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The Last Viking #3
Emperor’s Axe
Preorder the BRAND NEW instalment in J C Duncan's action-packed Last Viking series Praise for J C
'Harald Hardrada as you've never seen him before! A fantastic story written by a fantastic author' - Donovan Cook
'Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity' - Richard Cullen
'A fresh, vibrant take on perhaps that most Viking of all Vikings, Harald Hardrada. Bloody, epic and full of detail, Duncan paints a vivid picture of Harald’s early life, as he battles his way into legend' - Matthew Harffy
'The gripping tale of the last great viking, Harold Hardrada, told in compelling style' - Tim Hodkinson
'An engrossing, epic tale of Harald Hardrada's early years, brimming with historical detail and brave daring do. This is the story of a man who will become a legend, told lovingly through the eyes of one of his loyal followers and sure to delight readers' - MJ Porter
'Harald Hardrada as you've never seen him before! A fantastic story written by a fantastic author' - Donovan Cook
'Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity' - Richard Cullen
'A fresh, vibrant take on perhaps that most Viking of all Vikings, Harald Hardrada. Bloody, epic and full of detail, Duncan paints a vivid picture of Harald’s early life, as he battles his way into legend' - Matthew Harffy
'The gripping tale of the last great viking, Harold Hardrada, told in compelling style' - Tim Hodkinson
'An engrossing, epic tale of Harald Hardrada's early years, brimming with historical detail and brave daring do. This is the story of a man who will become a legend, told lovingly through the eyes of one of his loyal followers and sure to delight readers' - MJ Porter
376 pages, Paperback
Published November 23, 2024
141 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Duncan
11 books56 followersJames C Duncan is a debut author fascinated with history and fantasy. He writes historical fantasy/fiction based on our world, but in an alternate timeline, past, present or future, where each book or series asks and tries to answer a question of 'What if?' His first series 'The Light of the North saga', asks the question 'What if the Norse didn't convert to Christianity, and instead the Viking raids continued.' And posits the answer, which you will have to read the book to find out! James does not create new worlds, he messes with the history and future of ours, grounded in our own history and the laws of our universe, but tweaked in events and often adding a soft sprinkling of the divine or fantastical, resulting in relatable historical and future fantasy.
Upcoming books include the questions:
'What if the black death was actually a coverup of something much, much worse.' An alternate history of the time of the black death, based in southern Europe and the Middle East.
'What if the human race develops a race of gene engineered worker drones, but they are turned against us.' A post apocalyptic fiction set in the 22nd century in Poland and Hungary
James is a professional engineer, and splits his spare time writing, reading, and being an amateur bladesmith.
Upcoming books include the questions:
'What if the black death was actually a coverup of something much, much worse.' An alternate history of the time of the black death, based in southern Europe and the Middle East.
'What if the human race develops a race of gene engineered worker drones, but they are turned against us.' A post apocalyptic fiction set in the 22nd century in Poland and Hungary
James is a professional engineer, and splits his spare time writing, reading, and being an amateur bladesmith.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 29, 2025
An entertaining instalment. 4⭐️( Kee-ev not Keev)
December 25, 2024
We’re on book three of the series THE LAST VIKING, and we’re still in Constantinople. What a story! Harald Hardrada strives to gain enough money and experience to return to Norway and claim his crown. But the politics in the Empire are more sneaky and tortuous than a straightforward Norseman can comprehend. Though Harald tries, with one step forward and two steps back. He is certainly a force to contend with, but his pledge of loyalty gets in the way when he is forced to obey orders contrary to his—and his men’s—interests. The empress is unforthcoming, the emperor is weak, the and his eunuch brother John is running the show. John needs to get rid of the troublesome Harald, so he sends him far away on a potentially impossible assignment to Syracuse that should tie him up for years. Of course, Harald goes, but he never loses sight of his ultimate goal:
‘I want men of Norway, a thousand years from now, to remember my name with pride and respect. And perhaps, in that time, when men gaze upon these walls and consider those who came before, they will know that I was here, and be humbled by it.’
‘Why does it matter so much to you, what men think a thousand years from now, or even a hundred?’
