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Hi, I feel a bit of a "fan-girl" for writing this, but quite frankly I can live with that.

I have been reading your Saxon Chronicles novels since December 2015. I have always been an avid fan of historical fiction and in recent years have struggled to find a series that not only educates me on a new era but entertains me. I had never read any Saxon historical fiction before reading The Last Kingdom (after listening to a podcast you did with History Extra a while ago). The unification of England is something that I had never thought about and, I am ashamed to admit as an English person, I knew little or nothing about it. I am currently 39% through Warriors of The Storm and I just wanted to reach out and thank you for your books. As you already know, you are an incredibly engaging writer but I am yet to come across one of your books that I have not enjoyed (I recently read Azincourt).

Whilst The Saxon Chronicles still remain a firm favourite (very excited about the new one!) widening my reading of your novels has been nothing short of an absolute pleasure. I will be heartbroken when it comes to the end of Uhtred's story, but to have come across his story at all has been a source of great reading for me.

Long may your books continue to entertain and educate the us.

Jo Naylor

Good day Mr. Cornwell.

Your series, 'The Last Kingdom' is at least as informative to any englishman about their history, as it is to me about my own history, as a dane. I've only just discovered your books, a random purchase in a second hand by a seventeen years old, but I find your books highly entertaining and very learning, and though I take the tales with a pinch of salt, I've begun to discover new aspects of my country's history, which were well intertwined with England's for a time, which I have never thought of or learned about before. The world's history, how things might have been and how people were, is a great pastime of mine. So thank you very much for expanding my horizons regarding history and culture, never knew older english history could be so fascinating and interesting aswell. I look forward to my next stop in Uhtred's life in 'Sword Song' and may your write many great books in the future.

Best wishes a new fan

Nanna Fjord

Mr. Cornwell.

I was moved to write to you tonight because I have been watching the Last Kingdom on Netflix. Silly thing is, I have come to know you through books not TV. There are two authors who had a profound influence on my love of history. The first was Patrick O'Brien. I never had the chance to tell him how he fanned the flames of my love of history as no other. The other is you. I didn't want to wait to tell you how grateful I am for your powerful stories and your heroic research. I can't even begin to imagine the tens of thousands of hours you put in to give us the gift of your hard work and genius. I have a son who is in his twenties and in the U.S. Navy. He is beginning his journey down the glorious trails that you and Mr. O'Brien laid out for us. God bless you and your family for the gifts you given us. You enrich our lives and you educate us in ways that the current culture seems to value less and less. Or, maybe not. I am hopeful that young people, when presented with well-researched history in story form, may reconnect with that which will help them not repeat the lessons we have learned for hundreds of years. Thank you again Mr. Cornell and count me as one of our biggest advocates!

Regan LaMothe

 

Dear Mr. Bernard,

first of all, sorry for my english. I've read so many times The Warlord Chronicles and I want only to let you know that for me is very beautiful.

Thanks!

Best Regards

Stefano

from Italy

Hello , Mr. Bernard Cornwell .

My name is Peter I live in Brazil , I am the academic history course and study their works and their relationship to the story with the help of my supervisor Elaine , especially Saxon chronicles. I have to commend you for such genius on how the narrative will be suiting historical passages . I hope anxiously for the outcome of The Saxon Stories series .

 

Dear Mr. Cornwell-

Thank you so much for writing the Saxon Chronicles—I relish every bit of them!

I've seen in one of these posts questions about the removal of the beast heads when returning to friendly shores, and whether that is historically accurate. You mentioned that you read that somewhere and that you were sticking to it, despite it not being of more common knowledge.

I just had the privilege of touring the Draken Harald Hårfagre, the largest Viking ship built in modern times, at the Tall Ships Festival in Bay City, MI. I was like a kid in a candy store! One of the crew was telling us that the beast head, in this case a dragon (thus, "Draken") was the last part added to the ship before she went out to see, as was customary of Vikings due to their superstition. I then asked him if he was aware of Vikings removing the beast head when entering friendly shores, and he commented that that was his understanding as well.

Thought you might like the confirmation and I cannot recommend the tour enough. Beautiful to witness, beautifully carved—a wonder to behold!

Jamie M

Dear mr. Cornwell,

first off: I really enjoy the books over the last years and i would like to express, that most of all i like the way, the storytelling develops depending on Uhtreds mind / growing older (getting wiser?).  Things Uhtred remembers from childhood are more wicked, faster and wilder, than as he was grown up. His remembrance from being a young man is more signed by his own impulsive character, than those, he has from being older. What we see / read, depends not only on the eyes that look on the scene, more on the mind behind the eyes, and that comes through in all those parts. For i would bet, that you have planned this carefully in every step, i found that series so special compared to any other in know.

Even the vikings develop from the wild Ragnarsons to the last from Norway, which i would call "war - businessmen".

With the establishment of Wessex, the era changes and with the era, the people are changing too. The interaction between subject and background is worked out very realistic.

I think, you should go on, creating a second storyteller, like started in part Empty throne. One day we arrive in "present" when Uhtred, the elder, sits there, telling his live. Well, who will do the fighting then?

We see two sons. One is the warrior (as his father) and the other should have enough inner suspense (as his father), so that both could lead the story on, even over the time, when Uhtred has gone to valhalla. I would like to read, how the sons look at the world around them.

BTW: After nine parts, i guess, anybody knows about Uthreds two swords and what they are good for and that a shieldwall is a harsh place to be. That repition is the only thing i dislike over the years. But that is all.

I like to wish all the best and that you still and always find pleasure in writing.

Ulrich Noll

I just want you to know how much I appreciate the Sharpe series.  As an amateur historian, I have tried my hand at writing a historical novel but never seem to get beyond page 20 or so.  I truly admire your talents.

Dan Deyo

Hey Bernard

Just wanted to let you know as you have probably heard a gazillion times  I  love your books and am currently waiting on your newest book Flame bearer to be released. The last Kingdom series is 1 of the best series I have read in a long time and I cant wait to finish it so I can read the rest of your great series. Any way have a great day and keep it up.

Blaze Coulson

Dear Mr. Cornwell,

like many others I very much enjoy reading the Uhtred books. However, there are a few suggestions I would like to make.

I find it rather sad that the time span covered per book has decreased bit by bit, while the number of pages per book don't vary much. I find the amount of explanations relating to former books and contexts of the current books suggest readers don't grasp what you have written in the first place. A short round-up of the previous books is okay in a preface for readers starting anew in the middle of the series. However, this would in my eyes suffice.

Hopefully the next book will be released before too long.

Best regards,

Helen Townson