The Pale Horseman (The Saxon Stories, #2)

Title: The Pale Horseman (The Saxon Stories, #2)

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Published in: 2006

Date read: 17th December 2017

Score: 4/5

Genre: Historical fiction

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"The Pale Horseman" by Bernard Cornwell, published in 2005, is the second novel in his acclaimed Saxon Stories (also known as The Last Kingdom series). It continues the epic saga of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon noble raised by Danes, set against the backdrop of King Alfred's desperate struggle to save Wessex from complete Viking conquest.

The story picks up following the events of "The Last Kingdom," with Uhtred having pledged his sword, albeit reluctantly, to King Alfred of Wessex. Despite their deep personal and religious differences – Uhtred is a pagan warrior and Alfred a devout Christian king – they share a common enemy: the invading Viking hordes.

The novel is set during a particularly bleak and pivotal period in English history, specifically the winter of 877-878 AD. A massive and ruthless Danish army, led by the formidable warlord Guthrum, launches a devastating surprise attack on Alfred's kingdom. The Danes sweep through Wessex, forcing Alfred and his court to flee into the remote, marshy stronghold of Athelney, reducing the once-proud kingdom to a desperate, last-ditch holdout.

This period of the story is characterised by extreme hardship, scarcity, and a profound sense of despair. Alfred, sick and seemingly broken, is forced to live in hiding, while his dream of a united England appears to be shattered. Uhtred, ever the pragmatic warrior, initially chafes under the restrictions of life in the fens, and his loyalty to Alfred is constantly tested by the king's piety and what Uhtred often perceives as cowardice.

However, as spring approaches, Alfred's resolve begins to solidify. He secretly sends out messages, rallying his remaining loyal warriors from across Wessex to converge for a decisive counter-attack. Uhtred, despite his personal grievances, remains crucial to Alfred's plans. His warrior prowess, knowledge of Danish tactics, and fierce loyalty (however begrudging) make him indispensable.

The climax of "The Pale Horseman" is the iconic Battle of Edington (Ethandun). This historically significant engagement sees Alfred's unified Saxon forces, bolstered by Uhtred's cunning and ferocity, confront Guthrum's mighty Viking army in a desperate, brutal, and ultimately decisive shield-wall battle. The outcome of this battle will determine the very survival of Wessex and the future of Anglo-Saxon England. Uhtred plays a pivotal role in the victory, solidifying Alfred's power and securing a fragile future for his nascent kingdom.

Comments:
Excellent follow up, none of the excitement of the first book is lost here.

Books that we've read by Bernard Cornwell (28):
Sharpe's Eagle (Sharpe, #8) (1981), Sharpe's Gold (Sharpe, #9) (1981), Sharpe's Company (Sharpe, #13) (1982), Sharpe's Sword (Sharpe, #14) (1983), Sharpe's Enemy (Sharpe, #15) (1984), Sharpe's Honour (Sharpe, #16) (1985), Sharpe's Regiment (Sharpe, #17) (1986), Redcoat (1987), Sharpe's Siege (Sharpe, #18) (1987), Sharpe's Rifles (Sharpe, #6) (1988), Sharpe's Revenge (Sharpe, #19) (1989), Sharpe's Waterloo (Sharpe, #20) (1990), Sharpe's Devil (Sharpe, #22) (1992), Sharpe's Battle (Sharpe, #12) (1995), Sharpe's Tiger (Sharpe, #1) (1997), Sharpe's Triumph (Sharpe, #2) (1998), Sharpe's Fortress (Sharpe, #3) (1999), Sharpe's Prey (Sharpe, #5) (2000), Sharpe's Trafalgar (Sharpe, #4) (2000), Gallows Thief (2001), Heretic (The Grail Quest, #3) (2003), Sharpe's Havoc (Sharpe, #7) (2003), The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Stories, #1) (2004), Sharpe's Escape (Sharpe, #10) (2004), Sharpe's Fury (Sharpe, #11) (2005), The Pale Horseman (The Saxon Stories, #2) (2006), Sword Song (The Saxon Stories, #4) (2007), Lords of the North (The Saxon Stories, #3) (2007)