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The Flame Bearer audiobook

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The Flame Bearer Audiobook Summary

The tenth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” (The Observer, London)–the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit television series.

Britain is in a state of uneasy peace. Northumbria’s Viking ruler, Sigtryggr, and Mercia’s Saxon Queen Aethelflaed have agreed a truce. And so England’s greatest warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, at last has the chance to take back the home his traitorous uncle stole from him so many years ago–and which his scheming cousin still occupies.

But fate is inexorable, and the enemies Uhtred has made and the oaths he has sworn conspire to distract him from his dream of recapturing his home. New enemies enter into the fight for England’s kingdoms: the redoubtable Constantin of Scotland seizes an opportunity for conquest and leads his armies south. Britain’s precarious peace threatens to turn into a war of annihilation. Yet Uhtred is determined that nothing–neither the new adversaries nor the old foes who combine against him–will keep him from his birthright.

“Historical novels stand or fall on detail, and Mr. Cornwell writes as if he has been to ninth-century Wessex and back.”
Wall Street Journal

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The Flame Bearer Audiobook Narrator

Matt Bates is the narrator of The Flame Bearer audiobook that was written by Bernard Cornwell

BERNARD CORNWELL is the author of over fifty novels, including the acclaimed New York Times bestselling Saxon Tales, which serve as the basis for the hit Netflix series The Last Kingdom. He lives with his wife on Cape Cod and in Charleston, South Carolina.

About the Author(s) of The Flame Bearer

Bernard Cornwell is the author of The Flame Bearer

The Flame Bearer Full Details

Narrator Matt Bates
Length 10 hours 19 minutes
Author Bernard Cornwell
Category
Publisher HarperAudio
Release date November 29, 2016
ISBN 9780062571526

Subjects

The publisher of the The Flame Bearer is HarperAudio. includes the following subjects: The BISAC Subject Code is Action & Adventure, Fiction

Additional info

The publisher of the The Flame Bearer is HarperAudio. The imprint is HarperAudio. It is supplied by HarperAudio. The ISBN-13 is 9780062571526.

Global Availability

This book is only available in the United States.

Goodreads Reviews

HBalikov

July 02, 2021

Best not be reading The Flame Bearer (Saxon tales #10) without having read Warriors of the Storm (#9) and the whole previous saga. Because, if you do, you will be denying yourself the pleasure that only comes from the intimate knowledge gained in understanding the arc of life of Britain’s greatest (fictional) warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. However, I certainly agree with some of my GR friends that this is one of Cornwell best: Best series; one of the high points in this series.A fragile peace governs the kingdoms of Wessex, East Anglia, under the rule of the late King Alfred’s son, King Edward, and Mercia, under his daughter Aethelflaed. Utred’s son-in-law, Sigtryggr, has the kingship of Northumbria (the remaining pagan portion of the future England). It is this last piece that has Utred, for the first time in decades, allied with pagans who worship Odin rather than the Saxons who worship “the nailed god.” It has also raised his hopes of overcoming his cousin and reclaiming Bebbanburg. Now, at this particular time with so much in the balance there are opportunities for wealth and power that few can resist. Will Uhtred prevail? Can he do so and keep his oath to Aethelflaed? Can he secure Northumbria for his daughter and son-in-law? How much of a chance do the Danes and Norse have against an increasingly powerful Saxon alliance?Cornwell could be content with continuing to crank out these books knowing that they have a vast readership and a lot of people who enjoy reading any historical novel in this period of England’s development. But he is not satisfied to give us a couple hundred pages of battles and intrigue. No, this may be his best book of the series.Why? Because it is a crafty story filled with words and events that illuminate human lives (even if some are fictional). The tension is there from the start as Uhtred and most of his “wolf pack” shadow a group of three ships making their way up the east coast of England to Bebbanburg. They are there to help Uhtred’s cousin (the present Lord of Bebbanburg) with food and fighters to relieve the siege of Constantin, King of the Scots. No one can successfully attack the fortress of Bebbanburg but Constantin believes that he can starve them into submission before the following spring. Uhtred understands that this means his window of opportunity is very limited. If Constantin is successful, Uhtred will never be able to reclaim his birthright.Left virtually free to create this canvas, Cornwell gives us a detailed picture of the politics and duplicity of the various factions Scotland, East Anglia, Wessex, Mercia and Northumbria. Uhtred is bold and crafty and goes on hunches that are usually, but not always correct. His reputation often brings fear and anger to his encounters with other lords. All of this creates a true “page-turner” as multiple and overlapping plots play out. But what becomes my true delight is the depth with which Cornwell peoples this novel. It isn’t just the lords and warriors, but the boatmen, the innkeepers, the wives and whores whose presence deepens the whole experience. And, for a story so steeped in battle (with all its intricacies described) there is an abundance of humorous situations that help to fill-out the picture.I cannot say much more without spoiling one or more elements of Cornwell’s deft plot. For those, like me who enjoy this historical stuff, you will not be disappointed.

