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The Last Kingdom #2
The Pale Horseman
The second installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” (The Observer, London)—the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit television series.
This is the exciting—yet little known—story of the making of England in the 9th and 10th centuries, the years in which King Alfred the Great, his son and grandson defeated the Danish Vikings who had invaded and occupied three of England’s four kingdoms.
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 the Danes. Uhtred has always been a Dane at heart, and has always believed that given the chance, he would fight for the men who raised him and taught him the Viking ways. But when Iseult, a powerful sorceress, enters Uhtred’s life, he is forced to consider feelings he’s never confronted before—and Uhtred discovers, in his moment of greatest peril, a new-found loyalty and love for his native country and ruler.
This is the exciting—yet little known—story of the making of England in the 9th and 10th centuries, the years in which King Alfred the Great, his son and grandson defeated the Danish Vikings who had invaded and occupied three of England’s four kingdoms.
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 the Danes. Uhtred has always been a Dane at heart, and has always believed that given the chance, he would fight for the men who raised him and taught him the Viking ways. But when Iseult, a powerful sorceress, enters Uhtred’s life, he is forced to consider feelings he’s never confronted before—and Uhtred discovers, in his moment of greatest peril, a new-found loyalty and love for his native country and ruler.
349 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
459 books17.8k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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January 21, 2021
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Another great installment about loyalty, power, faith, friendship, and ambition.
Putting into consideration that the first season of The Last Kingdom TV shows are adaptations of the first two books in the series, and now that I’ve read both The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman, I can definitely say that I prefer the first two books over the first season. To be fair, despite being a huge fan of the TV series, it was the second season and beyond that made me a fan. Yes, I know that they’re different mediums of storytelling, but a comparison in overall quality of entertainment can still be made.
The Pale Horseman takes place immediately after what happened at the end of The Last Kingdom. I’m incredibly impressed by how absorbed I am by Cornwell’s writing. I mean, this is only the second book in the series, and I’ve watched TV series adaptation; I know what’s going to happen to these characters. But Cornwell’s writing was so compelling and immersive that it felt like I was in the heat of the danger together with Uthred, Alfred, and all the characters. I felt the sense of danger, which in my opinion never felt immediate and threatening in season 1 of the TV series. I loved reading Uthred’s narration; he’s no longer a kid, but he’s still young and full of anger. The dynamic in the relationship between Uthred and Alfred definitely is one of the key highlights of this book. It’s always interesting to see Uthred’s struggle and conflict; he hates Alfred, and he also wants to be accepted by him.
The King of the Marsh sequence of events in the book felt so memorable, too. At the end of the book, the historical note by Cornwell tells just how grim and dire the situation actually was. The Pale Horseman also introduced more important side characters for the series like Hild and Steapa. I must say, the Christians and how blindly faithful they were—everything that differs from their belief is immediately justified as an act of devilry blah blah blah—can be incredibly maddening. I think this is a good sign of the narrative, though; we’re hearing Uthred’s narration, and I can only imagine just how frustrating it must be in his shoes. I did have a bit of a minor issue, there were times when the description did get a bit dense that it slowed down the pacing. This is a bit common in Cornwell’s writing, and it doesn’t help that the paragraph in his books can run for one or two pages long. Fortunately, Cornwell’s battle scenes remained great as always. Dialogues were also tense, engaging, and sometimes hilarious. The Pale Horseman reminded me once again that Uthred has suffered so much even though it’s still very early in the series.
Overall, I highly enjoyed reading The Pale Horseman. Cornwell is just so good at writing historical fiction, and this is a wonderful addition to The Last Kingdom series. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in two weeks. I’m sure the best for the series are still to come, and I seriously can’t wait to meet my dudes: Finan and Sithric.
Official release date: 3rd October 2005
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Estefani, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Shaad, Summer, Zoe.
Another great installment about loyalty, power, faith, friendship, and ambition.
Putting into consideration that the first season of The Last Kingdom TV shows are adaptations of the first two books in the series, and now that I’ve read both The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman, I can definitely say that I prefer the first two books over the first season. To be fair, despite being a huge fan of the TV series, it was the second season and beyond that made me a fan. Yes, I know that they’re different mediums of storytelling, but a comparison in overall quality of entertainment can still be made.
“Words are like breath," she said, "you say them and they're gone. But writing traps them. You could write down stories, poems.”
The Pale Horseman takes place immediately after what happened at the end of The Last Kingdom. I’m incredibly impressed by how absorbed I am by Cornwell’s writing. I mean, this is only the second book in the series, and I’ve watched TV series adaptation; I know what’s going to happen to these characters. But Cornwell’s writing was so compelling and immersive that it felt like I was in the heat of the danger together with Uthred, Alfred, and all the characters. I felt the sense of danger, which in my opinion never felt immediate and threatening in season 1 of the TV series. I loved reading Uthred’s narration; he’s no longer a kid, but he’s still young and full of anger. The dynamic in the relationship between Uthred and Alfred definitely is one of the key highlights of this book. It’s always interesting to see Uthred’s struggle and conflict; he hates Alfred, and he also wants to be accepted by him.
“There comes a moment in life when we see ourselves as others see us. I suppose that is part of growing up, and it is not always comfortable.”
The King of the Marsh sequence of events in the book felt so memorable, too. At the end of the book, the historical note by Cornwell tells just how grim and dire the situation actually was. The Pale Horseman also introduced more important side characters for the series like Hild and Steapa. I must say, the Christians and how blindly faithful they were—everything that differs from their belief is immediately justified as an act of devilry blah blah blah—can be incredibly maddening. I think this is a good sign of the narrative, though; we’re hearing Uthred’s narration, and I can only imagine just how frustrating it must be in his shoes. I did have a bit of a minor issue, there were times when the description did get a bit dense that it slowed down the pacing. This is a bit common in Cornwell’s writing, and it doesn’t help that the paragraph in his books can run for one or two pages long. Fortunately, Cornwell’s battle scenes remained great as always. Dialogues were also tense, engaging, and sometimes hilarious. The Pale Horseman reminded me once again that Uthred has suffered so much even though it’s still very early in the series.
“And that, too, was the truth, that a man cannot step back from a fight and stay a man. We make much in this life if we are able. We make children and wealth and amass land and build halls and assemble armies and give great feasts, but only one thing survives us. Reputation. I could not walk away.”
Overall, I highly enjoyed reading The Pale Horseman. Cornwell is just so good at writing historical fiction, and this is a wonderful addition to The Last Kingdom series. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in two weeks. I’m sure the best for the series are still to come, and I seriously can’t wait to meet my dudes: Finan and Sithric.
Official release date: 3rd October 2005
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Estefani, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Shaad, Summer, Zoe.
September 26, 2021
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
August 14, 2017
Ahhhhh Uhtred you are quite the lad .........
Uhtred of Bebbanburg, Lord of Northumbria is as headstrong, arrogant, and fearless as ever. Now married with a child at the age of 21, he rode into battle to Cynuit and slaughtered the Danish leader, Ubba Lothbrokson. Fully expecting recognition for the deed upon his return to King Alfred, Uhtred meets the inexorable fate he always believed in. The pompous, self-important, Odda the Younger took the credit for the slaying, and no one, not even King Alfred would ever challenge Odda since Alfred was in dire need of the troops and wealth belonging to Odda’s elderly father. Although deemed to be a Saxon, Uhtred’s very essence still belonged to the Danes having lived with them as a young boy. However, Uhtred realizes the day will come when he must make a choice to carry on fighting the Danes, or join them. Author Bernard Cornwell has written an epic tale of life in England in the year 877 and the great battle with the strong-willed Danes determined to take over their country. Many extraordinary, well developed characters grace the pages of this book and readers will be held spellbound to the conclusion. Highly recommended!
February 13, 2016
The Pale Horseman is every bit as good as the first book. This, again, feels like another chapter of a man’s life. Uhtred has grown up a little and is more resolute in his ambitions since we last saw him. He has fought in his first shield wall and has completed the transformation from boy to man: he is now a proven warrior and, more importantly, he now has a growing reputation but, not necessarily a good one.
His glory has been stolen by the coward Odda the Younger. He has claimed the victory at Cynuit as his own, and the slaying of the mighty warlord Ubba as his work. When Uhtred returns to his king, he is met with distain and mistrust. The coward has turned Alfred against him and Uhtred’s anger threatens the fragile piece that has been made.
So why not blow of some steam with a little Viking raiding?
