Bernard Cornwell adds another volume to the saga of Uhtred, the reluctant ally of King Alfred of Wessex. Set in the Ninth Century, Uhtred battles against the forces of savage Dane, Harald Bloodhair. He’s called “Bloodhair” because before a battle, he kills horse, slices open its stomach, and plunges his head into the bloody mess. This ritual tends to demoralize “Bloodhair’s” opponents. Warfare tended to be a brutal affair, but Uhtred is such a successful warrior because he has mastered the strategies of this type of fighting. The Burning Land is the 5th volume in Cornwell’s Saxon series. I’ve read and enjoyed all of these books. If you enjoy great historical adventures, I highly recommend this series. GRADE: A-
George, I know I’m probably going to be in the minority here, but I just find these Uhtred books to be almost unreadable. If Cornwell has the ability to either write an interesting sentence or keep the narrative moving at more than a snail’s pace, he’s so far declined to do so.
Everyone else I know who has read these novels seems to love them.
I understand your frustration, Drongo. But you have to factor in the series is narrated by a blow-hard, psychopathic warrior. I haven’t kept count of the number of people Uhtred has killed, but it must be nearing three figures. Despite Cornwell’s style problems, he does plenty of research for all of his books. I’m interested in the Danes almost colonizing England back in the 10th Century. Very few people write about that time period.
I just finished Sword Song. I need to go out and get Burning Land. Have you heard how many books Cornwell is planning for this series? It’s really a great series. The Grail Quest Series was the first series that got me hooked on Cornwell. I’ve also heard his Arthurian books are really good. Some say it’s his best but I haven’t had the chance to read them yet.
I’ve enjoyed all of Bernard Cornwell’s books, Steven. I’m a little behind on the Sharpe series, but other than that I’ve read the rest of Cornwell’s works. The Grail Quest series is very good and his Arthurian books may be the highlight of his long, prolific career.
At last, a book I have no interest in reading! That’s rare with George.
😉
I have been noticing a lot of John Ringo books in the stores down here.
As Jeff Smith pointed out at BOUCHERCON in Indy, John Ringo has a dedicated (some would say fanatical) following in the SF world, Jeff. I’m sure that John Ringo thriller I gave Jackie is a collector’s item by now.
Objectively speaking, you could say John Ringo just might have a flaw or two as a writer. But the only novel of his that I’ve read–GHOST–was quite the hoot. Any book about a slightly nutty former Navy SEAL with BDSM tendencies is probably not meant to be taken too seriously.
You’re right on the money with your analysis of John Ringo’s works, Drongo! However, Ringo’s books have a loyal following. He’s a superstar when he shows up at SF conventions.
I thought this was the author of the “Crowner John” mystery books, but apparently I’m mistaken. Just as well, those were gloomy and unpleasant. I’ve not read this fellow, but the setting and premise doesn’t look appealing. I do like some historical mysteries, but this isn’t a period that beckons.
Bernard Cornwell hasn’t written any mysteries, Rick. He’s a historical novelist who specializes in famous battles. There’s plenty of warfare in all his books.
Another personal opinion – all I have to offer today – is about Ringo. I don’t think he can write his way out of a wet paper bag. I’ve tried more than once. The things he’s done with David Weber are okay, if extremely wordy. The two books written solely by him were episodic battle-SF full of guns, lucky coincidences and unlikelihoods, badly written (could he be letting a 12 year old relative write them?) and selling like hotcakes. Baen pushes them at every opportunity and they are hot hot with a certain age group tweens and teens). The good news is those kids are reading SOMETHING.
I confess I haven’t read any of John Ringo’s work although I see his books EVERYWHERE, Rick. BAEN BOOKS is doing a great job marketing Ringo’s books. If I was a teenager, John Ringo’s books probably would appeal to me. Teenagers are seldom bothered by style and plot issues if the author provides plenty of action (even if it’s “wordy” action).
I did try a few pages of the one George gave to Jackie at Bouchercon but it was pretty bad. But as George said, the books are ubiquitous.
I only bought Jackie that book because John Ringo’s character, a former Navy SEAL, was supposed to be “tougher” than the Navy SEALS, Jeff.
I think “pretty bad” may be generous, Jeff.