites of the series. I loved it from start to finish. It could be because the leave taking of a few lingering characters from earlier books left me feeling sentimental. It could be because I did have a break for a couple of years and completely forgot how much I enjoy these books. Or, it could simply be because the book was a bloody good read. I am thinking it is all three, but in saying that, without the first two, I would still regard it highly and recommend to others based on nothing more than it being that good read. The former two matter little when it comes to me thinking of recommending it.
With battles and strategies, twists and turns (that you may or may not see coming), short journeys, some seafaring, some nostalgia, Christians who were tolerable for a change and Danes like we love them, brutal, blustery and bombastic, this was an entertaining, well paced read, that made me want to read it all over again as soon as I'd finished it.
August 11, 2020
Warriors of the Storm is yet another blistering and unimaginably fun read in the Saxon Chronicles. If witty dialogue, fierce warriors, oath-brothers and bloody shield walls are your thing then I implore you to pick up this series.
“Play with the devil," Finan said, "and you get burned.”
For once, there is peace. Uhtred has orchestrated a time where he can rest, with the rest of the country. That’s until the Northmen and the Irish turn up and start killing people. That’s when Uhtred must draw his sworn, and he does in magnificent fashion.
“My son smiled. “You taught me well, Father.”
“What did I teach you?”
“That a spear-point in a prisoner’s liver is a very persuasive thing.”
There are fantastic characters throughout Warriors of the Storm. Uhtred will always continue to steal the show in my eyes, his internal dialogue making me chuckle. His son-in-law Sigtrygg is a fantastic addition, and the dynamics between the two and Uhtred’s daughter, Stiorra, bring something to this book that has not been seen previously. I really care about this band and as Uhtred grows older I find myself beginning to worry more for his and the other’s safety.
“I was angry. I wanted blood in the dawn.”
This addition of The Last Kingdom series felt more intimate this time around. Uhtred will disobey any rule, request and order to ensure he protects his family, and he does just that. It felt more personal and I loved seeing Uhtred travel across the seas.
“That is why battles of the shield wall are slow to start. Men have to nerve themselves for the horror.”
It also had a tense but hilarious last battle, with Uhtred’s cunning on full display in front of his enemies. He may not be as sword-quit as he once was, but his Loki-cunning is as sharp as ever.
“Haesten.
If this world ever contained one worthless, treacherous slime-coated piece of human dung then it was Haesten.”
5/5 - once again a brilliant read. The end is approaching, so I will savour every word I read with Uhtred on the page, and will him to take back his birthright and home, Bebbanburg!
“Play with the devil," Finan said, "and you get burned.”
For once, there is peace. Uhtred has orchestrated a time where he can rest, with the rest of the country. That’s until the Northmen and the Irish turn up and start killing people. That’s when Uhtred must draw his sworn, and he does in magnificent fashion.
“My son smiled. “You taught me well, Father.”
“What did I teach you?”
“That a spear-point in a prisoner’s liver is a very persuasive thing.”
There are fantastic characters throughout Warriors of the Storm. Uhtred will always continue to steal the show in my eyes, his internal dialogue making me chuckle. His son-in-law Sigtrygg is a fantastic addition, and the dynamics between the two and Uhtred’s daughter, Stiorra, bring something to this book that has not been seen previously. I really care about this band and as Uhtred grows older I find myself beginning to worry more for his and the other’s safety.
“I was angry. I wanted blood in the dawn.”
This addition of The Last Kingdom series felt more intimate this time around. Uhtred will disobey any rule, request and order to ensure he protects his family, and he does just that. It felt more personal and I loved seeing Uhtred travel across the seas.
“That is why battles of the shield wall are slow to start. Men have to nerve themselves for the horror.”
It also had a tense but hilarious last battle, with Uhtred’s cunning on full display in front of his enemies. He may not be as sword-quit as he once was, but his Loki-cunning is as sharp as ever.
“Haesten.
If this world ever contained one worthless, treacherous slime-coated piece of human dung then it was Haesten.”
5/5 - once again a brilliant read. The end is approaching, so I will savour every word I read with Uhtred on the page, and will him to take back his birthright and home, Bebbanburg!
May 17, 2017
Review in Portuguese from Desbravando Livros:
Essa resenha contém spoilers dos livros anteriores.
