Category Archives: Historical Fiction

BLOG TOUR – The Eagle Will Rise – The Sundered Kingdom Book 1

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Today we kick off the blog tour for The Eagle Will Rise – The Sundered Kingdom Book 1 by MJ Porter!

Here’s the blurb

The king is dead; for Mercia to survive, another must take his place.

Coelwulf, Mercia’s last king, is dead. His legacy and right to rule Western Mercia have been claimed by Alfred of Wessex, but all know Alfred was never to have Mercia. Neither were the Viking raiders, who now command the eastern-most parts of Mercia and the former kingdom of the East Angles.

Icel, the bastion of Mercia’s wars against Wessex and the Viking raiders, lies dying, but he refuses to abandon his beloved kingdom to her long-standing enemies.

Rudolf, the once-young ally of King Coelwulf the second, is summoned by Icel to attend upon him. Grudgingly, he arrives at Budworth, the task laid before him, audacious to say the least; rescue Coelwulf’s acknowledged heir, Æthelred, from Wessex, where he’s held prisoner by King Alfred. To do so, Rudolf must prevail upon the dispersed oath-sworn warrior band of King Coelwulf, and all of them, aside from him, have ignored Icel’s increasingly furious demands to attend upon him. If they won’t obey Icel, then why should they listen to Rudolf?

The fate of Mercia’s survival rests in the hands of a man who should long have been in his grave, and Rudolf, a boy who’s become a man in the most trying of circumstances. They must forge Æthelred into the emblem of Mercian survival. Or die trying. But first they must rescue Æthelred from someone who has always pretended to be Mercia’s ally, and who is anything but.

Review

So we are back with Icel.. Lord of Budwoth… hang on a minute.. bear with me ha..I’m already so happy. Fans of the author will know the name well, those new to the author will soon be sucked in!

We see events through the eyes of Rudolf, loyal to King Coelwulf even in death. Coelwulf might be dead but Mercia lives..

It’s time to right the wrongs of the past, the time for grieving is over..it’s been many years but it’s time to stand up to the Vikings invaders and to teach Alfred, King of Wessex a lesson he will never forget.

Summoned to Icel’s side Rudolf quickly learns while Icel may be old and a little infirm his passion is anything but diminished. Icel is not alone either, Lady Cynewise is there.. they share a dream and they need Rudolf to see it come to fruition.

The dream.. to see a new King of Mercia crowned.. Æthelred..

The issue is he’s under the “protection” of Alfred..

It’s time once again to don armour..they must see young Æthelred crowned King. There comes the next issue.. how can they get to him in the first place.. there’s only 3 of them and Icel is in now condition to fight.

It’s time to gather those loyal to Merica, those who gave everything and more already..those who have suffered more wounds than I can to recall..

What plays out now is a wonderful tale, finding old friends, dealing with the passing of time.. not everyone will be able or willing to join this new adventure but it’s up to them to rally all to their side and to come up with a plan to see Æthelred free.

The plot is quite clever and perfectly paced, there’s so much time given to finding old comrades, setting the scene, building those foundations, but that just adds to the excitement building.. you feel the buzz, as does Icel, as more men join the fray.

Is it enough though? and is Alfred as witless as they think? He’s survived this long.. it’s not going to be easy.

I really enjoyed the character development in this one as we see Rudolf battle with himself.. does he help Icel.. things are looking bleak afterall, opening old wounds.. do they even stand a chance?

Having Icel play a prominent role but at the same time sharing the limelight, passing the torch, was smart and also very bloody enjoyable to read.. he’s lost non of the passion but he’s balance perfectly with Rudolf allowing the plot shine.

The Eagle Will Rise isnt just about blood and steal.. I can’t help remembering the most recognised catchphrase from Blackadder – ‘I have a cunning plan’.. Icel and Lady Cynewise will stop at nothing until things are put right… was there ever a plan.. like Rudolf we are in the dark until just the right moment to keep that excitement flowing through you.

Absolutely amazing new offering from MJ Porter, clever and enthralling.

5/5 Stars

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

Why not follow the tour

Purchase Link

Author Bio

I’m an author of historical fiction (Early English/Saxon, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest, as well as five 20th-century historical mysteries) and fantasy (now published under a different name).

I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it’s little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!

I like to write. You’ve been warned!

Social Media Links – 

linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor

Soldier’s Stand (Rifleman Book 2) by Griff Hosker – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Soldier’s Stand (Rifleman Book 2) by Griff Hosker!

Here’s the blurb

Defeat is a moment; victory is a legacy.

