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The Last Kingdom
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People who bought this also bought...
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The Pale Horseman
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 2
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 42
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 40
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 40
A Saxon raised by Vikings. A pagan fighting for a Christian King. The conflict at the heart of a hero will be played out in the fight for England. It is 877. Across the kingdoms of Britain the Danes are gaining strength. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a pagan warrior, must decide who he will align with: the Vikings who raised him or Alfred, King of the West Saxons.
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4 out of 5 stars
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For Odin
- By Mr Mark Hargreave on 14-12-2019
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The Lords of the North
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 3
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 35
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 34
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 34
Enter a world where bloody battles and heroic deeds combine in the historic struggle to unite Britain in the face of a common enemy. The third instalment in Bernard Cornwell's King Alfred series, follows on from the outstanding previous novels The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman. The year is 878 and the Vikings have been thrown out of Wessex. Uhtred, fresh from fighting for Alfred in the battle to free Wessex, travels north to seek revenge for his father's death, killed in a bloody raid by Uhtred's old enemy, renegade Danish lord, Kjartan.
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5 out of 5 stars
-
Superb Narrater
- By Charles on 10-01-2020
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Sword Song
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 4
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 74
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 66
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 66
The fourth in the best-selling Alfred series from number-one historical novelist, Bernard Cornwell. 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, half Dane, a man feared and respected the length and breadth of Britain, to expel the Viking raiders and take control of London for Alfred.
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5 out of 5 stars
-
Prefer unabridged books
- By Lisa Hayes on 14-04-2017
-
The Burning Land
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 5
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 33
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 31
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 31
In the last years of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in failing health, and his heir is an untested youth. The Danes, who have failed so many times to conquer Wessex, smell opportunity.... First comes Harald Bloodhair, a savage warrior leading a Viking horde, who is encouraged to cruelty by his woman, Skade. But Alfred still has the services of Uhtred, his unwilling warlord, who leads Harald into a trap and, at Farnham in Surrey, inflicts one of the greatest defeats the Vikings were ever to suffer.
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3 out of 5 stars
-
change of narator
- By Amazon Customer on 10-04-2020
-
The Pagan Lord
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 7
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 96
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 89
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 88
The new novel in Bernard Cornwell's number one best-selling series The Warrior Chronicles, on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Alfred the Great is dead and Edward his son reigns as king. Wessex survives but peace cannot hold. The Danes in the north, led by Viking Cnut Longsword, stand ready to invade and will never rest until the emerald crown is theirs.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Disappointing narration
- By Jarrod on 18-12-2015
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The Empty Throne
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 8
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 109
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 100
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 101
The new novel in Bernard Cornwell's number one bestselling series The Warrior Chronicles, on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. In the battle for power, there can be only one ruler.England is fractured, torn apart more by internal fighting than the threat of Viking invasion. The ruler of Mercia is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. His wife is a formidable fighter and great leader, but no woman has ever ruled over an English kingdom.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Awesome
- By kevinplee@hotmail.com on 24-09-2019
-
The Pale Horseman
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 2
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 42
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 40
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 40
A Saxon raised by Vikings. A pagan fighting for a Christian King. The conflict at the heart of a hero will be played out in the fight for England. It is 877. Across the kingdoms of Britain the Danes are gaining strength. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a pagan warrior, must decide who he will align with: the Vikings who raised him or Alfred, King of the West Saxons.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
For Odin
- By Mr Mark Hargreave on 14-12-2019
-
The Lords of the North
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 3
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 35
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 34
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 34
Enter a world where bloody battles and heroic deeds combine in the historic struggle to unite Britain in the face of a common enemy. The third instalment in Bernard Cornwell's King Alfred series, follows on from the outstanding previous novels The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman. The year is 878 and the Vikings have been thrown out of Wessex. Uhtred, fresh from fighting for Alfred in the battle to free Wessex, travels north to seek revenge for his father's death, killed in a bloody raid by Uhtred's old enemy, renegade Danish lord, Kjartan.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Superb Narrater
