The Pale Horseman audiobook

I have a Booktube channel now! Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/petrikleoAnother great installment about loyalty, power, faith, friendship, and ambition.Putting into consideration that the first season of The Last Kingdom TV shows are adaptations of the first two books in the series, and now that I’ve read both The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman, I can definitely say that I prefer the first two books over the first season. To be fair, despite being a huge fan of the TV series, it was the second season and beyond that made me a fan. Yes, I know that they’re different mediums of storytelling, but a comparison in overall quality of entertainment can still be made. “Words are like breath," she said, "you say them and they're gone. But writing traps them. You could write down stories, poems.” The Pale Horseman takes place immediately after what happened at the end of The Last Kingdom. I’m incredibly impressed by how absorbed I am by Cornwell’s writing. I mean, this is only the second book in the series, and I’ve watched TV series adaptation; I know what’s going to happen to these characters. But Cornwell’s writing was so compelling and immersive that it felt like I was in the heat of the danger together with Uthred, Alfred, and all the characters. I felt the sense of danger, which in my opinion never felt immediate and threatening in season 1 of the TV series. I loved reading Uthred’s narration; he’s no longer a kid, but he’s still young and full of anger. The dynamic in the relationship between Uthred and Alfred definitely is one of the key highlights of this book. It’s always interesting to see Uthred’s struggle and conflict; he hates Alfred, and he also wants to be accepted by him. “There comes a moment in life when we see ourselves as others see us. I suppose that is part of growing up, and it is not always comfortable.” The King of the Marsh sequence of events in the book felt so memorable, too. At the end of the book, the historical note by Cornwell tells just how grim and dire the situation actually was. The Pale Horseman also introduced more important side characters for the series like Hild and Steapa. I must say, the Christians and how blindly faithful they were—everything that differs from their belief is immediately justified as an act of devilry blah blah blah—can be incredibly maddening. I think this is a good sign of the narrative, though; we’re hearing Uthred’s narration, and I can only imagine just how frustrating it must be in his shoes. I did have a bit of a minor issue, there were times when the description did get a bit dense that it slowed down the pacing. This is a bit common in Cornwell’s writing, and it doesn’t help that the paragraph in his books can run for one or two pages long. Fortunately, Cornwell’s battle scenes remained great as always. Dialogues were also tense, engaging, and sometimes hilarious. The Pale Horseman reminded me once again that Uthred has suffered so much even though it’s still very early in the series. “And that, too, was the truth, that a man cannot step back from a fight and stay a man. We make much in this life if we are able. We make children and wealth and amass land and build halls and assemble armies and give great feasts, but only one thing survives us. Reputation. I could not walk away.” Overall, I highly enjoyed reading The Pale Horseman. Cornwell is just so good at writing historical fiction, and this is a wonderful addition to The Last Kingdom series. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in two weeks. I’m sure the best for the series are still to come, and I seriously can’t wait to meet my dudes: Finan and Sithric.Official release date: 3rd October 2005You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel NotionsSpecial thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Estefani, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Shaad, Summer, Zoe.

The Pale Horseman is every bit as good as the first book. This, again, feels like another chapter of a man’s life. Uhtred has grown up a little and is more resolute in his ambitions since we last saw him. He has fought in his first shield wall and has completed the transformation from boy to man: he is now a proven warrior and, more importantly, he now has a growing reputation but, not necessarily a good one. His glory has been stolen by the coward Odda the Younger. He has claimed the victory at Cynuit as his own, and the slaying of the mighty warlord Ubba as his work. When Uhtred returns to his king, he is met with distain and mistrust. The coward has turned Alfred against him and Uhtred’s anger threatens the fragile piece that has been made. So why not blow of some steam with a little Viking raiding?“There is so much joy in a good ship, and a greater joy to have the ship’s belly fat with other men’s silver. It is the Viking joy, driving a dragon headed hull through a wind driven sea towards a future full of feats and laughter. The Danes taught me that and I love them for it, pagan swine though they may be.” Uhtred builds up a small force of men, and steals one of the king’s ships, and takes himself off on a little nostalgic raiding trip. He gets to indulge in his Danish side without changing his loyalties and threatening Alfred’s promises of peace to the Danes. He meets Svein, a fellow warrior and a leader of men. The two are fast friends and together, make a brief companionship. It’s not too last though. Uhtred has debts to the church and must return to his wife and young child. Rumours of his deeds have leaked to his king and his must face his distaste for a second time. Though what can Alfred truly expect? Uhtred is as much Danish as he is Saxon. He is a divided man. One who realises that only through Alfred can he regain his former Earldom. However, he is Danish at heart as they he was raised by them. But, Uhtred is now sworn to Wessex and its King. So when his former, yet brief, friend arrives with a small fleet of ships to hunt down Alfred, Uhtred’s loyalties are tested yet again. “Svien looked magnificent, a silver white warrior. He rode a white horse, wore a white woollen cloak, and his mail and boar snouted helmet had been scrubbed with sand until they glowed silver in the watery sunlight.” Alfred’s kingdom now hangs by the edge of Uhtred’s sword and its fate will be determined in another shield wall. Bernard Cornwell does another amazing job at evoking inner character conflict and divided loyalties. His characterisation of Uhtred is marvellous. We know where he will eventually end up but, somehow, the prospect of reading how he gets there is more exciting than the situation in the first place. The Saxon Stories 1. The Last Kingdom- A fine five stars2. The Pale Horsman- -A brilliant five stars3.Lords of the North-A vengeful four stars4.Sword Song- A familiar four stars5.The Burning Land- A loyal five stars6. Death of Kings A mighty five stars

