Lords of the North (The Saxon Chronicles Series #3) Reviews

• More Fictional, Less Historical

  
  By A37GRFP6VMUXKT on 2007-02-07
  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.
  
  
  
  

• Among the warlords

  
  By ADTJVU4Q53ZG0 on 2007-01-30
  "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. Æthelstan (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.
  
  

• "Fate is Inexorable"

  
  By A1SCD2NYTIAQTY on 2007-03-31
  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.
  
  

• Say It Ain't So, Bernard....

  
  By A18X5ULE1PWJNO on 2007-02-21
  The last, most recent reviewer wrote that he suspected the author had a deadline to meet. Bingo!
  
  I am a huge Cornwell fan.....all of his series: Sharpe, Starbuck, Uhtred, the Grail, Stonehenge. I particularly enjoy and am grateful for all the historical and social detail he weaves into his narrative. The historical note at the end of many of his novels is always for me the cherry on the top of the sundae: Ahhh, I have not been wasting my time with a historical Jackie Collins....this is real, and meaningful, and.....
  
  This time he ventures geographically and chronologically into misty venues. I think the book suffers for it. It drifts around, the characters are vague and less well sketched...the action scenes almost by rote....or Word cut-and-paste.
  
  I bought the book at Heathrow, before a 10 hour flight back to SFO on an empty plane. I could barely focus, with no other distractions.
  
  I hope it the cause for the let down was an early deadline. And, lord knows, Mr. Cornwell has delivered twenty or thirty winners in a row and deserves my gratitude.
  
  One out of 20 ain't bad....just disappointing.
  
  

• Just Getting Better...

  
  By A265NE6H6LYX87 on 2007-03-19
  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.
  
  
• Cornwell has no peer......
  By A3ENIIFEXFJUWZ on 2007-02-03
  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......
  
  
  
  
• Uhtred's journey continues: Book 3
  By A1DYMH30TSRONY on 2007-02-17
  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
  
  
• A Potboiler at Best
  By A37MURBWMP3SVH on 2007-03-27
  First, let me say that I've read alot of Cornwell's works including the entire Sharpe series and the other books that preceded Lords of the North. I'm a big fan of his and thinks he does outstanding work especially with military history. Bottom line I was disappointed in this one. There were too many things that 'just happened to happen'. And the ending was a big letdown as well. Perhaps my expectations have become so high that when he writes something that, I think, is not up to his high standards its a big disappointment. In spite of that I eagerly await the next installment in this series and will buy it the first day its available!
  
  By the way for any Sharpe fans out there I came across a Sharpe-related book (blessed by Cornwell) called Sharpe's Companion (Adkins). Its got everything you wanted to know about the British military including uniforms, ordnance, unit sizes, pay scales, unit makeup, tactics etc. I would recommend this for hardcore Sharpe fans. Adkins also "replays" some of the highlights from Sharpe's time in India.
  
  
• A Worthy Continuation
  By AT0CNHJODFCN6 on 2007-02-21
  I will assume that anyone reading this novel has read the 2 that precede it, so that makes it simpler to write a short critique. This is for the most part a worthy continuation, with more of the same elements that made us enjoy the story thus far. And I will look for more, since I have grown to like Uhtred and company. But I must say that as the story progressed, some of the action and the narrating of it made me feel as though Mr.Cornwell had a deadline to meet, (it is actually shorter than the first installments) and things got a little rushed. I am referring mostly to the action at Dunholm in Chapter 10, and I would be curious to see if any other readers agree. Still and all, I did enjoy the read, and will continue with the next book whenever it shows up.
  
