💥💥The grand finale in JC Duncan's epic Last Viking adventure series featuring 👑Harald Hardrada ⚔️ Must-read for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Peter Gibbons and Matthew Harffy ⚔️ Born to be king. Destined to die for glory.
1066 AD, Norway
Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, the Thunderbolt of the North, reigns supreme; undefeated on the battlefield and unchallenged at home. His banner, Land-Waster, flies triumphant everywhere he marches. Everything that was stolen from his brother, King Olaf, has been regained.
But power does not satiate. Glory does not fill the empty void in an ambitious heart. Victory is an elixir that runs dry no matter how freely it flows. No matter the height on which the triumphant stand, there, in the corner of his eye, is the glitter of another conquest.
Harald has achieved more than any man of his time, but fate is not done with him. His destiny lies on the banks of a quiet river in England’s green and pleasant land - Stamford Bridge.
To finish his great story, to forge the empire he always desired, all the last Viking conqueror must do is defeat a worthy opponent; King Harold of England, and seize his country and his crown.
His life changed nations. His death will change the world.
The thrilling conclusion in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada 'The Last Viking'. A formidable warrior king known for his military prowess, ambition, and ruthlessness.
** 💥Praise for J C Duncan💥:
'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 brimming with historical detail and brave daring - the story of a legend' - MJ Porter
'Fantastic, a magnificent series. I have loved each book. Can’t wait to read the next in series. If you love stories of bravery and adventure you must get this!' - Reader Review
'A truly fantastic series. A must for historical fiction fans. If you haven't read JC Duncan's telling of Hardrada yet you really are missing out.' - Reader Review
'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.' - Reader Review
'Wow wow wow!!! This was such a ride. The character development and world building was top notch. This is a must read!!' - Netgalley Reviewer
So here we are. This is the last book in the saga of Harald Hardrada, a man we've always known is destined to die at Stamford Bridge in the tumultuous events of 1066.
JC Duncan has spun us a fabulous tale of Hardrada's life, never stinting to show us what Hardrada was before that fateful day, and this final instalment remains as triumphant as earlier books in the series, even if, Harald as king of Norway isn't perhaps as filled with such fabulous stories of his brave daring do and his astonishing life as the earlier books. But then, he must earn his title of Hardrada - or hard ruler.
We move inexorably towards the events of Stamford Bridge with the ever loyal Eric returning to Harald's side. It all seems so easy to accomplish close to Jorvik. So easy, and yet...it is not. Harald, at long last, finds a worthy opponent, one worthy of matching him in battle.
Not only does Harald's story near its conclusion, but our narrator and his reasons for telling his tale are finally revealed as well.
I've loved this series by JC Duncan following the life of Harald Hardrada. It's been fascinating to learn about his time away from Norway and all about that fateful day in 1066, which is recounted poignantly, and does indeed show Harald as the battle commander he was - ruthless, ambitious. Honourable (mostly). If you've not yet started the series, go pick up Warrior Prince now. You will not be disappointed.
While this is my first book in the series I found it still worked well as a standalone! This was an engaging historical read that had vivid settings, strong characters, along with plenty of action and intrigue. I was able to follow the story and enjoy all of the characters without having read any of the previous books. Although, there were a few moments when I felt it would have helped more to have read the previous books.
The balance of action and character development kept me hooked throughout. This is an immersive read that’s definitely made me want to go back and start the series from the beginning.
Thank you Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
What an epic conclusion to the story of Harald Hardrada! He was my 24th great uncle and I appreciate the research and creativity but into the series, but specifically Viking Conqueror, as it tells of his final day. The writing is captivating getting you wrapped up in Eric's tale. The outcome was a little predictable to me so I wasn't surprised at the end, but it may be different for you. Either way, if you are a reader of Viking tales or Historical Dramas, you won't want to miss the this series!
This is my honest review after reading an ARC from Netgalley and Boldwood Books.
I think i have mentioned it in previous reviews but the book is written so well you almost feel like you are sitting in this hall listening to Eric tell epic and rather Brutal life of Harald. Its actually sad to finish this story, it was so good.