Category Archives: Historical Fiction

Ravensworn by Adam Lofthouse – Review

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Today I’m reviewing the soon to be released Ravensworn by Adam Lofthouse!

Here’s the blurb.

It’s been six years since Alaric’s great defeat. Six years of skulking in the shadows, drinking the days away.

He thinks his life over, the glory days behind him. Until a band of horsemen appear on the horizon, eager to recruit the man they still believe to be a lord of war.

And so Alaric must drag himself from his slumber, don his mail once more. For in the far north of Germania lies a tribe in desperate need of aid. They seek an army of bristling spears, a wall of wooden shields with an iron will. What they’ll get is one tired old man.

In the far reaches of the land, for a cause not his own, Alaric will fly the Raven banner once more. In doing so, he will discover if he is still the man he once was, or if he is destined to feast at the Heroes Hall at last.

Review

Firstly I must commend the author for such a versatile character, this may be the 2nd book in the Ravensworn series but we’ve met Alaric before.. If you haven’t already I do recommend you check out the rest of the authors works, you can read Ravensworn without but why would you want to? Ha. Each book is brilliantly written as a standalone but shine even more intensely when you’ve read them all!

Alaric was once the leader of 500 men.. 500 hardened killers.. then one day this was all taken from him. We now see Alaric, older, but just a wily. He’s not really moved on, if anything the past haunts him.. the men he’s lost.

One day a group of visitors arrive seeking the great lord Alaric and his Ravensworn.. but the Ravensworn are no more…Alaric though starts to feel the heat rising.. this could be his time once again.. he makes it out like its for the reward, for saving a tribe from another in war but what is really wants is to feel what he did years ago.. he’s a fighter..he needs the rush.

When Alaric arrives it soon becomes clear things are not as simple as he first thought, there’s secrets hidden, and to top it off one of the men with him on the journey is a traitor.. but who? And why?

There’s no time for that though as Alaric is forced into battle once more, forced to become a leader again.

Ravensworn is Alaric’s redemption tale. Many years ago he lost his way and it cost him those closest to him but now he sees a chance to be the man he really wants to be. It’s not going to change the past but he knows it’s time to stand and fight against a foe that outnumbers him…even if that means losing. He may have earned the name Oathbreaker but he never broke and oath to the Ravensworn!

The Ravensworn don’t know what losing is and while Alaric’s 500 men are a thing of the past a new Ravensworn are born in the heat of battle!

As the tale progresses there’s some lovely twists and turns as the past comes to bite Alaric where it hurts, it was enthralling.

What I really loved was the characters, so much depth added to each. There’s a lot of battle scenes so to get the right mix of detail and depth must be quite hard to do but boy does the author know how to weave a tale.

Eadger for example, oh my what a journey he goes on. It seems like all these men are fighting their own demons.

I particularly liked how some battle scenes were cut short, not to say they aren’t really complete but it’s is Alaric’s tale.. his retelling.. so those gaps worked perfectly and helped add to the depth of the overall tale.

Ravensworn shows us the man Alaric is.. the man we always knew he was.

I won’t lie, reading the authors note I can’t help feel it a shame this will likely be the last time we see Alaric, but it’s a fitting end to such a remarkable character.

Outstanding 5/5 stars!

My thanks go to the author for an ARC copy to aid review. I’ll be ordering a paperback to join Oathbreaker!

To pre-order head to Amazon!

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

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Today we kick off the blog tour for the newly released Eagle of Mercia by M.J. Porter.

Here’s the blurb

A mercy mission in the heart of Wessex is beset with deadly, bloody dangers.

Tamworth AD831

Icel’s profile continues to rise. Lord of Budworth and warrior of Mercia, he’s acknowledged by King Wiglaf and his comrades to keep Mercia safe from the ravages of Wessex, the king-slayer of the East Angles, and the Viking raiders.

But, danger looms.  Alongside Spring’s arrival comes the almost certain threat of the Viking raiders return.

When Lord Coenwulf of Kingsholm is apprehended by a Viking and held captive on the Isle of Sheppey in Wessex held Kent, Icel is implored by Lady Cynehild to rescue her husband.

