Saxon-born, Viking-raised, and destined to spill blood in 800s-900s England, Uhtred of Bebbanburg stars in Cornwell's long-running "Saxon Tales" series--and the popular Netflix series The Last Kingdom, based on the books. (Uhtred is named for a historical figure from whose family Cornwell is descended.) Here, the sword flashing that led to the early consolidation of England continues. With a 75,000-copy first printing.

Cornwell brings his mighty Saxon Tales series to a close with a thirteenth installment, noting in the epilogue: "The story of England's making is not well known, which strikes me as strange." Much has been made of 1066, but it is the Battle of Brunanburh in 937AD which Cornwell adeptly recreates in this epic adventure novel. Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg helped Alfred the Great unite the kingdoms, and later put his grandson, Æthelstan, on the throne. Now Uhtred is tired; he wants only Bebbanburg and, soon, Valhalla. But Christianity has subsumed the old gods; Northumbria is beset on all sides, and Æthelstan will let nothing stand in the way of a united, Christian Englaland (in Old English.). This is a saga of politics, strategy, and, of course, war. Uhtred is an engaging character, as are the warriors who fight beside him, disparate parties brought together by long-standing loyalties and a desire to forestall chaos. By the end of this absorbing tale, as Uhtred says, "My country was gone. This was now Englaland, born in a welter of killing in a valley of blood."