On the Rise and the Fall of Bernard Cornwell

[Martok]

I don't really have that much to compare to, as I've only read the first Grail Quest Book (The Archer?) and the books in his Saxon Tales. While I wasn't terribly impressed by the former (although it was still decent enough), I've been quite enthralled with the latter -- indeed, Uthred has probably become my favorite literary anti-hero.

I guess I can at least say this: Having read all the Saxon novels that have been released thus far, I would say Cornwell's storytelling has actually improved with time. The earlier books were almost unrelentingly dark and dreary in tone, whereas the more recent offerings have managed to occasionally be both funny and touching as well (while still retaining a darker early-medieval feel).


So in my (very inexpert) opinion, I'd say Azincourt is probably more of a temporary blip than an indication his writing's gone downhill. I wouldn't worry too much just yet.


EDIT: That does suck, though, that you spent all that money & time on a book you ended up not liking.