Como já é de praxe, no momento em que o autor Bernard Cornwell lança um livro novo das Crônicas Saxônicas/Saxon Stories eu já vou correndo atrás e tento ler o mais cedo possível, já que essa é minha série favorita e Uhtred de Bebbanburg é o personagem que mais gosto. O único problema depois disso tudo é ter que esperar mais um ano pela sequência, mas faz parte. hahaha
Depois de defender a fortaleza de Ceaster contra os ataques dos noruegueses liderados por Sigtryggr no final do volume anterior (O Trono Vazio), Uhtred e seus guerreiros têm uma nova ameaça à frente: o irmão de Sigtryggr, Ragnall Ivarson, um viking poderoso e que comanda única e simplesmente pelo medo (Kjartan 2), pronto para saquear as terras da Mércia e atrapalhar o sonho do já falecido Alfredo de juntar os reinos existentes e formar a Inglaterra que ele tanto queria.
"Ragnall Ivarson. Eu nunca me encontrei com ele, mas eu o conhecia. Sabia de sua reputação. Nenhum homem navegava melhor um navio, nenhum homem lutava mais ferozmente, nenhum homem causava mais terror. Ele era um selvagem, um pirata, um rei de lugar nenhum."
Velhos conhecidos aparecem e temos alguns dos seus destinos selados. Pessoas que eu nem lembrava direito onde estavam e o que faziam, mas que entraram no caminho de Uhtred por bem ou por mal e o nosso saxão terá negócios para resolver. Negócios sangrentos, digamos assim.
As descrições das paredes de escudos estão fenomenais, como sempre, e foi exatamente nesse quesito tão importante que o autor apostou para retomar a excelente narrativa do 7º livro, O Guerreiro Pagão. Narrativa essa que acabou se perdendo um pouquinho no seguinte, que acabou não sendo um dos melhores volumes da série. Warriors of the Storm não tem esse problema e os leitores podem ficar tranquilos quanto a isso, já que a carnificina rola solta e desenfreada por aqui.
"Trinta passos, vinte, e você pode ver os olhos dos homens que tentarão te matar, e ver as pontas das lanças, e o instinto te diz para parar, apertar os escudos. Nós nos contraímos durante a batalha, o medo enterra suas garras em nós, o tempo parece parar, há silêncio mesmo que milhares de homens gritem, e naquele momento, quando o terror ataca o coração como uma besta enjaulada, nós devemos nos jogar para dentro daquele horror. Porque o inimigo sente o mesmo. E você veio matá-lo. Você é o demônio dos seus pesadelos."
Tive algumas sensações nostálgicas durante a leitura, relembrando bastante do Uhtred lá dos 2-3 primeiros livros, que desobedecia todo mundo e fazia o que bem entendia. Dessa vez, novas ordens não são cumpridas e elas acabam trazendo algumas consequências. Tudo pela família, diga-se de passagem. Só que dessa vez Uhtred é um senhor da guerra, experiente, com reputação a mente, com pessoas a seu serviço e que dependem da sua palavra, e qualquer ameaça à sua família, por menor que seja, é considerada um ultraje sem precedentes e não deve jamais ser ignorada.
"Eu o faria gritar e assistiria enquanto sangrava, cortaria sua carne fresca em pedaços antes de me preocupar com Æthelflaed. Isso era pela família. Isso era por vingança."
Outro que é sempre bom ver por perto é Finan, que Uhtred conheceu há muito tempo no período em que era escravo. O irlandês é um lutador exímio e deixará sua marca em combates singulares.
Um dos pontos importantes a se destacar é a grande evolução de Uhtred ao longo de toda a série. Agora mais velho, com quase 60 anos, ele não tem o mesmo físico de antes e não tem como ser o primeiro cara a pular uma muralha, é mais lento que muitos dos seus adversários, mas compensa os seus defeitos com a sua experiência de anos na primeira linha das paredes de escudos dos saxões.
Muitos por aí dizem que ele é apenas um personagem com a profundidade de uma poça d’água, mas enganam-se ao não notar que as suas preocupações ao longo dos livros mudam constantemente, além de ter sempre aquela questão de gostar mais dos dinamarqueses do que dos próprios saxões.
As piadinhas com os padres continuam e são sempre hilárias, disso o leitor jamais poderá reclamar.
"Você é cristão?"
"Mas é claro!"
