The Burning Land

The Last Kingdom #5

by Bernard Cornwell

At the end of the ninth century, with King Alfred of Wessex in ill health and his heir still an untested youth, it falls to Alfred’s reluctant warlord Uhtred to outwit and outbattle the invading enemy Danes, led by the sword of savage warrior Harald Bloodhair. But the sweetness of Uhtred’s victory is soured by tragedy, forcing him to break with the Saxon king. Joining the Vikings, allied with his old friend Ragnar—and his old foe Haesten—Uhtred devises a strategy to invade and conquer Wessex itself. But fate has very different plans.  

Bernard Cornwell’s The Burning Land is a new chapter in his story of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Fantasy, Audiobook, Medieval, Adventure

336 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Cornwell 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.

Reviews

[Petrik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a Booktube channel now! Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/petrikleo

Uthred has often been called hot-headed but considering his circumstances, I think his patience is applaudable.

The Burning Land is the fifth installment in Bernard Cornwell’s Last Kingdom series; the battle and conflict with the Danes continue. In addition to this, there’s also a new villain: Skade. Skade is a woman with a dark power to rule over men’s hearts. I’m truly impressed by Cornwell’s capability to weave an engaging story. I’ve read five books in this series now, and I’m still not bored by it yet despite the episodic and formulaic storytelling. The themes and topics of an oath, duty, faith, and loyalty return here once more, and sorely tested Uthred shall be.

“He wanted to improve the world, while I did not believe and never have believed that we can improve the world, just merely survive as it slides into chaos.”

Bounded by oath and loyalty to Alfred, despite disliking Alfred and the Christians, Uthred continues to fight for him. This is seriously astounding to me because Alfred’s treatment towards Uthred was absolutely horrible, in my opinion. There were several times where I just wanted Uthred to end Alfred and his reign; so many times he saved Alfred, so many times Alfred’s reign prosper because of him. And yet, he’s still treated like crap. However, this is what Cornwell does well. Whether we like Uthred/Alfred or not, none of these character’s decision ever felt forced. These are their characters, these are their personalities, and this is their relationship.

“The gods are capricious, and I was about to amuse them. And Alfred was right. I was a fool.”

As I mentioned before, I’ve known the main events of this novel due to watching the show, and I was still enthralled by it. The main characters always have their development within each book, and similar to the previous installment, Sword Song, I loved the character development of Aethelflaed and Steapa. Although the TV show did an excellent job of portraying Uthred, Alfred, Finan, Sithric, and Aethelflaed, and many more, I feel like they could’ve done a better job on Steapa. Uthred’s relationship and respect for Steapa in the novels were briefly mentioned here and there, but they successfully displayed the depth of their relationship; this is missing from the TV series. That said, I still totally loved the TV series; this is just a minor nitpick. As for battles? It’s Bernard Cornwell.

“Some oaths are made with love, and those we cannot break.”

Overall, The Burning Land is another great volume in The Last Kingdom series. From what I’ve watched, big changes are coming soon to the story, and I am so looking forward to reading the next book.

You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)

You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions

Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!

My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Dylan, Edward, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Sarah, Seth, Shaad, Summer, Wendy, Zoe.

[Sean Barrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing I’d like to see more than Uhtred completely re-joining the Danes. I’d like to see him join forces with Ragnar Ragnarson. I’d like to see the two stood side by side in the shield wall. I’d like to see them smash Alfred’s forces and Uhtred plunge Serpents Breath into the heart of Wessex. But, alas, Alfred has Uhtred’s oath of loyalty and obedience. He may leave his side for a time, but it would never, and could never, be permanent.

A strong test of loyalty



However, when he accidently breaks a priest’s neck, when he tried to get him to shut up by punching him in the face, he is forced to flee from Alfred’s court. Despite the victory Uhtred has just granted Alfred, which literally saved his kingdom he is banished because he accidently kills a simple minded priest. Indeed, the men he has just saved call for his blood: the blood of the warrior without whom they would all be dead. Well, that’s gratitude for you. Who could blame Uhtred for finally trying to fulfil his heart’s desire?

I was without a lord. I was outcast. I was free. I was going Viking.