To rescue Lord Coenwulf, Icel and his fellow warriors must risk themselves twice over, for not only must they overpower the Viking raiders, they must also counter the threat of Mercia’s ancient enemy, the kingdom of Wessex as they travel through their lands.

Far from home and threatened on all sides, have Icel and his fellow warriors sworn to carry out an impossible duty?

Review

Eagle of Mercia is book 4 in the now well established Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. I feel like it was only yesterday I read the first book but so much has happened since.

Icel is a fully fledged warrior now with his days as a healer gone.. but never forgotten. I really loved how the author give little nods to past events, these are perfect reminders for those familiar with the series but also allow new readers to catch up quickly and to understand motivations.

I really felt the depth of Icel in the instalment, you can see he is starting to grow older and sees the world in a different light.

There’s also a dash of secrecy to the tale. Icel still does not know much about his family but he learns he is linked to an old king in some way.. but Icel doesn’t want power or fame, he really just wants to get on with his life, but will people let him? And what’s the connection.. is there more to it than what he is being told.

If that wasn’t enough stress for Icel he’s also torn romantically, unsure of his feelings toward a lady that can never be his.

As you can see from the blurb there’s more at stake than Icel’s difficulties.. Lord Coenwulf is taken hostage by the Viking’s and a rescue attempt must be mounted. These are savagely strong warriors, how can they possibly get Lord Coenwulf back safely?

Add to that the men of Wessex are marching but why, and who is really behind it all…There’s a lot of political intrigue around certain motivations and Icel’s is sort of caught in the middle at times with no rock to hide behind.

What really works well is the balance between character driven plot and the wider plot, it’s a nice way to break up events for the reader but also helps you feel for the characters, I need the realness, to see Icel’s weaknesses as well as his strengths really made me fall in love with the character and this series.

Eagle of Mercia is packed full of adventure, action, hate, lust, intrigue.. the list goes on but safe to say it ticks all the boxes and more. A resounding 5/5 star success!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

My thanks go to M.J. Porter, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I only accept ARCs to aid timely reviews but this will certainly be add a paperback to the permanent collection soon.

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 

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mj-porter

BLOG TOUR – The Lost Daughters of Ukraine by Erin Litteken

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Today I’m very pleased to be taking part in the blog tour for The Lost Daughters of Ukraine by Erin Litteken.

Here’s the blurb.

A story of the strength of the human spirit, the personal cost of conflict and how love can be found even in the darkest times.

Summer 1941. War rages in Europe. The Germans march towards Ukraine. Halya, Liliya and Vika are no strangers to sorrow. They lost family during the Holodomor, loved ones in Stalin’s purges, and war looms once more on the horizon.

Vika lives in fear for her children. She and her sister survived the terror famine by leaving their whole family behind. Now, years later, many believe the Germans will free them from the Soviets, but she’s not so sure. Should they stay in Volhynia or flee the approaching Eastern front?

Liliya has lost too much in her 17 years. As those around her join the resistance, Liliya wonders how she can fight for her friends, family, and country. When the choice is made for her, can she find the will to survive and protect those still with her?

Twelve-year-old Halya is struggling to discover who she is. But as the war escalates, can her mother Katya’s tactics keep her safe from the Nazi soldiers rounding up slave laborers? How can a child survive the horrors of war on her own?

These daughters of Ukraine will face devastation and loss as they fight to survive and protect the ones they love.

A gripping page-turner of love, loss and resilience for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Review

Everything about the book screamed I’d enjoy this one, the cover, the blurb, the genre.. the question is did the emotion jump off the page for me?

Oh yes..my personal opinion is that for a topic like this emotion is the key, without it the book just won’t hit home, but I need not have worried.

I’ll try to keep the review spoiler free as possible but Liliya’s tale was the strongest for me, the most heart wrenching.. the most emotive.. my heart broke for her as one slave master is replaced with another… the German’s were meant to be liberators.. but the truth is they are far worse than the Russians.

I think the key message from the book is hope.. strength..and with current events in Ukraine I just felt this was a positive message within a hard hitting emotive story.. the pure will the survive.. to keeping moving..to fight.. the cruelty of war but the good that can shine through the dark.

