Your Questions

Sir, in the last few years I have become a huge fan of your stories. I am currently working my through the Sharpe's series, up to Siege. I have also read the Scoundrel and the Starbuck Chronicles, which leads me to my question. I know it has been a while since you released the 4th book in the Starbuck Chronicles, but do you plan to finish this series? It just seemed that you left the story hanging. I really enjoyed this series, the first I read of your books, before my father got me hooked on the Sharpe's stories. Anyway, was just curious if there was going to be anymore in teh Starbuck series. Thanks V/R Eric Buechler SSG, US Army

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I was wondering why you haven't written a Starbuck book in ten years? I was hoping for a little more satisfying ending than them being discontinued. By the way I can't wait for the new Uhtred book. Your fan, Alex Harn

I have just read "Gallows Thief" and found it a fantastic read, with great characters. Are we going to hear any more about Rider Sandman?
J R Tyas

Hello and first of all thank you for a very entertaining read of the Grail Quest. I have often wondered about a historical fiction book written from the perspective of someone 'less than a prince or princess', or less than officer rank - although to have a hero one must have a character with some heroic qualities to regale others about - otherwise there's not much of a story I suppose. This series is about as close as I've seen to having a 'grunt' as a hero. I will confess to some disappointment as I finished Heretic last evening. I doubt this was your fault - more likely it was the fault of your publisher. Let me tell you a brief story: I was given three books last Fall - 'Heretic', 'Vagabond' and 'Harlequin' and at the same time the giver, my son, said that there was a fourth book called 'The Archer' that was the first of the series and so I put the books on the shelf and... living in a country where books written in English are not the norm... I dutifully waited until Christmas when the book - 'The Archer' was sent to me for a Christmas present. Reading the books in sequence I was becoming aware that 'Harlequin' must be an addendum to the Grail Quest series and as you have already surmised I was disappointed that the opening words were strangely familiar. I have been caught this way before and am always incensed when a publisher renames a book, breaks a book into two or three for republication or dramatically changes a cover. As you know, a reader will often forget a title but rarely the appearance of a book and all too frequently a book in a new cover, particularly from a prolific writer, may appear like an entirely new story while gazing at a myriad of books on a store shelf. I shall be particularly careful of Harper/Collins in the future. Have you considered any stories about the ancient Irish Celts and Niall of the Nine Hostages and Tara? I only ask because legend has it that he is an ancestor of mine... Thanks again, Don

Dear Bernard, Just wondering if you have ever considered writing about the English civil war? It has always seemed to me to be a neglected part of our history, possibly because the King was defeated! Paul Kendall

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a newly found convert to historical novels, and it is all thanks to you. Up until November of last year, I very rarely ventured away from my favourite authors, these being Jack Higgins and Lee Child.Then, unfortunately, my uncle passed away after a very brief battle with cancer. He was a masive reader and a huge fan of yours and, knowing my passion for a good book, he graciously left me his entire library of which your books had a big shelf. I very tentatively picked up The Winter King, but found that by the time Derfel picked up Hywelbane for the first time from Hywel's dead hands, I was completely hooked. All of the Athurian books left me wanting more.I t may seem like a morbid fascination,but I couldn't wait for Excalibur or Hywelbane to taste blood.It must be the thought of heroism in the face of danger that keeps me coming back.I am shortly to start Stonehenge and from there will move on to The Grail Quest series,and I know I will not be disappointed. I do have a few questions and, if you could spare me the time to answer them, I would be most grateful.

After Excalibur, we see our lord Arthur,who is possibly on the brink of death,(very tantalising,but as you have stated,nobody has a cast iron answer to his fate)sail off into the sunset,and our narrator Derfel and his one love Ceinwyn together on the beach.At this point,you reveal that King Meurig,no doubt with the encouragement of Bishop Sansum,has led his spearmen south with the intention of capturing Dumnomia.To your knowledge,did this happen,or is it a bit of artistic license on your behalf?

My second question is this.Following on from that final wonderful battle in which I felt that Lord Derfel Cadarn tasted battle and was free of any shackles for the last time,was there any thought as to perhaps continuing his story for a while,as I sense he had become almost as important a part of your history as Arthur was.Or were you content to leave it in the same place that history did?

Finally,I was wondering about Arthur's armour.The insciptions on Excalibur's blade and hilt are clearly Celtic,but his helmet clearly resembles that of the Romans.Is there historical evidence to back this up,or is it just an educated guess that the Romans would have brought us more than just brick roads and taxes? I am sorry if I have taken up too much of your time,but I am just in love with your style of writing. Thanks in advance for any response you give me.
Shaun Langrish

Love all your books. Can't wait for the 3rd Saxon book. How many do you anticipate will comprise the full story?--at least as many as Sharpe, with any luck!. Must have read all your books at least 3 times, over the last couple of years. Retirement has helped me find the time. Must say that the Sharpe TV films look like what they are-TV movies with a budget. So, any chance of a big screen treatment with a $100m budget, starring Sean Bean, of course. Are you coming to UK any time soon to meet your many fans? Regards Eddie Poole

Mr. Cornwell -I was on biz travel to Sydney, Australia and on the ride there I sat next to someone who was reading 'Sharpe's Rifles'. I think the cover is what comes from the UK. Since I am a long time fan, we struck-up a conversation and I borrowed the book to look it over ... to my surprise there was an introduction that I don't believe I have in the US edition. I wandered into a book store there to see what the other titles might look ike etc. and could only find 'Sharpe's Waterloo'.. To my surprise there was also a very lengthy comment in the first part of paperback. My question: are these comments available in any of the US editions? You had some wonderful comments in the UK editions that I think many of your fans would enjoy reading. Thanks! Rod Ruiz

You say that Uhtred, like Derfel, is writing his stoy as an old man. But he says he still has to take back Bebbanburg from his enemies and you say you'll end the series at Brunanburgh. So has Brunanburgh happened when Uhtred is writing or will the series carry on when we reach that point and, maybe, have him revenging himself on his enemies? Thanks for answering this and for all the books. Max

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I've read all of your novels and enjoyed them immensely. Thank you for your efforts. In the early Sharpe stories there is a Scotsman with one eye whose name I can't recall at this moment. The Scotsman was a friend of Richard's and they fought many battles together. Richard loses this friend over a woman. The Scotsman leaves the scene and heads to North America. My question is whatever happened to him? He was a wonderful character as I recall. He would be worthy of a story wouldn't he? Thanks for your time Bernard. Regards, Garry

Loving your Saxon stories. Takes a bit to maintain my interest - I am a person who starts many more books than I finish. Congratulations. When is the third book available in Australia? September 2006? Roger Morris