The Empty Throne

A Novel

By: Bernard Cornwell

Narrated by: Matt Bates

Britain, early 10th 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 Athelflaed, sister to King Edward of Wessex and widow of Aethelred. Widely loved and respected, Athelflaed 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. 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 best-selling author Bernard Cornwell is "the most prolific and successful historical novelist in the world today" (Wall Street Journal).

Performed by Matt Bates

©2015 Bernard Cornwell (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers

Awesome book! One of his best books.

Awesome book! One of his best books. Story and performance were very good. Don't miss it.

A fabulous author

I found the ancient medical treatments to be very interesting the book was this wonderful as all the ones in the story prior to this one I have loved all of Bernard Cornwell historical novels and look forward to the next one

Excellent Story, Fantastic Performance

Would you consider the audio edition of The Empty Throne to be better than the print version?

No - but it brings a different experience to it, I loved both.

Which character – as performed by Matt Bates – was your favorite?

Uhtred! Matt Bates does a great Uhtred - almost as good as Richard Armitage. ;-)

A great addition to one of my most favorite series

I loved this book. The focus widening to include the children to the evolving story line was a great move. The repetitious mentioning of the pain, smell, similar to the battle rage and shield wall are now the traits of this story I've come to appreciate. This edition is among the best of this series.

Great book!

Love this series, haven't read them in order, but I plan to start over, in order!

Such a great book such a great Author

And the story continues. The Man, the Myth, the Legend. Where will he End :)

Worth it

Another well-written story and well narrated. The plot was engaging and kept me interested. I look forward to more.

Life is better with our Lord Utred

I usually don’t read books twice. But this is my second reading of the Saxon Chronicles. And it’s just as good as the first. I even discover that I am discovered more details I missed in the first reading. That being said this book surprised me. I don’t to reveal any spoilers. But I will say that Matt Bates’s narration has been a fantastic narrator and he has brought new life to all the characters. My mind envisions my own visual takes on all the scenes.
My favorite thing about Cornwell’s Utred books is his ability to surprise me. Especially the later parts of this one. No spoilers but … it’s not all bloody battles. Great characters doing great things and I love them all. 5 stars all around for this one.

excellent storyline

excellent storyline continuation of the series and I would recommend this installment of the series.

Uhtred ages gracefully

Uhtred of Bebbanburg continues his epic life as he introduces coming generations to wisdom and power. Wounded, unable to fight in shield walls, he leads, guides and connives in continuing service to his higher vision. Action packed narrative introduces a new cast of characters in ongoing conflicts internal and external to proto-Engeland. Again this year I can't wait for the sequel.