Even throughout the turmoil Liliya still manages to live some form of a life, the day to day jobs to survive and for all the characters I felt this is what hits home the most, the people stuck where they are.. trying to live while under threat each and every day.

The pace of the story flowed well. There’s a changing perspective throughout the tale as the focus shifts from character to character so I do advise you take your time to really feel the characters’ lives develop, but overall the change in perspective helped me as it just kept me gripped.

The author showed real skill with emotions and descriptive scenes, the detail added really helped you imagine the events in real time.. the running.. the burning in the cheat to out run the German draft for example. Just simply beautifully written.

A 5/5 stars from David’s Book Blurg!

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads.

My thanks go to Erin Litteken, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I only accept ARCs to aid timely reviews and I’ll certainly be adding this one to my purchased collection.

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Erin Litteken is a debut novelist with a degree in history and a passion for research. At a young age, she was enthralled by stories of her family’s harrowing experiences in Ukraine before, during and after World War II. She lives in Illinois, USA with her husband and children.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/ErinLitteken

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erin-litteken

BOOK TOUR – Girl with a Knife: Assault by James T. Hogg

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Today is my turn on the book tour for Assault, the first novel in the Girl with a Knife series by James T. Hogg! Read on for more details!

An epic historical novel of love and revenge, good and evil, in seventeenth-century America, spanning five volumes.

Assault (Girl with a Knife #1)

Publication Date: March 21st, 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Mystery/ Thriller

Publisher: All Night Books

Here’s the blurb.

Faythe Emily Wentworth was taught by her father how to fight, and never shies from a conflict, no matter the odds. In her small settlement town, she must always be on guard. She is especially wary of one of the Downing brothers who taunts her, longing to take her, threatening to do so by force…

Faythe’s little sister Chloe is different. She is sweet-tempered, always seeing the good in others, and never suspecting ill intent.

Chloe’s innocence is shattered in a vicious attack, and Faythe is determined to seek vengeance and justice for her sister, and later, her family.  Armed with a knife and a burning obsession, Faythe fights the superstitions and injustices that have led to her family’s destruction.

Review.

If this book were a person I’d be calling it a tease.. oh how you kept me hooked in just enough but never giving away too much.

It’s all about the powerful build up of the plot. Faythe is not like other girls of the time.. she doesn’t want to marry.. she wants to have control over her life but at her tender young age she doesn’t yet know what life will throw at her.

You can tell from the blurb of the book the main event, a vicious attack against Faythe’s sister Chloe. As much as a little distressing to read what I really enjoyed was and scenes weren’t gratuitous, they were pivotal in setting the scene or for the character development, building deep down emotions ready to burst, in both the character and the reader.

The pace was easy to follow and with short chapters it makes for an easy flowing story.

There’s also a little surprise.. there’s an additional story being told.. that of the Indian Nununyi, separated from the man she thought she would marry, Katakuk. At the time the tale is set tensions run high between the Indians and the white men..

During an attack Nununyi is saved.. by a white man…

As she heals physically she goes through a lot mentally.. can she go home? Why did this man save her?

Nununyi’s tale is powerful and emotive highlighting issues at the time and she’s got a lot of healing to go through..

There’s a shared power inside both Nununyi and Faythe and this connection made for a wonderful if teasing read, I needed to know more and had to stop myself from skipping to the end ha.

Overall Girl with a Knife: Assault, is everything I wanted and more, emotive, powerful, fascinating plot, great character development and with a writing style that flows so well.

A thoroughly enjoyable 5/5 stars and I’m eager for more.

My thanks go to R&R Book Tours, the publisher and author for arranging the blog tour. I bought a copy of the book prior to review.. it was just too tempting 😊

To find out more head to Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Bookshop.org

About the Author

James T. Hogg is the pseudonym of one of the most prominent New York City real estate attorneys. As a real-life attorney he has pub­lished two non-fiction books about real estate and business, one of which was a Wall Street Journal best seller.

Girl With a Knife is his first novel, based on a story he told many times to his now-grown chil­dren. His goal was to create a story that the reader simply cannot put down, even when it is midnight and the reader needs to sleep.

