War Lord

Thus concludes the tale of Uhtred, son of Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg.

Once Uhted reclaimed Bebbanburg I wasn't sure where the story would go. It seemed like reclaiming his home would be a fitting conclusion, but little did I know there would be more to Uhtred's story.

In this novel, we meet an Aged Uhted in his final years of life. Much time is spent reflecting on and acknowledging just how many characters we lost over the course of this series. It was solemn and sad. Bernard Cornwell did an incredible job covering these emotions and I suspect he missed some of his old characters too. He also acknowledged the age gap between Uhtred and the newer characters and how it was finally time to put our hero to rest.

As with the other stories, the first half of the novel is spent recapping where things stand as well as setting up for a large battle towards the end. As this was the final novel, I was worried this might be the end for Uhtred. His final battle. And the one that sends him to Valhalla. But I was wrong to doubt Lord Uhtred.

Instead we have a fitting conclusion to the story of a man which spanned 13 books and a successful tv show. I will miss Uhtred's adventures but it's fun to imagine him in Valhalla with all of his friends once more.