“There is so much joy in a good ship, and a greater joy to have the ship’s belly fat with other men’s silver. It is the Viking joy, driving a dragon headed hull through a wind driven sea towards a future full of feats and laughter. The Danes taught me that and I love them for it, pagan swine though they may be.”
Uhtred builds up a small force of men, and steals one of the king’s ships, and takes himself off on a little nostalgic raiding trip. He gets to indulge in his Danish side without changing his loyalties and threatening Alfred’s promises of peace to the Danes. He meets Svein, a fellow warrior and a leader of men. The two are fast friends and together, make a brief companionship.
It’s not too last though. Uhtred has debts to the church and must return to his wife and young child. Rumours of his deeds have leaked to his king and his must face his distaste for a second time. Though what can Alfred truly expect? Uhtred is as much Danish as he is Saxon. He is a divided man. One who realises that only through Alfred can he regain his former Earldom. However, he is Danish at heart as they he was raised by them. But, Uhtred is now sworn to Wessex and its King. So when his former, yet brief, friend arrives with a small fleet of ships to hunt down Alfred, Uhtred’s loyalties are tested yet again.
“Svien looked magnificent, a silver white warrior. He rode a white horse, wore a white woollen cloak, and his mail and boar snouted helmet had been scrubbed with sand until they glowed silver in the watery sunlight.”
Alfred’s kingdom now hangs by the edge of Uhtred’s sword and its fate will be determined in another shield wall. Bernard Cornwell does another amazing job at evoking inner character conflict and divided loyalties. His characterisation of Uhtred is marvellous. We know where he will eventually end up but, somehow, the prospect of reading how he gets there is more exciting than the situation in the first place.
The Saxon Stories
1. The Last Kingdom- A fine five stars
2. The Pale Horsman- -A brilliant five stars
3.Lords of the North-A vengeful four stars
4.Sword Song- A familiar four stars
5.The Burning Land- A loyal five stars
6. Death of Kings A mighty five stars
His glory has been stolen by the coward Odda the Younger. He has claimed the victory at Cynuit as his own, and the slaying of the mighty warlord Ubba as his work. When Uhtred returns to his king, he is met with distain and mistrust. The coward has turned Alfred against him and Uhtred’s anger threatens the fragile piece that has been made.
So why not blow of some steam with a little Viking raiding?
“There is so much joy in a good ship, and a greater joy to have the ship’s belly fat with other men’s silver. It is the Viking joy, driving a dragon headed hull through a wind driven sea towards a future full of feats and laughter. The Danes taught me that and I love them for it, pagan swine though they may be.”
Uhtred builds up a small force of men, and steals one of the king’s ships, and takes himself off on a little nostalgic raiding trip. He gets to indulge in his Danish side without changing his loyalties and threatening Alfred’s promises of peace to the Danes. He meets Svein, a fellow warrior and a leader of men. The two are fast friends and together, make a brief companionship.
It’s not too last though. Uhtred has debts to the church and must return to his wife and young child. Rumours of his deeds have leaked to his king and his must face his distaste for a second time. Though what can Alfred truly expect? Uhtred is as much Danish as he is Saxon. He is a divided man. One who realises that only through Alfred can he regain his former Earldom. However, he is Danish at heart as they he was raised by them. But, Uhtred is now sworn to Wessex and its King. So when his former, yet brief, friend arrives with a small fleet of ships to hunt down Alfred, Uhtred’s loyalties are tested yet again.
“Svien looked magnificent, a silver white warrior. He rode a white horse, wore a white woollen cloak, and his mail and boar snouted helmet had been scrubbed with sand until they glowed silver in the watery sunlight.”
Alfred’s kingdom now hangs by the edge of Uhtred’s sword and its fate will be determined in another shield wall. Bernard Cornwell does another amazing job at evoking inner character conflict and divided loyalties. His characterisation of Uhtred is marvellous. We know where he will eventually end up but, somehow, the prospect of reading how he gets there is more exciting than the situation in the first place.
The Saxon Stories
1. The Last Kingdom- A fine five stars
2. The Pale Horsman- -A brilliant five stars
3.Lords of the North-A vengeful four stars
4.Sword Song- A familiar four stars
5.The Burning Land- A loyal five stars
6. Death of Kings A mighty five stars
April 22, 2018
"There comes a moment in life when we see ourselves as others see us. I suppose that is part of growing up, and it is not always comfortable."
I read The Last Kingdom in 2015, while a book it didn't like enough to continue the series. Fast forward 2017, I started watching Vikings and I liked it very much, that in turn made me come back to this series. While the History's Viking has a different plot than this but the theme of Danes' invasion of England is where both match. I am very happy that I came back and read this book because I loved it.
This book started with Uhtred's return to England. High on his win over Danish leader Ubba Lothbrokson, Uhtred was expecting high praise and reward from Alfred, King of Wessex but nothing of that sort happened. Instead he gets to know that Odda the Younger has taken the credit of Lothbrokson’s death. Uhtred was furious and angry, and thus he decided to wait for the day when Danes would defeat England and he would gladly join them and take revenge for the insult that he got from Saxons.
But what Uhtred wanted never became reality instead he reached at a point where he had to pick a side and he ended up being a Saxon and winning the war for Alfred.
This book was full of battles, and tells us how faithful Alfred was to Church. Even on the brink of defeat and death he didn’t forget his religion and did what he thought wise in terms of Church’s teachings.
But it is Uhtred who made this book memorable for me. Poor lad tried so hard to go back to Danes but every time situation brought him back to England. Also his transformation from an arrogant and proud young man to skilled warrior, and a leader was amazing. His relationship with Alfred grew gradually, where they both hated each other first but slowly became friends and started trusting it each other. It was a treat to read.
I am definitely ready to see what is next for Uhtred.
I read The Last Kingdom in 2015, while a book it didn't like enough to continue the series. Fast forward 2017, I started watching Vikings and I liked it very much, that in turn made me come back to this series. While the History's Viking has a different plot than this but the theme of Danes' invasion of England is where both match. I am very happy that I came back and read this book because I loved it.
This book started with Uhtred's return to England. High on his win over Danish leader Ubba Lothbrokson, Uhtred was expecting high praise and reward from Alfred, King of Wessex but nothing of that sort happened. Instead he gets to know that Odda the Younger has taken the credit of Lothbrokson’s death. Uhtred was furious and angry, and thus he decided to wait for the day when Danes would defeat England and he would gladly join them and take revenge for the insult that he got from Saxons.
But what Uhtred wanted never became reality instead he reached at a point where he had to pick a side and he ended up being a Saxon and winning the war for Alfred.
This book was full of battles, and tells us how faithful Alfred was to Church. Even on the brink of defeat and death he didn’t forget his religion and did what he thought wise in terms of Church’s teachings.
But it is Uhtred who made this book memorable for me. Poor lad tried so hard to go back to Danes but every time situation brought him back to England. Also his transformation from an arrogant and proud young man to skilled warrior, and a leader was amazing. His relationship with Alfred grew gradually, where they both hated each other first but slowly became friends and started trusting it each other. It was a treat to read.
I am definitely ready to see what is next for Uhtred.
March 16, 2021
“There is such joy in chaos. Stow all the world's evils behind a door and tell men that they must never, ever, open the door, and it will be opened because there is pure joy in destruction.”
After finishing The Last Kingdom, I immediately dived into this second instalment. I could not wait to follow Uhtred’s arc, who in the first book was already established as a unique, conflicted, awesome central protagonist.
Wessex, the last kingdom of England standing against the Danish threat, is once again on the brink of annihilation, in terms of both the faction it protects, and also the ideas is harbours. It is unto this that Uhtred must choose a side. Born a Saxon, raised a Dane, throughout the course of this book, he is trying to ascertain where his loyalties lie, and whatever he chooses, there is no certainty that he will feel he has made the correct decision. He lives in perpetual conflict as this decision looms over him, and with his retrospective narration in this tale, Bernard Cornwell introduces an unreliable flavour that makes this story even more engaging.
“Fate is inexorable”
Whilst The Last Kingdom was by all means a great introduction to this series, I would say that The Pale Horseman took a whole step up, in every respect. Bernard Cornwell built on an already solid cast of characters, crafting an emotional attachment that was not as present in book one. I have to mention here that I loved the addition of Father Pyrlig. He is hilarious and just adds something so fresh to this story. Also in this, There were of course fantastic action sequences, further advancement to plot, and an increase to the scale and significance of the events controlling Uhtred’s life.
