Viking Conqueror

The Last Viking #5

by J.C. Duncan

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.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2026

About the author

James 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.

Reviews

[Shane Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect wrap-up to an extraordinary series.
5⭐️

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

Viking Conqueror by JC Duncan is the final book in the last Viking series and it picks up where the last book left off which was such a sad, yet happy ending. Eric is still telling Harold‘s tale and Harold will finally get what he wants but what do you do after you’ve wanted something all your life and you finally get it… yeah he had problems with that as well. This is a great awesome ending to such a great story. I know all the characters I have come to love and thought about for the past five books from Eric his self to offer the criminal he picked up and book one I just love these books and can’t believe it’s over but if there was going to be an ending I couldn’t imagine a better one. just keep in mind this is is the final book in a series and if like me you read Viking stories for a great plot and even greater fight scenes then you will definitely want to read this one because this book has a phenomenal fight scene they have multiple but the last one I think was the best. #NetGalley, #BlindViewer, #MyHonestReview,

[Delphine Twine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series on Harold Hardrada.
I learnt some interesting facts and JC Duncan took me a long on a very interesting journey through different continents, amazing journeys and characters. Well written, JC Duncan congratulations on a very impressive series

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

Couldn't put it down. A part of history that is not fully recognised for the impact it had.
Looking forward to the next series.

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome ending

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.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viking Conqueror is the sensational conclusion to J C Duncan’s thrilling series about Harald Hardrada, the last Viking Conqueror.

1066, AD Norway, and Harald is on top of the world. Undefeated in battle, unchallenged at home and loved, adored and revered by his subjects, the world is at the King’s feet. Harald may have everything he’s always wanted and achieved all that he has set out to do, but he is not satisfied. He wants more power, more glory and more victories and nothing will quell or satisfy his desperate desire to conquer. When news reaches him of another possible conquest, Harald doesn’t hesitate. Will he triumph once again? Or is he going to engage in a battle he simply cannot win?

Fate isn’t done with Harald – and his destiny lies in a battle against his greatest ever enemy: King Harold of England. Can Harald defeat this most worthy of opponents? Will he lay claim to his crown and his country? Or will the King of Norway end up losing everything and change the course of history and the entire world?

A breath-taking historical adventure that propels the reader into a dangerous world of jeopardy, power struggles and ruthless ambition, Viking Conqueror is a first-tale novel by J C Duncan rich in atmosphere, tension and intrigue that enthrals and entertains from beginning to end.

A superb conclusion to a gripping five-book series, historical fiction readers everywhere will be completely bowled over by J C Duncan’s Viking Conqueror.

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]

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.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Good read, but not particularly fond of the ending.