2005*1st* The Pale Horseman - Bernard Cornwell(HarperCollins)

*The Pale Horseman* is a historical novel by Bernard Cornwell, published in 2005. It is the second book in his "Saxon Stories" series, also known as "The Last Kingdom" series, which chronicles the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman who is raised by Vikings. The series is set during the 9th century, a time when England was divided into several kingdoms and under constant threat from Viking invasions.

In *The Pale Horseman*, Uhtred finds himself torn between his loyalty to King Alfred of Wessex and his Viking upbringing. The novel picks up after the events of the first book, *The Last Kingdom*, and focuses on the ongoing conflict between the Saxons and the Danish invaders. Uhtred, though initially reluctant, becomes a key figure in Alfred's struggle to defend Wessex, the last Saxon kingdom standing against the Vikings.

The title of the book refers to one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, symbolizing death, which reflects the constant threat of war and the brutal realities of life in this period. Cornwell's narrative is rich in historical detail, capturing the harshness of the time, the complexities of identity and loyalty, and the clash between the old pagan ways and the rise of Christianity.

*The Pale Horseman* is praised for its fast-paced action, well-drawn characters, and its vivid depiction of a turbulent period in English history. The series has also been adapted into a popular television series titled *The Last Kingdom*.