Uhtred begins at around twenty years of age, immediately succeeding the conclusion to book one of the series. The story takes place over the expanse of around a year, maybe slightly longer, and in this time Uhtred is faced with many trials and tribulations which spur on character growth and highlight other aspects and characteristics he owns. Already, Uhtred is becoming one of the most interesting, authentic central protagonists in the many books that I have read.
“Words are like breath," she said, "you say them and they're gone. But writing traps them.”
One of the distinctive aspects of Bernard Cornwell’s writing and the Saxon Stories in particular is how the public and private, political and military matter blend and interweave, often tugging Uhtred in different directions that causes him to make concessions for ‘the greater good’, or what he perceives to be ‘the best option’. This adds a psychological complexity as Uhtred is confronted with his failures, and heralded for his successes, and how he reacts to these situations.
The structure remains much the same as book one, with larger than average chapters, but ones that are split within themselves and I believe manage to maintain the fast pace that is often created from smaller chapters. Alongside this, there are three phases in The Pale Horseman which the story is fashioned into, often with a small period of time passing during the transition, allowing for this tight story with a page-turning pace, whilst still relating to the recorded dates of battles such as the climax of the story, which takes place at Ethandun.
The Pale Horseman was a fantastic sequel in this second instalment in the Saxon Stories, which in partnership with its predecessor forms the entirety of The Last Kingdom Season 1, which combines the two books. Bernard Cornwell again delivers great characters, an engaging plot and an awesome concept that adopts such an interesting period of history. Of course, I cannot wait to continue with this series. Destiny is All!
5/5 STARS
After finishing The Last Kingdom, I immediately dived into this second instalment. I could not wait to follow Uhtred’s arc, who in the first book was already established as a unique, conflicted, awesome central protagonist.
Wessex, the last kingdom of England standing against the Danish threat, is once again on the brink of annihilation, in terms of both the faction it protects, and also the ideas is harbours. It is unto this that Uhtred must choose a side. Born a Saxon, raised a Dane, throughout the course of this book, he is trying to ascertain where his loyalties lie, and whatever he chooses, there is no certainty that he will feel he has made the correct decision. He lives in perpetual conflict as this decision looms over him, and with his retrospective narration in this tale, Bernard Cornwell introduces an unreliable flavour that makes this story even more engaging.
“Fate is inexorable”
Whilst The Last Kingdom was by all means a great introduction to this series, I would say that The Pale Horseman took a whole step up, in every respect. Bernard Cornwell built on an already solid cast of characters, crafting an emotional attachment that was not as present in book one. I have to mention here that I loved the addition of Father Pyrlig. He is hilarious and just adds something so fresh to this story. Also in this, There were of course fantastic action sequences, further advancement to plot, and an increase to the scale and significance of the events controlling Uhtred’s life.
Uhtred begins at around twenty years of age, immediately succeeding the conclusion to book one of the series. The story takes place over the expanse of around a year, maybe slightly longer, and in this time Uhtred is faced with many trials and tribulations which spur on character growth and highlight other aspects and characteristics he owns. Already, Uhtred is becoming one of the most interesting, authentic central protagonists in the many books that I have read.
“Words are like breath," she said, "you say them and they're gone. But writing traps them.”
One of the distinctive aspects of Bernard Cornwell’s writing and the Saxon Stories in particular is how the public and private, political and military matter blend and interweave, often tugging Uhtred in different directions that causes him to make concessions for ‘the greater good’, or what he perceives to be ‘the best option’. This adds a psychological complexity as Uhtred is confronted with his failures, and heralded for his successes, and how he reacts to these situations.
The structure remains much the same as book one, with larger than average chapters, but ones that are split within themselves and I believe manage to maintain the fast pace that is often created from smaller chapters. Alongside this, there are three phases in The Pale Horseman which the story is fashioned into, often with a small period of time passing during the transition, allowing for this tight story with a page-turning pace, whilst still relating to the recorded dates of battles such as the climax of the story, which takes place at Ethandun.
The Pale Horseman was a fantastic sequel in this second instalment in the Saxon Stories, which in partnership with its predecessor forms the entirety of The Last Kingdom Season 1, which combines the two books. Bernard Cornwell again delivers great characters, an engaging plot and an awesome concept that adopts such an interesting period of history. Of course, I cannot wait to continue with this series. Destiny is All!
5/5 STARS
May 21, 2023
"The world began in chaos and it will end in chaos. The gods brought the world into existence, and they will end it when they fight amongst themselves, but in between the chaos of the world's birth and the chaos of the world's death is order, and order is made by oaths, and oaths bind us like the buckles of a harness."
4.5 🌟's
Initial Thoughts
After reading and loving The Last Kingdom Bernard Cornwell is another author hot on my radar. It was the the first book in his bestselling Saxon Stories that is ripping it up on Netflix with a fantastic adaptation. A brilliant mix of historical fact and fiction, it chronicles a hugely important period in English history when the Saxons and King Alfred "the Great" were facing almost impossible odds from a Danish invasion. To say I couldn't wait to get stuck into the next book was a bit of an understatement.
The last installment finished with a titanic clash between the Danes and Saxons at the Battle of Cynuit where Uthred of Baddenburg fought in the shield wall before slaying Ubba Lothbrok in a fight to the death. Having sworn an Oath to King Alfred he has switched allegiance to the Saxons, as they look to halt the invasion and keep a tight hold of Wessex, which is the final kingdom the invaders need to take total control of England. The future of a nation hangs in the balance and you could cut the tension with a broadsword.
"There is a greater war, Uthred. Not the fight between Saxon and Dane, but between God and the Devil, between good and evil! We are part of it!"
The Story
Set between 876 to 878 AD, the second book carries straight on from the first with Uthred returning home to his family after winning in battle, going against the wishes of King Alfred. Uthred fully expects to be received as a hero when he finally makes an appearance, but he hasn't banked on the sly Lord Odda the Younger stealing his glory and claiming he was the one who defeated Ubba and the Danes at Cynuit. In a fit of rage our hero lands himself in hot water by drawing his sword in the presence of Alfred and things are off to a rough start. You live and learn Uthred.
With the Danish horde now firmly occupying three of the four English Kingdoms, King Alfred looks to make a deal with Danish leader Guthrum. But can they be trusted to keep their word? Alfred's peaceful ways again look to be his undoing. Lucky for him he's got Uthred on his side...for now.
When Guthrum launches another attack on Wessex all hell breaks loose and the Saxons must make their last stand or die trying. It's an action packed sequel where the stakes couldn't be higher. It's down to King Alfred and Uthred to put their differences aside, if they can, and rally the English forces and fight for survival in the Battle of Ethandun, which is where this one is headed.
The Characters
It was fantastic watching Uthred grow from a mere boy to a young man in the last book and Cornwell's fantastic character work continues in The Pale Horseman. It's all well thought out, realistic and happens at a believable pace. There's no higher cause and each one comes across as a normal person with human motivations and emotions. Yes I'm talking jealousy, greed and all that good stuff.
Despite being a fearsome warrior Uthred is still looking to establish his identity. He certainly isn't your stereotypical hero and does do some immoral stuff during the course of this one. His life revolves around fighting, ale and women...so pretty much a regular guy. Despite being clearly flawed, it's all believable for a hero of that time and it's almost impossible not to root for him.
But, much like the previous novel, my favourite character had to be King Alfred. I'm not sure if it was his courageous nature despite his physical limitations or his absolute refusal to give up, but I just couldn't help but warm to him. He's a very well thought out and continues to develop into the King he is renowned for. His relationship with Uthred was absolutely captivating in parts. Tense, engaging and with some absolutely hilarious dialogue. I couldn't help but wonder what the two of them can achieve if they learn to work together.
There's some great returning characters includingLeofric and Young Ragnar as well as some fantastic new ones. We're introduced to Danish war lord Svein and the Shadow Queen Iseult. You're going to have a great time getting to know those two. But the pick of the bunch for me was the loyal, but not too bright, warrior Steopa. He's not someone you're going to initially warm to but give him chance and I'm sure he'll work his way into your heart.
"Men cheered. They liked a fight to the death, and it was much better entertainment than listening to Alfred's harpist chant the psalms."
Final Thoughts
So yet again, Bernard Cornwell delivers a brilliant piece of historical fiction. Honestly, this is the next best thing you're going to get to a time machine and it's a lot safer than being transported back to those bloody battlefields. Trust me, it really is the next best thing. If this was how history was taught while I was in school I'd have paid a lot more attention.
