Book 9 first time reader

What a first chapter, finally got some of Finan's backstory. I had read bits of it here and there and I know there's more to come too, but it was one of my favorite things in this book. The confrontation against his brother only confirmed that King Finan is a beast. Nice to see how Uhtred approached it all too, giving Finan the space to talk as much as he felt like sharing and letting him have his revenge his way. They have a similar story in many ways.

"I looked at Finan. - How old are we?

-. Old, lord. - There was blood on his face. Blood was dripping from his gray beard.

-. Are you hurt? - I asked, and he shook his head. He still wore his brother's helmet, with the gold diadem crushed by a sword blow. - Are you going home?

• Home? - Finan seemed surprised by my question.

-. To Ireland. - I looked at the diadem. - King Finan.

He smiled.

-. I am home, lord.

-. And your brother?

Finan shrugged.

-. He will forever live with the shame of this day. He is finished. Besides — he made the sign of the cross — one should not kill one's own brother."

Someone posted recently about Heasten's death. I was honestly expecting a redemption arc, but those are not so easy to come by in the books. I still really enjoyed the character, everytime he reappeared it was a good laugh.

I had honestly kinda forgot about Brida... so I was actually surprised when she reappeared. The series really overdid her character, I was so sick of her by season 5. The books were more logical, she was an extremist, crazy with rage and made the awful mistake of messing with Uhtred's kin. I preferred her death in the books too: no forgiveness, no drama.

I did find a little plot hole I think. When they were entering Eoferwic to present Stiorra to Ragnall's men, Finan was upfront with her. Uhtred and Sigtrygrr hid behind other men so they weren't recognized. Uhtred even gets anxious when Brida arrives, thinking that she would recognize him... but she had met Finan before, they lived together in Dunholm for a while even, it's not possible that she would forget Uhtred's right hand even if years had passed.

Finallt, Uhtred sailing to Ireland after Aethelflaed told him not to was the most Uhtred thing to do, loved that.