  
• Another Homerun!!
  By A2ZTQ2DPA2LYTM on 2007-02-22
  No one writes historical fiction like Bernard Cornwell. The Lords of The North takes us back to Northumbria on the narrative of Uhtred. From Uhtreds time as a slave to the battle at Dunholm, the story moves at an exciting and fluid pace. The battle scenes are incredibly detailed and graphic as are the previous 2 books. I read some other reviews here and agree that the lower page count made the story feel a bit rushed at times. However, there is no question in my mind that this installment leaves you with a deeper admiration of the characters and provides plenty of action. Trust in Cornwell, this book will not disappoint. This is not a stand alone novel so if you haven't already, go back and read The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman. I have read that Cornwell plans to continue the Saxon Stories for at least 6 books... can't wait!!
  
  
• Cornwell may be getting too good at this
  By A7COM37TA1860 on 2007-03-03
  "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.
  
  
  
• Entertaining, solid - not quite as good as "The Pale Horseman"
  By A1GARI2JT6EAWA on 2007-03-14
  Cornwell takes Uhtred north in volume 3 of the Saxon Tales. Initially, he's looking to get away from King Alfred but plenty of adventure soon follows.
  
  Not wanting to spoil the fun for other readers, I will refrain from going into plot details. Suffice to say, there's plenty of action but it fails to live up to the drama of being with King Alfred in Volume 2. The battle scenes are solid but do not live up to the epic struggle of the Battle of Ethandun described in "The Pale Horseman." That's no knock, however, since I cannot imagine you could produce that in every book.
  
  What this series really needs is a good map. The maps in this series are just about worthless. Many of the places they travel to are not even on the map! What's the point of including it, then?
  
  I give this one a grade of B+.
  
  
• It's not Hamlet.....but it is 5 stars.
  By A286DL30HJCQT on 2007-02-03
  I've read Cornwell over the years.....starting with most of the Sharp novels (excellent)...moving on to the The Grail Quest trilogy (superb), then onto The Warlord Chronicles (superb +).....but this Saxon series (beginning with The Last Kingdom) tops them all.
  
  Who knows for sure what life was like in the middle ages, but Cornwell has an uncanny ability to take you back to the era he is writing about....and he convinces you that you have returned to the era in question. The historical and social backdrops to the key characters seem utterly authentic.
  
  In addition, the novels are filled with action (imagine Indiana Jones movies...but with 3 times the impression of realism).....how can so many fights happen in so few pages?....all seemingly totally appropriate and natural to the drama?
  
  The protagonists in these novels are not especially introspective or filled with self doubt. They are driven by oaths, honor, action, duty and revenge with limited interest in self doubt and self reflection....although characters like King Alfred demonstrate the emergence of the bane of modernity.....guilt, self doubt, ambivalence and neurosis.
  
  If you want Hamlet....forget these novels. If you yearn for an authentic, simpler and (perhaps) morally superior era....you'll get a kick out of these novels.
  
  
  
• when is the next installment coming out...
  By A1CV3P3463ARD6 on 2007-02-13
  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???
  
  
• Another wonderful Cornwell novel
  By AXMPMIPBKAJQS on 2007-02-19
  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.
  
  
• A Crack'n Good Yarn
  By AFMW2V3PPXQ8T on 2007-02-24
  Buy the book. You read Cornwell to be someone else, some place else. He does it again. Uthred is mellowing. Some nice twists. Not his best, but still very good. It's the type of crack'n good yarn that's hard to find any more.
  
  
• Gripping, pro-pagan historical fiction
  By A3K7B474OJS7AT on 2007-06-09
  In his long string of historical novels, set in various eras, Cornwell really delivers his best in this series set in the time of King Alfred the Great, along with his earlier trilogy about Arthur's time (The Winter King, Enemy of God, & Excalibur). Characters, major to minor, are well-drawn; historical detail is rendered with minimal anachronism; and the plot and action are gripping.
  
  One recurring theme in both the Saxon Chronicles and the Arthur trilogy should be mentioned: the author's unrelenting hostility to Christianity. In Cornwell's 5th and 9th century England alike, priests and bishops are liabilities crippling the efforts of good rulers to bring peace and security to their subjects. Corrupt and duplicitous when not fanatical, the clerics of the early church (as portrayed by Cornwell) come off poorly by comparison with the more honorable pagan warriors at the center of these narratives. Some readers should be prepared to have their faith challenged.
  
