-
Sword of Kings
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 12
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $15.81
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
War of the Wolf
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 11
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Uhtred of Bebbanburg has won back his ancestral home, but, threatened from all sides by enemies both old and new, he doesn’t have long to enjoy the victory. In Mercia, rebellion is in the air as King Edward tries to seize control. In Wessex, rival parties scramble to settle on the identity of the next king. And across the country, invading Norsemen continue their relentless incursion, ever hungry for land.
-
-
RIVALS GAME OF THRONES!!
- By Cecil webb on 09-15-20
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
War Lord
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 13
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After years fighting to reclaim his rightful home, Uhtred of Bebbanburg has returned to Northumbria. With his loyal band of warriors and a new woman by his side, his household is secure – yet Uhtred is far from safe. Beyond the walls of his impregnable fortress, a battle for power rages. To the south, King Æthelstan has unified the three kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia – and now eyes a bigger prize.
-
-
One of the best in the series
- By Nicole on 10-17-20
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
War of the Wolf
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
While Uhtred might have regained his family’s fortress, it seems a peaceful life is not to be - as he is under threat from both an old enemy and a new foe. The old enemy comes from Wessex, where a dynastic struggle will determine who will be the next king. And the new foe is Sköll, a Norseman, whose ambition is to be king of Northumbria and who leads a frightening army of wolf-warriors, men who fight half-crazed in the belief they are indeed wolves. Uhtred, believing he is cursed, must fend off one enemy while he tries to destroy the other.
-
-
It was Good I miss Jonathan Keeble
- By EH on 03-15-19
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Serpent Sword
- The Bernicia Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Matthew Harffy
- Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
- Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Beobrand is compelled by his brother's almost-certain murder to embark on a quest for revenge in the war-ravaged kingdoms of Northumbria. The land is rife with danger, as warlords vie for supremacy and dominion. In the battles for control of the region, new oaths are made and broken, and loyalties are tested to the limits. With no patronage and no experience, Beobrand must form his own allegiances and learn to fight with sword and shield. Relentless in pursuit of his enemies, he faces challenges which transform him from a boy to a man.
-
-
Fantastic!
- By John on 02-17-17
By: Matthew Harffy
-
Warriors of the Storm
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A fragile peace reigns in Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia. King Alfred's son, Edward, and formidable daughter, Aethelflaed, rule the kingdoms. But all around, the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the kingdoms' greatest warrior, controls Northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of Chester.
-
-
Cornwell gets still better!
- By NW on 01-19-16
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Flame Bearer
- Saxon Tales, Book 10
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the day it was stolen from me, I dreamed of recapturing Bebbanburg. The great fort had been built on a rock that was almost an island. It was massive; it could be approached only on land by a single narrow track; and it was mine. Britain is in a state of uneasy peace. Northumbria's Viking ruler, Sigtryggr, and Mercia's Saxon queen, Aethelflaed, have agreed to a truce. And so England's greatest warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, at last has the chance to take back the home his traitorous uncle stole from him so many years ago.
-
-
So so
- By Brent on 12-08-16
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
War of the Wolf
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 11
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Uhtred of Bebbanburg has won back his ancestral home, but, threatened from all sides by enemies both old and new, he doesn’t have long to enjoy the victory. In Mercia, rebellion is in the air as King Edward tries to seize control. In Wessex, rival parties scramble to settle on the identity of the next king. And across the country, invading Norsemen continue their relentless incursion, ever hungry for land.
-
-
RIVALS GAME OF THRONES!!
- By Cecil webb on 09-15-20
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
War Lord
- The Last Kingdom Series, Book 13
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After years fighting to reclaim his rightful home, Uhtred of Bebbanburg has returned to Northumbria. With his loyal band of warriors and a new woman by his side, his household is secure – yet Uhtred is far from safe. Beyond the walls of his impregnable fortress, a battle for power rages. To the south, King Æthelstan has unified the three kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia – and now eyes a bigger prize.