In this novel, Hogg has created a world where girls and women of all cultures are equal or superior to the male characters around them, an epic tale that will appeal to women and men of all ages.

James T. Hogg

Why not follow the tour?

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

BLOG TOUR – Odin’s Betrayal by Donovan Cook.

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for Odin’s Betrayal by Donovan Cook.

Here’s the blurb.

Two kingdoms destined for war, one boy caught in the eye of the storm…

Francia AD853

After a failed Viking raid on the Frankish coast over 20-years-ago, Jarl Sven the Boar is forced to leave his only son, Torkel, as a hostage and warned never to raid Francia again or his son will die.

In Hügelburg, a small town in East Francia, Torkel and his 9-year-old son Charles are ambushed at home.

Before dying, Torkel thrusts a package into young Charles’s hands and tells him to flee Francia for Denmark in search of his grandfather Sven the Boar’s protection.

But the man Charles eventually finds is not who he expects, and Charles must put his fate in the hands of a man betrayed by Odin.

Together they must uncover the significance of the package and why the Kings of Francia want Charles dead.

Review

I’ve heard good things about Donovan Cook so I was very eager to jump on this series from the start.

As soon as the first page hits the scene is set, a failed Viking raid.. a young boy taken as hostage to ensure the Vikings behave.

Many years pass and Torkel is now a man with his own child, Charles. He’s still young and hasn’t yet learned how harsh life can be so when his farther is murdered he holds himself to blame… little does he know there’s a lot more history behind this murder and  there’s people out there who have yet to rear their ugly heads.

Charles, under his fathers dying request flees in search of his Grandfather. Along the way he makes friends with a slave who aids his escape. There’s a nice bond growing between the two.

We soon meet Sven the Boar..but times have been hard.. he’s not the man he was. Interestingly as the story flows we learn more about his downfall.. and it all stems from the loss of Torkel all those years ago.

The pace of the story flows well and there’s a lot of action as we see Sven warm to Charles and we see the Boar return..and with good reason.. there’s things even Sven didn’t see all those years ago.. hidden secrets.. hidden betrayal. At times you wonder can anyone actually be trusted… those twists are just immense!

Plot wise I can’t fault this, hooked in from the first page. Perfect pace and a great mix of plot versus character development. Sometimes I find not enough time is given to mix the development just right so it doesn’t feel forced but now I know why I’ve been hearing good things about Donovan Cook. It felt like a tapestry, expertly woven.

For fans of historic fiction you’ll love this, action packed with perfect mix of development to suit any type of reader.

Resounding 5*

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads.

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. 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 which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology.  He lives in Lancashire and his first title in a new series for Boldwood will be published in Spring 2023.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20

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

BLOG TOUR – Storm of War by Peter Gibbons

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Today is release day for Storm of War by Peter Gibbons, book 2 in The Saxon Warrior Series.

I’m very lucky to be kicking off the blog tour today to celebrate the release!

Here’s the blurb!

The fight for a torn Kingdom rests in the hands of a few brave men…

990AD.

King Aethelred II, who men will one day call The Unready, rules over a land divided by the shadowy spin of his mother Queen Ælfthryth and the sprawling power of the Church.

The Viking Warlord, Olaf Tryggvason smelling the Kingdoms weakness brings the vicious Jomsvikings to the Saxon coastline ravenous for war and plunder.

Together Lord Byrthnoth, Ealdorman of the East Saxons and Beornoth his Saxon Thegn lead a force of oath sworn Viking killers, every bit as brutal and war-skilled as the Norse invaders to protect the Kingdom against enemies both from within, and from the cruel seas. They are pushed to the very limits of their bravery and endurance in a desperate fight for the very existence of the Saxon Kingdom.

In a riveting story of trachery, betrayal, vengeance and war, can Beornoth defeat his enemies and protect the Kingdom from destruction?

Review.

I’m fairly new to the authors work but after reading Warrior and Protector last year I was eagerly awaiting this release and god damn it packs a punch!

