How to read The Last Kingdom books in order
How to read The Last Kingdom books in order
The Last Kingdom series—also known as The Saxon Tales and The Saxon Stories—is Bernard Cornwell’s magnum opus and one of the greatest collections of historical fiction novels. It’s a tale of revenge, loyalty, and family, and it features some of the most memorable characters and nail-biting plotlines inspired by one of the most turbulent periods of history—the Viking invasions of Britain in the ninth and tenth centuries.
What is The Last Kingdom?
Danes arriving on the shore in ever-increasing numbers, a king dreaming of a united England, betrayal, loyalty, and love—those are the main notes of the Saxon Tales series.
The story takes place in the ninth and tenth centuries in England and follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the son of a Saxon noble captured by the Vikings when he was a child. Although a pagan now, Uhtred dreams of reclaiming his seat in Bebbanburg, one of the key forts in the kingdom of Northumbria.
Uhtred’s dream leads him across Britain, from Northumbria to Mercia to Wessex to East Anglia, forcing him to enter the service of many lords and kings, both pagan and Christian. He serves under king Alfred of Wessex and his son, king Edward. He falls in love with Alfred’s daughter Aethelflaed, the lady of Mercia, and he fights both Saxons and Danish invaders. But the inexorable fate won’t give him peace, and it will be years before he realizes his goal.
The books were adapted into a TV series in 2015. The first two seasons aired on BBC Two, and the following three seasons moved to Netflix.
The Last Kingdom books in chronological order
It is highly advisable that you read The Last Kingdom books in order. The book series features thirteen novels published by HarperCollins, which follow a chronological order, from Uhtred’s childhood to the making of England as a united kingdom decades later.
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The Last Kingdom
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 13 hours 28 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: December 02, 2014
- Language: English
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4.26(72191 ratings)
4.26(72191 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0031.99 USDThe first 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 hitThe first 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 Netflix series.
In the middle years of the ninth century, the fierce Danes stormed onto British soil, hungry for spoils and conquest. Kingdom after kingdom fell to the ruthless invaders until but one realm remained. And suddenly the fate of all England–and the course of history–depended upon one man, one king.
From New York Times bestselling storyteller Bernard Cornwell comes a rousing epic adventure of courage, treachery, duty, devotion, majesty, love, and battle as seen through the eyes of a young warrior who straddled two worlds.
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The Pale Horseman
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 14 hours 6 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: December 02, 2014
- Language: English
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4.3(37524 ratings)
4.3(37524 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.004.99 USDThe second 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, theThe second 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.
As the last unvanquished piece of England, Wessex is eyed hungrily by the fearsome Viking conquerors. Uhtred, a dispossessed young nobleman, is tied to the imperiled land by birth and marriage but was raised by the Danish invaders–and he questions where his allegiance must lie. But blood is his destiny, and when the overwhelming Viking horde attacks out of a wintry darkness, Uhtred must put aside all hatred and distrust and stand beside his embattled country’s staunch defender–the fugitive King Alfred.
The Pale Horseman is a gripping, monumental adventure that gives breathtaking life to one of the most important epochs in English history–yet another masterwork from New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell.
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Lords of the North
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Jamie Glover
- Length: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: January 23, 2007
- Language: English
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4.35(33352 ratings)
4.35(33352 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0021.99 USDThe third installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC AmericaThe third installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC America television series.
After achieving victory at King Alfred’s side, Uhtred of Bebbanburg is returning to his home in the North, finally free of his allegiance to the King–or so he believes. An encounter with a vicious slave trader introduces Uhtred to Guthred, the self-proclaimed King of Northumbria. Curious about Guthred’s astounding claim, Uhtred follows him north. But he soon discovers fate has another incredible surprise in store, and begins an unexpected journey that climaxes in the midnight siege of a city thought impregnable–a dangerous seige that results in the forging of England.
Lords of the North is Bernard Cornwell’s finest work yet–a breathtaking adventure, but it also tells the story of the creation of English identity, as the English and Danes begin to become one people, appropriating each other’s languages and, thrillingly, fighting side-by-side.
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Sword Song
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hours 12 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: December 02, 2014
- Language: English
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4.31(28745 ratings)
4.31(28745 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0027.99 USDThe fourth 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, theThe fourth 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.
The year is 885, and England is at peace, divided between the Danish kingdom to the north and the Saxon kingdom of Wessex in the south. Warrior by instinct and Viking by nature, Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord, has land, a wife and children–and a duty to King Alfred to hold the frontier on the Thames. But a dead man has risen, and new Vikings have invaded the decayed Roman city of London with dreams of conquering Wessex… with Uhtred’s help. Suddenly forced to weigh his oath to the king against the dangerous turning tide of shifting allegiances and deadly power struggles, Uhtred–Alfred’s sharpest sword–must now make the choice that will determine England’s future.
