Storm of Mercia: A gripping historical adventure from MJ Porter

Eagle of Mercia Chronicles #9

by M.J. Porter

The BRAND NEW instalment in the gripping historical adventure series from M J Porter - Must-read for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Peter Gibbons and Matthew Harffy!
Wessex has never been Mercia’s ally, neither has it been her only enemy.

Wessex, AD836

The Viking raiders' devastation has been halted once more by the shields of Mercia as opposed to Wessex. But their whereabouts are unknown.

King Wiglaf of Mercia is keen to ensure the Viking raiders are swept from his shared border with Wessex but these Viking ships are quick and difficult to track and Icel is once more deployed with Ealdorman Ælfstan warriors to do his King's bidding. However, Icel’s quest is beset with many more obstacles and it's not all about the seax and shield.

Worrying news from home overshadows Icel’s every deadly encounter. Will the storms of war keep him away or has he time to make one more desperate journey back to Tamworth?

With raging seas driving him ever further from Mercia’s shores, and the threat of a new conspiracy against the Mercian kingship will Icel overpower the sands of time, or will he be defeated by his deadliest nemesis yet?

If you love MJ Porter’s Eagle of Mercia series, also try the Dark Chronicles and also epic Brunanburh series.

Genres: Historical Fiction

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2026

About the author

I'm an author of historical fiction (Early English/Saxon, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest, as well as five 20th-century historical mysteries) and historical fantasy.

I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it's little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!

I like to write. You've been warned!

Not sure where to start your journey through Saxon/Early England? The Dark Ages trilogy will take readers back to the very beginnings of Saxon England before the creation of Mercia and the other kingdoms. The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles featuring our reluctant hero, Icel, will introduce you to the best Saxon kingdom of all, Mercia! Storm of Mercia is the latest release.

Looking for my historical fantasy/romantasy? Dragonbound, the first book in the Ice and Fire series, will be avalable from August 2026.

Looking for my 20th-century mysteries? The Erdington Mysteries, and Cragside, a standalone 1930s murder mystery, are the titles for you.

My first non-fiction book, The Royal Women Who Made England, is now published by Pen and Sword in hardback and ebook.

Happy reading:)

Find me at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing! I also have an online store for signed paperbacks and a few others goodies at mjporterauthor.co.uk.
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

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always happy to be with Icel, that curmudgeonly yet loyal and lovable warrior of Mercia. He just gets entangled with one problem to the next. Here he just wants to get to Wynflæd before she dies. She’s been like a mother to him. Yet the fates have other plans. He has so many bruises and lacerations, that I don’t k ow how he gets up every day. And the marks on his body keep on piling up. His experience of captivity whilst on a Norse ship is so descriptive, that you feel like you’re suffering along with him and his companions. Porter has a special skill to bring you fully into these dire moments. Although there’s lots of uncertainty, the men find time for a bit of banter. Icel also has many rueful moments when I just had to snicker.
We still have his faithful horse, Brute, as a constant by his side, when Icel is around. Plus a new young boy is introduced, Eadfrith. His family is killed by the Vikings and he has such knowledge of steering a ship. How? I hope to hear more of him.
The ending is so poignant and heartfelt. I lost both my parents within six weeks of each other, and this resonated deeply with me.
Another triumphant tale of Icel. Thanks to NetGalley for this copy.

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

Storm Of Mercia is the newest installment in the Eagle Of Mercia series by MJ Porter. Lord Icel of Budworth from the start of the story he hits the ground running he isn’t even healed from his last kidnapping when the king sent him on a journey that will turn in to him yet againn getting kidnapped and he goes from a prisoner than a sailor then he gets kidnapped again and he’s doing all this while knowing the only family he has is in Tamworth breathing her last breath and all he wants to do is get there before it’s too late. Theres many surprising things that happen in the book all the way until the end especially when Icel and Oswy hear someone they know talking to their kidnappers as if they are not the enemy of Mercia. I love the way MJ Porter keeps me on the edge of my seat it seems these books just get better and better than what happened at the end of this one has me so looking forward to the next one. I know this isn’t a great review but wow this is a great awesome read! #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Terry Rudge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling, action packed instalment from M.J. Porter. There’s something incredibly accessible about Porter’s writing that means I absolutely devour her books. The story races along at a breakneck pace, yet it never sacrifices the characters along the way.

