4.3
Part of "The Saxon Stories" series
"The Pale Horseman" by Bernard Cornwell is the second book in the Saxon Stories series, which follows the life of Uhtred, a dispossessed Saxon nobleman who was raised by Vikings. The story is set in 9th century England, a time when the country was divided into several kingdoms and was frequently under attack by Viking raiders. In "The Pale Horseman," Uhtred finds himself caught between two worlds: the Saxons, who he was born to, and the Vikings, who raised him. He is torn between his loyalty to King Alfred of Wessex, who he has sworn to serve, and his desire to reclaim his ancestral home in Northumbria. The novel is filled with action, adventure, and historical detail. Cornwell's vivid descriptions of the battles, the landscapes, and the daily lives of the people of this time period make for an immersive reading experience. The characters are well-developed, and Uhtred's internal struggles add depth and complexity to the story. One of the strengths of "The Pale Horseman" is Cornwell's ability to bring history to life. He does not shy away from the brutality and violence of the time period, but he also shows the humanity and humor of the people who lived then. The novel explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the nature of power. Overall, "The Pale Horseman" is a thrilling and engaging historical novel that will appeal to fans of Cornwell's work and to anyone who enjoys a good story well told. It is a must-read for anyone interested in this period of history or in epic tales of adventure and struggle...
Umberto Eco
The Name of the Rose
If you're looking for a historical mystery with a similar focus on medieval culture and politics, you might enjoy 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. Set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, this novel follows a Franciscan friar and his young apprentice as they investigate a series of murders.
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The Last Kingdom
If you enjoyed 'The Pale Horseman', you might like to return to the beginning of the series and explore the early life of Uhtred, the series' protagonist. 'The Last Kingdom' introduces Uhtred as a young Saxon captured and raised by Vikings, who must choose between the people who raised him and the people he was born to.
Learn MoreOliver Pötzsch
The Hangman's Daughter
Fans of historical mysteries might also enjoy this series by Oliver Pötzsch. Set in 17th-century Germany, this series follows a hangman and his daughter as they investigate a series of murders linked to a powerful and dangerous secret society.
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