Unfortunately Uhtred has a soft spot for Alfred’s daughter. When she comes requesting his help he is forced to make, yet, another hard decision. He is torn between wanting to fight with his Danish brothers and the King he has sworn his service to. Alfred’s daughter reminds him of his oath, and one he also made to her in private. Uhtred is in a difficult situation because if he goes with her he may have to face his beloved friend Ragnar Ragnarson, which is a fate worse than death. How could Uhtred fight the man he loves for the man he hates?

Bad choices

I really don’t like Alfred the Great in this novel. He owes everything to Uhtred, as without him he would have lost his kingdom long ago, yet time and time again he rewards him with punishment. I cannot comprehend why Uhtred still fights for this man. He clearly cannot lead him to the retaking of his childhood home; he clearly cannot lead him to any serious wealth. And to top it all off he manipulates Uhtred into fighting for him in the most devious ways. If I was Uhtred, I would long have abandoned this King. I think he is a bad choice of a man to follow.

The thing I enjoy most about this series is the way it is narrated by an Uhtred who is looking back on his life. You can almost see the smile on the aged warrior’s face as he recalls the memories of his youth and the battles past. Also, you can hear his regret and the bad decisions he has made, and the decisions he would now make instead. I hope at the end of the series he finally gets his birth right, which will give the warrior a sense of peace and completion. He will have no more reason to raid or fight someone else’s enemies. He can be his own lord.

Overall, this is another great edition to the series. In this Uhtred gets the closest he has ever been to joining the Danes since he was among them in the beginning. I feel like the author has almost teased me with it in this novel; it’s like his shown us something that could have happened and then turned the novel back in on itself and showed us what will always happen. Damn you Bernard Cornwell for getting my foolish hopes up once again.

The Saxon Stories
1. The Last Kingdom- A fine five stars
2. The Pale Horsman- A brilliant five stars
3.Lords of the North-A vengeful four stars
4.Sword Song- A familiar four stars
5.The Burning Land- A loyal five stars
6. Death of Kings A mighty five stars

[Em Lost In Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one really surprised me. I thought Uhtred was on his way to freedom but Norse Gods have something else set for him..

[James Tivendale · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Burning Land, the fifth entry in The Saxon Stories, we follow the escapades of a 35 or 36-year-old Uhtred of Bebbanburg. He's still Alfred's oathman and has been residing in Lundune. The Danish warrior, and Uhtred's ex-servant Haesten is an everpresent nuisance, but in this novel, we are introduced to the leader and lover of another force of Danes who are being problematic and threatening Alfred's peace. Harald Bloodhair and Skade. Haesten informs Uhtred that Skade is Bloodhair's woman, bitch, lover, and sorceress. He also kindly warns Uhtred that "if you see her, my friend, you’ll want her. But she’ll nail your skull to her hall gable if she can." The Burning Land is about these Danish threats to Wessex and Mercia and the importance of oaths.

Recently The Saxon Stories series has been my go-to choice when I couldn't decide between other books to read next. I find myself drifting back to them every 3rd or 4th book. My experiences with all of the stories so far have been 4 or 5-star reads and at approximately 300-pages I tend to race through these in under a week. The chapters here take about half an hour to read and I tended to devour 2 or 3 in a sitting. The Burning Land is more of the same of what has come before yet the series is nowhere near becoming stale, in fact, I'd say that as Uhtred is ageing his life experience and intelligence lead to really clever moments that are great to read. Such as a moment including bees and another with ships' sails.

We still have battles, war councils, friendships, loyalty, and omens but, however much I have enjoyed the previous novels, I think this entry has been the perfect example of Cornwell's strengths as a writer put on display. There is still humour featured in The Burning Land when the scenarios permit it, as there is dread, fear, and hatred. Uhtred's utter loathing of Christianity is known throughout at least three nations and he doesn't let that up in this entry either, as can be seen in quotes such as the below:

Folk tell their children that success lies in working hard and being thrifty, but that is as much nonsense as supposing that a badger, a fox and a wolf could build a church. The way to wealth is to become a Christian bishop or a monastery’s abbot and thus be imbued with heaven’s permission to lie, cheat and steal your way to luxury.

