Category Archives: Historical Fiction

BLOG TOUR – Raven Lord: The Last Viking, Book 2 by JC Duncan – REVIEW

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Raven Lord by JC Duncan!

Here’s the blurb

Mercenary. Exile. Warlord.

At the edge of the world, the clouds of war are gathering…

1034AD

Cast out from the Kyivan Rus, Harald Sigurdsson’s quest for fame and fortune takes him to the far reaches of Europe; the lands of the Eastern Roman empire.

The empire is dying the slow death of decay and corruption. In desperation to fend off a myriad of foes, the emperor turns to the legendary Varangian guard for salvation. These deadly warriors from the far north, famed for their fearsome steel and battle skill, have become the empire’s greatest protectors.

From the golden gate of Constantinople to the holy waters of the river Jordan, Harald will march with the emperor’s finest. Joining their ranks promises him all the gold and glory he can desire, if only he can survive the desperate battles, the hostile land, and the ruthless ambition of a vengeful queen.

The fascinating next book in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada.
Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron

Review

One of the things I loved about the previous book in the series was the style of the writing .  I love history but I always found text books hard to wrap my head around.. I need it presented in a different way and that’s exactly what JC Duncan does..he adds the excitement and makes it come to life, and that buzz is what makes you want to learn more.

Raven Lord picks up after the events of the previous book Warrior Prince and I loved the preface added by the author. There’s a lot to take in when it comes to history so it was great to have a rundown before starting the next instalment, this allows for a quick refresh if you read the previous book but would also allow someone to read this as a standalone as it sets the scene perfectly for new readers.

Harald’s tale is an amazing one but I feel what makes it more amazing is how the author presents it.. we all know Harald must have been a strong and influential man to become the legend he is but it’s the ensemble cast in Raven Lord that brings life to that.. it’s the way his men act.. the awe they have when talking about him, it really makes you understand what kind of man Harald must have been to garner the respect of the men who fought with him.

With any book like this it’s all in the detail..What JC Duncan shows is his time and commitment to that detail.. the setting.. the changing landscape of the world..locations, people, small details like food, clothes.. even down to the lines on their faces… everything is designed to put you right there on the bench next to these men.

I’m a fan of history but what I love about the way it’s presented in such a book like this is the added excitement and I loved reading the historical note where you get down to some real nitty gritty and it was fascinating to learn that Harald’s adventures were even documented in some Byzantine works. I never learnt about the The Byzantine Empire in school.. never even heard of them until I started reading books myself and the more I do the more I’m in awe of them.

I’m not going to spoil the events of the book but what I will say is that sometimes the real interesting bits of history are glossed over.. well that’s how I feel anyway… I never had any Idea Harald’s life spanned so much.. how much that man did in his life… You can really start you understand how imposing this man must have been. Harald is known for 1066.. but there’s so much more to the man.. I had an indifference to the man prior to reading this series… but now I think even I would have followed such a man.. wow.

Plot wise I think Harald clearly steals the show.. it’s his tale but credit really does need to go to the author for bringing events to life, to give the reader something they’ve not had before. Throughout I could help but feel the love the author must have for the subject themselves and the time commitment they must have but it in write such a details tale.

JC Duncan stimulates the readers mind.. opens you up to learning and reminds us how fascinating history is!

5/5 Stars…

To find out more head to Goodreads.

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

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’ve bought the book too. At £2.99 It’s too good not too!

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

James has a 5 book historical fiction series ‘The Last Viking’ about the extraordinary life of Harald Hardrada being published with Boldwood books starting with ‘Warrior Prince’. When he isn’t writing or doing his full-time engineering job, James is happiest being an amateur bladesmith, forging knives in the shed he built in his garden.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCDuncanauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.duncan/ 

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

BLOG TOUR – Thor’s Revenge by Donovan Cook

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Thor’s Revenge by Donovan Cook.

Thor’s Revenge is Book 3 in the awesome Charlemagne’s Cross series.

Here’s the blurb

A kingdom without a crown.

A boy forsaken by his God.

A warrior bent on revenge.

After the bloody Battle of Jelling, Denmark’s throne lies empty and chaos reigns as Jarls jostle for power.