- By Charles on 10-01-2020
-
Sword Song
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 4
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 74
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 66
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 66
The fourth in the best-selling Alfred series from number-one historical novelist, Bernard Cornwell. 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, half Dane, a man feared and respected the length and breadth of Britain, to expel the Viking raiders and take control of London for Alfred.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Prefer unabridged books
- By Lisa Hayes on 14-04-2017
-
The Burning Land
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 5
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 33
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars 31
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 31
In the last years of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in failing health, and his heir is an untested youth. The Danes, who have failed so many times to conquer Wessex, smell opportunity.... First comes Harald Bloodhair, a savage warrior leading a Viking horde, who is encouraged to cruelty by his woman, Skade. But Alfred still has the services of Uhtred, his unwilling warlord, who leads Harald into a trap and, at Farnham in Surrey, inflicts one of the greatest defeats the Vikings were ever to suffer.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
change of narator
- By Amazon Customer on 10-04-2020
-
The Pagan Lord
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 7
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 96
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 89
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 88
The new novel in Bernard Cornwell's number one best-selling series The Warrior Chronicles, on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Alfred the Great is dead and Edward his son reigns as king. Wessex survives but peace cannot hold. The Danes in the north, led by Viking Cnut Longsword, stand ready to invade and will never rest until the emerald crown is theirs.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Disappointing narration
- By Jarrod on 18-12-2015
-
The Empty Throne
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 8
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 109
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 100
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 101
The new novel in Bernard Cornwell's number one bestselling series The Warrior Chronicles, on the making of England and the fate of his great hero, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. In the battle for power, there can be only one ruler.England is fractured, torn apart more by internal fighting than the threat of Viking invasion. The ruler of Mercia is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. His wife is a formidable fighter and great leader, but no woman has ever ruled over an English kingdom.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Awesome
- By kevinplee@hotmail.com on 24-09-2019
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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
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 75
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 64
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 63
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.
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4 out of 5 stars
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I could listen to this again and again
- By kevinplee@hotmail.com on 08-11-2019
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The Flame Bearer
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 10
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 131
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 121
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 120
The brand-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 TV show The Last Kingdom is based on the first two novels in the series. From the day it was stolen from me, I had dreamed of recapturing Bebbanburg. The great fort was built on a rock that was almost an island; it was massive, it could be approached only on land by a single narrow track - and it was mine.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Is This The End?
- By Richard on 17-08-2017
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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
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 74
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 65
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 65
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.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Uthred of Bebbenburg is Inexerable!
- By Anonymous User on 15-10-2019
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Sword Song
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 4
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jamie Glover
- Length: 5 hrs and 45 mins
- Abridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 21
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 19
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 19
Our hero, Uhtred, has been made governor of London. This fourth book in the series is set mostly in London and covers Alfred's building of fortified towns to hold Wessex and his push into Mercia.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant as always!
- By C.J.R Flanagan on 03-02-2014
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War of the Wolf
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 11
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 105
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 94
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 93
Uhtred of Bebbanburg has won back his ancestral home, but, threatened from all sides by enemies both old and new, he doesn’t have long to enjoy the victory. In Mercia, rebellion is in the air as King Edward tries to seize control. In Wessex, rival parties scramble to settle on the identity of the next king. And across the country, invading Norsemen continue their relentless incursion, ever hungry for land.
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5 out of 5 stars
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the saga continues!