"Você acredita em milagres?" eu perguntei, e ele concordou. "Então é melhor você pegar os seus cinco pães e dois peixes," continuei, "e rezar para que o seu deus miserável providencie o resto."
Repleto daquele humor irreverente e das batalhas que tanto amamos ver nos livros de Bernard Cornwell, Warriors of the Storm é leitura obrigatória para todos os fãs das Crônicas Saxônicas e deve ser feita o quanto antes. O destino é inexorável, diriam alguns, e Uhtred parece estar se aproximando cada vez mais de Bebbanburg, a fortaleza na Nortúmbria que é sua por direito.
A edição brasileira do nono livro da série só deve chegar ao Brasil no 2º semestre de 2016, mas até lá temos o seriado baseado na série e que a BBC está produzindo. Intitulado The Last Kingdom, iniciou-se em 10 de outubro. Recomendo fortemente que todos vocês assistam o quanto antes!
Essa resenha contém spoilers dos livros anteriores.
Como já é de praxe, no momento em que o autor Bernard Cornwell lança um livro novo das Crônicas Saxônicas/Saxon Stories eu já vou correndo atrás e tento ler o mais cedo possível, já que essa é minha série favorita e Uhtred de Bebbanburg é o personagem que mais gosto. O único problema depois disso tudo é ter que esperar mais um ano pela sequência, mas faz parte. hahaha
Depois de defender a fortaleza de Ceaster contra os ataques dos noruegueses liderados por Sigtryggr no final do volume anterior (O Trono Vazio), Uhtred e seus guerreiros têm uma nova ameaça à frente: o irmão de Sigtryggr, Ragnall Ivarson, um viking poderoso e que comanda única e simplesmente pelo medo (Kjartan 2), pronto para saquear as terras da Mércia e atrapalhar o sonho do já falecido Alfredo de juntar os reinos existentes e formar a Inglaterra que ele tanto queria.
"Ragnall Ivarson. Eu nunca me encontrei com ele, mas eu o conhecia. Sabia de sua reputação. Nenhum homem navegava melhor um navio, nenhum homem lutava mais ferozmente, nenhum homem causava mais terror. Ele era um selvagem, um pirata, um rei de lugar nenhum."
Velhos conhecidos aparecem e temos alguns dos seus destinos selados. Pessoas que eu nem lembrava direito onde estavam e o que faziam, mas que entraram no caminho de Uhtred por bem ou por mal e o nosso saxão terá negócios para resolver. Negócios sangrentos, digamos assim.
As descrições das paredes de escudos estão fenomenais, como sempre, e foi exatamente nesse quesito tão importante que o autor apostou para retomar a excelente narrativa do 7º livro, O Guerreiro Pagão. Narrativa essa que acabou se perdendo um pouquinho no seguinte, que acabou não sendo um dos melhores volumes da série. Warriors of the Storm não tem esse problema e os leitores podem ficar tranquilos quanto a isso, já que a carnificina rola solta e desenfreada por aqui.
"Trinta passos, vinte, e você pode ver os olhos dos homens que tentarão te matar, e ver as pontas das lanças, e o instinto te diz para parar, apertar os escudos. Nós nos contraímos durante a batalha, o medo enterra suas garras em nós, o tempo parece parar, há silêncio mesmo que milhares de homens gritem, e naquele momento, quando o terror ataca o coração como uma besta enjaulada, nós devemos nos jogar para dentro daquele horror. Porque o inimigo sente o mesmo. E você veio matá-lo. Você é o demônio dos seus pesadelos."
Tive algumas sensações nostálgicas durante a leitura, relembrando bastante do Uhtred lá dos 2-3 primeiros livros, que desobedecia todo mundo e fazia o que bem entendia. Dessa vez, novas ordens não são cumpridas e elas acabam trazendo algumas consequências. Tudo pela família, diga-se de passagem. Só que dessa vez Uhtred é um senhor da guerra, experiente, com reputação a mente, com pessoas a seu serviço e que dependem da sua palavra, e qualquer ameaça à sua família, por menor que seja, é considerada um ultraje sem precedentes e não deve jamais ser ignorada.
"Eu o faria gritar e assistiria enquanto sangrava, cortaria sua carne fresca em pedaços antes de me preocupar com Æthelflaed. Isso era pela família. Isso era por vingança."