‘Because if a man is known and respected, is he even truly dead? My brother Olaf’s body is in the ground, but the men of our country now revere him as a saint, have built a church around his tomb, and so his glory will last forever. I just want the men of Norway, when they speak of him with the fondness and respect that he deserves, to remember me also…’
And that, in a nutshell, is what drives this irrepressible man. Unfortunately, it becomes all too clear that too many of his loyal followers are destined to lose their lives while he pursues his destiny. We see a fine parallel between his slow and painful climb to greatness at the expense of others, and the losses the rulers of the Empire are willing to take in order to retain their own power. Harald sees it too, but doesn’t seem very disturbed by it. Our narrator, his faithful friend Eric, is much more cognizant of the strains on Harald’s integrity. But, good or bad, he’s committed to Harald for the duration, even against his own better judgment. As Eric said on more than one occasion, “I have told you, being Harald’s man was not an easy path, it tested every part of my honour, my courage and my soul. They call me Eric the Follower and damn you all, I earned that name.”
Great stuff!
‘I want men of Norway, a thousand years from now, to remember my name with pride and respect. And perhaps, in that time, when men gaze upon these walls and consider those who came before, they will know that I was here, and be humbled by it.’
‘Why does it matter so much to you, what men think a thousand years from now, or even a hundred?’
‘Because if a man is known and respected, is he even truly dead? My brother Olaf’s body is in the ground, but the men of our country now revere him as a saint, have built a church around his tomb, and so his glory will last forever. I just want the men of Norway, when they speak of him with the fondness and respect that he deserves, to remember me also…’
And that, in a nutshell, is what drives this irrepressible man. Unfortunately, it becomes all too clear that too many of his loyal followers are destined to lose their lives while he pursues his destiny. We see a fine parallel between his slow and painful climb to greatness at the expense of others, and the losses the rulers of the Empire are willing to take in order to retain their own power. Harald sees it too, but doesn’t seem very disturbed by it. Our narrator, his faithful friend Eric, is much more cognizant of the strains on Harald’s integrity. But, good or bad, he’s committed to Harald for the duration, even against his own better judgment. As Eric said on more than one occasion, “I have told you, being Harald’s man was not an easy path, it tested every part of my honour, my courage and my soul. They call me Eric the Follower and damn you all, I earned that name.”
Great stuff!
December 19, 2024
Excellent again
The pace continues on from the last book and once again it is very hard to put down. It's full of lies, decete and just flat out Brutal violence some that even makes you cringe but it is just a fantastic read.
The pace continues on from the last book and once again it is very hard to put down. It's full of lies, decete and just flat out Brutal violence some that even makes you cringe but it is just a fantastic read.
March 1, 2025
Eric
I wonder through the saga of Eric's telling and it is as I am sitting under the tree listening or sitting in the Hall with a horn of ale. I am listening to the adventures of Harold and his quest to regain the throne of Norway. What grand times they would be.
I wonder through the saga of Eric's telling and it is as I am sitting under the tree listening or sitting in the Hall with a horn of ale. I am listening to the adventures of Harold and his quest to regain the throne of Norway. What grand times they would be.
May 5, 2025
Fantastic read
This continuing tale does not diminish and continued to be an exciting read from first page to the last the narrator's asides are as entertaining as his tale
This continuing tale does not diminish and continued to be an exciting read from first page to the last the narrator's asides are as entertaining as his tale
May 9, 2025
- Again a good read with good battle action, sneaky politics and surprisingly - because I didn’t notice this in earlier books - a sense of humour. An enjoyable book.
August 9, 2025
Really great story, I really loved this book.
November 26, 2024
Emperor’s Axe, is the third book in the Last Viking series by JC Duncan. The book starts with Eric, who takes his story outside to reminisce with the villagers while waiting for the king and his posse. The story he begins with is a time where Harold Eric and the rest of the crew or basically relaxing, as defenders of the Empire. With a tentative peace between the emperor and the Empress, there’s a lot of drinking and carousing going on, but not as much as one would usually fine with Vikings because Harold expects better from his men. when some of Harolds men are poisoned after eating something intended for him. The fun games are over. It doesn’t take Harold, who is a thinking, man to figure out who has it in for him, but if he thought he was disliked by his attempted murderer, he hasn’t seen anything yet. when he is sent to another battle in another foreign country, he is met by an Italian ally army, who is being led by one of the most pomppus men Harold has ever met. It seems the battle isn’t the only problem because his men are tired and they’re starting to wonder if they’ll ever see home again. It’s been 10 years since they left and some of them would like to go back, at least the ones who have lived through the battles this far. unfortunately, there fight is an over and no matter who it is with Harold will be up for the challenge. Once again, we are gifted with great fight scenes and although sometimes all the political stuff gets confusing, I really and thoroughly enjoyed these books not to mention the big surprise at the end with Empress Zoe really shocked me, but I guess since times or what they are, it just makes the book that much better. I love Eric’s character the younger him and the older him. This is just a great series. Over the past five years I really have become obsessed with JC Duncan warrior stories and I don’t see that changing. I cannot wait for the next book, I will definitely be looking for it.#NetGalley, #BoldWoodBooks, #TheLastViking, #JCDuncan, #TheEmperorsAxe,
November 22, 2024
Emperor's Axe is book three in JC Duncan's epic retelling of Harald Hardrada's life. I've read the first two books.
