Sword Song (The Saxon Chronicles, Book 4)
by Bernard Cornwell
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Book Reviews of Sword Song (The Saxon Chronicles, Book 4)
Book Review: The weakest of the series so far
Summary: 2 Stars
Sword Song, the fourth delivery on the "Lords of the North" series, seems more rushed and formulaic than the previous three.
The plot in implausible, and even the depiction on the final battle, usually one of Cornwell's strong points, sounds ridiculous and far-fetched.
Uthred is a likable character idea (a Saxon by birth seized by the Danes at an early age, who comes to love their lifestyle and beliefs).
But this book offers nothing new in terms of narrative resources or character development, just a repetition of the same trite devices Cornwell used in the previous books to keep the story going.
Even the tidbits of historical information on daily life, which added some interest to previous books, are scarcer in "Sword Song", and the author departs more from factual history.
I found myself skipping pages as the book neared its end.
Even if you liked "Lords of the North", "The Last Kingdom", and "The Pale Horseman", skip this one, it offers nothing new.
Book Review: A historical action movie in print
Summary: 5 Stars
Bernard does a great spin on this, and finally, like the Last Kingdom, he seems to have created more of an action movie script than just a historical fiction. Someone could actually shorten this thing and turn it into a movie Braveheart style.
It starts out when a bloodthirsty attack of the Viking camp by Uhtred and shows that the Saxons have finally gotten their act together, going on an offensive rather than defensive. The kidnap of Princess Aenlaed and rather strange and ironic love affair between Aenflaed and the Viking lord (who apparently is a better dude than her own husband) is a twist in the tale I've never expected.
Cornwell does an excellent job mixing actions such as a kidnap conspiracy with its strategic importance of how the Vikings could have won with ransom. Also, great to see Uhtred getting some of his dues and almost becoming king of Mercia. This is one heck of a book to read.
Book Review: Cornwell is the best!
Summary: 5 Stars
For those of you who have faithfully read the entire Sharpe series, and all the other series, you know full well that Bernard Cornwell is a master author who never fails to fully involve you in everything he writes. I've read other reviews about his books, and such carping, such trifling squabbles over insignificant details always amazes me. I have no trouble believing that any of those peole would ever read a book by anyone twice. "What for?" they would squeal. And that says it all.
I simply want to say that I've always enjoyed anything I've ever read by Bernard Cornwell. His research is very impressive, his characters always completely credible, and as a plotter he has few equals. For those of you who enjoy finding an author who has a lot to offer, look no further. Here's to you, Bernard, may you continue to write for many years. And thank you for all the wonderful time I've spent with your books.
Book Review: PLENTY OF ACTION AND HISTORICAL COLOR
Summary: 5 Stars
SWORD SONG is a fast-paced and exciting historical novel set during the Saxon-Dane period of English history before the invasion of the Normans. Even though this is Book 4 of the Saxon Chronicles by Mr. Cornwell and I had not read any of the Chronicles, I can vouch that this novel stands on its own; knowledge of the other books in the series is not needed. Mr. Cornwell's prose in SAXON SWORD reminds me of the lean, spare prose of the American queen of historical fiction, Cecelia Holland. A political novel in the reign of the pious King Alfred of Wessex with plenty of action and historical color, SAXON SWORD takes the reader into shield wall battles, city sieges and ship fights as well as illuminating the dawn of the Christian era in Saxon England and the conflict with pagan Danes and Vikings. SAXON SWORD is highly entertaining and makes the other three books in the Saxon Chronicles worth a look.Book Review: Tame & Bland
Summary: 3 Stars
Having read the exciting and highly addictive "The Last Kingdom", "The Pale Horseman", and "Lords of the North", I was eager to read the next installment, the beautifully titled "Sword Song". Initially (for me and a few friends of mine) the book was difficult to get into as the author didn't seem to give much thought into drawing his reader into the story. Since he's such a good writer, I could forgive him that, but overall I found the story tame, rather on the bland side, and definately disappointing. In the first three books the story moved well taking different paths with many unexpected surprises, but "Sword Song" seemed to take one long road with few variations. And I kept looking for Lord Ragnar! So I was disappointed, but that's not to say I won't buy the next installment.