If you enjoyed the Last Kingdom, The Pale Horseman is more of the same. Only the stakes are even higher. You just don't know how this one is going to end and the sense of danger surrounding these characters couldn't be higher and felt even more real if that's possible. The tension is built expertly throughout up to an epic conclusion.
I definitely recommend reading the first installment before this one so you can get acquainted with the characters and their history. But if you enjoyed that one then you'd be a fool not to continue with this one. I've already purchased the third in the series, The Lords of the North, and I'm itching to start.
Thanks to Mr Cornwell for this epic story. And thanks to you for reading and...cheers!
May 27, 2020
The Pale Horseman is the excellent continuation of Uhtred of Bebbanburg's story. Set between 876 - 878 AD, Uhtred is now in his early 20's, having proven himself as a man and a warrior. He's fought in a shield wall, killed Ubba in one on one combat, and has sworn an oath to the Saxon king Alfred. Uhtred believes life revolves around fighting, women, ale, and creating a reputation. Uhtred has a reputation now, but it is not always glowing as he is as misunderstood as he is feared. He's a complex lead character that I can't get enough of following. He's half Saxon and half Danish, however, his loyalties lie with the Saxon's here, although he is extremely fond of his brother and friend, the Danish Earl Ragnar, and I loved the page time that they shared together.
"When I was twenty I considered myself a full-grown man. I had fathered a child, fought in the shield wall, and was loath to take advice from anyone."
Following The Last Kingdom's climactic battle with the Danes at Cynuit, Uhtred wishes to return to his family and his estate instead of returning to King Alfred with Ubba's war axe and banner to claim the victory and the spoils that come with it. In Uhtred's absence, the slimy lord Odda the Younger claims to have led the Saxons to their victory and to have bested Ubba himself. When Uhtred returns to Winchester he is shocked to see that there has been no mention of his extremely influential input to the events of the battle. Uhtred's longtime friend Father Beocca was not even aware that Uhtred had escaped from being a hostage of Guthrum. Odda's weaving of events to paint himself in a perfect light, the fact he glosses over Uhtred's importance completely, and that none of Odda's followers are willing to contradict him even though they know the truth of the matter, really pisses Uhtred off. Uhtred expresses his dissatisfaction as only a man as headstrong as the lord of Bebbanburg can and unsheaths his sword in the King's chamber in the presence of all the men of influence in Wessex. Uhtred should have received a hero's welcome but what he gets is anything but, planting a seed of loathing and an atmosphere of discord.
"We make much in this life if we are able. We make children and wealth and amass land and build halls and assemble armies and give great feasts, but only one thing survives us. Reputation. I could not walk away."
Uhtred's dream is to take back his rightful home of Bebbanburg where his uncle unlawfully sits as Ealderman. He realises that by following Alfred and giving his blood, sweat, and tears to the monarch isn't going to make him the silver to raise an army to complete his objective. So, alongside the gruff warrior Leofric, Uhtred and some followers decide to take one of the King's ships, to dress it up as a Viking raider, and to do some raiding themselves under the disguise of being Danes.
During The Pale Horseman, there are expertly crafted battles, skirmishes and duels that are gripping to read about. We are introduced to fine new characters such as the lord of war Svein, the Shadow Queen Iseult, and the loyal but dim warrior Steopa. My personal favourites from the first novel such as Leofric and Young Ragnar shine here too although in some cases have limited page time. Characters relations change and develop finely through Uhtred's unique, honest, and extremely personal first-person perspective. I trust and understand Uhtred's opinions and plans however reckless they seem or provoking they are to the church of the crown.
The Pale Horseman was more of the same of what I adored in The Last Kingdom, however, if all of the novels in this series are so similar then I can see myself getting a bit bored about halfway through the series. I hope that doesn't happen and that Cornwell continues to present exciting, action-packed historical fiction during the next stages of Uhtred's life whilst keeping it fresh and interesting enough to keep me intrigued. A huge positive for these novels, so far, is that at around 300-400 pages, I am able to race through them in a couple of days. I have Lords of the North already loaded on my Kindle and am ready to start reading that today to rejoin Uhtred in the front row of the shield wall. Fate is inexorable.
"The fear came then. The shield wall is a terrible place. It is where a warrior makes his reputation, and reputation is dear to us. Reputation is honour, but to gain that honour a man must stand in the shield wall where death runs rampant. I had been in the shield wall at Cynuit and I knew the smell of death, the stink of it, the uncertainty of survival, the horror of the axes and swords and spears, and I feared it. And it was coming."
"When I was twenty I considered myself a full-grown man. I had fathered a child, fought in the shield wall, and was loath to take advice from anyone."
Following The Last Kingdom's climactic battle with the Danes at Cynuit, Uhtred wishes to return to his family and his estate instead of returning to King Alfred with Ubba's war axe and banner to claim the victory and the spoils that come with it. In Uhtred's absence, the slimy lord Odda the Younger claims to have led the Saxons to their victory and to have bested Ubba himself. When Uhtred returns to Winchester he is shocked to see that there has been no mention of his extremely influential input to the events of the battle. Uhtred's longtime friend Father Beocca was not even aware that Uhtred had escaped from being a hostage of Guthrum. Odda's weaving of events to paint himself in a perfect light, the fact he glosses over Uhtred's importance completely, and that none of Odda's followers are willing to contradict him even though they know the truth of the matter, really pisses Uhtred off. Uhtred expresses his dissatisfaction as only a man as headstrong as the lord of Bebbanburg can and unsheaths his sword in the King's chamber in the presence of all the men of influence in Wessex. Uhtred should have received a hero's welcome but what he gets is anything but, planting a seed of loathing and an atmosphere of discord.
"We make much in this life if we are able. We make children and wealth and amass land and build halls and assemble armies and give great feasts, but only one thing survives us. Reputation. I could not walk away."
Uhtred's dream is to take back his rightful home of Bebbanburg where his uncle unlawfully sits as Ealderman. He realises that by following Alfred and giving his blood, sweat, and tears to the monarch isn't going to make him the silver to raise an army to complete his objective. So, alongside the gruff warrior Leofric, Uhtred and some followers decide to take one of the King's ships, to dress it up as a Viking raider, and to do some raiding themselves under the disguise of being Danes.
During The Pale Horseman, there are expertly crafted battles, skirmishes and duels that are gripping to read about. We are introduced to fine new characters such as the lord of war Svein, the Shadow Queen Iseult, and the loyal but dim warrior Steopa. My personal favourites from the first novel such as Leofric and Young Ragnar shine here too although in some cases have limited page time. Characters relations change and develop finely through Uhtred's unique, honest, and extremely personal first-person perspective. I trust and understand Uhtred's opinions and plans however reckless they seem or provoking they are to the church of the crown.
The Pale Horseman was more of the same of what I adored in The Last Kingdom, however, if all of the novels in this series are so similar then I can see myself getting a bit bored about halfway through the series. I hope that doesn't happen and that Cornwell continues to present exciting, action-packed historical fiction during the next stages of Uhtred's life whilst keeping it fresh and interesting enough to keep me intrigued. A huge positive for these novels, so far, is that at around 300-400 pages, I am able to race through them in a couple of days. I have Lords of the North already loaded on my Kindle and am ready to start reading that today to rejoin Uhtred in the front row of the shield wall. Fate is inexorable.
"The fear came then. The shield wall is a terrible place. It is where a warrior makes his reputation, and reputation is dear to us. Reputation is honour, but to gain that honour a man must stand in the shield wall where death runs rampant. I had been in the shield wall at Cynuit and I knew the smell of death, the stink of it, the uncertainty of survival, the horror of the axes and swords and spears, and I feared it. And it was coming."
October 6, 2015
"For here starts war, carrion birds sing, and grey wolves howl."
A fragile peace still holds in the realms of Britain. After the forces of Wessex prevailed at Cynuit, the Danes have pulled back. King Alfred thinks himself safe, but in truth the last kingdom of the Saxons is in grave peril...
Writing a sequel to an amazing novel can sometimes be amazingly hard. Bernard Cornwell fulfilled that task with style, and in the process created my personal favourite Uhtred novel and proved himself a master of historical fiction. The Last Kingdom was an amazing book, but this is where this became one of my favourite series and Cornwell one of my favourite authors.