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The Burning Land
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: John Lee
- Length: 11 hours 5 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: January 19, 2010
- Language: English
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4.31(25825 ratings)
4.31(25825 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0027.99 USDThe fifth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling Saxon Tales 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 BBCThe fifth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling Saxon Tales 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 BBC America television series.
At the end of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in ill health; his heir, an untested youth. His enemy, the Danes, having failed to conquer Wessex, now see their chance for victory. Led by the sword of savage warrior Harald Bloodhair, the Viking hordes attack. But Uhtred, Alfred’s reluctant warlord, proves his worth, outwitting Harald and handing the Vikings one of their greatest defeats.
For Uhtred, the sweetness of victory is soon overshadowed by tragedy. Breaking with Alfred, he joins the Vikings, swearing never again to serve the Saxon king. Instead, he will reclaim his ancestral fortress on the Northumbrian coast. Allied with his old friend Ragnar-and his old foe Haesten-he aims to invade and conquer Wessex itself. But fate has different plans . . .
In The Burning Land, Bernard Cornwell, “the reigning king of historical fiction” (USA Today), delivers a rousing saga of Anglo-Saxon England-an irresistible new chapter in his thrilling Saxon Tales, the epic story of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible.
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Death of Kings
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Stephen Perring
- Length: 10 hours 22 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: January 17, 2012
- Language: English
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4.3(20023 ratings)
4.3(20023 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0027.99 USDThe sixth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC AmericaThe sixth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC America television series.
As the ninth century wanes, England is perched once more on the brink of chaos. King Alfred is dying; with his passing, the island of Britain seems doomed to renewed warfare. Alfred wants his son Edward to succeed him, but there are other Saxon claimants to the throne–as well as ambitious pagan Vikings to the north.
With the promise of battle looming again, Uhtred, the Viking-raised but Saxon-born warrior, whose life seems to shadow the making of England itself, is torn between competing loyalties. Uhtred’s loyalty, and his vows, are to Alfred–not to his son–and despite long years of service to the old king, Uhtred is still reluctant to commit to Alfred’s cause. His own desire is to reclaim his long lost ancestral lands and castle to the north. As the king’s warrior he is duty-bound, but the king’s reign is nearing its end, and his death will leave a vacuum of power. Uhtred is forced to make a momentous choice: either take up arms–and Alfred’s mantle–to realize his dream of a united and Christian England, or be responsible for condemning it to oblivion.
Death of Kings is a harrowing story of the power of tribal commitment and the dilemma of divided loyalties. This is the making of England magnificently brought to life by “the best historical novelist writing today” (Vince Flynn).
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The Pagan Lord
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hours 41 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: January 07, 2014
- Language: English
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4.36(16898 ratings)
4.36(16898 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0027.99 USDThe seventh installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC AmericaThe seventh installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC America television series.
At the onset of the tenth century, England is in turmoil. Alfred the Great is dead and his son Edward reigns as king. Wessex survives but peace cannot hold: the Danes in the north, led by Viking Cnut Longsword, stand ready to invade and will never rest until the emerald crown is theirs.
Uhtred, once Alfred’s great warrior but now out of favor with the new king, must lead a band of outcasts north to recapture his old family home, the impregnable Northumbrian fortress Bebbanburg.
Loyalties will be divided and men will fall as each Saxon kingdom is drawn into the bloodiest battle yet with the Danes–a war that will decide the fate of every king, and the entire English nation.
With The Pagan Lord, New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell–“the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today” (Wall Street Journal)–continues his magnificent epic of the making of England during the Middle Ages, vividly bringing to life the uneasy alliances, violent combat, and deadly intrigue that gave birth to the British nation.
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The Empty Throne
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hours 12 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: January 06, 2015
- Language: English
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4.38(14129 ratings)
4.38(14129 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0027.99 USDThe eighth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC AmericaThe eighth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC America television series.
My name is Uhtred. I am the son of Uhtred, who was the son of Uhtred . . .’
Britain, early tenth century AD: a time of change. There are new raids by the Vikings from Ireland, and turmoil among the Saxons over the leadership of Mercia. A younger generation is taking over.
When AEthelred, the ruler of Mercia, dies, he leaves no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported AEthelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of AEethelred. Widely loved and respected, AEthelflaed has all the makings of a leader–but can Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler? The stage is set for rivals to fight for the empty throne.
With this eighth entry in the epic Saxon Tales series, we are reminded once again why New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell is “the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today” (Wall Street Journal).