Sven survives the bloodshed only to return home to find Ribe sacked by those he trusted and Charles, a pawn in a much bigger political game, kidnapped.

Consumed by the loss of Charles, Sven is shocked by the arrival of the Abbess Hildegard, daughter of his nemesis King Louis of East Francia, who seeks the whereabouts of Charles, her son, and also the cross of Charlemagne.

But whilst others want revenge for the chaos Sven has caused, Denmark burns and Sven must stand in the shield wall one more time if he is to survive and rescue his grandson.

Outnumbered and outmaneuvered, Sven and Charles must put their fate in the hands of the gods if they ever want to see each other again.

Review

We are back with Charles and Sven the Boar..

Sven returns home after a fierce battle.. you’d think surviving a battle is something to celebrate but not this time… many many many men died and Denmark no longer has a King… this has left bands of disbanded and leaderless warriors ransacking Denmark…

And that’s only part of Sven’s trouble… he learned that his grandson Charles has been taken..Charles is Sven’s redemption in life so his loss breaks the man but at least this time he has people around him to try and knock some sense into him.

His anger soon returns when Abbess Hildegard arrives and pushes him a little too far… there’s a blast from the past that I’ll not spoil but by god I felt the fury pouring of Sven… Abbess Hildegard who we learn is Charles mother so we finally get to learn more about why Charles has been brought up to believe she was dead…I could only imagine how this felt for Charles as he learns the truth about himself.. who he really is.

I really enjoyed that we also learned more about the cross that Charles has been carrying ever since his father’s murder.. Charlemagne’s Cross… of which, if the stories are believed has the power to reunite Francia..

What really makes this instalment shine is the character development, not only do we meet and get to know new characters we see some established characters grow, Thora, Rollo and Sven all have a greater depth added to them while they deal with the aftermath of the battle and Charles kidnap.

Charles’ himself has some very big things to deal with.. being kidnapped… the deaths that have occurred to keep him safe.. it becomes his internal struggle and we see his faith in god shaken…

Plot wise… oh wow… it develops at a fast pace but nothing is really rushed or forced…but by god there’s a lot crammed in and credit to the author that it’s been done in such a well balanced way allowing the reader to keep up the events…and the ending!!! Oh my.. I need more!!

The Charlemagne’s Cross series has quick become a firm favourite!

5/5 stars.

To find out more head to Goodreads or why not buy a copy here?

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’ve bought the book too. At £2.99 It’s too good not too!

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.

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

Usurper:  (Victorinus Book 2) by Adam Lofthouse – REVIEW

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Today I’m going to be reviewing Usurper:  (Victorinus Book 2) by Adam Lofthouse!

Here’s the blurb

The second book in a thrilling new series of adventures set in Roman Britain. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane, SJA Turney and Gordon Doherty.

Wall of Hadrian. Britannia, 382 AD

War is creeping back into the land. As silent as snowfall, as inevitable as winter. They’ve had sixteen years of peace, but all things must end.

Tribune Sixtus Victorinus has grown old, complacent. Blind to the truth that stares him in the face, he contents himself with what he has. He runs errands for the Dux Britanniarum Flavius Maximus and watches with joy as his boys grow to become men.

It is his friend, Prefect Gaius Felicius, who first spots the signs. Once more, the Caledonian tribes are rearing their heads in the north, but the greatest danger does not lie with them.

For there is a new pretender to the throne of the West. Another man who seeks to drape himself in purple. Caught up in a scheme they cannot comprehend, Victorinus and Felicius must navigate their way through both a war in the depths of winter, and a treasonous plot that will shake the Roman Empire to its core.

A new age dawns on the men of the Britannia. For Victorinus, he must fight for the right to see the sun rise over it.

Usurper is the second book in the Victorinus series: an action packed, immersive military adventure that will sweep the reader through the tumultuous years of the late Roman Empire.

Review

Oh it’s good to have another book from Adam Lofthouse! The author never fails to surprise me with his masterfully woven tales.

As a fan of the author I’m of course going to tell you to read all his other books if you can, especially Victorinus Book 1, but truthfully the plot is so wonderfully written you don’t need to, all the detail is right there to get you up to speed quickly but at the same time naturally. If you haven’t read the 1st book I can guarantee after reading this you’ll want to that’s for sure!