Outro que é sempre bom ver por perto é Finan, que Uhtred conheceu há muito tempo no período em que era escravo. O irlandês é um lutador exímio e deixará sua marca em combates singulares.
Um dos pontos importantes a se destacar é a grande evolução de Uhtred ao longo de toda a série. Agora mais velho, com quase 60 anos, ele não tem o mesmo físico de antes e não tem como ser o primeiro cara a pular uma muralha, é mais lento que muitos dos seus adversários, mas compensa os seus defeitos com a sua experiência de anos na primeira linha das paredes de escudos dos saxões.
Muitos por aí dizem que ele é apenas um personagem com a profundidade de uma poça d’água, mas enganam-se ao não notar que as suas preocupações ao longo dos livros mudam constantemente, além de ter sempre aquela questão de gostar mais dos dinamarqueses do que dos próprios saxões.
As piadinhas com os padres continuam e são sempre hilárias, disso o leitor jamais poderá reclamar.
"Você é cristão?"
"Mas é claro!"
"Você acredita em milagres?" eu perguntei, e ele concordou. "Então é melhor você pegar os seus cinco pães e dois peixes," continuei, "e rezar para que o seu deus miserável providencie o resto."
Repleto daquele humor irreverente e das batalhas que tanto amamos ver nos livros de Bernard Cornwell, Warriors of the Storm é leitura obrigatória para todos os fãs das Crônicas Saxônicas e deve ser feita o quanto antes. O destino é inexorável, diriam alguns, e Uhtred parece estar se aproximando cada vez mais de Bebbanburg, a fortaleza na Nortúmbria que é sua por direito.
A edição brasileira do nono livro da série só deve chegar ao Brasil no 2º semestre de 2016, mas até lá temos o seriado baseado na série e que a BBC está produzindo. Intitulado The Last Kingdom, iniciou-se em 10 de outubro. Recomendo fortemente que todos vocês assistam o quanto antes!
April 28, 2017
A much more interesting book than The Empty Throne, the wonderfully titled Warriors of the Storm only took me a bunch of hours on a plane to read.
After securing the future of Mercia, Uhtred and his allies turn their eyes northward, towards his old homeland of Northumbria. The Saxon kingdoms are in their strongest position yet, with both Mercia and East Anglia on the verge of liberation from the invading northmen. Awaiting him in the north, however, is a grand convergence of enemies both new and old. And a man who dreams of uniting Britain under Norse banners.
This ninth book of the Saxon Stories brings back a lot of the good things from the earliest instalments of the series, from characters and locations to the style of presentation. It's very encouraging to see that Cornwell still has his entire repertoire of skills as we move inevitably towards a final conclusion.
After securing the future of Mercia, Uhtred and his allies turn their eyes northward, towards his old homeland of Northumbria. The Saxon kingdoms are in their strongest position yet, with both Mercia and East Anglia on the verge of liberation from the invading northmen. Awaiting him in the north, however, is a grand convergence of enemies both new and old. And a man who dreams of uniting Britain under Norse banners.
This ninth book of the Saxon Stories brings back a lot of the good things from the earliest instalments of the series, from characters and locations to the style of presentation. It's very encouraging to see that Cornwell still has his entire repertoire of skills as we move inevitably towards a final conclusion.
January 8, 2024
تو این سریال ها و فیلم های عصر وایکینگ ها به طور کامل نشون نمیدن سفر با کشتی چقدر میتونه طاقت فرسا باشه. فقط تصور کنید یکی خلاف جهت باد قضای حاجت کنه! چه فاجعهای اتفاق میفته!!! بقیه مسائل بماند...
October 6, 2019
I love every page.
November 20, 2017
Price drop: $1.99 in the Kindle Store today!
This is (I think) the 9th book in the Saxon Stories series. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite of Uhtred's tales. This one is probably in the top three.
It was a little different from his usual stories. My one gripe with Uhtred has always been that he has always answered to someone. He has never been truly free to do as he pleased. Sometimes he has worked outside the rules to the displeasure of his rulers, but he's never just done as he pleased. In this book, Uhtred did exactly what Uhtred wanted to do and knew needed to be done. It was SO refreshing. The book ends with Uhtred's retirement to take care of his business in the North. While I can't wait to see his triumphant return to Bebbanburg, I'm also a little sad to know it's coming to an end. He is easily one of my all time favorite fictional characters.
