Hello Bernard,

Before I begin, I would like to say a big thank you for your book series. I have enjoyed them all immensely.

Now, on to a couple of strange things I noticed after reading Death of Kings.

1: In earlier books of the Saxon series, Uhtred was forced to learn how to read and write in his early adulthood in order to satisfy Alfreds requirements to obtain leadership of the fleet. This has since been changed to Uhtred learning his letters when a boy under Beocca and Willibald (didn’t know he was at Bebbanberg).

Which way is it? It cannot be the latter, for Willibald wasn’t at Bebbanburg, and Uhtred has a lot of space in his efforts to escape both priests and learning during his early years…Just a forgetful moment?

2: During the final battles in Death of Kings, Rollo suddenly pops up by Uhtreds side and fights with him. At least I assumed it was Rollo from the earlier books, as the way you have wrote this part suggests the reader should know who it is you are describing. however, Rollo was Ragnar the youngers man and Ragnar, presumably, is still at Dunholm, so I cannot see how it could possibly be the previous Rollo.

Which Rollo is this? And if he is a new Rollo, why isn’t he given any description in this new book?

I might sneak one more question in here…

Is Ragnar going to make another appearance? And how come Uhtred could not have sent a man to go and see Ragnar? It seems a bit odd that these two men, who describe each other as ‘brothers’ and who both have some resources at their disposal, cannot seem to communicate to each other, even via trader…

In any case, thanks for your efforts and wonderful books.

Greg