The Saxon Tales Collection: Books #5-8: Action Adventure Epics of War and Survival in the Bestselling Historical Series

For fans of "The Last Kingdom" novel series this second set of books does not disappoint. It continues to offer interesting plots and characters as we follow Uhtred on his life's journey and the creation of Alfred The Great's England. For those who tired after reading Books 1 through 4 you may not wish to continue. I find the entire series a good time read. if one has not read the first four books of the series it may be a bit difficullt to follow although the author does try to fill in the backstory. I suppose it it is still enjoyable but why not start at the beginning. I've already purchased Book 9 in the series and cannot wait to get started on it. For those who have already watched the Netflix Last Kingdom Series . Go back and read the books and then watch the series again. I got so much more out of the second viewing. Best is to read the novels first and then watch the Netflix Streaming Series which is excellent also .

A couple of weeks ago I picked up Agincourt by Cornwell from my girlfriends dresser and started reading. I finished two day later and immediately started this series. I’m already on book 7. I can’t put the books down. I have a degree in history and read mostly historical fiction and this is one of my favorite time periods. Cornwell novels contain some of the best battle scenes I’ve ever read.

I'm glad that I found Bernard Cornwell and the Saxon Tales. I've just started the ninth book and I really hopes he writes dozens more. He writing style is very descriptive but not flowery and overdone like some. His characters, and there developed, are fantastic. I have no problem visualizing each and every one. The novels move at a good pace and the action makes me feel as though I'm watching rather than reading. I could go on and on. Even though I'm not a big fan of King Arthur, or England's history, I will be reading his other works. I bought the first four books separately and the next four in this set. It was more economical that way.

The Saxon Tales by Bernard Cornwall is a collection of tales that center on the history of England at a time when it was not even clear that the island would retain any of it's own identity or ability to self-rule following the frequent and aggressive raids by the Northmen (or specifically to these novels, the Danes, better known as Vikings). We follow the account of Uhtred, of Bebbanburg - a fictional character, who is born as the rightful heir to rule Bebbanburg, a Northern County of Britain along the northeastern coast, as it's ealdorman. But when he was only 8 years old, Uhtred's father is killed battling invading Vikings and Uhtred is taken hostage. Luckily for him, he is embraced as a son to Ragnar, the Danish leader of the raiders. looking to settle in England's welcoming farm lands. So our protagonist Uhtred has the unique perspective of having the perspectives of both the native British people and of the wild Danish invaders. Cornwall, the author, makes these tales very exciting. Uhtred grows up to be a very talented warrior who is repeatedly called upon to help strategize and fight against the Danish invaders So the reader is drawn into rooting for Uhtred's growing fighting skills (which rely upon his brain even more than his sword arm), the dangers he faces. and cheering for his love interests and his longing to re-gain Bebbanburg, his rightful inheritance. But in the course of events, we are also treated to history unfolding from the late 800's into the early 900"s following the only British King referred to as " the Great" - King Alfred. A frail sickly man, King Alfred, was also well educated, religiously pious, yet also brave enough to ride into battle to inspire his men. He is largely responsible for uniting England as a country, as well as spreading Christianity while using it as a moral basis to implement fair and consistent laws. It was Alfred's conviction that England's potential greatness lie in being united as a Christian Nation that preserved their Anglo-Saxon heritage and customs, laying the foundations of one of the truly great world powers. A great series of books.

I have completed the series on the Saxon Tales and have totally enjoyed it. I can't wait for book nine which I think is the final tale in the series. I have not only been entertained by the historical novels but have come away with knowledge of English history during the Middle Ages.The tales definitely need to be read in order to follow the flow of the story and the development of the characters.

I have enjoyed the world of Utred . what makes it even more enjoyable is how the writer uses real historical battles and historical characters to intertwine with Utred making the stories more entertaining.

Volumes 5 through 8 continued the story developed in the first four volumes. There is much bloodshed and violence, which was the way of life in the 10th Century in the lands that ultimately became England. Saxons, Danes, Welsh, and Irish all collided as the Saxons slowly regained their lands taken by the Danes. To me, the books were true page-turners, and I read them quickly. Cornell tells a gripping story. I highly recommend these books for those interested in the deep history of England.

Cornwell never disappoints and the these four novels weave and taut, authentic web that makes Uethred one of fictions most original and compelling characters. So full of surprising twists and turns that the reader is compelled to read late and wake up early to finish one book to reach the other.

O sonho de unificação dos reinos saxões ocorrerá ainda durante a vida do campeão de Wessex? Ainda faltam uns cinco livros para frente. Mas a cada volume da saga do filho de Nortúmbria criado como danês e retornado meio contra a vontade ao seu povo na luta para libertar a Inglaterra de seus invasores escandinavos sigo firme rumo ao próximo.