Sword of Kings (The Last Kingdom Series, Book 12) cover art

Sword of Kings (The Last Kingdom Series, Book 12)

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Sword of Kings (The Last Kingdom Series, Book 12)

By: Bernard Cornwell
Narrated by: Matt Bates
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About this listen

*A brand new companion to the Last Kingdom series, Uhtred’s Feast, is available to pre-order now*

An oath of loyalty.
Two warring kings.
A destiny he didn’t choose…

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…

‘Nobody in the world does this better than Cornwell’ LEE CHILD

Action & Adventure Genre Fiction Historical Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Royalty Thriller & Suspense War & Military Fiction England War Viking

Critic Reviews

Praise for Sword of Kings:

‘Cornwell’s skill [is] in ageing his warrior-hero, who now creaks as he fights and is haunted by those he has loved and lost’ The Times

‘The master still adding to his wonderful Saxon Chronicles’ Sunday Times Magazine

‘Legendary … excellent storytelling, as ever’ Sunday Sport

Praise for Bernard Cornwell:

'Strong narrative, vigourous action and striking characterisation, Cornwell remains king of the territory he has staked out as his own' SUNDAY TIMES

‘Like Game of Thrones, but real’ OBSERVER

'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

‘Cornwell draws a fascinating picture of England as it might have been before anything like England existed’ THE TIMES

‘He’s called a master storyteller. Really he’s cleverer than that’ TELEGRAPH

‘A reminder of just how good a writer he is’ SUNDAY TIMES

‘Nobody in the world does this better than Cornwell’ Lee Child
All stars
Most relevant
Enjoyed it, just not the best of the tales. Previous books were far more exciting.

Great writer harshly judged by previous works

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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

Uthred of Bebbenburg is Inexerable!

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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.

Brilliant as always

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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.

Another thrilling listen from Bernard Cornwell

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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.

A master at the height of his powers.

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