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Eagle of Mercia Chronicles #6
Enemies of Mercia
A King's command. A warrior’s quest for the truth… Tamworth AD835
Following Icel’s epic rescue of Lord Coenwulf's children from their almost certain death, King Wiglaf is forced to call upon Icel’s loyal services once more.
Furious that the conspirators behind the audacious move to snatch the children have yet to face justice, he despatches Icel to hunt down the enemy of Mercia and discover who seeks to conspire against the throne.
The dangerous mission will take Icel into the heartland of enemy-held Wessex to Winchester and onto Canterbury. As the web of lies and deceit grows, Icel must battle to discover the truth whilst keeping himself and his allies safe.
But those who conspire against the King have much to lose and will stop at nothing to prevent Icel discovering the truth.
Once more, Icel’s life is endangered as he tries to protect Mercia from her enemies who threaten Mercia’s kingly line.
Praise for MJ Porter
MJ Porter recounts a sensitive, reluctant hero's coming-of-age within a Dark Age realm riven by chaos and conflict' - Matthew Harffy
‘Refreshing… I was reluctant to put the book down’ - Historical Novel Society
No lover of Dark Age warfare is going to be disappointed. Personal, real, fascinating and satisfying.' - S.J.A. Turney
If you love history, fiction, adventure and great stories - You won’t regret it!" - Eric Schumacher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'So real I felt I was there!... A page-turner' Reader review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Wonderful to read and hard to put down' Reader review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I found the pages flying by... A great book' Reader review
Following Icel’s epic rescue of Lord Coenwulf's children from their almost certain death, King Wiglaf is forced to call upon Icel’s loyal services once more.
Furious that the conspirators behind the audacious move to snatch the children have yet to face justice, he despatches Icel to hunt down the enemy of Mercia and discover who seeks to conspire against the throne.
The dangerous mission will take Icel into the heartland of enemy-held Wessex to Winchester and onto Canterbury. As the web of lies and deceit grows, Icel must battle to discover the truth whilst keeping himself and his allies safe.
But those who conspire against the King have much to lose and will stop at nothing to prevent Icel discovering the truth.
Once more, Icel’s life is endangered as he tries to protect Mercia from her enemies who threaten Mercia’s kingly line.
Praise for MJ Porter
MJ Porter recounts a sensitive, reluctant hero's coming-of-age within a Dark Age realm riven by chaos and conflict' - Matthew Harffy
‘Refreshing… I was reluctant to put the book down’ - Historical Novel Society
No lover of Dark Age warfare is going to be disappointed. Personal, real, fascinating and satisfying.' - S.J.A. Turney
If you love history, fiction, adventure and great stories - You won’t regret it!" - Eric Schumacher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'So real I felt I was there!... A page-turner' Reader review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Wonderful to read and hard to put down' Reader review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I found the pages flying by... A great book' Reader review
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2024
96 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Porter
111 books256 followersI'm an author of historical fiction (Early English (before 1066)/Viking) and now five 20th-century mysteries..
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles (featuring a young Icel from The Last King series) is now available from Boldwood Books. As is the complete Brunanburh Series and the first two books in the Dark Age Chronicles, my foray to before Saxon England was Saxon England. Enjoy.
The Ninth Century Series (The Last King), are stories of ninth-century England, but not as it's been written before, (featuring an older Icel and some other familiar faces too).
The Erdington Mysteries now has a third book in the series—The Secret Sauce. (Did you know Erdington would have been in Mercia back in the Saxon period? I know, you can't get me away from the place.) The Barrage Body is coming soon.
The Royal Women Who Made England, my first non-fiction book about the royal women of the tenth century, is available now.
I like to write. You've been warned.
Find me at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing!
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
https://mjporterauthor.sumupstore.com
You can join my monthly subscriber newsletters and gain access to the restricted page on my blog at the same time.
https://BookHip.com/MGWHLDC (Saxon stories)
https://BookHip.com/THPKCKP (mysteries only)
(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles (featuring a young Icel from The Last King series) is now available from Boldwood Books. As is the complete Brunanburh Series and the first two books in the Dark Age Chronicles, my foray to before Saxon England was Saxon England. Enjoy.