I’m not going to say I’m an expert but I love this period of time.. Maximus, Theodosius and Gratian.. well known names to me and the genre but Lofthouse manages to bring some fresh energy to the scene!

We follow Tribune Sixtus Victorinus and Felicius as they serve the empire to the best of their ability.. but little do they know what’s coming for them. They once saved the empire from the biggest threat possible… and they are going to have to do it again!

War is coming and there’s plenty of battles for the gore fans, and I really liked the details added to formations of the horse units for example to help the reader really understand their place in the battles.. it’s like a chess game and a bad strategy can cause you a defeat.. but at the same time.. don’t take things for granted.. they might just be playing games with you..

Both characters are thrown into the thick of danger at every turn of the page..it’s just a full on adrenaline rush of the tale.. each forced to fight to stay alive.. but who are the enemies really? If you know the period you’ll have a good idea, the political landscape at the time was complicated to say the least and the men of the time only wanted one thing… power!

If anything I feel Adam Lofthouse just keeps getting better and better with his plot and the subtle details that make the characters come alive. I particularly liked that the author showed how tough being in the army could be on the soldiers’ feet! I doubt many of us today could march like the roman legions!

What really shines through is the relationships between the men.. forged in the heat of battle…theirs friendship, family, love.. it’s so beautifully lovely and brutal at the same time..then throw in those twists! Christ.. my heart could barely take it! if the author makes me worry about Amor in the next book as much as in this one I think I’ll be writing a strongly worded letter for sure ha ha.

I’m going to be perfectly honest and say I reckon the author needs to give the character Drost his own series now! Oh how I loved that man and his humour! He’s got so much going for him and I really could see his own tale working.

The setup for the next book in the series couldn’t have been better.. what Lofthouse does is leaves you with the taste for more..that’s not any easy thing to do.. sometimes endings can leave things flat… oh hell no.. not this story…I really do need more.

Lofthouse isn’t one of the best… he IS the best!

There’s only thing to say about this book.. SNAILS! Who knew.. well done to the author for another cracking read.. and whoever designed the cover needs a pay rise 😊

5/5 Stars

It’s only February but I’m tipping this as my pick of 2024 already!

To find our more head to Amazon or Goodreads

Sharpe’s Assassin by Bernard Cornwell – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing Sharpe’s Assassin by Bernard Cornwell. (The Sharpe Series, Book 21)

Here’s the blurb.

SHARPE IS BACK.

The global bestseller Bernard Cornwell returns with his iconic hero, Richard Sharpe.

If any man can do the impossible it’s Richard Sharpe . . .

Lieutenant-Colonel Sharpe is a man with a reputation. Born in the gutter, raised a foundling, he joined the army twenty-one years ago, and it’s been his home ever since. He’s a loose cannon, but his unconventional methods make him a valuable weapon.

So when, the dust still settling after the Battle of Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington needs a favour, he turns to Sharpe. For Wellington knows that the end of one war is only the beginning of another. Napoleon’s army may be defeated, but another enemy lies waiting in the shadows – a secretive group of fanatical revolutionaries hell-bent on revenge.

Sharpe is dispatched to a new battleground: the maze of Paris streets where lines blur between friend and foe. And in search of a spy, he will have to defeat a lethal assassin determined to kill his target or die trying . . .

Review

I was lucky enough to receive this as a birthday present from the family. The wife usually struggles with books for me since I read so much but she managed to pick the perfect book for me!

As hard as this might be to believe this was actually my first foray into the works of Bernard Cornwell! As such an established author it was kind of daunting to consider picking up one of his books as much as I wanted too.. I just knew if I enjoyed it then it would spiral…and I was also a little worried.. what if I didn’t enjoy the book..

I was definitely familiar with the character of Sharpe though. As a young child before the days of the OnDemand tv and such I remember vividly may mam watching the TV show and even then I found it interesting.

So firstly.. book 21 in the series.. wow..it was clear from the early chapters that while reading the rest of the series might help you understand the characters it doesn’t set you up with any real disadvantage and the author effortlessly throws in detail when needed to bulk just where it’s needed for new readers to hope on board.

