Men of Iron

by M.J. Porter

The start of a powerful, BRAND NEW Dark-Age Adventure series from MJ Porter After the legends of Arthur, yet before the Saxon kingdom of Mercia, a tribal age of iron and rust ruled.

Britain AD540.

In the western hinterland of Roman Britannia, Meddi, the seeress of the Eorlingas tribe, can only obtain vengeance when her husband’s dead and her ancestral villa returned to her.

With her brother, Madog, as leader, they unite and stand strong against those who seek the riches of their villa. They must harness the power of the lost magiks of iron to make weapons to mercilessly oppose those who seek to challenge and fight to rule.

Meanwhile in the east, Warmund, a young warrior of Saxon descent, has exacted the ultimate revenge against his brother. Startled by his own ruthlessness, he knows his father will pursue him to exact retribution. He and his band of miscreant warriors must flee westwards and forge a new future by earning coin from those too weak to protect themselves.

Meddi and Wærmund are set to collide in a world of iron and rust.

An action packed, thrilling historical adventure perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy

Genres: Historical Fiction

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025

About the author

I'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!

Reviews

[Terry Rudge · Rating 4 out of 5]

MJ is challenging a new age with a new series!

This reads as a brand new series, with a good amount of time spent setting the scenes, introducing the characters, and slowly inviting you into the duel stories

This author excels at writing battle scenes, and this was the highlight across the book. MJ always makes me feel like I am in the shield wall fighting for my life, with my brother in arms supporting me

I found the middle section was a bit clunky in places, but I most definitely enjoyed the twist at the end and how the story was left.

Can't wait for book 2

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

mixed feelings on this a start of a new series based in the dark ages of English history

[John Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve become very interested in the Dark Ages so I was excited to pick this up from Netgalley. I thought it was a bit mediocre but good enough to enjoy. It probably doesn’t help that there is very little historically to go off of from that time period. I don’t think I’ll continue the series but I’m glad there was some parts that entertained me. I’ll still be trying his Son of Mercia eventually.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

Men Of Iron by MJ Porter is the first book in the new series that I couldn’t be more excited about. The book starts with Seeress Medi and her brother Madog, take over the Eorlingas Tribe, after the death of Edern who murdered their father to gain control. after a small battle they reinstated as a leader of the tribe but when they go to deal with Edern’s wife Elaine, she claims to be with child so instead of killing her they lock her in the grainhouse. at the same time in the east of Britain we meet another man named Waermun. he has gathered a Mötley Crüe of Warriors to take out his brother who he has no respect from or four. despite him being the oldest his father favored his younger brother because Waermun was born with a birthmark that to his father proved he was cursed by the gods. After he takes out his brother his fear is that his father will find out and try to kill him. He wants to be a great leader and although in secure and has a few fumbles along the way including getting kidnapped he is smart and throughout every battle lives to fight on. The one thing these two tribes do not have is sharp weapons to fight with as blacksmith’s or few and far between. let me start by saying MJ Porter has done it to me again I thought the book was going one way only for the author to allow me by not only going in a totally different direction but the direction that had me saying OMG!! I am always nervous about a new series and fear I will not like it but clearly that is not the case with this author’s books because every first book only makes me want the second. The fight scenes aren’t that detailed but the storyline is awesome and as I said I cannot wait for the next book.#NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #MJPorter, #MenOfIron,

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series set during the Dark Ages period shortly after the Romans’ reign. The two different perspectives of a series and a warrior-leader to be are interesting to follow. We get to witness how people lived and died during these times. Some of the traditions have similarities with the Norse people. For instance Wærmund has two female warriors, and we don’t see this in later times. We also have the same reverence and care of horses here. And of course we learn a lot about the making of a good sword. So much critical technique is needed with fire, charcoal, and ironstone. I’m keen on learning what the magik ingredient is that they are lacking right now.
Although there’s not lots of historical evidence of these times, Porter does a masterful job with archaeological evidence to create an intriguing story. Our two groups will soon clash and who will be victorious?

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLURB
The start of a powerful, BRAND NEW Dark-Age Adventure series from MJ Porter After the legends of Arthur, yet before the Saxon kingdom of Mercia, a tribal age of iron and rust ruled.

Britain AD540.

In the western hinterland of Roman Britannia, Meddi, the seeress of the Eorlingas tribe, can only obtain vengeance when her husband’s dead and her ancestral villa returned to her.

With her brother, Madog, as leader, they unite and stand strong against those who seek the riches of their villa. They must harness the power of the lost magiks of iron to make weapons to mercilessly oppose those who seek to challenge and fight to rule.