King Aethelred is weak, and the Vikings know it. The King’s mother and the bishops have too much say in his rule and even some thought loyal are of Viking blood and wish to see the return to Norse rule.

Lord Byrthnoth and Thegn Beornoth stand in their way! Pillars of Saxon might!

Ah I loved the whole ensemble of characters, but these two just outshine even the brightest star. Byrthnoth is a good and fair lord, strong and wise and leads his men from the front.. he’s not afraid of battle and when the King doesn’t seem to want to stand in the way of the Viking invasion he’s not going to stand by and watch.. he’s a man of action..but his temperament means he’s wise and weighs up his options.. unlike Beornoth.. Beornoth has suffered pain like no one should.. his children murdered by Vikings and his wife left to die, only to survive a broken woman.. He’s fuelled by anger and that anger sees him get into some sticky situations but it’s also what the Saxons need.

The Vikings are brutal.. they have no honour and leave a trail of destruction.. the sight would turn anyone stomach. Beornoth use’s that anger and brings vengeance upon his enemies.

The main issue is the battle is on many fronts, how do they see off this threat with so little men at their disposal?

Without a shadow of doubt this book is one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading, the plot, character development, the detail setting the scene … wow. I almost felt I was aboard the Viking ship as Beornoth puts a risky plan into action!

Usually when I read a book one aspect stands out as the thing I loved the most.. not this time..everything is just woven perfectly together, you get depth and raw guttural anger and bloodshed.. there’s real hurt and some of the most brutal scenes I’ve read.. every slice jumping from the page.

In one word to sum up – Mesmerising!

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

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 🙂

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 comes to Boldwood with his new Saxon Warrior series, set around the 900 AD Viking invasion during the reign of King Athelred the Unready. The first title of the new series, Warrior and Protector, will be published in October 2022. He originates from Liverpool and now lives with his family in County Kildare.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: Peter Gibbons Author – Home | Facebook

Twitter: Peter Gibbons Author (@AuthorGibbons) / Twitter

Instagram: Peter Gibbons Author (@petermgibbons) • Instagram photos and videos

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

Bookbub profile: Peter Gibbons Books – BookBub

Legionary: The Emperor’s Shield by Gordon Doherty – REVIEW

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Today is release day for Legionary: The Emperor’s Shield, Book 9 in the Legionary by the awesome Gordon Doherty.

I’m very lucky to have received an ARC to allow me to help celebrate the release but rest assured my bank balance was still hit today with a charge… too right I had the book pre-ordered!!

The release of this instalment is even more important to me than you can imagine. After losing my dad last year I jumped at the chance to donate to charity and have my dads name added to the book, immortalised forever.

Here’s the blurb

Easier to split the sky, than part a soldier from his blade.

386 AD. The Eastern Roman Empire faces a trident of threats. The Gothic truce grows unstable. The standoff with Persia escalates. And the ambitions of the usurper on the Western throne grow dangerously unchecked.

Pavo, a broken veteran of the legions, cares for none of these things. His life is one of pastoral seclusion on his Thracian farm. A life of love, of peace. His wife and young son are his world. Still, every so often, things seen and done in his old life haunt him, like a cold and unwelcome breeze. But that is all they are, echoes of the past…

…until the past rises, like a shade, to rip his world and the Roman Empire apart.

Review

Oh Pavo, it feels like an eternity since we’ve seen you. After Pavo’s last adventure I had worried it was the last we would see of him.. that last battle left him with some serious wounds that mean he’s fought his last… or maybe not?

The Empire is on the brink of war again… the Goths have amassed and the Emperor want’s Pavo’s help.. he was instrumental in the last war with the Goths so hiss knowledge is invaluable.

The issue is he’s a shell of the man he was, weak and unable to help out on his farm for more than an hour or two..

But there’s one man who can help him, Frugilo! This is the first time we’ve met the man but instantly you are alert.. this man holds his cards tight to his chest but he knows what he’s doing and he’s a shining star of this instalment. He manages to give back to Pavo a little of what he thought lost… when you learn the truth about the man.. it’s an battle to control your emotions.

This was probably the most interesting part detail wise for me, Frugilo teaching Pavo to be the man he was again. I really enjoyed the use of a porpax shield to enable Pavo to fight once again for the Empire.. for his family!

