Today I’m reviewing The Heathen Horde: (Alfred the Great Book 1) by Steven A. McKay.

I was lucky enough to be offered the chance to read the book in advance of it’s release so if you like what you read keep an eye out! The book is due for release 26^th October!

Here’s the blurb

Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

‘Immersive and visceral, I loved every word’ Christian Cameron

‘Another excellent historical adventure from Steven McKay. A captivating thrill ride’ Tim Hodkinson

Northumbria, AD 864. Viking warlord Ragnar Lothbrok is captured and killed in brutal fashion, an event that will shape the future of the nation for decades to come.

Mercia, AD 868. Alfred, son of Wessex and heir to the throne, draws his first blood on the battlefield. It will not be his last.

A devastating scourge from the north is coming to Britain, one that will bring armies and entire kingdoms to their knees. Travelling along the whale road in their feared longships, the Great Heathen Army move fast, striking with a savagery unmatched, in a seemingly unstoppable tide of blood and iron.

One inexperienced warrior will prove the difference, a young man who will lead from the front and, in time, aspire to become the saviour of the Saxons… Alfred the Great.

A totally enrapturing historical adventure following the life of one of Britain’s most important ever kings, perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow.

Review

The book starts off strong setting the tone with the death of Ragnar Lothbrok. The Norse are a violent threat for many reasons, their passion for vengeance one of them..they want to be seen as the strongest, the best out there.. their sheer savagery unprecedented and something Britain just can’t match!

We soon meet Alfred, heir to the throne.  I really enjoyed the early development of the main character. He’s not prepared for the role.. his life has never had a clear path.. as long as his brothers were around he was able to lead the life he wanted while they focused on learning what it takes to be King, but nothing lasts forever.

I loved seeing his motivations change as at first he’s a typical young man out for only two things.. booze and girls but with brewing tension and the constant threat of these invaders it’s time Alfred started playing his role.. and people aren’t too shy to tell him so.. and first things first is to strengthen the connections in Britain.. and the best way to do that is to find a bride.

It’s not easy at first for the man who’s never been tied down but there’s an almost instant connection and it kind of soothes his soul. I loved the connection, it felt real..Alfred is instantly comfortable with his bride to be.

If you think things are going to stay all nicey nicey then you are mistaken. The Great Heathen Army will soon be upon him and Britain.

Another thing I really loved about the development was Alfred’s religious beliefs. A lot of men will fight for the sake of fighting but it’s almost like Alfred fights at Gods command..it’s a constant battle for such a pious man to be involved in warfare but he grows quickly into the role.

McKay effortlessly imprints the brutality of the period within you. Not only depictions of war but real life, how little human life can mean to some.. and the horrors some may be put through. I particularly liked seeing the local population interactions. I can only imagine what the period was like but in my mind if I wasn’t a warrior, I felt like I would be like that tavern owner..I don’t want to die so I’ll just keep serving the ale and hope no one kills me..without leaders and warriors what else are they to do other than capitulate.

I know lots of historical fiction fans look for historical accuracy.. I’m no expert but I loved how much detail was added, even down to food eaten.. it was all there and made it so easy to implant myself into the story McKay had written.

Development wise the flow is perfect, and all that details is superbly mixed with plot.. one of my pet peeves is when detail is forced into a storyline.. if it doesn’t flow in naturally just don’t add it ha. McKay certainly knows how I like my books!

I think the best thing about the book was how it connects with the reader emotionally.. as you feed off Alfred. Elation, Pain, Guilt, Lust..I mean it’s a roller coaster with you right there next to Alfred!

As a reader familiar with the authors work you can imagine my joy when I heard a new book was on the way.. the difference being the author had a lot more leeway with his previous plots, the characters and their development. Even within defined parameters McKay shines and shows just how much of a master of his craft he is while losing none of his style and energy!

I’ve followed the authors work for some time now, he was a master from day one but honestly it’s great to see such an author continue to churn out superior novels and McKay seems to be going from strength to strength with his writing.

There’s more to come in the series but book 1 perfectly sets things up and entices the reader, leaving them wanting more!

An astounding 5* read!

Let me know what you think and you it sounds like your cup of tea why not pre-order a copy today?

My thanks go to Steven A. McKay and the publisher Canelo for the opportunity given to review in advance. My pre-order is in already too!! 😊