REVIEW: The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell

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The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell
Publishing Information: Paperback; 384 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins; 26 Dec 2006
ISBN: 978-0061144837
Series: The Saxon Tales #2
Reviewer: Tyson

Amazon

Synopsis: "The second 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.

This is the exciting—yet little known—story of the making of England in the 9th and 10th centuries, the years in which King Alfred the Great, his son and grandson defeated the Danish Vikings who had invaded and occupied three of England’s four kingdoms.

At the end of The Last Kingdom, The Danes had been defeated at Cynuit, but the triumph of the English is not fated to last long. The Danish Vikings quickly invade and occupy three of England’s four kingdoms—and all that remains of the once proud country is a small piece of marshland, where Alfred and his family live with a few soldiers and retainers, including Uhtred, the dispossessed English nobleman who was raised by the Danes. Uhtred has always been a Dane at heart, and has always believed that given the chance, he would fight for the men who raised him and taught him the Viking ways. But when Iseult, a powerful sorceress, enters Uhtred’s life, he is forced to consider feelings he’s never confronted before—and Uhtred discovers, in his moment of greatest peril, a new-found loyalty and love for his native country and ruler."

Last year I reviewed the first book in the Saxon Tales, The Last Kingdom (review here) and really enjoy it. I had a few books to get through before I could get back to the series but I am glad I did.

If you are familiar with the TV series, the first season covers the first two books in the series. So the book picks up after the Danes (Vikings) have been defeated at Cynuit. A strong push in revenges sees the Danes taking over much of Wessex and King Alfred is forced to live in the marshlands looking for supporters to retake the land. Uhtred is tasked with raising an army and preparing the defenses of the Marshland should the Danes attack by ship.

Uhtred is still having trouble winning over people as he refuses to give up his religion and take up Christianity. King Alfred also finds it hard to trust him due to his steadfast belief in pagan gods. However, with that in mind Uhtred does grow in the novel and finds more respect for his king.

The Pale Horseman was a difficult read but only because I knew what was coming up as I had already seen the first season so it was just a matter of going through the motions. Cornwell is still at the top of his game when it comes to detailed sword play. I plan to continue with the series.

Overall 8/10
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