The Ninth Century Series (The Last King), are stories of ninth-century England, but not as it's been written before, (featuring an older Icel and some other familiar faces too).
The Erdington Mysteries now has a third book in the series—The Secret Sauce. (Did you know Erdington would have been in Mercia back in the Saxon period? I know, you can't get me away from the place.) The Barrage Body is coming soon.
The Royal Women Who Made England, my first non-fiction book about the royal women of the tenth century, is available now.
I like to write. You've been warned.
Find me at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing!
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
https://mjporterauthor.sumupstore.com
You can join my monthly subscriber newsletters and gain access to the restricted page on my blog at the same time.
https://BookHip.com/MGWHLDC (Saxon stories)
https://BookHip.com/THPKCKP (mysteries only)
(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 8, 2024
I really do love this series.
I think this series actually does all the good things, the Last Kingdom series does, but doesn’t have the humongous downside that I had for that series, where the story became repeatable and with no unique voice
We are growing up with Icel, we are seeing him change into a warrior and learning that not everything is black and white. Living in the grey is part of life.
This one felt a bit of a transitional story, I am super excited for the next one
I think this series actually does all the good things, the Last Kingdom series does, but doesn’t have the humongous downside that I had for that series, where the story became repeatable and with no unique voice
We are growing up with Icel, we are seeing him change into a warrior and learning that not everything is black and white. Living in the grey is part of life.
This one felt a bit of a transitional story, I am super excited for the next one
April 29, 2024
By this point in the series I am very invested in Icel and whats to come off him and his journey through life. Having protected and rescued the children from the last book, now getting him to find out who wanted them gone, finally answered some questions.
This book suffers a bit from it being a clear set-up for the next book and possible confrontation with the parties involved. MJ didn't torture my boy Icel too much in this one and i am really happy about this. He is a good and honest man, trying to do the right thing and not always having the best of luck.
Looking forward for whatever comes next for my boy Icel.
This book suffers a bit from it being a clear set-up for the next book and possible confrontation with the parties involved. MJ didn't torture my boy Icel too much in this one and i am really happy about this. He is a good and honest man, trying to do the right thing and not always having the best of luck.
Looking forward for whatever comes next for my boy Icel.
April 21, 2024
exciting tale with Icel in the thick of political intrigue
A superb tale of Icel told with incredible battle scenes and political machinations. King Wiglaf assigns Icel to find out whether or not someone has told the truth and so he must venture into Wessex territory to discover it. Of course, nothing goes easily. There are layers of conspiracy here. A surprise person betrays Icel’s group. How do any of these people manage to hurt Lord Coenwulf and his children? Many wheels are in motion. And we, the reader, need answers!
A superb tale of Icel told with incredible battle scenes and political machinations. King Wiglaf assigns Icel to find out whether or not someone has told the truth and so he must venture into Wessex territory to discover it. Of course, nothing goes easily. There are layers of conspiracy here. A surprise person betrays Icel’s group. How do any of these people manage to hurt Lord Coenwulf and his children? Many wheels are in motion. And we, the reader, need answers!
April 20, 2024
The previous book, Protector of Mercia, saw young Icel rescue Lord Coenwulf's children – but the people who were really behind their abduction – and their motivation – remained obscure. So what do we learn here?
Icel doesn't have long to recover before King Wiglaf of Mercia sends him out on the trail of those conspirators. He has to head straight into the heart of the enemy's lands – to Winchester, capital of Wessex. This is, as so often with Icel, a trip fraught with dangers, secrets, and suspicions. It doesn't help that he's not able to prove any involvement by the scheming Queen Cynethryth of Mercia, who he suspects has sided with Wessex.
And just what is their goal? Now that the children are in safety, Icel can focus on chasing the conspirators, and, as always, he has the backing of powerful Ealdorman Ælfstan.
Will Icel discover the identity of those who ordered the children killed? Or is not everything as simple as it appeared? Find out in the novel!
I'm a great fan of this series, and even after six novels, it's still exciting to follow Icel's progress. We're not finished with him yet. Still a young man in his early 20s, he is loyal and honest, but has learned fast about political intrigues and plots. He is suspicious, and rightly so, having been betrayed before.
