Bernard Cornwell

Bernard Cornwell is a prolific British author known for his historical novels, particularly the Sharpe series, which follows the adventures of a British soldier during the Napoleonic Wars. He has also written other popular series such as The Saxon Stories, which were adapted into the television series 'The Last Kingdom'.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Sharpe's Eagle

    This novel is set during the Peninsular War and follows the adventures of Richard Sharpe, a British soldier who rises through the ranks due to his bravery and skill in battle. After a personal challenge leads to the capture of a French standard, an eagle, Sharpe must navigate the complexities of military politics, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war. Alongside his loyal men, Sharpe embarks on a daring mission that tests his leadership and combat abilities, aiming to secure a decisive victory for the British army against the backdrop of Spain's rugged landscape. This story combines historical detail with action-packed sequences, showcasing the harshness of war and the valor of those who fight.

    The 4406th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Last Kingdom Series

    The Saxon Stories

    The series follows the life of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a dispossessed nobleman who is captured and raised by Danes in 9th-century England. Torn between his Saxon heritage and his Danish upbringing, Uhtred navigates a tumultuous world of shifting allegiances, brutal battles, and political intrigue. As he strives to reclaim his ancestral lands, he becomes entangled in the efforts of King Alfred the Great to unite the fractured kingdoms of England against the Viking invaders. Through Uhtred's eyes, the series vividly portrays the clash of cultures and the forging of a nation.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Last Kingdom

    The Saxon Stories

    Set in the tumultuous 9th century, the story follows Uhtred, a young Saxon nobleman who is captured and raised by Danish Vikings after they invade his homeland. As he grows up, Uhtred finds himself torn between his Saxon heritage and the Viking culture he has come to embrace. Amidst the backdrop of political intrigue and warfare, he struggles with his identity and loyalties, ultimately seeking to reclaim his ancestral lands. The narrative explores themes of honor, betrayal, and the clash of cultures during a pivotal period in English history.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Archer's Tale

    The Grail Quest

    Set against the backdrop of the Hundred Years' War, this historical novel follows the journey of a young English archer named Thomas of Hookton. After his village is brutally attacked and his father is murdered, Thomas embarks on a quest for vengeance and a mysterious relic believed to hold great power. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of medieval Europe, Thomas encounters battles, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, all while honing his skills as an archer. His path is fraught with danger, but his determination to uncover the truth about his family's past and fulfill his destiny drives him forward in this gripping tale of courage and adventure.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Agincourt

    Set against the backdrop of the legendary Battle of Agincourt in 1415, this historical novel follows the journey of Nicholas Hook, an English archer with a troubled past. As Hook navigates the tumultuous events leading up to the battle, he finds himself embroiled in the political and military tensions between England and France. The narrative vividly captures the brutal realities of medieval warfare, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the personal struggles of a man seeking redemption. Through Hook's eyes, readers experience the chaos and heroism of one of England's most celebrated military victories.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. The Winter King

    A Novel of Arthur

    Set in the tumultuous times of post-Roman Britain, this historical novel weaves a rich tapestry of legend and history through the eyes of Derfel Cadarn, a warrior and monk. The narrative follows the rise of a charismatic leader who seeks to unite the fractured kingdoms against Saxon invaders. Amidst political intrigue, betrayal, and the clash of cultures, the story delves into themes of loyalty, honor, and the struggle for power. With vivid characters and a gripping plot, it reimagines the legendary tales of a fabled king and his quest to forge a new era of peace and prosperity.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 7. Stonehenge

    A Novel of 2000 BC

    Set in the tumultuous Bronze Age, this historical novel weaves a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and the mystical allure of ancient rituals. It follows the lives of three brothers, each driven by their own desires and destinies, as they navigate the harsh realities of their time. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the construction of a monumental stone circle, a project that becomes a symbol of power and a catalyst for conflict. As the brothers' paths intertwine with those of rival tribes and enigmatic druids, the narrative explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for legacy in a world on the brink of transformation.

  8. 8. 1356

    Set against the backdrop of the Hundred Years' War, this historical novel follows the journey of Thomas of Hookton, a skilled archer, as he embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve a sacred relic believed to bring victory in battle. As Thomas navigates the treacherous landscape of medieval France, he encounters a host of formidable foes and allies, each with their own motives and secrets. The narrative crescendos with the climactic Battle of Poitiers, where Thomas must confront his past and harness his courage to survive the chaos of war and fulfill his destiny. Rich in historical detail and vivid battle scenes, the story explores themes of honor, faith, and the relentless pursuit of power.

  9. 9. Heretic

    The Grail Quest

    Set during the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years' War, this historical novel follows the journey of Thomas of Hookton, a skilled archer and illegitimate son of a priest, as he embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the secrets of his family's past. Amidst the chaos of war-torn France, Thomas grapples with the challenges of loyalty, faith, and love while seeking a legendary relic that could alter the course of history. As battles rage and alliances shift, Thomas must navigate a world rife with danger and deception, where the line between heresy and truth is as blurred as the smoke on the battlefield.

