Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories · Complete Reading Guide
There are 13 Last Kingdom novels by Bernard Cornwell, also known as the Saxon Stories or Saxon Chronicles. The series follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman raised by Vikings, through the wars that forged England in the ninth and tenth centuries. The first novel, The Last Kingdom, was published in 2004. The thirteenth and final novel, War Lord, was published in 2020. Cornwell has also written one companion book, Uhtred’s Feast (2024).
The books should be read in publication order. This is the only sensible reading order: publication order matches the chronological order of events, and each book builds on the one before. Unlike the Sharpe series, Cornwell did not write prequels or fill in earlier periods after the fact.
Each book follows directly from the last, and key characters reappear throughout the series. The story spans roughly fifty years of Uhtred’s life, from a boy taken captive by Vikings in 866 to an old warrior fighting for the throne of England a generation later.
A young Northumbrian noble named Uhtred is captured by Vikings, raised among them, and finds himself caught between two worlds as the Danes invade Saxon Wessex.
Also the title of the Netflix series.
Alfred is driven into hiding in the marshes of Athelney, and Uhtred must choose which side to fight for at the Battle of Edington.
Uhtred returns north to settle scores and reclaim his birthright at Bebbanburg.
The battle for London brings Uhtred back into Alfred's service, against his will.
A new Danish invasion tests Wessex's defences and Uhtred's loyalties.
Alfred is dying, and his son Edward must defend the throne against Danish challengers and Saxon rivals.
Uhtred makes another attempt on Bebbanburg as a new Danish war approaches.
The death of a ruler leaves Mercia leaderless, and Uhtred's daughter Stiorra plays a central role.
A new Norse threat comes from Ireland, led by a warrior calling himself a god.
Uhtred returns to Bebbanburg for what may be his final reckoning with the fortress that has shaped his life.
A new Norse threat tests Uhtred's grandson Aethelstan, and Uhtred must defend a fragile peace.
A succession crisis erupts in Wessex, and Uhtred is drawn into the struggle to keep Aethelstan on the path to the throne.
The Battle of Brunanburh, the climactic conflict that established Aethelstan as the first king of all England, and Uhtred's last great fight.
The final book in the series.
Start with The Last Kingdom, the first novel. Unlike the Sharpe series, where Cornwell wrote prequels and fans debate chronological versus publication order, the Saxon Stories have one clear starting point.
If you have watched the Netflix series and are wondering whether to read the books, the answer is yes: the books cover the same story with significantly more depth, additional characters, and several plotlines that the show condensed or dropped. The books also continue past the show’s ending: the Netflix series adapts roughly books 1 to 10, and books 11 to 13 cover events not seen on screen.
The Last Kingdom aired on BBC Two and Netflix from 2015 to 2022, running for five seasons starring Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred. The series concluded with a feature-length film, Seven Kings Must Die, released on Netflix in 2023.
What the show covers: the five seasons broadly adapt the first ten novels, condensing storylines and combining characters to fit the television format. Seven Kings Must Die draws on elements of the final three books, particularly the Battle of Brunanburh from War Lord.
What the show changes or omits: several major characters from the books appear briefly or not at all on screen. Some plotlines are simplified. The pacing of Uhtred’s pursuit of Bebbanburg differs significantly between the two versions. Readers who enjoyed the show typically report being surprised by how much more is in the books, particularly in the middle stretch of the series.
What the show adds: the television adaptation invented several minor characters and storylines, particularly involving Brida, whose arc on screen diverges from the books. Bernard Cornwell himself made a cameo appearance in season three.
In 2024, Bernard Cornwell published Uhtred’s Feast, a companion volume to the Saxon Stories. It is part cookbook and part collection of short narrative pieces set in the world of the novels, with recipes inspired by Anglo-Saxon and Viking food. It is not essential reading for the main series, but Last Kingdom fans who want to spend more time in Uhtred’s world will find it enjoyable.
There are 13 Last Kingdom novels, also known as the Saxon Stories or Saxon Chronicles. The first, The Last Kingdom, was published in 2004. The final book, War Lord, was published in 2020. Bernard Cornwell has also written one companion volume, Uhtred's Feast (2024), which mixes narrative pieces with Anglo-Saxon recipes.
Yes. Bernard Cornwell announced in March 2020 that War Lord would be the final novel in the series. He has confirmed that Uhtred's story is complete.
Read them in publication order, which is also the chronological order of events. Unlike the Sharpe series, Cornwell did not write prequels or fill in earlier time periods after the fact, so the order is simple: start with The Last Kingdom and read through to War Lord.
Yes. The series has been published under several names. In the United Kingdom it was originally called the Saxon Stories. It has also been marketed as the Warrior Chronicles and the Saxon Tales. After the Netflix adaptation became popular, the publisher rebranded the series as The Last Kingdom across most markets. The books are identical, only the series name differs.
The five seasons of the Netflix series cover roughly the first ten books, with significant condensation and some changes. The final three books, including the climactic Battle of Brunanburh, were partially adapted in the 2023 film Seven Kings Must Die but contain considerable material not shown on screen. Most readers who enjoyed the show find the books deeper and more rewarding.
No further novels are planned. Bernard Cornwell has confirmed Uhtred's story is complete. The Netflix series ended with Seven Kings Must Die in 2023 and has not been renewed.
Uhtred of Bebbanburg is fictional, but he is loosely inspired by a real Northumbrian nobleman of the same name. The historical events around him, including the reigns of Alfred the Great, Edward the Elder, and Aethelstan, the Viking invasions, and the major battles, are based on the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and other historical sources. Cornwell adjusts dates and details for narrative purposes but the broad sweep is historically grounded.
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