Bulletin Board

Dear Mr. Cornwell,

I enjoy reading your novels. Nobody weaves together true history and fiction like you do. I have enjoyed the adventures of Richard Sharpe and the Starbuck Chronicles the most so far, as I am particularly fond of the history of the Napoleonic Wars and the US Civil War.

That is also the reason why I am writing to you. And yes, I know you don't intend to write any more about Starbuck. But as another reader has already pointed out, the storylines in Starbuck are open. Especially the US Civil War, which went on for 2 ½ years after Antietam and was followed by historic battles such as Gettysburg, Wilderness and Cold Harbor with the Northern Virginia Army.

So I ask you with all my heart to think again about a final novel by Starbuck, which would then conclude the strands. I am sure that many of your fans would be very grateful to you if you could make this possible.

Many thanks in advance, your German fan

Jochen

Thank you for your research and imagination. You keep the spirit of adventure alive in me through your courageous characters and allow me to navigate into a world of castles (with Uthred) and empires (with Sharpe). Only a handful writers like yourself make me so happy and inspired. Thanks!

Pablo Poggi

Hi Bernard,

 

I am on page 300 of War Lord and Uhtred is about to ride into what could be his last battle and I am unbelievably sad, I really don't want this to end.

 

I am so invested in these characters, you have done an absolutely incredible job with these books, I adore them.

 

I can't put into words how much these books mean to me, I've never read anything that has engaged me as much as these have. You have taken me on the most enjoyable journey and I can't thank you enough.

 

With a lump in my throat I will now finish off the best story ever written.

 

Thank you again,

 

Craig Ross

Dear Mr Cornwell,

 

I hope this message, which I thank you in advance for taking the time to read, finds you well.

 

In April 2023, I began dating the most wonderful girl I have ever met, and this most wonderful girl introduced me to a television series called "The Last Kingdom".

 

I became hooked immediately, and within a couple of months I had completed all five series, as well as "The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die". Such was my love for the show that, when it ended, I wasn't ready to leave Uhtred behind. Therefore, I decided to start purchasing and reading your series of books.

 

Before beginning your books, my love of reading had been steadily declining since the start of my secondary school education. By the end of my English Literature degree in 2018, it had all but disappeared. I didn't like that I had little or no choice in what I could read, and the texts assigned to me were, more often than not, very dull!

 

However, having read just a few pages of "The Last Kingdom" in October 2023, I felt myself reconnecting with a young boy who had rarely been seen without a book in his hands.

 

Between October 2023 and October 2024, I read your books every spare moment I had (mainly on the train to work or just before bed), and whenever I finished one, I would pop into a charity shop in search of the next. I find it very enjoyable sourcing books in this way, as I can go on a little treasure hunt and, if I find the book I need, donate to a good cause. "The Empty Throne" was one book I did not need to source in this way because, many years ago, an old friend had gifted it to me. At the time, it went straight on the highest shelf to gather dust (my poor friend wasn't to know of my growing indifference to reading), but it seems I was destined to read it after all - wyrd bið ful aræd!

 

When I finished the final page of "War Lord", it was bittersweet. On the one hand, I realised that there were no more adventures for Uhtred to embark upon, but on the other, I knew that my passion for reading had been well and truly reignited. For this, Mr Cornwell, I want to say a heartfelt thank you.

 

Also, I want to thank you and "The Last Kingdom" series for reminding me that this country has such a rich history. I have always loved history, and I was lucky to be able to study Medieval History as one of my A-Levels. However, like you, very little was taught to me about the formation of England, which seems strange for two reasons. Firstly, the topics that are taught almost universally (Henry VIII springs to mind) aren't, in my opinion, all that consequential. Secondly, the incredible feats of Edward, Aethelflaed, Aethelstan, Alfred, etc. deserve more attention, as if it wasn't for them, there wouldn't even be an England. In my view, Alfred's turning of the tide at Ethandun is the most significant moment in this country's history, and more people should know about it. Indeed, he has become a bit of a hero for me since engaging with "The Last Kingdom", and I visited his statue in Winchester recently. I hope to continue learning about him and the formation of England, and I have even tried to find a master's degree on the subject!

 

Finally, I would like you to know that your work has inspired me to revisit writing my own stories, poems, etc. I have even dreamed of screenwriting for a remake of "The Last Kingdom" television series, if there ever is one. I think Alexander Dreymon could make a cameo appearance as Ravn? Whoever decided to cast him as Uhtred is a genius!

 

I would like to thank you once more for how your work has significantly enriched my life. I hope to visit Bamburgh Castle soon, and my brother has just bought me the first two Sharpe books, which I can't wait to read.

 

Very best wishes,

James

You mentioned that Constantin of Scotland demanded his sword, then killed him.  A novel could be wrapped around this.  "Better to die by a sword than cough your life away in a bed."  Somehow, sneaks a dagger, so he can die weapon in hand.  Finan's heroic death.

A way for his son to inherit, then defend the fortress.  A new group of heroic friends?  A new series?

John Buffum

Dear Mr Cornwell,

Thank you very much for your explanation as to why my last and missing link in my collection of your books will take another year to arrive. I have used 2024 to (re)acquire every single book you have published for the U.K. market, and which since 'discovering' you in 1988 I had bought and read. Friends borrowing but not returning several books had left my collection looking like an Emmenthal cheese until this summer when I raided Amazon and the Internet to fill all the gaps again. I thought I was back to 100% - which will now be for October 2025 (seems ages away).

I really look forward to your Storm MkII next year.

With very best wishes to you and yours

from Marco

Sir I just wanted to thank you for all the pleasure you have given me over the years. I’ve never been disappointed by anything you’ve written and I have loved so much of your work I felt compelled to write and thank you.

Kindest regards

Stephen kibble

Mr. Cornwell,

I'm reading the Warlord Chronicles for what I believe is the fourth time. It occurred to me today that of all your books, these may have been the most joy to write. I hope so. They are for me the most joy to read, and I thank you.

Kevin Coombs

I really miss your Last Kingdom Series. I found the historical time period very exciting. There is so much more to be found in northern England and Scotland.

Kenn Barnes

We forgive you for not being able to complete the "Sharpe's Storm" by Jan 2024.....Almost.     Thank you for all the wonderful writing over the years.  Your work keeps many of us motivated in life.  Instructs many about the actual time periods due to your accuracy.  And allows for much needed escape at times.  Hoping you complete Sharpe's Storm soon.  Or, at worst, add in a time machine so Richard CAN be in two places at once.....Thanks again.

John