The Pale Horseman: A Novel
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

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Published
HarperCollins , 2009.
Status
Available from Libby/OverDrive

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Titles may be read via Libby/OverDrive. Libby/OverDrive is a free app that allows users to borrow and read digital media from their local library, including ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Users can access Libby/OverDrive through the Libby/OverDrive app or online. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.
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Description

The second installment of Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” (The Observer, London)—the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit BBC America television series.

This is the exciting—yet little known—story of the making of England in the 9th and 10th centuries, the years in which King Alfred the Great, his son and grandson defeated the Danish Vikings who had invaded and occupied three of England’s four kingdoms.

At the end of The Last Kingdom, The Danes had been defeated at Cynuit, but the triumph of the English is not fated to last long. The Danish Vikings quickly invade and occupy three of England’s four kingdoms—and all that remains of the once proud country is a small piece of marshland, where Alfred and his family live with a few soldiers and retainers, including Uhtred, the dispossessed English nobleman who was raised by the Danes. Uhtred has always been a Dane at heart, and has always believed that given the chance, he would fight for the men who raised him and taught him the Viking ways. But when Iseult, a powerful sorceress, enters Uhtred’s life, he is forced to consider feelings he’s never confronted before—and Uhtred discovers, in his moment of greatest peril, a new-found loyalty and love for his native country and ruler.