Uhtred must fight the hardest duel of his life against a truly formidable opponent, a strong Danish invasion catches the people of Wessex completely by surprise, and Alfred must hide in a swamp to avoid falling with his kingdom. All appears to be lost, including the fight to retake England from the Danes. But the unlikely allies Uhtred and Alfred refuse to give up, and they will do whatever must be done to take their land back from the invaders.
And I saw that Cippanhamm was burning. Smoke was darkening the winter sky and the horison was filled with men, mounted men, men with swords and axes and shields and spears and banners, and more horsemen were coming from the eastern gate to thunder across the bridge.
Because all Alfred’s prayers had gone wrong and the Danes had come to Wessex.
A fragile peace still holds in the realms of Britain. After the forces of Wessex prevailed at Cynuit, the Danes have pulled back. King Alfred thinks himself safe, but in truth the last kingdom of the Saxons is in grave peril...
Writing a sequel to an amazing novel can sometimes be amazingly hard. Bernard Cornwell fulfilled that task with style, and in the process created my personal favourite Uhtred novel and proved himself a master of historical fiction. The Last Kingdom was an amazing book, but this is where this became one of my favourite series and Cornwell one of my favourite authors.
Uhtred must fight the hardest duel of his life against a truly formidable opponent, a strong Danish invasion catches the people of Wessex completely by surprise, and Alfred must hide in a swamp to avoid falling with his kingdom. All appears to be lost, including the fight to retake England from the Danes. But the unlikely allies Uhtred and Alfred refuse to give up, and they will do whatever must be done to take their land back from the invaders.
And I saw that Cippanhamm was burning. Smoke was darkening the winter sky and the horison was filled with men, mounted men, men with swords and axes and shields and spears and banners, and more horsemen were coming from the eastern gate to thunder across the bridge.
Because all Alfred’s prayers had gone wrong and the Danes had come to Wessex.
October 31, 2017
This one took a lot longer to get going than book one but the second half and the ending were very good. The religious overtones to everything Alfred does makes me want to root for the Danes as does the corruption of many of the priests.
April 27, 2024
Ця книга така ж цікава, як і перша частина «Саксонських хронік», але тут мені трохи не вистачило саме «буденності воїнів», розкриття персонажів, 100% уваги було сконцентровано на битвах.
Наприклад, коли нам уже в останній третині сказали, що певний персонаж та Утред потоваришували, але до цього вони були запеклими ворогами, то цікаво було б подивитися на їх взаємодію та як це сталося.
Буквально вся книга це битви, сутички, підготовка до сутичок плюс фінальна битва. Це трошки втомило під кінець, однак тут починає розкриватися фігура короля Альфреда, а також сподобалося те, як наш головний герой відіграв важливу роль у житті цього короля, якого до сих пір у книжках з історії називають Великим (у першій частині ми лише швиденько з ним познайомилися та ще й не за найкращих обставин для самого Альфреда, а тут він ключова фігура).
Добре, що в кінці книги автор розповів, що з описаного в історії історично підтвердженої, що часткова правда, а що його фантазії. В цій книзі описані дуже важливі події, якби у битві, що описують тут, Альфред загинув, то світ би говорив не англійського, а, скоріше за все, датською мовою.
Висновок: війна 9 сторіччя і війна 2024 року мало чим відрізняється, якщо подивитися на все зсередини. Так, зараз не ведуть бій на мечах, використовують іншу техніку і, мабуть, не так багато моляться, однак є дуже багато схожих елементів.
Наприклад, коли нам уже в останній третині сказали, що певний персонаж та Утред потоваришували, але до цього вони були запеклими ворогами, то цікаво було б подивитися на їх взаємодію та як це сталося.
Буквально вся книга це битви, сутички, підготовка до сутичок плюс фінальна битва. Це трошки втомило під кінець, однак тут починає розкриватися фігура короля Альфреда, а також сподобалося те, як наш головний герой відіграв важливу роль у житті цього короля, якого до сих пір у книжках з історії називають Великим (у першій частині ми лише швиденько з ним познайомилися та ще й не за найкращих обставин для самого Альфреда, а тут він ключова фігура).
Добре, що в кінці книги автор розповів, що з описаного в історії історично підтвердженої, що часткова правда, а що його фантазії. В цій книзі описані дуже важливі події, якби у битві, що описують тут, Альфред загинув, то світ би говорив не англійського, а, скоріше за все, датською мовою.
Висновок: війна 9 сторіччя і війна 2024 року мало чим відрізняється, якщо подивитися на все зсередини. Так, зараз не ведуть бій на мечах, використовують іншу техніку і, мабуть, не так багато моляться, однак є дуже багато схожих елементів.
August 13, 2023
این کتاب دقیقا از همون جایی شروع میشه که کتاب قبل تموم شده بود. تمام نقاط مثبت کتاب اول رو این کتاب هم داره. ریتم کتاب تندتره و داستان خیلی دارک تر شده (شخصاً زیاد طرفدار این نیستم) شخصیت پردازی هم خیلی بهتر از کتاب قبله و در کل خیلی از خوندنش لذت بردم.
پن۱: برام جالب بود خیلی از شخصیت ها واقعین حتی یه خل و چلی مثل Asser!
پن۲: سریال تا کتاب بعدی به داستان وفاداره بعد راهش جدا میشه؟
پن۱: برام جالب بود خیلی از شخصیت ها واقعین حتی یه خل و چلی مثل Asser!
پن۲: سریال تا کتاب بعدی به داستان وفاداره بعد راهش جدا میشه؟
March 26, 2010
Oh Bernard, how do you do what you do?
If I could write like this man, well, I'd be one very happy chick. And I do not want to write like this to make money, or make fans, or make myself famous, I just want to have this skill for myself, to know that I can do it, to know that I can create magic on paper, although, Bernard Cornwell, in this series at least, is more than merely skilled, he is an absolute master.
Would it be presumptuous of me to say that I think that he is a writer's writer? or more precisely, a fantasy writer's writer?
I can understand that some people may not appreciate this character and these Saxon books, but I just GET IT. I just totally get it.
To me there is no flaw in Cornwell's writing or storytelling in this series. His dialogue is pitch perfect, his story flow and description is natural and not in the slightest bit contrived. And as I said, I just totally get it.
Cornwell is a little heavy on the anti-Christian vibe and this may turn people off a bit, but I get that too, because they were heavy on God back then.
Do you really think they would burn pagans and heretics alive etc etc.. if the Church wasn't rife with screwy, religious zealots? Christianity dominated society and thought. Built civilisations and brought them down. People feared the Church and the Churchmen. They did not gain this reputation throughout history by being patient and loving of all men and women.
To me, early Christianity in England wasn't about love and tolerance and goodness and peace and forgiveness, it was about greed and power and survival. About jostling for King's favour and for wealth and fame.
The description of Christianity in this book might be off putting for some, but I think it is an accurate portrayal of those times. But, please forgive me fellow reviewers, perhaps I am just a cynic.
I am a woman, and I can see how these books may be too brutal and bloody for my fellow sex, or those of either sex who are oblivious to the subtle bluntness of Cornwell's storytelling and Cornwell's arrogant, uncomplicated male characters. I imagine quite a lot does go over people's heads. I also imagine that when some women read about "guts spooling about his feet" they cringe and run away. But, while I am all feminine woman, I also have a very definite female side and very definite masculine side, and this character and Cornwell's style very much appeals to the latter, my masculine side.
My masculine side wants to don a helmet and mail and fight beside Uhtred in the shield wall, while my female side wants to (editing out x-rated thoughts here...ahem....)and also hold his horse and his hoard while he draws Wasp-Sting and locks his shield in the fighting line.
Of course, being his female companion or his male companion could get me a sword to the head or a spear to the gut, but hey, wouldn't I get to go to Valhalla and party in the feast hall? As a man, yep, as a woman?? Nah, but I'd die with a smile on my face.
Uhtred makes me laugh. I like him and I get him. Maybe that is all I should have written in this review, it may have been, in it's simplicity, ample comment as I move onto the review of the next book in the series...Lords of the North.
If I could write like this man, well, I'd be one very happy chick. And I do not want to write like this to make money, or make fans, or make myself famous, I just want to have this skill for myself, to know that I can do it, to know that I can create magic on paper, although, Bernard Cornwell, in this series at least, is more than merely skilled, he is an absolute master.
Would it be presumptuous of me to say that I think that he is a writer's writer? or more precisely, a fantasy writer's writer?
I can understand that some people may not appreciate this character and these Saxon books, but I just GET IT. I just totally get it.