Another highlight of The Saxon Stories is the rich and diverse cast of characters. Uhtred's first-person perspective presents a wide plethora of emotions depending on who he is discussing. Love for someone like Gisela, respect for someone like Steapa, loyalty for someone like Finan, admiration for someone like Æthelflæd, and detest for someone like Æthelred or any number of the gaggle of religious influencers.

‘Æthelflæd remains your wife,’ I told him quietly, ‘but if she dies mysteriously, or if she sickens, or if I hear rumours of a spell cast against her, then I shall find you, cousin, and I shall suck the eyeballs out of your skull and spit them down your throat so you choke to death.’ I smiled. ‘Send your men to Lundene and keep your country.’

If I hadn't received a review copy of one of my most anticipated reads of the year (R. F. Kuang's The Burning God) then I more than likely would have just carried on with this series. At this rate, I will have finished the books that are already out before the release of the final novel, Wolf Lord, on the 15th of October. My fellow reviewer Edward Gwynne's reviews of the later novels remain extremely positive so it looks like I am in for more fine reading experiences with Uhtred, Finan, Osferth et al. Uhtred is 35-36 during this novel, not much older than me, and he is still in the front row of the shield wall or the first over the palisades. I'm intrigued to see if, and how, that changes as he ages further, yet I predict his importance will not be diminished. I really can't wait to continue with Uhtred's adventure and know for sure that I will be back very soon.

[William Gwynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The gods are capricious, and I was about to amuse them. And Alfred was right. I was a fool.”

The Burning Land is the first of the series that I listened to on Audible, and I feel that the style transcribed nicely to vocal narration, so I would definitely recommend consuming the series in this manner!

I'll be honest and admit to committing sacrilege, as I have watched the adaptation of The Burning Land before reading it, but the two stories are actually quite different. Whilst the driving force and themes are the same in both book and TV, the way the characters get to where they are meant to be is very different when comparing the screen to the page.

Both work in different ways though, and each have their own strengths, so watching the adaptation first luckily didn't diminish the reading experience at all.

“He wanted to improve the world, while I did not believe and never have believed that we can improve the world, just merely survive as it slides into chaos.”

The Burning Land is the fifth instalment of The Saxon Stories, and for me this is where it really begins to follow the more episodic format that Bernard Cornwell then uses for the succeeding instalments. We have a new villainous character, Skade, who is a very well-crafted, ominous figure that does a great job at keeping the story fresh and engaging.

The driving force with The Burning Land, as with much of the series, is Uhtred and his inner circle. With each book he just becomes better and better. Every time there is character growth, and in The Burning Land I was glad to see that Uhtred also makes mistakes. He is sometimes too good at everything, but in The Burning Land we see how he takes the consequences of his wrong decisions, and as such become exposed to a new side of his character.

“Some oaths are made with love, and those we cannot break.”

Bernard Cornwell is renowned as a fantastic writer of action, and in my opinion it is well earned. We are given some fantastic, immersive action sequences filled with tension and twists and turns. It is shown as brutal and unpredictable, and Bernard’s depiction of warfare utterly draws me in.

The Burning Land is a solid instalment in this series, and for me was a very enjoyable read. Whilst following a more formulaic approach, the introduction of new characters and the continued over-arching plot of the making of England gives the series a drive that it needs, and Uhtred to top it all is one of my favourite characters of fiction.

4/5 STARS

[Jeffrey Keeten · Rating 4 out of 5]

”“The gods are capricious, and I was about to amuse them. And Alfred was right. I was a fool.”


The Mighty Thor

Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg, is an enigma. He is a man without a country, not only because England doesn’t yet exist in the 9th century, but he is also a man without a home. His uncle took his position as rightful heir to Bebbanburg when Uhtred’s father died. He does still call himself Lord of Bebbanburg, but it is from exile in the South. Uhtred is a Saxon, but he was raised by Vikings. He learned to fight like them and he also learned to worship like them. He wears a Thor’s amulet and insists on maintaining his pagan ways even though he has sworn an oath to fight and protect the most pious of Christian kings, Alfred the Great.

