Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

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!

Wrath of the Picts (Warrior Druid of Britain Book 5) by Steven A. McKay – REVIEW

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Today I’m reviewing Wrath of Picts by Steven A. McKay, Book 5 in the Warrior Druid of Britain series.

Here’s the blurb.

Princess Catia has gone missing and once again it falls to the legendary druid, Bellicus, to find her. Was the child taken by force, or did she go willingly with the Pictish warrior-woman, Aife?

Their trail leads far north to the windswept fortress of Dunnottar, so the druid must journey there with his companions, Duro, Eburus, and the fearsome wardog, Cai. Leaving Dun Breatann in the hands of Queen Narina and her enigmatic new husband, Ysfael, the friends ride out, but things are never as straightforward as they seem…

Violence and death follow Bellicus as he seeks to discover the fate of the princess. In doing so, he also finds himself on the trail of the swordsman, Lancelot, who disappeared months before when his warband was slaughtered by Saxons. Will the druid be in time to save them both? Or will their enemies, old and new,earn the bloody vengeance and glory they so desperately desire?

Ambition, lust, grief, and the power of the old gods combine in Wrath of the Picts as the druid and his companions are thrust towards a shocking finale that will leave Dun Breatann in turmoil and Northern Britain ravaged again by war.

Review

We are back with the Druid Bellicus and oh how excited I was for this one. Each instalment continues to develop the characters and the overall plot in such a way you just yearn for it but at the same time you don’t want the book to end!

We start off learning the fate of Lancelot, one of Arthurs loyal warriors. His is not a fate that any should suffer…starved..beaten physical and mentally but still sharp as a knife with his cunning and charm.

The setting moves to Dun Breatann and this is where things really kicked up a gear.. Queen Narina has a new husband.. but let’s just say he’s not a loving husband by any means, it’s a marriage of convenience for both.. but his wandering eye is about to cause trouble.

Aife, daughter of Drest is prisoner of Queen Narina, she is there to ensure Drest will not attack Dun Breatann again.. but Aife draws some unwanted attention leading her to escape.. if that wasn’t bad enough Princess Catia has gone with her.. but the Queen can’t quite understand why..the truth is hidden from her but for how long.

Bellicus soon returns and learns of Catia’s disappearance. Queen Narina and Bellicus share more than just a strong love for each other.. Catia….People are starting to notice the resemblance..

What neither know is that while her husband Ysfael has sent men out after the Princesses, their orders and motivations aren’t good.. and it can only mean trouble.  

Now Bellicus has saved Catia once, he’s not about to let her out into the world without someone to look after her. He has a deep love for the girl so even though he doesn’t know the danger she’s in his course is set and he will see Catia home safely once again and he will find out why she ran away in the first place. Aife can only be heading one place.. home.. so Bellicus sets of in pursuit.

Catia ends up not only in the company of Picts but also Saxons! This brings back bad memories of a time she was abducted by Saxons.. but why are they there and do they mean her harm again?

Now this is where the tale really gets juicy! There’s some amazing twists.. misdirection and awe inspiring scenes as Catia comes face to face with Lancelot! She vows to see him free. She shares the blood of Bellicus so you just know she will see Lancelot and the other slaves free… but their escape isnt an easy one and not everyone will want to stand together and fight.. it’s each man for themselves.

Worlds collide from this point on and it’s a mad race for Bellicus to save Catia once again..will he make it.. and if he does what will he do when he learns the truth about Ysfael.. and anyway.. what is his ultimate goal.. he’s hiding something but you are held in suspense waiting for the answers to become clear.

I’m never one for massive spoilers but this is a cracking instalment.. the urgency.. the details.. the brilliant twists and character development.. simply untouchable greatness, you won’t find a better storyteller than Steven A. McKay.

I bang on about character development a lot but it’s pivotal to a tale..if you don’t feel the characters the book will never be a 5*.. but McKay knows how to do it. This book isnt just about the Druid.. each character shows their own style and you feel for them all, even the slaves that are held captive with Lancelot.. in a short space of time emotion is infused in written words masterfully.

The ending will not disappoint you! Again no spoiler’s here but I love how the author managed emotions in this one, for everyone.. especially Bellicus, he’s a Druid after all.. he should be all to control himself…. But really? Do you think he’s going to stand by and watch what’s happening.. No chance.