Plot wise.. oh my.. Napoleon has been defeated so you’d think it was time for Sharpe to relax.. not so.. Napoleon still has supporters.

Paris is restless but Sharpe has to navigate his way around, not knowing who he can really trust.. his current mission is now to free a mysterious prisoner.. but who is this man??

When one task is concluded another spawns and things escalate when his new task is to recover some paintings…an easy task you’d think.. but someone keeps trying to kill him..

Sharpe soon has an idea who tried to kill him but how does he prove it? And can Sharpe and his men clear Napoleon’s last few supporters to allow Sharpe the rest he so deserves.

There’s no massive military fights.. this is pure espionage style warfare. I’ve got nothing to base my judgements on other than this 1 book but I really enjoyed it and could tell that I’m going to enjoy the rest of the series as I work my way through it.

Flow wise I felt the book held a decent pace and there’s some adrenaline fuelled moments with Sergeant-Major Patrick Harper which made me to fall in love with the character straightaway!

An old face also appears, Major Charlie Morris, which give Sharpe the chance to get back at the man who had him flogged many years ago. While I haven’t read period yet I can honestly say I was hooked, and made eager to crack on with the series from the beginning so I can engross myself with the emotion at the time.. if this effort is anything to go by I know I’m going to love it.

Cracking read, so good that I ended you buying the rest of the series in paperback to read. It will be fun not only to see how this series progresses but also see what I’ve been missing by not reading a Cornwell novel before!

Final thought as a big historical fiction fan.. this was like a breath of fresh air.. I’m so used to fights with simply swords at a man’s disposal, or a good war axe. It was really interesting to change my focus and see a period when cannons and rifles are the weapons of choice along with a trusty sword.

Thoroughly enjoyed!

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

BLOG TOUR – Warrior Prince by J. C. Duncan

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Warrior Prince by J. C. Duncan.

Here’s the blurb.

Prince. Mercenary. Exile.

The lost throne of Norway must be won in foreign lands.

1030 AD

Some men are gifted a crown. Others have to fight to claim it.

Exiled from Norway, Harald Sigurdsson, brother to murdered King Olaf, must battle mercilessly for survival in the lands of the Kievan Rus.

His brother’s legacy gifts him a warband of hardened warriors and entry to the court of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. By his wits, sword and skill in battle, Harald must learn not just to survive but to triumph.

He fights for glory, for fame, and to regain his family’s battle-stolen throne. But his greatest challenge may not come from battlefield foes but from those who stand by his side.

The first instalment in a remarkable story of an exiled boy’s incredible journey to become Harald Hardrada; The Hard Ruler and The Last Viking.

Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron

Review

With a tag line like “Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons” I immediately took notice.. these writers are my bread and butter.. they get what their readers love and give them it in spades full.. Did I have high expectations? Yep.

Firstly what I loved about this book from the start is that it felt fresh and new.. historical fiction is a well read genre for me but to see Harald Hardrada before he became the man most of know was fascinating!

After King Olaf dies in battle, Harold and Olaf’s other men are forced into exile or face death. It’s not much of a choice but being so downcast after their defeat means it’s even harder going. These men..they have lost everything.. but Harold also has the unenviable task of learning his role with the men and has to grow fast.

The depth of Harold was without fault..you see him struggle.. and adapt with the sheer strength he has within.. determination runs in his veins. I also loved that things didn’t come easy for him. Warriors look for leaders.. but it never felt like that was Harold’s role take on things..he doesn’t just want to become a leader.. he earns it.. he’s just got the passion burning that drives him forward and it’s this that the warriors ultimately see within him.

As is typical of the genre there’s plenty of battles but what sets Warrior Prince apart is the sheer amount of little details.. you can see how much research has went into the story to depict the characters, the period and the battles.

For fans for the genre I’m in no doubt you’ll love this and if I had to some up in one word it’s “depth”. Almost everything I’ve read about Harold has been fascinating but can’t touch upon the depth and intensity that’s been added by J. C. Duncan!

I was hooked and can’t wait to see what happens next in the series, I loved the connections Harold made with the men so excited to see how this grows.