Pavo races to the Emperors side and soon notices things aren’t right..there’s a dark force out there.. who wants only to see war… but why?

The issue with the Goths isnt the only trouble..a usurper wishes to see chaos so he may rule the Empire himself.

In these uncertain times the Emperor enlists Pavo to join his small band of elite protectors, he is to be a shield!

I’m never one for spoilers but things move quickly, there’s deception, tension and you really don’t know what will happen next. I’d say the last 30% of the book I demolished in the early hours while the family were fast asleep.. it’s not often I can really say that a book made it impossible for me to put down but The Emperor’s Shield did just that.

It was great to see Pavo back, and it was even sweeter when his old comrades show up including Sura..I love their relationship.. Sura still needs his old friend one last time as he tries to settle into the role previously held by Pavo’s.. big shoes to fill! Pavo need’s these men too.. needs to remember who he was.. what he is still capable of.

The twists in this book really make it special.. I thought I had things worked out.. but no…and it was really lovely to be reminded of those we’ve lost along the way, each have left their mark on Pavo.

A resounding 5 star without a shadow of a doubt.. we may only be in February but I can confidently say I’ve found my book of 2023!

What Doherty managed to do is keep the series fresh and give depth, more life to the characters.. he’s really found the balance between detail and plot to make the book come alive.

I hate to say it.. but I don’t think you’ll find any better storyteller out there! If you disagree, then unfortunately I’m sorry to say you are wrong! Ha

Final thought… this isnt the end.. there’s more to come..I don’t know when or what will happen but I’ll be there ready to immerse myself in Pavo’s next tale..his last journey? Time will tell. Regardless.. Pavo will live with me forever!

My thanks go to the author for allowing me the pleasure of an advance copy of the book.. I’m a lucky boy I know!

Grab a copy today.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

BLOG TOUR – King of Kings by MJ Porter

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for King of Kings by MJ Porter!

Here’s the blurb

In the battle for power, there can be only one ruler.

AD925

Athelstan is the king of the English, uniting the petty kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia, the Danish-held Five Boroughs and York following the sudden death of his father, King Edward.

His vision is to unite the realms of the Scots and the Welsh in a peace accord that will protect their borders from the marauding threat of the Norse Vikings.

Whilst seemingly craving peace and demanding loyalty with an imperium over every kingdom, Athelstan could dream of a much bigger prize.

But danger and betrayal surround his best intentions, namely from his overlooked stepbrother, Edwin, who conspires and vies for what he deems is his rightful place as England’s king.

As ever, powerful men who wish to rule do not wish to be ruled, and Constantin of the Scots, Owain of Strathclyde, and Ealdred of Bamburgh plot their revenge against the upstart English king, using any means necessary.

An epic story of kingsmanship that will set in motion the pivotal, bloody Battle of Brunanburh where allies have to be chosen wisely…

Review

King of Kings revolves around the Battle of Brunanburh and the events that lead to this epic battle.

Athelstan is King of the English but not everyone is happy with the uniting of the kingdoms.

The King of the English has designs to grow his kingdom but mostly he’s looking to the future, in the short term he knows peace is the only solution but if we know anything about Kings and Queens of the past is that it’s a treacherous position to hold, not only do you have threats from outside of your kingdom but you have to watch your back too.. family doesn’t mean what it should to some.. and families can be quite complicated at times.

MJ Porter wonderfully weaves the tale with changing perspectives, exploring the motivations and inner thoughts of some of the most powerful and influential people at the time. I found this amazing to read, I know we may not really know someone’s thoughts but the changing perspective really gave life and depth to each of the characters. I particularly loved that I felt the author managed to put some of their own writing style into the tale, little moments when you can tell they had fun writing the scene.. don’t get me wrong.. textbooks are brilliant for facts but sometimes  you need a little something extra to bring events and characters to life and a tale such as this gives you that.. it makes me want to learn more and in particularly keen to learn more about the Welsh Kings. I can’t say I now much about the period but King of Kings gives me exactly what I need, historical fiction that excites.. sparks the desire to learn more.

