Sword Song is the fourth and final epic in Bernard Cornwell’s "The Saxon Stories" series. (I didn’t realise it was part of a series, so I’ll go back and read the others.) The story is based around a 9th century lord, Lord Uhtred, who is caught up in the battle for the kingdom of Wessex (the southern Saxon kingdom of England, the northern kingdom was under Danish rule).
Vikings had occupied London and had called upon Lord Uhtred to join them and while at the same time, Lord Uhtred is oath bound to King Alfred. The story progresses to tell of his struggle between the two powers and how he, alone, will shape the future of England.
Cornwell’s ability to tell the story is simple, easy-to-read and attractive. Writing from a first-person perspective of Lord Uhtred, Cornwell brings us into the world of 9th century England without overbearing the historical context, but brings it alive as through he was Lord Uhtred himself recounting the days past. The story is action-packed with raging battles and schemes as Lord Uhtred walks the path before him.
For any person who enjoys a well-told story; a mix of romance, politics, war and personality it is a well recommended book.
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