The Flame Bearer Audiobook - Last Kingdom (formerly Saxon Tales), Book 10

Summary

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the pages of this captivating audiobook. Whether you’re an avid reader or a newcomer to the world of audiobooks, this unique listening experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. With a perfect blend of engaging storytelling and skilled narration, this audiobook transports you into a realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy seamlessly blur.

Audiobook Info

Author: Bernard Cornwell
Narrator: Simon Slater
Duration: 18 hours and 30 minutes
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: August 2016
Series: The Last Kingdom
Book: 12

Review

Few historical fiction sagas can ignite the imagination quite like Bernard Cornwell’s “The Flame Bearer,” and its power is only amplified when delivered through Simon Slater’s remarkable narration. Right from the opening moments, it’s clear that Slater possesses an almost alchemical ability to transform words into living drama – his deep timbre carries you back to turbulent Anglo-Saxon England, immersing you fully in Uhtred’s perilous quest.

Rather than simply reading lines, Slater embodies every character – from grizzled warriors bracing for battle to cunning courtiers weaving intrigue behind stone walls. His subtle shifts in tone breathe life into Cornwell’s already vivid cast, making each emotional beat feel immediate and real. Moments of tense negotiation crackle with urgency; scenes of heartbreak land with genuine poignancy; clashes on blood-soaked fields thunder with raw intensity. For fans who have followed The Last Kingdom series across many volumes (and narrators), Slater’s nuanced performance feels both fresh and true – maintaining continuity while elevating every scene.

Cornwell, as always, constructs his story upon robust historical foundations: political strife churns beneath each alliance, personal vendettas fuel battles large and small, and no victory ever comes without cost. In “The Flame Bearer,” Uhtred finds himself confronting old enemies anew – not merely for conquest but for identity itself – as he attempts to reclaim Bebbanburg from those who stole it long ago. Yet what sets this installment apart is its maturity: gone are magical undertones; instead, we witness a tapestry woven tightly from fact, consequence, loyalty, betrayal – and above all else – the relentless pursuit of honor.

The complexity of Viking adversaries is masterfully rendered here; they are no longer shadowy foils but formidable rivals with passions as fierce as any Saxon lord’s. As the political landscape shifts after the defeat of the Great Heathen Army in AD 886 and Wessex rises stronger than ever before, listeners will find themselves drawn not just by swords but by compelling motives on all sides.

While newcomers may occasionally stumble over intricate family ties or historical references (this being book twelve in a legendary series), Cornwell offers enough context within each chapter for even first-time listeners to appreciate both action-packed set pieces and quieter moments of introspection. That said: seasoned fans will discover rich rewards – echoes of previous novels combined with new revelations that further deepen their investment in Uhtred’s saga.

In short: “The Flame Bearer” is much more than mere entertainment – it’s literature brought roaringly alive by one of today’s finest narrators.

Download & Listen

Ready yourself for adventure unlike any other! If you crave epic battles paired with profound explorations of loyalty and self-discovery – or if you’re eager to hear Simon Slater transport you straight onto medieval ramparts – then don’t miss your chance to download “The Flame Bearer” at KTAudiobooks.com today. Dive deep into history where legends walk beside men; let Uhtred lead you across war-torn landscapes toward destiny itself!