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The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom Series, Book 1

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The Last Kingdom

By: Bernard Cornwell
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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Summary

The first 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 a land torn apart by conflict, an orphan boy has come of age. Raised by the Vikings, deadly enemies of his own Saxon people, Uhtred is a fierce and skilled warrior who kneels to no-one.

Alfred – Saxon, king, man of god – fights to hold the throne of the only land still resisting the pagan northerners.

Uhtred and Alfred’s fates are tangled, soaked in blood and blackened by the flames of war. Together they will change history.

 Action & Adventure Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Royalty Thriller & Suspense War & Military Fiction Viking Marriage Middle Ages War Denmark Emotionally Gripping Exciting
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Critic reviews

'Cornwell is a virtuoso of historical fiction.' Sunday Telegraph

'Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation.' Daily Mail

'Cornwell's narration is quite masterly and supremely well-researched.' Observer
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Most relevant

What made the experience of listening to The Last Kingdom the most enjoyable?

A fantastic tale by a master of historical fiction, brilliantly performed by an actor who brings the characters to vivid life.

What other book might you compare The Last Kingdom to, and why?

Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield. Just as The Last Kingdom draws you into the world of the Vikings and Saxons, Gates of Fire recreates ancient Greece and the warriors that defended it against the might of the Persian Empire. These are books that celebrate the warrior ethos in all its bloody glory with a bold, dark humour.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Keeble – was your favourite?

Apart from the brilliantly performed lead Uhtred, Earl Ragnar the Fearless is realised with real strength and humour. Like Uhtred you can't help loving him, despite his bloody Viking ways. His humour and thirst for life is in stark and brilliant contrast to the pious priests and monks who dominate the Saxon lands.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The Last Kingdom is an exciting listen, filled with action and adventure, and a warrior spirit that had me laughing out loud with its larger than life characters who live and die hard.

Any additional comments?

This is my first experience of Bernard Cromwell's books, but it will not be my last. I loved it. It has also sparked my interest in historical fiction in general and this period in particular. I shall certainly be listening to the other books in this series and will look out for others to try. I have heard Jonathan Keeble's narration before (in a less than inspiring James Herbert novel) but this was outstanding. One of the best performances I've heard in a long while and I'm looking forward to hearing more. Fate is unstoppable.

Fate is unstoppable

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Any History fan who likes 8-9th century England will enjoy a tale of a young boy growth to manhood in Viking torn England.

Who was your favorite character and why?

the main character as its focused on him Uhtred son of Uhtred.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The big storm at sea.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the big battles

Any additional comments?

If you like Viking or Anglo Saxons you will enjoy this book that is based on a young boy and his experiences. His battles loves and joys through the trials of the world he is born into. the narrator was top notch by the way. the book good and gritty. please listen.

A Suprise to find , a Joy to listen to

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I literally couldnt stop listening to this. as soon as it finished, i started again.

unreal

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I'm not usually into books in which swords have names, but I love this one and its sequels. The main characters are extremely well written, especially Uhtred and his mirror-image frenemy Alfred. The narrator really brings out these characters and keeps the story clipping along wonderfully. This book has drama, battles, political intrigue and a good dash of swashbuckling fun. Highly recommended!

Adventure and intrigue

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This was a great story,(more powerful, thoughtful and nuanced than the TV version), with compelling narration,(apart from one, thankfully short-lived attempt at a Scottish accent), and I absolutely loved it. Nuff said...

Best I’ve listened to in a long while...

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