Cracking 5* read!

If you haven’t started this series yet come on!!! Why the hell not! It’s a corker! To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon or any good bookseller.. you won’t be disappointed

BLOG TOUR – JULIA PRIMA A Roma Nova Foundation Story by Alison Morton plus 10 Question With…

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Today I’m pleased to be taking part in the blog tour for JULIA PRIMA A Roma Nova Foundation Story by Alison Morton.

I was also lucky enough to have the chance to ask the author some questions about their work so keep reading on for a 10 Questions With feature. I’ve not had one on the blog in a while so very esxcited!!

Here’s the book blurb.

“You should have trusted me. You should have given me a choice.”

AD 370, Roman frontier province of Noricum. Neither wholly married nor wholly divorced, Julia Bacausa is trapped in the power struggle between the Christian church and her pagan ruler father.

Tribune Lucius Apulius’s career is blighted by his determination to stay faithful to the Roman gods in a Christian empire. Stripped of his command in Britannia, he’s demoted to the backwater of Noricum – and encounters Julia.

Unwittingly, he takes her for a whore. When confronted by who she is, he is overcome with remorse and fear. Despite this disaster, Julia and Lucius are drawn to one another by an irresistible attraction.

But their intensifying bond is broken when Lucius is banished to Rome. Distraught, Julia gambles everything to join him. Following her heart’s desire brings danger she could never have envisaged…

Review.

Julia Prima is book 10 in the wonderful Roma Nova series by Alison Morton. It’s a foundation story so you don’t need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy it but it could hurt to get them all if you haven’t already 🙂 .

We meet Julia, trapped in a system that allows a female little independence, and at a time when family honour was held above all.  

Julia is legally divorced but stuck in an environment with battling religious system.

When the eye-catching Lucius arrives Julia finally finds what she’s been after, a natural attraction that builds, emotions, the kind that will make you do anything.

Word soon spreads and as Julia’s ex husband holds some sway Lucius soon has his orders to pack his bags.. he has to follow orders even if he doesn’t want to but does he really know how Julia feels?

Now, Julia’s father is clever.. he knows she can’t be a spinster for the rest of her life and he finds her a match he hopes will work.. it’s not for love.. it would be convenience for both.. but Julia isn’t one for letting a man tell her what she can and can’t do in life and she sets out to find Lucius.. a long and hard journey.

Along the way religious beliefs at the time play a big part.. she’s a young woman.. while she’s not alone she really needs to be careful and story is soon thought of to keep her identify unknown but how long can they last without someone finding her…. Or have they already found her?

Now to the nitty-gritty.. plot.. FANTASTIC. I’ve read a lot of the authors work and I really felt this one just packed an extra punch.. it’s more emotional.. a desperate journey which I found more intense and gritty.. LOVED IT!

Development wise everything is paced well and as always the author manages to mix plot and romance seamlessly. If you are a follower of my reviews you’ll know I’m not a fan of romance when it feels forced into a story but Alison Morton adds these aspects naturally allowing the story to feel real… you feel the connections between the characters.

While I loved the character of Julia and her shear strength & determination I also fell in love with Aegius and Asella who accompany Julia on her journey. I’m not one for spoilers but these 3 together are what makes this book work.

Wonderful writing with an easy flowing exciting plot. What more could I ask for!

A spectacular 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.  Or any good bookseller. Keep it local if you can 😊

Now would you like to see a 10 Questions With feature, here we go….

10 Questions with…

Q1. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the Roma Nova Series, so I loved the idea of a prequel. Was it hard to come up with the plot or did you always have this in mind as the next step in the series?

Thank you for your kind words about the series! Every country has a history that has impacted its people and entered their genes. The story of Julia Bacausa and Lucius Apulius has always been lurking in the background since the first book, INCEPTIO, when Karen/Carina fled to the safety of the Roma Novan legation. Gaia Memmia, the legation officer, is helping her adapt:


She gave me a kids’ history book that illustrated how Apulius and his four daughters had founded Roma Nova at the end of the fourth century. I laughed at the heroic little cartoon characters waving their swords around, but Gaia took it all seriously. Descended from the Julii and Flavians, both tough political families, according to Gaia, Apulius had married a Celt from Noricum. Although Romanised for several generations, women in her family made decisions, fought in battles and managed property.

