Bulletin Board

Dear Bernard,

 

I just wanted to say how much of a massive fan of your books my dad and I are. We especially love your Arthurian series, and your Saxon stories. Derfel and Uhtred are some of the best characters ever written in my opinion.

 

My dad, I'm very proud to say, John Gwynne, is also an author, although that seems very strange still, and even stranger to him. He writes in the fantasy genre but also draws upon ancient history, but with giant wolves and a made up celtic/norse/roman-esque Europe.

 

SFX (the worlds leading Sci-fi and fantasy magazine) have asked my dad to review any book of his choice that has been an influence to him, and he has chosen The Winter King. Although it's not strictly fantasy, Arthur is a character of myth and legend and that is good enough for him. I thought you might be interested in reading his review, and perhaps be interested in his series 'The Faithful and the Fallen'. I may be biased but I really love them and I'm sure if you had the time you'd definitely enjoy them! The series is now finished and he is writing the second series. His first book Malice won the the David Gemmell Morningstar book award. Sorry I get a little excited as I'm so very proud of him as we all are. My brother and I have been known, on many occasions, to dress up and re-enact some scenes.

 

We are massively enjoying the Last Kingdom series on BBC 2, we hope you're enjoying it as well!

 

If you ever do read this as I'm sure you have so many emails, it would be just fabulous and in advance I'd like to thank you for your time.

 

Kindest regards

 

Edward Gwynne

Dear Sir,

I have just read the article in the Daily Express where you describe your six best books  - http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/books/783007/Bernard-Cornwell-Sharpe-novels-author-books.  . The last on, " The Dark Of The Moon " by John Sandford surprised me, as not many people in the UK know who John Sandford is. I have been a fan of his for many years and I can fully recommend his other series known as " The Prey Series ". The main character is a police officer known as Lucas Davenport. His first book of this series is called " The Rules Of Prey ". I hope you will enjoy, and if so follow Lucas throughout his career. John Sandford is a brilliant writer.

John Price

I just finished Gallows Thief, and to be honest, I sincerely wish you would do a series about Captain Sandman. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I'm somewhat familiar with the time in which your set the book. The research was impeccable, which led to several nights worth of reading to 2 a.m. Please consider doing some additional books along this line.

Bruce Sims

Dear Mr Cornwell

I have just read Sharpe for the first time, and chose Sharpe's Company. in connection with finding out more about my great great great grandfather Major General Sir John Rolt, see http://www.queensroyalsurreys.org.uk/colonels/025.html, who took part in the sieges of both Cuidad Rodrigo and Badajoz (by then he was serving with the Portuguese army).

I wonder if you  ever found his book "On Moral Command" first published 1836 but the third/fourth editions are more fun as he adds appendices promoting his various inventions (unintentionally hilarious).  His views on training, the treatment of men by officers, and the drink problem are heartfelt.  He mentions many friends, colleagues and heroes (he worshipped Wellington of course), and includes some good anecdotes of his experiences.  It's available on line.

He was born in Ireland (we have not been able to work out who his father was but he managed to marry a wealthy English heiress cousin....it's tantalising that there are no personal clues in his book!).

I realise you have moved on to many other interesting eras since the Sharpe books but you may be amused to revisit, if you have not seen this book.

With best wishes and thanks for your wonderful work of bringing history alive for so many.

Janet Hales

Thank you from Vancouver, Canada!

Your books are awesome! I just picked up the ninth book in the Saxon/Viking series – I'm already on chapter 2. So hard to put it down...but dinner had to be made! :) Your books resonate across all generations – as you are probably aware – in fact, your books are part of the bond that I have with my nephew. He too keeps up with this amazing series.

 

cheers,

Graham

Dear Bernard,

 

After getting as far as Flame Bearer Im thinking what next. I know and love your Anglo Saxon novels and ancient stories.  I live in Devon and the Winter King and Stonehenge have always been a draw. You never disappoint and all your books are always great. The last kingdom series is by far my favourite and  a really enjoyable read. I wanted to thank you for all the books that have kept me hooked for years.

 

Kind regards

 

Marianne

I have read 8 books of the Saxon Chronicles in 5 weeks; often reading until 1/2am .... a bit disturbing for an Evengelical Pastor (I know we are not your favourites!)

 

I have just got to the gelded Father Judas and sat open mouthed that this was Brida.

When a book makes you sit, open-mouthed and you quietly mouth the word "Brida!" over and over agian - then you know you are enthralled.

 

I assume that as Leohstan's wife is Gomer then the Mus is the Bishop's wife. I don't know yet but I am supposing you know your Bible.

 

I am just thrilled by the books and I will read everyone you have written because I love a great story line and I love history. People told me years ago to read your material.I wish I had listened!

 

I just want to say; on behalf of someone so needing at times to switch off. A deep, heart felt thank you! Your gift is incredible and gives me great joy.

 

Worth saying  - you have given millions joy - that must be pretty cool.

 

So thanks - enjoy your day!

 

Andy

Hello and good evening from Florida. I hope this finds you well and having a good day wherever you may be.

 

My name is Michael and I currently live in Florida but I was born in Brazil. Although I've been here for 20 some years, I never considered writing or doing anything of the sort, that is until I had the chance to read the Warlord Chronicles. After that I picked up nearly every book you've written (I still didn't start on the Sharpe books, although I've heard awesome things about it) and your style and passion inspired me for years and finally I gathered enough courage and  wrote a short story, that turned into a book and I managed to get lucky enough to get a small book run. That went well enough that allowed me to branch out into  screenplays. That was also very grueling work but after some time I got my first shot to work on a web series, from that I wrote a feature and was lucky enough to find distribution, and that got me another few and so on. Finally I was able to make enough to start doing this full time I believe. This is fairly new actually just happened a few days ago, so I wanted to stop and thank you for the inspiration, even the words of encouragement  I've seen on our Q&A. I've learned a lot on character development specially from your books and every time I get asked about it I always refer people to your work. I know we never met and I never wrote or contacted you, but I wanted to thank you for giving me such inspiration through your work and words. Without it I would've never followed this path and my life would've been completely different. Thanks again, I will always be a great fan and admirer and continue following your work.

 

I would love to read some new "modern" novels such as Storm Child, Crackdown, Scoundrel etc.  They are some of your best and the characters, the plots and the sailing are brilliant.

 

Thank you,

 

Padraig

Hello Bernard

Cannot tell you in words how much I have enjoyed reading this series. Read the series in the last 18 months three times. I read a lot, on average seven books every 10 - 14 days. Absolutely adore your reading style, mesmerising and cannot put a book down until I reach the end.

Also read some of your short stories, Agincourt and quite a few others. Loved them all. Noticed now their might be new publications I have not read yet. Busy preparing to make a full move to another region in SA and do not have time to investigate now, but will do it in the near future.

Uhtred. What can I say. This is the hero I have been holding out for :/

Be well,

Tertia