Your Questions

Dear Bernard, I've read many of your books. They're fun and informative, concerning history. I just finished the Sword Song and am in the beginning of the Burning Land. I realize things can't always make total sense in fiction. You have to ask your readers to suspend logic, become gullible enough to let some stupid thing take place in a story, just so the story can go on. But when Uhtred has Skade with a rope around her neck, and Harald starts killing his Saxon women and children hostages, Uhtred, instead of likewise putting an axe in Skade's head, or just having Harald shot full of arrows, meekly says, "cut her loose", and away she goes! It's beyond stupid. How is that the slightest bit believable? Bernie, that's way too hard to swallow. You can't expect anyone with an once of intelligence not to shake their head and wonder if they should even continue with the yarn. I realize this isn't expected to be great literature, but please try to make it somewhat believable, in terms of basic sense. On the whole, I enjoy your books, but that gaffe was a clunker! Sincerely, Denny Waite

I'm listening the the audio of "Death of Kings" and note that Uhtred is now known as Uhtred of Bambria and not Bebbenburg? Did I miss something...Paul Tombleson

Mr Cornwell, First of all, I just read your interview with George R. R. Martin, and wanted to say that I am very excited to hear that Thomas of Hookton is up for your next novel. Thank you! Second, I mentioned this to you once before when the fifth Uthred book (The Burning Lands) was released on Audio-Book, and it has happened again with Death of Kings. For some unknown reason the reader of the book Stephen Perring refers to Uthred as "Uthred of Bambra(sic?)" instead of "Uhtred of Bebbanburg". (This is the Audible.com release btw) Last time you replied to tell me that you where unaware the change had been made. The website claims that the audio is an unabridged version. Does this mean that the UK version has a different text than the American version, or was this change made by the audio producers? Thank you again and keep up the great work. -Eric

I thoroughly enjoyed Death of Kings, and almost regret inhaling it in one night. Uhtred in 900 AD is now 45, and it looks like he'll be pushing 55 by the time he's back in the shield wall at Tettenhall. Up to this point I thought Uhtred was based on Ealdred of Northumbria, a "favorite" of King Alfred, but he alas passed away in 913 and Uhtred appears to live well into his 60s or 70s. I'm now thinking Uhtred is a combination of Ealdred and his son Eadwulf, but I'm not sure because Ealdred also had a son Utred who as near as I can tell was not a major player like his father and brother. Who is your historical inspiration for Uhtred of Bebbanburg? Also, when is the next installment? Hopefully Uhtred finally gets his rear in gear and takes Bebbanburg between now and the final bloodletting at Tettanhall. It's high time Uhtred retakes his birthright!

Alex Gregory

Hello Mr Cornwell I've have just read your interview with GRRM, and was so pleased to hear that Thomas of Hookton will be back and another Uhtred(my favourite of all your amazing characters)/Alfred novel (seven is a magic number - for me at least). In the interview you said that there is another timeline that you would like to cover, and I respect your wishes to keep this secret and so therefore will not ask you to reveal. But your wording makes me feel that a lot/a few historical events or characters, that you may have wished to cover have been done so by other authors. If this is true would one such character be Robin Hood, (I'm sure you love men of the warbow) who has been spun recently by Angus Donald...??? (Whom I feel wants to be your buddy "and the story teller of Arthur was Wigga..." hmmm...) or maybe the crusades, which has been done by so many, but the best has to be Robyn Young even if it has a slightly SNP view on the world. If you find time to reply I would kept high in spirit for a year at least =) yours faithfully Anthony Symns

Thanks for your great stories. My son and I both read the Sharpe, Thomas, and Uhtred series and it gives us a lot to talk about. The movie War Horse has rekindled my interest in World War I. Are there any plans for a series surrounding WWI (or II)?

Eddie Kelly

Mr. Cornwell, Hi. Huge fan. I've been enjoying your latest Saxon novel and have arrived at the part when Uhtred single handedly killed two warriors in pursuit of Æthelflæd. A thought came to me after reading Uhtred sing his sword song. Do you know the body count Uhtred has amassed? I thought next time I re-read the series in anticipation of the next novel, I would keep count of those he has sent to Vahalla, Hel, Heaven, and Hell. He's gotta be up there with the greats such as Rambo, Genghis Khan, and Jaime Lannister. Keep up the amazing work. Eric

I really enjoyed "Death of Kings", and in fact, the whole series. I wonder how many the hero has killed thus far? But I must admit that I figured out the Kentish strategem before Uhtred did ... he must be getting old. When might we expect another one?

Bruce Burns

I am now addicted to the Saxon tales and have read all books including death of kings. Will there be another book? Looking forward to hearing from you. Regards. Carl

Just finished the Arthur series - brilliant! I can see why they might be your favourites. Almost a shame that the series or story could not be extended in some way . A natural for filming I would have thought?

Carl Weldon

I loved the Arthur trilogy so much that eventually they fell apart after numerous readings. For christmas my wife bought me a later edition set. To my surprise the artwork looked more "Later" Arthur in shining armour and grand Camelot. Did you have any input or were you aware of the covers planned? It seems the artist had never read the book when he drew the covers. The previous covers were a masterpiece and I love the Winter King cover. Bring back the old or at least a cover in keeping with the period the books are set in. PS I have read all your other books keep up the ancient British history ones.

Stewart Pickering

At the risk of sounding like a high maintenance reader/ fan, chubby Blythe must pay! Are you planning to give us another chronicle? Just finished Bloody Ground. By the by I rather enjoyed meeting Sharpie's son. 'Course he got the prettiest girl. Apple don't fall to far do it?

Jamie Day

hello Bernard, my name is Craig and I've got to tell you since reading the first book I borrowed off my brother, I've been hooked on your books, on how they just drag you into them. I read the death of kings and just wondered if there is to be a follow up to this? Also with starbuck, is there to be another?

Craig Williams

Dear Mr Cornwell, Any chance of sending Starbuck to Chancellorsville or Fredericksberg any time soon please.

John Sparkes

Dear Bernard, I was wondering what you newest publication is going to be. I just read Death of Kings and loved it and was hoping for another book about Uthred and his journey fighting the Danes. Thanks for your time, Zach Carder