Sword Song

Title: Sword Song

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2007
Pages: 364
Series: The Last Kingdom/ The Saxon Stories #4
Genre: Historical Fiction

Reading Time: 13 - 15 June

Binding: Kindle
Goodreads

Stars:
★★★★★

Blurb:

 The year is 885, and England is at peace, divided between the Danish kingdom to the north and Alfred's kingdom of Wessex in the south. But trouble stirs, a dead man has risen and new Vikings have arrived to occupy London.

 It is a dangerous time, and it falls to Uhtred, half Saxon, hald Dane, a man feared and respected the length and breadth of Britain, to expel the Viking raiders and take control of London for Alfred. His uncertain loyalties must now decide England's future.

 A gripping tale of love, rivalry and violence, Sword Song tells the story of England's making.

Review:

 I've just finished the book and will attempt to write a review through the tears. I can't deny the overwhelming feelings I have for this book are largely heightened due to what I felt when watching the episodes dedicated to this book. This is the only book so far I've really wished we were able to gain a perspective other than Uhtred's but it doesn't greatly take away from the experience if you've not yet watched the series.

 It's been some years since the events of The Lords of the North, Uhtred was 23 at the end of that book and is 28 at the time we now pick up with him. He has matured, helped by the life he has built with Gisela under Alfred's rule. The retrospective narrative voice of Uhtred in his far away future gives us many hints of what may and most definitely will happen to him in future books. I've said before I find this type of narrative comforting and it is but it also gives a sense of foreboding.

 Our opening is pretty exciting, mysterious and inviting for the action that's going to happen later in the book. These books so far just aren't happy with only the one battle scene, Cornwell gives us plenty each time so far.

 Aethelflaed becomes a more important character in this book and Alfred takes a little step back. I'm a real sucker for the last 20% or so of this book and just wish it had lasted longer. All the feels. Erik is a turning point for her and I love him.

 Cornwell's historical note tells us that there is more fiction to this installment than the previous novels and I really, really appreciate it. It's an easy one to love though I feel there's not that much going on in the middle as we were prepared for the next act.

 Once again it's difficult to write a lot without giving away spoilers. I found less humour in this one than I have previously and perhaps that's as Uhtred is maturing. There are characters for Uhtred's past only mentioned in this book and many characters take a larger step back as the family that Uhtred has built for himself takes priority. Alfred brings him out of that state in his constant plans to expand his rule with disastrous results.

 I'm at a bit of a loss for words, excuse me whilst I go and bawl my eyes out watching this part of the series again. Then I might be ready to begin The Burning Land.