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Death of Kings

by Bernard Cornwell
Harper: HarperCollins. Jan. 2012. c.352p. ISBN 9780061969652. $27.99. F
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Uhtred (The Burning Land) rides again, and fans of the irreverent but deadly ninth-century Saxon-born, Viking-raised warrior will be thrilled. A dying Alfred the Great wishes to cement the line of succession, thus guaranteeing his son, Edward, the throne. Human vultures, however, await the chance to tear England apart. Uhtred is an unrepentant pagan in a land of sometimes fanatic Christians who aggressively resent him. He is also not that fond of Alfred but has sworn an oath to him and Edward. When Alfred dies and war soon erupts, Uhtred again proves that he is brave, loyal, cunning, ruthless, and underestimated.
VERDICT Saxon England was a land of almost continuous violence and war, and, thanks to Cornwell's skill as a writer, we see the origins of modern England through the jaded eyes of Uhtred. We also see the often ridiculous superstitions, miracles, and relics that were considered sacred by both the pagans and the Christians. A master of historical fiction has produced another great read. [See Prepub Alert, 7/25/11.]
Reviewed by Robert Conroy, Warren, MI , Dec 01, 2011
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