The Empty Throne: A Novel

The eighth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s New York Times bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” (The Observer, London)—the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit television series.

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.

Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, is dying, leaving no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Æthelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Æthelred. Widely loved and respected, Æthelflaed 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.

The eighth installment of Bernard Cornwell’s bestselling series chronicling the epic saga of the making of England, “like Game of Thrones, but real” (The Observer, London)—the basis for The Last Kingdom, the hit BBC America television series.

My name is Uhtred. I am the son of Uhtred, who was the son of Uhtred . . .’

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.

When Æthelred, the ruler of Mercia, dies, he leaves no legitimate heir. The West Saxons want their king, but Uhtred has long supported Æthelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Æethelred. Widely loved and respected, Æthelflaed has all the makings of a leader—but can Saxon warriors ever accept a woman as their ruler? The stage is set for rivals to fight for the empty throne.

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).

Praise for Bernard Cornwell and the Saxon Tales series: “Like Game of Thrones, but real.” - The Observer (London)

“Perhaps the greatest writer of historical adventure novels today.” - Washington Post

“Bernard Cornwell is the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today. Historical novels stand or fall on detail, and Mr. Cornwell writes as if he has been to ninth-century Wessex and back. . . . Much has changed since the ninth century, but some things, and some feelings, are timeless.” - Wall Street Journal

“Bernard Cornwell ranks as the current alpha male of testosterone-enriched historical fiction.” - USA Today

“Cornwell writes morally complicated and intricate stories, and he’s won a following not just among readers but also among fellow writers.” - New York Times Sunday Book Review

“Cornwell’s characters are vividly drawn, betrayals lurk around every corner, the humor is as sharp as the swords, and the action is non-stop. I’ve had some experience writing battles over the years (I did 13 of them in Lionheart), and I can say with certainty that I don’t think there is anyone who writes better battle scenes than Bernard Cornwell.” - Sharon Penman, NPR

“If you love historical drama…then look no further.” - Boston Globe