Customer Reviews

The Lords of the North (The Saxon Chronicles, Book 3)

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

After reading some of the reviews here for "Lords of the North", I was a bit worried about what I would find. Being the third book in the series, I wondered if Cornwell could keep it going for a third book. It would have been understandable if things slipped a bit. I needn't have worried.

Following from The Pale Horseman: A Novel from the year 878, "Lords of the North" sees our hero Uhtred head north to follow his fate. Of course, the Three Spinners have other plans and Uhtred soon finds himself enslaved and alone.

I won't mention too much of the plot, as I do not want to ruin it for you. There are some good twists and turns, and I was rather surprised sometimes. Elements and people I had forgotten about made sudden reappearances, much to my own pleasure, I might add.

In this volume, Alfred the Great is developed a bit more, as is the relationship between him and Uhtred. Always a tense one, that relationship moves to a new level as Uhtred develops a more complex picture of the King he hates, yet serves.

The violence seems to be stepped up a couple of degrees in this violence, and at times, I have to admit relishing it. Some very deserving people got to taste Serpent-Breath's edge as Uhtred took his revenge on them. At times, the descriptions get pretty detailed, with mentions of "gristle" thrown in, just in case the reader does really get it with the "blood" gushing everywhere and coating the hilts of swords and mail.

Cornwell has kept up the pace in this book, with a seething tale of revenge and some excellent twists that kept me rivetted to the pages. This book kept me hooked to much greater degree than the last two volumes, and the turns in the plot were a big factor in that. The developing characters were also a large factor, especially those of Uhtred and Alfred the Great. I still have some puzzlement with regard to Uhtred and his deeper motivations.

This is a great volume that keeps the pace and keeps the plot moving. It is a fantastic read and I can only hope that Cornwell hurries to get number 4 out.

I am now a self-professed Bernard Cornwell fan.

The third book in Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Chronicles, Lords of the North picks up just after the end of book two, The Pale Horseman. We are following Uhtred, our hero, as he moves north in the kingdom and away from King Alfred. Uhtred fortuitously frees a slave named Guthred along the way, only to unwittingly help Guthred become King of Northumbia. Uhtred, looking to mend his broken heart over the death of Iseult, quickly finds himself in love with Guthred's sister Gisela, and fighting to help the likeable Guthred keep his kingdom. What follows next is a betrayal of the first order, and oaths that must be remade despite promises to never give one again.

Uhtred is a hero that is larger than life: a superb swordsman, a brilliant war maker, a randy lover, and someone you can never count out. Still looking to regain his lost inheritance, Uhtred manages to find plenty of excitement along his journeys, joining forces with his best friend Ragnar to support those most in need and seemingly coming out on top most of the time.

Cornwell's saga is turning into a rich, vibrant tale that envelops gore, war, romance, and humor. Uhtred is ever smart and canny, and his loyalties are never in question. The length of the novel is perfect, and there is just enough of a cliffhanger that I'm waiting impatiently for the next in the series. Cornwell's bringing to life a very murky period in history, and he's doing it with style and fun. Highly recommended for historical fiction lovers, as well as those who simply enjoy an action-packed, engaging tale.

This is the third and latest instalment of the tale of Uhtred and, in my view, is even better than the previous two. By now, those who've been following the story will know of Uhtred's history, his divided loyalties and his determation to try to recover his family lands.

Cornwell has so gradually built up the picture of conflict and introduced characters through the last two books that reading this novel is like rejoining old acquaintances. Uhtred remains constant in his objectives and despite betrayal will continue to ally with whomever is most likely to take him towards his goals.

Set in the 9th century, the battles - between the mighty Danes and the Kingdom of Wessex continue, as do the lesser battles between the apparent allies on both sides. As in the previous two books, Cornwell makes these battles come alive. There is plenty of action, intrigue and mayhem.

Be warned: this is not a book for the squeamish. The battle scenes are integral to the plot and I suspect it would be difficult to follow the story without reading them.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

"The country north the river Humber extends into the countries of the barbarians..."
(Uhtred Uthredson)

On May 6th 878 Alfred of Wessex defeats the army of the Danish invaders in the heavy battle of Ethandun (Edington/Wiltshire). The remainders of the beaten troops withdraw into an nearby attachment, where they capitulate finally after a two-week siege. After another three weeks the Danish warlord Guthrum the Old accepts baptism. Ęthelstan (jewel), how the proselyt is called from now on, promises to keep peace in future and for this he get's the acknowledgment as a king of East Anglia from his godfather Alfred. This Danish retreat from Wessex and parts of Mercia is the beginning of the so called "Danelag" (Danelaw), the countries on the eastside of the old Romans road (Watling Street)...