Alfred was once a man who enjoyed a good feast and a dalliance in the bed of a pretty girl. Osferth, his bastard son, exists because of one of those moments of pleasure. He is a constant reminder, like looking in a mirror, of Alfred’s days of illicit pleasure.

And then Alfred converted to Christianity.

He is tedious in his devotion. His knees are black and blue from hours of kneeling. His voice is parched from hours of keening prayers. His diet is feeble and bland. He is a sickly king, but he is strong in his devotion to his GOD who he believes will always give him victory.

Uhtred would disagree. Uhtred knows that Wessex still exists only because of his strong arm and his brilliant tactics on the battlefield. Alfred knows this too otherwise why would he tolerate a pagan among his most trusted advisors.

Alfred is King of Wessex, not king of England. As the North becomes saturated with more and more Northmen looking for land, women, and treasure he finds it more and more difficult to keep these pagan barbarians out of the Southern lands he commands. His only defense is Uhtred and the inability of the Vikings to organize. (Similar problem to what the Native Americans in North America had issues with.)

There is this constant push and pull between Alfred and Uhtred. Alfred wants to build churches. Uhtred wants to build fortifications. Their religions are diametrically opposed.

”Our gods prefer feasting. They live, Uhtred. They live and laugh and enjoy, and what does their god do? He broods, he’s vengeful, he scowls, he plots. He’s a dark and lonely god, Uhtred, and our gods ignore him. They are wrong.”

Frankly if Uhtred wants a future in England for his gods Thor and Odin he should put a sword through Alfred instead of working so assiduously to keep the King of the Christians alive. An oath is an oath and once given it must be upheld.

The Vikings are amassing for yet another invasion of Wessex. Alfred is sick and dying. Uhtred is ready to escape North the moment Alfred breathes his last. He still dreams of ruling Bebbanburg, but he will need treasure and men to do it. A sorceress named Skade is with the Vikings. She is a wild beauty who exudes a power over men that is detrimental to all.

Many women have mentioned to me who read Bernard Cornwell that he can’t write a flesh and blood woman character to save his life. His characterisations of women sometimes put me in mind of Michelangelo’s statues of females who really look like men with breasts.



His female characters are split between those manly women, much prettier than the Michelangelo statues, who can fight and be one of the boys and the women that are serving as pleasure models or breeders. Although with the character of Aethelflaed, Alfred’s daughter, he might have an opportunity to write a woman that will finally depict a strong, capable, and thoughtful woman capable of ruling an empire.

Bernard Cornwell is a conduit to my memories of the many hours of pleasure I spent as a lad reading about lawmen with strapped down six-shooters, sword swinging barbarians, and gat carrying gumshoes. Cornwell is certainly a step up from the pulpy books of my youth. He decided to write these books because he didn’t feel that the British knew enough about the origins of their own country. In the 9th century, with the emergence of Alfred, it is also the beginnings of an island country who will eventually rule the waves and will come close to ruling the world. I’m many, many books behind reading the prolific writing of Cornwell, but there is a comfort in knowing that when I need one there will always be a stack of new ones to pick from.

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾

[Jason Koivu · Rating 4 out of 5]

If reading this series doesn't make you wanna scream like this... http://ledzeppelin.alexreisner.com/so... ...then I just don't know what will!

The Burning Land continues Bernard Cornwell's bloodthirsty, battle-heavy and viciously violent viking saga.

England is still broken up into pieces. The Danes are threatening to overrun the land. Saxon King Alfred (later known as Alfred the Great) was holding on to Wessex and holding out hope of one day uniting the entire country under his banner. But needs the help of fighting men like our anti-hero hero Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

Though he's a pagan and acts like a Dane, Uhtred is actually a Saxon, who was raised by those viking Danes. He reluctantly works for Alfred, even if the piously Christian king and all his self-righteous priests get up Uhtred's nose. He's a fierce, skilled fighter who doesn't mind getting his hands dirty and his nose bloodied. It's what he's good at. However, he doesn't like to be anyone's lapdog, so any chance he gets, he heads north to threaten the impregnable fortress at Bebbanburg, his rightful seat of power, currently held by his usurping uncle.