Icel's learning curve, as he matures into a proper warrior, is steep, fraught with dangers, injuries, and disappointments. But his determination to protect Mercia, his homeland, and its king, never wavers. He may not be a great fan of King Wiglaf, and even less so of the plotting queen, but his loyalty to Mercia comes first.
Of course, this novel sees him in skirmishes, and as his fighting ability grows, he is turning into a reliable man, one who, even when injured, does not waver to follow his king's command. One man a king can proudly call a trusted follower.
I find the political intrigues the most fascinating aspect of this series. A king's life could be short and fraught with dangers lurking behind every corner, and there's no shortage of potential candidates to take over. In the midst of this, we have a young man trying to do his best for his kingdom.
Enemies of Mercia is an exciting story as Icel goes on the hunt for the conspirators, and I wonder what the author has next in store for him.
One word of advice, though: read the series from the beginning! I think it's important to follow Icel's story from the start, as it gives readers a complete picture of the political upheaval of 9th-century Mercia (and Wessex and Vikings). Events are interlinked, and it's much easier if you follow the thread.
Enemies of Mercia is a gripping adventure, expertly researched, that takes you right back in time. If you haven't met Icel before, it's high time you did!
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
Icel doesn't have long to recover before King Wiglaf of Mercia sends him out on the trail of those conspirators. He has to head straight into the heart of the enemy's lands – to Winchester, capital of Wessex. This is, as so often with Icel, a trip fraught with dangers, secrets, and suspicions. It doesn't help that he's not able to prove any involvement by the scheming Queen Cynethryth of Mercia, who he suspects has sided with Wessex.
And just what is their goal? Now that the children are in safety, Icel can focus on chasing the conspirators, and, as always, he has the backing of powerful Ealdorman Ælfstan.
Will Icel discover the identity of those who ordered the children killed? Or is not everything as simple as it appeared? Find out in the novel!
I'm a great fan of this series, and even after six novels, it's still exciting to follow Icel's progress. We're not finished with him yet. Still a young man in his early 20s, he is loyal and honest, but has learned fast about political intrigues and plots. He is suspicious, and rightly so, having been betrayed before.
Icel's learning curve, as he matures into a proper warrior, is steep, fraught with dangers, injuries, and disappointments. But his determination to protect Mercia, his homeland, and its king, never wavers. He may not be a great fan of King Wiglaf, and even less so of the plotting queen, but his loyalty to Mercia comes first.
Of course, this novel sees him in skirmishes, and as his fighting ability grows, he is turning into a reliable man, one who, even when injured, does not waver to follow his king's command. One man a king can proudly call a trusted follower.
I find the political intrigues the most fascinating aspect of this series. A king's life could be short and fraught with dangers lurking behind every corner, and there's no shortage of potential candidates to take over. In the midst of this, we have a young man trying to do his best for his kingdom.
Enemies of Mercia is an exciting story as Icel goes on the hunt for the conspirators, and I wonder what the author has next in store for him.
One word of advice, though: read the series from the beginning! I think it's important to follow Icel's story from the start, as it gives readers a complete picture of the political upheaval of 9th-century Mercia (and Wessex and Vikings). Events are interlinked, and it's much easier if you follow the thread.
Enemies of Mercia is a gripping adventure, expertly researched, that takes you right back in time. If you haven't met Icel before, it's high time you did!
Disclaimer: I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
April 20, 2024
Can this really be the sixth book in this cracking series? Wow.. so much has happened to Icel in that time.. he’s no longer a young lost boy trying to find his way in life… he’s now a man who has found a purpose.. learned his craft and has earned the eye of King Wiglaf.
You’d think Icel would deserve a little peace and quiet after everything that has happened but he’s not that lucky.. even while not fully recovered himself from recent events he can hardly say no when the King requests his service to find out the identity of those who played a part in the kidnap of Lord Coenwulf’s children.
I think what Enemies of Mercia brings to the table is the political landscape of the time, we see the bigger picture become clear and there’s tonnes of detail thrown in to help the reader but themselves right in the thick of the action standing side by side with Icel.
The details not for the faint hearted though.. it provokes a guttural reaction from the reader but really shows you how dangerous the time was and the importance of skill, and need for a lot of luck..