That was over ten years ago. Although I never planned to write a whole novel, the need to write the foundation story has crept up on me year by year…

Q2. No spoilers, but a lot of description was packed in superbly, locations, methods of travel, clothes, attitudes and so on. Did you do a lot of research into anything specific to help you write Julia’s tale? 

The short answer – yes, everything! I have a general knowledge of the period and I know the Alpine areas of Austria and Italy, and the Tuscany and Umbria areas of Italy. I’ve walked round a lot of Rome’s hard pavements.  The most important thing to remember is that Ancient Rome lasted 1,229 years in the West. A great deal had changed by AD 370 even from the classical period of the first two centuries AD. We know our own world has changed out of recognition from, say the 1950s, yet many core elements are still there. Moving history on is something all historical fiction writers should be aware of, and I paid particular attention to those changes. By AD 370, togas had all but been abandoned along with the three dining couch convention and, horror of horrors, Roman soldiers wore trousers!

On the practical side, I had excellent help from Roman writing friends Ruth Downie on travel and Gordon Doherty on reference books for Late Antiquity.

Q3. I love a good prologue and JULIA PRIMA’s packs a punch! I heard recently some readers actually don’t enjoy a good prologue. What are your thoughts? For me, a prologue sets things up nicely, so when done right will hook the reader in from the first page.

Ha! Prologues. 🙂 Any two fiction writers or readers will argue about prologues! I’m neutral on them. If there’s one in a book, I always read it. If the author has put one in, then there must be a reason for it. In JULIA PRIMA, the prologue seemed to naturally fall into place. I needed to set the story up, but the incident wasn’t an integral part of the first part of Julia’s own story, although it becomes extremely important as it goes along. It also lets the reader be in on a secret that Julia doesn’t know…

Q4. One thing I’ve always loved about your characters is the strength and depth given to the female roles, turning society norms on their heads. In JULIA PRIMA this continues but we also see some wonderful development of a male character Aegius who plays a big role and you did a wonderful job painting his history. Did you find it easy writing his story? 

I like portraying a strong male character who isn’t a love interest, but who is a typical tough nut. Their role is to be a friend/supporter who is straight-talking, stands no nonsense from the heroine, but is loyal. Lurio does this for Carina and Tertullius Plico for Aurelia. Whether any of them holds a candle for the heroine is for the reader to decide…

Q5. I know you’ve read some of my reviews previously and so you’ll know I’m not a romance man when it feels forced. Do you find it hard to balance the romance and plot within your stories, as it comes across effortlessly with just the right amount of detail to have things develop naturally.

I feel that a story without an emotional element is lacking; even the toughest thriller needs the characters to connect personally, even if not romantically, but it should be integral, not parachuted in as an afterthought. JULIA PRIMA is the most romantic novel I’ve written. It had to be, as the story is about two people who founded a dynasty. I’m a long-time member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and they gave me my first lessons in novel writing.  Whether you write steamy romance or adventure with a light romantic touch, the most important thing is to keep the characters and their feelings authentic within the plot of the story. Conflict, misunderstandings, separation, danger, heartache, persistence and courage work for me. It’s always about feelings, not mechanics!

Q6. Other than your wonderful Roma Nova series you’ve also stepped into the thriller genre with the Mélisende Thrillers series. How did it feel moving away from the comfort of Roma Nova?

Quite peculiar! It was Conn Igguldden who said I wrote a good riot and a great heroine when he gave me a cover endorsement for INSURRECTIO. He challenged me to write a modern European heroine with the same backbone. Obviously, I gave her failings as well. 😉 As I live in France and am both British and French, Mel/Mélisende developed naturally. I did six years in the British forces, so I could write her military background, except that the French Army has some interesting differences in recruitment, traditions and training! I did find a way to sneak Rome in with a chase round Trajan’s Market in Double Pursuit!

Q7. The Roma Nova series is a great example of alternative history done right. If you could go back, is there anything you aren’t 100% happy with?

