The Flame Bearer

by Bernard Cornwell

Part of The Last Kingdom, book 10

First published 2016

Uhtred of Bebbanburg stands ready to launch his long-awaited assault on the fortress stolen from him as a child. Britain enjoys an uneasy peace after the West Saxons crushed Danish forces in East Anglia. Mercia has reclaimed its borderlands, while Northumbria remains under pagan rule through Sigtryggr, Uhtred's son-in-law. This fragile truce gives Uhtred the opening he needs to strike at Bebbanburg, the great coastal stronghold that rightfully belongs to him. His carefully laid plans crumble when Scottish armies sweep south to claim northern England. Simultaneously, his old nemesis Æthelhelm leads West Saxon forces in an invasion from the south, crushing Northumbria between two advancing armies. Uhtred faces an impossible choice. To reach Bebbanburg, he must first crush Æthelhelm's warriors and drive back the Scots with only a small force at his command. The supreme warlord of Britain confronts his greatest challenge as enemies multiply and time runs short.

Genres: historical-fiction, military-fiction, adventure, action

Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking

Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family

Setting: Britain, East Anglia, Mercia, Northumbria, Bebbanburg, Scotland

Period: Medieval

304 pages · Hardcover · Harper

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