Order of Bernard Cornwell Books
Historical Fiction
Military Fiction
Adventure
Bernard Cornwell is a British author of historical novels best known for his Sharpe series (featuring Richard Sharpe during the Napoleonic Wars) and The Last Kingdom series (about the birth of England). Born in London in 1944, Cornwell has sold over 30 million copies of his books worldwide. The Sharpe series was adapted into a popular ITV television series starring Sean Bean, while The Last Kingdom became a hit BBC/Netflix series. Cornwell's meticulous historical research and gripping battle sequences have made him one of the most successful historical fiction authors. His books combine authentic historical detail with compelling storytelling and memorable characters.
36 books•2 series
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Sharpe
23 books
The Sharpe series follows Richard Sharpe, a British soldier who rises from the ranks during the Napoleonic Wars. Starting as a private and eventually becoming a lieutenant colonel, Sharpe fights across India, Portugal, Spain, and France. Known for his courage, cunning, and skill with a rifle, Sharpe navigates military politics, romance, and countless battles. The series was adapted into a popular TV series starring Sean Bean and has 24+ books spanning from 1799 to 1820s.
Main Characters
Reading Order
1
Sharpe's Eagle
1981
#8 in series
2
Sharpe's Gold
1981
#9 in series
3
Sharpe's Company
1982
#13 in series
4
Sharpe's Sword
1983
#15 in series
5
Sharpe's Enemy
1984
#16 in series
6
Sharpe's Honour
1985
#17 in series
7
Sharpe's Regiment
1986
#18 in series
8
Sharpe's Siege
1987
#19 in series
9
Sharpe's Rifles
1988
#6 in series
10
Sharpe's Revenge
1989
#20 in series
11
Sharpe's Waterloo
1990
#21 in series
12
Sharpe's Devil
1992
#23 in series
13
Sharpe's Battle
1995
#12 in series
14
Sharpe's Tiger
1997
#1 in series
15
Sharpe's Triumph
1998
#2 in series
16
Sharpe's Fortress
1999
#3 in series
17
Sharpe's Trafalgar
2000
#4 in series
18
Sharpe's Prey
2001
#5 in series
19
Sharpe's Havoc
2003
#7 in series
20
Sharpe's Escape
2004
#10 in series
21
Sharpe's Fury
2006
#11 in series
22
Sharpe's Assassin
2021
#22 in series
23
Sharpe's Command
2022
#14 in series
The Last Kingdom
13 books
The Last Kingdom series (also known as The Saxon Stories) chronicles the birth of England through the eyes of Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Born a Saxon nobleman but raised by Vikings, Uhtred is torn between two cultures as he fights alongside King Alfred the Great to unite the kingdoms against Viking invaders. The series spans decades of warfare, political intrigue, and Uhtred's quest to reclaim his ancestral fortress. Adapted into a hit BBC/Netflix series.
Main Characters
Reading Order
1
The Last Kingdom
2004
#1 in series
2
The Pale Horseman
2005
#2 in series
3
The Lords of the North
2006
#3 in series
4
Sword Song
2007
#4 in series
5
The Burning Land
2009
#5 in series
6
Death of Kings
2011
#6 in series
7
The Pagan Lord
2013
#7 in series
8
The Empty Throne
2014
#8 in series
9
Warriors of the Storm
2015
#9 in series
10
The Flame Bearer
2016
#10 in series
11
War of the Wolf
2018
#11 in series
12
Sword of Kings
2019
#12 in series
13
War Lord
2020
#13 in series
Books in Publication Order
34
Books in Chronological Order
This is the recommended reading order based on the story timeline.
26