In the blistering heat of the North African desert, the air crackles with tension as the unrelenting Desert Fox, Erwin Rommel, closes in on the beleaguered forces of the Allied troops.

Private John ‘Hawkeye’ Sharratt, a battle-sharpened soldier weathered by loss but fuelled by an indomitable spirit, finds himself once again hunkered down with his brothers in arms. After a series of defeats, the veterans of Libya who learned to fight through hardship must now endure a desperate retreat across the unyielding sands. As the shadows of fallen comrades haunt their every step, they grapple with the weight of loss and the flickering flame of hope.

Just when the situation seems hopeless, a new commander arrives – General Montgomery is a man whose reputation for bold strategy ignites a newfound sense of purpose in the weary hearts of Sharratt’s unit. The order is clear: stand and hold the line at El Alamein. As the rumble of panzers grows closer, it becomes clear that survival is not simply a matter of soldiering on; it is an act of relentless bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. With past sacrifices bearing down upon them, the men of the Eighth Army must decide whether they will falter or fight for their futures.

Soldier’s Stand is not just a story of war; it is an exploration of camaraderie, resilience, and the human spirit’s capacity to rise above adversity. As readers follow Hawkeye and his fellow soldiers through the trials of battle, they will be drawn into a gripping narrative that encapsulates the raw emotions of fear, courage, and the unwavering hope that binds us, even in our darkest hours.

Review

Soldier’s Stand picks up where Conscript’s Call, Book1 leaves off. Private John ‘Hawkeye’ Sharratt is no longer a raw recruit.. his mind and body now show the scars of war.

The war isn’t over yet and Sharratt must channel his personal pain into unmoveable determination to make sure others have a chance to survive.

Hosker weaves a wonderful plot around the brutality of war, you almost forget the reality, that many have lost their lives in history to give others a chance..

When reality does hit, it packs a punch.. it’s brutal.. men cut down and basically forgotten.. it’s sobering at times.. a man killed, no time to recover them, sometimes not even enough time to grab their dog tags.. then fresh recruits arrive to fill the holes left and it all starts again.. the almost never-ending back and forth of death…the feeling those lost were simply a number when nothing could be further from the truth!

I really liked the portrayal of weapons, ammo etc, How the men had to conserve there supplies, some weapons failed, tanks are great but can be taken out with one hit to their tracks, the reality of the trenches showing their importance but also how little protection they really had.

I think the most poignant thing for me was learning about the mine fields, and how dangerous a task was to clear them.. how time consuming a task and how many men could be lost to gain very little.

Saying I loved the story feels a little wrong..it’s horrendous what happens but at the same time you feel pride too..it swells as Sharratt and his brothers in arms continue to move forward, never giving up…knowing that real people did exactly this, their heroic actions buried in time.

I’m not going to pretend I know what the reality of war is like but the pace and plot made me reflect a lot on how lucky I am.

The plot is very clever too… yes it’s very moving at times but there’s also a lot of excitement.. the near misses, the guile of the men when it looks like there’s no way out.. it’s the perfect mix of hard hitting reality and excitement.

The biggest surprise for me was how the author managed to add character development in such a fast paced plot driven tale. There’s real depth added to Sharratt as we see him become a leader, those last couple of chapters will stay with me that’s for sure.

I’m not going to spoil anything but Bowler..brilliant.. those who read the book will understand.. what a great pivotal addition to the story..

5/5 stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon, Or ask your local bookseller to get a copy in for you 🙂

BLOG TOUR – Tribune and the Sword by Adam Lofthouse

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Today we kick off the blog tour for Tribune and the Sword by Adam Lofthouse!

I promised myself minimal blog tours this year but if you’ve seen my blog you’ll probably know Adam Lofthouse is a firm favourite here so how could I not jump at the opportunity to read his new book prior to release!!!!

Here’s the blurb.

August. 383 AD. Flavius Maximus has declared himself emperor and crossed into Gaul. The civil war with Gratian has been short, and the rightful ruler of the West lies in an early grave.

Now two men face off across an empire. Theodosius in the east, his armies large but reliant on mercenaries. Maximus in the west, his forces small, but battle hardened and loyal to a fault.

In the middle of the chaos, at the heart of a dying world, two old friends march at the heads of opposing forces. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus fights for the West. Not out of loyalty to Maximus, but to his two sons who are bound by oath to fight for the pretender.

And General Gaius Felicius for the East. Outcasted by Maximus, he will stop at nothing to see the usurper toppled. But if his old friend stands in his path, is the road to vengeance still one he will choose to tread?

