Today is my stop on the blog tour for Men of Iron by the awesome MJ Porter!

Here’s the blurb

After the legends of Arthur, yet before the Saxon kingdom of Mercia, a tribal age of iron and rust ruled.

Britain AD540.

In the western hinterland of Roman Britannia, Meddi, the seeress of the Eorlingas tribe, can only obtain vengeance when her husband’s dead and her ancestral villa returned to her.

With her brother, Madog, as leader, they unite and stand strong against those who seek the riches of their villa. They must harness the power of the lost magiks of iron to make weapons to mercilessly oppose those who seek to challenge and fight to rule.

Meanwhile in the east, Waermund, a young warrior of Saxon descent, has exacted the ultimate revenge against his brother. Startled by his own ruthlessness, he knows his father will pursue him to exact retribution. He and his band of miscreant warriors must flee westwards and forge a new future by earning coin from those too weak to protect themselves.

Meddi and Wærmund are set to collide in a world of iron and rust.

Review

I’m a little biased these days as I’m a massive fan of the author so you can imagine my excitement at the idea of a brand new series! 

Men of Iron is book 1 in the Dark Age Chronicles and perfectly shows the reader why MJ Porter is one of the best historical writers out there. MJ knows how to weave a tale. MJ picks history apart and seems to effortlessly know where a story can be found.

I know it won’t be as easy as that.. but MJ Porter makes it seem so simple and that in itself tells you how good the story is. 

The main story focuses on a number of tribes and individuals as they face their own challenges of survival… each want what they believe is rightly there’s… if they manage to succeed can they keep a hold of it?

MJ Porter doesn’t do things small… the pace is spot on but you are introduced and thrown in the deep end with alot of information but i really loved how the pace suited the influx of characters and development, you had time take the key information and with the focus switching between tribes as the story unfolds it just helped me focus.

Men Of Iron isnt a tale to be rushed, its rich in detail and action and i love the authors talent at adapting to any style or era. 

Theres plenty for the action fans to get to grips with but at the same time the plot takes priority over all and i feel it worked well, this one is more about the chracters than action. Loved it.

My favourites in this tale were Heafoc and Bucge, they had a dark wit about them which i just loved.

MJ Porter for me is unique and as such each offering never fails to hit the mark. 5* start of me.. plenty to love and plenty of promise for the next in the series. 

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour… no freebies for me.. check my socials and you’ll see i purchased a signed copy direct from MJ Porter… I’d be mad not too ha.

Interested? Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/menofiron

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio – 

MJ Porter is the author of over fifty fiction titles set in Saxon England and the era before the tumultuous events of 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building and told from a young age that it housed the long-dead bones of Saxon kings, it’s little wonder that the study of the era was undertaken at both undergraduate and graduate levels. 

MJ Porter has written a collection of interconnected fiction series focusing on the Saxon kingdom of Mercia and books set in the newly formed ‘England.’ 

MJ Porter is published by Boldwood Books for The Dark Ages Series, The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles and The Brunanburh Series.

MJ Porter has also written three 20th-century mysteries and historical fantasy. 

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @MJPorterauthor

Twitter: @coloursofunison

Instagram: @m_j_porter

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MJPorterNews

Bookbub profile: @coloursofunison

Today is publication day for Woden’s Spear by Donovan Cook! What better way to celebrate than for me to kick off the blog tour!!!!

Here’s the blurb.

Banished by those he loved; how far would he go for redemption?

449AD Old Saxony

Octa, the son of a mighty Saxon warlord, stands in the shield wall for the first time, eager to make a name for himself. But instead of the promised battle glory, fear overpowers him and he flees the battle, causing the death of his cousin and bringing shame to his family.

Disowned by his father, and hunted by his own people, Octa is spurred on by his mother’s vision for his future, a promise of greatness to come.

A chance encounter with a wiry traveller offers Octa a chance of redemption with a quest to retrieve a sacred weapon. To do this, Octa must travel to Britannia, a nation abandoned by the Roman Empire and unable to defend itself from its many enemies who smell weakness and riches.

Joining the famous warlords, Hengist and Horsa, Octa travels west to forge his future and redeem his past. He must succeed where others have failed. He must find the lost spear of Woden.

An epic adventure of turmoil, coming of age and survival set against a time when Britannia was on its knees and fighting for its very existence.
Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy.

Review

Octa is young and untested in war. He’s got a bit of swagger about him, especially when he’s given the chance to shine in the shield wall.

Fate has other things in store for Octa and after the death of his cousin, bringing shame on himself and his family he fleas to safety.

As Octa tries to escape his past an old man appears and offers a chance to redeem himself. Woden’s Spear was stolen, and the God wants it back… Could Octa be the one to help?