The book has a large ensemble of characters, and the story covers a wide period, so I’d definitely say give yourself the time to really immerse yourself in the book. The short chapters certainly helped me to retain the information and ensured the flow of the tale went well. It’s a pretty perfect book to get lost in for a few hours.

Overall a really enjoyable read, I particularly liked exploring the different characters and their motivations, each wanting to ensure their safety but at the same time ready to attack if the time is right. It’s all about the build up baby..you are just wanting to see who will step over the line first!

4/5 Stars

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 –  

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

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Newsletter Sign Up: https://www.mjporterauthor.com/

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mj-porter

The Pedlar’s Promise by Steven A. McKay – REVIEW & COMPETITION!!!

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Today I’m reviewing The Pedlar’s Promise by Steven A. McKay.

This novelette is part of the authors The Forest Lord series and is pegged as an “exciting Forest Lord novelette for Christmas”.. Let’s give it the David’s Book Blurg treatment and find out.

Oh and keep reading.. I may have added a little competition at the end 😊

Here’s the blurb

Medieval England, December

A pedlar has been sent to Wakefield with an unexpected and apparently quite valuable Christmas gift for John Little and his friend Will Scaflock. Unfortunately, the pedlar likes his ale a little too much and somehow gets lost and ends up in the wrong town. With no other work to do, or any strange mysteries to solve for a change, the pair of bored former outlaws decide to ride out and track down their gift. Of course, things don’t quite go as smoothly as hoped and they experience a series of hair-raising adventures on the snowy roads and villages of Yorkshire before their quest finally ends with a surprise…
Will our heroes ever find their quarry? What is the mysterious gift their friend Robert Stafford has sent to them from Brandesburton? And who the hell thought it was a good idea to go riding around northern England in the depths of winter searching for a drunk old pedlar?
Pour yourself a warm glass of wassail and settle in beside the fire to find out!
The Pedlar’s Promise continues the series of short winter stories including Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil, Faces of Darkness, The House in the Marsh, and Sworn To God, and brings some much-needed cheer to the gloomy winter months.

Review

I’m a big fan of the author and it’s sort of become a Christmas tradition to sit down with a new novella from the author at this time of year. McKay hasn’t disappointed and has written a lovely little tale featuring Little John, Will Scarlett and Tuck.

You don’t have to have read any of the other books in this series to read this one, you could easily jump in here as a taster before buying the authors longer works but having read the previous books I think it would just give the characters a little more depth and you’ll chuckle even more, trust me.

So what happens in the story you may ask. Well Tuck has asked a pedlar to bring a gift back to Will and Little John.. but he’s gone missing… To give him his dues the pedlar and Tuck were both drunk at the time. Shock..ha

Now Tuck doesn’t have time to let Will and Little John know what the gift was and knowing Will that won’t sit easy with him.. he doesn’t like the unknown.. and it’s an itch he needs to scratch so he and John set out to find the pedlar!

Chaos ensues..there’s fights.. mud.. and laughs along the way but will they find the pedlar and the gift Tuck sent? And what kind of gift would have been sooo important to send anyway?

What I rally loved about this short read was that true to form it’s a cracking fun read, but you can really tell the author had fun with this one. McKay has reached the stage in the series where he can basically take any path he wants, and it shows just how talented the author is in bringing the reader fresh and fun tales.

The Pedlar’s Promise isnt as dark or mysterious and some of the authors novellas but this one fits perfect for the season, it’s light-hearted and had me smiling the whole way through. I can quite easily see myself sitting with the kids with this one chuckling away.

Another masterful piece of literature. 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

Now on to the important matter. I while ago I meant to run a competition to win a signed book from Steven A. McKay.. and me being the divvy I am… I forgot. Argh. Can I blame the fact my girls are now 8 and driving me nuts?

Anyhoo..to make up for that I’ve made the prize even better so up for grabs is :-

A signed copy of The Druid, book 1 in the Warrior Druid of Britain series!

And also a signed poster from the 3rd book in the series – The Northern Throne. I was very lucky when I requested one for myself ages ago the author accidently sent me two ha ha, so why not give this second one a nice new home?