War is coming, and both men must look inside themselves and decide what is greater: the cause they fight for, or the bonds of fellowship. 🔥⚔️

Review

Before we get into this, I’m going to keep this spoiler free.. It’s book 3 in the Shadow of Rome series so if you haven’t already do check out the other books. I will say I love the authors writing style though as you are given just the right amount of backstory, as and when needed, so you could jump in to book 3 if you really want, but to be completely honest this series is too good not to enjoy so go grab them all!!

Tribune and the Sword is set around the reign of Maximus, who usurped the throne and headed to Gaul.

Tribune Sixtus Victorinus fights for Maximus, not out of loyalty.. He has to.. Blood runs thicker than water.

Now if you know anything about the time you’ll know the race to the purple was fierce.. Why they craved this so much I don’t know as all it seems to lead to is death… 

Theodosius also considers himself Emperor, the difference being I don’t think he ever wanted it. He has a real likeability to him.

The issue is what he wants doesn’t really matter.. He knows what he must do.. Sooner or later these two men’s forces will collide.

Theo also has General Gaius Felicius on his side, who I love by the way, forced from Britannia by Maximus.

This battle is going to push all to their limits..

I’m not going to pretend I’m an expert on the period but having read a few books already I wondered how quickly  the Church would rear their heads.. It doesn’t take long.. So what we’ve got is a stressful job anyway to be Emperor, impending war,  but then add then add religion, which at the time played such a big part.. These men had zero chance of success whoever the victor was.

For me this book ticks a few boxes that others maybe don’t.. The detailed plot is so beautifully weaved, real history blended with the authors own thoughts on the period to make a riveting read..like you don’t question anything.. The flow is spot on and everything fits…it feels complete.

There’s also a lot of complexity in my opinion in this period of time, lots of different players involved. The author doesn’t dumb it down as such like you won’t understand it, rather makes it simple.. Gives you exactly what you need to understand the flow, the motives, but at the same time makes it exciting….sometimes you have to remember certain people/events are actually real.

The other thing Adam Lofthouse can do that others can’t is that you can tell from his writing he had fun, which just makes the whole story flow that much better…. Read the author’s notes and you’ll see he himself added a little something just for his own amusement but it’s that energy that makes a story stand out and makes a 4* read a 5* instead!

The kicker is simply that the author has a real talent of easing the reader in.. when you read as much as I do sometimes you just don’t feel like reading.. Tired.. Bored.. Life stresses etc.. Lofthouse seduces the reader making it impossible not to want to read more.. And you feel so much better for it! When life gets you down all you need is a bit of Adam Lofthouse ha!

The book ends well too.. Leaving the promise of good things to come. I for one cannot wait to see what comes next.

5* cracker!

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

Tempted?

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

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio – 

Adam has for many years held a passion for the ancient world. As a teenager he picked up Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden, and has been obsessed with all things Rome ever since. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the Roman world, he decided to have a go at writing one for himself. He lives in Kent, UK.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @AdamPLofthouse

Twitter: @AdamPLofthouse

Instagram: @adamplofthouse

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

Bookbub profile: @AdamPLofthouse

BLOG TOUR – Shield of Mercia by MJ Porter

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Shield of Mercia by MJ Porter!

Here’s the blurb.

Mercia is triumphant. Her king is safe. But Wessex was never Mercia’s only enemy.
Tamworth, AD836

Following a brutally cold winter, King Wiglaf of Mercia is in the ascendancy. Even Wessex’s Archbishop of Canterbury extraordinarily ventures to Mercia to broker a religious accord. But, can the hard-won peace prevail?

Viking raiders threaten Wessex. These blood-thirsty warriors are fast, skilful and have no reticence about killing those who stand in their way. Their aim isn’t to rule but to overwhelm, slaughter and take ill-gotten wealth.

King Wiglaf is no fool. As the Vikings push to overwhelm Wessex, Mercia’s lands look insecure. King Wiglaf needs the shields of Mercia’s warriors to prevent the overwhelming advancement of their deadliest enemy yet.

To save Mercia, Icel must first prevail over the two men who mean to end his life; King Ecgberht of Wessex and his son, Æthelwulf of Kent and only then the marauding Viking army for whom boundaries have no meaning.

An action packed, thrilling historical adventure perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy.

Review

We are back with Icel for the latest instalment in the The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles series!

Boy it’s been some journey.. but Icel cant rest yet. There’s still a lot of bad blood and political tension following invents of the last book.. is that threat gone forever… hmmmm.

There’ still the shadow hanging over him.. the truth of who he really is and what that could mean for Mercia… but Icel just wants to be a warrior…

There’s not much time to contemplate this though as a Viking army needs to be contended with. The country may be divided but can the King’s put differences aside to battle their common foe? .