Meanwhile in the east, Warmund, a young warrior of Saxon descent, has exacted the ultimate revenge against his brother. Startled by his own ruthlessness, he knows his father will pursue him to exact retribution. He and his band of miscreant warriors must flee westwards and forge a new future by earning coin from those too weak to protect themselves.

Meddi and Wærmund are set to collide in a world of iron and rust.

An action packed, thrilling historical adventure perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 15, 2025
REVIEW
Well, now, another new series from the prolific MJ Porter. This time, we’re taken to Britain during the period between Caesar’s legions leaving and Ragnar’s Vikings arriving. A time of conflicts; a time when so much knowledge had been lost when the Legions departed; a time when determination and grit were required to survive. This, the first book in the series, introduces us to the main players and their motivations. Meddi, a seeress who gains control of a settlement once lost to her, and Waermund, who, with a disparate collection of folks, is an outcast with high ambitions. It is a tale where trust is hard to give when so much is at stake. It is a tale where the reader is immersed in the rivalries, in the plots to gain superiority, and in the search for technologies lost. I found myself intrigued by this period and the way the author builds the environment from scant evidence. And, the ending, oh, my. Bring on the sequel. 5 Stars

[Joe Singleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great foundation for this new trilogy of books from an author used to writing historical fiction. This book is different as it is about Britain in the dark ages (around AD540). Very little historical documentation exists for this time and the author has had to base a lot of his research on archology findings. The story shows the importance of iron and the skills of forging it at the time, and through the story you get great character progression along with an interesting storyline.
If you enjoy historical fiction this is definitely a trilogy to check out - roll on book 2
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the author for providing me with an advanced electronic copy of the book in return for a honest and unbiased review.

[Julie Friar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series from M J Porter. This first novel will set the scene for the future. It is AD540 and to win fights men need good swords and tools to fight all that they hold dear.

Medium, a seeress and her brother Madog have just regained control of their ancestral villa. But they need the ability to forge arms and someone to do it. Can they find the right man with the skills to help them settle their future?

At this time Warmund has killed his brother and leaves his homeland to forge a new future. With his men they will sell their skills to fight for money, food and reputation.

Another well written, well paced novel. Great characters who will need their wits as well as strength to secure their futures. They will have to work and fight for what they believe in.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We delve far into the past, to a time of great upheaval on the British Isles. Britannia is no more. The Romans have left, or the last remnants assimilated into local tribes. But after the arrival of strangers from the east – warbands from Saxon lands called to help bolster the failing empire – a new challenge has arisen for the British tribes. As the old established order crumbles, men and women seek new opportunities, and the world's your oyster, as they say...

With the departure of the Romans, the ancient way of making weapons from iron is lost to history. But each leader is keen to regain that knowledge, as whoever holds the power, has good quality weapons at their disposal – not those rusty, dented old swords and seaxes.

We meet Meddi, seeress and elder sister of young Madoc, the leader of the Eorlingas. After decades in exile, they reclaim the ancient Roman villa near the river Severn, that had been theirs prior to it having been taken over by ruthless Edern. But with the man's death, they lock up his wife, and take over their ancient property. But they are challenged immediately for the sumptuous villa and fertile lands, and Meddi has her hands full, trying to maintain her brother's lordship.

Then there is young Wærmund, elder son of the leader of the Gyrwe, but set aside in favour of his younger brother by their ambitious father. Wærmund bears a birthmark on his cheek – he's cursed by the gods, they say. But the young man has had enough of it, and moves to kill his brother. With a small warband, he then sets out westwards, always aware his powerful father might be hot on his heels. But Wærmund is still barely a warrior himself, and his shortcomings become evident on their journey.

Will Meddi help the Eorlingas retain their inheritance? And will Wærmund become the warrior he dreams to be? Well, read the novel to find out!

Men of Iron is a fascinating take on the Dark Ages, a time we know little about. Archaeological evidence suggests that the skill of forging weapons from iron was lost for centuries. But as tribes are forced to fight for their survival, it is strategically important to regain that ancient knowledge.

This novel is an interesting journey into an often overlooked era. The urgency behind the need for good weapons is clear. Whoever has them, wins.

Men of Iron is told from two very different points of view: Meddi and Wærmund. Both try to forge a future for themselves. Meddi for her tribe, and Wærmund for himself.

Meddi is an intriguing character. A seeress, abused by Edern following his murder of her father, and still full of secrets, which she shares only slowly. She can be haughty and arrogant, but given her past, this is not surprising. She doesn't trust easily, and she knows her influence as a respected seeress is vital to keep her brother and tribe safe.