-
-
One of the best in the series
- By Nicole on 10-17-20
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
War of the Wolf
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 13 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
While Uhtred might have regained his family’s fortress, it seems a peaceful life is not to be - as he is under threat from both an old enemy and a new foe. The old enemy comes from Wessex, where a dynastic struggle will determine who will be the next king. And the new foe is Sköll, a Norseman, whose ambition is to be king of Northumbria and who leads a frightening army of wolf-warriors, men who fight half-crazed in the belief they are indeed wolves. Uhtred, believing he is cursed, must fend off one enemy while he tries to destroy the other.
-
-
It was Good I miss Jonathan Keeble
- By EH on 03-15-19
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Serpent Sword
- The Bernicia Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Matthew Harffy
- Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
- Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Beobrand is compelled by his brother's almost-certain murder to embark on a quest for revenge in the war-ravaged kingdoms of Northumbria. The land is rife with danger, as warlords vie for supremacy and dominion. In the battles for control of the region, new oaths are made and broken, and loyalties are tested to the limits. With no patronage and no experience, Beobrand must form his own allegiances and learn to fight with sword and shield. Relentless in pursuit of his enemies, he faces challenges which transform him from a boy to a man.
-
-
Fantastic!
- By John on 02-17-17
By: Matthew Harffy
-
Warriors of the Storm
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A fragile peace reigns in Wessex, Mercia, and East Anglia. King Alfred's son, Edward, and formidable daughter, Aethelflaed, rule the kingdoms. But all around, the restless Northmen, eyeing the rich lands and wealthy churches, are mounting raids. Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the kingdoms' greatest warrior, controls Northern Mercia from the strongly fortified city of Chester.
-
-
Cornwell gets still better!
- By NW on 01-19-16
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Flame Bearer
- Saxon Tales, Book 10
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the day it was stolen from me, I dreamed of recapturing Bebbanburg. The great fort had been built on a rock that was almost an island. It was massive; it could be approached only on land by a single narrow track; and it was mine. Britain is in a state of uneasy peace. Northumbria's Viking ruler, Sigtryggr, and Mercia's Saxon queen, Aethelflaed, have agreed to a truce. And so England's greatest warrior, Uhtred of Bebbanburg, at last has the chance to take back the home his traitorous uncle stole from him so many years ago.
-
-
So so
- By Brent on 12-08-16
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Agincourt
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Charles Keating
- Length: 16 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bernard Cornwell, the New York Times best-selling "reigning king of historical fiction" (USA Today), tackles his most thrilling, rich, and enthralling subject yet - the heroic tale of Agincourt. The epic battle immortalized by William Shakespeare in his classic Henry V is the background for this breathtaking tale of heroism, love, devotion, and duty from the legendary author of the Richard Sharpe novels and the Saxon Tales.
-
-
What is WITH that music?
- By Lois on 08-26-15
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
Traitor General
- Gaunt's Ghosts: Warhammer 40,000, Book 8
- By: Dan Abnett
- Narrated by: Toby Longworth
- Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An Imperial general has defected to the enemy, and the secrets he carries could spell the end of the Sabbat Worlds Crusade. Colonel-Commissar Gaunt and a small team from the Tanith First must infiltrate an enemy-held world and gain the trust of the local underground, all the while trying desperately to avoid the ever-present taint of Chaos. Their mission: to stop the traitor general from revealing his secrets - by any means necessary.
-
-
Never disappointed.
- By Patrick on 04-21-22
By: Dan Abnett
-
Under the Eagle
- Eagles of the Empire, Book 1
- By: Simon Scarrow
- Narrated by: David Thorpe
- Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first novel in Simon Scarrow's bestselling Roman series. It is 42 AD, and Quintus Licinius Cato has just arrived in Germany as a new recruit to the Second Legion, the toughest in the Roman army. If adjusting to the rigours of military life isn't difficult enough for the bookish young man, he also has to contend with the disgust of his colleagues when, because of his imperial connections, he is appointed a rank above them.
