Bulletin Board

Dear Mr Cornwell,

I've just finished re-reading the Warlord Chronicles and have been no less moved by the ending a second time around. Thanks for writing such great books!

Did Merlin really teach Nimue what he understood to be magic, or just his tricks? Did he know he was a charlatan, deep down? I think so, and that is what stayed his hand at Maiden Castle. He knew the son of Arthur wasn't worth a conjuring trick. He knew the gods wouldn't arrive. How to use the weather as an omen. As she kills Merlin, she points to the west with his staff - just as Merlin had instructed (taught) Derfel to do when they were besieged on Anglesey.

All that said, though, I really want to believe in Merlins last enchantment, and I tell myself that I do - I choose to believe that Prydwan did sail for Avalon, and that Arthur survived his wounds. I shun reason, which would say that the mist was yet another coincidence, and that the boat most probably sank somewhere in the channel, taking all on board with it.

It seems to me that while the Britons were awaiting the arrival of the Gods, they were ignoring the fact that a pantheon of powerful gods HAD arrived in Britain. Not Christ or Isis, Beltain or Mithras - But Arthur and Derfel, Galahad and Sagramor, Lancelot and Guinevere. All were variously as powerful, influential, capricious and flawed as any pantheon. Arthur certainly has many messianic qualities, and Derfel is as just and true as any God or hero in mythology. Indeed, I don't believe he ever broke a single oath, except of course his oath to Nimue - which I don't think he couldn't rightly keep any longer.

Derfel kept his oath to serve Samsun until his dying day; I think it would be fitting if his final duty - to guard the monastery at Dinnewrac against the Saxons or other intruders, bearing Hywelbane one last time - was how he achieved sainthood. This would be ahistorical of course, as the 'real' Saint Defel supposedly died of natural causes.

Anyway, I found a copy of Harlequin the other day so I think I'll give that series a go! I have no doubt I'll enjoy it as much as your other work.

James

hallo Mr. Cornwell.

Thanks for the Saxon chronicles, my favorites. I have a comment- I feel that your first books have a better grip on Uthred, his feelings, thinkings, his compassion. I wish you the heart, the endurance and the youth of a Warrior, adding to your capabilities of an autor as to infuse more of your very heartblood in your coming Uthred novel. Pleases forgive me writing so as well as my inadequate use of the english language.

Jean Edelstein, a german orthopedic doc.

 

Mr Cornwell,

I want to thank you for The Saxon Stories. As an American with an English last name, I've always wondered what the world must have been like for my ancient ancestors in Britain  These stories are eye-opening, and awe inspiring. I like to imagine my ancestors in the 9th century fighting in a shield wall next to Uhtred.. These are some of the best books I've ever read, and could simply not put them down. I just finished Warriors of the Storm, and dread the long wait till the next chapter begins!

Darryl Mears

I just returned from a trip to my local public library, seeking entertainment to get me through the bleak weather of February . I didn't realize until I checked out that all three books I had chosen - with no forethought - were Bernard Cornwell novels - 1356, Warriors of the Storm, and Redcoat.

My reading tastes are very eclectic, but I lean mostly toward history - real and fictional. I was first introduced to the Saxon Tales eight years ago, and have since read 21 of your books. They give me great pleasure. Your writing rivals that of my other favorite author, Patrick O'Brian.

Please keep up the great work.

Regards,

Jack

Hello!

Thank you for posting your advice on how to write a book.  I'm a huge fan of historical fiction ... especially anything to do with the Plantagenets.  The first book of yours I read was Agincourt - you really brought that campaign to life.  Of course, I'm a big SKP fan as well.  When I met her, she recommended your Saxon series and I've been thoroughly enjoying Uhtred's irreverence and escapades ever since.  In my teens, I wanted to be a writer but my career took me in another direction although all my jobs required a great deal of writing - just not fiction.  So, after some encouragement from SKP, I'm starting.  Hence, my thanks for your tips.  I think I'll take a page from your books, actually more than one, and try your dissecting exercise.  Certainly, no one hooks me faster into a book than you do!  Thank you so much for these tips!

Rosemary

Dear Mr Cornwell.

I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say how much I'm enjoying your Last Kingdom series, which i got into as a result of the BBC Two adaptation. I don't normally read historical novels. Crime and Gothic thrillers are more my thing. But your books have introduced me to a whole new genre. Thank you. I hope we will be seeing more of Uhtred of Beddanburg.

Martin Charlton

Mr Cornwell

I just want to let you know how much I enjoy your books, I haven't gotten around to the Rebel or Sharpes series yet, but your trilogy on Arthur was amazing, as was your story of the Archer in various books, but I think my favorite has to be the Uhtred series of The Last Kingdom.  I have read all except the newest book and am waiting on it to arrive, every time I read one of your books I cant wait  to start on the next one, you have a true gift for storytelling.  I like the way you weave your stories around actual events and people.  I am disabled and not able to get out much anymore, but through your books  I  live a life of adventure, thank you for the joy your books bring to me and countless others, please keep doing what you do and I'll keep buying your books  !!!

Dale Schoolfield

Dear Mr Cornwell

I'm not sure if you'd be interested, but English rock band, The Darkness have done rather a good song about the sons of Ragnar. Hope you enjoy it and thank you for all the wonderful stories!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GR35pRz7JQ8

Tel

Let me start by saying I have read all of the books and really enjoyed the richly developed characters in all of them. I have also read and enjoyed the Starbuck Chronicles, the Grail Quest, and some of the Sharpe books.

Last night I started watching the TV series on Netflix. After the first episode  I could not believe it had anything to do with your books. Everything has been butchered, dumbed down to a mere shadow. It looks like a vehicle for more viking hairstyles and costumes. Nothing like the books I have enjoyed so much. I have so far watched 3 episodes and it has not improved.

Can you take over writing the screenplay? Please?

Lawrence Tracey

Mr Cornwell,

I came across the Saxon Stores almost year ago, and i loved it so much that went and found all your books and read them all. So, thank you so much for writing such wonderful series.

Just a request, if you have the opportunity can you write a short story (or a series) around Finan's character.

Thanks again

Vasu