The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles Series #1)

Book Review by Tracey
The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles Series #1) is a wonderful novel narrated by the lead character Uhtred, an English ealdorman's son, during the time period of Alfred the Great. I purchased this novel on the advice of another review in the magazine Entertainment Weekly. Although not familiar with this author, I now realize he has written several other books, and the list looks intriguing! The Last Kingdom, in fact, is the first volume of a new trilogy (and I adore a good trilogy!). Not only did I enjoy the story immensely, I also appreciated the reference guide to place names in the front of the book, and a historical note at the end letting me know which parts of the story were fact or fiction. It's really too bad that all of those History teachers in school couldn't make said subject as entertaining as our historical novelists!

Anyway, the story follows Uhtred's existence from young boy into manhood, learning life's lessons along the way. It explores the hierarchy of the English society of the period, and also the social differences between them and the Danish, who were invading England (and other countries) during this time period. The main characters are vividly sketched and the history is interwoven so neatly into the story. I couldn't help but wish to be there (in spirit only- I can't quite imagine physically tolerating all of those unwashed bodies!) I was thoroughly entertained, and I'll be looking forward to more stories by Bernard Cornwell.