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Title details for Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell - Available

Sword Song

The Battle for London

#4 in series

by Bernard Cornwell
Gerard Doyle
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available

Perhaps the most accomplished historical fiction writer since Patrick O'Brian, Bernard Cornwell vividly captures Britain's past in his action-packed, best-selling novels. Half Saxon, half Danish warlord Uhtred is the sword arm of King Alfred of Wessex. While Uhtred protects the Thames frontier, Vikings invade London and prepare to attack Wessex. They'll need Uhtred's help to be successful, which means the warrior must decide where his loyalties lie.

  • Creators

  • Series

    The Last Kingdom

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    January 14, 2008

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781456103309
      • File size: 381907 KB
      • Duration: 13:15:38

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      This epic from acclaimed storyteller Bernard Cornwell takes listeners back to England circa 885 A.D., a country divided between Danes and Saxons. With such an extensive pallet to work with, narrator Jamie Glover offers a memorable reading that will capture listeners' attention from the start and keep them intrigued throughout. Glover's deep, throaty British tone is the perfect complement to the story and gives it a stark reality. He creates a compelling portrayal of the conflicted central character, Uhtred, a vicious man who has settled into fatherhood. Glover knows how to drive the story and keep listeners involved. L.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      In 855, a peaceful England faces a Viking threat. Uhtred, loyal to King Alfred, faces tests of that loyalty, as well as his savvy, as he becomes involved in the fight for control of London and in the ransoming of Alfred's daughter. Gerard Doyle reads Uhtred's first-person narrative with a voice of aged wisdom and reflection, yet he keeps the narrative vital, full of action and wry humor. Doyle's reading carries the weight of moral authority, even as Uhtred lives by the sword. Doyle is also good at conveying the dangers of Cornwell's bloody combat scenes. The mix of adventure, history, and intelligent writing, topped off with an engaging narration, will draw listeners in. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      November 12, 2007
      Cornwell’s fourth entry in the popular Saxon Tales (following Lords of the North
      ) is a rousing romp through the celebrated ninth-century reign of Alfred the Great. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a 28-year-old pagan Saxon “lord of war,” has pledged to serve Alfred by commanding the defensive frontier forts (“burhs
      ”). Trouble arises when the Norse Viking brothers Sigefrid and Erik Thurgilson capture and occupy London, threatening Alfred’s border and his control of the Thames River port. The Christian Alfred directs Uhtred to raise a Wessex army, expel the pagan Thurgilsons and resecure London. Commanding Uhtred is his vain, abusive cousin Ethelred, who is married to Alfred’s eldest daughter, Ethelflaed. Plying his swords Serpent-Breath and Wasp-Sting, Uhtred is a stirring, larger-than-life action hero conflicted by ambition, fidelity and thirst for violence. All the major characters are well drawn, and the London battle scenes unfold quickly and vividly. A deft mix of historical details and customs authenticates the saga. And Cornwell drops in a slick twist precipitating the climatic battle to wrest control of London for the Saxons, paving the way for the story to continue.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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