Cornwell is a dab hand at crafting this particular character. You'll find him in the long-running Sharpe series as the titular main character. Cornwell is also quite adept at writing very exciting and highly realistic historical fiction. You're in capable hands on both counts. I especially like that he includes afterwards of real history information at the end of these books to let you know the true story behind the fiction. In this one he admits to falsifying the character of a historical figure to fit his novel and goes on to give a recommendation for further and more correct reading on said figure. That's a conscientious writer for you!

The Burning Lands is a particularly tight volume in this series. Each scene is meaningful and the action feels fast. Any lapse in the forward progress is a joy to read as Cornwell does his best to paint vivid settings and to portray all, from Saxon to Dane, man to woman and peasant to King.

[Dana Ilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Promise to review as soon as possible

[Justo Martiañez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 Estrellas.

Corre el año 892. La salud del Alfredo pasa por un momento delicado y parece que su reinado toca a su fin.
Los daneses, cual depredadores agazapados, huelen que tienen otra oportunidad de cazar la codiciada presa de Wessex, que milagrosamente se ha resistido durante los últimos años.
3 expediciones se aprestan a invadir el último reino sajón, una ataca a Mercia, otra se interna en Kent y otra, dirigida por los daneses de Northumbria, dan la vuelta a Cornualles y atacan Exeter por el sur.
Y qué es de nuestro amigo Uhtred?. Sigue al mando de la guarnición de Londres, manteniendo su palabra de lealtad a Alfredo. Cómo siempre estará en el centro de la acción, en los contraataques sajones en Farnham y Benfleet. Sin embargo, la traición acecha y nuestro amigo a punto está de abandonar el bando sajón y combatir del lado danés, amigos y correligionarios, por otro lado. Qué o quién se lo impedirá, la lealtad, el amor??

Me ha parecido que en esta entrega ha bajado un poco el nivel, tanto de la trama, como de la acción. Todo es un poco más confuso, las motivaciones de nuestro protagonista, las acciones bélicas, la integración de la ficción histórica en los datos conocidos. Aunque no por ello sigue siendo una lectura totalmente disfrutable.
Seguiré con la saga, sin duda.
A modo de curiosidad, indagando en la historia, uno de los jarls daneses que participan en las invasiones del los años 892 a 895 en Británia, Haesten, habia protagonizado uno de los periplos vikingos más extraordinarios por el Mediterráneo, en los años anteriores. Ataques en Hispania, contra Astures, contra Pamplona, contra el Califato de Córdoba, en Tarifa y Murcia, Marruecos, Francia, Italia..... expedición, que por si misma daría para otra bonita serie......
A por el siguiente......se acerca el final de Alfredo y la hora de su hijo Eduardo, está a punto de llegar.

[Zahra · Rating 3 out of 5]

از کتاب قبلی بهتر بود ولی همچنان به پای سه تای اول نمی‌رسه. اوترد ماشالا آفتاب پرستی شده برای خودش! هر کتاب حداقل دوتا جبهه عوض می‌کنه و ملت اونجوری که انتظار میره از دستش ناراحت نمیشن🤔 حیفه که خیلی از اتلفلد واقعی چیزی گفته نمیشه. یه زنی که نابغه نظامی بوده و تو اون دوران به حاکم های مرد ترجیح داده شده!! ازش خوشم میاد. Girl power ایشونه بقیه اداش رو درمیارن

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced and engaging, this series is still keeping its charm!

„Wyrd bið ful ãræd.“ – „Fate is inexorable.“

I had a super long review written for this series but I deleted the document accidentally so let me share with you at least some major points to explain my reasons for loving this series so much:

* Astonishing storytelling skills. Bernard Cornwell brought 9th century England alive for me.

* Unforgettable narrator. Uhtred of Bebbanburg is unapologetic and ruthless yet lovable and admiration worthy character with brilliant military strategic mind. He is a true hero!



* Complex and fascinating side characters that you will love to come back to.

* Constant philosophical battle between paganism and Christianity that depicts given period precisely.

* Well thought-out storyline and twists.