Icel has barely had time to recover too, he’s been through so much already, but there’s little time to heal, both mentally and physically as it’s time for Icel to serve his King once again, to stop the advancing threat.

What I really enjoyed was the balance, the build up of political tension..showing sometimes battles are done with words, subtle movements putting the pieces om the boardgame for the perfect setup…only to have the reader then smashed from their feet with the battle and gore.. I mean sometimes the only answer is a bloody sword!

Development wise I loved that we had the addition of new characters such as Aldhelm, but also revisit some firm favourites in Cuthred and Wynflaed..

The first chapter for me was a beautiful piece of writing, not only did it set the scene.. set the tension and fear for the remainder of the novel it also reminded followers of the series of previous events.. even the mention of the name Wine takes me back to the first novel and the death of Icel’s uncle…that’s the power the authors words hold..the reader really is mesmerised and transported to another life.

Wynflaed is older now and for me the fear I have for her was mirrored in the fear of the Viking threat, the tension she builds so eloquently with her words mirrored the tension between the Kings of the land..

The tension just builds and the pace is superb.. as the battles and blood flow the pace increases and you find yourself hungry for more and more.. I devoured those last few chapters as you are just left with no choice but to keep reading! Wowza.

MJ Porter shows us why they are one of the best in the genre! Shield of Mercia is rich in detail, rich in development and rich in gore… what more could you want from an MJ Porter novel?

I’m always amazed looking back to how much happens in each novel.. and Shield of Mercia doesn’t disappoint. I never feel safe… who will survive.. where will the next battle come from.. who can be trusted… you are kept on the edge of your seat!

You could jump into the series now if you wanted as the author provides enough detail for new readers to understand the flow and motivations but for me it’s a series to enjoy from the beginning to really feel that development… it’s just that good you need to read it from yourself!

Easy 5*

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

Why not check out the rest of the stops on the tour?

Tempted yet?


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

Author Bio –

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. Raised in the shadow of a building that was believed to house the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia, meant that the author’s writing destiny was set.

Social Media Links

Facebook: @MJPorterauthor

Twitter: @coloursofunison

Instagram: @m_j_porter

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

Bookbub profile: @coloursofunison

BLOG TOUR – Eagle and the Flame and Adam Lofthouse

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Today is my spot on the blog tour for Eagle and the Flame and Adam Lofthouse!

Here’s the blurb

Rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire.

Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.

Britannia is ablaze, overrun with barbarians and Valentia is the word on everyone’s lips. But no one seems to have the first clue what it means…

Victorinus may have let his life run to ruin and drunk his youth away, but now he must forge himself into the soldier he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.

Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.

To save his family, he must first save an empire.

EAGLE AND THE FLAME will sweep you through the tumultuous years of the late Roman Empire.

Review

So for fans of the author, or keen followers of my blog you’ll know doubt recognise the author and perhaps a bit of the blurb.. Lofthouse was picked up by the awesome Boldwood Books and his previous works have undergone a light edit and rename. Eagle and the Flame was previously published as Valentia, being familiar with the novel you really could see how this little edit has made the writing a little sharper.. more refined.. I mean it was perfect anyway but seriously you can see how the author is honing his craft and that can only be good for us with hopefully plenty more books to come!

Down to the nitty gritty of the plot.. Victorinus and his men are outcasts of a sought.. the dregs of the army, drunks and those who cannot be tamed.. but good men worth keeping around.. even at a distance.

When rebellion reaches the empire and the name Valentia is seen across the land, Victorinus and his small band set out to see what can be done and head to see his friend Felicius. Felicuis and Victorinus have known each other for years.. Although very different people they hold some of the same qualities so you can see why they are friends.. if only Victorinus could overcome his demons!

The book starts strong and the plot moves with perfect speed building the pressure as Victorinus and Felicuis spit up with the same aim.. find out who is behind this and to put a stop to the madness.

We soon find out a number of Roman forts have been abandoned… but there’s no bodies left behind..and there are multiple enemies reported all over the land..who would have the power and money to make this happen or is it all one big coincidence? And what or who is Valentia…Can Victorinus trust everything he’s being told?

We see many battles along the way, death & pain & treachery .. on land as well as at sea and the detail given was brilliant, so much packed in but with that pinch of development needed to grip you and bring the characters to life along the way, which Lofthouse manged to do effortlessly!

Hard hitting and commanding plot with character development that just keeps coming!

