Uthred and his men find themselves back in London, which Uthred captured for Alfred in Sword Song and governed in The Burning Land. As is the case with all Uthred’s plans, things go south pretty quick. His plan is to help a potential rising in Kent against Æthelhelm and Æthelstan’s younger brother, Ælfweard, the two men Uthred has sworn to kill. It is a call from Edward’s latest wife, Eadgifu, that spurs the goaded Uthred south. Uthred’s journey takes him south into the budding conflict that will erupt once King Edward dies. Through this engagement, he confirms that it is Æthelhelm the Younger who is goading him and the time to repay his oath to Æthelstan has arrived. But Uthred takes his ship to sea and confronts his new enemy, a hulk of a warrior named Waormund. His right hand, Finnan, knows it too, as does his lover, Edith. This latest tale opens with shipping off Bebbanburg being brutally attacked to provoke Uthred. Sword of Kings finds Uthred’s final oath coming home to roost. Uthred’s life has been the result of the oaths he has taken, some willingly, others out of lust and most made at the point of a sword. Bebbanburg is his, his son defends his lands and he has outlived most of his contemporaries and enemies. So it is was no little pleasure that Uthred returns once more. It was his Sharpe books that awakened my love of reading and also his fault I buy books at a rate that drives my wife to distraction. I mean, if I don’t like it, will they send me the next one? Seriously though, I owe Bernard Cornwell a huge debt. Being asked to write one for Harper Collins’ blog tour for the 12th Uthred novel, Sword of Kings, is even more tricky.

Writing a review of any new Bernard Cornwell book is, for me, a tricky thing.

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