Woden's War

The First Kingdom #4

by Donovan Cook

The continuation of Donovan Cook’s thrilling Dark Age, action-packed historical adventure series. A must-read for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy⚔️💥

A storm is rising in the north.
A storm of iron and fire.
Of hatred and vengeance.

451AD Britainnia

Octa has returned from the Saxon lands with the army he promised—battle-hardened warriors ready to face Prince Vortimer and his allies. After a savage conflict, Prince Vortimer’s dream of becoming High King of Britannia lies in ruins. For Octa and his people, victory offers something peace and a chance to build a new life.

But the gods have other plans.

Whispering to the desperate and the broken, they turn Badulf toward war. Driven by their will, he gathers a vast Pictish host that sweeps across the north in fire and blood, hunting Gungnir, Woden’s legendary spear.

Now a warlord, Octa must march north once more to aid his old foederati allies beyond the crumbling Roman wall. As gods and men are drawn into a struggle that could consume Britannia, he faces an impossible protect the people he leads or defend the spear that could unleash ruin.

Can Octa stop the Picts before the gods claim Gungnir—and give Woden the war he craves?

Praise for Donovan

'Woden’s Spear is yet another shield crunching epic from Donovan Cook. Any reader who loves battle, Saxons, warriors and adventures won’t be disappointed! A spell binding tale of early Britain certain to keep pages turning and readers entertained.' - Peter Gibbons

'Cook gives you thunderous action in a tightly woven plot. An epic adventure from a crumbling empire to a mysterious mist strewn land. Not one to be missed for fans of Cornwell and Kristian.' - Adam Lofthouse

'Donovan Cook’s Charlemagne’s Cross series has everything I look for in a tale of the Dark Ages. Adventure and gritty action set against the backdrop of clashing religions and the collision of kingdoms. Great stuff!' - Matthew Harffy

'A fabulous Norse tale of family secrets, betrayal and conflict right up until the very last page - I loved it!'- MJ Porter

'An action-packed scintillating thriller. Pacy, raw, violent fayre, with a cast of characters you'll swiftly loathe or admire - you'll think you're in the shield wall' - Ross Greenwood

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2026

Reviews

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Octa has returned from overseas with an army, as he had promised Hengist and Horsa he would. A battle with the Prince Vortimer and his allies ensues but Vortimer has chosen the battleground poorly and the Saxon/Jute army win, giving them more land to live in. Before Octa has a chance to experience any peace, word arrives of a Pict army sweeping down from the north so Octa must go north to battle again, with Woden’s spear Gungnir in hand.

These books are very well written and the characters have developed over time, especially Octa going from a coward to a brave warlord. I enjoy how the books mix history with fantasy so well with the Gods using humans as proxies in their own wars.

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

[Julie Friar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is well worth reading. Octa has returned with an army and will battle against Prince Vortimer. Octa wants peace between all people but the gods have other ideas. Octa retains Woden’s spear but others want it and are prepared to kill to get it.

Very well written novel with excellent characters. This novel is full of action, honour, respect, comradeship, danger, fighting and adventure. Octa is now a warlord and must fight to keep the spear and defeat his foes.

[Christine Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first Kingdom series. Octa has returned from the Saxon lands with the warriors he promised to the brothers. Vortimer still wants to rid the land of the Jutes and Saxons. War is on the horizon. Another great story of Saxons, Britons and God's. The characters have developed personalities all of their own and it's easy to get a favourite character even if they aren't all nice people. Its is so easy to visulise the action and it gets quite tense towards the end. I love the attention given to how the people live within the story. Highly recommended, particularly if you like dark agea stories
With thanks to the author and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th in the Britannia series. Octa travels north to the Roman wall to help with the increase in Pictish attacks and to stop them coming south. Banulf who has joined the picts is the one directing the attacks mainly to find Octa so Octa is playing into his hands by traveling but its all to do with the gods. Lots of battles follow as we progress towards the big battle of the gods. I am looking forward to the next book
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my review copy