Icel, Oh Icel.. he’s been though so much but Enemies of Mercia is going to be his biggest battle yet both physically but also mentally and the scars must run deep by now.. how much more can his body take?
It’s a bit of a mental battle for Icel too.. is there anyone he can trust?
For the action fans there’s still some very good and gruesome scenes but what I really enjoyed was this instalment felt more like a chess match.. its not all about the battle.. sometimes you have to set the board up first and sometimes that means avoiding conflict. Someone has set the pieces up.. but can Icel figure out what the gameplan is… and who is pulling the strings..
There really isnt anything bad I can say about this series, it keeps just getting better.. adding more depth to not only the characters but also their motivations.
MJ Porter offers another solid 5* addition to the series, strengthening the readers love of their work.
Final thought… by god I love these books covers for the series!
You’d think Icel would deserve a little peace and quiet after everything that has happened but he’s not that lucky.. even while not fully recovered himself from recent events he can hardly say no when the King requests his service to find out the identity of those who played a part in the kidnap of Lord Coenwulf’s children.
I think what Enemies of Mercia brings to the table is the political landscape of the time, we see the bigger picture become clear and there’s tonnes of detail thrown in to help the reader but themselves right in the thick of the action standing side by side with Icel.
The details not for the faint hearted though.. it provokes a guttural reaction from the reader but really shows you how dangerous the time was and the importance of skill, and need for a lot of luck..
Icel, Oh Icel.. he’s been though so much but Enemies of Mercia is going to be his biggest battle yet both physically but also mentally and the scars must run deep by now.. how much more can his body take?
It’s a bit of a mental battle for Icel too.. is there anyone he can trust?
For the action fans there’s still some very good and gruesome scenes but what I really enjoyed was this instalment felt more like a chess match.. its not all about the battle.. sometimes you have to set the board up first and sometimes that means avoiding conflict. Someone has set the pieces up.. but can Icel figure out what the gameplan is… and who is pulling the strings..
There really isnt anything bad I can say about this series, it keeps just getting better.. adding more depth to not only the characters but also their motivations.
MJ Porter offers another solid 5* addition to the series, strengthening the readers love of their work.
Final thought… by god I love these books covers for the series!
April 8, 2024
Historical fiction, when told by a storyteller of M.J. Porters calibre becomes an almost magical thing. The reader is aware they are in modern day, but their mind is transported back to the times of the Saxons, brutal bloodthirsty battles, enemies you don't know are present and all the other dangers of those times.
Enemies of Mercia is the sixth book in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. I have been lucky enough to read everyone, and I am so much richer in knowledge for doing so. It is a series that I would say is better to be read chronologically, as the reader followers Icel through his life's journey.
I was happy to return to Icel again. The book follows on from Icel rescuing Lord Ceonwulf's children. Now King Wiglaf needs him to hunt down the people behind the kidnapping. Icel once again finds himself in hostile land and having the need to keep him and his allies safe.
Yet again, a chapter in a series that feels like it is so real. I can never tell facts about fiction (something that seems to be said in every review I write!) This creates such an entertaining and immersive read. I do look forward to any book that M.J. Porter releases because I know I will be singing it's praises until the day they release another book.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
Enemies of Mercia is the sixth book in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. I have been lucky enough to read everyone, and I am so much richer in knowledge for doing so. It is a series that I would say is better to be read chronologically, as the reader followers Icel through his life's journey.
I was happy to return to Icel again. The book follows on from Icel rescuing Lord Ceonwulf's children. Now King Wiglaf needs him to hunt down the people behind the kidnapping. Icel once again finds himself in hostile land and having the need to keep him and his allies safe.
Yet again, a chapter in a series that feels like it is so real. I can never tell facts about fiction (something that seems to be said in every review I write!) This creates such an entertaining and immersive read. I do look forward to any book that M.J. Porter releases because I know I will be singing it's praises until the day they release another book.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
April 5, 2024
Following Icel's rescue of the children, Icel is set the task of hunting down those responsible as they are yet to face justice. Icel once again finds himself on a dangerous mission to restore Mercia. I learned more about Mercia and the Viking Ages which I soaked up while having a exciting experience along the way. I cringed alot with the injuries to the horses because I can handle human injuries and deaths but animals just break me. However it was interesting to learn how far the horses could handle. Icel once again outshone with his strength and durability. A action packed and entertaining read. Beware it does end on another cliffhanger so you will be eager for the next book!