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or to here

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’ve bought the book too. At £1.99 It’s a bargain!

Author Bio –

J. C. Duncan is a well-reviewed historical fiction author and amateur bladesmith, with a passion for Vikings.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCDuncanauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.duncan/?hl=enn  

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-c-duncan

Why not follow the rest of the tour?

The Heathen Horde: (Alfred the Great Book 1) by Steven A. McKay – ARC REVIEW

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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 26th 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!! 😊

BLOG TOUR – Loki’s Deceit by Donovan Cook

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Today I’m kicking off the blog tour for Loki’s Deceit by Donovan Cook. It’s new out today so grab a copy while it’s hot!

Here’s the blurb

A king, old and frail.

A challenger filled with vengeance. A kingdom’s fate at stake.

Sven the Boar is Jarl of Ribe once more. He and Charles try to settle into their new lives, but trouble and treachery are never too far away.

Tormented by recent events, Charles struggles to adapt to life amongst the heathens that mock his Christian God and the arrival of a priest from the south only makes things worse.

Meanwhile, Sven is burdened with the responsibilities of being Jarl again and protecting his grandson from those hunting him.

When forced into an alliance with King Horik’s nephew who is raising an army to challenge his uncle for the throne of Denmark, Sven makes an important decision.

As the threat of war becomes real, Sven rides to fight a battle that will change the destiny of Denmark.

But whilst he fights, will Charles remain safe or are other games in play that threaten him?

Review

After reading Odin’s Betrayal, book 1 in The Charlemagne’s Cross Series and quite frankly falling in love with it, you can imagine my excitement to read book 2.

I would recommend reading the fist instalment to really understand the characters but felt the author did a really good job of throwing little titbits of info in just when needed so even a new reader would understand the emotions and motivations behind the characters. For me it reminded me of those past events and credit to the authors ability it easily transported me back and I can remember those events vividly.

With Charles now under his grandfather’s care, Sven the Boar it’s going to be a rough ride. It’s been a difficult time for both, and the trouble isn’t going to go away any time soon.

Charles is still young, and a Christian living in a town of heathens. His religion is important to him and it’s an internal battle for him to understand why anyone wouldn’t believe in the one true god. As time passes you can see him start to grow, he learns religion and mans urges aren’t always linked.. just because you pray to god doesn’t make you good.. and similarly, just because you pray to another god doesn’t make you inherently evil.. there’s more to peoples motivations and sometimes you need to look deep to find the deception.

Sven has his own issues too after avenging his wife’s death by killing his brother no less! He and Charles find it tough to connect since they have been brought up in very different worlds and Sven really doesn’t know how to be there for the boy but does things the only way he knows how and has the boy start training.. Charles needs to learn to protect himself.

We quickly learn that there’s a lot of secrecy and deception afoot..but are the motivations good or bad? And what will happen to Charles? He’s already lost his father after all.

I don’t want to spoil the secrecy of the tale but I was engrossed reading as the different players show their hands in the tale, you learn so much more about Charles family history and what led to the events surrounding his fathers death.. there’s love and political motivations and at times it’s hard to see how Charles will recover if he ever learns the full extent of his origins.

While these events are playing out behind the scenes, Sven is dealing with a much closer threat. After becoming Jarl again he’s made the King look weak… and a blast from the past shows up with war on his mind.. but he wants Sven’s help… and actually Sven needs his too. Things aren’t going well for him.. the people are still angry after Sven murdered their previous Jarl so there’s an interesting chance for both of them to get what they want.

For me this instalment was all about the development. Don’t get me wrong the plot is unparalleled but the development of the characters just outshines anything I’ve read before. There’s so much depth added to the main characters but at the same time we are introduced to new ones, and again the detail added really helps you imagine their look, mannerisms, motivations.

The book is paced very well, plot is just gobsmackingly good plus detail and development added with precision to give you a captivating story.

I’m very much glad I found this author and their work and can’t fault it. 5*

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’ve bought the book too. At £2.99 It’s too good not too!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

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

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter  https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20

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

BLOG TOUR – Protector of Mercia by M. J. Porter

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Protector of Mercia by M. J. Porter!

Here’s the blurb.

