I thoroughly enjoyed Death of Kings, and almost regret inhaling it in one night. Uhtred in 900 AD is now 45, and it looks like he’ll be pushing 55 by the time he’s back in the shield wall at Tettenhall. Up to this point I thought Uhtred was based on Ealdred of Northumbria, a “favorite” of King Alfred, but he alas passed away in 913 and Uhtred appears to live well into his 60s or 70s. I’m now thinking Uhtred is a combination of Ealdred and his son Eadwulf, but I’m not sure because Ealdred also had a son Utred who as near as I can tell was not a major player like his father and brother. Who is your historical inspiration for Uhtred of Bebbanburg? Also, when is the next installment? Hopefully Uhtred finally gets his rear in gear and takes Bebbanburg between now and the final bloodletting at Tettanhall. It’s high time Uhtred retakes his birthright!

Alex Gregory