- By keith on 09-06-2020
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The Winter King
- The Warlord Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 19 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 81
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 75
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 75
Uther, the High King of Britain, has died, leaving the infant Mordred as his only heir. His uncle, the loyal and gifted warlord Arthur, now rules as caretaker for a country which has fallen into chaos - threats emerge from within the British kingdoms while vicious Saxon armies stand ready to invade. Uther, the High King of Britain, has died, leaving the infant Mordred as his only heir. His uncle, the loyal and gifted warlord Arthur, now rules as caretaker for a country which has fallen into chaos - threats emerge from within the British kingdoms while vicious Saxon armies stand ready to invade.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Another great book by Bernard Cornwell
- By Lee on 30-07-2016
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Lancelot
- By: Giles Kristian
- Narrated by: Philip Stevens
- Length: 22 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 79
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 74
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 74
Random House presents the audiobook edition of Lancelot by Giles Kristian. The legions of Rome are a fading memory. Enemies stalk the fringes of Britain. And Uther Pendragon is dying. Into this fractured and uncertain world the boy is cast, a refugee from fire, murder and betrayal. An outsider whose only companions are a hateful hawk and memories of the lost. Yet he is gifted, and under the watchful eyes of Merlin and the Lady Nimue he will hone his talents and begin his journey to manhood.
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5 out of 5 stars
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awesome.
- By Anonymous User on 18-06-2019
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Watchers
- By: Dean Koontz
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Dean Koontz
- Length: 16 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 224
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 214
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 214
On his thirty-sixth birthday, Travis Cornell hikes into the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. But his path is soon blocked by a bedraggled Golden Retriever who will let him go no further into the dark woods. That morning, Travis had been desperate to find some happiness in his lonely, seemingly cursed life. What he finds is a dog of alarming intelligence that soon leads him into a relentless storm of mankind’s darkest creation....
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5 out of 5 stars
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Super stoked
- By david on 15-08-2018
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Enemy of God
- The Warlord Chronicles, Book 2
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 60
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 55
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Story5 out of 5 stars 55
The continuing story of Arthur, the second in a trilogy which began with The Winter King. The novels bring Arthur and his world to vivid life. A man battling for his vision of the future in a brutal age, dragged down by suspicions and magics of the past, surrounded by intrigue, dependent on his skill at war and genius for leadership.
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Harlequin
- The Grail Quest, Book 1
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Andrew Cullum
- Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 74
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 68
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Story5 out of 5 stars 68
The year is 1342. The English, led by Edward III, are laying waste to the French countryside. The army may be led by the King, but it is the archers, the common men, who are England's secret weapon. The French know them as Harlequins. Thomas of Hookton is one of these archers. But he is also on a personal mission: To avenge his father's death and retrieve a stolen relic.
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5 out of 5 stars
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A GREAT READ
- By James Alexander on 11-05-2020
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Lilac Girls
- By: Martha Hall Kelly
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Kathleen Gati, Kathrin Kana, and others
- Length: 17 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 84
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 78
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 78
New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline's world is forever changed when Hitler's army invades Poland in September 1939 - and then sets its sights on France. An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing
- By Anonymous User on 13-04-2020
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Excalibur
- The Warlord Chronicles, Book 3
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 18 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 68
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 64
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Story5 out of 5 stars 63
A story of love, war, loyalty and betrayal, Excalibur begins with the failure of Lancelot's rebellion and the ruin of Arthur's marriage to Guinevere. The Saxons, sensing the disunity of the Britons, seize the chance to destroy Arthur. The climax of the war comes with the legendary triumph at Mount Badon, and Arthur`s great victory. But the promises he made then come back to haunt him after the years of peace and glory.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Classic Cornwell!
- By Anonymous User on 12-12-2018
Publisher's Summary
The first book in a brand-new series, The Last Kingdom is set in England during the reign of King Alfred.
Uhtred is an English boy, born into the aristocracy of ninth-century Northumbria. Orphaned at 10, he is captured and adopted by a Dane and taught the Viking ways. Yet Uhtred's fate is indissolubly bound up with Alfred, King of Wessex, who rules over the only English kingdom to survive the Danish assault.
The struggle between the English and the Danes and the strife between christianity and paganism is the background to Uhtred's growing up. He is left uncertain of his loyalties but a slaughter in a winter dawn propels him to the English side and he will become a man just as the Danes launch their fiercest attack yet on Alfred's kingdom. Marriage ties him further still to the West Saxon cause but when his wife and child vanish in the chaos of the Danish invasion, Uhtred is driven to face the greatest of the Viking chieftains in a battle beside the sea. There, in the horror of the shield-wall, he discovers his true allegiance.