This is (I think) the 9th book in the Saxon Stories series. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite of Uhtred's tales. This one is probably in the top three.
It was a little different from his usual stories. My one gripe with Uhtred has always been that he has always answered to someone. He has never been truly free to do as he pleased. Sometimes he has worked outside the rules to the displeasure of his rulers, but he's never just done as he pleased. In this book, Uhtred did exactly what Uhtred wanted to do and knew needed to be done. It was SO refreshing. The book ends with Uhtred's retirement to take care of his business in the North. While I can't wait to see his triumphant return to Bebbanburg, I'm also a little sad to know it's coming to an end. He is easily one of my all time favorite fictional characters.
October 8, 2015
For years friends of mine have raved about Cornwell’s Uhtred novels, and I have intended to read the series at some point, but never seemed to find the time. For the record the last Cornwells I read were the Sharpe series back in the day and, though I think I tired a little of the series towards the end, I remember the earlier ones as some of the absolutely best novels I have ever read.
So when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of the new Cornwell, I had to say yes, didn’t I. I did wonder whether I would really be able to get into the novel, being as it’s book #9 and I have yet to read 1 to 8. No need to worry. From the very first page I remembered why I loved Cornwell’s writing. Warriors of the Storm opens straight to the action, dragging the reader right in. It is filled with the smooth, almost effortlessly absorbing prose that I remember being Cornwell at his best. The descriptive is full and rich, the moments of light-hearted humour beautifully worked.
Set in the early 10th century, the Last Kingdom series is a strange milieu to me. The Dark Ages is a curious era, full of change and uncertainty. A mish-mash of cultures struggle to dominate Britain, from the Saxons and Danes to the Celts and the Scandinavian vikings, many of whom are by this time based in Ireland and Scotland. As a Roman historian, I am to some extent at a loss with 9th-10th century Britain, so this is fresh unfamiliar ground.
However, the bulk of this tale is based in an area I know quite well, that being Chester, the Wirral and surroundings, and to rediscover a place with which I am so familiar (I spend quite a bit of time reenacting there now and research a lot into Roman Deva), thjough in a whole different era, is fascinating.
The book opens as a norse lord (Ragnall Ivarson) who has long been an enemy of Uhtred’s begins an attempt to conquer parts of England. Driven out of his previous territory, this lord and his army sail into the Mersey, which is held by Uhtred, and begin to move inland making a play for invasion and control, holding an ancient hill fort and bridging the river into Northumbria, where a vast supply of potential manpower awaits. Cue a desperate campaign to counter the growing strength of Ivarson, who is related to the English hero through his brother’s marriage to Uhtred’s daughter, so yes, politics is inevitably going to play as much a part here as battle.
My friends rave about Uhtred. This is my first outing with him and, while he is a traditional hero with a particularly nice turn of phrase at times, I wouldn’t say there is much about him that makes him outstanding to me. That didn’t matter, though, because the supporting cast were so vivid and fascinating that I could deal rather easily without a deep fascination with the hero.
Aethelflaed, the daughter of King Alfred who rules Mercia and Wessex, is impressive and powerful, with flaws and uncertainties that make her a far more vivid character than Uhtred. The priests Ceolnoth and Ceolberht were fun and memorable for all their small role, the bishop Leofstan was simply superb, and of Uhtred’s own cadre of warriors, the Irishman Finan was one of the most interesting.
Of course if there is one thing for which Cornwell is noted it is his battles. He has a long pedigree of writing warfare across many eras, and this has over time granted him the ability to do so with pace and panache, never having to linger too much in the gory detail while delving deep enough to hook the reader and really create an impression of the horror, glory, and above all desperation of combat.
The upshot? Great characters, well-written prose, fascinating locations and excellent battle scenes. The plot might have benefitted from a few extra twists and turns, but that is merely icing on a well-made cake. Warriors of the Storm dragged me in and kept me glued to the end. Well worth a read, and now I am shuffling books 1-8 back up in my pile.
So when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of the new Cornwell, I had to say yes, didn’t I. I did wonder whether I would really be able to get into the novel, being as it’s book #9 and I have yet to read 1 to 8. No need to worry. From the very first page I remembered why I loved Cornwell’s writing. Warriors of the Storm opens straight to the action, dragging the reader right in. It is filled with the smooth, almost effortlessly absorbing prose that I remember being Cornwell at his best. The descriptive is full and rich, the moments of light-hearted humour beautifully worked.