“There is such joy in chaos. Stow all the world's evils behind a door and tell men that they must never, ever, open the door, and it will be opened because there is pure joy in destruction.” After finishing The Last Kingdom, I immediately dived into this second instalment. I could not wait to follow Uhtred’s arc, who in the first book was already established as a unique, conflicted, awesome central protagonist. Wessex, the last kingdom of England standing against the Danish threat, is once again on the brink of annihilation, in terms of both the faction it protects, and also the ideas is harbours. It is unto this that Uhtred must choose a side. Born a Saxon, raised a Dane, throughout the course of this book, he is trying to ascertain where his loyalties lie, and whatever he chooses, there is no certainty that he will feel he has made the correct decision. He lives in perpetual conflict as this decision looms over him, and with his retrospective narration in this tale, Bernard Cornwell introduces an unreliable flavour that makes this story even more engaging.“Fate is inexorable”Whilst The Last Kingdom was by all means a great introduction to this series, I would say that The Pale Horseman took a whole step up, in every respect. Bernard Cornwell built on an already solid cast of characters, crafting an emotional attachment that was not as present in book one. I have to mention here that I loved the addition of Father Pyrlig. He is hilarious and just adds something so fresh to this story. Also in this, There were of course fantastic action sequences, further advancement to plot, and an increase to the scale and significance of the events controlling Uhtred’s life.Uhtred begins at around twenty years of age, immediately succeeding the conclusion to book one of the series. The story takes place over the expanse of around a year, maybe slightly longer, and in this time Uhtred is faced with many trials and tribulations which spur on character growth and highlight other aspects and characteristics he owns. Already, Uhtred is becoming one of the most interesting, authentic central protagonists in the many books that I have read.“Words are like breath," she said, "you say them and they're gone. But writing traps them.” One of the distinctive aspects of Bernard Cornwell’s writing and the Saxon Stories in particular is how the public and private, political and military matter blend and interweave, often tugging Uhtred in different directions that causes him to make concessions for ‘the greater good’, or what he perceives to be ‘the best option’. This adds a psychological complexity as Uhtred is confronted with his failures, and heralded for his successes, and how he reacts to these situations.The structure remains much the same as book one, with larger than average chapters, but ones that are split within themselves and I believe manage to maintain the fast pace that is often created from smaller chapters. Alongside this, there are three phases in The Pale Horseman which the story is fashioned into, often with a small period of time passing during the transition, allowing for this tight story with a page-turning pace, whilst still relating to the recorded dates of battles such as the climax of the story, which takes place at Ethandun.The Pale Horseman was a fantastic sequel in this second instalment in the Saxon Stories, which in partnership with its predecessor forms the entirety of The Last Kingdom Season 1, which combines the two books. Bernard Cornwell again delivers great characters, an engaging plot and an awesome concept that adopts such an interesting period of history. Of course, I cannot wait to continue with this series. Destiny is All!5/5 STARS