-
-
Enjoyable Roman Military Mystery
- By Marie on 10-25-13
By: Simon Scarrow
-
The Empty Throne
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Britain, early 10th century AD: a time of change. There are new raids by the Vikings from Ireland, and turmoil among the Saxons over the leadership of Mercia. A younger generation is taking over. Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Athelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Aethelred. Widely loved and respected, Athelflaed has all the makings of a leader - but can Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler?
-
-
The old man still had it
- By Christopher Majetich on 03-26-18
By: Bernard Cornwell
-
The Emperor's Exile
- The thrilling Sunday Times bestseller
- By: Simon Scarrow
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 12 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tribune Cato and Centurion Macro, hardened veterans of the Roman army, have faced the empire's enemies from Britannia to Parthia, from Hispania to Judea. Now once again they are on a mission that will imperil their lives and those of all who serve with them. Loyal to the last to their comrades in battle, fearless in the face of the most brutal or barbaric opponents, they are the finest men the emperor can call on in the service of Rome.
-
-
Seemed rushed...
- By Mark P. on 01-29-21
By: Simon Scarrow
-
The Pagan Lord
- A Novel
- By: Bernard Cornwell
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the onset of the tenth century, England is in turmoil. Alfred the Great is dead and Edward his son reigns as king. Wessex survives but peace cannot hold: the Danes in the north, led by Viking Cnut Longsword, stand ready to invade and will never rest until the emerald crown is theirs.
-
-
Still not Johnathan Keeble
- By Amazon Customer on 02-19-19
By: Bernard Cornwell
Publisher's Summary
England is in turmoil as Vikings and Saxons battle for territory. Rumours build about the fatal sickness of the King, and the country awaits an heir.
A violent clash at sea forces the warrior lord Uhtred to lead his men from his Northumbrian fortress to London and plunge into the eye of the storm. For two kings claim the empty throne and a new kingdom cannot be born without bloodshed.
Uhtred’s sword will leave one king dead and the other victorious. But sometimes it is hard to know the will of the gods....
Critic Reviews
"Nobody in the world does this better than Cornwell." (Lee Child)
More from the same
What listeners say about Sword of Kings
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- David Cochran
- 10-13-19
Needs more Keeble
Great read, but this whole series would've been better if Johnathan Keeble were the narrator.
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- 🌟CW_214🌟
- 10-04-19
Bernard Cornwell Does Not Disappoint
Bernard Cornwell has done it again. Sword of Kings entertains as a new favorite of Cornwell’s Saxon Stories (Last Kingdom) series. Uhtred is an all time favorite literary character of mine and I simply don’t want the adventures to end for this endearingly flawed, oath bound, hero. As always, I had trouble pressing the stop button. The narrator Matt Bates once again provides an excellent performance bringing the characters to life.
Having read many of Cornwell’s series including, Sharpe’s series and others, he has created yet another masterful entertaining work. Well done!
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Cjharris211
- 10-29-19
Excellent continuation of the story
I was surprised by how much I liked this. I think it would be too easy to continue the story in formula, so this is what I must have been expecting. While I certainly enjoy the subtext of the historical facts within the series, I also enjoy hearing about Uthred's story and how it unfolds. This was, to me at least, a good tale. It follows his fictional life as he ages, this plot line simply does not get old to me because the author somehow keeps it fresh and engaging. I enjoyed listening too this book and thinking about it in between when I was not listening, to me that is the sign of a good audio book!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- The Reason
- 10-08-19
Good edition to the story of Uhtred
I have read all the other Saxon Tales or Last Kingdom books and the story taken in its entirety is excellent. It is disappointing in this book that Uhtred would even consider running from a fight. Too much of the book ponders on his indecision. This is still the authors decision as Uhtred ages that this is part of his story and worth reading. This book is well written and the performance is excellent. Maybe I just don’t like that Uhtred is aging. I expected him to be arrogant and defiant till the end.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- John
- 01-13-20
Okay
I am a fan of The Last Kingdom Series, formerly known as The Saxon Tales. But this book seems more of an afterthought and lacks the excitement, passion and suspense of the previous novels in this series. In fact, it all makes me wonder if this is going to be the last book of the series. I'm still a Cornwell fan and still a fan of this series. And like before, I will buy new books in the series sight unseen.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Vm66
- 11-07-19
Is this the end?