By chance Octa finds his way to Britannia where the spear is located but Octa doesn’t exactly know where to find it.. but he must if he’s to win back the favour of his family.

Along the way Octa is tested.. he truly believes he’s a coward, self-deprecating..but as the story progresses you see him slowly change as he meets new people along the way, see’s other perspectives.. was it really his fault what happened? Or was he pushed too soon?

We also learn that nothing happens by chance.. Octa was meant to be sent on this journey.. the Gods can be cruel and the decisions he makes could have major consequences… but the chance to get his hands on the spear is too hard not to take!

Historical Fiction is my bread and butter.. I love the genre and Woden’s Spear is a great addition… but it’s so much more than that…Dovovan Cook gives an extra dimension.. it’s the fantasy edge.

A lot of books touch on religions at the time and the turmoil caused but I loved that the author explored this in a different way and came up with a fascinating tale that included the will of the Gods… like the Gods were real and pulling the strings of men they use as puppets…

There’s still some great action scenes but I found myself really enjoying the adventure and didn’t miss the blood and gore.

I loved the character development arc of Octa too.. he grows throughout the tale but only with the help others.. and it’s those characters that really make things interesting. Badulf, Brigid and for me especially Reinald who I thought was the one who finally got through to Octa and made he see things in a different light.

Towards the end we also see development of Octa’s family which I loved, Octa’s father for example is a proud warrior.. when pushed too far what will he do for his family?

I was invested already but when I got about 65% through I was devastated to even need a toilet break as things were starting to get really juicy and it was one of those reads when you really don’t know what will happen next!

A super fun and exhilarating read 5*

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/WodensSpear

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series and the Charlemagne’s Cross series, both of which combine fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world and are inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. 

Donovan was born in South Africa but raised in England, where his fascination with Medieval History, especially the Vikings and Norse Mythology, took root. In his free time, Donovan loves to read, watch rugby, and go for walks with his wife and their French Bulldog, Joey.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter: @DonovanCook20

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Pendragon by Peter Gibbons!

Here’s the blurb

To save his people, a warrior must become more than a kin

Dark Age Britain crumbles.
Cruel Kings of Britain sit alone atop their hilltop fortresses as brutal Saxon invaders push ever forwards, greedy for plunder and weakened British kingdoms to conquer.

Blood feuds, jealousy, and pride keeps these Kingdoms isolated. Only the Pendragon, Uther, the high King of kings, has the power to unite the armies of Britain against their common enemy. But Uther Pendragon refuses to march to war as the Saxon hordes under the bloodthirsty leadership of Lord Octha grow ever stronger, quashing all that stands in his way.

Arthur leads a solitary warband, searching wild and lawless badlands bringing the fight to the savage Saxon warlords. As war brews, Merlin stirs up legends of Arthur, Excalibur, and the old gods, kindling a spark of hope in men’s hearts to unite and fight back.

As Saxon armies mass for war and destruction, Arthur must embrace the legend.
Can he bring the Pendragon to war, and march with the force of Britain to crush the Saxon invaders?
It will take all of Merlin’s power, Arthur’s iron will, and the strength of Excalibur to win this epic battle for the future of Britain.

The continuation of the compelling, fast-paced series from bestselling writer Peter Gibbons. Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell.

Review

Pendragon is the second book in the The Chronicles of Arthur series by Peter Gibbons I stumbled happily upon the author about 2 years ago with the release of his Saxon Warrior series and I’ve been hooked on the authors works ever since.

The first book in the series nicely laid the foundations. Leaving the reader with almost a sense of dread in the pit of your stomach as you know things were starting to heat up.

I was keen to see how the author would build on the story and how he would find time to develop the characters in such a plot driven tale.

Saxon invaders are pushing through Britian laying waste to everything Arthur holds dear. Uther Pendragon has the might to bring down upon the invaders but sits by as war wages on.

Merlin…ah Merlin.. he’s a clever one and Gibbons expertly shows how he is able to manipulate not only the people around him but also Arthur. Merlin knows what he wants to happen and weaves the tales around Excalibur to excite Arthur, breathing hope into a world where it’s almost been lost.

Merlin is great manipulator, that’s his real power, and as the story unfolds you can see just how much the people of Britain need him. Don’t get me wrong Arthur is brilliant but without Merlin would the fight have been taken to the Saxons….They need each other and their skills complement each other.

