the last kingdom book 8

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The Last Kingdom Series

The Saxon Stories tell the tale of Alfred the Great and his descendants through the eyes of Uhtred, an English boy born into the aristocracy of ninth-century Northumbria, captured by the Danes and taught the Viking ways. To view an online map, click here

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War Lord ( 2020 )

The thirteenth book of The Last Kingdom series will be published in the UK on 15 October 2020 and in the US on 20 November 2020. An extract of the book is available below.

Sword Of Kings ( 2019 )

The 12th book of The Last Kingdom series will be published in the UK on 3 October 2019 and in the US on 26 November 2019.

War of the Wolf ( 2018 )

The Flame Bearer ( 2016 )

The tenth book of The Last Kingdom series on the making of England and the fate of Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

Warriors of the Storm ( 2015 )

Warriors of the Storm is the ninth book of the Warrior Chronicles/Saxon Stories.  Uhtred’s  struggle between family and loyalty, between oaths given and political demands, has no easy solution. And the clash between the Vikings and the Saxons will resound…

Novel Notions

Book review: the empty throne (the last kingdom, #8) by bernard cornwell, august 5, 2021 petrik leo comments 0 comment.

The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Last Kingdom (Book #8 of 13)

Genre: Historical fiction

Pages : 353 pages (Kindle edition)

Published: 23rd October 2014 by HarperCollins

The Empty Throne was an improvement over The Pagan Lord , and it somehow felt refreshing despite its formulaic structure.

“I wondered why the gods no longer came to earth. It would make belief so much easier.”

This is the eighth installment in The Last Kingdom series by Bernard Cornwell. This means that I’m fully caught up with the novels that have been adapted into the TV series adaptation. I was genuinely worried entering this book; The Pagan Lord was the weakest book of the series so far for me, and I was afraid that this would be even worse. Fortunately, this ended up being better. As I mentioned earlier, Cornwell still follows the formulaic structure of the entire series; if you’ve read two or four books of the series, you’ll know how the story goes. But in The Empty Throne , the prologue is told from a different perspective for the first time. And also, for almost the entirety of the novel, Uthred is heavily injured. Then there’s also the hunt for a “magic” sword. These brought a refreshing feeling to the narrative, and I was more engaged with it.

“We live in a world where the strongest win, and the strongest must expect to be disliked. Then I am a pagan, and thought Christians teach that they must love their enemies, few do.”

Uthred is not young anymore; he’s old now. The themes of faith, loyalty, life, legacies, death, and afterlife still dominate the series, maybe even more now. I will have to admit that every time I read a book in The Last Kingdom , the discussions on what’s going to happen to us after death made me worry. There’s a lot of food for thought, but more importantly, it also made me grateful for my life. My favorite element of the story in The Empty Throne , however, was seeing Uthred teaching Aethelstan the meaning of strength, responsibility, and what it takes to be a leader.

“You’re the son of a king… and one day you might be a king yourself. Life and death will be your gifts, so learn how to give them, boy.”

Admittedly, I didn’t like some of the character’s thoughts and decisions regarding their daughters, especially with Uthred and Aethelflaed. But I have to remember, these characters were living in a totally different time in history than us. These actions may have been born more out of necessity than wants, and it’s not always an easy decision.

“It takes a weak man to prove his strength by striking a woman.”

The Empty Throne was a great read; the plot mostly revolved around a political dispute, and it was handled incredibly well. Although Cornwell’s iconic battle sequences were mostly missing in this volume, the tensions and character developments were still evident. I’m moving into uncharted territory now. I’ve heard that the final five books in the series contained some of the best volumes within the series. I’m looking forward to reading Warriors of the Storm soon.

“Pride, I suppose, is the most treacherous of virtues. The Christians call it a sin, but no poet sings of men who have no pride. Christian says the meek will inherit the earth, but the meek inspire no songs.”

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Your Books in Order

The Last Kingdom Books in Order: How to read Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Tales series?

Previously known as ‘The Warrior Chronicles/Saxon Stories’, The Last Kingdom Series is the tale of Alfred the Great and his descendants through the eyes of Uhtred Ragnarson. More precisely, written by Bernard Cornwell , this series chronicles the emergence of England as a nation on the island of Britain from the actions of King Alfred of Wessex.

If the big events are historically accurate, the story centers on Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a fictional character born to a Saxon lord in Northumbria, but captured and adopted by the Danes. A few years later, his family has been killed by a rival Danes, and Uhtred allies himself with Alfred to win back what’s rightfully his. Destiny is all!

How to read The Last Kingdom Series in order?

The Last Kingdom story is told in chronological order, you can still pick up a novel at random and read a full story with a beginning and an end, but it’s better to start from the first one to understand the main character.

• The Last Kingdom – Uhtred is a dispossessed nobleman who is captured as a child by the Danes and almost thinks of himself as a Dane. He has no love for Alfred, yet when the king of Wessex unexpectedly defeats the Danes, Uhtred is forced to choose sides. Trained to fight and ready to take his place in the shield wall, he mostly wishes to recover his father’s land, the enchanting fort of Bebbanburg by the wild northern sea.
• The Pale Horseman – The Danes had been defeated at Cynuit, but the triumph of the English is not fated to last long. The Danish Vikings quickly invade and occupy three of England’s four kingdoms – and all that remains of the once-proud country is a small piece of marshland, where Alfred and his family live with a few soldiers and retainers, including Uhtred, the dispossessed English nobleman who was raised by the Danes.
• The Lords of the North – After achieving victory at King Alfred’s side, Uhtred of Bebbanburg is returning to his home in the North, finally free of his allegiance to the King. An encounter with a vicious slave trader introduces Uhtred to Guthred, the self-proclaimed King of Northumbria. Curious about Guthred’s astounding claim, Uhtred follows him north.

• Sword Song – England is at peace, divided between the Danish kingdom to the north and the Saxon kingdom of Wessex in the south. Uhtred has finally settled down. He has land, a wife and two children, and a duty given to him by King Alfred to hold the frontier on the Thames. But then trouble stirs, new Vikings have arrived to occupy the decayed Roman city of London. Their dream is to conquer Wessex, and to do it they need Uhtred’s help.
• The Burning Land – King Alfred of Wessex is in ill health. His enemy having failed to conquer Wessex, now see their chance for victory. Led by the sword of savage warrior Harald Bloodhair, the Viking hordes attack. But Uhtred proves his worth, outwitting Harald and handing the Vikings one of their greatest defeats.
• Death of Kings – England is perched once more on the brink of chaos. King Alfred is dying; with his passing, the island of Britain seems doomed to renewed warfare. Alfred wants his son Edward to succeed him, but there are other Saxon claimants to the throne – as well as ambitious pagan Vikings to the north. With the promise of battle looming again, Uhtred is torn between competing loyalties.

• The Pagan Lord – Alfred the Great is dead and his son Edward reigns as king. Wessex survives but peace cannot hold: the Danes in the north, led by Viking Cnut Longsword, stand ready to invade and will never rest until the emerald crown is theirs. Uhtred must lead a band of outcasts north to recapture his old family home, the impregnable Northumbrian fortress Bebbanburg.
• The Empty Throne – When Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, dies, he leaves no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Æthelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Æethelred. 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.
• Warriors of the Storm – A fragile peace reigns in Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia. King Alfred’s son Edward and formidable daughter, Aethelflaed, rule the kingdoms. But all around the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids. Uhtred of Bebbanburg controls northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of Chester. But forces are gathering against him.

