Hello Mr. Cornwell,

I’m writing to you from Germany just to tell you, what a great Story you’ve been telling over the years. Starting in 2004, the first part was published here in 2007, guess i followed it since then or maybe 2008.

What was it, that made this story to be more than just another viking story? Well, i call it the speed. It was the undertone, the story was told in every single part. It began with the tone of an old man and his first memories of childhood were fury and fast, just as childhood can be. Followed by the tone of a young man (testosterone heavy) in the next parts and going on. Uhtred getting older, getting settled, getting self-assured. I never found this anywhere else. Great thing, thank you, Mr. Cornwell.

Well, just finishing the last part in 2021, i recognised on tv, that in Bamburgh castle there was found an old sword dating back to the 7th century. Found by Brian Hope- Taylor in 1960 and refound after his death in 2001. Well, this sword is unic but it was never mentioned in the saxon series. Wasn’t it? I guess, news about it were published after the series was out. What i really would like to know from you: How does this feel?

I mean, imagine someone getting this story on paper. The many strong and wild characters, the places, the weapons… Serpentbreath… Negotiations with publishers, the initial release and then you realise, there was a sword buried in that castle and it was not any sword, it was made of six strings, not four, a sensation of that time and of our time, it isn’t older than Serpentbreath could have been but so outstanding, that anybody must ask: “How come, that Uhtred doesn’t knew??”, it has found no place in that story….. I’m not mocking at you, please don’t get me wrong. That’s what i felt. How was it to you? Did you felt like it is in a way ironic?

All the best, stay healthy

Ulrich