  10. 10. Vagabond

    Set in the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years' War, the story follows Thomas of Hookton, a skilled archer who embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the secrets of his family's past and the legendary Holy Grail. As he navigates the treacherous landscapes of medieval Europe, Thomas encounters fierce battles, political intrigue, and unexpected alliances. Driven by a thirst for vengeance and a desire to reclaim his family's honor, he must confront formidable enemies and grapple with his own inner demons, all while the shadow of war looms large over his journey.

  11. 11. Excalibur

    A Novel of Arthur

    Set in the tumultuous era of post-Roman Britain, the story follows the legendary warrior Derfel Cadarn as he navigates the political and military upheavals surrounding the quest for unity under the iconic Arthur. As the Saxons threaten to overrun the land, Derfel, a loyal companion to Arthur, finds himself embroiled in battles, betrayals, and the mystical allure of the famed sword, Excalibur. Amidst the chaos, themes of loyalty, honor, and the struggle for a peaceful future are explored, painting a vivid picture of a land caught between myth and history.

  12. 12. Enemy Of God

    A Novel of Arthur

    Set in the tumultuous era of post-Roman Britain, this gripping tale follows the legendary warrior Derfel Cadarn as he recounts the struggles of King Arthur to unite the fractured lands against invading Saxons and internal treachery. Amidst the backdrop of political intrigue and religious conflict, Derfel navigates the complexities of loyalty, love, and betrayal, while Arthur's vision of a peaceful and unified Britain is threatened by the rise of Christianity and the ambitions of rival kings. The narrative weaves together historical events and mythic elements, painting a vivid picture of a world on the brink of transformation.

  13. 13. Sharpe's Tiger

    Set against the backdrop of the Siege of Seringapatam in 1799, the story follows a young British soldier, Richard Sharpe, as he navigates the treacherous landscape of colonial India. Tasked with a dangerous mission to infiltrate the enemy's stronghold, Sharpe must rely on his cunning and bravery to survive amidst the chaos of war. As he encounters betrayal, fierce battles, and unexpected alliances, Sharpe's journey is one of personal growth and resilience, ultimately shaping him into the legendary figure he is destined to become.

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  14. 14. Sharpe's Waterloo

    Richard Sharpe and the Waterloo Campaign, 15 June to 18 June 1815

    Set against the backdrop of the historic Battle of Waterloo, this gripping tale follows the indomitable Richard Sharpe as he navigates the chaos and carnage of one of the most pivotal conflicts in European history. As Napoleon Bonaparte's forces clash with the Duke of Wellington's army, Sharpe finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue, betrayal, and valor. With his characteristic cunning and bravery, he must confront both personal and military challenges, striving to emerge victorious in a battle that will determine the fate of nations. The narrative vividly captures the intensity of warfare and the indelible spirit of a soldier driven by duty and honor.

  15. 15. Copperhead

    The Starbuck Chronicles: Book Two

    Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, this gripping historical novel follows the journey of Nathaniel Starbuck, a young man from the North who finds himself fighting for the Confederate cause. As he navigates the complexities of loyalty, honor, and survival, Nathaniel grapples with his own beliefs and the harsh realities of war. The story delves into themes of identity and transformation, as Nathaniel's allegiances are tested amidst the chaos and brutality of battle, ultimately leading him to question where his true loyalties lie.

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  16. 16. Sharpe's Assassin

    Set against the backdrop of post-Waterloo Europe, this gripping historical novel follows the indomitable Richard Sharpe as he is tasked with a perilous mission in the heart of Paris. With the war seemingly over, Sharpe is drawn into a web of intrigue and danger as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of a city teetering on the brink of chaos. As he delves deeper into his assignment, Sharpe must confront old enemies and forge new alliances, all while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens to reignite the flames of war. The story is a thrilling blend of action, espionage, and historical detail, capturing the tumultuous period with vivid authenticity.

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  17. 17. The Pale Horseman

    Set in ninth-century England as Viking invasions threaten Wessex, a young warrior torn between his Saxon birth and Danish upbringing is disgraced, turns to raiding, and rescues a mystic queen whose counsel draws him back to a fugitive king in the marshes. Amid treachery, religious tension, and bitter rivalries, he helps rebuild a shattered force and marches toward a decisive battle where shieldwalls, strategy, and hard choices determine the survival of a kingdom.

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  18. 18. Death Of Kings

    Set in turbulent ninth-century England, the story follows Uhtred, a warrior torn between his Saxon birth and Danish upbringing, as he becomes embroiled in bloody battles, shifting alliances and courtly treachery that threaten the fragile unity of the kingdom. Tasked with protecting the realm and a vulnerable heir, he must navigate rival claimants, ruthless Vikings and changing loyalties while pursuing his own quest for honor and the ancestral stronghold he has lost. The novel mixes brutal combat with political intrigue, examining duty, identity and the high cost of power in a land on the brink of change.