Bernard Cornwell?

[Martok]

Since I've heard quite a few of you guys praise his work over the years (I myself read The Archer's Tale a few years back, but I've forgotten most of it already), I decided to go to the library and see what books of his I could find. I ended up checking out Lords of the North, as it appeared to be a stand-alone novel (I didn't want to risk starting a series if the library didn't have all the books). Haven't started yet, but it's next on my list.

Anyway, my question is this: Are there any of Cornwell's books that are considered "must-reads", and/or books that I should avoid like the plague? Or are they all considered to be generally good?

[Tratorix]

Lords of the North is actually the third book in his most recent series. The two books preceding it are the Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman.

Out of all the books i've read of his, my favourite would have to be the The Winter King. It's the first book in his Warlord Chronicles trilogy and is a grittier, more realistic take on the legend of King Arthur.

[Ferret]

I agree with Tratorix, the Warlord Chronicles is my favourite series and Bernard's too, at least according to a quote on the back page...

[King Henry V]

His Sharpe stories are quite decent, though like with many popular authors who often subsitute quantity for quality (Cornwell has churned out his novels at a steady pace of one per year), it does get rather repetitive, especially with his recycling of characters (the leading women in the books nealy all seem to fall under the category of either fiesty, skinny, dark-haired raven or relatively docile, golden-haired, angel).

If you're looking for a stand-alone novel, "Gallows' Thief" is quite good.

[Marshal Murat]

Cornwell had a couple 'modern fiction' books which weren't good at all. I can't remember the names, but the quality was pretty bad.

I would also avoid his American Civil War fiction. It's alright, but I never got a good hold of it. Your better off reading Shaara.

[Geoffrey S]

Love the Warlord series, but perhaps this is because those were the first I read. Everything else by the guy I hated - repetitive, formulaic and of little literary value.

Might I recommend books by Henry Treece? That guy's the classic when it comes to these kind of historical novels.

[Martok]

Lords of the North is actually the third book in his most recent series. The two books preceding it are the Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman.

What?! Well that's irritating. Neither the cover nor the inside flap(s) gave any indication it was part of a series. Guess I'll see if the library has the other two, then.

Out of all the books i've read of his, my favourite would have to be the The Winter King. It's the first book in his Warlord Chronicles trilogy and is a grittier, more realistic take on the legend of King Arthur.

It appears the Warlord series is everyone's favorite thus far, so I'll have to see if I can find that as well.

If you're looking for a stand-alone novel, "Gallows' Thief" is quite good.

Thanks, mate. Will look that one up as well.

Might I recommend books by Henry Treece? That guy's the classic when it comes to these kind of historical novels.

Not sure if I've heard of him, but I'll keep an eye out for his stuff. Any particular recommendations?

[Tratorix]

What?! Well that's irritating. Neither the cover nor the inside flap(s) gave any indication it was part of a series. Guess I'll see if the library has the other two, then.



It appears the Warlord series is everyone's favorite thus far, so I'll have to see if I can find that as well.

Yeah, while the books go in order and follow the same character, it doesn't seem to be considered a series for some reason. The Warlord series is probably his best work, it varies quite a bit from the formula he tends to follow in his other books.

[Scurvy]

As many people seem to agree, the Warlord series is his best (by far IMO)

The Sharpe series are okay, all enjoyable but not particularly absorbing (ideal for long journey's)

--> i also quite enjoyed the three books set in the 100 years war (can't remember the name)

[Martok]

--> i also quite enjoyed the three books set in the 100 years war (can't remember the name)

I think that's what's generally referred to as his Grail trilogy, of which The Archer's Tale is the first.

[Geoffrey S]

Not sure if I've heard of him, but I'll keep an eye out for his stuff. Any particular recommendations?

The Queen's Brooch is one I remember in particular. Also, The Great Captains and The Dark Island. The books are quite old by now, largely out of print. But they're classics of the genre, similar to the works of Mary Renault in style of writing, and it's clear where people like Cornwall got their inspiration from.

[Martok]

Update:


Well I recently finished Sword Song: The Battle for London, the fourth book in Cornwell's Saxon Tales (it was just published last year), and am definitely enjoying his writing so far. While I didn't like the character of Uhtred that much initially, I've warmed up to him since then. At this point my main frustration is that the series is obviously still far from over; I hate waiting!


Now I've gotta see if I can find the Warlord series....

[Gaius Scribonius Curio]

The Sharpe series is fairly good, but does get repetitive after a while.

The Saxon-Viking books following Uhtred are a good read however. I don't see how their not considered a series when one picks up where the one before leaves off.

My favourite are The Grail Quest Books though. Harlequin, Vagabond, and Heretic. Set in France during the Hundred years war.

Just my two cents.

[Evil_Maniac From Mars]

I know it's below most reading levels here, but has anyone given the Bartimaeus Trilogy a shot? It's quite funny, creative, and has a wonderful plot line.