Wyrd bið ful āræd

War Lord by Bernard Cornwell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


And so ends the 13-book saga of Uthred f Bebbanburg, born to a Saxon lord, raised by Danes, and one of the greatest warriors in 9th and early 10th century Britain.

I'm not going into any great details here, the novel is about how Uthred, once again Lord of Bebbanburg, is drawn into politics and war. A broad coalition of Scots, Irish Norse, and rebellious Danes have united to destroy King Æthelstan and his kingdom. Uthred, as the most powerful Ealdorman in Northumbria, is courted by both sides, and wholly trusted by neither. His decision may well seal the fate of the British Isles. The climax is at the historical Battle of Brunanburh

What I really loved is in this, and the last couple of books, Uthred is old. He's at least in his early seventies at the time of War Lord, and it shows. He's slowing down. He aches. He frequently loses himself in memories of those who have already passed on. He's an old man, but still with the same sharp mind. Seeing this evolution of the character has been both natural and fun to watch.

As the previous books were told by an aged Uthred at the end of his life, his fate is never in much doubt, but the journey is amazing. As with all the other books, Cornwell paints vivid pictures, whether it be the blood and terror of the shield wall, the joy of having the steering board of a good ship running before the wind in your hands, or just the scenes of 10th century Great Britain.

I loved this book and the entire series.

Wyrd bið ful āræd



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