Emperor's Axe sees our hero, Harald, still deeply embroiled in the court politics of the era, only this time, he does seem to have found himself an enemy that might just be his match, John, the Emperor's brother. As such, he quickly finds himself and many of his men shipped off to fight a seemingly impossible offensive in Sicily and on the mainland of what is now Italy. The expedition's leaders are ineffective, placed there because of politics and not skill. That's never going to go down well with Harald, who has a thirst for action and brave daring-do. And it is up to our narrator, Eric the Follower, to intervene when allies threaten to become enemies.
Eric, narrating his tale fifty years later, has the benefit of hindsight and can gloss over some details, but he never shies away from being honest about Harald's character. He might follow him, but always agree with him? That's another thing entirely.
And indeed, Harald's thirst for action and brave daring-do, as opposed to having a sound head for politics, leads him to the tumultuous concluding events of the novel, when he is finally allowed to return to Constantinople, and finds the Empress and Emperor in crisis.
JC Duncan never lets us forget that the Emperor and Empress rule over vast swathes of land. Neither can we forget that Harald has a goal in mind, reclaiming his dead brother's kingship as soon as he's able. This is a hugely entertaining novel, managing to encapsulate so much, including the Norman warriors as well as the Norsemen, and stuffed with detail. A fabulous read.
Emperor's Axe sees our hero, Harald, still deeply embroiled in the court politics of the era, only this time, he does seem to have found himself an enemy that might just be his match, John, the Emperor's brother. As such, he quickly finds himself and many of his men shipped off to fight a seemingly impossible offensive in Sicily and on the mainland of what is now Italy. The expedition's leaders are ineffective, placed there because of politics and not skill. That's never going to go down well with Harald, who has a thirst for action and brave daring-do. And it is up to our narrator, Eric the Follower, to intervene when allies threaten to become enemies.
Eric, narrating his tale fifty years later, has the benefit of hindsight and can gloss over some details, but he never shies away from being honest about Harald's character. He might follow him, but always agree with him? That's another thing entirely.
And indeed, Harald's thirst for action and brave daring-do, as opposed to having a sound head for politics, leads him to the tumultuous concluding events of the novel, when he is finally allowed to return to Constantinople, and finds the Empress and Emperor in crisis.
JC Duncan never lets us forget that the Emperor and Empress rule over vast swathes of land. Neither can we forget that Harald has a goal in mind, reclaiming his dead brother's kingship as soon as he's able. This is a hugely entertaining novel, managing to encapsulate so much, including the Norman warriors as well as the Norsemen, and stuffed with detail. A fabulous read.
January 5, 2025
Historical fiction readers will be completely consumed by J C Duncan’s latest novel, Emperor’s Axe.
Harald Sigurdsson’s skill, bravery and prowess on the battlefield has seen him climb up the ranks in the army to become the commander of the legendary Varangian guard and the wielder of the Emperor’s Axe. Fearless, brave and with the courage of a lion, Harald takes his responsibilities extremely seriously – and with the estranged Emperor and Empress locked in a dangerous war for control of the empire, it’s up to Harald to keep the peace. But with each passing day that just becomes harder and harder…
In a city where terror and violence reign supreme, the task ahead of Harald will be as challenging as any battle on the frontline. As an honourable man, Harald will be forced to make an impossible choice and as the empire crumbles around him, will this master of war win this next battle? Or will he end up becoming everyone’s enemy?
