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: ' I was death come from the morning.'
Summary: 4 Stars
'Sword Song' is set in a 9th century England divided between the Saxon kingdom of Wessex in the south and the Danish kingdom of the north.
As in the preceding three novels, Uhtred dominates this story. While his heroic actions are generally physical, his capacity to analyse situations and act quickly endow him with some very attractive leadership qualities. I enjoy the action in these novels and while I have a different mental picture of Alfred the Great, I can accept the picture as painted through Uhtred's eyes.
These are good novels in an historical setting, and breathe life into a time long past.
Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Note: this review was first posted for the hardcover edition on 26/11/2007
Book Review: historical fiction at its very best
Summary: 5 Stars
Good writing should make the reader see, feel, smell, taste, hear -- and Cornwell has outdone himself in this series! I've been a fan of Cornwell's through every Sharpe adventure, and the Starbuck chronicles. I started the Saxon chronicles with little enthusiasm -- knew almost nothing about that era -- initially found the violence rather heavy, but gradually realized that this is the way it really was back then! And Mr. Cornwell grabbed my imagination and transported me back in time -- after finishing the fourth book, I desperately hope he will continue (hey, I wanted more Starbuck!!). If there is one writer today who is a role model for others in making his words come to life, Cornwell is clearly that person! But please read these in order! Absolutely SUPERB adventure!Book Review: Another WINNER by Bernard Cornwell!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This fourth in the "Saxon Chronicles" series by Mr. Cornwell is outstanding! As are all of his books in this series. I wish there were more writers out there who could take us back to little known periods in the past and bring them to life in historical fiction with the skill that Mr. Cornwell puts into each book in this series. I've read all four of his books (The Last Kingdom, The Pale Horseman, The Lords of the North, and Sword Song) TWICE! These books are just wonderfully entertaining and captures the very essence of life (and death) during the period as the "Dark Ages" come to an end. I anxiously await Mr. Cornwell's next book in this series! In a word, I'm hooked. You will be too, if you like exciting, true to life historical fiction!Book Review: Loved it
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed seeing Father Pyrleg(spelling?) return and found the entire novel captivating. It left me drooling for the next book in the series. Cornwell's novels about Uhtred are probably my favorite of all his books. I hope to see a lot more of these novels in the future.
Aside from Uhtred himself my favorite characters are probably Pyrleg and Beocca. I also hope to see Ragnar the Younger a lot more in future novels (he wasn't in this one) although his father was probably my favorite of the Danes. I want to get a big old might retriever or other large dog just so I can call him Raganar the Fearless. LOL
Book Review: Uthred, go your own way
Summary: 3 Stars
I've read - of course - all previous parts of the Saxon Chronicles. And hardly I've ever read a more exciting story. The history of Uthred goes up and down like no one can imagine. And so this brave and smart warrior, which has sworn an oath to King Alfred, is getting behind his expectations - and is frustrated by Alfreds decisions again and again. Although the book is written in the same exciting way like the other three, it is hard to believe why Uthred just not runs away from Alfred and does his business at Bebbanburg, with Ragnars help. Maybe in Book 4 (but please, then!!)
Result: still a good book, but the weakiest of the 4.