To me there is no flaw in Cornwell's writing or storytelling in this series. His dialogue is pitch perfect, his story flow and description is natural and not in the slightest bit contrived. And as I said, I just totally get it.
Cornwell is a little heavy on the anti-Christian vibe and this may turn people off a bit, but I get that too, because they were heavy on God back then.
Do you really think they would burn pagans and heretics alive etc etc.. if the Church wasn't rife with screwy, religious zealots? Christianity dominated society and thought. Built civilisations and brought them down. People feared the Church and the Churchmen. They did not gain this reputation throughout history by being patient and loving of all men and women.
To me, early Christianity in England wasn't about love and tolerance and goodness and peace and forgiveness, it was about greed and power and survival. About jostling for King's favour and for wealth and fame.
The description of Christianity in this book might be off putting for some, but I think it is an accurate portrayal of those times. But, please forgive me fellow reviewers, perhaps I am just a cynic.
I am a woman, and I can see how these books may be too brutal and bloody for my fellow sex, or those of either sex who are oblivious to the subtle bluntness of Cornwell's storytelling and Cornwell's arrogant, uncomplicated male characters. I imagine quite a lot does go over people's heads. I also imagine that when some women read about "guts spooling about his feet" they cringe and run away. But, while I am all feminine woman, I also have a very definite female side and very definite masculine side, and this character and Cornwell's style very much appeals to the latter, my masculine side.
My masculine side wants to don a helmet and mail and fight beside Uhtred in the shield wall, while my female side wants to (editing out x-rated thoughts here...ahem....)and also hold his horse and his hoard while he draws Wasp-Sting and locks his shield in the fighting line.
Of course, being his female companion or his male companion could get me a sword to the head or a spear to the gut, but hey, wouldn't I get to go to Valhalla and party in the feast hall? As a man, yep, as a woman?? Nah, but I'd die with a smile on my face.
Uhtred makes me laugh. I like him and I get him. Maybe that is all I should have written in this review, it may have been, in it's simplicity, ample comment as I move onto the review of the next book in the series...Lords of the North.
July 23, 2024
No tengo ordenador, que estoy de vacaciones, así que esta reseña va a ser breve.
El anterior libro de la saga se llevó las cinco estrellas, este se queda en cuatro, pero es más por sensaciones que porque tenga nada que se la quite.
El protagonista Uhtred es efectivo, el ambiente está soberbiamente recreado. Sientes el frío, la lluvia y las luchas que te va describiendo el autor. Ya digo que no hay nada malo pero no me sorprendido tanto como el primero.
Seguiré con la saga aunque sin prisa.
El anterior libro de la saga se llevó las cinco estrellas, este se queda en cuatro, pero es más por sensaciones que porque tenga nada que se la quite.
El protagonista Uhtred es efectivo, el ambiente está soberbiamente recreado. Sientes el frío, la lluvia y las luchas que te va describiendo el autor. Ya digo que no hay nada malo pero no me sorprendido tanto como el primero.
Seguiré con la saga aunque sin prisa.
August 29, 2019
Great book
I promise to review as soon as possible
I promise to review as soon as possible
July 29, 2022
I love this series so much already and it's so fun seeing the differences between the show and books. Uhtred is such a great character to follow and man does he go through some shit. The tension, warring and negotiating between the Saxons and the Danes is always intriguing.
December 4, 2015
I can't even......
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"And I looked," Pyrlig said to me, "and I saw a pale horse, and the rider's name was death,"
You like Viking?
You like badasses like my boyfriends, Uhtred??
You want a GOOD STORY????? THEN READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!
Also, I think its safe to say that buying all the books in the series before finishing the first one was a wise choice...
April 17, 2014
THE PALE HORSEMEN is the second book in the Cornwell series focusing on England before it was England. Unlike the first book, there's less fighting and more political maneuvering and focus on relationships.
HISTORY: at this time England was something of a bunch of Saxon Kingdoms. Seven, if memory serves. The Saxons had actually taken most of the Kingdom from the Britons & Welsh and had held a good chunk for several hundred years. Now, it's the late 800s and the Danes are seriously beating the Saxons up. The first book opens with only one Saxon Kingdom remaining and the others having already fallen.
Tale focuses on a young man, who was raised by Danes and appreciates many of their values, but, for various reasons from the first book, he has chosen to side with the remaining Saxon Kingdom, Wessex.
This is a good tale for those interested in, well, shield wall warfare, lusty adventuring and a perspective on the Saxon and Danish viewpoints. Also, the take on the future Alfred the Great is interesting b/c the main character has no love for him. And, that's funny because Alfred is the only male monarch of England to be termed the great . .. all for him holding England together.
Look for the legend where a fishwife chews out Alfred the Great, not knowing who he is, when he burns her cakes.
Also look for the shadow wife.
And don't forget Guthrum.
Some favorite dialogues below the grading.
STORY/PLOTTING: A minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: A minus to A;
BATTLE SCENES: A minus; EVOKING THE ERA: A minus; OVERALL GRADE: A minus; WHEN READ: 2010 (revised review end of April 2013).
HISTORY: at this time England was something of a bunch of Saxon Kingdoms. Seven, if memory serves. The Saxons had actually taken most of the Kingdom from the Britons & Welsh and had held a good chunk for several hundred years. Now, it's the late 800s and the Danes are seriously beating the Saxons up. The first book opens with only one Saxon Kingdom remaining and the others having already fallen.
Tale focuses on a young man, who was raised by Danes and appreciates many of their values, but, for various reasons from the first book, he has chosen to side with the remaining Saxon Kingdom, Wessex.
This is a good tale for those interested in, well, shield wall warfare, lusty adventuring and a perspective on the Saxon and Danish viewpoints. Also, the take on the future Alfred the Great is interesting b/c the main character has no love for him. And, that's funny because Alfred is the only male monarch of England to be termed the great . .. all for him holding England together.
Look for the legend where a fishwife chews out Alfred the Great, not knowing who he is, when he burns her cakes.
Also look for the shadow wife.
And don't forget Guthrum.
Some favorite dialogues below the grading.
STORY/PLOTTING: A minus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: A minus to A;
BATTLE SCENES: A minus; EVOKING THE ERA: A minus; OVERALL GRADE: A minus; WHEN READ: 2010 (revised review end of April 2013).
April 11, 2012
"REINVIGORATE, MAN!" I shouted, then calmly began my review.
Cornwell always does a decent job of adding in just enough historical detail, both physical and immediate, to the story as well as historic and atmospheric for the background. Then he layers on his stock, misunderstood hero regardless of time or place and serves up another entertaining action/adventure story. Hard to argue with a winning recipe, other than the argument that the palette desires something new sooner or later, and that the chef needs to stretch himself occasionally to reinvigorate his passion.
Cornwell always does a decent job of adding in just enough historical detail, both physical and immediate, to the story as well as historic and atmospheric for the background. Then he layers on his stock, misunderstood hero regardless of time or place and serves up another entertaining action/adventure story. Hard to argue with a winning recipe, other than the argument that the palette desires something new sooner or later, and that the chef needs to stretch himself occasionally to reinvigorate his passion.
January 26, 2021
There is a thing called the blood feud. All societies have them, even the West Saxons have them, despite their vaunted piety. Kill a member of my family and I shall kill one of yours, and so it goes on, generation after generation or until one family is all dead, and Kjartan had just wished a blood feud on himself. I did not know how, I did not know where, I could not know when, but I would revenge Ragnar. I swore it that night.
This quote, from The Last Kingdom, was the moment when I couldn't peel my eyes away from the book. It was an emotionally impactful, character-defining, incredible part of the story.
This is a book 2 in a series in every sense of the word. The climax of this saga has not yet been reached, and I'm an impatient reader so I'm taking off a star. *If* there were events in this book that interconnect and impact book 3 in a meaningful way I will raise my rating to 5 stars. Vengeance has not been achieved, and I'm still craving Kjartan & Sven's blood. Fortunately events at the end of The Pale Horseman shifted the tides and just going by the title of the next book I'm hopeful Uhtred will be out of Wessex soon. It's clear Uhtred's ultimate goal is to regain Bebbanburg, but Uhtred's separation from Bebbanburg was not as emotional for me as the slaughter of . I'm trusting the author to pull through on the blood feud as well as Uhtred's attempts to regain Bebbanburg. I'm not as excited as Uhtred for him to regain Bebbanburg at the moment. I'm hoping the author will pull all of this together.