I think every novelist looks back, tempted to go through their first book or first few books and change things, but I think it’s better to move forward. I’m equally sure that I write better than I did ten years ago and would probably get through several red pens if I went back. However, INCEPTIO, my first book, remains far and away my best seller.

Q8. So you’ve conquered alternative history, smashed thrillers. Is there any genre you’d love to try next? Or indeed any that you would stay away from?

Crumbs! That’s a difficult question. When I started, I was just writing a story that had been simmering away in my brain. Apart from general experience as a reader, I had no idea about genres. I loved, and still love, historical fiction, adventure, spy, thriller, international crime and conspiracy stories along with being a dedicated fan of Georgette Heyer Regency novels, so I’m really mixed up! I think my writing topics, interests and themes reflect this mix.

Periods of change fascinate me, as do the roles of women in history. I love stumbling upon stories of unsung heroines, or women who could have played a decisive part in history if they had been male. Anything slightly quirky, really, but not erotica!

Q9. What was the most recent book you’ve read yourself that you would recommend?

Currently, I’m re-reading Lindsey Davis’s epic Master and God. She stepped away from the Falco and Flavia Albia series and wrote a 480-page barnstormer about Emperor Domitian with two beautifully constructed fictional characters: pragmatic, effective, yet reserved vigilis turned Praetorian Gaius Vinius and freedwoman Flavia Lucilla, a capable and favoured hairdresser to the imperial family, yet a lonely young woman. All of Davis’s hallmarks are there – the research, the poignancy, the understatement, the compassion. And her drawing of Domitian is masterly. Highly recommended!

Q10. I ask this every time but that’s because I really need to know… What’s next? More books, I hope. 😊

Yes, more books. A second Roma Nova foundation story, this one set in AD 395, as I’ve only told half the story behind the origin of Roma Nova. This always happens to me. I write one book, then find I have too much story and need to write a second, or even a third! Then I’d like to tackle a third Mélisende modern thriller. Plenty to keep me busy!

Why not follow the blog tour?

Author Bio.

Bio

Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her nine-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the ancient Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but with a sharp line in dialogue.

She blends her fascination for Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history. 

Alison now lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity and Double Pursuit. Oh, and she’s writing the next Roma Nova story.

Social media links

Connect with Alison on her Roma Nova site: https://alison-morton.com

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonMortonAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alison_morton     @alison_morton

Alison’s writing blog: https://alisonmortonauthor.com

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

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5783095.Alison_Morton
Alison’s Amazon page: https://Author.to/AlisonMortonAmazon

Newsletter sign-up: https://www.alison-morton.com/newsletter/

Valentia by Adam Lofthouse – Review

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Today I’m reviewing Valentia by Adam Lofthouse!

Here’s the blurb

Meet Tribune Sixtus Victorinus. Drunken soldier. Absent father. Unlikely hero.


Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367

It’s just another day, until it isn’t. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Little does he know it’s about to change his life forever. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.

For rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire. The land is ablaze, overrun with barbarians, ‘Valentia’, is the word on everyone’s lips. And no one seems to have the first clue what to do about it.

And so Victorinus must act. He has let his life run to ruin, drunk his youth away. 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.

Review

As a fan of the authors work I was looking forward to this one immensely!

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.

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 know each other for years.. kind of opposites but at the same time hold some of the same qualities.. if only Victorinus could overcome his demons!

The book starts well and the plot moves at the perfect speed building the pressure as Victorinus and Felicuis spit up with the same aim.. find out who is behind this and stop them.

Roman forts have been abandoned… but where are the bodies..and theirs multiple enemies reported all over..who would have the power and money to make this happen or is it all one big coincidence? And what or who is Valentia… is everyone being honest about what they know?

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!

Having read the authors previous offerings I’m more than impressed. The hard hitting and commanding plots and character development just keep coming and I can’t wait to see what’s next. I felt that the author really had fun with this one and found the winning mix!

5/5 stars

It was a pleasure to purchase and add this to my ever growing collection of kindle books… Don’t tell the wife though… When payday hits I’m buying the paperback for the collection 😊

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or even your local bookstore 😊 )

BLOG TOUR – Wolf of Mercia by M J Porter

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Today I kick off the blog tour for Wolf of Mercia. Book 2 in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles series by M J Porter.