Adam Lofthouse is one to watch.. he’s shown how good his storytelling is..things are only going from strength to strength so I eagerly await his next offering!!

5/5 stars

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

Why not check out the rest of the stops on the tour?

Tempted yet?


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

Author Bio –

Adam has for many years held a passion for the ancient world. As a teenager he picked up Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden, and has been obsessed with all things Rome ever since. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the Roman world, he decided to have a go at writing one for himself. He lives in Kent, UK.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @AdamPLofthouse

Twitter: @AdamPLofthouse

Instagram: @adamplofthouse

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

Bookbub profile: @AdamLofthouse

BLOG TOUR – The Atlantis Covenant by Rob Jones

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for The Atlantis Covenant by Rob Jones 

Here’s the blurb

The greatest mystery of all time is about to be revealed. 

When world-famous archaeologist and ex-soldier Max Hunter finds a mysterious artifact in a tomb beneath the Gates of Nineveh, his lifelong dream of finding Atlantis comes one step closer. 

But he’s not the only one looking for it… 

His discovery unleashes a high-speed hunt for the lost civilization between a mysterious Swiss foundation, the FBI, and the world’s most secretive society. 

From the dangers of the Iraqi desert to Cuba and the jungles of El Salvador to the enigmatic Valley of the Kings in Egypt, Hunter faces a race against time and murderous enemies who will stop at nothing to claim the greatest prize in history. As he fights for his life, it soon becomes apparent that his enemies are searching for something altogether more sinister than the lost city… 

Hunter must use his unique ingenuity and knowledge to decipher the clues and find Atlantis – and its lethal treasures – before they fall into enemy hands. 

Review 

The Atlantis Covenant follows Max Hunter as he sets out to prove Atlantis is real.. Think Indiana Jones meets Mission Impossible. 

When we first meet Max he’s just discovered a statue that could change the worlds view on Atlantis.. Only for it to pulled from his hands at the last moment and finds himself prisoner. 

Through a little luck he finds a way out of the mess but this is only the beginning! 

Hunter will stop at nothing to find the proof he needs but it’s clear he’s not the only one… and those following the same path don’t necessarily have his compassion or morals!  

Max finds himself backed by a mysterious Swiss Organisation.. The issue is.. Can they be trusted themselves.. Are their motives aligned with Hunters?  

Hunter is smart though.. He knows to watch his back but at the same time will do what he needs to, to get what he needs and quickly we see Hunter set out to decipher one of the biggest mysteries. 

The task see’s him meet various people along the way, and visits to different locations around the world. What I really loved is the author packed in enough detail to make those individuals and locations come to life but really kept the excitement focused fully on the adventure.. 

Hunter has to fight his way through puzzles but at the same time dodge enemies which seem to be everywhere.. 

Fast paced is an understatement.. Nothings rush but damn the action keeps coming and coming and really keeps the adrenaline coursing through the reader.  

I really liked Max he’s got a cockiness about himself.. Not so much that you dislike him.. He just believes in himself and doesn’t know when to quit! 

For my first foray into the authors style I really liked the energy, it bounces off the page and grabs you. There’s plenty of development throughout but leaves plenty of doors open for the author to explore leaving the characters anything but one dimensional.    

Strong plot mixed with intriguing characters equals a cracking story in my book. 

I’ve always been a fan of this kind of tale, adventure and history mixed, the unknown that could be right there but hidden.. Its exciting and fun..  

Super 4* read for me.. Really enjoyed the ride! 

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

Why not check out the rest of the stops on the tour?

Tempted yet?

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

Author Bio –  

Rob Jones has published over forty books in the genres of action-adventure, action-thriller and crime. Many of his chart-topping titles have enjoyed number-one rankings and his Joe Hawke and Jed Mason series have been international bestsellers. Originally from England, today he lives in Australia with his wife and children. 

Social Media Links –   

Facebook: @RobJonesNovels 

Twitter: @AuthorRobJones 

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

Release Day Review – The Druid’s Prey by Steven A. McKay!

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Today is release day for The Druid’s Prey by Steven A. McKay!

The Druid’s Prey is book 7 in the exhilarating Warrior Druid of Britain series.

Here’s the blurb

A vicious attack. An enraged warrior-druid. A relentless hunt for vengeance!

Following a cowardly raid on Dun Breatann the Saxon attacker, Saksnot, rides back to rejoin his bretwalda, Hengist, in far-off Garrianum. Bellicus, outraged by the savage attack on his people and his closest friend, follows the perpetrator with just one thing on his mind: bloody justice!
As the towering druid hunts his prey across the summer fields and streams, Arthur, Bear of Britain, seeks to make a lasting peace with the new immigrants from across the sea. Hengist has no such plans however, instead working alongside his terrifying volva, Thorbjorg, to bring only blood, fire, and death to the embattled Britons.

