This was a fun read! Gave a glimpse into the late 800's with the Danes attempting to conquer the British Isles. Can't say "England" because it didn't exist as a single kingdom, yet. This tales brings you into the beginnings of this by introducing King Arthur and his dream. Intriguing historical fiction. I'm looking forward to the books that follow!

Having just started the third book in this series, I decided to come back for a quick review of the first book. I'm thoroughly addicted to both the books and the TV series which I'm (trying) to pace along with as I read the books. Uhtred of Bebbanburg is such a lovable rogue of a hero that one is content not to question the all too unlikely sequence of events that show him going from Northumbrian lord to slave to Danish Viking to a lord of Wessex and who knows? Set against the backdrop of British history and Viking invasions now distant enough to be mysterious, this is one of the most enjoyable adventures I've picked up in a while. Looking forward to reading the whole series.

A satisfying trek through Anglo-Saxon Britain, with sensible portions of Iron Age shield-wall violence. Cornwell's hero Uhtred is Northumbrian but adopted Dane, meaning we get a front-row seat to both the Viking invasion and the Norsification of northern Britain. For those interested in the historical background of the period, beneath the chronicled heroes and battles, there is a lot to chew on.

Uhtred does get us a good look at the major players of the time, without being an Anglo-Saxon Forrest Gump who takes us on a magical tour through a textbook history of the period. Uhtred is pretty standard as Anglo-Saxon nobles go - he just wants his castle back, and isn't sure about all of this Christianity hoo-ha. But his travels tend to take him around, rather than through, the major events that we're already familiar with, and expand the world rather than retread it.

The question animating the book is where Uhtred, born Saxon and Christian but bred Norse and pagan, will land. Brida, a Saxon girl who becomes part of his adoptive Norse family, embodies this tension. She is wily and unsentimental, and a standout character in a book in which everyone else largely plays their assigned role. She and Uhtred become friends, then lovers, and share many travels and a deep and unconventional bond. She comes to represent the self-defining freedom of the Nords, versus the fixed identity of Uhtred's Saxon heritage. And it's between these that Uhtred's choice ultimately comes down to, even if he doesn't realize all that's at stake.

Been a while since i've read this. Great start to a series by an entertaining author, love the description of the places, people and their ways. About a young saxon called Uhtred, who is captured and raised by the invading Danes. Grows up to be a warrior, but is conflicted by his saxon heritage and his life with the danes.
Going to carry on with the series when I can.

Good beginning for a very well received series. High hopes for the upcoming books!