More Details

Format
eBook
Street Date
10/13/2009
Language
English
ISBN
9780061801914

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Also in this Series

  • The last kingdom: a novel (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 1) Cover
  • The pale horseman: a novel (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 2) Cover
  • Lords of the North (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 3) Cover
  • Sword song: the battle for London (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 4) Cover
  • The burning land: a novel (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 5) Cover
  • Death of kings: a novel (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 6) Cover
  • The pagan lord: a novel (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 7) Cover
  • The empty throne: a novel (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 8) Cover
  • Warriors of the storm: a novel (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 9) Cover
  • The flame bearer: a novel (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 10) Cover
  • War of the wolf (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 11) Cover
  • Sword of kings: a novel (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 12) Cover
  • War Lord: a novel (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume 13) Cover
  • Uhtred's feast: inside the world of the Last Kingdom (Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell) Volume ) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Although both series are based on historical fact -- the Trojan War and medieval European history -- they are epic fantasy novels that feature fast-paced action, violence, and a gritty atmosphere. Readers will enjoy their rich detail and intense characterization. -- Mike Nilsson
These series vividly bring to life the bloodthirsty, exhilarating adventures of Viking warriors, explorers, and settlers during the 10th century -- from the Russian steppes and England, to the battle of Saxons, Danes, and Normans for the English throne. -- Kim Burton
Although the Wars of the Roses series recreates 15th-century rivalries between royal houses and the Saxon Stories depict the 9th-century struggles between Saxons, Danes, and Vikings, both historical sagas, set in medieval Britain, combine gripping political intrigue and visceral warfare. -- NoveList Contributor
These historical series -- one set during the Greek/Persian wars, the other during the ongoing conflict between the Saxons and the Vikings -- both are both dramatic and violent, bolstered by complex characters and rich detail. -- Mike Nilsson
Set in 9th-century Norway (Golden Wolf) and Great Britain (Saxon Stories), these gritty historical epics star young warriors seeking revenge, romance, and respect in a capricious, violent world where bravery is everything and magic is everywhere. -- Mike Nilsson
These series have the genre "historical fiction"; and the subjects "warriors," "british history," and "civilization, medieval."
These series have the subjects "vikings," "warriors," and "british history."
These series have the appeal factors gritty, irreverent, and well-researched, and they have the genre "historical fiction"; and the subjects "battles," "soldiers," and "war."
These series have the subjects "uhtred (fictitious character)," "warriors," and "saxons."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Something red - Nicholas, Douglas
These books have the appeal factors cinematic and richly detailed, and they have the subjects "civilization, medieval," "british history," and "english history"; and characters that are "complex characters."
These books have the appeal factors cinematic and gritty, and they have the subjects "vikings," "rulers," and "civilization, medieval"; and characters that are "complex characters" and "flawed characters."
These books have the theme "arthurian-influenced fantasy"; and the subjects "saxons," "uhtred (fictitious character)," and "rulers."
These books have the subjects "saxons," "rulers," and "civilization, medieval."
These books have the appeal factors stylistically complex, and they have the subjects "saxons," "civilization, medieval," and "british history"; and characters that are "complex characters."
These books have the subjects "saxons," "uhtred (fictitious character)," and "warriors."
NoveList recommends "Troy trilogy" for fans of "Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell)". Check out the first book in the series.
These books have the subjects "rulers," "civilization, medieval," and "british history."
These books have the subjects "saxons," "uhtred (fictitious character)," and "battles."
These books have the subjects "saxons," "uhtred (fictitious character)," and "rulers."
NoveList recommends "Wars of the Roses" for fans of "Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell)". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Golden Wolf saga" for fans of "Saxon stories (Bernard Cornwell)". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Bernard Cornwell's readers interested in naval stories will find Patrick O'Brian very interesting. His erudite and complex novels tell about the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting a sea battle in each book and providing plenty of historical detail. -- Katherine Johnson
Bernard Cornwell and Steven Saylor excel at using historical events as anchors for the plots of their books. Their characters frequently find that their sense of honor and duty conflicts with the political realities of their time. -- NoveList Contributor
Jeff Shaara, like Bernard Cornwell, is an author whose character-centered military historical fiction novels cover more than one battlefront. Both character and action drive his stories, and although his protagonists are fictional, historical figures also appear. -- Krista Biggs
Though their choice of period differs (World War II versus the Napoleonic wars), James Holland and Bernard Cornwell both write historically detailed military adventure series starring protagonists who see exciting and realistic action in war and grow through this adversity. -- Bethany Latham
Though their stories are set in different eras and regions, both Bernard Cornwell and Glyn Iliffe write gritty, action-packed, and vividly descriptive historical fiction featuring tough heroes, traditional good-versus-evil plots, and gripping and richly detailed accounts of battle from the perspective of soldiers fighting in the thick of it. -- Derek Keyser
With strong, tight plotlines and vivid characterizations, David Gemmell evokes the bravery of a long-ago heroic age, and his clean storytelling will please Bernard Cornwell fans looking for gritty, powerful historical fantasy novels filled with bloodthirsty warriors, fierce battles, and graphic violence. -- Katherine Johnson
Allan Mallinson and Bernard Cornwell write novels about land warfare in the early 19th century with extensive and accurate historical detail. Mallinson's prose is more ornate than Cornwell's straightforward style, which results in a more leisurely paced tale. -- Katherine Johnson
Simon Scarrow and Bernard Cornwell provide rip-roaring action. Both evoke what it must really have been like to serve and fight with a group of hardened soldiers, and their battle scenes are visceral and authentic. -- Katherine Johnson
David W. Ball and Bernard Cornwell write action-packed historical adventure. Their novels center on the inevitable clash of cultures during wartime or invasions and are panoramic portraits of a place and time seen through the eyes of memorable characters. Ball's novels are set in seldom used time periods while Cornwell's are typically 19th century. -- Katherine Johnson
Like Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series, C. S. Forester writes fast-paced historical adventures set during the Napoleonic Wars, although they take place at sea rather than on land. Cornwell fans will admire Forester's engaging style and his dedication to historical accuracy as well as the wide-ranging adventures the novels portray. -- Katherine Johnson
These authors' works have the subjects "british history," "battles," and "uhtred (fictitious character)."
These authors' works have the subjects "battles," "vikings," and "uhtred (fictitious character)."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

