Digital Intelligence An internet professional blog by Alex Sandrey

The Winter King

This is the second time I read this book and like last time I really enjoy it. I think the majority of it is Mr Cornwell’s ability to weave fact and fiction. His historical notes always bares that out where he details what bits he’s taken from others and which bits he’s made up…

Unlike the Sharpe series less is documented around the dark ages so I would assume that lot of what has been taken from other sources is still going to be some what ’subjective’ but with Mr Cornwell’s storytelling ability you would be able to believe every word of it!

This series of books is written from the perspective of an old priest who is reminising on his life as a warrior for his current queen which as it happens was rather well linked with our ‘King Arthur’ (which is the bit she is obviously more interested in).

One of the main draws for me is the fact that this is set after the Romans have left. Their legacy can still be seen in Britain, particularly their religion (Christianity) but what is fascinating is that off all the skills and craft that the Romans brought to Britain only a fraction of it was retained. The book paints a vivid picture of crumbling Roman architecture and viaducts that simply no-one knows how to (or has the inclination) to fix.

The book itself is reasonably well paced. There is enough battling to get a real feel for warfare of that era. Obviously our Hero can do (almost) no wrong and sails through all of the battles. But for all that I still enjoy it. I like Mr Cornwells style and can read pretty much anything he spits out.

If I were to give this a score I would say 3 out of 5. It’s good. It paints a great picture in the minds eye and simply put is an easy and enjoyable read.