Season five and Book 10 The Flame Bearer both end with Uhtred having regained his ancestral seat of Bebbanburg. Kings die and battles are fought, but exactly when, where, how, and who the casualties are, can vary. Both prioritise their own storytelling over slavish adherence to source material, and so wind different paths towards the same destinations. Netflix’s The Last Kingdom approaches fidelity to Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories in much the same way that Cornwell’s novels approach fidelity to historical fact – as inspiration, not obligation. “An effortlessly engaging ride.Warning: contains spoilers for The Last Kingdom season five finale and Bernard Cornwell’s War of the Wolf, Sword of Kings and War Lord. “Cornwell once again shows his acknowledged mastery of fast-paced storytelling, full of exciting incident and an unflinching approach to bloodshed.” - Daily Mail And on this evidence, he is not budging.” - The Times (London)

If there is a throne for writers of this particular type of muscular historical fiction, then Cornwell is firmly wedged in it. “ The Empty Throne is Cornwell’s best Uthred tale yet. Is there a fan of historical fiction anywhere who has not yet read a Cornwell? If so, hook them on this series, and they will knight you.” - Library Journal

“Verdict: Once again, Cornwell perfectly mixes the history and personalities of tenth-century England with several doses of battles, trickery, and treachery. Mysticism, history, brutality, muck, and mire combine to splendid effect in this compelling fictional version of the birth of a great nation.” - Booklist New readers: Draw a flagon of ale, and be prepared to find the first seven in the series.” - Kirkus is totally accessible and great good fun. “This novel easily stands alone, with perfectly choreographed battle scenes and political infighting. With this eighth entry in the epic Saxon Tales series, we are reminded once again why New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell is “the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today” ( Wall Street Journal). Widely loved and respected, Æthelflaed has all the makings of a leader-but can Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler? The stage is set for rivals to fight for the empty throne. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Æthelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Æethelred.

When Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, dies, he leaves no legitimate heir. There are new raids by the Vikings from Ireland, and turmoil among the Saxons over the leadership of Mercia. ’īritain, early tenth century AD: a time of change. I am the son of Uhtred, who was the son of Uhtred. The eighth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” ( The Observer, London)-the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit BBC America television series.

The saxon tales