The Last Kingdom Warrior Chronicles Saxon Tales Series 1-6 Set by Bernard Cornwell

The Last Kingdom Series is a six-book collection by Bernard Cornwell, bringing together the opening novels in his epic, bestselling series about the making of England and the fate of Uhtred of Bebbanburg. The BBC2 Autumn 2015 TV series THE LAST KINGDOM is based on the first two books in this set.

Across these early instalments, Uhtred is introduced as a Saxon raised by Vikings, a fierce warrior whose loyalties are repeatedly tested as conflict reshapes the land. From uneasy alliances and broken treaties to battles that will shape history, the series follows Uhtred’s tangled relationship with King Alfred and the shifting struggle between Saxon kingdoms and Danish power.

Included titles

• The Last Kingdom
• The Pale Horseman
• The Lord of the North
• Sword Song
• The Burning Land
• Death of Kings

Key details

• Six-book collection set (Books 1–6)
• By Bernard Cornwell
• Series described as the Warrior Chronicles / Saxon Tales
• BBC2 Autumn 2015 TV series THE LAST KINGDOM is based on Books 1 and 2

Synopses

The Last Kingdom

In a land torn apart by conflict, an orphan boy comes of age. Born Saxon and raised by Vikings, Uhtred becomes a skilled warrior, while Alfred fights to hold the throne of the only land still resisting the pagan northerners. Their fates become bound together in war.

The Pale Horseman

When peace is shattered by Danish steel, Uhtred must fight to save a king who distrusts him. Doubting a treaty between the Vikings and Wessex, he travels to Cornwall, gaining treasure and a mysterious woman, before facing accusations that prove lies can be as deadly as weapons. As Alfred flees to a watery refuge, he turns to the pagan warrior he relies on.

The Lord of the North

Uhtred seeks revenge and the land and castle he believes are his, and wants his treacherous uncle to pay for taking them. Heading north with Hild, a former nun, he finds chaos as Vikings battle among themselves, and encounters men from his past, including Sven the One-Eyed and Kjartan the Cruel. A betrayal leaves him trapped with no hope of escape.

Sword Song

The year is 885, and England is at peace, divided between the Danish kingdom to the north and Alfred’s Wessex in the south. Trouble stirs as new Vikings arrive to occupy London, and Uhtred, half Saxon and half Dane, is tasked with driving out the raiders and taking control of the city for Alfred. His uncertain loyalties will help decide England’s future.

The Burning Land

To King Alfred, Uhtred is the lord of battles, with riches, loyal men and a beloved wife, yet he is pursued by betrayal and tragedy. Alfred presses him to swear loyalty to his son and heir, Edward, holding him back from vengeance linked to Bebbanburg. Uhtred must defend the Christian kingdom in a battle that could break the growing power of the Danes, and meets Skade, described as a killer and schemer.

Death of Kings

Alfred is said to be dying, and rivals for his succession threaten to tear the kingdom apart, putting at risk what he has built over thirty years. Uhtred wants to reclaim his stolen Northumbrian inheritance, but knows that abandoning the King’s cause could make Alfred’s dream, and the future of the English nation, vanish.