What do you need to do to win? Well first of let me give the rules.

I like to keep things simple, so I use Rafflecopter and you have a few different chances to earn an entry into the competition. The competition is no way endorsed by anyone other than myself and I’m responsible for sending the prize to the winner. Unfortunately this does mean I can only open this up the UK residents only as I’ll be paying the postage. The competition is open for a week!

I will contact the winner via email to confirm their address and will post the winners name on my social media 🙂

Ready to enter? Click here

BLOG TOUR – Warrior of Mercia by MJ Porter! (The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles Book 3)

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Today I’m kicking off the blog tour for Warrior of Mercia by MJ Porter! (The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles Book 3)

It gets better as it’s only just been released today!!! Congratulations to MJ Porter on a cracking new release!

Here’s the blurb

Icel is a lone wolf no more.

Oath sworn to Wiglaf, King of Mercia and acknowledged as a member of Ealdorman Ælfstan’s warrior band, Icel
continues to forge his own destiny on the path to becoming the Warrior of Mercia.

With King Ecgberht of Wessex defeated and Londonium back under Mercian control, the Wessex invasion of Mercia is over.

But the Wessex king was never Mercia’s only enemy. An unknown danger lurks in the form of merciless Viking raiders, who set their sights on infiltrating the waterways of the traitorous breakaway kingdom of the East Angles, within touching distance of Mercia’s eastern borders.

Icel must journey to the kingdom of the East Angles and unite against a common enemy to ensure Mercia’s hard-won freedom prevails.

Review

Firstly.. WOW..

Secondly… WOW..

We are back with Icel but don’t worry if you are not familiar with the series as the author does a nice little recap of events but in such a subtle way, for new readers it will give you the backdrop to Icel’s life to present, for the readers who have been with him from the start it’s a nice refresher and really gets you in the right zone, and puts you right back into the moment so you already feel those emotions brought on by the previous books again.

It’s only been a few months really since all this craziness started and in that time Icel has lost a lot, including his uncle. Friendships have become strained and he’s struggling to find his feet as a warrior. It doesn’t help that the King has singled him out for favour.. this doesn’t go down well with some!

What MJ Porter manages to do so well is setting the scene.. the emotions..the smell.. it feels like you are right there with Icel, you can smell his sweat and feel his heart pumping.

The Wessex King has run for his life but Mercia isn’t safe yet. The Viking’s are inbound and they could be an even bigger threat than Wessex.. but with so many men dead from the previously hard won battle how will King Wiglaf protect his people and repel these forces?

I keep saying it in my reviews but one thing I need to hit that 5* is character development, if characters go stale or seem out of place it just spoils the flow of my reading but there’s never any worry when reading anything by MJ Porter.

The plot is so expertly woven with character development, and you see each character grow as the page turns and I loved seeing characters like Cuthred with his own story arc. It was also great to see Brute and Wine back.. Icel’s trusty steeds, they don’t say anything obviously but their actions are louder than words and Brute especially brings a massive smile to my face.

Icel’s development is at the forefront and the author did a brilliant job showing the internal battle he faces each day, he trained to be a healer, now he’s a warrior, so many faces of those crush beneath feet, or with ghastly wounds.. he’s torn.. he could have saved some of these men.. and did… only to have them return to the fight and die. There’s a real depth to the character that can’t be beaten!

I’m never one to give spoilers but you can tell from the synopsis there’s going to be some battles.. blood and guts and it was beautifully brutal in detail and merged perfectly with Icel’s development, his feelings, his history… His uncle is never far from his thoughts and there’s clearly a hidden secret..but what? And why does the new Queen hate him so much? All will be revealed…. Or will it? Ha.

A wonderous 3rd instalment packed full or excitement, I’ve got the kindle version but can’t wait to grab hold of a paperback too!

5/5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

My thanks go to the author, the publisher, and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the blog tour! I received an ARC of the book as part of the tour but like I say.. this will be added to my paperback collection as soon as possible! This is one of the reasons I review.. Just to get in there early to read the book knowing I’m going to be buying a copy anyway 😊

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 

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mj-porter