A deathbed oath leaves the lives of two infants hanging in the balance.

Tamworth AD833 After successfully rescuing her husband from the Island of Sheppey, Icel hears the deathbed confession of Lady Cynehild which leaves him questioning what he knows about his past, as well as his future.

In the unenviable position of being oath sworn to protect their two atheling sons when Lord Coenwulf is punished and banished for his treason against the Mercian ruler, King Wiglaf, Icel is once more torn between his oaths and the secret he knows.

When the two children are kidnapped, Icel, good to his word, and fearing for their safety, pursues their abductors into the dangerous Northern lands, fearing to discover who is behind the audacious attempt on their lives: the queen, the king’s son, or even Lady Ælflæd, a friend to him in the past, but now wed to the king’s son and aunt to the two abandoned children.

Alone in the Northern lands, Icel finds himself facing his worse fears. Can he rescue the children from their captor, or will he fail and lose his life in the process?

Review

Protector of Mercia is book 5 in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. The 1st book in the series was published less than 2 years ago but in this time, there’s been so much growth and development I can hardly believe it’s the 5th instalment already!

If you haven’t read the previous instalments I do recommend it but the author has the knack for explaining things as they go nicely so new readers would understand some of the background.. but most definitely do read the others in the series.. they are too good not to read!

We are back with Icel, and he now knows the truth about who is father really is….and that he himself has a claim to the throne. But it’s a throne he doesn’t want.

After the death of Lady Cynehild Icel promised to protect her children.. It might have been a last ditch selfish act from Lady Cynehild but never the less she was right to fear for them. Soon after their father is exiled the boys go missing and Icel has to figure out who took them and where they have been taken….right now the why doesn’t matter…but something just isnt sitting right..if you want these children out of the way why not just kill them?

Protector of Mercia is all about the tension..a tale of a manhunt as Icel uses all his skill and knowledge to find the children.. to keep them safe.. the main issue is who can he trust??

This instalment, like the previous ones is full of action but what I loved about this one more was the pace, it’s a harrowing journey and the author effortlessly puts you in Icel’s position.. the urgency.. the feeling of desperation.. the weariness of the journey.. the pace perfectly matched so you can actually feel how tired Icel must be.

I feel like Icel at times lost sight of everything else other then would the children survive but he needs to find out why they were taken and by whom..but it’s not going to be easy and the journey is taking him further and further away from safety.

Something I really love about this series is the authors knack of transporting you back to events that happened in a previous novel with only a few words, credit to the author that at the mention of Icel’s uncle my mind is instantly flooded with memories from book 1 in the series..This certainly is a series that will stay with you.

Overall this has to be my favourite instalment so far.. its’ one mans tale.. his feelings.. his desperation and desire not to fail. I couldn’t put it down! 5/5 stars.

My thanks go to MJ Porter, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this ebook in return for my honest review, and to Rachel from http://www.rachelsrandomresources.com  for having me on the blog tour! I can honestly say I’ve ordered a kindle copy myself and the paperback will be soon to join my collection too!!!!

Why not follow the tour?

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

Author Bio –

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. They were raised in the shadow of a building that they believed housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia – so their writing destiny was set.

Social Media Links –  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/m_j_porter/ 

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

In the Shadows of Castles by G K Holloway – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing In the Shadows of Castles by G K Holloway

Here’s the blurb

It’s the 1060s, and William of Normandy is establishing a new and brutal regime in England, but there are those who would defy him. As Norman soldiers spread like a plague across the land, resistance builds, but will it be enough to topple William and restore the rightful king to his throne? The English have the courage to fight, but the Normans, already victorious at Hastings, now build castles seeking to secure their tenuous foothold in these lands.

And what of the people caught up in these catastrophic events? Dispossessed but not defeated, their lives ripped apart, the English struggle for freedom from tyranny; amongst them, caught up in the turmoil, are a soldier, a thane and two sisters. As events unfold, their destinies become intertwined, bringing drastic changes that alter their lives forever.

Firmly embedded in the history of the Conquest, ‘In the Shadows of Castles’ is ultimately a story of love, hope and survival in a time of war.

