Bernard Cornwell's latest Saxon Story is The Burning Land

I only just posted a few days ago about finally finding the first three books in George R.R. Martin's series A Song of Ice and Fire, but I fear that these books shall have to rest on my shelves for a bit longer before I am able to get around to reading them. It has just come to my attention that Bernard Cornwell's fifth book of the Saxon Stories, The Burning Lands, was published about a week ago. The Burning Lands picks up Lord Uhtred of Bebbanburg's story where Sword Song left off, and I am ever anxious to see what the pagan worshiping, battle hardened, straight forward Uhtred has been up to of late.

If you're a fan of historical fiction, of tales of Saxons and Vikings, or are an unapologetic fan of all things concerning the British Isles, Ireland, and Northern Europe then there is little doubt in my mind that you will enjoy Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Tales as much as I have.

Synopsis:

In a clash of heroes, the kingdom is born.

At the end of the ninth century, King Alfred of Wessex is in ill health; his heir, an untested youth. His enemy, the Danes, having failed to conquer Wessex, now see their chance for victory. Led by the sword of savage warrior Harald Bloodhair, the Viking hordes attack. But Uhtred, Alfred's reluctant warlord, proves his worth, outwitting Harald and handing the Vikings one of their greatest defeats.

For Uhtred, the sweetness of victory is soon overshadowed by tragedy. Breaking with Alfred, he joins the Vikings, swearing never again to serve the Saxon king. Instead, he will reclaim his ancestral fortress on the Northumbrian coast. Allied with his old friend Ragnar—and his old foe Haesten—he aims to invade and conquer Wessex itself.

Yet fate has different plans. The Danes of East Anglia and the Vikings of Northumbria are plotting the conquest of all Britain. When Alfred's daughter pleads with Uhtred for help, he cannot refuse her request. In a desperate gamble, he takes command of a demoralized Mercian army, leading them in an unforgettable battle on a blood-soaked field beside the Thames.

In The Burning Land, Bernard Cornwell, "the reigning king of historical fiction" (USA Today), delivers a rousing saga of Anglo-Saxon England—an irresistible new chapter in his thrilling Saxon Tales, the epic story of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible. 

Kirk out.

Kseniya Simonova's sand animation.

Every once in a while I come across something in the pages of this vast library called the internet that moves me beyond words, and compels me to share it here with you.

Please take a moment to watch the video below as this young Ukrainian woman performs and astounds a crowd on Ukraine's Got Talent, and uses her sand animations as a kind of performance art to illustrate how regular people of the Ukraine were affected by World War II, or as they call it, The Great Patriotic War. Honestly, I'm without words to describe the beauty and creativity displayed by this talented young woman. I leave you to witness it for yourself, and I apologize if you've already seen it. I am sometimes a bit slower to these things than some of you.