This book is hands down one of the most thrilling adventure novels set in a historical backdrop that I've ever encountered. And it's not just me who thinks so, many of Mr. Cornwell's stories have earned this reputation.
Moreover, the narration is absolutely top-notch. Seriously, I can't stress this enough. The narrator perfectly captures the essence of each character, especially the main protagonist. Sure, there might be some nitpickers who criticize the accents, but for the average listener like me, they truly bring the characters to life and make the listening experience a true delight.
I noticed that the narrator (can't recall his name at the moment) doesn't have too many credits to his name. I sincerely hope that the entire series gets turned into an audiobook (and please, let it be unabridged!) with him behind the microphone. I'll be the first in line to buy every single one of them.
I'm new to the Lords of the North series, as the first two books are only available in that abridged format (seriously, who even listens to those?). However, since I enjoyed Cornwell's Agincourt and this book is set in my favorite period of British history, I had high hopes. And boy, was I pleasantly surprised! I didn't expect Lords of the North to have any humor, but it had me chuckling throughout.
Our protagonist, Uhtred, is not too thrilled with Alfred the Great's lack of appreciation. Despite helping Alfred fend off the invading Danes, Uhtred, being a pagan, is only rewarded with the title of Lord of Five Hides—a less-than-impressive estate. Frustrated, he sets out to reclaim his rightful inheritance, Bebbanburgh castle, from his uncle. This is when the madness begins, and Uhtred finds himself embroiled in one crazy situation after another, including teaming up with a deluded slave/king and a band of religious fanatics. Suffice it to say, things don't quite go as planned.
The story is narrated by an older Uhtred, who reflects on his past with a healthy dose of laughter. And we, as readers, are right there with him, sharing the laughs. But don't be fooled, this isn't just a comedy. There's plenty of political intrigue and intense battle scenes (warning: it can get quite violent at times). And fear not, history buffs, you'll get all the juicy historical details you crave.
Now, I noticed some reviewers expressing dissatisfaction with the narrator. Perhaps if I had started with book one and a different narrator, I'd feel the same. However, Tom Sellwood did a fantastic job in my opinion. His Northumbrian accent was spot on (although it might be a bit challenging for those unaccustomed to northern British accents). But what really impressed me was his ability to truly embody the character of Uhtred. I could sense the older man reminiscing about the follies of his youth.
All in all, I highly recommend Lords of the North to anyone who enjoys epic battles, thrilling adventures, and a good laugh or two.
I'm not really one to leave book reviews on this website, but I do listen to around 4-6 books per month and I have to say, this is the first one that truly impressed me. The author is absolutely fantastic, providing intricate descriptions of the time period and culture, all while delivering an amazing plot line. Additionally, the narrator is a perfect fit for the story, injecting unexpected enthusiasm into the book. Without a doubt, this is my favorite book on this website.
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