Lords of the North

The Saxon Chronicles, Book 3

By: Bernard Cornwell

Narrated by: Tom Sellwood

Length: 13 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

The year is 878, and the Saxons of Wessex, under King Alfred, have defeated the Danes to keep their kingdom free. Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a Northumbrian lord, helped Alfred win that victory, but now he is disgusted by Alfred's lack of generosity. Uhtred flees Wessex, going north to search for his stepsister in the formidable stronghold of Dunholm.

Uhtred arrives in the north to discover rebellion, chaos, and fear. His only ally is Hild, a West Saxon nun fleeing her calling, and his best hope is his sword. Needing other allies, he chooses Guthred, a seemingly deluded slave who believes he is a king. Together they cross the Pennines to where a desperate alliance of fanatical Christians and beleaguered Danes form a new army to confront the terrible Viking lords who rule Northumbria. Instead of victory, Uhtred finds betrayal. But he also discovers love and redemption as he is forced to turn once again to his reluctant ally, Alfred the Great.

A breathtaking adventure, Lords of the North is also the story of the creation of modern England, as the English and Danes gradually become one people, adopting each other's languages and fighting side by side.

Ready for battle? Don't miss the rest of the Saxon Chronicles Series, including The Last Kingdom (Book 1), The Pale Horseman (Book 2), and Sword Song (Book 4).

©2007 by Bernard Cornwell (P)2007 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Cornwell...breathes life into ancient history with disarming ease, peppering it with humor and even innocence." (Publishers Weekly)

Jarring change of narrator

I liked the range of voices of this barrier for the supporting characters, but he wasn't right for the main character.

NEVER SEND A BOY TO READ A MAN'S STORY.

What didn’t you like about Tom Sellwood’s performance?

He has managed to RUIN the story we've wanted since Ragnar avenged Thyra's (sp?) initial disgrace. I will write no more so as not to be a Plot Spoiler for those who read the reviews of sequels before committing to a series (like me).

Any additional comments?

Keeble is a master of accents, a master of different voices that let us easily distinguish characters and unequaled at his full use of a microphone's range. Yes, I've had the delight to learn that a microphone does, indeed, have a range for spoken voice. I wish TO GOD that he narrated the GoT series (all Roy Dotrice can do is spit loud and louder and slur and slush his way through a book) and has replaced Davina Porter as my favorite narrator. Suffice it to say, I'll be proud to buy the print versions of these books and then read this one to lend my own voices to these characters and damn the pain in my hands while doing so.Bear through the narrator: THE STORY IS BRILLIANT. I WILL NEVER LISTEN TO ANOTHER BOOK TOM SELLWOOD HAS NARRATED.I can't write anymore without wanting to curse .

different reader than last two books

the new reader took some getting used to. but all in all a great sequel.

History in a action packed story

This is a well written story about the life of a Saxon/Danish warrior in the mid to late 8oo. The story has a good pace not to fast not to slow. It really did give a good account historically of what is was to be alive in that time and gave a very good layout of the social structure of the time without coming across as a history book. I wish I had read the two books that proceed this one (even though they were each only 5 hours in length). I will certainly look into the other series of books he has, (The Sharpe Series is one) although audible.com doesn’t have all the books that would complete these series which is a real pain in the you know what. Just a good listen.

Excellent book

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. Bernard Cornwell is an excellent writer. He is a dedicated researcher and is an excellent writer of battles. I would recommend this book very highly. My wife read the first book of this series and loved it.

Great story, Terrible Narration

The story and writing is great but I really disliked this narrator. Really terrible accents and flat delivery. It’s rough to get through after the great narration of the first 2 books but manageable since I want to read it but don’t have time to sit down and read a hard copy.

Great book. Narrator leaves a lot to be desired.

Narrator on previous two books was much better. Sellwood tries too hard to interject himself into the story with extremely odd pronunciations. Book and story are terrific though.

The narrator????

I LOVE this story and LOVED Keeble but this guy?? He reads the story ok but he shouldn't even TRY to do the voices of other characters.....its almost comical and certainly PAINFUL!! He makes Vikings sound like tree elves with developmental diabilities!! I know Keeble doesn't do ALL the books and I hope the other narrators are better...Keeble gives Uhtred STRENGTH and keeps me on edge during the battles! But NOT this guy!!

Great book just wished it was original narrator

These books are so darn good. The first two are amazing the narrator sounds like he would be someone of that era. Cast him to read all the books please!

Another Great Listen

another outstanding book by Bernard Cornwell but what more could you ask for on to the next book