March 23, 2024
Icel is not fully recovered but he cannot say no when King Wiglaf sends him to Wessex to find proof about who was behind the plot to kill the children of Lord Coenwulf. He will be placed in danger once again as he continues in his promise to protect the children.
Well written and well paced novel. Great characters and Icel and other Mercian warriors will seek the truth. They will know danger, hardships, fights and will never stop searching for evidence.
Book 6 in the series and a good read, enjoy.m
Well written and well paced novel. Great characters and Icel and other Mercian warriors will seek the truth. They will know danger, hardships, fights and will never stop searching for evidence.
Book 6 in the series and a good read, enjoy.m
April 16, 2024
I have loved these books especially as they are a totally different gene I usually read. Especially as it's a series I will go back and read again.
Enemies of Mercia by MJ Porter and this is the sixth book from the Eagles of Mercia Chronicles and it is a brilliant read from start to finish. This is book was another action packed and entertaining story that I really enjoyed. I have always been fascinated by
Mercia and the Dark Ages especially when I was at school, so these books have been a treat to read.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.
Enemies of Mercia by MJ Porter and this is the sixth book from the Eagles of Mercia Chronicles and it is a brilliant read from start to finish. This is book was another action packed and entertaining story that I really enjoyed. I have always been fascinated by
Mercia and the Dark Ages especially when I was at school, so these books have been a treat to read.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my ARC.
October 29, 2024
Nearly a 2*, but mostly due to my own short-comings, not the books.
There were couple of coincidences/chance encounters that stretched things a wee bit and the whole mystery that they were trying to solve got too complicated for me to fully follow.
The ride-attacked-ride-hide-attacked again-ride/hide, gets a bit repetitive.
I am struggling with who is who I'm afraid and I think I should have read it as opposed to listening to it.
There were couple of coincidences/chance encounters that stretched things a wee bit and the whole mystery that they were trying to solve got too complicated for me to fully follow.
The ride-attacked-ride-hide-attacked again-ride/hide, gets a bit repetitive.
I am struggling with who is who I'm afraid and I think I should have read it as opposed to listening to it.
November 18, 2024
And now I have to wait for the next book to come out! Waahhhhh!!!!
Another great chapter for Icel and some fun historical tidbits woven in about ancient English dialects and systems of writing that I found really fascinating.
If you are a reader who enjoys well-researched Medieval fiction, action-packed battles, and gritty, realistic human struggles and emotions, this is the series for you!
Another great chapter for Icel and some fun historical tidbits woven in about ancient English dialects and systems of writing that I found really fascinating.
If you are a reader who enjoys well-researched Medieval fiction, action-packed battles, and gritty, realistic human struggles and emotions, this is the series for you!
March 28, 2024
I always enjoy MJ Porter's historical fiction and like the Eagles of Mercia. This is another action packed and entertaining story that I enjoyed.
I learned a lot about Mercia and the Dark Ages and think this made me learn something more while having fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I learned a lot about Mercia and the Dark Ages and think this made me learn something more while having fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 1, 2025
I really enjoyed "Enemies of Mercia" and the whole series too. it's a solid historical adventure that pulls you right into Saxon England. The story of Icel tracking through enemy lands kept me interested, and the rich history captured so well in the book is definitely a win-win. Definitely a good read.
August 13, 2024
Excellent book!
I love this series about Icels adventures. They’re so well written and researched, full of interesting information as well as a ripping yarn and well rounded characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I love this series about Icels adventures. They’re so well written and researched, full of interesting information as well as a ripping yarn and well rounded characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
May 30, 2024
Another good read in the series I love this series. They are x Irving and also each book is a quick easy read
.
.
July 7, 2025
Another great part of the ongoing story
Yet again the story continues. Lots of twists in the plot and keeps you wanting to know what happens next!
Yet again the story continues. Lots of twists in the plot and keeps you wanting to know what happens next!
