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First Kings: Forged by Vikings in England and Norway
Forget 1066 – the making of England began centuries earlier.
After decades of devastating raids, Viking armies first overwintered in England in 850. In doing so, they opened a century of conflict and reaching ambition. In Norway, Harald Fairhair rose from a regional chieftain to become its first king, while in England Alfred the Great preserved Wessex from conquest and laid the foundations for unity. His successors extended that vision, leading to the creation of a single English kingdom after the meeting of kings at Eamont Bridge in 927.
Meanwhile, the struggle for Norway's throne erupted among Harald's heirs, with Eric Bloodaxe briefly claiming the Crown before being overthrown by his younger brother, Håkon. Upon fleeing to Britain, Eric was allowed the York throne by King Edred. After his violent death in 954, there would be no more kings in York.
This turbulent century saw kings rise and fall; it saw rivalry, betrayal and open conflict. Out of the chaos of shifting allegiances and warfare, England and Norway began to take shape as the forebears of the countries we know today. In First Kings, join R.A.J. Waddingham on an action-packed, page-turning adventure through the age of the Vikings.
After decades of devastating raids, Viking armies first overwintered in England in 850. In doing so, they opened a century of conflict and reaching ambition. In Norway, Harald Fairhair rose from a regional chieftain to become its first king, while in England Alfred the Great preserved Wessex from conquest and laid the foundations for unity. His successors extended that vision, leading to the creation of a single English kingdom after the meeting of kings at Eamont Bridge in 927.
Meanwhile, the struggle for Norway's throne erupted among Harald's heirs, with Eric Bloodaxe briefly claiming the Crown before being overthrown by his younger brother, Håkon. Upon fleeing to Britain, Eric was allowed the York throne by King Edred. After his violent death in 954, there would be no more kings in York.
This turbulent century saw kings rise and fall; it saw rivalry, betrayal and open conflict. Out of the chaos of shifting allegiances and warfare, England and Norway began to take shape as the forebears of the countries we know today. In First Kings, join R.A.J. Waddingham on an action-packed, page-turning adventure through the age of the Vikings.
- GenresHistory
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 18, 2026
This book explores the stories of English and Norwegian kings during the turbulent 10th century and their roles in shaping England. It offers a fascinating narrative of the century’s events through a focus on the Last Kings of Wessex, the first three Kings of Norway, and the first three Kings of England.
While Alfred the Great often steals the spotlight for this era, Waddingham also highlights his less-remembered successors, like Athelstan and Edred and their significant roles in shaping England’s history.
Of personal interest is the journey across the seas to the land of sagas and Vikings (Norway) and its kings from Eric Bloodaxe to Harald Hardrada. This parallel narrative links the stories of England and Norway during this period, providing a comprehensive view of key events.
This book is concise, informative, and well-written. Its engaging narrative and succinct chapters make it an excellent introduction to the period for anyone seeking a digestible overview of key figures and events in 10th-century England, and beyond.
Thanks to The History Press for providing a review copy.
While Alfred the Great often steals the spotlight for this era, Waddingham also highlights his less-remembered successors, like Athelstan and Edred and their significant roles in shaping England’s history.
Of personal interest is the journey across the seas to the land of sagas and Vikings (Norway) and its kings from Eric Bloodaxe to Harald Hardrada. This parallel narrative links the stories of England and Norway during this period, providing a comprehensive view of key events.
This book is concise, informative, and well-written. Its engaging narrative and succinct chapters make it an excellent introduction to the period for anyone seeking a digestible overview of key figures and events in 10th-century England, and beyond.
Thanks to The History Press for providing a review copy.
February 1, 2026
While some mark the year 1066 as the “making” of England, the bloody contest for its throne began centuries earlier…
In 850, when Viking armies first overwintered in England, they left widespread destruction in their path, setting the stage for a brutal century. The devastating raids of the preceding decades left the Vikings hungry for further conquest of English land and the power it promised. King Alfred the Great and his armies secured Wessex from Viking conquest, slowly forging the bonds of unity across the Anglo-Saxon realms, and paving the way for England’s first king. Across the treacherous North Sea, Norway saw the rise of its first King, Harald Fairhair. But the game of power did not end with them, their successors continued to make their moves through shifting allegiances, betrayal, and bloodshed.
This book was a total page-turner, and I was completely hooked after the first chapter. R.A.J. Waddingham wrote a captivating and easy-to-follow history of the kings who helped shape England and Norway into the countries we know today. Each historical character is brilliantly brought to life and their motives woven into the larger story. I felt completely immersed in the world of Vikings and Anglo-Saxons from beginning to end. Through this book, I’ve also learned about more places where Vikings were stationed in England, places I am now adamant to explore.
Despite the strong focus on complex politics and warfare, the author maintains a convincing balance between historical detail and engaging narrative. This was indeed history’s very own Game of Thrones - minus the dragons. 🐉
In 850, when Viking armies first overwintered in England, they left widespread destruction in their path, setting the stage for a brutal century. The devastating raids of the preceding decades left the Vikings hungry for further conquest of English land and the power it promised. King Alfred the Great and his armies secured Wessex from Viking conquest, slowly forging the bonds of unity across the Anglo-Saxon realms, and paving the way for England’s first king. Across the treacherous North Sea, Norway saw the rise of its first King, Harald Fairhair. But the game of power did not end with them, their successors continued to make their moves through shifting allegiances, betrayal, and bloodshed.
This book was a total page-turner, and I was completely hooked after the first chapter. R.A.J. Waddingham wrote a captivating and easy-to-follow history of the kings who helped shape England and Norway into the countries we know today. Each historical character is brilliantly brought to life and their motives woven into the larger story. I felt completely immersed in the world of Vikings and Anglo-Saxons from beginning to end. Through this book, I’ve also learned about more places where Vikings were stationed in England, places I am now adamant to explore.
Despite the strong focus on complex politics and warfare, the author maintains a convincing balance between historical detail and engaging narrative. This was indeed history’s very own Game of Thrones - minus the dragons. 🐉
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews