War of the Wolf: A Gripping Anglo-Saxon Epic – Book 11 of Uhtred's Saxon Tales, Basis for The Last Kingdom

These books have been Like a good friend who may go away for a time, but when you see each other again it’s as if you were never apart at all. I have read and reread-or listened on audio while at work , to all of this series a couple times now waiting for more. I’m Never disappointed. It’s real, it can be ugly and harsh but also at times makes me laugh. I sit up nervously in bed ripping through the pages of battle scenes and I love it. Thank you

I'll admit: I'm crazy about Bernard Cornwell. All his Last Kingdom novels were great reads, and taught me a lot about a time in history which, until the last decade or so, hadn't spurred much interest from anybody except fusty British historians. But turn Cornwell loose on Alfred's England, and it comes to life for us all. If you haven't read the first ten Saxon Tales/Last Kingdom books, you have an enviable task ahead. Do that first. Don't skip it. I suggest the audio books, which can transform your commute into reading time. But for me, seeing the text on paper is important. I'm someone who will dwell on a paragraph just to see how the author made it work so well. When you read those novels, maybe you will too. Cornwell is the present master of historical (mainly military) fiction. He proves it again and again. And don't shy away just because you tried a few of his Sharpe's Rifles series. That's a different universe and it wasn't my favorite. Apples and oranges. Cornwell has written more books than most people have read. This Saxon Tales/Last Kingdom series is the sum of what he has learned about constructing a novel. If you've seen the TV series, don't let that keep you away. A lot is different -- and don't get me started on the Season 3 storyline. If that sounds cryptic, it won't be when you've read through the series. [SPOILER ALERT] I wondered where he would find a suitable storyline after Uhtred retook Babbenberg. But he did. And as I understand it, he's busy on a twelfth novel for the series -- which I will pre-order as soon as I have the title. One curtain call was not enough.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg is a smart warrior, but still he gets tricked into leaving his hard fought for home and crosses Northumbria to help a friend under siege. While there, he learns his daughter is killed by a new Norse invader, Skoll, who brings his blind sorcerer with him. His men fight like wolves and he terrorizes the north. Uhtred notches another minor victory against Athelhelm the Younger and then goes off to fight Skoll. Uhtred's wits shine through again. Bernard Cornwell tells a wonderful story. I just wish he wrote shorter chapters. Some are 40-45 minutes long and I feel they could have been shortened to quicken the pace of the story. Regardless, it still an action packed historical tale of the making of England.

I seldom read long series, but, having dipped into the Saxon Tales in an attempt to learn something of the craft of writing historical fiction I just kept on reading until I had read the entire extant series. So it was a great surprise to discover there was a new book out in the series, and War of the Wolf proved to be one of the best yet. Our hero is older, but he's no less entertaining and fun to identify with. And as always, the history of the creation of England is always there, creeping upon us inexorably, but never interfering with the immediate action of the story. A master work of historical fantasy.

This book is better than The Flame Bearer. Cornwell has brought back some of the dry humor from the earlier books in this series. There is an interesting and complex story line, along with the gritty battle scenes we have come to expect. One or two of the previous books seemed to be little more than bare efforts to find a reason for Uhtred to go out and fight. Uhtred is still in command, but he is aging and feeling the decline in strength. He is still a grand heroic character and this book is another fine example of great historic fiction. I do not know how much longer the series can last, but it continues to be a good read.

No spoilers, just opinions. I appreciate a good story and I keep going to my favorite modern story teller to satisfy my craving for another good work in historical fiction. Bernard Cornwell can make me believe he has some mystical connection to the era and the characters he's writing about. I feel like I am immersed in Cornwell's story observing relationships, politics, hopes and conflicts of the men and women who populate his tales. Cornwell writes such believable accounts filled with vivid description that's woven into the fabric of the story. As a reader, you feel the grit, smell the smoke, commiserate with the rain soaked shivering guard, are clutched with the pain of sadness of loss and relieved by a positive turn of events. Where else do you get that in a book? This is a great story, worthy of being grouped among Cornwell's best works. I enjoyed it. If this is the first Cornwell novel you're considering I recommend you stop and go to the first book in the series and thank your lucky stars that you've got a lot of good books to get through before you get here. This is inexpensive entertainment and I recommend the purchase.

Highly recommended reading for plane, pool or lazy Saturday’s. You’ll rip right through the epic saga of Uthred and his mighty deeds. He’s getting up there and the author takes that into account. I look forward to Uthred’s future adventures and seeing his son come into his own. Highly recommend!

These novels became a “must read“for me every year. There is so much good research in this series that it’s a pleasure to read. Most historical fiction is absolutely lost. This series is amazing and,as a teacher, I can use this in history class because it is not only fact based but interesting

And while Uhtred might have regained his family’s fortress, it seems that a peaceful life is not to be – as he is under threat from both an old enemy and a new foe. The old enemy comes from Wessex where a dynastic struggle will determine who will be the next king. And the new foe is Sköll, a Norseman, whose ambition is to be King of Northumbria and who leads a frightening army of wolf-warriors, men who fight half-crazed in the belief that they are indeed wolves. Uhtred, believing he is cursed, must fend off one enemy while he tries to destroy the other. In this new chapter of the Saxon Tales series—a rousing adventure of courage, treachery, duty, devotion, majesty, love and battle, as seen through the eyes of a warrior straddling two worlds—Uhtred returns to fight once again for the destiny of England.

Thoroughly enjoyed reading the series this fits into. Highly recommended.

The latest in what will hopefully be a long line of books revolving around the adventures of Uhtred of Bebbanburg. The Saxons have almost completed the dreams of Alfred the Great in creating a single country under one king in what we now know as England. Uhtred rides again in this book under oaths he made and will not break regardless of the circumstances. Cornwell is a great writer and he has not let us down in crafting fast paced, interesting an even exciting story. He knows how to build expectations. Anyone could read this book even if they have not read the previous entries in the series. Having said those of us who have been with Uhtred since the beginning will really enjoy the depth and background and it’s nuances. I really enjoyed this story. I winced and cheered, I got a lump in my throat and shed a small tear at all the appropriate junctures. Brilliant narrative, great characters, and giant canvas for a sweeping work of art. Cornwell has done it again and Uhtred of Bebbanburg gets better with age. I recommend it.