Wærmund is a spoilt brat. (Sorry!) Rejected by his powerful warlord father in favour of his younger brother – an ineffective drunk – he seeks bloody revenge. But after he's succeeded, he struggles to find his path. He's plagued with doubts, but also rage against his father, and the unfairness of it all. Wærmund is not really likeable, and I felt like shaking him a few times. Despite his youthful arrogance, he soon realises he must accept guidance from the more experienced men in his small warband, but he also knows he can't trust any of them with the small treasure he carries with him.

As so often with first-person narrative, there are quite a few repeats of past grievances – especially in Wærmund's chapters, which made me skip some paragraphs here and there, as it only made him annoying. But at the same time, we get an insider's view into their heads, which also makes it much more personal, especially from Meddi's point of view.

Whilst much happens in Men of Iron, I wouldn't call the narrative fast-paced. We follow day-to-day events with both Meddi and Wærmund, which allows for a more meandering pace. Through their eyes, we see the immediate environments they encounter.

The author has packed much historical detail into the novel, though, which also explains the rather slower pace. It is quite descriptive in places, which makes for fascinating reading for those of us who love to learn new things about the past (but may not be ideal for those in favour of fast-paced action). Proof how much research MJ Porter has undertaken for this series. It's impressive. Much of the evidence is based on archaeological discoveries, rather than written records, and it's merged cleverly into the intriguing plot.

Men of Iron is a fascinating read, especially from an historical research point of view. Meddi intrigues me, but I don't really care about poor Wærmund, I'm afraid. Still, it's yet another exciting read by one of my favourite historical fiction authors, and one I can certainly recommend to readers who enjoy immersive history in a lesser-known setting.

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a little biased these days as I’m a massive fan of the author so you can imagine my excitement at the idea of a brand new series!

Men of Iron is book 1 in the Dark Age Chronicles and perfectly shows the reader why MJ Porter is one of the best historical writers out there. MJ knows how to weave a tale. MJ picks history apart and seems to effortlessly know where a story can be found.

I know it won’t be as easy as that.. but MJ Porter makes it seem so simple and that in itself tells you how good the story is.

The main story focuses on a number of tribes and individuals as they face their own challenges of survival… each want what they believe is rightly there’s… if they manage to succeed can they keep a hold of it?

MJ Porter doesn't do things small… the pace is spot on but you are introduced and thrown in the deep end with alot of information but i really loved how the pace suited the influx of characters and development, you had time take the key information and with the focus switching between tribes as the story unfolds it just helped me focus.

Men Of Iron isn't a tale to be rushed, its rich in detail and action and i love the authors talent at adapting to any style or era.

There's plenty for the action fans to get to grips with but at the same time the plot takes priority over all and i feel it worked well, this one is more about the characters than action. Loved it.

My favourites in this tale were Heafoc and Bucge, they had a dark wit about them which i just loved.

MJ Porter for me is unique and as such each offering never fails to hit the mark. 5* start of me.. plenty to love and plenty of promise for the next in the series.

[Colin Garrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series titled The Dark Age Chronicles. With little historical documentation to fall back on, the story is instead inspired by archaeological evidence, though the author’s knowledge of the period (real or imagined) does shine through. The plot revolves around several warring tribes including as the Weogoran, the Hicca, the Gyrwe and the Eorlingas. As always with many of Ms Porter’s historical sagas, the names can be confusing and even the list of characters at the front of the book didn’t help me remember who’s who. Set in Britannia AD540, the story starts by setting the scene in Britain after the Romans have left, leaving the various tribes to battle it out with each other. The most interesting character is Meddi the seeress – a strong and fearless warrior. Then we hear from Waermund of the Gyrwe, who sorts out issues with his older sibling in the traditional hack-em-to-pieces manner. Several chapters in, I did find the plot became a little difficult to follow, but the descriptions of the people and their antics are well done. The author’s narrative talents bring the story to life and at times it’s like watching a movie, which can’t be bad.

A rollicking saga with plenty of action.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please tell me that book 2 will be out soon! Men of Iron was a terrific read, I couldn't put it down. It's told from the point of view of two different people: Meddi, a seeress who has helped her brother Madog and their tribe reclaim their land from a usurper, and Waermund, a young warrier with something to prove against his father. Both of them want revenge on those who have wronged them. In Meddi's case it's Elen, who conspired with the usurper (and was married to him). In Waermund's case, it's his older brother, who is technically the heir but now is dead. The book alternates between their stories, drawing Meddi and Waermund ever closer to meeting and yet.....The book ends on a real cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the rest of Waermund and Meddi's story.

