Dear mr. Cornwell,
first off: I really enjoy the books over the last years and i would like to express, that most of all i like the way, the storytelling develops depending on Uhtreds mind / growing older (getting wiser?). Things Uhtred remembers from childhood are more wicked, faster and wilder, than as he was grown up. His remembrance from being a young man is more signed by his own impulsive character, than those, he has from being older. What we see / read, depends not only on the eyes that look on the scene, more on the mind behind the eyes, and that comes through in all those parts. For i would bet, that you have planned this carefully in every step, i found that series so special compared to any other in know.
Even the vikings develop from the wild Ragnarsons to the last from Norway, which i would call “war – businessmen”.
With the establishment of Wessex, the era changes and with the era, the people are changing too. The interaction between subject and background is worked out very realistic.
I think, you should go on, creating a second storyteller, like started in part Empty throne. One day we arrive in “present” when Uhtred, the elder, sits there, telling his live. Well, who will do the fighting then?
We see two sons. One is the warrior (as his father) and the other should have enough inner suspense (as his father), so that both could lead the story on, even over the time, when Uhtred has gone to valhalla. I would like to read, how the sons look at the world around them.
BTW: After nine parts, i guess, anybody knows about Uthreds two swords and what they are good for and that a shieldwall is a harsh place to be. That repition is the only thing i dislike over the years. But that is all.
I like to wish all the best and that you still and always find pleasure in writing.
Ulrich Noll