* War and fight scenes are chillingly realistic. I really felt like I was there with Uhtred, fighting every new enemy or being part of countless shield wars.



All in all, The Warrior Chronicles/Saxon Stories series (all 10 available books) is spectacular story with spectacular writing. It is one of the best historical fiction stories I have ever read and it is the perfect example of how to write engaging historical fiction series that never get boring or predictable!

Moreover, I loved author’s note at the end of every book where author explained which parts were based on historical facts and which parts of his novel he made up.

RECOMMENDED!

[Martin Blackshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Burning Land is one of my favourite books in Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories. Cornwell has a real gift for weaving history into the story without ever bogging things down. You get a strong sense of Alfred’s England—the battles, the faith, the constant shifting alliances—but it always feels exciting and alive rather than like a history lesson.

Uhtred is as fierce and complicated as ever, but what really makes this book shine for me are the people around him. Finan is brilliant, as ever. He's loyal, funny, and someone you can’t help but root for. Æthelwold is sly and dangerous, always keeping you guessing about his next move. And Æthelflæd is just incredible here. She's strong, smart, and so easy to admire. These side characters give the story extra depth and make you care even more about the outcome.

Cornwell mixes action, emotion, and history in a way that’s hard to beat. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Five stars, without hesitation.

[Bruno Neute · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Kate Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alfred the Great, in Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories, has a love for order, peace, and Christianity. He has always been dismayed by his reliance on Uhtred, a pagan warrior who represents everything Alfred hates, but a reluctant bond of need held them loyal to each other. That bond snaps in "The Burning Land," when Alfred's punishing zeal is finally too much and Uhtred abandons his cause. Grieving for the death of his beloved wife, he flees north with thoughts of re-taking the fortress of his birthright. But oaths are not so easily abandoned, and Uhtred finds himself fighting alongside Alfred's redoubtable daughter Aethelflaed. Outnumbered against an army of Vikings and a vengeful witch, Uhtred scrambles for victory - and just possibly love. He is matured into a splendid lord of war, a man who effortlessly commands every battlefield, every room, and every page in which he appears. Alfred, Great or not, is an ungrateful bastard to snub such an ally, and it's marvelous to see him realize it.

[Lo9man88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

How satisfying it was for me when Uthred killed that phony priest and how disappointing that he didn't turn on Alfred and call the Danes to his banner: the success is almost guaranteed, but if there is a weakness in Uthred it's keeping his oaths even when the other parties break theirs ....

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sad to report I can only give this one 3 Stars...I really had high hopes for my return to the world of Uhtred of Bebbanburg and England of the late 9th Century.

The good points: 1) no one does a better battle scene than Cornwell and the battles here are pretty good; 2) Cornwell really paints a grim picture of life and it always seems accurate; 3) Cornwell skewers treacherous royalty and Christian priests with such skill (yet also portrays some as brave and likeable).

The bad: 1) Uhtred is pissing me off. He has such clever strategy and tactics when supporting King Alfred's goals yet is so stupid when it come to his own goals (like recovering Bebbanburg or protecting his family); 2) Uhtred pretty much meanders aimlessly between battles while moping about his "fate". 3) Just didn't feel like the story was much advanced with this one.

[Sud666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saxon Stories have always been my favorite Bernard Cornwell series. It has become more popular recently due to the Tv show based on it (The Last Kingdom).

This is the 5th book in the series. While Uthred and Alfred have issues in their relationship, Uthred decides to go it alone. We follow him in his attempt to retake Bebbanburg and his rejoining Ragnar. But Uthred, honorable dolt that he is, has inadvertently given his oath to Alfred's daughter, who is now Queen of Mercia.

Once again Uthred finds himself arrayed against Danes fighting on behalf of a Christian monarch. Some people just never learn. Still a great story and a great look at life in England during the Viking invasions. Always exciting and interesting, this is a great series. But, for the sake of historical continuity, I suggest starting with the first book. You won't regret getting into this series, as it is truly wonderful.

[Theo Logos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destiny is All!

The Spinners continue to toy with Uhtred, and just when he thinks he is out, they pull him back in. His fate is inexorably woven together with King Alfred and his family, and despite himself, he continues to protect Alfred’s Kingdom and Alfred’s dream.

