Hi Bernard, I have just finished the Lords of the North and was not disappointed. I rarely read fiction, preferring to know the truth of a chosen subject. However your books quench the thirst for exciting history with added adventure. I enjoy them more because of your meticulous research, which helps them to ring true. My favourites by far are the warlord chronicles. I rate these books as the adult versions of the Lord of The Rings. They also remind me of Robert E Howard’s Conan/Bran Mak Morn stories, which are among the only fictional books I have enjoyed. You capture the atmosphere of the age better than anyone I have ever read. It is plain to see the affinity you feel with the environments you explore. Also your knowledge of combat is extremely viseral and believable, on what influences do you draw from?

Also Can you elaborate more on your ancestral ties to the family of Uhtred? Strangely and in contradiction to my reading habits, I have wriiten my own stories in the past. I gave up a few years back, but have been inspired to write again after discovering your books. My subjects are mainly historical/fantasy. Anyway, thank you for your wonderful books and the passion you pour into them. I look forward to more of Uhtred. Many thanks and Kind regards, Gary.