It's somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me.
Obviously, I've read 7 books in the series now, I'm in it for the long haul but I was really desperate for some character development for good ol' Uhtred. The opening chapters didn't give me much hope, with his conflict with his first-born son but, by the end of the book, there was a glimmer that an old dog might indeed learn a new trick.
I enjoyed the battle scenes, of course, Bernard Cornwell knows his craft. A few times I had to squint to get my orientation right. I also found it a tiny bit farfetched that Uhtred would once again find himself leading, and directing, the nation's fate even though he is unwelcome in the land but it was entertaining nonetheless.
This book did a good job of setting up, what I hope will be, a book with some character development especially given our MC is getting long in the tooth. Looking forward to book 8.