The Last Kingdom

by: Bernard Cornwell

Published by: HarperCollins

By Richard Wilkie

The Last Kingdom is Cornwell's latest foray into the historical novel, and yet once again he displays his ability to mix fact with fiction, intertwining plots and subplots with actual historical events.

In the past he has created great heroic figures in Richard Sharpe and Nate Starbuck, and his latest avatar, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, will I think, take his place alongside Cornwell's other beloved characters.

Despite the story opening with Uhtred at the tender age of ten, the character is no less developed than other Cornwell creations, and within very few pages the readers find themselves fully engaged within the story.

We follow the lonely young man. While accompanying his father in an attempt to defend his home from Viking raiders, Uhtred is captured and we learn his struggles to survive his new situation. We also follow the history of the ninth century, and Alfred "The Great" and his struggle to preserve Wessex and the English country.

From what I have read in this opening book in his new series, Cornwell has again given us a window to the past through his obvious love of history and appreciation for the periods he writes about.

Armchair Interviews says: We're looking forward to reading the next in the series The Pale Horseman and know we won't be disappointed.