At the conclusion of Cornwell's best-selling The Last Kingdom 0 (2005), Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a slain Saxon nobleman raised by Danish warriors, had reluctantly rejoined King Alfred's beleaguered forces in the rapidly dwindling kingdom of Wessex. Although the Danes had already conquered the kingdoms of East Anglia, Northumbria, and Mercia, Alfred, with an able assist from Uhtred, had stalwartly fended off the Viking invasion. Uneasily allied to the cerebral Alfred, the more vigorous Uhtred is plagued by divided loyalties as the Saxons struggle to maintain a toehold against the mighty Viking war machine. Taking refuge in a boggy marshland, the ragtag remnants of the Saxon army desperately attempt to regroup. Two vastly different heroes--Alfred and Uhtred--stand between the Danes and total annihilation of the Saxon culture. Further complicating the matter is the fact that Uhtred faces a moral dilemma when he realizes he must choose between allegiance to the king he has grown to admire and loyalty to Ragnar, his much-loved foster brother. Cornwell, the author of the excellent Sharpe 0 series ,0 displays his usual flair for providing action-packed martial history populated by a diverse array of realistically drawn characters. A crackerjack adventure tale from a master of the craft. --Margaret Flanagan Copyright 2005 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Outnumbered Saxon forces continue battling Danish invaders in this rousing sequel to the bestselling The Last Kingdom. It's A.D. 877, and the dispossessed Northumbrian noble Uhtred has just routed the Danes in a battle at Cynuit in southern England. Logically, Uhtred should now ally himself with Alfred, whose Wessex kingdom alone has successfully resisted Danish control. But Uhtred sees a better chance of recovering his lost estate if he finds a way to join the Danes, who raised him and whose simple life of "ale, women, sword, and reputation" he finds more congenial than Alfred's Christian piety and military caution. But when the Danes invade Wessex, Uhtred's loyalties are further divided. His Celtic mistress foretells victory for Alfred, but Uhtred can scarcely believe that the bedraggled king, camped in isolated marshes with a handful of supporters, can repel the invaders and unite England. Yet pride grows in Uhtred: "I understood that among the Danes I was as important as my friends, and without friends I was just another landless, masterless warrior. But among the Saxons I was another Saxon, and among the Saxons I did not need another man's generosity." Uhtred demonstrates his newfound patriotism in the book's climactic battle at Edington. Filled with bawdy humor, bloodlust, treachery and valor, this stirring tale will leave readers eager for the next volume in this Alfred the Great series. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

In this sequel to the author's blockbuster The Last Kingdom, the Vikings have taken over most of England, and the isolated English may be betrayed by a dispossessed nobleman raised by Danes. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

Cornwell's tough medieval saga continues after King Alfred's realm is reduced to one swamp and a handful of believers. Uhtred of Begganburg, Northumbrian narrator of Cornwell's series opener, The Last Kingdom (2005), returns to court from his triumph at the battle of Cynuit to find that his rightful glory has been usurped by his weasely nemesis, Odda the Younger. Pious King Alfred is always ready to believe the worst of the pagan Uhtred, who should have skipped rest and recovery at home with beautiful wife Mildrith--now a serious whiner--and gone straight to His Majesty to take credit for the death of the Danish warrior Ubba. Too late. The bad career move puts Uhtred way outside the sanctimonious Saxon power circle, to the disappointment of the increasingly religious Mildrith. Just as he is about to perish from boredom on his farm, Uhtred's old pal Leofric reappears, and the two chums hatch a plan to go plundering in the West, disguised as Vikings. On their excellent adventure, the two score copious loot and Uhtred rescues beautiful Celtic queen Iseult, who is also a bit of a witch. The loot comes in handy when Uhtred wants to settle Mildrith's family debt to the rapacious church, but the only way he can square things with Alfred is by winning a battle with Steapa, a stupendously strong, extra-large warrior. In the middle of the contest, Vikings spring a surprise attack and the Saxons are badly beaten. The king and his family flee, taking refuge in a bog inhabited by gloomy fishermen loyal to no one. A little magic and a formidable battle begin to reverse the bad fortune. Swords, shields, mud and blood. Great stuff, as always, from the master. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

