The Burning Land: A Novel

In a clash of heroes, the kingdom is born. At the end of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in ill health; his heir, an untested youth. His enemy, the Danes, having failed to conquer Wessex, now see their chance for victory. Led by the sword of savage warrior Harald Bloodhair, the Viking hordes attack. But Uhtred, Alfred’s reluctant warlord, proves his worth, outwitting Harald and handing the Vikings one of their greatest defeats. For Uhtred, the sweetness of victory is soon overshadowed by tragedy. Breaking with Alfred, he joins the Vikings, swearing never again to serve the Saxon king. Instead, he will reclaim his ancestral fortress on the Northumbrian coast. Allied with his old friend Ragnar—and his old foe Haesten—he aims to invade and conquer Wessex itself. Yet fate has different plans. The Danes of East Anglia and the Vikings of Northumbria are plotting the conquest of all Britain. When Alfred’s daughter pleads with Uhtred for help, he cannot refuse her request. In a desperate gamble, he takes command of a demoralized Mercian army, leading them in an unforgettable battle on a blood-soaked field beside the Thames. In The Burning Land, Bernard Cornwell, “the reigning king of historical fiction” (USA Today), delivers a rousing saga of Anglo-Saxon England—an irresistible new chapter in his thrilling Saxon Tales, the epic story of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible.

The Burning Land: A Novel

• Published on: 2010-01-01
• Released on: 2010-01-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 352 pages

Customer Reviews:
Another Cornwell Masterpiece
Another first rate novel by Bernard Cornwell continuing the story of Uhtred in the Saxon Tales. As in the previous novels in this series, Cornwell recreates a time and society in a masterly manner. Against the background of plot and intrigue, this fast paced tale holds the reader’s attention until the last page. Cornwell’s scholarship and research is evident, and contributes mightily to the success of the book. While the relationships between the Saxons and Danes, Christian and Pagans have considerable complexity and nuance, Cornwell shows his ability to ensure this adds to the read’s enjoyment and in no way interferes with the pace of the story or it unfolding. Another brillant addition to Mr. Cornwell’s impressive list of books. Purchased prior its US release on Amazon UK and well worth the shipping fees.

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The Burning Land: A Novel