Amid the battles, betrayals and shifting loyalties, there’s still room for real growth and emotion.
Icel in particular has endured more than most, and in this story he truly stands out as the heart of Mercia. Time and again he’s forced to sacrifice everything to protect those he loves and the comrades who fight beside him. It’s hard not to root for him as he shoulders the weight of duty and loyalty, even when the odds are stacked against him.

As with the rest of the series, this is a perfectly paced and hugely entertaining book.

A cracking continuation of the series and one that historical fiction fans will tear through in no time.

[Brannigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another strong entry from M. J. Porter and a great continuation of this series set in early medieval England.

The story follows Icel, who once again finds himself thrown from one crisis to the next as he tries to serve both his king and the kingdom of Mercia. No sooner does one problem resolve than another appears, and it often feels like Icel simply can’t catch a break. That constant pressure keeps the story moving and highlights the difficult realities of loyalty, politics, and survival during this turbulent period.

A large portion of the book takes place on the water alongside Viking forces, and Porter does an excellent job bringing those moments to life—sometimes so vividly that you almost feel the seasickness yourself. The naval elements add a different flavor to the usual battlefield encounters and give the story a strong sense of movement and danger.

This is the second book in this particular series and my fifth overall by M. J. Porter, and by this point I’ve come to expect a certain level of quality. Porter consistently delivers engaging historical fiction with compelling characters and a strong sense of place. I’ve yet to finish one of his books feeling disappointed.

At this rate he’s quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in the historical fiction genre.

I was given a free ebook by the publisher and NetGalley.com for an honest review.

[Julie Friar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Icel and his men are the Shields of Mercia. We are in Wessex AD836 and Viking raiders are so much and hurting people. Icel must do the King’s bidding but he is desperate to return to Tamworth as his most beloved Wynfaed is failing.

Very well written novel with excellent characters. Well paced, plenty of action and fighting. Lots of injuries and capture must be endured. They must use a boat to escape but none of them are sailors and a storm will put them in mortal danger.

Can they do the Kings bidding and protect Mercia and will Icel get back to a Tamworth in time?

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with Icel for book 9 in the The Eagle of Mercia series! It feels crazy to see how far we’ve come but things aren’t over yet!

Icel is still reeling from previous battles and near death.. He’s got the wounds to show but do you think he’s got time to rest? Nah.

Merica and Wessex may not be friends but there’s one thing they probably both hate more.. The Vikings! It’s up to Icel and the other Shields of Mercia to ensure any Vikings are pushed from their shores..

The biggest issue is they don’t really know how many their are still, many have perished but some remain.. But where are they? Have they already boarded their ships?

What always surprises me is how fast the action flows but at a natural, unforced pace.. There’s so much happens but nothing is rushed and you really get the time to feel the depth of the tale..this talent shines through almost immediately..

Icel and the other shields stumble upon the Vikings, they are outnumbered but innocent people are at risk of death/capture.. They have to act.

Heart and honour overpower common-sense and Icel lands in a little trouble! That’s to put it mildly.

Icel has no time to heal.. He’s willing to sacrifice everything for what’s right.

I always try not to give away spoilers but lets just say Icel’s skills as a sailor are called upon… yeah he isnt one ha ha.

I really loved how quickly the author managed to put real emotion into the tale, not only battles but pain for the innocent..those left behind.. Eadfrith..this young lad plays a big part in the build-up and emotion of the tale, it’s beautifully harrowing.

Depth and meaning is also added into the mix nicely, the other characters, especially Oswy and Cenred, their relationships with each other, their own fears projected, jokes and sly digs.. But also strong depictions of the area, the ships movements, shrubbery, animals and such..it effortlessly paints a picture.

Giving this is Icel’s 9th outing you can be forgiven for worrying if the series had the legs left in it.. Then again I never worried.. I know MJ Porter’s writing and talent for delivering a cracking series.. Nevertheless I’m always astounded how good the plot is.. Detailed and gripping from the first page to the last.