August 26, 2025
Oh, my Lord... WTH!? Okay, okay... next book may have the answer. But seriously, though, WTH?!
No further words for review. Must continue to Book 7 immediately!
No further words for review. Must continue to Book 7 immediately!
June 10, 2024
Plot
Although the wider Eagle of Mercia series is set during a time of Viking invasion and population in Britain, Enemies of Mercia focuses on internal conflict between Saxon kingdoms. I’ve enjoyed the depth and detail we’ve explored in this series so far - and this sixth instalment builds upon that cleverly. Events in Enemies of Mercia follow on almost directly after those of book 5. What I also really enjoyed about this book is how the consequences of those events have shaped both characters and the events that follow. Without giving anything away, it’s something we’ve not seen before in the series, and from a development point of view, I really enjoyed this. More on that later. The driver of the plot in this instalment is very political. That said, we follow Icel amongst other characters in their quest to find out the truth of a conspiracy to murder heirs to the Mercian throne. This inevitably leads them into all kinds of danger, battle, and desperate chases for their lives. If you enjoy fast-paced and action-driven historical fiction, Enemies of Mercia will not disappoint! I really enjoyed the balance of the underlying motive, together with the actual investigation and elements of danger our protagonist inevitably gets embroiled in. Icel is in more danger than ever as he tries to quash a dangerous plot against fellow Mercians. Setting
Stepping into enemy territory was never going to be a walk in the park. Doing so to try and uncover a conspiracy to murder innocent children, and make it back to Mercia and King Wiglaf with evidence is a challenge. Nevertheless, that is the quest Icel embarks on at the request of his King. By nature, stepping into hostile territory is fraught with danger. It also incorporates a lot of tension into the narrative, which was a real contributing factor in keeping me reading on…and on, and just another chapter… Many of the places we find ourselves in during the narrative should be familiar to readers from previous books, or even from a basic understanding of English geography. Some place names do very slightly from modern day, but they are distinct enough to identify what is happening where. Geography was probably one of my worst subjects at school and I still didn’t have a problem. Characters
Icel undergoes yet more character development in this latest instalment of the series. Without giving away spoilers as to events of the previous book, in Enemies of Mercia Icel suffers physically and with his confidence as a result of those final events. Instead of being the strong warrior who recovers to go charging to the next battle headlong, instead we see a slightly more reserved young man. It changes the dynamic of the narrative as well. Instead, we see some attempts at avoiding conflict where possible. It’s fair to say he is a bit more of a tactical individual who would rather pick his battles as opposed to have others choose it for him. That’s not to say he always gets his way, because this world wouldn’t be what it was without perpetual infighting. I enjoyed seeing Icel reflect on his experiences to date and use them as an opportunity to grow. Whilst he may think himself a lesser man for his predicament, I think it’s a big plus, and shows a level of maturity, that he doesn’t just dive in and consider the consequences later. Icel is by far one of my favourite characters, not just in this book or series, but in the genre. He is a complex character that has grown considerably in the series to date. I highly doubt that will cease to be true in further books in the series either, which has me asking where he will go next! Narrative Style
Enemies of Mercia, with its conspiracies and unfolding drama, is a fast-paced page turner. I read this book in a handful of settings, purely because once I picked it up, I didn’t want to put it down again! Action and plot threads unravelling consistently mean that readers will always want to pick up just one more chapter. At least, I did! The chapters in this book are also a great length to keep readers engaged. They are neither too short, nor so long that we lose interest. This is also great if you do need to pick up and put down the book around other things. It makes the text approachable for readers of any commitment level. The same can be said for the length of the book. There is plenty of page count to explore a detailed narrative in Enemies of Mercia without becoming too long or overwhelming. Summary