Here’s the blurb!

As a lone wolf inside a Wessex stronghold, Icel must ensure his own and Mercia’s triumph.

Icel is becoming a warrior of Mercia, but King Ecgberht of Wessex still holds the Mercian settlement of Londonia and its valuable mint.

King Wiglaf of Mercia is determined that the last bulwark be reclaimed from his sworn enemy to complete his rehabilitation as Mercia’s rightful ruler.

In the heart of the shield wall, Icel suddenly finds himself on the wrong side of the battle and thrust into the retreating enemy stronghold where he must take on the pretence of a Wessex warrior to survive and exact a cunning plan to bring down the Wessex force cowering behind the ancient walls.

His allegiances are tested and the temptation to make new allies is overwhelming but Icel must succeed if he’s ever to see Tamworth again and bring about King Wiglaf’s victory, or will he be forced to join the enemy?

Review

What a joy it is to be back with Icel! When we last we saw him war had broken out and his uncle had died.. his whole world shattered after striving for so long in the hope his uncle could be saved! Icel now finds himself a warrior of Mercia under King Wiglaf who is determined to take back what King Ecgberht of Wessex has stolen!

In the heat of battle Icel’s world continues to be turned upside down. Deep inside he wants to be a healer but he can’t be both a warrior and healer can he?

Icel is suddenly thrust behind enemy lines as the gates close behind him…and he must use all his wit and skill to blend in… not so easy as you can imagine.

The next task after staying alive is to figure out how to get the gates open again so King Wiglaf and his men can finish the job they started.. a tall order for anyone but Icel doesn’t know his way around.. there’s eyes all over the place and inevitably his skill as a healer comes to the foreground.. no matter man of Mercia or Wessex he has to help.. he can’t watch men suffer, Afterall they are only fighting because their King commands it.

Along the way his allegeiances are tested, we see the men of Wessex in a different light and you feel Icel’s internal struggle building.

Development wise this offering was fantastic. In book 1 we were introduced to King Wiglaf but I didn’t feel we had enough time to really get to really know the character, Afterall the tale is Icel’s journey but I really wanted to get to grips with the King. This offering however gives development by the bucket load and I felt I understood him and his motivations and really found myself liking the character.

Another major factor for the love I have for this book was the injection of new characters and their story arcs. I won’t spoil it for you but some names to look out for are Brihtwold, Tyrhtil, Theodore, Gaya and Ecgred.

Oh how I loved the scenes with Ecgred!

Book 1 in the series was very much Icel’s journey and was a 5* read for me, Book 2 surpasses even that.. if that’s even possible. It’s still Icel’s tale but the plot has developed so fast but in such a natural flow.. at the end of the book when you sit back to reflect its just amazing to see how far the journey has come and it leaves you with that urge for more!

I really enjoyed the action too, really easy to follow but detailed and exciting with every thrust 🙂

Here at David’s Book Blurg I really do try and give no spoiler reviews. It can be difficult to sum up a book perfectly but in all honesty you shouldn’t need my review to tell you that you need this book, the synopsis says it all!!! It’s a corker!!!

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 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!!!!

To find out more or to grab a copy head to Goodreads or Amazon (Or your local bookstore 😊 )

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

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

RELEASE DAY!! Empires of Bronze: The Dark Earth by Gordon Doherty

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Today I’m celebrating the release of Empires of Bronze: The Dark Earth, book 6 in the series by Gordon Doherty.

Here’s the blurb.

The time will come, as all times must, when the world will shake, and fall to dust…

1237 BC: It is an age of panic. The great empires are in disarray – ravaged by endless drought, shaken by ferocious earthquakes and starved of precious tin. Some say the Gods have abandoned mankind.
When Tudha ascends the Hittite throne, the burden of stabilising the realm falls upon his shoulders. Despite his valiant endeavours, things continue to disintegrate; allies become foes, lethal plots arise, and enemy battle horns echo across Hittite lands.

Yet this is nothing compared to the colossal, insidious shadow emerging from the west. Crawling unseen towards Tudha’s collapsing Hittite world comes a force unlike any ever witnessed; an immeasurable swarm of outlanders, driven by the cruel whip of nature, spreading fire and destruction: the Sea Peoples.