I think for me the biggest selling point is it ticks all the boxes for fans of the genre.. You prefer plot.. It’s got it.. You like historical details.. It’s got it.. You want pitch perfect character development.. You’ve got it..everything just blends to make the story feel real.. It’s really a series you get invested in and just gets better with each instalment.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

M J Porter writes enthralling historical novels and this talented writer continues to entertain and captivate with Storm of Mercia.

A temporary halt has been called upon the devastation of the Viking raiders thanks to the shields of Mercia. But with their whereabouts unknown, King Wiglaf is determined more than ever that these raiders are wiped from his shared border with Wessex for good. However, with these Viking ships being hard to track down, Icel once again needs to be deployed with Ealdorman Ælfstan’s warriors to do his King’s bidding. But the road ahead is fraught with challenges and obstacles and victory is far from a done deal…

With worrying news from home hanging over Icel’s every dangerous encounter, the storms of war persist in keeping him away. But does he have the time to make one final desperate journey to Tamworth? With the odds stacked against him and Mercia’s shores slipping further and further away from his reach, will Icel manage to triumph yet again? Or will a new conspiracy against the King and an enemy intent on eviscerating him succeed in destroying Icel for good?

I am never disappointed in an M J Porter historical novel. A gifted writer with an unparalleled ability of bringing history to stunning, vivid and prescient life, the latest instalment of the Eagle of Mercia saga, Storm of Mercia, is an epic, exciting and entertaining tale where the pages simply turn themselves.

Atmospheric, dramatic and absorbing, Storm of Mercia is a brilliant historical novel from M J Porter perfect for Matthew Harffy fans.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another powerful installment following Icel, one of my favorite gritty and complex characters. His journey is filled with hardship, injury, and emotional weight, but also moments of humor and camaraderie that balance the darker themes.

The scenes aboard the Norse ship were especially vivid, and the writing really pulls you into the intensity of the moment. I also enjoyed the addition of new characters, particularly Eadfrith, who adds another layer to the story.

The ending was poignant and stayed with me long after finishing. A strong and emotional continuation of the series.



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.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

AD 386. Poor Icel, the Mercians have just defeated the Vikings at Carhampton and were hoping for a period of time for recovery but no chance. King Wiglaf immediately sends a group of warriors, including Icel, after the Vikings to ensure they leave and don’t threaten Mercia. They find some Viking ships in the river but Icel and two of his comrades are captured and forced to row on the ships. Determined to escape, they do so but many more adventures befall them before they can return to Mercia.

Another great chapter in the story of Icel and his comrades. It’s a fascinating period of history that I don’t have a great deal of knowledge of and these books blend fact and fiction so well.

Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another good addition to the Eagle of Mercia series, a compelling way to learn about Dark Ages history while being entertained by a plot full of intrigue, betrayal and action.
There is the pleasure of catching up with the characters and discovering what is happening and what has happened.
There are accurate historical details, with the names and stories of places and people lost in a distant past.
It is an entertaining and gripping novel, even if I think it could be difficult to read as a standalone.
The series is intriguing and I recommend it.
Well done, a pleasant read.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.

[Christine Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vikings have been temporarily beaten but they Mercians have to make sure they are no danger to Mercia. Meanwhile Icel hears worrying news. Another action packed, information filled adventure for Icel and his friends. They have to fend for themselves when they end up on a viking ship and need to learn how to sail. These characters are becoming like family, with plenty of humour and arguments. Lots of historical facts mixed in with the fiction, making an interesting and great history lesson. Another outstanding book from MJ Porter.
With thanks to the author,Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Ken Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this is when they tell you that you should have read some of the prior stories so you weren't wondering what had happened until you finally got everyone together, but I finally did and then it was an ok read. Icel, Cenred and Oswy are the main characters the story and get captured and then captured and being bound up on ships not to their liking. Icel is wanting to get back to see his woman who raised him and new his mother and father, Wynflaed. She is dying and in the end he finally gets to see her. Leaving it for another story.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, trouble follows Icel around like a bad penny! This was a very interesting and heartwarming story. Having his cohorts, Oswy and Cenred, along side him I'm sure made things more bearable. But still, no one knows who Icel really is, or do they? Read the adventure in Storm of Mercia for another wild ride!

[Linda Susan Garman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Icel

I waited for this book to be released with anticipation, As usual MJPorter delivers a fantastic historical fiction story with exceptionly exciting characters. I can't wait for the next book in this thread.