Reviews

Lords of the North by Bernard Cornwell

uncle_vanya'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

5.0

rogue_banne's review against another edition

adventurous challenging fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

sophiexhorror's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

casual_henk's review against another edition

5.0

Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom books have a familiar feel to them. Most of them I have read so far have a similar structure, and I love them for it. You know what to expect from them. They are becoming like comfort food to me.

Yes, the third installment in the series was again an excellent book. The battle scenes written by Cornwell are addicting and never fail to excite me. Add to that the brutal story of Uhtred, and you have the perfect mix of drama and action.

I genuinely love these books. They are well-paced, have fantastic action scenes, and exciting drama. I can't wait to read the next one. In fact, I won't wait.

liziev's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

whattamess's review against another edition

5.0

Never trust a Dane

Bernard Cornwell is going strong with the 3rd installment of The Saxon Stories. The Lords of the North picks up a month or so after the events in The Pale Horseman. Without much breathing time after the epic battle of Ethandun, Uhtred is already on the move. And why not? He's young and there's still much history and storytelling to do.

Strong betrayal and heart wrenching "saving" moments built strong characters in the story.

The actual Dunholm castle.

ilias_orion's review against another edition

4.0

Ah! Good to see Uhtred north again!

Certainly this book will pass as one of my favorite adventures of Uhtred. His thirst for more power and recognition drives him back to his ancestors' lands. Unlikely alliances and risky plots fill these pages with a lot of reasons to never stop turning them.

Cornwell has a magical skill of making a character repeat the same lines in a few pages, and each time they feel more real and significant rather than repetitive.

Cornwell can also "spoil" the outcome of a battle or a whole chapter, right before it begins, while maintaining the interest and keeping the stakes high. Foreshadowing at its best! Good to see some old characters return, as well.

My only complain would be that i felt Uhtred to be TOO LUCKY in this one. Not that he had not done enough himself to deserve some intervention from the spinners of fate!

Maybe not one of my favorite books of all time, hence the lack of the 5th star. But for sure one of the most enjoyable books of my reading year.

pattyheffs's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

Favorite of the series so far

ohsnaplez's review against another edition

4.0

rightfully torn uhtred remains steadfast in his reluctant oath to a bipolar king and still manages to wreak a most satisfactory revenge on his most hated enemies.

agracia623's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0