Set in the early 10th century, the Last Kingdom series is a strange milieu to me. The Dark Ages is a curious era, full of change and uncertainty. A mish-mash of cultures struggle to dominate Britain, from the Saxons and Danes to the Celts and the Scandinavian vikings, many of whom are by this time based in Ireland and Scotland. As a Roman historian, I am to some extent at a loss with 9th-10th century Britain, so this is fresh unfamiliar ground.
However, the bulk of this tale is based in an area I know quite well, that being Chester, the Wirral and surroundings, and to rediscover a place with which I am so familiar (I spend quite a bit of time reenacting there now and research a lot into Roman Deva), thjough in a whole different era, is fascinating.
The book opens as a norse lord (Ragnall Ivarson) who has long been an enemy of Uhtred’s begins an attempt to conquer parts of England. Driven out of his previous territory, this lord and his army sail into the Mersey, which is held by Uhtred, and begin to move inland making a play for invasion and control, holding an ancient hill fort and bridging the river into Northumbria, where a vast supply of potential manpower awaits. Cue a desperate campaign to counter the growing strength of Ivarson, who is related to the English hero through his brother’s marriage to Uhtred’s daughter, so yes, politics is inevitably going to play as much a part here as battle.
My friends rave about Uhtred. This is my first outing with him and, while he is a traditional hero with a particularly nice turn of phrase at times, I wouldn’t say there is much about him that makes him outstanding to me. That didn’t matter, though, because the supporting cast were so vivid and fascinating that I could deal rather easily without a deep fascination with the hero.
Aethelflaed, the daughter of King Alfred who rules Mercia and Wessex, is impressive and powerful, with flaws and uncertainties that make her a far more vivid character than Uhtred. The priests Ceolnoth and Ceolberht were fun and memorable for all their small role, the bishop Leofstan was simply superb, and of Uhtred’s own cadre of warriors, the Irishman Finan was one of the most interesting.
Of course if there is one thing for which Cornwell is noted it is his battles. He has a long pedigree of writing warfare across many eras, and this has over time granted him the ability to do so with pace and panache, never having to linger too much in the gory detail while delving deep enough to hook the reader and really create an impression of the horror, glory, and above all desperation of combat.
The upshot? Great characters, well-written prose, fascinating locations and excellent battle scenes. The plot might have benefitted from a few extra twists and turns, but that is merely icing on a well-made cake. Warriors of the Storm dragged me in and kept me glued to the end. Well worth a read, and now I am shuffling books 1-8 back up in my pile.
September 12, 2023
In questo IX° capitolo della saga altomedievale ambientata da Bernard Cornwell [1944] nella terra dei sassoni d’Inghilterra, Uthred di Bebbanburg, l’eroe spavaldo e coraggioso al servizio di se stesso e dell’erede di Alfredo il Grande, la regina Aethelflaed, continua a combattere contro chiunque ostacoli il sogno di una Inghilterra unita sotto un unico regno e nello stesso tempo mira a riconquistare il castello avito di Bebbanburg sottrattogli da bambino dallo zio che gli ha usurpato il potere. In questo capitolo che ho appena terminato di leggere, il nemico di turno è Ragnall Ivarson, un guerriero irlandese che ha raccolto intorno a sé, con la promessa di conquiste, schiavi e oro, un imponente contingente di Norvegesi e Irlandesi. Toccherà come sempre a Uthred con le armi, con la diplomazia e l’intelligenza del capo, stornare questa ennesima grave minaccia.
Inutile ripetere che i romanzi storici sono sempre stati per me le letture più appassionanti considerata la mia difficoltà ad apprezzare la saggistica senza sbadigliare e in questa chiave va interpretata anche la mia valutazione.
Inutile ripetere che i romanzi storici sono sempre stati per me le letture più appassionanti considerata la mia difficoltà ad apprezzare la saggistica senza sbadigliare e in questa chiave va interpretata anche la mia valutazione.
April 4, 2016
Edit: April 2016 Just finished listening to this one, cannot wait for the next book!
May 2015 - Eagerly awaiting this book, I was in two minds about its potential, book 9 in a series, it’s a hard task to keep to your story and maintain the thread of characters but I had nothing to fear!
England is full of rich history, and I’m glad to be reading it through this series. Another winner for the Saxon Stories.