Dana

October 06, 2019

Best series read this year by far!

The Shayne-Train

November 03, 2016

By the time you get to number 10 in a series, it can feel like a chore. Like you're just reading it because the characters have become family, so yeah, I guess I'll help my cousin move, or go bail my half-sister out of jail. Ho-hum.But this....THIS!!!!!!This is by far my favorite book of the series. Everything has been heading to THIS. All the bloodshed, the trickery, the pain. The lost comrades and loves, the sword wounds and broken oaths. This has everything you've grown to love from the Uhtred books. His perfect storytelling, his ruminations on the religion of the Nailed god. And Cromwell has NEVER written such pitch-perfect battle sequences.I will follow this series until it ends, or my life does. Fate is inexorable.

James

October 02, 2020

That was one of the best endings of the whole series!

Markus

February 19, 2021

Oh, Uhtred, to return to your side after all these years, and to return for this.It was not until the eastern horizon was edged with a sword-blade of grey light that the rowers began to sing. It began on the Stiorra, the oarsmen singing the lay of Ida, a song I knew my son had chosen because it told how our ancestor, Ida the Flamebearer, had come across the cold sea to capture the fortress on the high rock. The song claimed that Ida and his men were hungry, they were desperate, and how they had flung themselves up the rock to be beaten back by a savage enemy. They were hurled back three times, the song claimed, and their dead lay thick on the slope as they huddled on the beach, taunted by their enemies. Night was falling and a storm was brewing offshore and Ida and his men were trapped between the fortress and the churning breakers, facing death by blade or death by sea, until Ida had shouted it would be death by fire. He had burned his ships, making flames by the water, and had seized a fiery length of wood and charged alone. He was wreathed in flame, sparks flew behind him, and he flung himself on the wall and thrust flame into his enemy’s faces, and they ran, fearing this fire warrior who had come from a far land. My father had mocked the song, saying that one spear-thrust or a pail of water would have been enough to stop Ida, but it was undeniable that he had taken the fortress.The singing grew stronger as the crews of the other three ships joined in, chanting the song of burning triumph in time to their oar strokes as we beat our way northwards along the Northumbrian coast. And as the sun touched the world’s edge with the day’s new fire a small wind ruffled the water, rippling it from the east.The Flame Bearer, the tenth of the Saxon Stories of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, is a triumphant return from what I have always considered one of my favourite fictional book series, but also a series I had feared had grown stale.Full review to come.

Lucia

June 18, 2017

Spectacular addition to series! I hope Mr. Cornwell writes more about Uhtred of Bebbanburg. „Wyrd bið ful ãræd.“ – „Fate is inexorable.“ I had a super long review written for this series but I deleted the document accidentally so let me share with you at least some major points to explain my reasons for loving this series so much:* Astonishing storytelling skills. Bernard Cornwell brought 9th and 10th century England alive for me.* Unforgettable narrator. Uhtred of Bebbanburg is unapologetic and ruthless yet lovable and admiration worthy character with brilliant military strategic mind. He is a true hero!* Complex and fascinating side characters that you will love to come back to.* Constant philosophical battle between paganism and Christianity that depicts given period precisely.* Well thought-out storyline and twists.* War and fight scenes are chillingly realistic. I really felt like I was there with Uhtred, fighting every new enemy or being part of countless shield wars.All in all, The Warrior Chronicles/Saxon Stories series (all 10 available books) is spectacular story with spectacular writing. It is one of the best historical fiction stories I have ever read and it is the perfect example of how to write engaging historical fiction series that never get boring or predictable!Moreover, I loved author’s note at the end of every book where author explained which parts were based on historical facts and which parts of his novel he made up. RECOMMENDED!