As the brutal struggle for supremacy rages between the two warlords and their armies, Bellicus will find himself drawn into an adventure he could never have foreseen. An adventure that may seal the fate of Britain for generations to come.
An adventure that fans of Bernard Cornwell, Griff Hosker, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie will love!

Review

After the events of The Vengeance of Merlin we know peace isnt going to last for Bellicus.. he might have everything he wants.. the family he always wanted, the love of Queen Narina and his daughter, but someone is on their way to shatter this dream and pulls Bellicus back into action.

The Saxon, Saksnot, who murdered the previous Merlin sets out to rid the world of Bellicus and the Roman Duro.. these two have thwarted Hengist’s plans and Saksnot will not rest until they are dead by his hands.

Saksnot may be young and cocky, but he’s also clever and resourceful, managing to worm his way right to the heart of Dun Breatann. His actions have an immediate effect on Bellicus and he sets out to ensure justice comes to the Saxon.. or is it simple vengeance Bellicus is after? I’m not going to spoil it but the pain Saksnot causes is felt by many.

While these events play the warlord Arthur is making plans on how to keep Hengist at bay… one of which is convincing the Saxon’s who have settled in Britain to stand with him against Hengist and the Saxon raiders… or at least for them to agree to not take up arms to support their brethren.

It’s a great idea but obviously not everyone agrees.. or wants this..and soon leads to one of Arthurs closest companions to be captured.

It’s time to take the war to Hengist.. Arthur can’t just standby any longer.

Events put Bellicus and Arthur on a converging path.. but can they complete their missions without too much bloodshed?

Looking back to Dun Breatann, Queen Narina has her own problems, her closest neighbours have ceased trading with them but why. Narina is smart and sees this for what it is.. The Saxon’s influence is growing.

There’s only one course of action as Narina leads her warriors against King Cunneda and the Votadini… but this leaves Dun Breatann wide open to attack..

Dun Bretann is not as undefended as it seems though.. Again I can’t spoil it but those last few chapters have to be the best I’ve ever read!

Lets get down to the nitty gritty… Characters.. I really feel The Druid’s Prey is the most balanced book we’ve been given for development..the plot itself allows characters to shine and the author doesn’t hide from this to force the book in another direction.. I mean Saksnot! Wow.. He may be the enemy but I loved him.. and his part in this did not disappoint.

I think what I loved the most was the plot allowed Narina, Gavo, Lancelot and Bedwyr to come to the foreground, while others naturally took a back seat…

It was about time to see Narina stand up and shine, without her protector there it was the perfect time..and boy does she shine through and show what she’s made of!

There’s some very fun and light-hearted moments too such as a very humorous scene with Cai where Bellicus needs a distractions.. bloody funny and brilliant but the tone also fits with the tale.

Now I can’t finish the review without mentioning the ending… wow..I love how the author manages to keep bringing fresh ideas into the tale.. you never know what will happen next but I’m already super excited!

5/5 Stars.

My thanks thanks go to the author for allowing me a sneak peak, I had a book on pre-order and it was well worth paying £3.99.

Legionary X: Devotio by Gordon Doherty – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Devotio, the tenth and final instalment in the mesmerising Legionary series by Gordon Doherty!

Here’s the blurb.

AD 391: in the aftermath of civil war, the Roman Empire lies broken. The emperor is missing. Rumours fly that he has lost his mind. Sensing weakness, the Goths rise in revolt. All to the delight of the dark hand who orchestrated the civil war… and plots to stoke another.

Far out at sea, Pavo stands watchfully at the prow of the Justitia, running cargo between distant lands. At every port, he hears of the empire’s swelling troubles. Of fire and zeal and panic. Of legions, bristling for battle. But his days of protecting the provinces with sword and shield are over. He, his wife and his lad will soon have enough funds to make a home on a quiet island, far from the madness.

Yet the empire is an ever-hungry beast, and Pavo is about to sail straight into its jaws…

It is a journey that will take him to the brink, and throw down before him the question to which there is only one answer: what would you sacrifice to save your loved ones?

Review

After the events of Legionary IX: The Emperor’s Shield I honestly didn’t know if we would ever see Pavo again. That man has been through so much for the empire.. all he wants now is to live out his days with his wife and son.

You know Devotio is going to be an emotional read right from the start, the meaning behind the word, a vow of self sacrifice..

