The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell - Trade Paperback - Contemporary Fiction

New York Times Bestseller

This eighth entry in New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell's epic Saxon Tales series—coming soon to television screens across the country—brings to life the harrowing and turbulent tale of a nation torn apart by sectarian and religious strife, a political struggle dominated by dynastic rivalries, and the remarkable strength that elevates some characters above their time

“Bernard Cornwell does the best battle scenes among any writer I've ever read, past or present.” —George R.R. Martin


In the battle for power, there can be only one ruler.

Britain, early tenth century AD: a time of change. There are new raids by the Vikings from Ireland, and turmoil among the Saxons over the leadership of Mercia. A younger generation is taking over.

?thelred, the ruler of Mercia, is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported ?thelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of ?thelred. Widely loved and respected, ?thelflaed has all the makings of a leader—but could Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler? The stage is set for rivals to fight for the empty throne.

Uhtred is still suffering from wounds he received in battle. To recover his strength he needs to find the sword that caused the injury, but, lost amid the battle's blood and mud, how can it be traced, and who among the Vikings or Saxons may be holding it?

In the end it is one champion, one hero, who will destroy the new Viking threat to Mercia—and ultimately decide the fate of England.

With this eighth entry in the epic Saxon Tales series, we are reminded once again why New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell is “the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today” (Wall Street Journal).