The Last Kingdom, like most of Bernard Cornwell's books, is firmly based on true history. It is the first novel of a series that will tell the tale of Alfred the Great and his descendants and of the enemies they faced, Viking warriors like Ivar the Boneless and his feared brother, Ubba. Against their lives Bernard Cornwell has woven a story of divided loyalties, reluctant love, and desperate heroism. In Uhtred, he has created one of his most interesting and heroic characters and in The Last Kingdom one of his most powerful and passionate novels.
Critic Reviews
"Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation." ( Daily Mail)
"Cornwell's narration is quite masterly and supremely well-researched." ( Observer)
More from the same
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Wendy Underwood
- 03-01-2020
So well researched
I felt this was a little slow to get going and I nearly did not continue but so glad I did. The book gave a great insight to living in these times, I am looking forward to the next in this series
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 17-06-2020
Johnathan Keeble no 1
loved it Johnathan Keeble makes it i have listened to the 1st 4 books then i get the next one and the narration is terrible the voice is completley mono tone and all wrong it has spoilled the next 8 books for me and im completley devestated because i really love this Bernard cromwell series
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Pippa
- 30-05-2020
The narrator is brilliant.
A very enjoyable listen, the narration is spot on. I recommend this title to anyone who enjoys sword fights, British history and tales of Vikings.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Heather Stewart
- 03-03-2020
A great "read"
This book series is very well written. Eouc battles,intricate plots.. gorgeous characters. Narration is phenomenal. Too bad I can only give 5 stars
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- asthecrowflies
- 11-02-2020
Aaaahhhhh......
Love it. Works a treat for me and retains momentum throughout. Cornwall simply knows how to so it well. Destiny is all...right.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 09-12-2019
different
This was totally different to what i expected and different to what I usually listen to. enjoyed the story line and found narration really easy to listen to
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Stephen
- 05-05-2016
New threads in an old, accurate tapestry
Where does The Last Kingdom rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I had previously read many of Simon Scarrow's fiction of Romans in Britain, and enjoyed them. These here make a good follow-on. I find the writing a little superior and the narration is good. It's interesting for anyone who finds this period before 1066 intriguing, or who has an interest in the influence of Vikings on British history.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- K. A. Wolstenholme
- 07-03-2018
Cornwell at his best!
I've never been a fan of the Viking story and certainly dislike the "Hollywood style" dramatisations, so this purchase was a chance taken in a moment of boredom. However, Mr Cornwell manages to bring the characters to life in a way that makes them human and likeable. The added bonus of Jonathan Keeble and his wonderful voices makes this my new favourite. Looking forward to listening to the rest of the series!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- francisco
- 18-08-2017
Loved it !
I could not stop ... The narrator holds our attention and every action comes to life. And although the book has a slightly different story from the bbc series I'm going to buy The Pale Horseman.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mike
- 23-01-2017
Amazing narration, excellent story
Wow, one if the best readings I've heard. The range of distinct characters was so impressive. The story was so realistic, it really brought to life that period for me.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rui Ribeiro
- 19-04-2016
Enthralling
An excellent book, superbly written and narrated. Before finishing it, I found myself buying the additional audiobooks on the series. Highly recommended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jarrod
- 21-05-2015
Excellent in every way
Really enjoyed this well written and well narrated historical fiction about a very interesting period of British history. Well done
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- A D MCCLENAGHAN
- 13-12-2014
Fate is unstoppable
What made the experience of listening to The Last Kingdom the most enjoyable?
A fantastic tale by a master of historical fiction, brilliantly performed by an actor who brings the characters to vivid life.
What other book might you compare The Last Kingdom to, and why?
Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield. Just as The Last Kingdom draws you into the world of the Vikings and Saxons, Gates of Fire recreates ancient Greece and the warriors that defended it against the might of the Persian Empire. These are books that celebrate the warrior ethos in all its bloody glory with a bold, dark humour.
Which character – as performed by Jonathan Keeble – was your favourite?