• The Flame Bearer – Northumbria’s Viking ruler, Sigtryggr, and Mercia’s Saxon Queen Aethelflaed have agreed on a truce. And Uhtred of Bebbanburg has the chance to take back the home his traitorous uncle stole from him so many years ago – and which his scheming cousin still occupies. But fate is inexorable and the enemies Uhtred has made and the oaths he has sworn combine to distract him from his dream of recapturing Bebbanburg. New enemies enter into the fight for England’s kingdoms
• War of the Wolf – While Uhtred might have regained his family’s fortress, it seems that a peaceful life is not to be – as he is under threat from both an old enemy and a new foe. The old enemy comes from Wessex where a dynastic struggle will determine who will be the next king. And the new foe is Sköll, a Norseman, whose ambition is to be King of Northumbria and who leads a frightening army of wolf-warriors, men who fight half-crazed in the belief that they are indeed wolves.
• Sword of Kings – It is a time of political turmoil once more as the fading King Edward begins to lose control over his successors and their supporters. There are two potential heirs-possibly more-and doubt over whether the once separate states of Wessex and Mercia will hold together. Despite attempts at pulling him into the political fray, Uhtred of Bebbanburg cares solely about his beloved Northumbria. But an oath is a strong, almost sacred commitment and such a promise had been exchanged between Uhtred and Aethelstan, his onetime companion in arms and now a potential king.

• War Lord – The epic conclusion. England is under attack. Chaos reigns. Northumbria, the last kingdom, is threatened by armies from all sides, by land and sea – and only one man stands in their way. Torn between loyalty and sworn oaths, the warrior king Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg faces his greatest ever battle – and prepares for his ultimate fate…

Destiny is all!

• Uhtred’s Feast – The final Last Kingdom book was published in 2020, but for the author the story felt unfinished: there were some Uhtred tales he still wanted to tell, and throughout writing the books he’d become fascinated by some elements of the Anglo-Saxon world that it wasn’t possible to fully explore in the novels. When he met renowned chef Suzanne Pollak, the idea for Uhtred’s Feast was born. And here Bernard Cornwell tells those additional Uhtred stories, showing us the man behind the shield – as a young boy, as Alfred’s advisor, and as prince – while Suzanne brings his world to life through beautifully crafted recipes that open a door into the Anglo-Saxon home . . .

If you like The Last Kingdom reading order, you may want to take a look at the other famous historical series from Bernard Cornwell, the popular Richard Sharpe series .

An avid reader who likes order! Read a lot of Sci-Fi, but also hardboiled fiction, and non-fiction (mostly about the history of cinema). My favorite authors are John Wyndham, Arthur C. Clarke, Grant Morrison, Susanna Clarke, Ross MacDonald, Ed Brubaker, Matt Wagner, and Jason Pargin.

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The Complete List of the Last Kingdom Books in Order

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It’s indeed enthralling to read historical fiction which involves the era of several kingdoms fighting against each other, the aura of the kings and queens, the battle scenes, the royalty, etc.

I always get excited to read this genre, and one book series I love is The Last Kingdom, a historical fiction written by Bernard Cornwell. The book series has gained immense popularity and is also adapted as a Netflix series.

I will give you the complete list of the Last Kingdom Books in Order in this article. I have also included a brief description of each book under the series, so you can get the overview before proceeding with the read. Let’s get started, shall we?

Table of Contents

Who is Bernard Cornwell?

Bernard Cornwell was born in the year 1944 in London. Bernard’s mother was a Women’s Auxiliary Air Force member, and his father was a Canadian Airman. A religious family later adopted him, and after leaving them, he changed his name to Cornwell, his birth mother’s maiden name.

Bernard completed his studies at the University of London, worked as a teacher, and joined BBC Television. After marrying an American, he moved to the United States but could not receive a green card; hence chose the writing career as it did not require any work permit. His first novel was about a British soldier named Richard Sharpe .

Bernard Cornwell’s Last Kingdom Books In Order

The last kingdom series in reading and publication order.

The Last Kingdom series was published in 2004 and was originally known as The Saxon Stories. The popular book series also has a Netflix adaptation.

The main protagonist of this series is Uthred, who is inspired by the real-life historical figure Uthred the Bold. Cornwell is known to be the descendant of this historical figure.

The protagonist Uthred was born in Northumbria to a Saxon Lord but was captured by the Danes as a child. The Danes raised him as their own.

In the book, Danes invade all the English kingdoms except the Wessex kingdom. The series is based on the ninth and tenth centuries and focuses on the conflicts between the Danes and other kingdoms. In between the war, Uthred faces many challenges, and his loyalties are questioned.

This series is truly incredible, with all the battle scenes and many other incidents throughout creating an unforgettable experience for the readers.

The Last Kingdom series has a total of 13 books, and it is recommended to read the books in their reading and publication order. Choosing any random book from the series is not advised, as they all are interconnected, and you won’t be able to follow the whole story.

I have listed all the books in the series in their reading and publication order, along with a brief description. You can check it out to get an overview of the series.

1. The Last Kingdom (2004)

The Last Kingdom is the first book of the series, where we are introduced to Uthred and other impactful characters.

At age ten, Uthred, the Saxon prince, was captured by the Danes during the battle when the Kingdom was at war. Uthred was raised as one of them and now is turned into a young man trained to fight when required.

We learn that the Danes have invaded all the kingdoms except the Kingdom of Wessex. Later the King of Wessex, Alfred the Great, defeats the Danes, which Uthred finds hard to believe because he has always seen Alfred as a weakling. But after this unexpected defeat, the Danes turn their backs on Uthred, questioning his loyalty. Now unwillingly, he must choose sides. Which side will Uthred choose?

2. The Pale Horseman (2005)

In the previous book, the Danes were defeated at Cynuit. But this defeat quickly turned into a victory because, not long after, they invaded and captured three kingdoms of England out of four.

After this invasion, King Alfred, his family, a few loyal soldiers, and, surprisingly, due to unforeseen circumstances, also Uthred are in hiding. After he was captured, he saw himself as a part of the Danes and always wished to fight for them in battle.

But the entry of a powerful sorceress in his life, Iseult, and the recent changes lead his feelings in a different direction. Surprisingly Uthred discovers a newfound love and loyalty toward his kingdom and the king.

3. Lords of the North (2006)

It is year 878, and there is no invasion of the Vikings in the Kingdom of Wessex. According to the events in The Pale Horseman, Uthred helped King Alfred win the battle against the Vikings. But witnessing the king’s lack of generosity, he flees Wessex and heads toward north.

He wants to take revenge for the murder of his foster father and also to rescue his stepsister, who is captured. The north is in chaos, and if Uthred wants to win this battle, his best hope is his sword. But he will also need an army of warriors to get revenge and fulfill his rescue plan. With so many obstacles along the way, it will be a challenging ride for Uthred throughout.