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Warriors of the Storm
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Matt Bates
- Length: 12 hours 12 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: January 19, 2016
- Language: English
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4.41(11818 ratings)
4.41(11818 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0027.99 USDThe ninth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC AmericaThe ninth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s 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 BBC America television series.
A fragile peace reigns in Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia. King Alfred’s son Edward and formidable daughter, Aethelflaed, rule the kingdoms. But all around the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids.
Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the kingdoms’ greatest warrior, controls northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of Chester. But forces are gathering against him. Northmen allied to the Irish, led by the fierce warrior Ragnall Ivarson, are soon joined by the Northumbrians, and their strength could prove overwhelming. Despite the gathering threat, both Edward and Aethelflaed are reluctant to move out of the safety of their fortifications. But with Uhtred’s own daughter married to Ivarson’s brother, who can be trusted?
In the struggle between family and loyalty, between personal ambition and political commitment, there will be no easy path. But a man with a warrior’s courage may be able to find it. Such a man is Uhtred, and this may be his finest hour.
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The Flame Bearer
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Matt Bates
- Length: 10 hours 19 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: November 29, 2016
- Language: English
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4.43(10150 ratings)
4.43(10150 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0027.99 USDThe 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 hitThe 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.”
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—Wall Street Journal -
Sword of Kings
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Bernard Cornwell
- Length: 13 hours 18 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: November 26, 2019
- Language: English
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4.42(7935 ratings)
4.42(7935 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.0031.99 USDThe twelfth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England–“superior entertainment that is both engaging and enlightening” (Washington Post), and theThe twelfth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England–“superior entertainment that is both engaging and enlightening” (Washington Post), and the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit Netflix series.
It is a time of political turmoil once more as the fading King Edward begins to lose control over his successors and their supporters. There are two potential heirs–possibly more–and doubt over whether the once separate states of Wessex and Mercia will hold together . Despite attempts at pulling him into the political fray, Uhtred of Bebbanburg cares solely about his beloved Northumbria and its continuing independence from southern control.
But an oath is a strong, almost sacred commitment and such a promise had been exchanged between Uhtred and Aethelstan, his onetime companion in arms and now a potential king. Uhtred was tempted to ignore the demands of the oath and stay in his northern fastness, leaving the quarrelling Anglo-Saxons to sort out their own issues. But an attack on him by a leading supporter of one of the candidates and an unexpected appeal for help from another, drives Uhtred with a small band of warriors south, into the battle for kingship–and England’s fate.
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War Lord
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrator: Bernard Cornwell
- Length: 13 hours 20 minutes
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Publish date: November 24, 2020
- Language: English
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4.61(5384 ratings)
4.61(5384 ratings)Regular Price:Try for $0.005.99 USDNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER “I gulped it right down. Excellent, as always. . . . Cornwell brings battles to life like no one else.” -George R.R. Martin, Author of Game of Thrones The final installment in Bernard Cornwell’sNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“I gulped it right down. Excellent, as always. . . . Cornwell brings battles to life like no one else.” -George R.R. Martin, Author of Game of Thrones
The final installment in Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling Saxon Tales series, chronicling the epic story of the making of England–the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit Netflix series.
THE FINAL BATTLE AWAITS…
The epic conclusion to the globally bestselling historical series.
England is under attack. Chaos reigns. Northumbria, the last kingdom, is threatened by armies from all sides, by land and sea – and only one man stands in their way. Torn between loyalty and sworn oaths, the warrior king Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg faces his greatest ever battle – and prepares for his ultimate fate…
“Perhaps the greatest writer of historical adventure novels today” (Washington Post), Bernard Cornwell has dazzled and entertained readers and critics with his prolific string of page-turning bestsellers. Of all his protagonists, however, none is as beloved as Uhtred of Bebbanburg, and this thrilling historical novel continues the saga of his adventures and the turbulent early years of England.
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Audiobooks of The Last Kingdom books
Maybe you’ve seen the TV series and want to experience Uhtred’s saga in a whole new way, or maybe you’ve even read all the novels by now but want to dive back into the story and relive the exciting historical period masterfully depicted in Cornwell’s series—whatever the case, you’ll want to check out The Last Kingdom audiobooks on Speechify audiobooks.
Speechify
For the most immersive listening experience, check out Speechify, a new audiobook platform with over 60,000 titles in its digital library available for download.
Speechify is available on mobile and desktop devices, so you can enjoy your favorite historical fiction no matter where you are, even without an internet connection. The Speechify library is vast, the narration quality superb, and the app is easy to use and intuitive, so be sure you download it today and enjoy the first premium book for free.
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Cliff Weitzman
Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.
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