A few years ago I wrote to you, inquiring whether you would be writing anything else like the Warlord Chronicles. To my great pleasure you replied, but I was dissapointed to be informed that no, you would not be writing anything of that nature in the near future. Today I found a copy of the last kingdom while looking through a store, read the back, and immediately bought it. It may be set at a much later date, but I am still glad that your books have once again returned to the dark ages. I greatly look forward to reading it. I would also like to personally thank you – along with several other authors – for inspiring me. I had always been interested in history, but the works of historical fiction authors intensified my desire to learn more. This has benefitted me greatly. I am now in my grade 12 year, and am already participating in history and English courses at the University of Waterloo, and working as an assistant to a professor. I will be attending a university with larger faculties in those areas full time next year, with the hope of becoming a professor and writer one day. Many of your books helped me along this path, and I would once again like to thank you. Sincerely, Matthew Gayford