4. Sword Song (2007)

It’s the year 885, and England is divided but living peacefully. The country is divided between the north, where the Danish Kingdom resides, and the south, where there is the Saxon Kingdom of Wessex.

The dispossessed son of a Northumbrian Lord, Uthred, now lives with his wife and children in his own land. King Alfred has given him the duty to hold the frontier on the Thames.

On the other hand, the peace of England is in danger when a dead man rises, and a new Viking army marches to invade the Roman city of London and is also coming to capture Wessex. But they will need Uthred’s help to do so, but the question is will Uthred will be willing to help the Vikings, or he will choose King Alfred and his country.

5. The Burning Land (2009)

In this book, we learn that King Alfred is severely ill, and his son is an untested youth. The Danish Kingdom was quiet for so long, but now have a powerful warrior Harald Bloodhair to attack the Kingdom of Wessex again. But history repeats itself, and Uthred defeats the Danes again, saving King Alfred’s kingdom.

But due to some circumstances, Uthred vows never to fight for Wessex again and separates himself from the king. Joining the Vikings, he teams up with Ragnar, his old friend, and Haesten, his old foe, to invade the Kingdom of Wessex. But destiny has different plans and takes him to a battle filled with blood and brutality.

6. Death of Kings (2011)

King Alfred’s health has worsened, and the throne is severely threatened. According to the King’s wish, Alfred’s son, Edward, should be the successor. But other Saxons are also willing to claim the throne, and not to forget the Vikings of the north eagerly waiting to invade the Kingdom.

Uthred is in a difficult situation because he has vowed his loyalty to the king but later concludes that the king is dying and he is not answerable to his son. He wants to claim his lost lands and the north. But with the king’s ill health, Uthred is bound to make a decision that will result in the future of England. Will he defend the dream of Alfred of a united England, or will he prioritize his own wishes?

7. The Pagan Lord (2013)

King Alfred is dead, and his son Edward is the ruler of the Wessex kingdom. But the Danes are still not ready to relinquish the Wessex throne. The Viking ruler Cnut Longsword is planning to invade Wessex again with his army, as they will not rest until the crown is in their hands.

On the other hand, Uthred is not bound to any oath with the new king. He is on a mission to recapture the Northumbrian fortress Bebbanburg, his old family home.

Everybody will witness the deadliest battle, including the Danes and the kingdoms of England, where loyalties will falter, blood will be shed, and the nation’s fate might change.

8. The Empty Throne (2014)

The Danes are still unable to take over the kingdom of Wessex, and the threat from the North is still lurking around the kingdom.

On the other hand, the ruler of Mercia, Aethelred, is on the verge of death with no heir as a successor to the throne. King Edward’s sister and the widow of Aethelred, named Athelflaed, is respected and adored, possessing the abilities of a leader. But the real question is, will the Saxons accept a woman ruler?

The Viking warrior and Saxon-born man, Uthred, is injured and healing from the wounds received in a battle. The only way to regain his strength is to find the sword that caused his wounds, but how will he get a hold of the weapon when the battle is long over?

9. Warriors of the Storm (2015)

The kingdoms of England aren’t as peaceful as they might seem from the outside. Edward is ruling the kingdom of Wessex, and his sister Aethelflaed is the ruler of Mercia. Uthred controls the north and carries his operations from the fortified city of Chester.

A big storm is coming to break the so-called peace within these kingdoms. The Northmen, an alliance of the Irish, barge into the kingdoms during the nighttime, led by the Viking warrior Ragnall Iverson, a ruthless leader and fighter.

Ragnall’s brother is the husband of Uthred’s daughter; hence he is torn between family and loyalties. But Uthred will not allow the kingdoms to collapse and will achieve his dream of claiming Northumbria, no matter what it takes.

10. The Flame Bearer (2016)

After the battle from the last book, Northumbria is ruled by Uthred’s son-in-law Sigtryggr who has mutually made a truce with the Queen of Mercia, Aethelflaed.

With no war forthcoming, Uthred can finally reclaim his ancestral family home of Bebbanburg. The ancestral home that his uncle stole from him and is still holding onto.

But the peace is soon disrupted when enemies attack from both sides, the north and south. If Uthred wishes to claim his old family home, he must fight with the enemies and defeat them to bring everything back to normal. Will Uthred be able to win back his rightful property this time?

11. War of the Wolf (2018)

Uthred has finally regained his ancestral home but are things peaceful? Well, no, it’s not making Uthred believe that his life is cursed.

This time Uthred has to face a new as well as an old enemy. The new foe is a Norseman, Sköll, and he is on a mission to capture Northumbria and sit on the throne. He leads an army of wolf warriors, people who believe they are half wolves and fight like these ruthless creatures.

And the old enemy belongs from Wessex, where again, the power to the throne is in question. Uthred must fight both enemies together.

12. Sword of Kings (2019)

Not so surprisingly, the Vikings and the Saxons are in a war to claim the territories. And King Edward is on the verge of losing his authority over his successors. Two potential heirs are on the line, and only one will be chosen.

On the other hand, Uthred has pulled himself out from the matters of the Saxons and is focused on protecting his place. But his oath will lead him along with his warriors toward the south.

13. War Lord (2020)

War Lord is the final book, marking the conclusion of the Last Kingdom series.

Uthred wants to live normally with his loyal warriors by his side and a new woman in his life. But his wish is not granted because war is raging outside his household.

King Aethelstan, the Scots, the Northmen, and the Irish are making alliances and initiating a war against each other. Uthred is either receiving bribes or threats from all sides. Now he must decide if he will get involved in the war, stay out of it, or fate will bring something else on his plate.

Bernard Cornwell has given us a fantastic historical book series. The Last Kingdom, with scenes of battlegrounds, bloodshed, changed loyalties, and much more, takes us on a thrilling ride to an era where the war between kingdoms for power used to be brutal and unforgettable.

I hope you liked this article, “Complete List of the Last Kingdom Books in Order.” I am sure you are intrigued after reading this post and willing to try this book series.

Or have you already started or finished reading this series? If you have, do share your favorite books and characters from the series in the comment box below. I will love to read them.

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The Last Kingdom Books in Order (13 Book Series)

The Last Kingdom is a series of 13 books written by Bernard Cornwell. Here, you can see them all in order! (plus the year each book was published)

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

• The Last Kingdom Books in Order

The Last Kingdom

The last kingdom, book 1.

Bernard Cornwell

The Pale Horseman

The last kingdom, book 2.

Lords of the North

The last kingdom, book 3.

The Last Kingdom, Book 4

The Burning Land

The last kingdom, book 5.

Death of Kings

The last kingdom, book 6.

The Pagan Lord

The last kingdom, book 7.

The Empty Throne

The last kingdom, book 8.

Warriors of the Storm

The last kingdom, book 9.

The Flame Bearer

The last kingdom, book 10.

War of the Wolf

The last kingdom, book 11.

Sword of Kings

The last kingdom, book 12.

The Last Kingdom, Book 13

Can you list the last kingdom books in order, including all titles by bernard cornwell.