Emperor’s Axe is a historical epic that is meticulously researched, brilliantly evocative and superbly written by J C Duncan. Action-packed, wholly immersive and with characters that jump off the pages, readers who were hooked on Game of Thrones and Vikings will need to add Emperor’s Axe by J C Duncan to their auto-buy list.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Harald Sigurdsson’s skill, bravery and prowess on the battlefield has seen him climb up the ranks in the army to become the commander of the legendary Varangian guard and the wielder of the Emperor’s Axe. Fearless, brave and with the courage of a lion, Harald takes his responsibilities extremely seriously – and with the estranged Emperor and Empress locked in a dangerous war for control of the empire, it’s up to Harald to keep the peace. But with each passing day that just becomes harder and harder…
In a city where terror and violence reign supreme, the task ahead of Harald will be as challenging as any battle on the frontline. As an honourable man, Harald will be forced to make an impossible choice and as the empire crumbles around him, will this master of war win this next battle? Or will he end up becoming everyone’s enemy?
Emperor’s Axe is a historical epic that is meticulously researched, brilliantly evocative and superbly written by J C Duncan. Action-packed, wholly immersive and with characters that jump off the pages, readers who were hooked on Game of Thrones and Vikings will need to add Emperor’s Axe by J C Duncan to their auto-buy list.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 24, 2024
Emperor’s Axe is the third book in s series about the early life of Harald Hardrada: for British readers, he was of course the King of Norway who was killed in 1066 at the Battle of Stamford Bridge following a failed invasion of England. I presume the series will be long and cover his entire life eventually.
Hardrada spent much of his early life adventuring and making a name for himself around Europe and finally in service to the Byzantine royal family. The story is told from the POV of one of his retainers: Eric. In this instalment there is a failed expedition to Sicily, and plenty of Byzantine Court politics. Bloody and cut-throat stuff. Still, it was some interesting history, especially when it detailed the relationship between the Emperors and their Varangian Guard.
The writing style of this series is crammed full of historical details and drama. Some might not like it and find it they get bogged down but that’s just a personal taste. There’s plenty of fight scenes as well.
Good for all historical fiction lovers, but with some content warnings for a few of my followers for language and violence
I was sent a Netgalley Widget of this title by Rachel of Boldwood Books. This did not influence my opinions, and they are entirely my own.
Hardrada spent much of his early life adventuring and making a name for himself around Europe and finally in service to the Byzantine royal family. The story is told from the POV of one of his retainers: Eric. In this instalment there is a failed expedition to Sicily, and plenty of Byzantine Court politics. Bloody and cut-throat stuff. Still, it was some interesting history, especially when it detailed the relationship between the Emperors and their Varangian Guard.
The writing style of this series is crammed full of historical details and drama. Some might not like it and find it they get bogged down but that’s just a personal taste. There’s plenty of fight scenes as well.
Good for all historical fiction lovers, but with some content warnings for a few of my followers for language and violence
I was sent a Netgalley Widget of this title by Rachel of Boldwood Books. This did not influence my opinions, and they are entirely my own.
November 26, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I actually am intrigued by this book! I had a wonderful time reading it because I actually had no idea who Herald Herdrada was. I ended up looking up who he was and it really took me down this whole historical rabbit hole that made this book even more interesting and fun to read. My understanding is that this book is part of a series, but I have not read any of them. This was the first book that I have had the chance to dive into. I love that there’s so much history in this book, and if you’re into historical fiction then this is definitely the book for you. We follow Herald and his adventure into politics and much more. I will definitely be back tracking into the books I missed out on in the series. This was worth the read, and if you’re a historical fiction lover, I definitely recommend this book.
I actually am intrigued by this book! I had a wonderful time reading it because I actually had no idea who Herald Herdrada was. I ended up looking up who he was and it really took me down this whole historical rabbit hole that made this book even more interesting and fun to read. My understanding is that this book is part of a series, but I have not read any of them. This was the first book that I have had the chance to dive into. I love that there’s so much history in this book, and if you’re into historical fiction then this is definitely the book for you. We follow Herald and his adventure into politics and much more. I will definitely be back tracking into the books I missed out on in the series. This was worth the read, and if you’re a historical fiction lover, I definitely recommend this book.
November 9, 2024
I missed the first 2 books in the series, but Harald being a many times great uncle, I knew enough to pick up Eric's tale of the Varangian Guard. Emperor's Axe is not only told in a unique way, but it is full of intrigue, action, and adventure. This is the first book I've read from this author and I wasn't disappointed, in fact, I'll be chomping at the bit waiting for the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews