Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
War of the Wolf summary
Brief summary
War of the Wolf by Bernard Cornwell is a gripping historical fiction novel set in the 10th century. It follows the warrior Uhtred of Bebbanburg as he faces new enemies and navigates the ever-changing political landscape of Saxon England.
Topics
Table of Contents
War of the Wolf
Summary of key ideas
War and Strategy
In War of the Wolf by Bernard Cornwell, we are reintroduced to Uhtred, a Saxon warrior who has become embroiled in the ongoing struggle for power and control in England. The novel takes place in the 10th century, a time of great unrest and conflict between the Saxons and the Danes. Uhtred, who has been fighting for the Saxons, finds himself in a precarious position, as he is distrusted by the Saxons for his Danish roots, and by the Danes for his Saxon loyalties.
Uhtred is a master strategist, and he must use all his cunning to navigate the treacherous political landscape. His primary goal is to reclaim his ancestral fortress of Bebbanburg, which was stolen from him by his treacherous uncle. However, this task is complicated by the constant warring between the Saxons and Danes, and the shifting allegiances of the various factions.
Personal and Political Struggles
As Uhtred works towards his goal, he is also embroiled in various personal and political struggles. He has to deal with the ambitions of his children and the consequences of his own actions on their lives. Additionally, he must navigate the complex relationships he has with the various rulers and warriors he encounters. Uhtred is a man of honor, but he is also ruthless when it comes to achieving his objectives.
Uhtred's personal life is further complicated by his relationships with women. He is torn between his loyalty to Gisela, his late wife, and his attraction to other women. This internal conflict adds depth to his character and reflects the complexities of his life as a warrior and a ruler.
The Battle for Bebbanburg
Despite the personal and political obstacles, Uhtred remains focused on his ultimate goal of reclaiming Bebbanburg. He carefully orchestrates a plan to take back the fortress, using his strategic brilliance and the alliances he has built over the years. The battle for Bebbanburg is fierce and bloody, but Uhtred's determination and military prowess ultimately lead to his victory.
However, the victory comes at a great cost. Uhtred suffers the loss of loved ones, and his relationships with his surviving family members are strained. The toll of war and the sacrifices Uhtred has made throughout his life weigh heavily on him, and he begins to question the true worth of his accomplishments.
Legacy and Future
In the closing chapters of War of the Wolf, Uhtred reflects on his legacy and the future of England. He realizes that his life has been defined by war and conflict, and he wonders if he has truly made a lasting impact on the world. Despite his doubts, Uhtred remains committed to his vision of a united England, free from the constant strife between the Saxons and the Danes.
In conclusion, War of the Wolf is a gripping tale of war, strategy, and personal struggle. Bernard Cornwell skillfully weaves historical detail and vivid characters into an epic narrative that immerses the reader in the brutal and unforgiving world of 10th-century England. Uhtred's journey is far from over, and we are left eager to see how his story will continue in the next installment of the series.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is War of the Wolf about?
War of the Wolf is a historical fiction novel by Bernard Cornwell. Set in 10th century England, it follows the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a warrior torn between his Saxon heritage and Viking upbringing. As he navigates the treacherous political landscape, Uhtred must choose between loyalty to his bloodline or the future of a united England. Filled with epic battles and political intrigue, this book offers a gripping portrayal of a tumultuous time in history.
War of the Wolf Review
War of the Wolf (2018) is a gripping historical novel that follows the tale of a fierce warrior navigating political intrigue and battles. Here's why this book stands out:
- Featuring intense combat scenes and intricate plot twists, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout the story.
- With its richly developed characters and detailed historical setting, the book immerses readers in the world of ancient warfare.
- The tension and suspense woven into the narrative ensure that the book is anything but predictable, making it a thrilling and captivating read.
Who should read War of the Wolf?
History enthusiasts who enjoy immersive and well-researched historical fiction
Fans of epic tales set in the medieval period, with battles, political intrigue, and complex characters
Readers who appreciate a strong and compelling protagonist, in this case, Uhtred of Bebbanburg
Categories with War of the Wolf
Book summaries like War of the Wolf
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
War of the Wolf FAQs
What is the main message of War of the Wolf?
The main message of War of the Wolf revolves around loyalty, power struggles, and the pursuit of one's destiny.
How long does it take to read War of the Wolf?
Reading War of the Wolf typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is War of the Wolf a good book? Is it worth reading?
War of the Wolf is worth reading for its gripping storytelling and exploration of complex characters. A must for historical fiction fans.
Who is the author of War of the Wolf?
The author of War of the Wolf is Bernard Cornwell.
What to read after War of the Wolf?
If you're wondering what to read next after War of the Wolf, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher Hitchens
- In Pursuit of the Unknown by Ian Stewart
- The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- ISIS by Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan
- Bloodlands by Timothy Snyder
- Gutenberg the Geek by Jeff Jarvis
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer
- Genome by Matt Ridley