The Empty Throne
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Author Description
This eighth entry in New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell's epic Saxon Tales series brings to life the harrowing and turbulent tale of a nation torn apart by sectarian and religious strife, a political struggle dominated by dynastic rivalries, and the remarkable strength that elevates some characters above their time.“My name is Uhtred. I am the son of Uhtred, who was the son of Uhtred...”Britain, early tenth century AD: a time of change. There are new raids by the Vikings from Ireland, and turmoil among the Saxons over the leadership of Mercia. A younger generation is taking over.Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Athelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Aethelred. Widely loved and respected, Athelflaed has all the makings of a leader—but could Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler? The stage is set for rivals to fight for the empty throne.Uhtred is still suffering from the wounds he received in battle. To recover his strength he needs to find the sword that caused the injury, but lost amid the battle’s blood and mud, how could it be traced and who among the Vikings or Saxons might be holding it?In the end it is one champion, one hero, who will destroy the new Viking threat to Mercia and ultimately decide the fate of England.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
As the ruler of Mercia lies dying without a legitimate heir, Uhtred of Bebbanburg must navigate a volatile political landscape to secure the future of the kingdom. Uhtred, still physically compromised by his recent battle wounds, finds himself caught between the competing interests of the West Saxons and the supporters of Athelflaed. He must contend with the rising threat of Viking raids from Ireland while simultaneously searching for his lost sword, a symbol of his own strength and identity. The narrative unfolds through Uhtred’s seasoned, first-person perspective, detailing the brutal realities of tenth-century warfare and the complex loyalties of a fractured nation.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- First-person retrospective narration from the perspective of an aging warrior
- Detailed depictions of tenth-century shield-wall combat and military tactics
- Exploration of the shifting power dynamics between Mercia and Wessex
- Focus on the cultural and religious tensions between Saxons and Vikings
- Examination of gender roles and the political viability of female leadership in the early medieval period
- Integration of historical figures such as King Edward and Athelflaed
- Emphasis on the personal cost of long-term conflict and physical injury
- Use of authentic period terminology to ground the setting in early tenth-century Britain
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
This installment is characterized by its adherence to the established pacing and gritty realism that define the series. The narrative focuses on the intersection of personal vendettas and the broader political evolution of England, maintaining a consistent tone of historical authenticity. Readers likely appreciate the continued development of Uhtred as he transitions into a more mentor-like role while still grappling with his own physical limitations. The work functions as a bridge between the earlier, more kinetic battles and the looming conclusion of the series, emphasizing the weight of legacy and the fragility of political stability.
Page Count:
302
Publication Date:
2014-01-01
Publisher:
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
ISBN-10:
0007504179
ISBN-13:
9780007504176
Adventure
Historical Fiction
War
Vikings
Subjects
Medieval