  
• The Best of Uhtred's Saga, Not to be missed
  By A1MH33A7W3ED39 on 2007-08-11
  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.
  
  
• Excellent Book
  By A1D614RB7A6665 on 2007-02-22
  I'm a total Cornwell fan. I've read almost every book that he has published, and this one did not disappoint. This is an excellent continuance of Uthred's journey. I highly recommend!
  
  
• Another winner for Bernard Cornwell
  By A1OGNG52NX8KZ2 on 2007-03-08
  The third installment of the saxon series continues the saga at the same high level as the previous books. This fiction is a first person narrative of a man who helped shape the creation of the English nation.
  
  
• Simply good
  By AQDU6EACJKBI2 on 2007-03-12
  3rd installemt in Saxon series is as good as the 1st two. Cornwell paints the picture of 9th century England in a brisk and refreshing fashion using his protagonist as the 1st person narrator. The story is already well established, and although we know what happened to Saxon England based on historicals, I am still yearning to find out the conclusion to king's and fictional characters fortunes. Make suer to read all 3 novels before the next chapter of Saxon adventures apparantly coming Fall of this year.
  
  
• Cornwell leaps high with historical fiction
  By A2XCM3TUQ0FWXI on 2007-03-12
  There's simply not a better historical fiction writer than Cornwell. The main character of this series, Uhtred, gets taken to a whole new level as well as we see his already bad-ss character develop further in this area as well as one more of compassion. I can't wait 'til the fourth book. This one blew me away.
  
  
• Good, but not maintaining the level
  By A1RNS9XJOHEBP on 2007-03-13
  Crornwell is my favorite author of historical fiction. I've read several of his novels from the "Sharpe" and "Grail Quest" series, as well as the earlier two novels in his "Saxon" series, so I was eager to snatch up "Lords of the North."
  
  It's not a bad read, and I will certainly read the next installment, but in my opinion "Lords of the North" is not of the same caliber as either "The Last Kingdom" or "The Pale Horseman". In particular, the novel suffers from some heavy-handed deus ex machina. Also, the reader is treated to POV of the protagonist as an elderly, apparently wealthy man, reminiscing about the "current" events in the novel. It's not that I expect Cornwell to kill off the character, but these passages are a bit deflating to the narrative.
  
  I'd strongly recommend reading the first two novels in the series before reading "Lords of the North".
  
  
• Cornwell keeps on doing it
  By A28PMYLSNE0W4L on 2007-03-31
  I did not think Cornwell could equal his Sharpe series with this new series set in Saxon Britain. To my surprise, this new series keeps getting better. Its hero, a Saxon nobleman raised by the Vikings, resembles Sharpe in his military prowess, suspicion of authority and general likeability. Lords of the North has it all: the hero is compelling, the plot is exciting and the book features Cornwell's trademark battles and victories against all odds. If you like the Sharpe series, you'll like this book.
  
  
• A tale of the Dane and Saxon battles
  By A2F6N60Z96CAJI on 2007-05-30
  Recently, The New York Times had a long editorial excoriating President Bush over the treatment of al-Qaeda and Taliban prisoners in the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. If you didn't read this particular piece, odds are you've seen something similar: calls to close Guantanamo, end the military tribunals, provide free legal counsel for detainees, and so on. Basically, it's a call to apply a set of rules to detainees --- the rules of the Geneva Convention and the Constitutional rules regarding the right to counsel and the right against self-incrimination. No matter which rules you think are appropriate, nearly everyone agrees that there must be certain regulations that govern how prisoners are treated.
  
