Bernard Cornwell is reliable: Every year he publishes the next volume of his (now so-called) Last Kingdom-Series. So.. this year it was #10: „The Flame Bearer“.

„From the day it was stolen from me I had dreamed of recapturing Bebbanburg. The great fort was built on a rock that was almost an island, it was massive, it could only be approached on land by a single narrow track – and it was mine.“

In his „historical note“ Bernard Cornwell confesses, that this book is probably the most fictional of his Uhtred-books. And I have to say, that this book slightly differs from the others: This time Uhtred is not as much bound to others by oaths as he was before, or at least this time he does not care so much about it. The land which is to become England has established a more or less stable peace. But it is endagered when the King Edward’s father in law plots against the Nosemen who rule in Northumbria. And another enemy comes into play: The Scots and their king Constantin.

So, after Uhtred has solved the conflict between Northumbria and King Edward’s father in law for the time being, he finally sets out to pursue his long held vision of recapturing Bebbanburg. He has a plan and this time he will not allow it to fail. So, the difference I mentioned earlier is mostly that Uhtred is this time more caring for his own goals. But of course, the book is also a typical Cornwell-novel with detailed and thrilling battles. It was not the best volume of his series, but it was still really good.  I hope that this was not the last one!