Iseult was mystical. I admire Cornwell's ability to craft nuanced, multifaceted, and powerful female characters.
I'm by no means a history buff, so for those who are this may be a question they already easily know, but I'm wondering if Uhtred is destined to be either with Æthelflæd or Thyra. Æthelflæd seems much too highborn and much too young, but there has been foreshadowing that her fate is entwined with Uhtred's. I also think back to The Last Kingdom when Ravn suggested Uhtred should marry Thyra. Uhtred often reminisced about always remembering Thyra spinning. I can't help but think that connects to the theme of destiny that runs through this series:
Ravn told me time and again that destiny was everything. Fate rules. The three spinners sit at the foot of the tree of life and they make our lives and we are their playthings, and though we think we make our own choices, all our fates are in the spinners’ threads. Destiny is everything, and that day, though I did not know it, my destiny was spun. Wyrd bi imageful a image ræd, fate is unstoppable."
This quote, from The Last Kingdom, was the moment when I couldn't peel my eyes away from the book. It was an emotionally impactful, character-defining, incredible part of the story.
This is a book 2 in a series in every sense of the word. The climax of this saga has not yet been reached, and I'm an impatient reader so I'm taking off a star. *If* there were events in this book that interconnect and impact book 3 in a meaningful way I will raise my rating to 5 stars. Vengeance has not been achieved, and I'm still craving Kjartan & Sven's blood. Fortunately events at the end of The Pale Horseman shifted the tides and just going by the title of the next book I'm hopeful Uhtred will be out of Wessex soon. It's clear Uhtred's ultimate goal is to regain Bebbanburg, but Uhtred's separation from Bebbanburg was not as emotional for me as the slaughter of . I'm trusting the author to pull through on the blood feud as well as Uhtred's attempts to regain Bebbanburg. I'm not as excited as Uhtred for him to regain Bebbanburg at the moment. I'm hoping the author will pull all of this together.
“He will give you power,” she said flatly. I stared at her and she gazed to where the clouds met the waves. Her black hair was unbound and the sea wind stirred it. “My brother told me,” she said. “Alfred will give you power and you will take back your northern home and your woman will be a creature of gold.”
“My woman?”
She looked at me and there was sadness in her face. “There,” she said, “now you know,” and she kicked back her heels and made the horse run along the ridgetop, her hair streaming, her eyes wet with tears. I wanted to know more, but she said she had told me what she had dreamed and I must be content.
Iseult was mystical. I admire Cornwell's ability to craft nuanced, multifaceted, and powerful female characters.
I'm by no means a history buff, so for those who are this may be a question they already easily know, but I'm wondering if Uhtred is destined to be either with Æthelflæd or Thyra. Æthelflæd seems much too highborn and much too young, but there has been foreshadowing that her fate is entwined with Uhtred's. I also think back to The Last Kingdom when Ravn suggested Uhtred should marry Thyra. Uhtred often reminisced about always remembering Thyra spinning. I can't help but think that connects to the theme of destiny that runs through this series:
Ravn told me time and again that destiny was everything. Fate rules. The three spinners sit at the foot of the tree of life and they make our lives and we are their playthings, and though we think we make our own choices, all our fates are in the spinners’ threads. Destiny is everything, and that day, though I did not know it, my destiny was spun. Wyrd bi imageful a image ræd, fate is unstoppable."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2021
Fim do segundo volume e a história vai lenta. Tendo em conta a extensão da mesma, o tempo que tenho para lhe dispensar e a minha diminuta paciência, larguei os ebooks e optei pelos audiobooks.
Agora, ando pela casa de pano do pó na mão, e nos ouvidos um grilo falante a dizer palavrões. Um mimo.😈
Agora, ando pela casa de pano do pó na mão, e nos ouvidos um grilo falante a dizer palavrões. Um mimo.😈
September 27, 2020
4/5 estrellas.
Segundo libro de la serie sobre la invasión danesa de Britania en el siglo IX. Mantiene el nivel, sobre todo la segunda mitad del libro es trepidante, ya que narra uno de los episodios más críticos de la Historia de Inglaterra y quizá de la Historia de Europa, y de la Humanidad.......
Los daneses han acabado en pocos años con todos los reinos sajones de la Heptarquía, salvo Wessex que, bajo el mando del rey Alfredo, ha podido resistir los embates de las hordas danesas. Alfredo todavía no es el "Grande", pero pronto se ganará el apodo que lo acompañará en la posteridad.
En plena Navidad del 878 los daneses atacan a Alfredo en Chippenham, rompen la tregua a traición y cogen desprevenido a Alfredo, que confiado no esperaba para nada este ataque. Invaden, matan, violan, ocupan el territorio, pero son pocos y muchos sajones escapan a la matanza, entre ellos Alfredo y su familia, que se refugian en una zona pantanosa al oeste de Wessex. No se sabe muy bien como, pero desde ahí, los sajones se comienzan a reorganizar y empiezan a juntar su ejército y prepararlo para enfrentarse a los invasores.
En medio de este caos, lleno de lagunas históricas, el autor introduce al protagonista de la serie, Uhtred el Nortumbrío, en el meollo de toda la acción. Él, sajón, pero no sajón del Oeste, medio pagano, criado entre daneses y admirador de ellos, pero al servicio de Alfredo nos narra el peligroso camino que conduce al Rey desde los pantanos de Somerset a la batalla de Ethandun, en la que se jugó a una sola carta la supervivencia de los sajones en Britania...y ganó.
Inglaterra se salvó y a partir de este punto tomó la iniciativa, y los sucesores de Alfredo consiguieron, en los siguientes años, expulsar o asimilar a los daneses, unificando los antiguos reinos sajones en un único reino: Inglaterra. ¿Qué hubiera pasado si se hubiera perdido esta batalla? ¿Hubiera existido Inglaterra y toda la influencia que ha tenido posteriormente en la historia de la Humanidad? Interesante cuestión, pero imposible de responder.
Evidentemente toda la trama está llena de licencias históricas, lances inverosímiles, pero el resultado es, a mi juicio, bueno y disfrutable. Sobre todo la parte final de los prolegómenos y la batalla de Ethandun merecen mucho la pena.
No me gusta nada que nos presente a Alfredo como un tipo bastante pusilánime. Un meapilas dominado por los curas, que de vez en cuando saca su carácter y su ascendiente, pero que lo deja un poco malparado. Joder Bernard, que es el único rey de Inglaterra que se llama "El Grande", un poco de respeto. Se lo perdonaremos, que hay que dejar un poco de espacio a Uhtred.
Recomendable.
Segundo libro de la serie sobre la invasión danesa de Britania en el siglo IX. Mantiene el nivel, sobre todo la segunda mitad del libro es trepidante, ya que narra uno de los episodios más críticos de la Historia de Inglaterra y quizá de la Historia de Europa, y de la Humanidad.......
Los daneses han acabado en pocos años con todos los reinos sajones de la Heptarquía, salvo Wessex que, bajo el mando del rey Alfredo, ha podido resistir los embates de las hordas danesas. Alfredo todavía no es el "Grande", pero pronto se ganará el apodo que lo acompañará en la posteridad.
En plena Navidad del 878 los daneses atacan a Alfredo en Chippenham, rompen la tregua a traición y cogen desprevenido a Alfredo, que confiado no esperaba para nada este ataque. Invaden, matan, violan, ocupan el territorio, pero son pocos y muchos sajones escapan a la matanza, entre ellos Alfredo y su familia, que se refugian en una zona pantanosa al oeste de Wessex. No se sabe muy bien como, pero desde ahí, los sajones se comienzan a reorganizar y empiezan a juntar su ejército y prepararlo para enfrentarse a los invasores.
En medio de este caos, lleno de lagunas históricas, el autor introduce al protagonista de la serie, Uhtred el Nortumbrío, en el meollo de toda la acción. Él, sajón, pero no sajón del Oeste, medio pagano, criado entre daneses y admirador de ellos, pero al servicio de Alfredo nos narra el peligroso camino que conduce al Rey desde los pantanos de Somerset a la batalla de Ethandun, en la que se jugó a una sola carta la supervivencia de los sajones en Britania...y ganó.
Inglaterra se salvó y a partir de este punto tomó la iniciativa, y los sucesores de Alfredo consiguieron, en los siguientes años, expulsar o asimilar a los daneses, unificando los antiguos reinos sajones en un único reino: Inglaterra. ¿Qué hubiera pasado si se hubiera perdido esta batalla? ¿Hubiera existido Inglaterra y toda la influencia que ha tenido posteriormente en la historia de la Humanidad? Interesante cuestión, pero imposible de responder.