Battles, always a great strength of this series, are at the heart of Burning Land. Uhtred’s gripping descriptions of the clash and chaos of conflict makes these remote, 9th century battles live with a burning intensity. It may be that someone, somewhere has written better battle scenes, but I haven’t read them.

Burning Land also marks some major shifts of focus in the series’ historical characters. Alfred is offstage through almost the entire novel, struck down and weakened by illness. Both of his children, daughter Aelthelflaed, and son Edward (his heir) play major roles in the action of the novel. Jarl Haesten also moves to the center of the action, as we see him become a major antagonist.

[David Rubenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in The Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell. I had listened to all of the previous books in the series in audiobook format. This is the first one that I read in print. I thought, before starting the book, that it would be dry because it was not being read by a narrator. But, I was wrong. The printed book is just as fun as the audiobooks. I am always amazed by the ingenuity that Bernard Cornwell inserts into the situations that befall the main character of the book, Uhtred. I have yet to be bored; every chapter is entertaining and a joy to read.

The characters all seem so human. Sometimes they make wise decisions, while at other times they seem to be their own worst enemies. For example, Uhtred is usually making very good choices and strategies when he has sufficient time to think it all out. But when he is enraged, he can do the stupidest things.

I applaud Bernard Cornwell's imagination and his wonderful story-telling ability. The battles, the enmities, and the friendships are all told so well, it is quite amazing to me. I highly recommend this series!

[Scott Hitchcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite of the first five books. I did hope Uthred might finally free himself of Alfred for good but his children seem to be much more to his liking.

[Athena Shardbearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We are Danes, and we are Saxon, and we are warriors who love to fight. In our halls at night we chant the tales of men we have killed, of the women we have widowed, and of the children we have orphaned. So make your choice! Either give me a new song to sing or else lay down your weapons."

Oh Uhtred, chaos and mayhem follows you where ever you go. This far in the series and I'm starting to question the decisions that Uhtred makes and the people he makes promises to. Will he ever be happy, ever get what is rightfully his, ever really pick a side? Born Saxon and raised Dane he really has no idea which side to turn to and he's a rouge, doing what he feels he has to and sometimes that's not in his best interest.

Now, lets talk about the Saxon side. It gets harder and harder for me to like Alfred, and that's because of Uhtreds view of him. Yes, Alfred is a great ruler, he has a vision of what he wanted for his country and to unite it all under one kingdom, but that doesn't mean he isn't ruthless and using Uhtred for that gain. This is the biggest conflict for me in this series. I like Alfred then I hate him and on and on. Uhtred isn't any better, but I loves him. PERIOD.

What I enjoy most is the struggle at the beginning of what becomes a power nation and the tug of war between two religions and people. Pagans vs. Christians, Saxons vs. Danes and trying to find a way to rid the country of these heathens. It just shows how powerful Christianity becomes and the influence it has over the world.

This series just slipped into my favorites, I see myself rereading these years to come and I'm only halfway through this journey. We all know the outcome and who wins in the end, but I have to say that I'm a Dane.

Uhtred, come to the dark side(Danes), we have cookies!!!

[Karen ⚜Mess⚜ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was without a lord. I was outcast. I was free. I was going Viking.

*rubs hands together* Yes! Yes! Go Viking!

Uhtred didn't go Viking as much as promised, but he did run the oars!

I don't know how he manages it, but Uhtred sure does get himself into a muddle. Sick, King Alfred is mighty pissed at Uhtred. What's new?

I think the most important point in this story is that Æthelflæd is blossoming into Lady of the Mercians that history remembers. I really love her history and I love the way Bernard Cornwell has brought her to life.

At this point, it's really no fair to compare the tv show to the book. The books are so overwhelmingly fantastic, and the show is having a hard time doing it justice. While the show is taking it's own turn, the book series is keeping true to the spirit of how life was during King Alfred's reign. Also, making sure history doesn't forget England's first warrior queen, Aethelflaed.

