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  • Sword of Kings

  • The Last Kingdom Series, Book 12
  • By: Bernard Cornwell
  • Narrated by: Matt Bates
  • Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (179 ratings)

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Sword of Kings

By: Bernard Cornwell
Narrated by: Matt Bates
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Publisher's Summary

England is in turmoil as Vikings and Saxons battle for territory. Rumours build about the fatal sickness of the King, and the country awaits an heir.

A violent clash at sea forces the warrior lord Uhtred to lead his men from his Northumbrian fortress to London and plunge into the eye of the storm. For two kings claim the empty throne and a new kingdom cannot be born without bloodshed.

Uhtred’s sword will leave one king dead and the other victorious. But sometimes it is hard to know the will of the gods....

©2019 Bernard Cornwell (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic Reviews

"Nobody in the world does this better than Cornwell." (Lee Child)

What listeners say about Sword of Kings

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    3 out of 5 stars

Great writer harshly judged by previous works

Enjoyed it, just not the best of the tales. Previous books were far more exciting.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Uthred of Bebbenburg is Inexerable!

Another excellent story of Uthred and the start of England. Battle, love, luck, mistakes and fate. These attributes are what make me enjoy reading them. I hope that I live to read the next one.

In May 2019 I actually went to Bamberg Castle, all the way from Australia. It had been a dream of mine to see it since the first book. It was amazing to see the beautiful area around the castle and how well, in the time in the book, it would have been to defend against enemies. It made the fictional store feel real. Definitely worth a visit for all who love the books but it is a place with a great history all of its own.

I am also glad they included Bernard Cornwell's notes at the end. The last audio book did not which was saddening

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2 people found this helpful

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A master at the height of his powers.

One of his very best yet. Kept me entertained and interested throughout. In short.....perfect.

I will immediately commence the final book and hope Harffy continues his Wolf of Wessex novel by making it a series too.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant as always

Like catching up with old friends, tales of Uhtred and Finan are a pleasure to red or listen to.
Captivating, well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Always struggle to put down one of Bernard Cornwells books, or to cease listening to it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Another thrilling listen from Bernard Cornwell

I really enjoyed this audiobook! It put on me on the edge of my seat for much of the novel, especially at the end. I also enjoyed hearing from the author in the foreword & afterword and am pleased to know there will be at least one more book in this fantastic series from which I have learned so much about British history.

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Richer and better

The series has grown in literary and human interest with each novel, and as its central character/s have aged. Above all, it accomplishes the author’s goal of showing that England and English history is worth understanding.

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a fantastic novel

Bernard has done it again what a great book would highly recommend for anyone who is loved the last kingdom series

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Just the best yarn

Just great, sets the standard for history fiction that is hard to match. thanks for the series. enjoyed every book. favorite was Lord's of the North.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Wyrd Bith Ful Aræd

I can't get that out of my head now, Wyrd Bith Ful Aræd has been drilled in these last few books of the series I keep trying to find opportunities to put it out there and it'd be weird. Great catch phrase though and I hope fate continues to be on Uhtreds side. Love the extra at the end by the author too. A fascinating and knowledgeable bloke which shines through in his books.

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loved it

not sure why this one stood out for me over others but I really enjoyed it and couldn't stop listening

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