Evidentemente toda la trama está llena de licencias históricas, lances inverosímiles, pero el resultado es, a mi juicio, bueno y disfrutable. Sobre todo la parte final de los prolegómenos y la batalla de Ethandun merecen mucho la pena.
No me gusta nada que nos presente a Alfredo como un tipo bastante pusilánime. Un meapilas dominado por los curas, que de vez en cuando saca su carácter y su ascendiente, pero que lo deja un poco malparado. Joder Bernard, que es el único rey de Inglaterra que se llama "El Grande", un poco de respeto. Se lo perdonaremos, que hay que dejar un poco de espacio a Uhtred.
Recomendable.
March 16, 2023
Датското нашествие продължава и шансовете на крал Алфред да задържи поне Уесекс стават илюзиорни.
Нападнат по време на примирие, той е принуден да бяга в блатата на Етълингег. Утред го спасява и полага клетва да пази семейството му. Но при тази си служба губи своята независимост. Макар да мрази краля по ред причини, все пак случайността и лоялността му го задържат в редиците на кралските защитници.
Предстои една последна битка, в която ще се реши бъдещето на саксонците!
P.S. Противно на митовете и легендите, схватките по това време са се водили между относително малобройни като численост отряди, армия от няколко хиляди се е считала за сериозна военна сила.
Има и доста голяма ирония в това, че саксонското кралство е завладяно векове п��-късно напълно, от потомци на други викинги - норманите.
P.S. 21.07.2021 - тези дни от "Сиела" ми заявиха, че оставят тази чудесна и популярна по целия свят поредица недоиздадена на български... Нещастници!!!
Нападнат по време на примирие, той е принуден да бяга в блатата на Етълингег. Утред го спасява и полага клетва да пази семейството му. Но при тази си служба губи своята независимост. Макар да мрази краля по ред причини, все пак случайността и лоялността му го задържат в редиците на кралските защитници.
Предстои една последна битка, в която ще се реши бъдещето на саксонците!
P.S. Противно на митовете и легендите, схватките по това време са се водили между относително малобройни като численост отряди, армия от няколко хиляди се е считала за сериозна военна сила.
Има и доста голяма ирония в това, че саксонското кралство е завладяно векове п��-късно напълно, от потомци на други викинги - норманите.
P.S. 21.07.2021 - тези дни от "Сиела" ми заявиха, че оставят тази чудесна и популярна по целия свят поредица недоиздадена на български... Нещастници!!!
March 21, 2019
Destiny is all..
November 7, 2021
This book was very well written and true to the times in which it was placed, however, I am not a fan of all the violents and rape in this book. It really assulted my sences.
I only recommend this book if you have a strong stomach for war and rape.
I only recommend this book if you have a strong stomach for war and rape.
July 30, 2022
3.5-stars.
I thought this was better than the first book. More things happened and there was even some humour in there to break up the violence and cruelty.
I don't know if other people feel the same way, but I think that the whole first-person writing style takes away any mystery and suspense.
I will be continuing the series but I think I'll read something else first.
I thought this was better than the first book. More things happened and there was even some humour in there to break up the violence and cruelty.
I don't know if other people feel the same way, but I think that the whole first-person writing style takes away any mystery and suspense.
I will be continuing the series but I think I'll read something else first.
December 13, 2022
The Pale Horseman continues the saga of King Alfred’s struggle with the Danes to save a Saxon England. Using the same cinematic storytelling that made The Last Kingdom such an exciting novel, Cornwell here concentrates on Alfred’s defeat by the Dane, Guthrum, on Twelfth Night 878, his flight into hiding, and his gathering of an army to retake his Kingdom of Wessex at the pivotal Battle of Edington later that spring. These events were the central crisis of Alfred’s reign, and their telling here is riveting.
We continue to view these events from the viewpoint of the warrior Uhtred, who has a complicated relationship with Alfred. Being a Saxon raised by Danes, he is not fully comfortable among his Saxon countrymen, and as an enthusiastic Pagan he is at best grudgingly tolerated in Alfred’s pious Christian Court. Yet his sword and warrior’s expertise are indispensable to Alfred’s victory, and it is his personal tale that makes this story so compelling.
I first experience this series through the Netflix adaptation of the novels. Because it stayed so true to the source material, reading these novels for the first time almost feels like a reread. I find that discovering the small but significant difference between the two is one of the pleasures of reading the novels after viewing the series.
We continue to view these events from the viewpoint of the warrior Uhtred, who has a complicated relationship with Alfred. Being a Saxon raised by Danes, he is not fully comfortable among his Saxon countrymen, and as an enthusiastic Pagan he is at best grudgingly tolerated in Alfred’s pious Christian Court. Yet his sword and warrior’s expertise are indispensable to Alfred’s victory, and it is his personal tale that makes this story so compelling.
I first experience this series through the Netflix adaptation of the novels. Because it stayed so true to the source material, reading these novels for the first time almost feels like a reread. I find that discovering the small but significant difference between the two is one of the pleasures of reading the novels after viewing the series.
October 17, 2022
The reread continues, to much hype. The Pale Horseman is not as good as book 1, but only barely. The main thing for me is just that Uhtred is at his most unlikeable, out of probably the whole series, in this one, and many of the best characters only get brief appearances. There's an entire plotline in this that the show cut out, that I totally forgot about
This reread is mostly going to continue to remind me what a travesty it was that the show butchered my man Steapa. What a great character. Pyrlig, too, but not as much as Steapa.
9.5/10
This reread is mostly going to continue to remind me what a travesty it was that the show butchered my man Steapa. What a great character. Pyrlig, too, but not as much as Steapa.
9.5/10
January 24, 2016
Executive Summary: Another enjoyable Historical Fiction book that I probably would have liked a bit better if I hadn't already known what was coming from watching the TV show. I'm really looking forward to book three now.
Full Review
In retrospect I wish I had read this book before watching The Last Kingdom. I had no idea that a 10 episode season would cover two books. That's partly because they glossed over half of the first book, and partly because they cut a lot of detail out.
I had been hoping that much like the first book, I'd get a lot of extra plot and detail the show left out. While that is true, it was not nearly as much as the first book had. Much of the first season seemed to heavily focus on the major events of this book rather than the one it's named for.
The writing is excellent. The battles are interesting without being dragged out too long. The politics seem believable. Unfortunately for me though, none of the plot developments were a surprise. I knew what was going to happen. It kind of felt like a reread.
I read this while traveling to/from Las Vegas last week, so instead of reading it over a long stretch of time, I did it in two long sittings. As such, I'm not really sure what else to write. It all sort of blurred together a bit.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but mostly I'm looking forward to getting past the show and reading about what comes next.
Full Review
In retrospect I wish I had read this book before watching The Last Kingdom. I had no idea that a 10 episode season would cover two books. That's partly because they glossed over half of the first book, and partly because they cut a lot of detail out.
I had been hoping that much like the first book, I'd get a lot of extra plot and detail the show left out. While that is true, it was not nearly as much as the first book had. Much of the first season seemed to heavily focus on the major events of this book rather than the one it's named for.
The writing is excellent. The battles are interesting without being dragged out too long. The politics seem believable. Unfortunately for me though, none of the plot developments were a surprise. I knew what was going to happen. It kind of felt like a reread.
I read this while traveling to/from Las Vegas last week, so instead of reading it over a long stretch of time, I did it in two long sittings. As such, I'm not really sure what else to write. It all sort of blurred together a bit.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but mostly I'm looking forward to getting past the show and reading about what comes next.
June 25, 2022
This second book in the series picks up immediately after the end of the first book. Uhtred, a Saxon raised by Danes, has just had a great victory in the fight against the invaders. He has killed Ubba Lothbrokson, the most feared of the Danish leaders, and instead of going to Alfred and claiming the credit for the victory he goes off to find his wife and child. The delay allows a Saxon rival to take the credit for winning the battle and Uhtred again finds himself an outsider in the court. The story continues as Alfred finds himself on the run and includes the story of the burnt cakes( apparently it’s not true but it’s what Alfred is famous for). There’s a lot of fighting between the Saxons and Danes and once again our hero is in the thick of things. I’m enjoying this story telling how the many Saxon kingdoms eventually became England. Bring on the next one!
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