Emelia

August 05, 2019

RTC...as I said previously, I am binge reading this series and another series.I love you Mr. Cornwell !! (did I use my inside voice for this? ;) )Leofric is my fav character and love Father Beocca ! (In both the books and the series.)ARSELING FOREVER !! (though the REAL word is spelled earsling, fyi )https://youtu.be/-9hQBVSEMVg lol

Bea

August 12, 2022

Solid 4.

Jean

February 20, 2017

I have been following the story of Uhtred of Babbenberg since the first book in the Saxon Stories. In this book Uhtred achieves his goal he has had since book one.The Saxon Chronicles has been a historical fiction series following the story of King Aaelfred the Great of Wessex and his offspring. Unlike the other books in the series, Cornwell does not have to worry about historical accuracy in this book. In this book, he can allow his imagination to run free. Of course, he still stays within the historical parameters of his series. Uhtred recaptures his Babbenberg home, land and titles.The book is well written and the historical accuracy of the series has been meticulous. Cornwell is the master of historical fiction; he is also the master of the battle scene. His description is packed with detail and emotions. His battle scene is so dramatic he places the reader in the middle of the battle with all the sights and smells. I have enjoyed all the fascinating characters in this series, real and imaginary. I would guess this is the end of Uhtred’s story. But Cornwell does have the rest of English history to tell us about. This was a great series and a fun way to learn English history.Matt Bates does a good job narrating the story. Bates has narrated this series since book seven. Bates is an actor and audiobook narrator.

Amanda

July 12, 2020

10 books down, 3 to go! Well, technically 2 more books. The last book isn’t going to be released until later this year. And trust me, I am counting down the days. But I digress. The Flame Bearer by Bernard Cornwell is the 10th book in the Saxon Stories Series. Uhtred of Bebbanburg has fought in many shield walls. He is getting older but he is still fighting his way to reclaim his family home, Bebbanburg. Britain is at peace…but it all could collapse at any moment. His son-in-law rules in Northumbria. Aethelflaed still rules in Mercia, but she is ill. Edward rules in Wessex but Uhtred’s enemies are still present in Edward’s court. The time comes for Uhtred to head to Bebbanburg but a new enemy has appeared…the Scots.I think I have said this in one of my previous reviews of this series…Uhtred needs a break. He has only sacrificed his entire life fighting for one king after the next to preserve the peace in Britain. Does anyone appreciate him? NO. Well, his men appreciate him. They have been through battle after battle and they are the most feared force in Britain. I must say, I do love that we see the Scots again. The Scots are an enemy of Uhtred but their relationship isn’t exactly hostile. They have mutual respect for each other. The warrior banter never gets old. While the story contains so many life or death situations and that brief humor is always appreciated.As always, the two best aspects of this series are the historical detail and the characters. The historical detail is so perfect that I feel completely immersed in the book. But I love the characters. They are real, flawed, and bring history to life.Matt Bates narrates this book as well and he is just wonderful. He nails every accent, personality, gender, and age. There is so much passion as he reads that it is difficult to press pause. Another 5 out of 5 stars for this installment of the Saxon Stories!

Brittany

April 13, 2022

4.5 Stars ✨ “We do not fear. We strut. We go to battle like heroes. We stink of shit. But we endure the horror because we must protect our women, keep our children from slavery, and guard our homes. So the screaming will never end, not till time itself ends.”We finally did it!! Knew it was coming! Uthred himself tells us in the last few paragraphs of the last book, Warriors of the Storm. After decades of exile Uthreds got an army and he’s going home!! The Return to Bebbanburg 🥳🙌🏽 Did it come easily - nah, does it ever come easy for Uthred? Nope- he’s got so many enemies. There’s a ton of obstacles to get past in this installment. You’ve got his cousin Uthred, who is currently the Lord of Bebbanburg, a Viking Lord- Einar the White, a Pirate- the Mad Bishop, Aethelhelm the West Saxon Noble, Constantine the King of Scotland and more. While I enjoyed this one, for me it was one of the weakest, narratively speaking, of the 10 so far. But, this book was necessary to move on. This is the book, as a reader, I’ve been waiting for. You spend the first 9 books building to get to this point and even though the narrative wasn’t quite as strong as the others, it was still totally worth it! Still super impressed with Cornwells Magical writing ability and battle scenes and how they absolutely capture the readers attention and keep you invested even after 10 books! Overall 4.5/5 Stars! Excited to see what happens now that Uthred, his family and his band of misfits are finally home, I can’t even imagine what the next book may bring. ⚔️🛡

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