  In the ninth-century world of Bernard Cornwell's LORDS OF THE NORTH, this is how it works. You have a ring of people carrying branches from a hazel tree, which provide the same function as ropes in a boxing ring. You take your prisoner, give him a sword and match him up against the best fighter from the victorious side. And only one of the two men is coming out of the ring alive. Those are the rules. Actually, it's a good deal --- because the alternatives include hanging and roasting to death. If you're a Viking captured in battle, there are worse ways to lose your life than with a sword in your hand --- at least that way you get to feast in the mead-halls of Valhalla instead of spending eternity at what Cornwell calls the "corpse-hall," which sounds much less fun than even Guantanamo.
  
  LORDS OF THE NORTH is the third in a series of books (THE LAST KINGDOM and THE PALE HORSEMAN) about the battles between the Danes and the Saxons in the kingdom of Alfred the Great. The novels follow Uhtred, a Saxon by birth but a Dane by philosophy and inclination, as he plays off both sides to get what he wants --- riches, fame, women, and most importantly, revenge. Here, Uhtred leaves Alfred's southern kingdom in search of adventure. (The first two installments featured Alfred prominently; he's only a supporting character here, which is good because he comes off as a bit of a pill.)
  
  Uhtred's glory-road leads to the northeast corner of England, where he hopes to face old enemies Kjartan the Cruel and Sven the One-Eyed. His long-term goal is to regain the fortress of Bebbanburg, where his father once ruled, but revenge is also on his mind. He finds his enemies without too much trouble, but accidentally manages to liberate a slave named Guthred, who turns out to be the rightful king of Northumbria. With the fervent backing of the Church, Guthred takes command, raises an army under the banner of Saint Cuthbert, and sets himself against the Danish warlords who threaten the peace.
  
  LORDS OF THE NORTH is striking in that it manages to display even more ruthlessness and treachery than the previous entries in the series, not to mention one stunning, unexpected plot twist. But Uhtred is up to the task; he returns to the North to settle accounts and take his long-delayed revenge at last, in the shield-wall.
  
  Cornwell's masterful touch in describing wars and warriors has not deserted him here, and the final battle is as satisfying as it is barbaric and bloody. Uhtred's tale is grim, blood-soaked and defiantly politically incorrect, but it is also rousing, stirring and even philosophical at times. Fate, we're reminded over and over again, is inexorable. Should yours draw you to the shield-wall of the Vikings, you'll have no better guide than Bernard Cornwell.
  
  --- Reviewed by Curtis Edmonds
  
  
• Another great book in a fun, fast-paced series
  By A2A1JIUOZJKWR on 2007-08-02
  Lords of the North is the third volume of Bernard Cornwell's "Saxon Tales", set in ninth-century England, and is every bit as enjoyable as the preceding books in the series.
  
  In this entry, Uhtred goes north to settle a long-standing bloodfeud. With his customary flair for the dramatic, he disguises himself as the Dead Swordsman and heads toward Dunholm, the fortress of his enemy, Kjartan the Cruel. Along the way he frees a slave who turns out to be Guthred, king of Northumbria. Uhtred swears loyalty to Guthred and soon learns that, despite his congenial manner, Guthred will do whatever is necessary to preserve his kingdom.
  
  While Lords of the North does not deal with any significant historical event, it does have political intrigue, betrayal and lots of swordplay. As always, Cornwell's battle scenes are visceral. Having been bitten by a dog as a child, I found his descriptions of attacking dogs particularly unsettling.
  
  The book's main strength is Uhtred, an extremely likable and unexpectedly complex character. Born English, but raised by Danes, he is continually torn between his adopted people and his oath, given unwillingly, to King Alfred. Irreverent and insightful, Uhtred tells his story in the first person, describing moments of brutish violence and tender emotion with a slightly sardonic flair.
  
  I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the next installment in the series. Thank you, Mr. Cornwell, for helping me release my inner Valkyrie!
  