Absolutely. The Last Kingdom series, often referred to as the Saxon Tales, follows the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg throughout medieval England. The novels must be read in the following order for the best experience: 1. The Last Kingdom, 2. The Pale Horseman, 3. The Lords of the North, 4. Sword Song, 5. The Burning Land, 6. Death of Kings, 7. The Pagan Lord, 8. The Empty Throne, 9. Warriors of the Storm, 10. The Flame Bearer, 11. War of the Wolf, 12. Sword of Kings, and 13. War Lord. You'll find these historical fiction masterpieces, top picks rich in details of Saxon England, on our site linked to their respective Amazon pages provided by various publishers.

What is the proper order for the Last Kingdom series featuring Uhtred?

To follow Uhtred's journey accurately in the series, you should begin with 'The Last Kingdom' and proceed chronologically through the 13 novels Bernard Cornwell has penned for the Saxon Tales series. Each book builds on the preceding events, so reading them in the last kingdom series order is highly recommended to ensure continuity and full enjoyment of Uhtred's adventures.

Can you provide the last kingdom series order along with the books in order by Bernard Cornwell for new readers interested in Uhtred’s story?

For new enthusiasts, beginning with the books in order of the last kingdom series is essential to fully grasp the grand tale of Uhtred and his exploits in Saxon England as envisioned by Bernard Cornwell. The comprehensive list to follow starts with the inaugural book, 'The Last Kingdom', and continues through to the 13th novel, 'War Lord'.

Are there any other stories related to the Last Kingdom books by Bernard Cornwell?

While the main Last Kingdom series comprises 13 novels focused around Uhtred's life, Bernard Cornwell, the author, has not published offshoots or separate stories within the same universe. However, he has written other historical fiction series, such as the Sharpe series, which are also well received and can be found on our site.

What kind of reading experience can I expect from Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom series?

The Last Kingdom series offers gripping historical fiction intertwined with action, drama, and complex characters, especially the protagonist Uhtred. The novels give readers an immersive experience in Saxon-era England, with meticulous attention to historical details that have garnered high reviews. Whether you enjoy physical books, editions for your e-reader, or audiobooks for on-the-go listening, this series promises an enthralling read backed by an author renowned for captivating storytelling.

In which period is the last kingdom books by Cornwell set?

Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom series is set during the 9th and 10th centuries in England, a time of turmoil when the Viking invasions were rampant. The storyline follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who navigates the turbulent era, especially the struggle for control of Wessex, the last of the seven Saxon kingdoms, under the rule of King Alfred.

How does the TV show relate to the Last Kingdom books featuring Bernard Uhtred as the protagonist?

The TV show "The Last Kingdom" is a dramatic adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's novels. While the show follows the main storylines from the books, there are some differences in how events unfold. For those who have enjoyed the TV series, reading the books will offer a deeper understanding of the characters, especially Uhtred's inner thoughts, and more detailed historical context that can only be captured in writing.

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The Last Kingdom Books In Order (Full List)

The Last Kingdom is a series of 13 books by Bernard Cornwell. The first book published in the series is The Last Kingdom in 2004. Here is a complete list of The Last Kingdom books in order.

Last update: January 11, 2024

1. The Last Kingdom (2004)

In Bernard Cornwell's gripping historical fiction, "The Last Kingdom," a young warrior is torn between his Saxon roots and Danish captors as he navigates treacherous battles and political intrigues, painting a vivid portrait of 9th century England in turmoil.

• 📇 333 Pages
• 📝 83,250 - 99,900 Word Count
• ⏱️ 11 Hours Reading Time
• Read Amazon Reviews →

2. The Pale Horseman (2006)

In "The Pale Horseman" by Bernard Cornwell, the gripping sequel to "The Last Kingdom," Uhtred of Bebbanburg finds himself at another turning point in his destiny as he battles for Saxon England against Viking invaders. Epic battles, political intrigue, and unyielding loyalties await in this enthralling historical fiction

• 📇 349 Pages
• 📝 87,250 - 104,700 Word Count
• ⏱️ 12 Hours Reading Time

3. Lords Of The North (2007)

"Lords of the North" by Bernard Cornwell is a gripping historical fiction novel set in 9th century England. Filled with ruthless battles, political intrigues, and a complex hero, this epic tale explores the struggle for power and survival in a tumultuous time.

• 📇 317 Pages
• 📝 79,250 - 95,100 Word Count

4. Sword Song (2007)

In Bernard Cornwell's gripping novel, Sword Song, Uhtred of Bebbanburg once again finds himself embroiled in the intense web of politics and war as he fights to reclaim his ancestral lands amidst the turmoil of 9th century England. A thrilling adventure of loyalty, betrayal, and the pursuit of power.

• 📇 336 Pages
• 📝 84,000 - 100,800 Word Count

5. The Burning Land (2009)

In "The Burning Land" by Bernard Cornwell, the world of ninth-century England ignites with unyielding battles for power, honor, and survival. Uhtred of Bebbanburg must navigate treacherous politics and brutal warfare as he fights to reclaim his ancestral home. A thrilling saga of loyalty, vengeance, and destiny awaits.

6. Death Of Kings (2011)

In Death Of Kings, Bernard Cornwell unleashes his formidable storytelling prowess to transport readers to the tumultuous world of ninth-century England, as Uhtred of Bebbanburg navigates treacherous politics, blood-soaked battles, and personal vendettas in his relentless pursuit of power and revenge.

• 📇 335 Pages
• 📝 83,750 - 100,500 Word Count

7. The Pagan Lord (2013)

In "The Pagan Lord" by Bernard Cornwell, Uhtred of Bebbanburg returns for another thrilling adventure as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of 10th century England. With his fierce determination and warrior skills, Uhtred must defend his ancestral lands and face his greatest enemies to reclaim his birthright.

• 📇 303 Pages
• 📝 75,750 - 90,900 Word Count
• ⏱️ 10 Hours Reading Time

8. The Empty Throne (2014)

In "The Empty Throne" by Bernard Cornwell, the master of historical fiction, rivalries and power struggles ignite in 10th century England as King Alfred's death leaves the throne vacant and his nation vulnerable to treachery and invaders. A gripping tale of loyalty, warfare, and political intrigue.

• 📇 302 Pages
• 📝 75,500 - 90,600 Word Count

9. Warriors Of The Storm (2015)

"Bernard Cornwell's Warriors of the Storm takes readers on an exhilarating Viking adventure as Uhtred of Bebbanburg faces his toughest battle yet - against both old enemies and a new, ruthless conqueror. A thrilling blend of historical accuracy and breathtaking action."

• 📇 298 Pages
• 📝 74,500 - 89,400 Word Count

10. The Flame Bearer (2016)

In the heart-stopping conclusion to Bernard Cornwell's bestselling "The Last Kingdom" series, witness the thrilling saga of Uhtred of Bebbanburg as he faces his fiercest enemy yet and navigates the treacherous paths of loyalty, vengeance, and survival in ninth-century England.

• 📇 284 Pages
• 📝 71,000 - 85,200 Word Count
• ⏱️ 9 Hours Reading Time

11. War Of The Wolf (2018)

In Bernard Cornwell's epic tale, "War of the Wolf", the indomitable Uhtred of Bebbanburg returns at the helm of another thrilling adventure, as he battles enemies old and new, risking everything to protect his ancestral home and claim his rightful title.