After listening to the author’s note at the end of the story, it seems that this may be the last installment of this series. If so, I want to thank the author for writing such historical fiction that has allowed me to travel back in time and experience the world of Uthred. Furthermore, Matt Bates is an excellent narrator.
Uthred has been bound of oaths after oaths. First, he has given an oath to Alfred. When Alfred has passed away, he has given his oath to Æthelflæd. His last oath is to Æthelstan. These oaths have burdened him. He has lost so many loved ones and tore his heart many times and over, but he has fulfilled those darn oaths no matter what the circumstances are. He is true to his words and an embodiment of a true warrior. I am truly happy for him in the end...he is home.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Armen Shaghzo
- 11-02-19
Consistently Amazing!
I have read many of BC’s novels, including the “Sharpe” books, and others. This series “The Last Kingdom” is my favorite of all novels of the genre. It is amazingly written. The story captivates and draws you into the era and the country to the point where you feel you know the characters personally. The action scenes are the most mesmerizing and so well written that I feel like I am a part of each betrayal battle conflict conquest. Thank you BC for using the written word to carry us through these amazing adventures with our protagonist(s). Uhtred Go Brach!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Marina
- 01-25-21
Another great adventure
Another great adventure about utred of Bebenburg, as usual i felt i was watching the scene unfold before me, and at one point thought it was the end of Utred’s story, but was relieved to know his story continues.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- goose
- 11-21-20
typical Cornwell book, PERFECT
Bernard Cornwell to whom I compare all the books I listen to.
without a doubt the best there is
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Helen Fahlsing
- 06-24-20
Enjoy the entire series
Read the books in this series as they came out. Thoroughly enjoying the audio version.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Nick
- 10-29-19
An unexpected 5*'s, supberb entertainment!
If you are reading this then it is probable that like I me, you are thinking how many books can be left in this series and how old is Uthred! I therefore felt that only perseverance and a dusting of curiosity to see the series through to the end (bitter or otherwise) that led me to purchase this latest instalment. However, I am delighted to tell you that this book is every bit as good and exciting as the first few in the series. It is pure entertainment, well written and engaging. The depth of character development grabs a hold of your collar and doesn't let go until the last chapter ends! Cornwall has reflected Uthred's age in his writing, without taking away the essence of Uthred's courageous, foolish, and brawling character.
Matt Bate's performance was superb, which consigns to the distance past the plague of character accent changes for this series. If you enjoyed the first few books in this series and you have persevered then please get this, you wont be disappointed. At the end Cornwall provides an 'afterword' which I think is a rare treat. He hints at more books in the series (well that's how I heard it anyway) and before listening to this book many (including me) would have met that with a groan! But, the series has been invigorated and I feel excited by what is potentially to come from Cornwall and Uthred.
Get it!
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Literary Hawk
- 11-02-19
Another Tale full of Bloody Battles
I confess to binge listening or reading all of Cornwell's Saxon Stories. I enjoyed this one a little less than some, however, because Utred's sense of humour has diminished. As a younger man he often made me smile and even laugh. Is his diminished ability to perceive the ridiculous in the ordinary as in the sublime a reflection of Cornwell's aging? Are older people often more serious? This is not my experience. When young I took the world around me much too seriously but now, I perceive the irony and comedy everywhere.
i hope Utred regains his humour in the next novel.