I really enjoyed this sixth instalment to the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles, and I can’t wait to see where future events take us. It is abundantly clear Icel still has a part to play in the fate of Mercia and the other Kingdoms yet to come. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Although the wider Eagle of Mercia series is set during a time of Viking invasion and population in Britain, Enemies of Mercia focuses on internal conflict between Saxon kingdoms. I’ve enjoyed the depth and detail we’ve explored in this series so far - and this sixth instalment builds upon that cleverly. Events in Enemies of Mercia follow on almost directly after those of book 5. What I also really enjoyed about this book is how the consequences of those events have shaped both characters and the events that follow. Without giving anything away, it’s something we’ve not seen before in the series, and from a development point of view, I really enjoyed this. More on that later. The driver of the plot in this instalment is very political. That said, we follow Icel amongst other characters in their quest to find out the truth of a conspiracy to murder heirs to the Mercian throne. This inevitably leads them into all kinds of danger, battle, and desperate chases for their lives. If you enjoy fast-paced and action-driven historical fiction, Enemies of Mercia will not disappoint! I really enjoyed the balance of the underlying motive, together with the actual investigation and elements of danger our protagonist inevitably gets embroiled in. Icel is in more danger than ever as he tries to quash a dangerous plot against fellow Mercians. Setting
Stepping into enemy territory was never going to be a walk in the park. Doing so to try and uncover a conspiracy to murder innocent children, and make it back to Mercia and King Wiglaf with evidence is a challenge. Nevertheless, that is the quest Icel embarks on at the request of his King. By nature, stepping into hostile territory is fraught with danger. It also incorporates a lot of tension into the narrative, which was a real contributing factor in keeping me reading on…and on, and just another chapter… Many of the places we find ourselves in during the narrative should be familiar to readers from previous books, or even from a basic understanding of English geography. Some place names do very slightly from modern day, but they are distinct enough to identify what is happening where. Geography was probably one of my worst subjects at school and I still didn’t have a problem. Characters
Icel undergoes yet more character development in this latest instalment of the series. Without giving away spoilers as to events of the previous book, in Enemies of Mercia Icel suffers physically and with his confidence as a result of those final events. Instead of being the strong warrior who recovers to go charging to the next battle headlong, instead we see a slightly more reserved young man. It changes the dynamic of the narrative as well. Instead, we see some attempts at avoiding conflict where possible. It’s fair to say he is a bit more of a tactical individual who would rather pick his battles as opposed to have others choose it for him. That’s not to say he always gets his way, because this world wouldn’t be what it was without perpetual infighting. I enjoyed seeing Icel reflect on his experiences to date and use them as an opportunity to grow. Whilst he may think himself a lesser man for his predicament, I think it’s a big plus, and shows a level of maturity, that he doesn’t just dive in and consider the consequences later. Icel is by far one of my favourite characters, not just in this book or series, but in the genre. He is a complex character that has grown considerably in the series to date. I highly doubt that will cease to be true in further books in the series either, which has me asking where he will go next! Narrative Style
Enemies of Mercia, with its conspiracies and unfolding drama, is a fast-paced page turner. I read this book in a handful of settings, purely because once I picked it up, I didn’t want to put it down again! Action and plot threads unravelling consistently mean that readers will always want to pick up just one more chapter. At least, I did! The chapters in this book are also a great length to keep readers engaged. They are neither too short, nor so long that we lose interest. This is also great if you do need to pick up and put down the book around other things. It makes the text approachable for readers of any commitment level. The same can be said for the length of the book. There is plenty of page count to explore a detailed narrative in Enemies of Mercia without becoming too long or overwhelming. Summary
I really enjoyed this sixth instalment to the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles, and I can’t wait to see where future events take us. It is abundantly clear Icel still has a part to play in the fate of Mercia and the other Kingdoms yet to come. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
January 14, 2025
In the fifth book from the Eagles of Mercia Chronicles, The Enemy of Mercia by MJ Porter.Icel it’s slowly healing from his devastating wounds yet it doesn’t stop him from excepting a mission from king of Mercia Wiglaf to find out who was behind the conspiracy to kidnap the exiled lords children and Wynflead makes him take Cuthred with him. When all is said and done Icel and his warriors will be lucky to make it back to Mercia alive. There’s always way too much in these books to give a brief summary just know the story continues in this one was a really good addition to the series I love these books in love how the political intrigue seems to never end. I also want to say I could’ve lived without listening to all the injuries of the horses IDK why when it’s people that doesn’t bother me so much but definitely could live without the animal injuries. Having said that this was a wonderful book and a definite five star read that any history fan would love. I want to thank boldwood Books and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
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