The Pale Horseman is the excellent continuation of Uhtred of Bebbanburg's story. Set between 876 - 878 AD, Uhtred is now in his early 20's, having proven himself as a man and a warrior. He's fought in a shield wall, killed Ubba in one on one combat, and has sworn an oath to the Saxon king Alfred. Uhtred believes life revolves around fighting, women, ale, and creating a reputation. Uhtred has a reputation now, but it is not always glowing as he is as misunderstood as he is feared. He's a complex lead character that I can't get enough of following. He's half Saxon and half Danish, however, his loyalties lie with the Saxon's here, although he is extremely fond of his brother and friend, the Danish Earl Ragnar, and I loved the page time that they shared together."When I was twenty I considered myself a full-grown man. I had fathered a child, fought in the shield wall, and was loath to take advice from anyone."Following The Last Kingdom's climactic battle with the Danes at Cynuit, Uhtred wishes to return to his family and his estate instead of returning to King Alfred with Ubba's war axe and banner to claim the victory and the spoils that come with it. In Uhtred's absence, the slimy lord Odda the Younger claims to have led the Saxons to their victory and to have bested Ubba himself. When Uhtred returns to Winchester he is shocked to see that there has been no mention of his extremely influential input to the events of the battle. Uhtred's longtime friend Father Beocca was not even aware that Uhtred had escaped from being a hostage of Guthrum. Odda's weaving of events to paint himself in a perfect light, the fact he glosses over Uhtred's importance completely, and that none of Odda's followers are willing to contradict him even though they know the truth of the matter, really pisses Uhtred off. Uhtred expresses his dissatisfaction as only a man as headstrong as the lord of Bebbanburg can and unsheaths his sword in the King's chamber in the presence of all the men of influence in Wessex. Uhtred should have received a hero's welcome but what he gets is anything but, planting a seed of loathing and an atmosphere of discord. "We make much in this life if we are able. We make children and wealth and amass land and build halls and assemble armies and give great feasts, but only one thing survives us. Reputation. I could not walk away."Uhtred's dream is to take back his rightful home of Bebbanburg where his uncle unlawfully sits as Ealderman. He realises that by following Alfred and giving his blood, sweat, and tears to the monarch isn't going to make him the silver to raise an army to complete his objective. So, alongside the gruff warrior Leofric, Uhtred and some followers decide to take one of the King's ships, to dress it up as a Viking raider, and to do some raiding themselves under the disguise of being Danes. During The Pale Horseman, there are expertly crafted battles, skirmishes and duels that are gripping to read about. We are introduced to fine new characters such as the lord of war Svein, the Shadow Queen Iseult, and the loyal but dim warrior Steopa. My personal favourites from the first novel such as Leofric and Young Ragnar shine here too although in some cases have limited page time. Characters relations change and develop finely through Uhtred's unique, honest, and extremely personal first-person perspective. I trust and understand Uhtred's opinions and plans however reckless they seem or provoking they are to the church of the crown. The Pale Horseman was more of the same of what I adored in The Last Kingdom, however, if all of the novels in this series are so similar then I can see myself getting a bit bored about halfway through the series. I hope that doesn't happen and that Cornwell continues to present exciting, action-packed historical fiction during the next stages of Uhtred's life whilst keeping it fresh and interesting enough to keep me intrigued. A huge positive for these novels, so far, is that at around 300-400 pages, I am able to race through them in a couple of days. I have Lords of the North already loaded on my Kindle and am ready to start reading that today to rejoin Uhtred in the front row of the shield wall. Fate is inexorable. "The fear came then. The shield wall is a terrible place. It is where a warrior makes his reputation, and reputation is dear to us. Reputation is honour, but to gain that honour a man must stand in the shield wall where death runs rampant. I had been in the shield wall at Cynuit and I knew the smell of death, the stink of it, the uncertainty of survival, the horror of the axes and swords and spears, and I feared it. And it was coming."

"For here starts war, carrion birds sing, and grey wolves howl."A fragile peace still holds in the realms of Britain. After the forces of Wessex prevailed at Cynuit, the Danes have pulled back. King Alfred thinks himself safe, but in truth the last kingdom of the Saxons is in grave peril...Writing a sequel to an amazing novel can sometimes be amazingly hard. Bernard Cornwell fulfilled that task with style, and in the process created my personal favourite Uhtred novel and proved himself a master of historical fiction. The Last Kingdom was an amazing book, but this is where this became one of my favourite series and Cornwell one of my favourite authors.Uhtred must fight the hardest duel of his life against a truly formidable opponent, a strong Danish invasion catches the people of Wessex completely by surprise, and Alfred must hide in a swamp to avoid falling with his kingdom. All appears to be lost, including the fight to retake England from the Danes. But the unlikely allies Uhtred and Alfred refuse to give up, and they will do whatever must be done to take their land back from the invaders.And I saw that Cippanhamm was burning. Smoke was darkening the winter sky and the horison was filled with men, mounted men, men with swords and axes and shields and spears and banners, and more horsemen were coming from the eastern gate to thunder across the bridge.Because all Alfred’s prayers had gone wrong and the Danes had come to Wessex.

Great bookI promise to review as soon as possible

I love this series so much already and it's so fun seeing the differences between the show and books. Uhtred is such a great character to follow and man does he go through some shit. The tension, warring and negotiating between the Saxons and the Danes is always intriguing.

