The Pale Horseman (The Saxon Stories, #2)
349
Novel • Fiction
England • 9th Century
2007
Adult
18+ years
The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a warrior navigating the turmoil of 9th-century Saxon England as he battles Viking invaders. Uhtred's journey involves loyalty conflicts and his struggle with identity amid the fight to reclaim his ancestral land. This historical novel is the second in the Saxon Tales series.
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Bernard Cornwell's The Pale Horseman earns praise for its vivid historical detail and compelling battle scenes, immersing readers in 9th-century England. Critics commend its dynamic protagonist, Uhtred, and his complex inner conflicts. However, some note the pacing can be uneven, with slower narrative stretches. Overall, it's a gripping read blending history and fiction effectively.
Ideal for fans of historical fiction, particularly those who enjoyed The Last Kingdom or A Game of Thrones, readers captivated by medieval warfare, complex characters, and intricate plots will find much to love in Bernard Cornwell’s The Pale Horseman. This novel offers a richly detailed narrative set in the tumultuous era of Alfred the Great.
74,889 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bernard Cornwell is known for his meticulous research, and he has stated that The Saxon Stories series is largely inspired by historical events and figures, with the protagonist Uhtred modeled after a real 9th-century Saxon nobleman.
The Pale Horseman is part of a series that has been adapted into a popular television series titled The Last Kingdom, which has helped bring new fans to Cornwell's novels.
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The title The Pale Horseman is a reference to one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, symbolizing death, which fuels the thematic elements of war and conflict in the story.
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349
Novel • Fiction
England • 9th Century
2007
Adult
18+ years
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