The Pale Horseman

This series is just breathtaking. Seriously, I kid you naught, it left me breathless more than once. I won't say that Cornwell's battle scenes are g rated, but I have read much more graphic...however Cornwell does have me having to slow myself down, alternately, afraid of what I am about to read, whilst at the same time trying to rush ahead to see what happens next. At one point in the novel, I think I actually said, "HOLY SHIT" in the middle of the night.

But before you wander off, thinking this isn't the story for me because you hate that type of thing, let me remind you that this isn't just about battles. In fact, there are only a few that take place in this novel. This is a novel about a young warrior named Uhtred. Northerner nobleman by birth, English by circumstance, Dane by force, Pagan by choice, but warrior at heart.

One has to be reminded time and time again that Uhtred is only a young man in this, the second novel, of the Saxon Stories. He is still battling with his choices, his conscious, his loyalties, his religion and most definitely with his warrior soul.

Watching Uhtred make his journey into adulthood and trying to weave his way through all that he faces, be it strategical, personal, or political, is in of itself, well worth the time it takes to read this series. You will be hard pressed to find someone that inspires or moves you as much as Uhtred does.

More than that though, this is an amazing retelling of history through fiction. I find myself searching for Alfred the Great and reading more about these battles and the locations. Of the defeats and the obsession of religion. Of how he came to be...and of how he came not to be..This is a story that inspires one to learn more about what came before.

I have always found England fascinating. From time to time, I've asked people, here in England, how does it feel to know that you walk where kings and knights have walked? On the very same ground. Where legends were born and countries were made? They often look at me like I am either daft or a lunatic. Here, however, is the proof. The very same places that I see around me are here, mentioned in this novel. The chalk grounds I see are where blood was spilled in the wars between the Saxons and the Danes.

That is what great story telling is about. As I went to sleep each night reading this novel, I awoke, not in the 21st century, but in the 9th. In England as it must have been then, the damp, the sound of battle cries in my head, the smell of fires, the bitter cold, and the knowledge that we fight for a cause...and her name is England...

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Perfect.

Phenomenal. Great book and really brought to life in an amazing way by the voice actor, brings colour to the characters and gets you emotionally involved in their lives.

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Powerful message

I really enjoyed the skilled character portrayals by the narrator which gave life to the story. I got rather fed up with the weakness of Alfred and his seeming constant betrayals - then it struck me how like Sharpe and his Chosen Men Uhtred and his band of followers are!

Loved the twist to the idea of the Pale Horseman at the end.

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The story continues...

This is the second book on the series and equally as good as the first. Again I was immersed in the story as soon as Jonathan Keeble spoke. I'll be listening to them all.

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Excellent

Another brilliant book by Bernard Cornwell. Absolutely enjoyed every minute of it. Jonathan Keeble's narrating is fantastic. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Cornwell the master

If you like historical adventure then look no further than his entire catalogue. He is the master of this genre

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Loved it!

Watched the whole series on Netflix and now following it up with the books in audio. When I imagine the characters I already have a face for them in my head - from the series.
Leofrick ❤️

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Uhtreds return!!

As always the story is amazingly written however the gentleman that is reading it repeatedly mis pronounces Names, places and even the word Whined. Though he does do some good voice impressions.

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Superb story telling

A winning combination. Excellent historical tale by Cornwell narrated by a very talented Keeble make superb entertainment to say the least. There are many characters in the story and Keeble gave unique voices to each and every character. All exciting and lifelike. I love it. Thank you Bernard Cornwell and Jonathan Keeble.

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Brilliant

Just listened for the second time, brilliant narrative. I've read the books and watched the TV series but this is my favourite.

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