... to these events, that are reportet by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Bernard Cornwell ties volume six of his "Warlord Chronicles", which is also the third part of his novels around king Alfred the Great. After ten pages the author however leaves this relative safe foundation and goes in a space and a time of poor historical sources. In his "Historical Note" at the end of the novel the author explains, that "moving from the history of Alfred's Kingdom in the late ninth century to that of Northumbria is like to pass from light into confusing darkness". Such "dark ages" however are offering a large area for fictional liberties, those Cornwell uses in his his typical way to submit a further emotional packing story, which also proves again that the fate is inexorable....

...when his fictitious protagonist Uhthred Uthredson is going to solve old problems by returning to his native country Northumbria, that is controlled by several mighty warlords. As a follower of the Danish king of Eoferwic (Jorvik/York) Guthred he is finally betrayed and sold into slavery by this king, who also pretends to be a christian. After this has been told to Alfred, the King of Wessex recalls, that for keeping his own interests in Northumbria he will require further service of the difficult and unpopular Ealdorman from Bebbanburg, who still worships the old Gods. Therefore the christian ruler of Wessex instructs Steapa Snotor and Ragnar Ragnarson to go on the search for their old combat companion Uthred on board of the "Dragon Fire"....

Beside the already well known actors Cornwell creates further impressing characters into the novels action, like Finan the agile one from Ireland, Gisela, the sister of king Guthreds, Ivar, the son Ivar Ragnarsson etc. Also interesting is the author's presentation of the gradual "growing together" of Northmen, Anglo-Saxons and a Britons, christians and pagans, particularly in linguistic regard and for which linguistic examples are stated.Two maps at the beginning of the book are offering a geographical overview of the anglo-saxonian kingdoms in Britannia and the geography from Northumbria to Scotland. Beside there is a listing, which confronts the anglo-saxonian and nordic names of villages, forts etc. of the ninth century to their today designations.

As the most fascinating part of the novel series around Alfred "The Lords of the North" has to be evaluated with 5 Amazonstars and leaves the meanwhile addicted reader waiting with impatient delight for still titled "Volume 4", that is advertized for september 2007.

Lords of the North is the third book in the Saxon Stories and Cornwell promises that more - perhaps many more - are in the offing. As is almost obligatory, let me acknowldge that I am a big Cornwell fan - I've read many of the Sharpe books, part of the Grail series and all three of the Saxon Stories.

The Lords of the North picks up right after Alfred's historic victory at Ethandun (or Edington) in 878 CE and continues the tale of Uhtred, a man stuck between the worlds of Saxon and Dane. Uthred returns to the north as he begins what will apparently be a multi-volume quest to reclaim his title as Lord of Bettanburg. Unfortunately, the historical record for Northumbria at this time is extremely sparse and confused. Consequently, Lords of the North is more fictional and less historical than the previous two books.

I frankly found the book fell somewhat short of my admittedly high expectations. The atmosphere of the tale seemingly has historical authenticity, but the ending is rushed and struck me as implausible. After a long struggle to overcome one of their major antagonists, Uthred and Ragnar dispense with another one in one brief encounter.

A good tale and fans of Cornwell will enjoy it, but in parts it felt like a book that simply bridges the gap from one part of the story to the next. The good news is that Uhtred lives into his 80's, so many more tales remain - let's just hope that doesn't become the bad news, too. Recommended.

Again, Cornwell walks the perfect line of historical fiction here. Too many authors get bogged down one way or the other, they are too interested in the historical accuracy, movement of troops, description of weapons, etc - that they abandon story and narrative voice. Other writers don't ground themselves enough in this world - and you end up with another book in the "fantasy/science fiction" pile. What I love about Cornwell, is that his books, give you some history to root the book, but the thrust of the book is a a strong narrative, an emersing feel to the time period, and a strong bond to the characters (most of which are fictional).

Lords of the North is admittedly more fictional than others in the series, he says as much in his author's note. However, Cornwell does extremely well to make you feel the anguish, betrayal, fear and joy of the narrator - Uthred. A wonderful read and I cannot wait for the next Saxson chronicle.

