Sword of Kings: Book 12 (The Last Kingdom Series)

“Sword of Kings” is the twelfth installment in Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories series, first published in October 2019. This historical novel continues the saga of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon-born warrior with a Viking heart, as he navigates the turbulent political and military landscapes of 10th-century England.

Synopsis: England is in turmoil as King Edward’s health declines, leading to a succession crisis. Uhtred, Lord of Bebbanburg, is drawn into the political fray when a fishing ship from his lands goes missing, and its crew is found tortured and killed. His investigation uncovers a plot by Ealdorman Æthelhelm to eliminate Uhtred and his allies. As Uhtred becomes entangled in the struggle for the English throne, he must navigate treachery, shifting alliances, and personal loss to protect his homeland and those he holds dear.