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  • Warriors of the Storm

  • The Last Kingdom Series, Book 9
  • By: Bernard Cornwell
  • Narrated by: Matt Bates
  • Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,458 ratings)
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Warriors of the Storm cover art

Warriors of the Storm

By: Bernard Cornwell
Narrated by: Matt Bates
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Summary

The new novel in Bernard Cornwell's number-one best-selling series on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg.

BBC2's major autumn 2015 TV show The Last Kingdom is based on the first two books in the series.

A fragile peace is about to be broken.... King Alfred's son, Edward, and formidable daughter, Æthelflaed, rule Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia. But all around the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids.

Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the kingdoms' greatest warrior, controls Northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of Chester. But forces are rising up against him. Northmen allied to the Irish, led by the fierce warrior Ragnall Ivarson, are soon joined by the Northumbrians, and their strength could prove overwhelming. Despite the gathering threat, both Edward and Æthelflaed are reluctant to move out of the safety of their fortifications.

But with Uhtred's own daughter married to Ivarson's brother, who can be trusted?

In the struggle between family and loyalty, between personal ambition and political commitment, there will be no easy path. But a man with a warrior's courage may be able to find it. Such a man is Uhtred,and this may be his finest hour.

©2015 Bernard Cornwell (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"A tense, powerful and compulsive story." ( The Times)
"Strong narrative, vigourous action and striking characterisation, Cornwell remains king of the territory he has staked out as his own." ( Sunday Times)
"Blood, divided loyalties and thundering battles." ( The Times)
"A violent, absorbing historical saga, deeply researched and thoroughly imagined." ( Washington Post)
"The best battle scenes of any writer I've ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive." (George R. R. Martin)

What listeners say about Warriors of the Storm

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Yet again why o why did they get rid of Jonathon Keeble?

Keeble , Keeble, keeble! For gods sake why haven't you used Keeble, he is bloody brilliant

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

His usual high standard

I personally believe this series has gone on for too long. It should have been tied up, with Uhtred retaking Bebbanburg at least four books ago.
However, Cornwell is such a great writer that, although I feel the story overall isn't as powerful as it could have been in a shorter series, I still read or listen (as here) to each new book as soon as they come out!
The previous novel (Pagan Lord if I recall correctly) I felt was a bit meandering, and this one starts much the same, with not a lot happening - certainly no blood or thunder - for a while, and I was starting to worry. But it soon picks up and Uhtred heads off to Ireland and returns again, killing and mutilating lots of enemies and even setting up a new king along the way.
The supporting characters, like his daughter and her husband, are great - just as blood-thirsty as Uhtred himself, yet, like him, still likable!

It's good stuff and the end suggests Bebbanburg may, finally, be the focus next time around.
I hope so.
The narrator isn't as good as the guy that did Cornwell's King Arthur series. I don't know how old this fellow is, but his VOICE makes him sound like he's in his early-mid twenties. Since this story is told from Uhtred's point of view, and Uhtred is an older man, the whole thing just seems off. To his credit though, he reads well and has a good range of accents, even if some of them don't quite come off every time!

Overall, if you have enjoyed this series so far, you will like this one just as much, possibly even more than some of them.
Bernard Cornwell really is a master of his trade!

Recommended.

Steven A. McKay, author of "Wolf's Head".

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A cracking good listen

What made the experience of listening to Warriors of the Storm the most enjoyable?

This was one of the very best in this series. The writing was taut, quick and exciting. No padding and every word counted.I was almost breathless in places and the task I was supposed to be doing while listening, often got forgotten and I simply .... listened!Matt Bates captures the voices and makes it all spring into life. I felt I was in the shield wall and I felt the thrill of the battle. It was wonderful.Now I have to wait for the next book but I suspect I will listen to this one again, at least once more!
Bernard Cornwell is one of my favourite authors and although I have read other books in this genre, no-one can touch him. Long may he write.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

average story.

the narrator has changed how he pronounces some of the characters names which is pretty annoying. The story was OK nothing really to intriguing unlike the earlier stories in this series.i think Bernard Cornwell is circling with this character. He needs to decide what he is doing with him soon.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Another gem

A superlative performance by Matt Bates. The characterisation truly brings the so called dark ages back to life as you find yourself caught up in the bloody intrigues of the formation of England.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

Really enjoyed this book, excellently read by Matt Bates. Roll on the next one! Fantastic 👍

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

consistent brilliance

title says it all the whole series has been a joy to listen to . narrators varied in quality is my only small judgement . a must for everyone

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I am devouring these books!

I could complain that the books are all a bit the same. But the thrill of the sheild war and Utred's devious tactics continue to grip mem

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
  • Mr
  • 20-07-23

Same old story rehashed…..again

How many times can you tell the same story but in a different way? As many books as there are in this series. He wins- he loses- he makes up with the church - the church betrays him YAWN!!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Bates so much better than Keeble

I stopped reading this series as Keeble’s narration was so over the top.I came back to it when I tried Bate’s narration. To me he brings it alive. As ever the story stretches credibility but still a good escapist read.

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