Bernard Cornwell has delivered a for me a 6 star read about one of my favourite characters, and I’m a happy little vegemite today!
May 2015 - Eagerly awaiting this book, I was in two minds about its potential, book 9 in a series, it’s a hard task to keep to your story and maintain the thread of characters but I had nothing to fear!
England is full of rich history, and I’m glad to be reading it through this series. Another winner for the Saxon Stories.
Bernard Cornwell has delivered a for me a 6 star read about one of my favourite characters, and I’m a happy little vegemite today!
April 26, 2017
Riders on the Storm!
Hey, I'd bethought that clever maxim all by myself, he he. Utred is on the roll again and as before he wishes to uphold the Christian realm of Alfred whilst praising Odin and Thor, bemoaning the evils of the Nailed God. Maybe all these testosterone fueled animosities towards Cornwells strict Episcopal upbringing seems a bit silly at times, but it is truly an enjoyable read.
I can't believe that I've made it through book nine already. You see I have a great weakness for all things medieval and dark. It's a childhood passion I've had since I'd lived in Sicily and Denmark in my boyhood. America is just a baby when it comes to holy wars and bloodshed. We've not drank from the bitter cup of war often, and it amazes me how bloodthirsty this new administration is gearing up! This is a book review, so I'll behead my political Cornwell fed moralizing.
Book ten looks enticing. The story of England’s making is blood-drenched. Eventually the Northmen (Danes and Norse) will intermarry with the Saxons, but so long as the two sides compete for ownership of the land, then war will continue. Uhtred has marched from Wessex in the south to the northern borders of Mercia. He has farther to go, so he will march again.
Peace, and please take some time to spread love around, Murf
Hey, I'd bethought that clever maxim all by myself, he he. Utred is on the roll again and as before he wishes to uphold the Christian realm of Alfred whilst praising Odin and Thor, bemoaning the evils of the Nailed God. Maybe all these testosterone fueled animosities towards Cornwells strict Episcopal upbringing seems a bit silly at times, but it is truly an enjoyable read.
I can't believe that I've made it through book nine already. You see I have a great weakness for all things medieval and dark. It's a childhood passion I've had since I'd lived in Sicily and Denmark in my boyhood. America is just a baby when it comes to holy wars and bloodshed. We've not drank from the bitter cup of war often, and it amazes me how bloodthirsty this new administration is gearing up! This is a book review, so I'll behead my political Cornwell fed moralizing.
Book ten looks enticing. The story of England’s making is blood-drenched. Eventually the Northmen (Danes and Norse) will intermarry with the Saxons, but so long as the two sides compete for ownership of the land, then war will continue. Uhtred has marched from Wessex in the south to the northern borders of Mercia. He has farther to go, so he will march again.
Peace, and please take some time to spread love around, Murf
December 8, 2015
Crashed through it in 2 days & was a great ride & thoroughly cleansed my mind’s eye of the sad whimp of a boy that portrays Uthred in that appalling BBC show The Last Kingdom.
Uthred is now older although an age not given & enjoyed the new characters immensely, as well as some old ones, which really did catch me unawares. A really quick read as your drawn into this page turner & truly back to the form of the first few books in the series for me.
What’s more to say! 5 stars as it delivered.
Uthred is now older although an age not given & enjoyed the new characters immensely, as well as some old ones, which really did catch me unawares. A really quick read as your drawn into this page turner & truly back to the form of the first few books in the series for me.
What’s more to say! 5 stars as it delivered.
July 20, 2020
Nine down, four to go! Warriors of the Storm by Bernard Cornwell is the 9th book in The Saxon Stories series. Uhtred of Bebbanburg is older and he is feeling that pain of old injuries, but he is still one of the greatest warriors in Mercia. In this book, he is still allied to Aethelflaed but yearns to go reclaim Bebbanburg. Bebbanburg again takes a backseat to another threat. Ragnall Ivarson is raising an army and is planning on attacking Mercia. He is allied with the Northumbrians and the Irish. He is also the brother of Uhtred’s new son-in-law. His family is threatened and so is the idea of England.
Some may feel that the plot progression is a bit slow. We all want Uhtred to reclaim his home. However, what I love this book is how complex the politics are during this time. Honor and oaths prevent Uhtred from the one thing that he wants the most. I also love the progression of his character. He is aging. He is still fierce but he feels the passing of time. We also get more of an insight into Finan’s past which is everything to me. I hope we get more in the coming books. I also want to see more of Uhtred’s daughter, Stiorra! She is AMAZING.