• 📇 352 Pages
• 📝 88,000 - 105,600 Word Count

12. Sword Of Kings (2019)

In Bernard Cornwell's gripping historical fiction, "Sword of Kings," readers are transported to 10th century England as Uhtred of Bebbanburg embarks on a treacherous mission to regain his birthright, clashing with enemies and facing his inner conflicts along the way.

13. War Lord (2020)

War Lord, the thrilling conclusion to Bernard Cornwell's acclaimed Saxon Tales series, plunges readers back into the ruthless world of Uhtred of Bebbanburg. As he faces his greatest challenges yet, this epic historical fiction explores loyalty, war, and the will to claim ultimate power in a divided land.

All 13 Of Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom Books In Order

The Last Kingdom is an incredibly popular book series that was first written and published by Bernard Cornwell in 2004. Originally known as The Saxon Stories , since the release of the Netflix adaptation, the series has adopted that as the series name.

Due to the success of the Netflix adaptation, The Last Kingdom book series has seen a huge spike in popularity, and even though it was released quite a while ago now, new fans keep discovering the series every single day.

If you are interested in picking up The Last Kingdom series for yourself but you don’t know what order to read the books in, then you have come to the right place!

Not only are we going to show you the right order to read the books, but we are also going to give you a brief overview of each novel. So let’s get started!

About The Last Kingdom Book Series By Bernard Cornwell

The Last Kingdom book series by Bernard Cornwell is a historical novel series that is set in the 9th and 10th centuries and it documents the Birth of England through the eyes of Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

Uhtred, who is born to a Saxon lord in Northumbria is captured as a child by invading Danes and he is raised as one of their own. The inspiration for Uhtred’s character comes from the real-life historical figure Uhtred the Bold, of whom Cornwell is a descendant.

The story starts with all of England being invaded by the Danes, with only Wessex remaining as the last English Kingdom.

The King of Wessex, Alfred the Great, rallies his troops and begins a very long struggle to unite all the English-speaking kingdoms against the Danes. Uhtred, despite his differences, fights to make sure that Alfred’s dreams are met.

The series explores many themes such as manhood and coming of age, as the reader witnesses Uhtred grow from an inexperienced boy into a battle-hardened man, and the series also deals with the differences between the Christian and pagan cultures, and how Uhtred tries to balance the two in himself.

If you are a fan of relatively historically-accurate fiction, then you will love this series.

Bernard Cornwell has a great way of writing, especially battle scenes, and he thoroughly researches all the source material to create an immersive and full world, set in the late 9th and early 10th centuries.

The Last Kingdom Books In Order

The last kingdom.

The first book in the series, The Last Kingdom begins in England in the 9th century. The Danes are swiftly invading more and more of England, with only one kingdom remaining: Wessex.

The reader is then introduced to Uhtred, a young Saxon boy who is the second son of a Saxon Lord. After the Danes invade his ancestral home, they capture Uhtred and raise him as one of their own.

By the time Northmen begin their assault on Wessex, the last territory that England has that belongs to King Alfred, Uhtred almost considers himself to be a Dane rather than an Englishman.

He has absolutely no love for Alfred and thinks he is weak in comparison to the Danes. But when Alfred’s forces defeat the Danes and the Danes turn on Uhtred, he finally has to choose which side he is truly on.

At this point in his life, he is a young man, and he is in love, and more than anything, he wants to reclaim his father’s land – the mystical fort of Bebbanburg, which is next to the northern sea.

• Great world-building and descriptive writing.
• The writing style is similar to epic poetry and is done really well.
• Considering it is fiction, the historical aspects are very well-researched.
• The characters in the first book are a bit two-dimensional.

The Pale Horseman

Following the events of The Last Kingdom, Uhtred is bored with the peace between Alfred and the Danish king Guthrum.

He decides to go raiding in Cornwall and comes across a settlement that is ruled by the British king Peredur, and the king hires Uhtred and his men to fight an invading Danish force led by Svein of the White Horse.

However, Uhtred and Svein team up to kill Peredur, and invade his settlement, and Uhtred claims his wife, the shadow queen Iseult. While all of this is going on, a monk in Perdur’s court named Asser witnesses the betrayal and flees to Dyfed in Wealas.

Uhtred is summoned by The Witan to answer to King Alfred in Cippanhamm for his actions. He is accused of using the king’s ship to invade the settlement that was at peace with Wessex, which he found out from Asser.

He is also accused of things he didn’t do, and the only way to settle the issue is for Uhtred to fight to the death with warrior Steapa Snotor. The duel is cut short, and Uhtred and some other men must flee.

They eventually reach Athelney, and they discover that King Alfred is with them. Uhtred has no choice but to become Alfred’s bodyguard while they hide out in the swamp.

• Uhtred’s character is a lot more developed in this novel.
• The descriptions of the battles are top quality and very well done.
• A bit lackluster in comparison to the first book.

Lords Of The North

After the events of The Pale Horseman, the year is now 878. Uhtred has helped the Saxons of Wessex finally defeat the Danes, and he is finally free of his allegiance to the ungrateful King Alfred.

With no more debts to pay, Uhtred returns home to rescue his stepsister from the Kjartan the Cruel: a strong warrior who is living in the Danish stronghold of Dunholm.

Uhtred’s only hope of victory lies in his sword, Serpent-Breath, as his allies are few and far in between. He still has Hild, a Saxon nun who is fleeing from her calling, and Guthred, a slave who believes he is a king, but he needs more warriors on his side.

The North is a dangerous place, and there is chaos, fear, and betrayal awaiting the ragtag group of allies there. With nowhere else to turn, Uhtred has no choice but to reluctantly ask for help from the one person he doesn’t want it from – Alfred the Great.

• The novel really immerses you into the customs of the time period.
• The descriptions of the battles continue to be top quality in this novel. 
• The writing is a bit lazier than in the previous two installments.

The 4th book in the series, Sword Song takes place in the year 885 and England is at peace. The Danish Kingdom is located in the North, and the Saxon kingdom of Wessex is in the south.

Following the events of The Lords of the North, Uhtred has finally settled down. He now had land, a wife, and children and he is charged with the duty of holding the frontier on the Thames by King Alfred.

All is well until a dead man rises from the grave and a new band of Vikings have arrived to claim the ruined Roman City of London as their own. But in order to claim London, and all of Wessex, they will need Uhtred’s help.

Alfred, however, has other plans. He wants Uhtred to get rid of the Viking invaders and stop them from taking London. Uhtred must decide if his allegiances lay with the king, or if he is willing to side with the new Danes who occupy the land.

To make matters worse, Ætheleflæd – Alfred’s daughter, is newly married, and her very existence now threatens Alfred’s kingdom.

• The historical detail in this novel is fantastic.
• There are lots of well-developed characters introduced in this novel.
• The story and writing in this novel feel rushed in comparison to the previous entries.

The Burning Land

Following Sword Song, the series is now at the very end of the 9th century. King Alfred is in ill health and his heir is an untested youth.

The Danes have been unsuccessful in their attempts to conquer Wessex, but they have found new hope in the savage warrior Harald Bloodhair. Fired up, the Danes attack once more.