Every age must end. The measure of a man is how he chooses to face it.

Review

Ah..where to start. I’ve loved this series from the 1st page to the last.. The fate of the Hittites is sealed in history but what Gordon Doherty offers the reader is a masterful tale of hope, glory, blood and betrayal.

The time of King Hattu has sadly come to and end and it’s time for Tudha to take up the mantel in what will be the Hittite’s biggest battle.

After the events at Troy and the internal struggles faced by the Hittites Tudha hopes for peace… a peace that is shattered into a thousand pieces. The army of Agamemnon’s might be gone but there’s new foes on the horizon as well as a dark face from the past to contend with…on top of that the ground is shaking.. drought and famine are a daily struggle… but Tudha has hope!

Development wise as much as I’ll miss Hattu it was really enjoyable and fresh to see this instalment play out through the eyes of Tudha and Kurunta.. the faces of the past disappear to let the new blood shine through and some of those characters will stay with you, I loved the impact made on me by Ibiranu, Nerikkaili and particularly Zakuli.

Reading the The Dark Earth was tough.. it’s dark and brutal and the author broke me repeatedly with the events that play out.. dangling Tudha’s hope.. ahhh.

The Dark Earth is a masterclass in grabbing a reader’s attention, there’s pivotal moments, exciting characters, conflict and surprise..a real roller-coaster of emotions.

Is this the best yet from Gordon Doherty??? Perfection can’t top perfection! It just a joy to read!

No spoilers for me.. but it’s one to remember.. relish it!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon, or any good retailer 😊

BLOG TOUR – The Witch’s Tree by Elena Collins

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Witch’s Tree by Elena Collins.

Here’s the blurb

A tale as old as time. A spirit that has never rested.

Present day

As a love affair comes to an end, and with it her dreams for her future, artist Selena needs a retreat.  The picture-postcard Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe promises to be the perfect place to forget her problems, and Selena settles into her new home as spring arrives.  But it isn’t long before Selena hears the past whispering to her. Sloe Cottage is keeping secrets which refuse to stay hidden.

1682

Grace Cotter longs for nothing more than a husband and family of her own. Content enough with her work on the farm, looking after her father, and learning the secrets of her grandmother Bett’s healing hands, nevertheless Grace still hopes for love. But these are dangerous times for dreamers, and rumours and gossip can be deadly. One mis-move and Grace’s fate looks set…

Separated by three hundred years, two women are drawn together by a home bathed in blood and magic. Grace Cotter’s spirit needs to rest, and only Selena can help her now.

Review

The Witch’s Tree is a duel timeline novel following the lives of Grace and Selena, one set in the seventeenth century the other modern day.

When we meet Grace we learn how hard her life has been, helping her father while working the fields trying to edge out an existence. Her life is a simple one.. eat, sleep, repeat but you can see how content she is with her lot in life.. although things are about to change drastically.

In the modern day, Selena, an artist has just suffered betrayal from the one she trusted the most.. and that hurt is going to increase exponentially. It’s time for some downtime..

Selena heads to Sloe Cottage..Grace’s home… separated only by time..

Sloe Cottage seems ideal…and it’s cheap…that should have been the red flag..

We soon learn that not everyone likes Sloe Cottage and it becomes clear why. 300 years ago Grace’s life took a turn for the worse, her sprit needs to rest, with Selena’s help Grace may find peace.. and in turn Grace may help Selena let go of her own pain.

The Witch’s Tree is a beautiful story about a connection through the ages. The duel time line worked very well and aided the flow of the tale, never a dull moment. I quite enjoying jumping around a clear timeline as it kept me engaged with the story.

Character wise The Witch’s Tree is onto a winner too as the development is paced smoothly, nothing forced, perfectly drip-fed allowing Grace and Selena to develop naturally.

There’s a growing suspense throughout the tale as we learn Grace’s fate and how that may impact on Selena.. it’s a enthralling tale showing the real strength of these two fascinating characters.

If I had to pick I think I loved Grace’s tale the most..her life..growth.. the pain she suffered. A very moving life and such a strong character.

A wonderful story.