One of the highlights of this series is the battle sequences. Everything leads up to a great battle. I love the behind the scenes with the battle logistics and tactics. The battle scenes in themselves are very descriptive as if you are there. As always the narrator, Matt Bates, does a spectacular job. I am eager to begin the next book! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Some may feel that the plot progression is a bit slow. We all want Uhtred to reclaim his home. However, what I love this book is how complex the politics are during this time. Honor and oaths prevent Uhtred from the one thing that he wants the most. I also love the progression of his character. He is aging. He is still fierce but he feels the passing of time. We also get more of an insight into Finan’s past which is everything to me. I hope we get more in the coming books. I also want to see more of Uhtred’s daughter, Stiorra! She is AMAZING.
One of the highlights of this series is the battle sequences. Everything leads up to a great battle. I love the behind the scenes with the battle logistics and tactics. The battle scenes in themselves are very descriptive as if you are there. As always the narrator, Matt Bates, does a spectacular job. I am eager to begin the next book! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
August 26, 2017
***Actual rating: 4,75***
I've read the whole series this year, so it's easy to say I love these books. Some are better than others though. I rank this book among the best. It has all ingredients for a classic Uhtred story: full scale battle, Uhtred at sea, Uhtred vs priests, plot twist, one-on-one battle. I strongly recommend this series to all readers of historical fiction and fantasy.
I've read the whole series this year, so it's easy to say I love these books. Some are better than others though. I rank this book among the best. It has all ingredients for a classic Uhtred story: full scale battle, Uhtred at sea, Uhtred vs priests, plot twist, one-on-one battle. I strongly recommend this series to all readers of historical fiction and fantasy.
May 20, 2017
3.5*
Uhtred kills some Danes, bullies some priests, mocks the nailed gods, defies Etheldred......we do lose a couple of old "friends" in this one.
Uhtred kills some Danes, bullies some priests, mocks the nailed gods, defies Etheldred......we do lose a couple of old "friends" in this one.
August 3, 2022
Awesome!
January 11, 2016
One of the standout best entries in a series full of near-perfect novels.
Uhtred is back, and kicking Norseman ass like nobody's business. Nerve-ravaging midnight sea-crossings, daring fortress sieges, sorcerers of both pagan and Christian magic....plus the long awaited backstory of Finan, Uhtred's quick, deadly, and loyal Irish best friend.
I don't think I'll ever find a series of books I enjoy as much as this series.
Uhtred is back, and kicking Norseman ass like nobody's business. Nerve-ravaging midnight sea-crossings, daring fortress sieges, sorcerers of both pagan and Christian magic....plus the long awaited backstory of Finan, Uhtred's quick, deadly, and loyal Irish best friend.
I don't think I'll ever find a series of books I enjoy as much as this series.
December 30, 2019
3.5 stelle. Più coinvolgente e interessante dei capitoli precedenti, tuttavia non riesce a soddisfarmi completamente. Mi sto rendendo conto di amare maggiormente i libri del ciclo che hanno basi storiche più solide rispetto ai romanzi in cui Uthred è coinvolto in vicende di fantasia.
September 22, 2023
This is very much the same as the previous ones and I enjoyed it very much! Very exciting.
August 31, 2025
My least favorite of the series but still great
I’m a little disappointed just because I thought this series would keep getting better but Bernard slacked a little on this one. He kept forgetting what he had already said and was being repetitive. He said Ragnarr lead his men by fear at least 3 times, and he said something else a couple times. I started noticing it and it was a little irritating. I still liked the book and still obsessed with this series.
Uhtred is running out of Vikings and the next book is supposed to feature him taking back Bebbanburg which I have waited 10 books for. Let’s goooo
I’m a little disappointed just because I thought this series would keep getting better but Bernard slacked a little on this one. He kept forgetting what he had already said and was being repetitive. He said Ragnarr lead his men by fear at least 3 times, and he said something else a couple times. I started noticing it and it was a little irritating. I still liked the book and still obsessed with this series.
Uhtred is running out of Vikings and the next book is supposed to feature him taking back Bebbanburg which I have waited 10 books for. Let’s goooo
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