Uhtred battles with Harald and defeats him, reluctantly fighting once more for Alfred. But his years of fighting for the king have now come to an end. He breaks away from Alfred and joins with the Vikings, vowing never to aid the Wessex king again.

He allies with his old friend Ragnar and Haesten, and they aim to conquer Wessex themselves. Fate has a different plan though.

The Danes of East Anglia and the Vikings of Northumbria are planning to conquer all of Britain, which leads to Alfred’s daughter pleading with Uhtred to help her.

Unable to refuse her request, Uhtred makes a huge gamble and takes control of a very demolished Mercian army, which leads them to a bloodthirsty battle beside the Thames.

• The writing remains consistent and descriptive.
• The historical inaccuracies actually make the story better.
• The story is a bit repetitive and feels too similar to the first 4 books.

Death Of Kings

The 6th book in The Last Kingdom series, this book begins with Alfred in even poorer health than the last book. His one dream of a unified England is in danger and his whole kingdom is on the brink of chaos.

His son, Edward, is the rightful heir to the throne and has the strongest claim, but there are also Saxon claimants to the throne, as well as pagan Vikings in the north who want to claim it.

Uhtred is torn between the vows he has made to the ailing Alfred and his desire to reclaim his lost ancestral lands. He is duty-bound as the king’s warrior, but Alfred’s reign is coming to an end, and Uhtred has made no such vows to his son.

Even after many years of fighting for Alfred, Uhtred still loathes committing to the King’s dream of a united, Christian England. He now needs to make a huge decision, one that will transform his entire life and the course of history.

• The connection between this book and the previous installments is really well done. 
• The story and world-building remain very immersive and detailed.
• Uhtred is not as interesting or as developed in this book.

The Pagan Lord

As the 10th century approaches, the whole of England is in turmoil. Alfred the Great has finally passed on, and his son is now the king. Wessex has survived, but the peace cannot last.

Led by the Viking Cnut Longsword, the Danes in the north are ready to invade, and they will not rest until the crown is theirs. Uhtred was Alfred’s greatest warrior, but he has no favor or influence over the new king.

In this novel, he has to lead a group of outcasts to recapture his ancestral home – the great and mysterious Northumbrian fortress, Bebbanburg. On this quest, loyalties will be tested and divided and many men will fall.

Every Saxon kingdom will have to fight in the most gruesome war against the Danes, and the results of the war will decide the fate of England itself.

• This novel has the same feeling as some of the older entries in the series.
• Character development continues to stay strong in this book.
• The plot threads in the middle of the book are a bit slow.

The Empty Throne

In the early 10th Century, everything is changing in England. New raids are happening thanks to the Vikings in Ireland, and there is conflict and turmoil over the leadership in Mercia.

The younger generation is starting to take over from the nearly obsolete older generation. The ruler of Mercia, Æthelred, is in ill health and has no legitimate heir.

The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Athelflaed, the sister of King Edward of Wessex and widow of Aethelred. Athelflaed is loved and widely respected, but can the Saxons ever accept a woman as their ruler?

As the many rivals fight for the empty throne, there can only be one champion and hero in the end. Whoever comes out on top will decide the fate of England.

• This novel is quite unique because Uhtred is injured for most of it, relying on his mind a lot more.
• The story remains very well-written and engaging.
• Lots of character names (both male and female) are similar and it can get quite confusing.

Warriors Of The Storm

Following the events of The Empty Throne, there is a fragile peace between Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia.

Alfred’s son, Edward, and his daughter Aethelflaed rule the kingdoms, but all around them, the Northmen are restless and desperate to start raiding their wealthy churches and rich lands.

The kingdoms’ greatest warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg controls all of North Mercia from the extremely fortified city of Chester. But even he cannot stop the forces that are allied against him.

Led by Ragnall Ivarson, the Northmen and the Irish work together with the Northumbrians, and if they start an all-out war, they could very well be unstoppable.

Edward and Aethelflaed are reluctant to fight against them and leave the safety of their fortified lands, but as Uhtred’s daughter is married off to Ivarson’s brother, he doesn’t know who he can trust.

There will be no easy path on this journey, but a man with a warrior’s courage may be able to find the right way, and Uhtred may very well be that man.

• Uhtred is a lot older in this novel and has to think and act differently, which makes it interesting.
• The battle descriptions in this novel are fantastic.
• The ending is a bit disjointed in terms of writing.

The Flame Bearer

After everything that happened in Warriors of the Storm, England is once again in a state of uneasy peace. The Northumbrian Viking ruler Sigtryggr and Aethelflaed, the Mercian Saxon Queen have formed a truce.

With war no longer brewing, Uhtred is finally able to reclaim his ancestral home from his treacherous uncle who stole it from him many years ago – the ancestral home his uncle still has.

But reclaiming his home will not be easy, especially when his enemies have sworn oaths and conspired to keep him from completing his goal. Along with older foes, new enemies make their way into the fight.

The Constantin of Scotland takes advantage of an opportunity to lead his armies south, which threatens Britain’s uneasy peace once more.

Regardless of what is going on around him, Uhtred is determined to make sure that nothing gets in his way when he goes to reclaim his birthright.

• The conclusion of the novel is satisfying and worth the wait.
• The suspense building up to the climax is very well written.
• The story gets a bit boring halfway through.

War Of The Wolf

After a long battle and many years, Uhtred has finally reclaimed his ancestral home from his treacherous uncle. For a brief moment, he has a small measure of peace, but this peace cannot last.

Uhtred is under threat from old and new enemies alike- and the old enemies come from Wessex. The Saxon kingdom is going through an immense power struggle, one that will determine who shall be the next king.

The new enemy is Sköll – a Norseman who desires to be the King of Northumbria, and he leads a terrifying army of wolf-like warriors. In the tenth installment of The Last Kingdom, Uhtred returns for another battle, and another attempt to protect England.

• The descriptive writing is fantastic in this novel.
• The world-building continues to be solid and consistent.
• The story is starting to lose its momentum in this novel.

Sword Of Kings

In the penultimate novel in The Last Kingdom series of novels, England is thrown into political turmoil. King Edward is fading and beginning to lose control over his successors and supporters.

There are two heirs he must choose from, and there might even be more. Uhtred has tried to pull himself into the politics of the rest of the country, but all he cares about is his ancestral home Bebbanburg and of course, Northumbria.

But Uhtred has formed a strong oath with Aethelstan, who was once his companion, and he is now a potential king. This oath cannot be easily broken, and no matter how hard he tries to ignore it, Uhtred cannot escape it.

After vowing to stay out of the quarrels of the Anglo-Saxons, Uhtred finds himself and his lands under attack, and he becomes a leading supporter of one of the royal candidates. This leads him to travel south and battle once more for England’s fate.

• This book is easily read as a standalone novel.
• The style of writing is overall consistent and descriptive until the end.
• The writing quality drops towards the end of this book.

The final book in The Last Kingdom series, this novel documents the epic conclusion to the story of Uhtred and the kingdoms of England. England is once again under attack.

Northumbria is now the last kingdom that remains and it is threatened by armies on all sides… but one man stands in their way.

