War of the Wolf

The story begins with Uhtred, now in his sixties, living in his fortress of Bebbanburg, which he had reclaimed from his treacherous cousin in the previous book. Uhtred is content with his life, but he is soon called to action when he receives a message from King Edward of Wessex, asking for his help in defeating a new threat to the kingdom. The threat comes from the north, where a powerful Viking warlord named Sigtryggr has taken control of the city of York and is threatening to invade Wessex.

Uhtred is torn between his loyalty to his Saxon homeland and his Viking family, as Sigtryggr is the son of Uhtred’s old enemy, the late Viking king, Guthred. Uhtred’s loyalty is further tested when he learns that his son-in-law, Sigtryggr’s brother, is being held captive by the Vikings. Uhtred decides to help King Edward and sets out with his loyal band of warriors to confront Sigtryggr and his army.

The journey to York is treacherous, and Uhtred and his men face many challenges along the way. They are ambushed by a group of Vikings, and Uhtred is captured and taken to Sigtryggr’s stronghold. Uhtred is able to escape with the help of a young Saxon girl named Stiorra, who is being held captive by the Vikings. Uhtred and Stiorra develop a close relationship, and Uhtred sees in her the potential to become a great warrior.

Uhtred and his men finally reach York, where they engage in a fierce battle with Sigtryggr’s army. The battle is brutal, and many lives are lost on both sides. Uhtred is able to rescue his son-in-law and reunite him with his wife, Uhtred’s daughter. However, the victory is short-lived, as Sigtryggr escapes and vows to return with a larger army to conquer Wessex.

The book ends with Uhtred returning to Bebbanburg, where he is reunited with his wife and children. Uhtred reflects on his life and the choices he has made, and he realizes that he is getting old and that his time as a warrior is coming to an end. However, he knows that he will always be a warrior at heart and that he will continue to fight for his family and his homeland.

The audiobook version of War of the Wolf is expertly narrated by Matt Bates, who brings the story to life with his engaging and dynamic performance. Bates is able to capture the essence of each character, from Uhtred’s gruff and battle-hardened voice to Stiorra’s youthful and spirited tone. Bates also does an excellent job of conveying the action and excitement of the battle scenes, making the listener feel as if they are right in the middle of the action.

One of the strengths of War of the Wolf is its vivid and detailed portrayal of the historical setting. Cornwell is a master of historical fiction, and he is able to transport the reader back in time to the late 9th century, where they can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the era. Cornwell’s attention to detail is impressive, and he is able to bring the world of the Vikings and Saxons to life in a way that is both informative and entertaining.

Another strength of War of the Wolf is its complex and multi-layered characters. Uhtred is a fascinating protagonist, torn between his loyalty to his Saxon homeland and his Viking family. He is a flawed and imperfect hero, but he is also a fierce warrior and a loyal friend. The supporting characters are also well-developed, from Uhtred’s loyal band of warriors to the cunning and ruthless Sigtryggr.

Overall, War of the Wolf is an excellent addition to The Last Kingdom series, and the audiobook version is a must-listen for fans of historical fiction and action-packed adventure. The combination of Cornwell’s masterful storytelling and Bates’ engaging narration makes for a thrilling and immersive listening experience that is sure to captivate and entertain.