Dear Mr Cornwell, firstly let me thank you on behalf of my mother for convincing a young man of the merits of a good book! I always resisted my mothers’ attempts to make me sit down and focus on a book until several years ago when, by chance, I encountered a certain Richard Sharpe. I have always been a passionate student of ancient and military history and I am currently going through the process of becoming an officer in the British Army. I only hope that I prove to be as capable and inspirational a leader as your Richard Sharpe and Uhtred – though hopefully my actions and attitude will take on a less reckless or self-serving nature! I must say that your books inspire me to the extent that I fully intend to attempt to pursue storytelling at some point in my future. As a reader of historical fiction, I am particularly attracted to novels based upon the Roman Army (both Republican and Imperial) as well as the Viking/Anglo-Saxon era. Whilst you are undoubtedly my favourite author, I am also a keen advocate of Simon Scarrow, Robert Low, Ben Kane and Harry Sidebottom. I have noticed that a couple of these authors quote your praise on the covers of their books. This being the case, I was wondering if there is a particular character that you wish had been your invention or of whom you are particularly fond in any of the books that you read?

Furthermore, I would be keen to know if you had given any thought to producing your own series based in the world of the Roman Army? I also wondered if you would recommend to me any other authors and series within these genre. Finally, I would like to thank you for introducing me to – and maintaining my interest in – the wonders of the written word! I eagerly await the publication of ‘Death of Kings’ and look forward to reading, and then re-reading it again and again, in the near future! Regards, Alex