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- marina
- 10-27-19
Part 12
Once again bernard cornwell makes it easy to Imagin battles & lives of people.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mrs
- 10-05-19
Can Uthreds story get any better? Yes it can!
With every book it continues to get better and better and better. Absolutely awesomely brilliant.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- philip ryan
- 04-23-20
Too similar to all other Bernard Cornwell's books
I'll still get the next book in the series.
For me all the Bernard Cornwell books are beginning to blur into each other. I enjoy them as a commute or beach read but the story lines across all his titles and series are too similar. I'll be finishing this series but will not be starting a new series any time soon. It's disappointing as I'm a fame of Bernard's work.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 01-02-20
Dull and repetitive story.
Nothing new or inspiring. I am amazed how little excitement is contained in 13 long episodes
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- MR D.
- 11-19-19
Good as always
Another great addition to the Utred storey line and with a worthy baddy to boot. Looking forward to the next volume.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- foreverkeogh
- 11-05-19
Perfect
superbly narrated by Matt Bates and the books just get better and better.
I can't wait for the next one.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Rufus
- 11-04-19
Another great addition to the tale of Uhtred.
Yet another great addition to the tale of Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Bernard Cornwell amazes again. How many more of these can he write... And is there nothing beyond this authors capability?
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Russell
- 10-31-19
Good read.... Listen
Loved it great story however _ annoyingly pronunciation of some words differ from previous versions
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 10-15-19
Uthred of Bebbenburg is Inexerable!
Another excellent story of Uthred and the start of England. Battle, love, luck, mistakes and fate. These attributes are what make me enjoy reading them. I hope that I live to read the next one.
In May 2019 I actually went to Bamberg Castle, all the way from Australia. It had been a dream of mine to see it since the first book. It was amazing to see the beautiful area around the castle and how well, in the time in the book, it would have been to defend against enemies. It made the fictional store feel real. Definitely worth a visit for all who love the books but it is a place with a great history all of its own.
I am also glad they included Bernard Cornwell's notes at the end. The last audio book did not which was saddening
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 02-19-21
A master at the height of his powers.
One of his very best yet. Kept me entertained and interested throughout. In short.....perfect.
I will immediately commence the final book and hope Harffy continues his Wolf of Wessex novel by making it a series too.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Neville Stern
- 11-17-20
Richer and better
The series has grown in literary and human interest with each novel, and as its central character/s have aged. Above all, it accomplishes the author’s goal of showing that England and English history is worth understanding.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Claire Wallace
- 01-18-20
Another thrilling listen from Bernard Cornwell
I really enjoyed this audiobook! It put on me on the edge of my seat for much of the novel, especially at the end. I also enjoyed hearing from the author in the foreword & afterword and am pleased to know there will be at least one more book in this fantastic series from which I have learned so much about British history.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kevin
- 01-01-20
Wyrd Bith Ful Aræd
I can't get that out of my head now, Wyrd Bith Ful Aræd has been drilled in these last few books of the series I keep trying to find opportunities to put it out there and it'd be weird. Great catch phrase though and I hope fate continues to be on Uhtreds side. Love the extra at the end by the author too. A fascinating and knowledgeable bloke which shines through in his books.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Grant
- 10-20-19
Great writer harshly judged by previous works
Enjoyed it, just not the best of the tales. Previous books were far more exciting.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- richardgg
- 10-15-19
Just the best yarn
Just great, sets the standard for history fiction that is hard to match. thanks for the series. enjoyed every book. favorite was Lord's of the North.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Victor
- 10-14-19
Brilliant as always
Like catching up with old friends, tales of Uhtred and Finan are a pleasure to red or listen to.
Captivating, well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Always struggle to put down one of Bernard Cornwells books, or to cease listening to it.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kindle Customer
- 10-05-19
a fantastic novel
Bernard has done it again what a great book would highly recommend for anyone who is loved the last kingdom series