Torn between his loyalties and oaths he has sworn himself to, Uhtred of Bebbanburg faces the greatest battle of his lifetime, and this battle will determine not just the fate of England, but the fate of the man himself…

The final story in The Last Kingdom series gives the reader a fantastic conclusion to Uhtred’s life and makes for a brilliant conclusion to a well-beloved series.

• The final novel in the series remains exciting the whole way through.
• The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page.
• Uhtred is very old at this point, and some of his actions aren’t very believable.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! This is the correct order of The Last Kingdom series of novels, and if you want to enjoy the series for all its battles and excitement, this is the best order for you to read it in.

The story of Uhtred spans from the time he is a young boy all the way to when he becomes an old man, and you will go on a journey of war, betrayal, and conquest with him.

The Last Kingdom is considered to be one of the best historical fiction series out there, and you will feel very immersed in the story thanks to Bernard Cornwell’s descriptive and exciting style of writing.

If you haven’t read The Last Kingdom yet, then we definitely recommend it! You will love this series and everything it has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the last kingdom series.

There are 13 books in The Last Kingdom series and you can find them in order above.

Did Uhtred Exist In Real Life?

The character Uhtred did exist in real life, but the fictional version of him is quite different to the version you get in the novels.

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Last Kingdom (formerly Saxon Tales)

The last kingdom publisher's summary.

The first book in a brand-new series, The Last Kingdom is set in England during the reign of King Alfred.

Uhtred is an English boy, born into the aristocracy of ninth-century Northumbria. Orphaned at 10, he is captured and adopted by a Dane and taught the Viking ways. Yet Uhtred's fate is indissolubly bound up with Alfred, King of Wessex, who rules over the only English kingdom to survive the Danish assault.

The struggle between the English and the Danes and the strife between christianity and paganism is the background to Uhtred's growing up. He is left uncertain of his loyalties but a slaughter in a winter dawn propels him to the English side and he will become a man just as the Danes launch their fiercest attack yet on Alfred's kingdom. Marriage ties him further still to the West Saxon cause but when his wife and child vanish in the chaos of the Danish invasion, Uhtred is driven to face the greatest of the Viking chieftains in a battle beside the sea. There, in the horror of the shield-wall, he discovers his true allegiance.

The Last Kingdom , like most of Bernard Cornwell's books, is firmly based on true history. It is the first novel of a series that will tell the tale of Alfred the Great and his descendants and of the enemies they faced, Viking warriors like Ivar the Boneless and his feared brother, Ubba. Against their lives Bernard Cornwell has woven a story of divided loyalties, reluctant love, and desperate heroism. In Uhtred, he has created one of his most interesting and heroic characters and in The Last Kingdom one of his most powerful and passionate novels.

You're getting a free audiobook.

The Last Kingdom

• The Last Kingdom Series, Book 1
• By: Bernard Cornwell
• Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
• Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 193
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 173
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 173

The first book in a brand-new series, The Last Kingdom is set in England during the reign of King Alfred. Uhtred is an English boy, born into the aristocracy of ninth-century Northumbria. Orphaned at 10, he is captured and adopted by a Dane and taught the Viking ways. Yet Uhtred's fate is indissolubly bound up with Alfred, King of Wessex, who rules over the only English kingdom to survive the Danish assault. The struggle between the English and the Danes and the strife between christianity and paganism is the background to Uhtred's growing up.

• 4 out of 5 stars

New threads in an old, accurate tapestry

• By Stephen on 05-05-16
• Release date: 05-01-14
• Language: English
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 193 ratings

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• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 9,814
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 8,867
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 8,816

The story is seen through the eyes of Uhtred, a dispossessed nobleman, who is captured as a child by the Danes and then raised by them so that, by the time the Northmen begin their assault on Wessex, Alfred's kingdom and the last territory in English hands, Uhtred almost thinks of himself as a Dane.

• 5 out of 5 stars

Great series of books

• By Joshua on 10-02-15
• Release date: 12-02-14
• 5 out of 5 stars 9,814 ratings

Regular price: $28.79 or 1 credit

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The Pale Horseman

• Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 6,293
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 5,725
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 5,702

At the end of The Last Kingdom , The Danes had been defeated at Cynuit, but the triumph of the English is not fated to last long. The Danish Vikings quickly invade and occupy three of England's four kingdoms - and all that remains of the once proud country is a small piece of marshland, where Alfred and his family live with a few soldiers and retainers, including Uhtred, the dispossessed English nobleman who was raised by Danes.

Great Book, Great Read...but NO AUTHOR'S NOTES!

• By reball01 on 07-06-15
• 5 out of 5 stars 6,293 ratings

• The Last Kingdom Series, Book 2
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 156
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 138
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 138

A Saxon raised by Vikings. A pagan fighting for a Christian King. The conflict at the heart of a hero will be played out in the fight for England. It is 877. Across the kingdoms of Britain the Danes are gaining strength. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a pagan warrior, must decide who he will align with: the Vikings who raised him or Alfred, King of the West Saxons.

One of the best books in many year

• By Conrad on 10-09-16
• 5 out of 5 stars 156 ratings

The Lords of the North

• The Last Kingdom Series, Book 3
• Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 268
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 249
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 249

Enter a world where bloody battles and heroic deeds combine in the historic struggle to unite Britain in the face of a common enemy. The third instalment in Bernard Cornwell's King Alfred series, follows on from the outstanding previous novels The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman . The year is 878 and the Vikings have been thrown out of Wessex. Uhtred, fresh from fighting for Alfred in the battle to free Wessex, travels north to seek revenge for his father's death, killed in a bloody raid by Uhtred's old enemy, renegade Danish lord, Kjartan.

• By Murray on 09-24-17
• 5 out of 5 stars 268 ratings

Lords of the North

• The Saxon Chronicles, Book 3
• Narrated by: Tom Sellwood
• Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 5,400
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 4,735
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 4,721

The year is 878, and the Saxons of Wessex, under King Alfred, have defeated the Danes to keep their kingdom free. Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord, helped Alfred win that victory, but now he is disgusted by Alfred's lack of generosity. Uhtred flees Wessex, going north to search for his stepsister in the formidable stronghold of Dunholm.

what happen to Jonathan Keeble,

• By TmarZ on 03-23-15
• Release date: 01-24-07
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 5,400 ratings

• The Last Kingdom Series, Book 4
• Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 165
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 156
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 153

The fourth in the best-selling Alfred series from number-one historical novelist, Bernard Cornwell. The year is 885, and England is at peace, divided between the Danish kingdom to the north and Alfred's kingdom of Wessex in the south. But trouble stirs, a dead man has risen and new Vikings have arrived to occupy London. It is a dangerous time, and it falls to Uhtred, half Saxon, half Dane, a man feared and respected the length and breadth of Britain, to expel the Viking raiders and take control of London for Alfred.

• By K. A. Wolstenholme on 04-03-18
• Release date: 05-08-14
• 5 out of 5 stars 165 ratings

Regular price: $24.67 or 1 credit

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• The Battle for London
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 4,685
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 4,274
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 4,254

Alfred of Wessex has survived the Danish invasions, but though he now has an uneasy truce with his enemies, fresh Viking ships are arriving to plunder and enslave the Saxons. Those Vikings must be defeated, and Alfred's first move is to deny them their fortress on the Thames, the decayed Roman city of London. His weapon is Uhtred, a warrior of formidable reputation. But neither Alfred's wisdom, not Uhtred's prowess, might be enough to save Wessex when a Viking lord captures a prize of inestimable value.

