Best Bernard Cornwell Books Ranked 2024: Top 9 Reviews

Looking for the best of Bernard Cornwell? We have picked the top 9 books that you shouldn't miss!
The Last Kingdom coverHarlequin cover

Choosing the 9 best Bernard Cornwell books was like picking the best slice of pizza – tough, but someone’s gotta do it! We focused on gripping plots, memorable characters, and the sheer awesomeness that makes Bernard Cornwell a master storyteller. From epic battles to personal sagas, these books offer a little something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff or just love a good yarn, this list has you covered.

On this list:

9 The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell

The Last Kingdom cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2004
  • Pages: 368

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

A great start to the Saxon Stories series. It has Vikings, battles, and lots of betrayals. Super fun and hard to put down.

8 Harlequin by Bernard Cornwell

Harlequin cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2000
  • Pages: 384

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

The first book in the Grail Quest series. Medieval England at its finest, with archery and knights. The history is rich and the pace is quick.

7 Sharpe’s Eagle by Bernard Cornwell

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1981
  • Pages: 320

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Sharpe series book 8. It’s action-packed with battles from the Napoleonic Wars. Sharpe is a real bad-ass who doesn’t take no for an answer.

6 The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell

The Winter King cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1995
  • Pages: 448

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Dive into the Arthurian Legend but with a gritty twist. It’s part of The Warlord Chronicles. Full of mysticism and warriors.

5 1356 by Bernard Cornwell

1356 cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2012
  • Pages: 400

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Set during the Hundred Years War. It’s standalone so you don’t need background. Bernard’s storytelling at its finest.

4 Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell

Stonehenge cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1999
  • Pages: 448

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Ancient history with a mythical twist. It’s a fascinating take on how Stonehenge might have been built. Very imaginative and detailed.

3 Azincourt by Bernard Cornwell

Azincourt cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2008
  • Pages: 464

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

A gripping retelling of the Battle of Agincourt. It’s like being in the front row of history. Vivid and gripping.

2 Fools and Mortals by Bernard Cornwell

Fools and Mortals cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 384

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Shakespeare’s London in all its glory. It’s a bit different from his usual, but it’s a page-turner with a lot of character.

1 Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell

Sword Song cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2007
  • Pages: 352

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

The best of the Saxon Stories series. Uhtred’s character is the most developed here. The battles and politics are super intense. This book shows Cornwell’s best storytelling power.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!