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“I'm in pain all the time,' I said, 'and if I gave into it then I'd do nothing.��

The Empty Throne immediately became distinctive when compared to the previous seven instalments because Uhtred's relationship with his children has a far heavier role than they have before, as they directly interact with our awesome protagonist and influence the direction of the story far more. There are some hilarious moments, but also those of great emotion that show how much Uhtred has grown since being a child himself in the first book of the series. It is a book that illustrates his character growth, and how times have worn him down.

As Uhtred recovers from wounds of the past, we see how he is coming to terms with not being a youth who can spring back from battles as quickly. As a man who everyone looks to as a warrior first and foremost, The Empty Throne grapples with the idea of identity, and how Uhtred is being forced to change, and use his cunning far more.

“You’re the son of a king,�� I told him, ‘and one day you might be a king yourself. Life and death will be your gifts, so learn how to give them, boy.��

This maintains the formulaic elements of a self-contained story with some wider arcs running through multiple instalments, which a new enemy to face. But, whilst those elements are the same, the way Bernard Cornwell executes them in this eight instalment makes the story feel fresh and unique all the same. I've now read twelve books of this series, and The Empty Throne ranks amongst the top three in my opinion. Very distinctive new characters, huge character growth, brilliant action sequences and the introduction of Uhtred's children as major players in the story. What's not to love?

5/5 STARS