Little does Pavo know the threats he fought so hard against are still ever present.. and the enemies are knocking at the door..They have been plotting but now is the time to enact their plan… and even he isn’t safe.

When a visitor arrives with a gift from Emperor Valentinian himself Pavo can’t help but be reminded of all he has done, the battles, the friends he’s made.

The gift is a trojan horse that will start this most emotionally nerve racking adventure!

SPOILER ALERT. Please skip if you don’t want to know the detail but I’ll keep it as brief as possible without giving too much away.

Lets just say the gift is a poisoned chalice of sorts and Pavo is in need of a healer…but he also needs to know why his friend would have done this.

Things aren’t quite as they seem… they never are for Pavo.. the healer he needs has been captured by Alaric, the leader of the Vesi rebels.. Goths that still wish to live without Roman rule.

How the hell will he manage to find him?

When we get about 50% through the book it seems like everything has worked out.. Pavo has what he needs, and Alaric has been convinced to work with the Romans.. peace at last..

Yeah that’s never going to happen.

Peregrinus the Stranger, a dark hidden force from the past steps out from the shadows.

Do Pavo and his Claudian brothers have what it takes to foil this dastardly plan and save the empire once again from internal conflict?

The forces of the Eastern and Western empires will clash…but who will be the victor?

I’m deliberately leaving a lot of detail out so you can really enjoy this one yourself (Although if you want to compare thoughts after just hit me up).

Devotio gives us exactly what we expect from the author… and some! There’s betrayal of the worst kind, clever plots/twists and humorous moments a plenty along with the blood and gore for the fans..

So what’s different you ask? There’s raw emotion packed into this one from the very first page.. its intense and you can feel the energy.. there’s a meaning behind the journey Pavo is going on and you feel it.

Those last few chapters put ice in my veins, a lump in my throat and brought tears to my eyes.

You can really see how the author poured his personal emotion into the tale, how much the series meant to him and gives the series the send off it really deserved.. I can’t think of a more suitable ending.. there’s excitement throughout as we yearn for Pavo to succeed, and crushing devastation to really bring the story home.

One of the most moving bits is when Pavo remembers those lost along the way during battle.. it brought back so many memories.

One really beautiful thing the author did was finally answer the question.. who is the old crone who has followed Pavo throughout his life..I don’t know if this was always the plan but wow.. that was a lovely touching moment of realisation for the reader.

Pavo is real to me..

Pavo will always be a hero.

5/5 Stars – Do yourself a favour and grab a copy today.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

BLOG TOUR – Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks – REVIEW

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks.

Here’s the blurb.

1346. France. King Edward III is restless. Despite earlier victories the French crown remains intact. Determined to bring France under his own rule, Edward has devised a new plan of attack – one which he believes will finally bring the French army to its knees: a final, cataclysmic battle …

Berenger Fripper, Vintener of a pox-ridden mob of sixteen who make up the Vintaine of Sir John de Sully, storms the beaches of Normandy to bring victory to their king. But the French are nowhere to be seen…

And so Berenger leads his Vintaine through France and onward to battle – the Battle of Crécy – one which will both bond and break his men and be a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

Review

This was my first foray into the works of Michael Jecks and being billed as being perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden expectations were high.

Fields of Glory follows the English army from the beaches of Normandy, through destruction and mayhem to Paris, before retreat and the inevitable battle with  the French army.

History is a massive submit and I’ll be the first to admit I’m no expert but what I’d like to think I am an expert in, is spotting authors who have a talent for storytelling, and in particular historial fiction.

The author manages to impart his knowledge of the period but expertly weaves this with character arcs. History is never boring but you need to get your hooks into the reader to keep them invested.

I think what made this story stand out was that each of the characters have their own motivations and part to play in the story but they are treated as cattle essentially.. it’s brutal and honest..these men will need to earn any glory and its the relationships, and sometimes the disconnection between the men and those who command them which really felt real to me.

Being new to the author I felt at home pretty quickly, the style very much hit the mark as as Bernard Cornwell fan but if you are new to the genre do give the book the time it deserves. The style and pace are perfect but this is not a light read.. you will really get engrossed as there’s so many minute details added which I just loved.

Michael Jecks commands the reader..and pushes your thoughts exactly the way the men must have felt at the time..you start to detest Sir John, King Edward and the Prince of Wales as they care little for the lives that will be lost. These moments are vivid but certainly disconnected as we see things through the eyes of the men fighting at the front.

There are moments of brutality that will stay with you, the Kings justice..it’s emotionally jarring and thought provoking. I felt the focus of the book allowed the reader to see the brutality from both sides, not only the violence carried out on the French but also the effect this had on the men themselves.. you can see the humanity and light within their eyes die as the “justice” continues.