Bernard Cornwell demonstrates yet again why he's the best of the best of historical fiction authors. The characters come alive and you can smell the sea air when you read this book.

Many are taken aback by Cornwell's unabashed, un PC look at history. I for one may be occasionally taken aback by the gritty realities that Cornwell illustrates, but I wouldn't have him change anything!

I could only hope that Cornwell decides to tell a tale or two of Scotland or Ireland......

Fascinating twists & turns and you feel as tough you are part of the story...
Continuous conflicts between warlords and non-stop invasions from the vikings made life very insecure in those days... if you're lucky, you win and plunder your enemy and keep his women & children as your slaves but if you have a bad day, you're killed savagely and only God knows what happens to your family...
And they didn't have radar technology in those days, so an attack could be sprung on anybody at any time... and women & children sold in slavery and/or prostitution and never knowing where the next meal will come from...
What a life and described so realistically... 5 stars...
I bet some of them wished the Romans would come back and keep the peace???

If you've read books one and two in the Saxon Chronicles, it goes without saying that this is not to be missed. This is also the best of the series, and that's saying quite a lot. No, we're not talking literary masterwork -- although as always Bernard is engaging, often amusing, certainly disarming as a writer -- but there's just something about he way Bernard can bring to life the dark ages. Sure, I enjoy Sharpe novels, but where Bernard shines is in the dark ages, the time before we have "reliable histories." He manages to make everything from King Arthur to the "Vikings" -- which he explains just means "raiders" not Northmen -- come alive. It feels right. Sure, the dialogue is very twentieth-century, but it has to be for us to stay interested. Uhtred is, perhaps, his best hero yet, larger-than-life yet human and vulnerable at times, and Uhtred is a hero for both men and women to relate to, where perhaps some of Bernard's other protagonists are "macho man" heroes. This is a period in history very rarely touched in literature, and perhaps that's the charm of it. There are moments of satire as well, (anyone familiar with my work will know I thrive on satire), humor, adventure. What more can you ask in a yarn. Who else can make a slave a king, and a hero a slave then back to a hero all in one story? Who else can come across as a lover of all things British, yet create a character who is more Danish and Northman than Saxon or British? Just a lot of fun, great pace, humor, characters that you'll want to come back to. I'd say his best yet.

"Lords of the North" is the third installment in a series which author Bernard Cornwell calls "The Saxon Chronicles". Uhtred's story barrels ahead in exciting fashion, although not flawlessly.

Cornwell uses a time-proven fictional device to bring us into convincing contact with the historical realities or myths of the period into which the novel is set. First, an author constructs a protagonist who has personality traits the reader will feel comfortable identifying with for the course of the novel. Since this is an historical novel, the protagonist should also combine characteristics drawn from several of the identifiable groups relevant to the story. And finally the author must thrust this protagonist into the known dynamics of the period, bringing him or her into contact with some major historical figures and events.

In "Lords of the North", Cornwell wields this device adroitly. The historical context is late 9th-century Britain, as Danes and Saxons, Christians and pagans fight for land, wealth, and supremacy. Cornwell centers this series of novels on the fictional Uhtred, Saxon-born but raised by Danes. Uhtred remains a pagan (so far anyway), but often fights with and on behalf of Christians. He becomes a distrustful champion of Alfred the Great, and, in this latest novel, a betrayed protector of Guthred, erstwhile King of Northumbria. Other historical and semi-historical figures cross or join the narrative path. Cornwell pulls the strings just out of sight, as we are easily caught up in a compelling and convincing story. At the end we feel it could have happened just like this.

Event-filled narratives such as we have here, with battles won and lost, loves lost and found, sudden turns of fortune, and an ending that implies more adventures to come, may always leave us feeling that they were too short. But this one is indeed short, and so does have a dashed-off sense about it that other reviewers have noted. Cornwell may be getting too good at this, too complacent in his own talent, and needs to mix things up some. But not too much.

Adding to the somewhat perfunctory sense is that there's only one poorly drawn map. With the events depending so much on a widely-ranged geography, many readers will need to understand that aspect better in order to fully appreciate the novel. Even on the web there's not much to go on, as the era's constantly shifting boundaries are apparently still poorly understood. But let's hope the next installment gives us more to work with in this regard.

What will help some is reading the brief back-page Historical Note first. It's not in any way a spoiler.