In what I’ve come to expect and love from the author the story is fast paced but Gibbons effortlessly seems to be able to add the character development I need to truthly become invested in a series along with adding beautiful details throughout allowing you to envisage the time, location, the people. I really don’t understand how the author manages to weave such a well-rounded tale bringing all the different needs together, adding in his magic sparkle into such a heaving plot driven tale it’s a real talent to actually make the characters themselves come alive.. especially the likes of Arthur, Merlin and Uther.. I think most people will know of these characters, myths.. legends.. there’s a wealth of tales that have been told so credit to the author to not only make a story that feels fresh and new but at the same time comfortable.. it’s like Gibbons has masterfully brought together all the little traits and details of these characters throughout the years and has skilfully added his own impressions to make these individuals really come to life.

I’m not going to spoil the action aspects of the story but for fans of the genre it’s got everything you need… battle with plenty of blood to be spilt.. it’s a boiling pot of tension and exhaustion.

The plot is fascinating and captivating but balanced perfectly with the character ark, things naturally progress rather than being forced along, neither overshadows rather so they support each other.

Overall what always impresses me with Peter Gibbons is within a well-established genre he keeps offering something new that demands your every ounce of being from the first page.

5*

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/Pendragon

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Peter Gibbons is a financial advisor and author of the highly acclaimed Viking Blood and Blade trilogy. He originates from Liverpool and now lives with his family in County Kildare.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @PeterGibbonsAuthor

Twitter: @AuthorGibbons

Instagram: @PeterMGibbons

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/PeterGibbonsNews

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Valhalla’s Fury, (The Charlemagne’s Cross Series, Book 4) by Donovan Cook!

Here’s the blurb

Abandoned by his people and destined for Valhalla, do not stand in the way of his fury.

Ribe is lost, its hall burnt, and Charles is still missing. Sven must once more sail into dangerous waters to rescue his grandson.

King Louis of East Francia, the man who took Sven’s son from him almost twenty years ago, has Charles captive and uses him to force Sven to do his bidding and create chaos raiding his brothers Kingdom of West Frankia.

The long awaited meeting of Charles and his mother, Abbess Hildegard, is not what Charles dreamed it would be and soon it becomes clear that Charles is in even more danger. Torn between the heathen gods and his Christian god, Charles must decide where his future lies.

Sven must fight if he wants to see Charles again and keep the Cross of Charlemagne out of the hands of the Frankish kings. The only thing that Sven knows is that to save Charles, innocent people must die.

Review

I’ve been with this series since the beginning and was so looking forward to more adventures with Sven the Boar!

After events in the last book Sven’s home, Ribe, Is lost and his grandson missing. There’s nothing left for Sven to do than to set out to find Charles and get him to safety. He failed him once before and he has no plans to let him down again.

Sven and those loyal to him set out to meet with King Louis.. there’s not really a game plan here..he will do anything to see his grandchild safe.

King Louis has the upper hand from the start, the location of the meeting is very poignant and sets the tone for the tale.. history and the present are about to clash one final time..

Forced to submit Sven sets out to secure Charles safety by causing chaos around West Frankia.. the fighting is brutal and you can really see it take it’s toll on Sven who while under the bloodlust fights like the boar he is.. but he’s no love for it.. he’s fighting for Charles..

At the same time Charles has to grow himself, to learn how to stand up for himself, he’s still young but he’s forced to battle his demons, the deal with death and destruction that has surrounded him these past few years.

What I really enjoyed was the depth and growth of Charles and Sven, both battle the same issues, separated by faith in different gods each struggle to reconcile the death and destruction.. and who is actually watching over them. It’s a connection the two never really understand they have and the inner turmoil these two suffer is beautifully awful for the reader.

The fight scenes are superbly detailed but more than anything moving.. reading those scenes really evoked something within the reader… it’s harrowing but gives you chills with the excitement too!

I’m not going to spoil anything but the author really had me on the edge throughout this one. You never know what’s to come and you fear for the characters.

Development wise I loved the emotion added subtly.. the details bout the families following the men to war.. even the planning of events such as the sacking of farms etc.. every event had an undercurrent of emotion behind it.

Sven always hoped he would do something worthy enough to have ballads written about him.. Valhalla’s’ Fury is Sven’s ballad and I’m glad I took the time to listen to and enjoy the tale.

For fans of the series this won’t disappoint. I think you could pick this up now and understand the story as the author nicely adds detail when needed to give the reader the background but personally I’d say start at the beginning to really enjoy and understand the mighty SVEN!!

This is Sven’s tale of glory and redemption and it’s a ballad worthy 5*

My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour, I’ve been a fan of the author for a while so I was already grabbing a copy anyway, so what better way to share my thought then during the blog tour!

Want to grab a copy?

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/ValhallasFury

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology.  He was born in South Africa and currently lives in Lancashire, UK.

Social Media Links –   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donovan-cook