5/5 Stars

My thanks go to the author, publisher, and Rachel @ rachelsrandomresources.com for having me on the tour! I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, but I’ll be grabbing a copy too.. at £1.89 currently for the kindle version it’s a real bargain! 😊

To find our more head to Goodreads, Amazon (Or contact your local bookstore 😊 )

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio –

Elena Collins is the pen name of Judy Leigh. Judy Leigh is the bestselling author of Five French Hens, A Grand Old Time and The Age of Misadventure and the doyenne of the ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. She has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.

Social Media Links.

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/judyleighwriter

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

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

BLOG TOUR – The Capsarius by Simon Turney!!

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Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Capsarius by Simon Turney! Book 1 in the brand new Legion XXII series.

Here’s the blurb

Warrior and combat medic, Titus Cervianus, must lead a legion and quell the uprisings in Egypt in a new Roman adventure from Simon Turney.

Titus Cervianus is no ordinary soldier. And the Twenty Second is no ordinary legion…

Egypt. 25 BC. A former surgeon from the city of Ancyra, Titus Cervianus is now a capsarius – a combat medic. He is a pragmatist, a scientist – and deeply unpopular with his legion, the Twenty Second Deiotariana.

The Twenty Second have been sent to deal with uprisings in Egypt. Founded as the private army of one of Rome’s most devoted allies, their ways are not the same as the other legions’, which sets them apart and causes friction with their fellow soldiers.

Marching into the unknown, Cervianus will find unexpected allies: a local cavalryman and a troublesome lunatic. Both will be of critical importance as the young medic marches through the searing sands of the south, finding forbidden temples, hidden assassins, and worst of all, the warrior queen of Kush…

Review

Cervianus isn’t your typical Roman solider, he’s a also a medic. At times this role seems to have an advantage as he gets a few perks but it soon become clear it’s not a free ride in any sense and he has his own unique battles to face in this role.

He’s also an outcast within the legion.. as a medic he puts some of his faith in knowledge and skill while many still hold the belief a man’s life is in the hands of the Gods.

The twenty second legion have been given the task of tackling the Kushite’s in Egypt and to take back what is rightly theirs!

It’s not going to be an easy fight for sure but Cervianus has to hope his fellow soldiers don’t kill him first.. he doesn’t make friends easily.

Cervianus has luck on his side I feel and makes it to the battle but events along the way give him pause for thought.. maybe there is something to be said about the will of the Gods.

What Turney always does so well is the battles and the detail added to everything to set the scene, from the makeup of the army, the buildings, the heat.. the dints in a helmet.. nick in the armour.. everything.. it just puts you right there in the action.

For fans of the genre there’s plenty of action but what I’ve always admired about Turney’s work is how he manages to interweave personal fights too, it’s not just about the big battle… there’s lots to this tale to savour.. read it slowly, enjoy every morsel offered and I guarantee you’ll not be disappointed. It’s a talent to add knowledge and detail to an exciting plot like this one, some readers are simply in it for the action but Turney adds detail without forcing it, or slowing the pace.

I can honestly say I was hooked in from the prologue which set the tone of the story and has my mouth watering for more! Bring on book 2.

I also really enjoyed the character development throughout this one. It’s difficult at times to make characters real but Turney seems to do this effortlessly and I loved the relationship dynamic growing within the senior staff… oooo the tension!! You could cut it with a knife!

It’s a 5/5 star rating from me!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

My thanks go to Andrew @ Head of Zeus for inviting me to participate in the tour. I was given a ARC of the book to aid in my review but as a massive fan of Simon’s I bought a copy too and book 2 in the series is already pre-ordered 😊.

Why not follow the blog tour?

About the author.

Simon Turney is from Yorkshire and, having spent much of his childhood visiting historic sites, fell in love with the Roman heritage of the region. His fascination with the ancient world snowballed from there with great interest in Rome, Egypt, Greece and Byzantium. His works include the Marius’ Mules and Praetorian series, the Tales of the Empire and The Damned Emperor series, and the Rise of Emperors books with Gordon Doherty.

Follow Simon

Twitter: @SJATurney

Instagram: @simonturney_aka_sjaturney

Website: http://simonturney.com/

BLOG TOUR- A Night of Flames by Matthew Harffy! HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!!!