Destiny is all..

4/5 estrellas.Segundo libro de la serie sobre la invasión danesa de Britania en el siglo IX. Mantiene el nivel, sobre todo la segunda mitad del libro es trepidante, ya que narra uno de los episodios más críticos de la Historia de Inglaterra y quizá de la Historia de Europa, y de la Humanidad.......Los daneses han acabado en pocos años con todos los reinos sajones de la Heptarquía, salvo Wessex que, bajo el mando del rey Alfredo, ha podido resistir los embates de las hordas danesas. Alfredo todavía no es el "Grande", pero pronto se ganará el apodo que lo acompañará en la posteridad.En plena Navidad del 878 los daneses atacan a Alfredo en Chippenham, rompen la tregua a traición y cogen desprevenido a Alfredo, que confiado no esperaba para nada este ataque. Invaden, matan, violan, ocupan el territorio, pero son pocos y muchos sajones escapan a la matanza, entre ellos Alfredo y su familia, que se refugian en una zona pantanosa al oeste de Wessex. No se sabe muy bien como, pero desde ahí, los sajones se comienzan a reorganizar y empiezan a juntar su ejército y prepararlo para enfrentarse a los invasores. En medio de este caos, lleno de lagunas históricas, el autor introduce al protagonista de la serie, Uhtred el Nortumbrío, en el meollo de toda la acción. Él, sajón, pero no sajón del Oeste, medio pagano, criado entre daneses y admirador de ellos, pero al servicio de Alfredo nos narra el peligroso camino que conduce al Rey desde los pantanos de Somerset a la batalla de Ethandun, en la que se jugó a una sola carta la supervivencia de los sajones en Britania...y ganó. Inglaterra se salvó y a partir de este punto tomó la iniciativa, y los sucesores de Alfredo consiguieron, en los siguientes años, expulsar o asimilar a los daneses, unificando los antiguos reinos sajones en un único reino: Inglaterra. ¿Qué hubiera pasado si se hubiera perdido esta batalla? ¿Hubiera existido Inglaterra y toda la influencia que ha tenido posteriormente en la historia de la Humanidad? Interesante cuestión, pero imposible de responder.Evidentemente toda la trama está llena de licencias históricas, lances inverosímiles, pero el resultado es, a mi juicio, bueno y disfrutable. Sobre todo la parte final de los prolegómenos y la batalla de Ethandun merecen mucho la pena.No me gusta nada que nos presente a Alfredo como un tipo bastante pusilánime. Un meapilas dominado por los curas, que de vez en cuando saca su carácter y su ascendiente, pero que lo deja un poco malparado. Joder Bernard, que es el único rey de Inglaterra que se llama "El Grande", un poco de respeto. Se lo perdonaremos, que hay que dejar un poco de espacio a Uhtred.Recomendable.

This second book in the series picks up immediately after the end of the first book. Uhtred, a Saxon raised by Danes, has just had a great victory in the fight against the invaders. He has killed Ubba Lothbrokson, the most feared of the Danish leaders, and instead of going to Alfred and claiming the credit for the victory he goes off to find his wife and child. The delay allows a Saxon rival to take the credit for winning the battle and Uhtred again finds himself an outsider in the court. The story continues as Alfred finds himself on the run and includes the story of the burnt cakes( apparently it’s not true but it’s what Alfred is famous for). There’s a lot of fighting between the Saxons and Danes and once again our hero is in the thick of things. I’m enjoying this story telling how the many Saxon kingdoms eventually became England. Bring on the next one!

Una pasada, excelente, de verdad que una maravilla en su estilo. Cuesta dosificar estos libros; una maldita droga. Esta serie goza de una voz narrativa cruda y sarcástica como pocas que haya leído. Cualquier lector tiene la misión, que le será revelada tarde o temprano, de conocer las peripecias de Uhtred de Bebbanburg, sus hazañas y desdichas. Su visión de la vida: pragmática y apasionada, genuina.Ligeramente superior al primero y me reafirmo en lo que comenté en su día: unos libros perfectos para superar atascos lectores, para iniciar a uno en el apasionante mundo de la lectura o, sencillamente, para intercalarlos con otras obras más largas y densas. Son un auténtico soplo de aire fresco; aunque dicho aire hieda a vísceras y blasfemias. Quizá a estos libros les falte "algo" para alcanzar el etéreo y esquivo estatus de obras maestras, pero son buenísimos en lo suyo, joder. Leedlos y ya está, yo que sé. Nota: 4,25 estrellas. El precio de Wessex, señores y señoras.