Book summary:
Sword of Kings is the twelfth novel in Bernard Cornwells acclaimed Last Kingdom series, continuing the epic saga of Uhtred of Bebbanburg in a war-torn England struggling toward unity. Set during the later reign of King Edward, the story sees old alliances fray and new ambitions ignite as rival claimants and foreign enemies threaten the fragile balance of power. Uhtred, aging but unbowed, is drawn once more into brutal battles and political intrigue, forced to choose between loyalty, honor, and survival. With relentless pace, vivid combat, and sharp historical insight, the novel explores the cost of kingship, the nature of destiny, and the enduring pull of the sword in shaping Englands fate.

About the author:
Bernard Cornwell is a bestselling British author renowned for his historical fiction, particularly the Last Kingdom series and the Sharpe novels. Born in 1944, Cornwell is celebrated for his meticulous research, immersive battle scenes, and ability to bring history vividly to life through complex, driven characters. His novels often examine the making of nations through warfare, leadership, and personal ambition, earning him a global readership and numerous literary honors. Cornwells work has also been adapted for television, further cementing his reputation as a master storyteller of the historical genre.