Sword Song: The Battle for London
by Bernard Cornwell
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Book Reviews of Sword Song: The Battle for London
Book Review: Continuing saga of Uhtred
Summary: 4 Stars
The novel is historical fiction, continuing the story of Uhtred during the time of King Alfred the Great. It is set in 885 AD. Uhtred fights the Danes, although he himself worships their gods. The story is written as a recollection of Uhtred when he was in his declining years. It may seem a bit slow and dry at times, but there are many battles, and some fights between individuals.
Various characters continue from earlier books. It is undoubtedly an accurate account of slavery (commonly practiced during that time period), the status of women (who could be beaten by their husbands), the nature of the church, etc. Life spans tended to be short (40 was elderly). The main problem with raising an army was the fact that they had to be fed. Men fought for loot (including whatever people they could capture for sale as slaves). Somehow people survived and had descendents.
I would note that King Alfred ruled until his eventual death in 901 AD. The Danes continued to be a problem plaguing the rest of Europe until their defeat during the 11th century, initially at Clontarf in Ireland in 1016 (by the forces of King Brian), then in England (which they actually did control for a short period of time in the 11th century).
Book Review: Book 4 of the amazing Alfred The Great series.,
Summary: 5 Stars
I think out of all the Alfred books so far this is my favourite, as with the previous three Cornwell has created a vivid portrait of what it must have been like to live in the dark ages of Britain, the brutality of every day life, the constant warfare. As with all of Cornwell's books this is action packed and fast paced with battles and blood letting galore.
This story starts about three years after The Lord Of The North, Uhtred has settled, well as much as he could settle down, he has married the King of the Norths sister and they have a son and daughter together. This doesn't stop Uhtred from still seeking glory, if anything he is looking for more glory than ever, he raids Dane and Norse ships and sets traps for their raiding parties. Uhtred will have to work hard to survive while battling new threats and trying to stay alive while priests plot his downfall, he will also have to rescue a Princess from the very centre of a Norse town surrounded by thousands of warriors.
If you're a lover of action and adventure then this book and series are definitely for you.
Book Review: Great 4th Installment to the Series
Summary: 5 Stars
This is Cornwell's 4th installment in his Anglo-Saxon Chronicles. If you haven't read any of them, definitely start at the beginning with "The Last Kingdom". I enjoyed this series tremendously and highly recommend it. Most of the series of events hold true to the actual historical record written by Brother Asser, who was a chronicler of Alfred the Great. Cornwell does an excellent job of adding a health amount of fiction while bringing the world of Dark Ages old England to life. His fictional Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon raised by Danes, is a great character.
After Uhtred kicks a dying man's sword away, "I will spend my life beyond death, in Odin's Hall. And there I shall feast with your brother, and neither he nor I wishes your company".
Enjoy.
Book Review: Another winner! Intense battle scenes.
Summary: 5 Stars
I always read these when my husband is done with them. Truly one of the finest authors of our time. He does his research and pulls you into the battle scenes with such intense descriptions. I have never enjoyed novels that sugar coat or glide over the sheer brutality of combat. He manages also to reveal the tender but hidden part of Uhtred, the parts saved only for the women and children. Without revealing anything too crucial, I do enjoy his handling of a man who speaks disrespectfully to his wife and then refuses to apologize. Our modern society has a way of brainwashing chivalry out of our young men. Two feminines in a relationship often dooms it to failure. Uhtred is a true warrior and a real man, flaws and all. Great book.Book Review: A Tragedy in Writing
Summary: 1 Stars
Cornwell's Sword Song or swan song to Uhtred's adventures is horrible. I remember wondering if he wrote this one on a plane somewhere on the way a quick vacation. It was a retread of past statements, with little new character development. The story literally felt tired, as if it were calling for a merciful end. Instead, the ending is abrupt and as surprising and contenting as a hiccup. Avoid this series after the initial text. Read something like Steven Pressfield's Greek stories or Conn Iggulden's Genghis series instead. Now those are masterful historical fiction writers. Having been recommended Cornwell by a friend, I was greatly disappointed.