I just have to thank you for writing such memorable characters and settings as you have with both the Sharpe and First Kingdom series (although I’ll always think of the Uhtred series as the “Saxon Tales” series). They have brought me so much joy over the years, and I look forward to forgetting them just enough to justify re-reading them. And the Arthur trilogy was an amazing treatment of the story. Brilliant coming up with an origin story for the Arthur stories, and the aging Derfel’s chapter intro’s were a sheer joy to read.
The research you’ve done shows in the details in your stories, but it’s really your mastery of the main characters’ dry wit and insightful thinking that adds the details that makes your stories stand out from all the rest.
I’m currently enjoying listening to the Uhtred stories through Audible. Jonathan Keeble and Matt Bates are both pure perfection as readers! I look forward to a red light or any other excuse to extend my listening. My college-age daughter has started listening to the series on Audible as well, and it’s so fun to discuss with her as she discovers her own favorite parts.
I’m looking forward to reading the final book in the series. But already anticipating the loss of the series continuation. All good things must come to an end. It seemed like the perfect time to tell you how much joy your books have brought me and so many others.
Kevin Hunt