• By Ryan on 05-20-15
• 5 out of 5 stars 4,685 ratings

Regular price: $25.19 or 1 credit

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The Burning Land

• The Last Kingdom Series, Book 5
• Narrated by: Matt Bates
• Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 55
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 45
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 45

In the last years of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in failing health, and his heir is an untested youth. The Danes, who have failed so many times to conquer Wessex, smell opportunity.... First comes Harald Bloodhair, a savage warrior leading a Viking horde, who is encouraged to cruelty by his woman, Skade. But Alfred still has the services of Uhtred, his unwilling warlord, who leads Harald into a trap and, at Farnham in Surrey, inflicts one of the greatest defeats the Vikings were ever to suffer.

• 3 out of 5 stars

They were so good but I stop here

• By Duncan on 07-03-20
• Release date: 09-05-19
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 55 ratings

• The Saxon Chronicles, Book 5
• Narrated by: John Lee
• Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,459
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 3,854
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 3,857

In a clash of heroes,the kingdom is born.A t the end of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in ill health; his heir, an untested youth. His enemy, the Danes, having failed to conquer Wessex, now see their chance for victory. Led by the sword of savage warrior Harald Bloodhair, the Viking hordes attack. But Uhtred, Alfred’s reluctant warlord, proves his worth, outwitting Harald and handing the Vikings one of their greatest defeats. For Uhtred, the sweetness of victory is soon overshadowed by tragedy.

• 2 out of 5 stars
• By Erin on 06-28-11
• Release date: 01-26-10
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 4,459 ratings

Death of Kings

• Saxon Tales, Book 6
• Narrated by: Stephen Perring
• Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,898
• Performance 4 out of 5 stars 3,541
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,552

As the ninth century wanes, Alfred the Great lies dying, his dream of a unified England in danger and his kingdom on the brink of chaos. While his son, Edward, has been named his successor, there are other Saxon claimants to the throne - as well as ambitious pagan Vikings to the north. Uhtred, the Saxon-born, Viking-raised warrior, whose life seems to shadow the making of England itself, is torn between his vows and his desires....

Love Cornwell. Hate this reader

• By Bill on 04-13-15
• Release date: 01-17-12
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,898 ratings

• The Last Kingdom, Book 6
• Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 50
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 46
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 46

As the ninth century wanes, England appears about to be plunged into chaos once more. For the Viking-raised but Saxon-born warrior, Uhtred, whose life seems to shadow the making of England, this presents him with difficult choices. King Alfred is dying and his passing threatens the island of Britain to renewed warfare. Alfred wants his son, Edward, to succeed him but there are other Saxon claimants to the throne as well as ambitious pagan Vikings to the north.

• 4.5 out of 5 stars 50 ratings

The Pagan Lord

• Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,944
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,563
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 3,564

At the onset of the tenth century, England is in turmoil. Alfred the Great is dead and Edward his son reigns as king. Wessex survives but peace cannot hold: the Danes in the north, led by Viking Cnut Longsword, stand ready to invade and will never rest until the emerald crown is theirs.

Still not Johnathan Keeble

• By Amazon Customer on 02-19-19
• Release date: 01-07-14
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,944 ratings

• The Last Kingdom Series, Book 7
• Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 192
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 179
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 178

The new novel in Bernard Cornwell's number one best-selling series The Warrior Chronicles, on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Alfred the Great is dead and Edward his son reigns as king. Wessex survives but peace cannot hold. The Danes in the north, led by Viking Cnut Longsword, stand ready to invade and will never rest until the emerald crown is theirs.

Better narrator

• By Rob on 08-26-16
• Release date: 09-26-13
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 192 ratings

The Empty Throne

• Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 3,974
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 3,604
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 3,586

Britain, early 10th century AD: a time of change. There are new raids by the Vikings from Ireland, and turmoil among the Saxons over the leadership of Mercia. A younger generation is taking over. Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Athelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Aethelred. Widely loved and respected, Athelflaed has all the makings of a leader - but can Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler?

The old man still had it

• By Christopher Majetich on 03-26-18
• Release date: 01-06-15
• 5 out of 5 stars 3,974 ratings

• The Last Kingdom Series, Book 8
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 137
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 126
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 124

The new novel in Bernard Cornwell's number one bestselling series The Warrior Chronicles, on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. In the battle for power, there can be only one ruler.England is fractured, torn apart more by internal fighting than the threat of Viking invasion. The ruler of Mercia is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. His wife is a formidable fighter and great leader, but no woman has ever ruled over an English kingdom.

Entertaining

• By Rui Ribeiro on 08-23-16
• Release date: 10-23-14
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 137 ratings

Warriors of the Storm

• The Last Kingdom Series, Book 9
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 134
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 122
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 122

The new novel in Bernard Cornwell's number one bestselling series on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg.B BC2's major Autumn 2015 TV show The Last Kingdom is based on the first two books in the series. A fragile peace is about to be broken…King Alfred's son Edward and formidable daughter, Æthelflaed, rule Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia. But all around the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids.

Amazing book part of a spellbounding series

• By PD on 10-19-20
• Release date: 10-08-15
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 134 ratings

• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 4,040
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 3,644
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 3,624

A fragile peace reigns in Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia. King Alfred's son, Edward, and formidable daughter, Aethelflaed, rule the kingdoms. But all around, the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the kingdoms' greatest warrior, controls Northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of Chester.

A good thing gone bad

• By Gino on 01-20-16
• Release date: 01-19-16
• 5 out of 5 stars 4,040 ratings

The Flame Bearer

• The Last Kingdom Series, Book 10
• Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
• Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars 167
• Performance 4.5 out of 5 stars 156
• Story 4.5 out of 5 stars 155

The brand-new novel in Bernard Cornwell's number one best-selling series on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. BBC2's major TV show The Last Kingdom is based on the first two novels in the series. From the day it was stolen from me, I had dreamed of recapturing Bebbanburg. The great fort was built on a rock that was almost an island; it was massive, it could be approached only on land by a single narrow track - and it was mine.

Another winner

• By C. Ian Keay on 02-05-17
• Release date: 10-06-16
• 4.5 out of 5 stars 167 ratings

• Saxon Tales, Book 10
• Overall 5 out of 5 stars 4,185
• Performance 5 out of 5 stars 3,818
• Story 5 out of 5 stars 3,797

From the day it was stolen from me, I dreamed of recapturing Bebbanburg. The great fort had been built on a rock that was almost an island. It was massive; it could be approached only on land by a single narrow track; and it was mine. Britain is in a state of uneasy peace. Northumbria's Viking ruler, Sigtryggr, and Mercia's Saxon queen, Aethelflaed, have agreed to a truce. And so England's greatest warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, at last has the chance to take back the home his traitorous uncle stole from him so many years ago.

A Rousing Tale

• By Jean on 12-13-16
• Release date: 11-29-16
• 5 out of 5 stars 4,185 ratings
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