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for A Night of Flames by Matthew Harffy! It also happens to be the official publication day too!!!

If you follow my blog you’ll know Harffy is a firm favourite so to say I was eager to get to grips with this one was an understatement!

Here’s the blurb

In the wild lands of Norway, Hunlaf must quell a vicious slave uprising in Matthew Harffy’s new historical adventure.

A wild land. A lethal fanatic. A violent revolt.

Northumbria, AD 794. Those who rule the seas, rule the land. None know the truth of this more than the Vikings. To compete with the seafaring raiders, the king of Northumbria orders the construction of his own longships under the command of oath-sworn Norseman, Runolf.

When the Vikings attack again, the king sends cleric turned warrior, Hunlaf, on a mission to persuade the king of Rogaland into an alliance. But Hunlaf and Runolf have other plans; kin to seek out, old scores to settle, and a heretical tome to find in the wild lands of the Norse.

Their voyage takes them into the centre of a violent uprising. A slave has broken free of his captors and, with religious fervour, is leading his fanatical followers on a rampage – burning all in his path. Hunlaf must brave the Norse wilderness, and overcome deadly foes, to stop this madman. Can he prevent a night of flames and slaughter?

Review

Firstly I have to commended the author on creating a new series set away from his Serpent Sword series but at the same time offering subtle nods to his previous work. These litter eastereggs are there to find and really did put a smile on my face. I know the characters aren’t real but at the same time the investment you put into a story as the reader makes them real, so adding in these little extras triggers the memories and it’s great to see those adventures are still locked in my head 😊.

So we are back with Hunlaf, he’s firmly shed his monk robes for the touch of cold hard steel but that doesn’t mean he’s still not conflicted at times. Mainly because the warrior life has come easy to him and sometimes that doesn’t sit well with his soul. He’s about to be tested like never before.

Runolf wants to start building his boat to cross the sea to find out what has become of his family. Hunlaf has a desire more then most to join him after his kin was take in a previous Viking raid. Neither know how their loved ones fair so as you can imagine.. there’s a lot of nervous energy going around with them both eager to set sail.

After receiving the blessing of the King to build the boat and with orders to gain a truce with the Norse we see a few new faces join our band of heroes and at times tensions can run high but the call of the sea and the torment it can cause soon allows bonds to grow.. which will make future events even harder to swallow. The journey across the sea will be completed but comes at a price.

When eventually they arrive on Norse lands all is not well. A slave has revolted and is causing havoc. If Runolf and Hunlaf ever want to see peace and their kin again they must fight a new threat.. and this threat is a little bit crazy to say the least.

We learn early on that death will show it’s face so while I was kind of prepared it really didn’t help lessen the shock when events unfolded.

What happens next is beyond belief and is the best 10 – 15 chapters I’ve ever read in my life…the grizzly horror.. the bloodshed.. the pain.. it’s beautiful in it’s madness as Hunlaf tries to make it out of this one alive.. but nothing is certain, but.. Anything is possible.

If it’s even possible I think Harffy gets better and better which each offering and as this is still a relatively new series for the author it’s given him the ability to explore things a little more than with his established characters I feel.. he really let his creative juices flow on this one.

I always like to comment on writing style, chapter length etc but on this one I simple can’t.. I was so engrossed I just didn’t take that in.. I just ploughed through this one with a desire to learn the outcome.. We know Hunlaf makes it through this adventure as he’s the one recounting the tale to us but the rest is not known and there’s so much at stake… I really didn’t want to see loose anyone but it wouldn’t be a Harffy book without a few tears.

It’s a 5* from me without a shadow of a doubt.

It’s unreal how haunting amazing this book is.. how is it even possible to write something so disturbingly beautiful! There’s so many emotions that pass through you as you read this one and it’s something that will really stay with you.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

My thanks go to the publishers for gifting me a copy of the book for review! This one was on pre-order too but it’s always exciting to get to read in advance in order to jump on a wonderful blog tour!

Why not follow the tour??

About the author

Matthew Harffy grew up in Northumberland where the rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline had a huge impact on him. He now lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters.

Follow Matthew

Twitter: @MatthewHarffy

Website: www.matthewharffy.com

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Website: http://www.headofzeus.com