Scan barcode
dmcke013's review against another edition
3.0
Book 5 in Cornwell's so-called Viking books, continuing the story of Alfred the Great and Uhtred of Bebbanburg and the creation of what would come to be called, in later years, England.
the_pale_woman's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I crown Uhtred, king of awesome characters. He will meet any challenge to his title at the shield wall.
I thought this fifth book of the Saxon Stories was just as great as the last. This series is proving to be consistently captivating. It's well-written and perfectly paced. I'm so pleased that there are eight more books to binge, plus an adaptation.
One downside has been the inconsistent audio narration. This one is narrated by John Lee. He did an okay job, but he doesn't narrate any more of the books, so there's no point in getting used to him. Not like it really matters as I'm convinced no one can narrate these books as well as the original, Jonathan Keeble. I'm annoyed that these publishers are bouncing this series around to so many different narrators. The next book is narrated by Stephen Perring. These books deserve an audio version that is as consistently good as they are.
I thought this fifth book of the Saxon Stories was just as great as the last. This series is proving to be consistently captivating. It's well-written and perfectly paced. I'm so pleased that there are eight more books to binge, plus an adaptation.
One downside has been the inconsistent audio narration. This one is narrated by John Lee. He did an okay job, but he doesn't narrate any more of the books, so there's no point in getting used to him. Not like it really matters as I'm convinced no one can narrate these books as well as the original, Jonathan Keeble. I'm annoyed that these publishers are bouncing this series around to so many different narrators. The next book is narrated by Stephen Perring. These books deserve an audio version that is as consistently good as they are.
anotherwomack's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bergsteiger's review against another edition
3.0
Plot line is still a predictable trajectory but there were some unexpected twists in this one that made it more enjoyable. Uthred is older and more capable but no less impetuous, which leads him from his heights of glory to an outcast and raider, darkened by a heavy loss. As usual though, he makes his way back to the Christian kingdoms of southern England and defends those he does not love against the Danes whom he does love and whose Gods he worships. This is probably not as good as the first 3 novels but it is an improvement over the last and probably could have been 4 stars but I really want to see a little more from these later books. Don't get me wrong though--I am going to keep gobbling these up as quick as Mr. Cornwell turns them out. Go ahead and try the series. You'll love it.
odinallfather's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dirkio's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
grecia_r's review against another edition
A seamless continuation of Uhtred's life. I'm enjoying seeing the differences between the adaptations. Enjoyed Edward's transition as well.