Sword Song, Bernard Cornwell

  In the book Sword Song, by Bernard Cornwell , Uhtred is serving King Alfred,by garrisoning one of the forts that will protect Wessex from the Danes when he learns that two powerful Norse leaders take control of London. The two Norse leaders try to convince Uhtred to help them but Uhtred declines to save the life of his friend. At this time Alfred plans to attack London and decides Earl Aethelred of Mercia should spearhead the assault. Aethelred is incompetent so Uhtred captures the city despite his orders not to attack. After that Aethlred mounts a seaborne assault at the remaining Danes. The attack is a complete failure and he looses his wife, Aethelred, daughter of  King Alfred, to the Danes. Alfred is distraught at the threat to his daughter and is willing the ransome her from his foes. Uhtred is sent to negotiate the price and terms with the Norse leaders. Whilst in their camp he learns that one of them is in love with Aethelred, whereupon they wish to run away together. Uhtred supports this plan without telling Alfred. When they try to sneak her out the plan goes horriblely wrong . Read Sword Song to find out what happens.
 
  The fourth book of the Saxon Tales, Sword Song, by Bernard Cornwell is one of the most amazing. Like all of Cornwell's books the accounts and details are histrocially accurate, and Cornwell combines known facts with invented characters, a few of which may actually have existed and creates a work that is more histroical than fiction. Like all of his books I was deeply impressed with this one and I would happily give it a 10/10.

- Reviewed by P.G. , grade 9