Usurper

by P. W. Finch

Storm clouds gathering at England’s shores…

Autumn, 1066. Saxon England, a realm at peace for fifty years, unknowingly enjoys its last peaceful harvest. For a Viking horde, led by the dreaded Harald Hardraada, circles off the north-eastern coast, while William of Normandy, a wolf in human guise, waits in the south, greedily sizing up the wealthy kingdom.

…will change a young man’s future…

Seventeen-year-old Cerdic, as second in line to the earldom of Ripon in northern England, is being trained for a future in the Church. But croziers and catechism do not fire Cerdic’s soul. He longs instead to be a warrior, like his brother Unferth, and ride to battle in defence of his lands.

…and unseat his whole world

But as the invasion fleets sail, Cerdic finds himself caught in a maelstrom that will utterly reshape the life he used to know. A catastrophic war is coming to England, and Cerdic’s wish for battle looks set to come true…

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Medieval, Audiobook

315 pages, Paperback

Published April 27, 2023

Reviews

[Juliew. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cedric is undoubtedly an interesting and unlikely hero in this novel set in 1066.It paints a picture of the horror of war, uncertainty, despair, hope and survival. Well written, atmospheric and detailed I will no doubt be reading the next one in this series.

Much thanks to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review

[Brian Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many novels around the early days of the Norman Conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings. No romanticized account of the battle here, but one of the most realistic accounts of the battle, which depicts the brutality, bloodshed and gore that the battle entailed. I particularly enjoyed that the story is told from the perspective of a young Northern English man, Cerdic, the youngest son of the Earl of Ripon, who is destined for the Church, much against his will. Cerdic wants to be a warrior like his brother Unferth, heir to the earldom, but it seems an impossibility to the young man.

Then fate intervenes with the arrival of Harold Hardrada's invasion fleets and the battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge. Soon with the death of his father at Fulford and the severe wounding of his brother, Cerdic finds himself in the frontline at Senlac Hill facing the unrelenting onslaught of the Norman army. Will he survive, well you'll have to buy the book to find out, as I'm not giving any spoilers out

What I can say, is that the novel was so good, that before I was halfway through it I'd bought the sequel Battle Lord. If you liked David Gilman's Master of War series, or Bernard Cornwell's The Last Kingdom, then you'll love this novel

[John Hinchliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible book...
Usurper by P. W. Finch.
What a cracking listen! Probably not one for the squeamish, as there’s plenty of blood and gore, but it’s absolutely gripping. P. W. Finch—better known in the crime genre as Paul Finch—delivers a vivid historical tale that doesn’t let up.
The story follows the coming of age of Cerdic, the youngest son of the Earl of Ripon, during the turbulent year of 1066. We experience the Viking invasion, the clash at Stamford Bridge, and the decisive battle of Hastings through relentless, action-packed storytelling. Nathaniel Priestley’s narration brings it all to life superbly, adding grit and energy to an already powerful tale. Very highly recommended.

[Matthew Harffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usurper is an action-packed, coming-of-age, adventure set against the upheaval and battles of 1066. Finch gives us Cerdic, a troubled hero thrown into the maelstrom of events outside of his control, and we follow him breathlessly as he deals with brutal Vikings, familial rivalries, unrequited love, invading Normans and more!

[Steven McKay · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all the brutal power of a battle-axe to the head, this is a tale which brings medieval England to life in wonderful detail.
Packed with blistering battle scenes, believable characters, and quite a few surprises, historical fiction fans will find plenty to enjoy here.
1066 wasn’t a great year for England, but it makes a great setting for Usurper!

[cliff a russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

1066 AND ALL THAT

At last, the definitive story of the Battle of Hastings and the aftermath. Also included the Viking invasion that lead to Stamford Bridge. A tale well told that is a lesson but not a chore. It should be of interest to follow up on the aftermath of the Norman invasion that lead to the events in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day of that fateful year.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone is saying that this is an ‘action-packed roller coaster” or words to that effect, but I found it rather tedious and unengaging. Perhaps it’s just me, but the characters were unmemorable, there was too much dialogue, and the historical details felt added in as if from a standardised checklist.

[Polly Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very promising series. This opener was spectacular. Well written, with engaging characters. Representing people living through the time of the Norman conquest, it really brought the history to life. The scene around the Battle of Hastings is the best account of this battle that I have ever read.

[Mancman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure at first, it was a slow start, but it built well. I certainly couldn’t predict what would happen next.
I usually struggle with historical books, but I managed to suspend my cynicism and reaped the rewards.

[Michael Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I don't remember reading about the Battle of Fulford before. This was a nice twist on other books from this period
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Anthony Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable historical novel that really captures the atmosphere of the times (especially the not for the fainthearted battle scenes). Sets up book two very nicely too.