The Winter King

Name: The Winter King
Brand: Harper Audio
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.92 (12 reviews)
Author: Bernard Cornwell
ISBN: 9780062009470

Author: Bernard Cornwell

Series: Warlord Chronicles #1

Narrator: Tim Pigott-Smith

Abridged: 6 hr 8 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Harper

Published: 03/30/2010

Categories: Fiction

Synopsis

It takes a remarkable writer to make an old story as fresh and compelling as the first time we heard it. With The Winter King, the first volume of his magnificent Warlord Chronicles, Bernard Cornwell finally turns to the story he was born to write: the mythic saga of King Arthur.The tale begins in Dark Age Britain, a land where Arthur has been banished and Merlin has disappeared, where a child-king sits unprotected on the throne, where religion vies with magic for the souls of the people. It is to this desperate land that Arthur returns, a man at once utterly human and truly heroic: a man of honor, loyalty, and amazing valor; a man who loves Guinevere more passionately than he should; a man whose life is at once tragic and triumphant. As Arthur fights to keep a flicker of civilization alive in a barbaric world, Bernard Cornwell makes a familiar tale into a legend all over again.

About Bernard Cornwell

Bernard Cornwell is an internationally acclaimed historical fiction author celebrated for bringing the past to life with gripping battles, vivid landscapes, and unforgettable heroes. Best known for The Last Kingdom series-which inspired the hit Netflix adaptation-Cornwell has earned a global readership through his unmatched ability to blend meticulous research with page-turning storytelling.

Across more than sixty novels, including the beloved Sharpe series, The Warlord Chronicles, and numerous standalone works, Cornwell transports readers to pivotal eras of history, from medieval Britain to the Napoleonic Wars. His books are praised for their authenticity, rich character detail, and immersive depictions of strategy, honor, and survival on the battlefield.

Born in London and later making his home in the United States, Cornwell's lifelong passion for history and storytelling drives his work, earning him recognition as one of the most influential historical novelists of our time. Whether following an English archer, a Saxon warrior, or a reluctant soldier thrust into war, audiences trust Bernard Cornwell to deliver sweeping adventures that resonate long after the final chapter.

Reviews

AudiobooksNow review by Erik on 2024-08-19 23:21:09

Absolutely stunning. The ending left me with goosebumps and my mouth hanging open. The story coupled with Keeble's narration is fantastically good. I've studied a bit of Celtic lore and Roman history and they are interwoven with power and beauty into this story. I read years ago Le Morte de Arthur and Sir Gawain the Green Knight. Such a wonderful blend of history, myth and poetry. Cannot recommend enough.

Goodreads review by Petrik on August 01, 2017

4.5/5 Stars Depending on the rest of the trilogy, this could be the most original and the best Arthurian legend retelling of all time, out of all medium. A little background before I start my review; this is my first dive into Bernard Cornwell’s work and only my second time reading a historical fictio......more

Goodreads review by Ryan on April 18, 2007

I really can't say enough about this book. There are a lot of reasons to enjoy books and this one scores highest in so many categories. It is just very fun to read. Who would I recommend this book to? If you loved The Lord of the Rings but the smallest part of you that doesn't care about poetry kind......more

Goodreads review by Matt's Fantasy Book Reviews on November 30, 2022

Extremely enjoyable retelling of the legend of King Arthur. Full review coming soon.........more

Goodreads review by Ira on November 09, 2023

Astonishingly gritty, dark, and immersive, this isn't the King Arthur I remember from my childhood – but it's so much better! I can't wait to dive into the second book! As someone who's usually immersed in the realms of high fantasy, I was a bit hesitant about diving into historical fiction. But as T......more

Goodreads review by Allen on July 21, 2024

Re-read: Still 5 stars on a second read. Jonathan Keeble is tremendous and Lancelot is the worst character in any book that isn't named Obidiah Hakeswill. The audiobook is fantastic.......more