Review

‘In the Shadows of Castles’ details events that occurred after 1066 and is a follow up to the wonderful ‘1066: What Fates Impose’ I highly recommend you pick this one up too as it’s one of the best I’ve read on the subject.

After any major battle you just know things won’t settle quickly and 1066 is a fine example of how war can lead to disarray, and rarely peace.

William may have claimed England but there are many English nobles who don’t like the idea of bending a knee to this man.

You’d be forgiven to think a new King might want to settle his new country a little after such a fierce battle.. yes you need to ensure the populace and the nobles recognise your right to rule but William enforces a brutal regime that the populace won’t stand for!

As you can imagine there’s a few skirmishes along the way as well as political moves from both sides and living through this uncertain period must have been very frightening indeed.

There’s a couple of things I really really really enjoyed, firstly the time period. I think lots has been written around the events of 1066, but not so much time is given to the succeeding years.

I also really enjoy the authors style of writing. I used to have a history teacher at school who really manged to make the past come alive and G K Holloway has the gift for this too. He manages to weave history with his own set of fictional characters to really make the events come to life. I think text books are great don’t get me wrong, but sometimes you need to make things more personable for events to really hit home hit.

There’s so much detail added for those you really enjoy that aspect too but it’s mixed perfectly with the plot, never forced, so the story flows well.

I can’t recommend G K Holloway any more highly. 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon! Or any good local retailor 😊

BLOG TOUR – Kings of War by M. J. Porter.

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for Kings of War by M. J. Porter.

Here’s the blurb

Can the King of the Scots and the Dublin Norse triumph against a united England?

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King Athelstan of the English has been successful in uniting the many kingdoms of Britain against one enemy, the Viking raiders.

But men who are kings don’t wish to be ruled.

Constantin, King of the Scots, rebelled against the Imperium and was forcibly brought to bend the knee to Athelstan and England at Cirencester.

His son Ildulb seeks bloody vengeance from Athelstan following the battle at Cait and the death of his son.

Olaf Gothfrithson, king of the Dublin Norse, having asserted his power following his father’s death has his sights set on reclaiming Jorvik.

Can the united might of the Scots and the violence of the Dublin Norse, descendants of the infamous Viking raiders, bring King Athelstan and his vision of the united Saxon English to her knees?

An epic story of kingsmanship that will result in the pivotal, bloody Battle of Brunanburh, where only one side can be victorious.

Review

King Athelstan has united Britain but threats are close.. King Constantin of Scotland is not to be thought of as weak and while he puts on a good show in the background political rumblings mean peace surely won’t last… and a bloody war is just around the corner.

I really enjoyed this instalment as I loved the chapter style, each part of the story told from the perspectives of the main characters. This added a depth to the tale as you could see their gut reactions to events, it just made the characters feel real and you could see their own internal wars trying to maintain the power they have, not wanting to appear weak knowing to be King they need to show strength even if peace is the best option for all.

M.J. Porter is well known to me for bringing history to life and this is the perfect example of historical fiction done perfectly. Packed full of historical detail but with the added pinch of the authors style of development leads to a fast following, easy read. With the genre, names, places etc it’s often easy to get overwhelmed but M. J. Porter allows the time for the story to flow naturally, but at a good pace, introducing characters and their place within the story effortlessly.

When I read historical fictions books I’m mainly looking for the action.. the blood and gore and while King’s of War offers this if also gives me so much more, it’s the character development, their motivations, the fear not only of war but fear from your own people turning against you.. it just made what would have been a turbulent time feel more real.. so instead of just reading it.. I felt it.. my own blood racing as the pressure mounts… again it’s all about the build up baby and I loved it!

Being the 2nd book in a series I’d always suggest reading the 1st, just for added depth but King’s of War is perfect as a standalone just as much!

Another 5* corker from the prolific M. J. Porter!

My thanks go to @rararesources for having me on the tour, as well as the author and publisher for supplying an ARC to aid my review. As usual though… I’m buying the book too

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. They were raised in the shadow of a building that they believed housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia – so their writing destiny was set. The first novel in their new Anglo-Saxon series for Boldwood Son of Mercia was published in February 2022.

Social Media Links –  

Twitter https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/m_j_porter/

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