The Saxon Tales Collection: Books #5-8: The Burning Land, Death of Kings, The Pagan Lord, and The Empty Throne Kindle Edition

I love the books, but the multi packs are annoying. They're really not as well put together as the individual kindle books, and you don't save that much money by buying them together.It also doesn't seem like any of my kindle books are available for loaning, which seems ridiculous. Buying a paperback is cheaper than buying a kindle book, and then I can loan the book to whomever I want, gift them, or resell them for a few dollars.I don't like paying more for something that costs them less and that offers me less use.

For fans of "The Last Kingdom" novel series this second set of books does not disappoint. It continues to offer interesting plots and characters as we follow Uhtred on his life's journey and the creation of Alfred The Great's England. For those who tired after reading Books 1 through 4 you may not wish to continue. I find the entire series a good time read. if one has not read the first four books of the series it may be a bit difficullt to follow although the author does try to fill in the backstory. I suppose it it is still enjoyable but why not start at the beginning. I've already purchased Book 9 in the series and cannot wait to get started on it.For those who have already watched the Netflix Last Kingdom Series . Go back and read the books and then watch the series again. I got so much more out of the second viewing. Best is to read the novels first and then watch the Netflix Streaming Series which is excellent also .

This is really a great history of the beginning of Great Britain, well told and historically correct in most aspects. Taking place during the eighth to the eleventh century there was a lot of violence then and the author is graphic but accurate. As a bonus, using my Kindle app, I could highlight phrases, place names, anything in the book(s), and up would come Wikipedia and I'd get photos and background. Or translations as needed. (oooooo how I love my Kindle, on all my devices). Interesting to see the weapons and battle strategy compared with today. Weapons change, the violence doesn't. Overall the series was excellent. I'm a history and historical novel buff and it gave a wonderful background on the making of the UK. Dropped one star because too much very graphic violence. Less blood & guts would been better. As an aside, I started reading the books before I watched the TV series & glad I did. The hero in the TV series doesn't EVEN look or act the same, quite disconcerting.

Rarely do I give 5 stars nor do I pay higher dollar amounts for books but I LOVED LOVED this series! It’s a Netflix tv series. (Waiting for season 3) however the books do not follow the books as closely as I wish it did. Sometimes the language is exactly but said by a different character etc. there are several other things that wasn’t followed so of course the books is much better than the TV how I love Uthred son of Uthred!

... ‘The Last Kingdom’ then you will thoroughly enjoy books 5 through 8. I am moving on to books 9, 10, and 11. I will finish this series with some sadness at the end. You don’t just read these books; you almost live them.

The Saxon Tales by Bernard Cornwall is a collection of tales that center on the history of England at a time when it was not even clear that the island would retain any of it's own identity or ability to self-rule following the frequent and aggressive raids by the Northmen (or specifically to these novels, the Danes, better known as Vikings). We follow the account of Uhtred, of Bebbanburg - a fictional character, who is born as the rightful heir to rule Bebbanburg, a Northern County of Britain along the northeastern coast, as it's ealdorman. But when he was only 8 years old, Uhtred's father is killed battling invading Vikings and Uhtred is taken hostage. Luckily for him, he is embraced as a son to Ragnar, the Danish leader of the raiders. looking to settle in England's welcoming farm lands. So our protagonist Uhtred has the unique perspective of having the perspectives of both the native British people and of the wild Danish invaders. Cornwall, the author, makes these tales very exciting. Uhtred grows up to be a very talented warrior who is repeatedly called upon to help strategize and fight against the Danish invaders So the reader is drawn into rooting for Uhtred's growing fighting skills (which rely upon his brain even more than his sword arm), the dangers he faces. and cheering for his love interests and his longing to re-gain Bebbanburg, his rightful inheritance. But in the course of events, we are also treated to history unfolding from the late 800's into the early 900"s following the only British King referred to as " the Great" - King Alfred. A frail sickly man, King Alfred, was also well educated, religiously pious, yet also brave enough to ride into battle to inspire his men. He is largely responsible for uniting England as a country, as well as spreading Christianity while using it as a moral basis to implement fair and consistent laws. It was Alfred's conviction that England's potential greatness lie in being united as a Christian Nation that preserved their Anglo-Saxon heritage and customs, laying the foundations of one of the truly great world powers. A great series of books.

I'm glad that I found Bernard Cornwell and the Saxon Tales. I've just started the ninth book and I really hopes he writes dozens more. He writing style is very descriptive but not flowery and overdone like some. His characters, and there developed, are fantastic. I have no problem visualizing each and every one. The novels move at a good pace and the action makes me feel as though I'm watching rather than reading. I could go on and on. Even though I'm not a big fan of King Arthur, or England's history, I will be reading his other works. I bought the first four books separately and the next four in this set. It was more economical that way.