  
  
• NOOOO!!!!! 6 months wait for the next book. This was GREAT!
  By A3UT4044358ZEX on 2007-08-05
  Book three in the Saxon Chronicles is the best book by Bernard Cornwell that I have read. I had read his "Grail Quest Trilogy" before coming to this series, which I thought was a trilogy, but now know could go on much longer (it will be at least 4 books and I certainly hope for more).
  
  "Lords of the North" continues the fantastic, emotional tale of Uhtred, the fictional Saxon-born, Dane-adopted and raised warrior, that is fated to fight for England and a king that he does not like, Alfred.
  
  Uhtred lost his family when he was a boy and was adopted by a Danish Viking warrior, Earl Ragnar, who he loved as a father, and from whom he learned of the pagan deities, especially the spinners, the three mythical creatures that weave the fate of every man; hence his repeated statement through the entire series, "Fate is inexorable".
  
  Uhtred, after assisting Alfred the Great with the defense of Wessex against the Danes, marches north to regain his birthright which was taken by his uncle when Uhtred's birth father died in battle. But fate has other plans for Uhtred, including assisting another king, killing priests, killing Saxons, killing Danes, loving a woman who becomes a nun, loving another woman who is betrothed to another, betrayal, slavery and revenge. Not bad for six months in the life of a Saxon/Danish warrior in the ninth century.
  
  The author admits in his historical note at the end of the book that this tale is more fiction than fact, mainly because not much is known about the history of the Northumbria, the northern Saxon province. Using the name of the king, Guthred, and the characters he created in books 1 & 2,(which I highly recommend you read before coming to this; not because you need to in order to understand this book, but because the entire series is fabulous and why skip the salad and appetizer to get to the main course when the entire meal should be savored?) to weave a more fictional tale that is still most definitely anchored in fact, so far as the customs, trials, dangers, life, religions and battles would have been in the ninth century; that is to say that, despite the fact that none of the characters are real (except Guthred of whom not much is known) the entire story is told in accordance with the period and should be taken as an authentic description of fictional people. The world which Cornwell writes is wonderful, historically accurate and vivid.
  
  This book is the best of the "Saxon Chronicles" by far and I eagerly await the release of book 4, "Sword Song" which is slated for release early 2008.
  
  
• Good book, but predictable
  By A178JBE01Y33FJ on 2007-03-10
  This is a good book, not Cornwell's best, but good. If you like the previous two, you'll like this one.
  
  What kept it from getting 5 stars was the predictable nature. I'm not going to give details so I don't spoil things.
  
  
• Third Installment of a Thrilling Saga
  By A3M2TSAWWR1OXA on 2007-03-16
  This is the third book in the story of an English lord raised by vikings in the late tenth century. It is somewhat akin to 'Goodfellas" set 1100 years earlier. Compelling characters, fascinating plot, lots of action and excitement, and even a little educational. You should start with The Last Kingdom, and once you do start it's hard to stop until you've read all three volumes. I suspect that men will probably enjoy the stories more than women, since they're heavy on violence and action and short on mystery and romance.
  
  
• "I AM UHTRED!" The most compelling character ever created!
  By A33A483V2WA3VT on 2007-04-07
  I am in LOVE with Uhtred!
  
  He's the ultimate realist, the ultimate warrior, the ultimate Alpha Male, the ultimate loyal friend, and the ultimate hero.
  
  He's a devastating blend of Hamlet, Errol Flynn (as Captain Blood), and Aragorn, but smarter, more perceptive, and more resourceful than all of them put together. He also has more heart than any protagonist I've ever encountered.
  
  I am in love with Uhtred, and I'm in love with this series of books, every single one. I can't compare them because, to me, they are one long story with perfect continuity and a logical progression of characters and events, not three separate books.
  
  I can't wait for the next one!
  
  
  

• The Pale Horseman (The Saxon Chronicles Series #2)
• Sword Song (The Saxon Chronicles, Book 4)
• The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles Series #1)
• The Winter King (The Arthur Books #1)
• Enemy of God (The Arthur Books #2)