[Diamond Cowboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth chapter in a masterful ceries by Cornwell. In this the Saxons are trying to conquer England from the mighty Danes. This is not as easily accomplished as they believed it might have been.
Ill health and some bad luck befalls the King Alfred of the Saxons and a mighty battle against him is in fruition
I will not ruin the ending of this masterpiece, but I implor that you give it a read.

[Geo Kwnstantinou · Rating 5 out of 5]

""The gods are capricious, and I was about to amuse them. And  Alfred was right.I was a fool""

The 5th book was awesome, the battles and of course Uthred 💜💜💜

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Executive Summary: Another enjoyable read in this series. These books are always quick reads that seem so packed with story.

Full Review
It feels a bit contradictory to say this book had a slow start, while still being a quick enjoyable read. I'd be hard pressed to say exactly what happened for most of the first part of this book of importance, but the rest of the book more than made up for that. Not to mention he does it in a way where it never feels rushed.

Mr. Cornwell just seems to be an expert and packing plot development and action into the minimum amount of words. You won't get flowerly prose, or excessive description. In return you're rewarded with a tight, and normally well-paced story.

As with previous books, I continue to love Uthred and despise Alfred, but it's the secondary characters that make it for me. There are so many to note: Ragnar, Gisela, Brida, Steapa, Aethelfaed, Osferth, Father Pyrlig, Finan, and of course Brother Beocca. I'm especially fond of Ragnar and Steapa. This book is full of strong women in a time period where it seems the history books would have us believe none existed. I think he does an especially great job with Alfred's daughter Aethelfaed.

Mr. Cornwell continues to blend history and fiction in such a way to leave me wondering how much is history and how much is fiction. These are always great stories. I'd read more history books if they were written by Mr. Cornwell. Despite knowing some of how things end up, I worry every time Uthred goes into battle.

I want to jump right into the next book. Things don't exactly end up on a cliffhanger, but certainly there is much at hand to resolve. I fear for some of the things that may come to pass in the next book, but yet I can't wait to read it. I'll be sad when I catch up on this series because it's so enjoyable.

[John Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slight step down from book 4 but it’s still fantastic and I loved every second.

This one is about Uhtred once again having a fallout with the sickly King Alfred. He goes on his own path but Alfred still secretly is his puppeteer. Uhtred battles Vikings in order to get enough loot to fund his battle for Bebbanburg, but it’s not going to plan.
He’s met with the Viking Harald and his woman, Skade. Skade is a woman that is incredibly seductive but even Mother Teresa would characterize her as “Bat shit crazy”
Aethelfled, Alfred’s daughter, is forcing herself more and more into becoming a warrior queen and she has a bit of a crush on our boy Uhtred.

[Hannah Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in Wessex and Mercia, Uhtred is still warring with the Danes trying to stay loyal to Alfred, with Alfred weakening it’s ever crucial that Uhtred has to stay on his side.

After Uhtred commits an act that horrifies Alfred and his priests he has to flee, with his wife dead and his children in the care of Aethelflaed, Uhtred returns to the Danes.

Torn between his oath to Alfred and Aerhelflaed and his loyalty to the Danes, Uhtred has to make some tough decisions that leave him feeling lost.

This book in the series was easy reading and it flowed effortlessly, sometimes I find Cornwells work quite hard to follow but this novel was much easier to digest. I really like Aethelflaed as a character and her growth as a person and determination really starts to show in this part of the story.

Aethelflaeds relationship with Uhtred had been a long and slow burn throughout the story and it was a relief to see it finally taking shape and coming alive.

All in a good continuation of the Last Kingdom story, can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. It has to be. 5 stars for Uhtred of Bebbanburg, and 5 stars for his creator, Bernard Cornwell.
It has been far too long between books in this Saxon series for me. I have had an Uhtred drought. So I hungered for this read when I came to it. And I am pleased to admit that it gave me everything I wanted and missed.
If there are flaws in The Burning Land then I do not see them. That's not saying that there are none, but if there were, I failed to notice. I'll leave the flaws for others to pick through. I am just happy to be reading about Uhtred again, especially now that I have the next book, Death of Kings, sitting here waiting patiently for me.
Love the book, love the series (oh..except Sword Song..I didn't really like Sword Song).

[Joa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nota: 8.5/10