The Empty Throne cover art

The Empty Throne

The Last Kingdom Series, Book 8

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The Empty Throne

By: Bernard Cornwell
Narrated by: Matt Bates
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About this listen

The eighth book in the epic and bestselling series that has gripped millions.

A hero will be forged from this broken land.

As seen on Netflix and BBC around the world.

In the battle for power, there can be only one ruler.

England is fractured, torn apart more by internal fighting than the threat of Viking invasion. The ruler of Mercia is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. His wife is a formidable fighter and great leader, but no woman has ever ruled over an English kingdom. And she is without her strongest warrior and champion, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. So the scene is set for an explosive battle between elders and warriors for an empty throne.

The vacant throne leaves a dangerous opportunity for the rival West Saxons to seize Mercia. But Edward of Wessex is distracted by the succession of his own throne, with two heirs claiming the right to be West Saxon king. And while the kingdoms are in disarray, the Vikings, this time coming from the west, will go on the rampage once more.

The very future of England hangs in the balance. A hero is needed, a hero who can destroy the threat to Mercia, a hero who will ultimately decide the fate of a nation…

©2014 Bernard Cornwell (P)2014 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Action & Adventure Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Thriller & Suspense War & Military Royalty Warrior Mystery

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All stars
Most relevant
I really enjoyed the reading of this story. I love the story of Utred as I have all the Bernard Cornwell books

Excellent narration by Matt Bates

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I've been out the last Kingdom series for a little while so it took a few chapters to get back into this, the narrator just made me laugh with some of his sayings of places like Cumbria, but it was a nice relax from a serious book.
highly recommend any from the author looking forward to starting the next.

other great book to the collection

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Cornwell at his best, historic, amusing and beautifully entertaining. Enthusiastically read.
Brilliant. A great addition to the series.

Cornwell

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When you get to it you'll understand, back to form with a great story, narration and pace.

Next!

Welcome to Chester!

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What did you like most about The Empty Throne (The Warrior Chronicles, Book 8)?

Think of a cliche for great historical novels, they all apply when Bernard Cornwell writes. This series of novels have been engrossing from start to finish, or at least so far - it hasn't finished yet

What other book might you compare The Empty Throne (The Warrior Chronicles, Book 8) to, and why?

Start with 1 -7. It will make sense that way

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The battle scenes are enthralling. Blood, gore, flying limbs.... a shield wall was not a fun place to be.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Fate is inexorable

Any additional comments?

Dear Mr Cornwell,... please don't make us wait another year for the next one

The master storyteller does it again

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