Well written, with beautifully drawn, complex characters who grow and change as they deal with what life throws at them. It's action packed and non stop. Definitely a good read, and you'll find yourself wanting to hear the rest of the story.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect start to an epic new series. Centering on two power-hungry tribes—one led by siblings Medi and Madog, the other by the ambitious Waermund—the book is rich in power plays, betrayal, and ambition. Porter crafts characters you can't help but root for, even as they make tough, often brutal decisions.

The pacing is sharp, the world-building is rich without being overwhelming, and the plot twists had me gasping. While the battle scenes aren’t overly detailed, the emotional and strategic weight of each confrontation kept me hooked. I’m already counting the days until book two!

___
Thank you Boldwood Books, NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Brannigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Iron Age tale of revenge. The two main characters living on different sides of England start the book getting their own personal justice. The two unrelated events forces them to meet and join forces for survival.

It’s a great historical adventure story set in an under used time period. The story jumps between two first person POVs. I’m not the biggest fan of 1st person. I don’t get as emotionally invested with it so it’s why I can’t give it 5 stars. Otherwise I highly recommend it.

I was given a free book from NetGalley for a honest review

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a wonder the human race survives! This new Dark Age tale of revenge and recovery shows the undocumented, but proven by archeological evidence, of how the tribes throughout Britain's long existence have lived and either succumbed or flourished. Porter writes a good story with descriptive scenes that can put the reader in amongst the characters. A must read for Dark Age or Britannia enthusiasts.

I'm giving my honest review after reading an ARC from Boldwood Books and Netgalley.

[09/01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start

A well researched tale of ancient Britain. Delves into the age of the state of the country that has lost the basic skills,and must either discover,or relearn the skills, or surrender to the strongest.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

WTF; I ended up liking this book despite my draggy pace of reading. The last chapters truly brought me gasping because I thought this would be a boring ending and I could move on to the other series. But no... I'll continue with the 2nd instalment, silently hoping it'll surprise me again.

[George Sturrock · Rating 1 out of 5]

poor dull

Not much to say - this held my interest initially but somehow it wandered off and did not go anywhere. I will not read the second book

[Rebecca Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the writing hard going even though I love the time period and the concept.

[Ahw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book. Lots of action and interesting characters.
It was a little strange with two point of view characters *both* told in the first person. But I got over that quickly - but I had to re-read much of the second chapter when I finally realized the new chapter was a different character.

I usually prefer my central characters to be a little better human beings but these are *realistic* human beings for their time. I really enjoyed the fresh perspective and new historical time period from the usual historical fiction and I liked the historical notes at the end.

This was really good and I'll be looking for the sequels and other books from the author.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Men Of Iron by MJ Porter is the first book in the new series that I couldn’t be more excited about. The book starts with Seeress Medi and her brother Madog, take over the Eorlingas Tribe, after the death of Edern who murdered their father to gain control. after a small battle they reinstated as a leader of the tribe but when they go to deal with Edern’s wife Elaine, she claims to be with child so instead of killing her they lock her in the grainhouse. at the same time in the east of Britain we meet another man named Waermun. he has gathered a Mötley Crüe of Warriors to take out his brother who he has no respect from or four. despite him being the oldest his father favored his younger brother because Waermun was born with a birthmark that to his father proved he was cursed by the gods. After he takes out his brother his fear is that his father will find out and try to kill him. He wants to be a great leader and although in secure and has a few fumbles along the way including getting kidnapped he is smart and throughout every battle lives to fight on. The one thing these two tribes do not have is sharp weapons to fight with as blacksmith’s or few and far between. let me start by saying MJ Porter has done it to me again I thought the book was going one way only for the author to allow me by not only going in a totally different direction but the direction that had me saying OMG!! I am always nervous about a new series and fear I will not like it but clearly that is not the case with this author’s books because every first book only makes me want the second. The fight scenes aren’t that detailed but the storyline is awesome and as I said I cannot wait for the next book.#NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #MJPorter, #MenOfIron,

[Brannigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Iron Age tale of revenge and redemption. The two Protagonists each have personal reasons to want revenge. More importantly they have reasons to prove they are better than those who did them wrong. One a Seeress, on the Western side of England. The other a Leader of a group of misfit mercenaries living on East coast. Each start the book getting their own personal justice. The Seeress desires to rebuild. The War-band travels West to be independent. Both struggle to find redemption after their revenge while fate brings them closer to each other.

It’s a great historical adventure story set in an under used time period. I love the detail in the metal and language that is often overlooked. The story jumps between two first person POVs. I’m not the biggest fan of 1st person. I don’t get as emotionally invested with it so it’s why I can’t give it 5 stars. Otherwise I highly recommend it.