Awfully good read and a cracking start for a series. Jecks managed to surpass any expectations I may have had with the sheer detail, and what felt like a brutality honest portrayal seen from those men’s eyes.

5* from me.. and great to see Boldwood getting involved. As a publisher they are killing it with the historical fiction genre and never fail to introduce me to top notch authors.

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

Tempted? Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/Fieldsof

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Studied actuarial science, then became a computer salesman for 13 years- after the 13th company folded, he turned to writing.

He’s the author of 50 novels, 6 novellas, 4 collaborative books and short stories. His tales are inspired by history and legends, but are all grounded in real life and real people, what motivates them, and why they turn to violence.

Founder of Medieval Murderers, he has served on the committees of: Historical Writers’ Association, CWA and Detection Club. He has judged the Debut Dagger, Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and other prizes, as well as serving as Dagger liaison officer and CWA Chair. He has taught writing at Swanwick and Evesham, and tutored for the Royal Literary Fund. He now runs South West Writers in Devon.

His work has been celebrated by Visconti and Conway Stewart pens; 2014 he was International Guest of Honour at the Bloody Words festival in Toronto, and Grand Master of the first parade in the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @Michael.Jecks.author

Twitter: @MichaelJecks

Instagram: @michaeljecks

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

Bookbub profile: @michaeljecks

King of Wessex (Alfred the Great Book 3) by Steven A. McKay.

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For anyone who follows my socials you’ll know I’ve been a little quiet review wise as I’m been Ill for what feels like forever!! I’m pretty much back at 100% now and ready to share some reviews.

First up for review is King of Wessex by Steven A. McKay. book 3 in the Alfred the Great series.

Here’s the blub

His reign must come to an end. But his legacy will live on forever.

After thwarting the scourge of the Viking hordes that had decimated Britain for decades, King Alfred assured a period of peace and prosperity for the kingdom of Wessex. The dream of uniting all Anglo-Saxons under one, noble banner seems closer than ever before.

But his enemies are not ones to be taken lightly. For even as Alfred works to ensure the fate of his descendants for centuries to come, a fearsome warlord, Haesten, gathers his warriors for a brutal assault upon the shores of Alfred’s territories.

As the battle lines are drawn, as the true power of this new and terrifying threat comes into its own, the ageing king knows in his heart that things will be different this time round. For as strong as his land, his birthright, his Wessex, has become, the consequences of defeat have never been more terrible.

For one who has gained everything… has everything to lose.

Review

At the start of the book we see a monk attacked and the culprits tracked down.. what this gave me as the reader was two things.. You see the tide is pushing against Alfred.. his position is anything but safe… and two.. it showed me the glimpse of the author that I felt perhaps a little subdued in the past two offerings.. don’t get me wrong.. each book has knocked the ball out the park but being heavily constrained to Alfred’s tale it doesn’t leave wiggle room and as a massive fan of the author you get to know the style..the bits of a tale when you really see the author have a bit of fun when they get the freedom to add their own edge and for me this was it.. it just felt like this was going to be the best offering yet from the off.

Alfred has a dream, the dream of uniting all Anglo-Saxons under one banner.. you learn more of his devotion to God but also to his people.. the basic things he wished for everyone and his battle to make these dreams come true.

One of the issues Alfred will face is while there’s been some peace it was never going to last was it?

A Viking named Haesten is back to cause Alfred more pain. Alfred and his army have the not so enviable mission to withstand this Viking invasion!! They have to keep Wessex free from Danes if Alfred’s dreams are to come to fruition.

While the plot is fascinating and exciting to read what really got my juices flowing is the character development, you can almost see the cogs turning in Alfred’s head as he formulates his next move, like a chess board.

Yeah yeah.. plots super important but if you don’t understand the characters why bother.. you need the right mix and McKay certain has the recipe down to a tee.

I feel tackling such a man as King Alfred could be seen as a risk, it’s a very defined set of events so to see the author manage to add their own energy, style and quite simply fun to a tale was great. It’s the character ARCs that really stand out and where the focus always was for me and it’s what made the book standout.

King of Wessex was a bittersweet 5* read.. I knew the series was coming to an end.. but by now I’m fully invested.. I didn’t want to say goodbye to this one.

Sad to see it end but mightily fulfilled.

For the authors own development I see this as showing the world how serious you should take his work and it’s about time you all listen! 🙂

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

If you want to know more about the author has his other works take a look here – https://stevenamckay.com/