Apart from the brilliantly performed lead Uhtred, Earl Ragnar the Fearless is realised with real strength and humour. Like Uhtred you can't help loving him, despite his bloody Viking ways. His humour and thirst for life is in stark and brilliant contrast to the pious priests and monks who dominate the Saxon lands.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
The Last Kingdom is an exciting listen, filled with action and adventure, and a warrior spirit that had me laughing out loud with its larger than life characters who live and die hard.
Any additional comments?
This is my first experience of Bernard Cromwell's books, but it will not be my last. I loved it. It has also sparked my interest in historical fiction in general and this period in particular. I shall certainly be listening to the other books in this series and will look out for others to try. I have heard Jonathan Keeble's narration before (in a less than inspiring James Herbert novel) but this was outstanding. One of the best performances I've heard in a long while and I'm looking forward to hearing more. Fate is unstoppable.
12 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- William
- 30-07-2014
A Suprise to find , a Joy to listen to
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Any History fan who likes 8-9th century England will enjoy a tale of a young boy growth to manhood in Viking torn England.
Who was your favorite character and why?
the main character as its focused on him Uhtred son of Uhtred.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
The big storm at sea.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
the big battles
Any additional comments?
If you like Viking or Anglo Saxons you will enjoy this book that is based on a young boy and his experiences. His battles loves and joys through the trials of the world he is born into. the narrator was top notch by the way. the book good and gritty. please listen.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mr Doug White
- 20-05-2014
Reliably riveting
Where does The Last Kingdom rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
It's certInly up there with one of the more compelling reads. Took me a while to get used to Mr Keebles performance but when I did I was hooked
Who was your favorite character and why?
Leofrig. Perhaps the only honest character in the book and fills the diamond in the ruff comic aside role
What about Jonathan Keeble’s performance did you like?
Solid character interpretation and good timing and pace
Any additional comments?
I found this a little difficult to get into at first and I am still not sure how much I like or empathise with Uthred the main character. King Alfred is defiantly betrayed as a man not to be trusted and certainly does not trust Uthred and with good reason. His loŷalties change throughout the story but that makes it more compelling, you are never sure which way he will turn. Set against the backdrop of a country on the very edge of extinction the story draws you in effortlessly in the way you would expect of an experienced author. For all those who like a bit of historical fiction and for those looking for a new series to add to their collection, defiantly worth a try
3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stuart M
- 06-06-2017
Fantastic
Such a fantastic story that is wonderfully narrated. Would recommend to anyone. Better than the TV show, which is very good!
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Christopher Wilton
- 30-11-2015
Curious choice of prose-style, but it works brilliantly.
I was a little put off at first when I realised that the story would be told retrospectively by the hero, as a chronicle of his life.
However, this didn't detract from the enjoyment and the narrator's performance even enhances it for the most part.
It's an interesting period of English history I knew very little about before starting the book.
Very different from Sharpe, which I'm more familiar with, but on the whole still excellent.
I will definitely be purchasing the next in the series, as long a the narration remains good.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jane S.
- 09-10-2019
such a joy
fab as always. listened to this in a very short space of time. can't wait to get the next book.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- richard martin
- 17-10-2018
Just awesome
Awesome writing, awesome performance. Just awesome. Best audio book I've ever had. Totally loved it.
Would have just written 'awesome' but review required 15 words minmum. Could have written 'awesome' 15 times I suppose.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mrs S.
- 01-09-2018
WONDERFUL!!
Saw the TV series but the book has so much more important detail. Brilliant! Looking forward to the next
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- AliL
- 06-08-2018
Riveting story, excellent narration. Bravo!
Bravo! Jonathan Keeble’s narration brought Bernard Cornwell’s engrossing story of Uhtred to life. Just bought second in series and can’t wait to get started. I have read and loved other Bernard Cornwell’s series, Sharpe, Grail Quest, Warlord Chronicles, so why I ask myself has it taken so long for me to reach out for this series!?
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 03-08-2018
unreal
I literally couldnt stop listening to this. as soon as it finished, i started again.
1 person found this helpful
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