The Empty Throne: A Novel

by Bernard Cornwell Narrated by Matt Bates

Overview

The eighth installment of Bernard Cornwell's bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” (The Observer, London)-the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit BBC America television series.

My name is Uhtred. I am the son of Uhtred, who was the son of Uhtred . . .'

Britain, early tenth century AD: a time of change. There are new raids by the Vikings from Ireland, and turmoil among the Saxons over the leadership of Mercia. A younger generation is taking over.

When Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, dies, he leaves no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Æthelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Æethelred. Widely loved and respected, Æthelflaed has all the makings of a leader-but can Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler? The stage is set for rivals to fight for the empty throne.

With this eighth entry in the epic Saxon Tales series, we are reminded once again why New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell is “the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today” (Wall Street Journal).

Editorial Reviews

MAY 2015 - AudioFile

Historical novelist Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Tales series may not be to all tastes, but Matt Bates's narration adds a great deal of pleasure He deftly manages the variations in pacing and keeps clear who is speaking—Aethelred, Aethelflaed, Aethelhelm, Aethelstan, or any combination. Deploying varying tones as well as regional and class accents, he doesn't need to create individual voices except in the cases of a few characters. Those who have been following the series will not be disappointed as Uhtred Uhtredsson fights battles in Mercia and Wales, plots to gain the throne of Mercia for Lady Aethelflaed, and worries about his children. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Mail on Sunday

An effortlessly engaging ride.

Daily Mail

Cornwell once again shows his acknowledged mastery of fast-paced storytelling, full of exciting incident and an unflinching approach to bloodshed.

The Times (London)

The Empty Throne is Cornwell’s best Uthred tale yet. If there is a throne for writers of this particular type of muscular historical fiction, then Cornwell is firmly wedged in it. And on this evidence, he is not budging.

Booklist

Excellent . .. Mysticism, history, brutality, muck, and mire combine to splendid effect in this compelling fictional version of the birth of a great nation.

MAY 2015 - AudioFile

Historical novelist Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Tales series may not be to all tastes, but Matt Bates's narration adds a great deal of pleasure He deftly manages the variations in pacing and keeps clear who is speaking—Aethelred, Aethelflaed, Aethelhelm, Aethelstan, or any combination. Deploying varying tones as well as regional and class accents, he doesn't need to create individual voices except in the cases of a few characters. Those who have been following the series will not be disappointed as Uhtred Uhtredsson fights battles in Mercia and Wales, plots to gain the throne of Mercia for Lady Aethelflaed, and worries about his children. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173573964
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	01/06/2015
Series:	Last Kingdom (Saxon Tales) Series , #8
Edition description:	Unabridged

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