Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have read many of your books, and at least 6 or 7 of them twice. I enjoy your work! I waited excitedly for Sword Song. Having finished it, I must admit, I was a tiny bit disappointed. In all of the other books that I have read by you, the action and plot are packed, though never gratuitous. By comparison, Sword Song felt a little thinner. Also, there seemed to be more repetition of theme than was necessary. Fate, Destiny, Reputation and Alfred’s pious nature were told to us over and over. Significantly, Sigefrid did not frighten me. His fierceness was not described or depicted nearly enough to have me worried about him during the reading, … In The Last Kingdom, I was frightened by Kjartan. In The Pale Horsemen, I looked over my shoulder waiting for him to pop out at any point. By the Lords of the North, I was truly terrified to imagine what cruelty he would inflict upon any of our beloved characters. Wow! That’s what I love about you. Having said all of this, I still enjoyed the book and reread my favorite parts. I look forward to more adventures with Uhtred, my hero. His fearful enemies and the twisting plots are delicious and add joy to his victories (and my reading!) Thank you. Regards, Kathleen Bloom – a fan