Book info

• Title The Mystery of the Blue Train
• Author Bernard Cornwell
• Year 2007
• Genre Historical

The year is 885, and England is at peace, divided between the Danish kingdom to the north and Alfred's kingdom of Wessex in the south. But trouble stirs, a dead man has risen and new Vikings have arrived to occupy London. It is a dangerous time, and it falls to Uhtred, half Saxon, half Dane, a man feared and respected the length and breadth of Britain, to expel the Viking raiders and take control of London for Alfred. His uncertain loyalties must now decide England's future. A gripping tale of love, rivalry and violence, Sword Song tells the story of England's making.

Thoughts

This may have been my favourite of the Saxon Stories so far, with our hero very firmly in the driving seat, full of confidence, and trying to do the right thing even when the odds are against him. There’s plenty of fighting and sailing boats and politics here and there, but of course the bit I found most interesting was the kidnapping, love affair and rescue attempts. So good, interesting and moving. I’m in two minds about whether this series is really grabbing me or not, but this book has turned the tides towards the positive for now.

Rating: 4 / 5