At the conclusion of Cornwell's best-selling The Last Kingdom (2005), Uhtred, the dispossessed son of a slain Saxon nobleman raised by Danish warriors, had reluctantly rejoined King Alfred's beleaguered forces in the rapidly dwindling kingdom of Wessex. Although the Danes had already conquered the kingdoms of East Anglia, Northumbria, and Mercia, Alfred, with an able assist from Uhtred, had stalwartly fended off the Viking invasion. Uneasily allied to the cerebral Alfred, the more vigorous Uhtred is plagued by divided loyalties as the Saxons struggle to maintain a toehold against the mighty Viking war machine. Taking refuge in a boggy marshland, the ragtag remnants of the Saxon army desperately attempt to regroup. Two vastly different heroes--Alfred and Uhtred--stand between the Danes and total annihilation of the Saxon culture. Further complicating the matter is the fact that Uhtred faces a moral dilemma when he realizes he must choose between allegiance to the king he has grown to admire and loyalty to Ragnar, his much-loved foster brother. Cornwell, the author of the excellent Sharpe series, displays his usual flair for providing action-packed martial history populated by a diverse array of realistically drawn characters. A crackerjack adventure tale from a master of the craft. ((Reviewed November 1, 2005)) Copyright 2005 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2005 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

In this sequel to the author's blockbuster The Last Kingdom, the Vikings have taken over most of England, and the isolated English may be betrayed by a dispossessed nobleman raised by Danes. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
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Library Journal Reviews

In this successful sequel to The Last Kingdom , Uhtred--the dispossessed Northumbrian nobleman who had been raised by Danish captors--struggles with his choice to join the Saxons in their attempts to cast the savage Danish invaders out of England. On one hand, he admires the bloodthirstiness of the Danes and dislikes the sickly, priestlike King Alfred of Wessex, whose hold is tenuous at best. On the other, Uhtred is Saxon, and he and Alfred are the only forces protecting their culture. As the novel's end finds the Danes still in control of large stretches of England and a prophecy concerning the fate of Uhtred unfulfilled, Cornwell fans may reasonably expect a follow-up to this ripping good tale of a man fighting to overcome his past and establish himself as a trusted warrior and protector of his country and people. Highly recommended for all public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/05.]--Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Municipal Libs., AK

[Page 94]. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Outnumbered Saxon forces continue battling Danish invaders in this rousing sequel to the bestselling The Last Kingdom . It's A.D. 877, and the dispossessed Northumbrian noble Uhtred has just routed the Danes in a battle at Cynuit in southern England. Logically, Uhtred should now ally himself with Alfred, whose Wessex kingdom alone has successfully resisted Danish control. But Uhtred sees a better chance of recovering his lost estate if he finds a way to join the Danes, who raised him and whose simple life of "ale, women, sword, and reputation" he finds more congenial than Alfred's Christian piety and military caution. But when the Danes invade Wessex, Uhtred's loyalties are further divided. His Celtic mistress foretells victory for Alfred, but Uhtred can scarcely believe that the bedraggled king, camped in isolated marshes with a handful of supporters, can repel the invaders and unite England. Yet pride grows in Uhtred: "I understood that among the Danes I was as important as my friends, and without friends I was just another landless, masterless warrior. But among the Saxons I was another Saxon, and among the Saxons I did not need another man's generosity." Uhtred demonstrates his newfound patriotism in the book's climactic battle at Edington. Filled with bawdy humor, bloodlust, treachery and valor, this stirring tale will leave readers eager for the next volume in this Alfred the Great series. (Jan.)

[Page 42]. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
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Citations

APA Citation, 7th Edition (style guide)

Cornwell, B. (2009). The Pale Horseman: A Novel . HarperCollins.

Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

Cornwell, Bernard. 2009. The Pale Horseman: A Novel. HarperCollins.

Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

Cornwell, Bernard. The Pale Horseman: A Novel HarperCollins, 2009.

Harvard Citation (style guide)

Cornwell, B. (2009). The pale horseman: a novel. HarperCollins.

MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)

Cornwell, Bernard. The Pale Horseman: A Novel HarperCollins, 2009.

Note! Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. Citation formats are based on standards as of August 2021.

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