What do you think?
The Sword Song Chronicles #2
A Kingdom For The Taking
- GenresFantasy
324 pages, Paperback
Published August 6, 2026
About the author
Steven A. McKay
67 books451 followersI was born in 1977, near Glasgow in Scotland and live in Old Kilpatrick with my wife and two young children. After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree I decided to follow my life-long ambition and write a novel. The Forest Lord series now has four novels, and various short spin-off tales.
My new book "The Heathen Horde" is the first in a brand series following Alfred the Great. It comes out on October 26 2023 so please check it out and pre-order if you can!
I play guitar and write all my books while listening to extreme metal.
In 2022 I started a podcast with fellow historical author Matthew Harffy. You can subscribe to Rock, Paper, Swords! on all the usual podcast outlets and also find the audio on Youtube every fortnight.
My new book "The Heathen Horde" is the first in a brand series following Alfred the Great. It comes out on October 26 2023 so please check it out and pre-order if you can!
I play guitar and write all my books while listening to extreme metal.
In 2022 I started a podcast with fellow historical author Matthew Harffy. You can subscribe to Rock, Paper, Swords! on all the usual podcast outlets and also find the audio on Youtube every fortnight.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 1, 2026
**Read 4.5 STARS!**
This thrilling fantasy adventure is the 2nd part of "The Sword Song Chronicles" series.
At the start of the book you'll find again a well-drawn map of West Valkyros, with Nemea and Dematae as the main areas.
Storytelling is great, all characters come vividly to life in this fantasy tale filled with action-packed events, moments of magical spells, duplicity, and heroic features.
Once again our main protagonist is Wulfnoth, and with him now are his friends Greybeard, Crysanthe, Ardgal and Muirren, the last two former Dematae soldiers hunting Wulfnoth, all in a quest to depose or kill the tyrant King of Nemea, Lysandros, and at the same time trying to rescue Wulfnoth's parents, General Caradoc and his wife Olwen from the clutches of that same King and his sorcerer Nicander.
During their divided quest, each in a group of three, our friends will to have face some life threatening adventures, various dangerous obstacles and lethal enemies, all in order to fulfil their commitments.
What is to follow is an enthralling and exciting fantasy story, which is action-packed and fast-paced, and all this is brought to us in a most satisfied manner by the author.
Very much recommended, this book is a fun to read and so a definite welcome addition to this much improved series, and that's why I like to call this 2nd episode: "A Engrossing Fantasy Sequel"!
This thrilling fantasy adventure is the 2nd part of "The Sword Song Chronicles" series.
At the start of the book you'll find again a well-drawn map of West Valkyros, with Nemea and Dematae as the main areas.
Storytelling is great, all characters come vividly to life in this fantasy tale filled with action-packed events, moments of magical spells, duplicity, and heroic features.
Once again our main protagonist is Wulfnoth, and with him now are his friends Greybeard, Crysanthe, Ardgal and Muirren, the last two former Dematae soldiers hunting Wulfnoth, all in a quest to depose or kill the tyrant King of Nemea, Lysandros, and at the same time trying to rescue Wulfnoth's parents, General Caradoc and his wife Olwen from the clutches of that same King and his sorcerer Nicander.
During their divided quest, each in a group of three, our friends will to have face some life threatening adventures, various dangerous obstacles and lethal enemies, all in order to fulfil their commitments.
What is to follow is an enthralling and exciting fantasy story, which is action-packed and fast-paced, and all this is brought to us in a most satisfied manner by the author.
Very much recommended, this book is a fun to read and so a definite welcome addition to this much improved series, and that's why I like to call this 2nd episode: "A Engrossing Fantasy Sequel"!
September 3, 2026
I've never been a big lover of fantasy because most of the books in that genre seem to have flying, fire-breathing dragons and other monsters which are just too difficult to believe in and lend a fairy-tale feel to the story. So, when Steven McKay announced he was going to do a fantasy series, I was skeptical, but he assured me - no fire-breathing dragons that fly all over the place and incinerate the world. (He actually responds to comments made on Facebook posts!) Yes, there are critters in this book and it's predecessor, but they're borrowed from antiquity and ancient civilizations and naturally, re-named - there's no minotaur for example, but something close, and so on. That I can handle.
So, after reading the first volume, I was hooked on the story line and enjoyed the characters he created as well in a country which could very easily have been borrowed from the UK only changed to suit the story line.
If anything, this action-packed story is better than the first and helps build and develop the characters he's created. And there are enough battles and blood-letting to keep those who are into that, more than just a little happy.
This time around Wulfnoth and his band (reminiscent of Robin Hood and his band of Merrye Men) are attempting to rescue to his father and mother who have been held prisoner by the evil king
Lysandros, a journey that is not without it's trials and tribulations and bad guys. Toss in an evil sorcerer Nicander, and you have even more trials and tribulations.
Without going into the plot (hate it when people do that!), we follow Wulfnoth and his band to the capital city of Taenarum to rescue Mom and Pop and help foment a revolution. Do they succeed? If you want to find out, you're going to want to read the book, which is highly recommended. However, not everything is as it appears and there are a couple of unexpected plot twists towards the end which will have you anxiously awaiting volume three.
If you haven't become acquainted with the highly talented and prolific Steven McKay, this is a good starting point. And keep those flying fire-breathing dragons caged up!
So, after reading the first volume, I was hooked on the story line and enjoyed the characters he created as well in a country which could very easily have been borrowed from the UK only changed to suit the story line.
If anything, this action-packed story is better than the first and helps build and develop the characters he's created. And there are enough battles and blood-letting to keep those who are into that, more than just a little happy.
This time around Wulfnoth and his band (reminiscent of Robin Hood and his band of Merrye Men) are attempting to rescue to his father and mother who have been held prisoner by the evil king
Lysandros, a journey that is not without it's trials and tribulations and bad guys. Toss in an evil sorcerer Nicander, and you have even more trials and tribulations.
Without going into the plot (hate it when people do that!), we follow Wulfnoth and his band to the capital city of Taenarum to rescue Mom and Pop and help foment a revolution. Do they succeed? If you want to find out, you're going to want to read the book, which is highly recommended. However, not everything is as it appears and there are a couple of unexpected plot twists towards the end which will have you anxiously awaiting volume three.
If you haven't become acquainted with the highly talented and prolific Steven McKay, this is a good starting point. And keep those flying fire-breathing dragons caged up!
August 20, 2026
We ae back with Wulfnoth after his escape from Herakas. After being beaten down by the Galnir army, his escape and the revelations from his past… his parents are alive and imprisoned!
He will do anything to free them but enemies are everywhere!
It’s lucky that Wulfnoth has made some friends along the way to help in in his journey..Greybeard and Chrysanthe along with soldiers Ardgal, Muirren and the mage Timon!
They are being hunted and soon realise they need to split up to keep their enemies at bay.
The issue soon becomes clear that they aren’t just being hunted by a normal solider…Captain Kallias is a brutal warrior.. And Greybeard senses quickly why this man is so dangerous…
Plot wise i thought it was a great move to split the group up, not only does it give more options of where the story can go but also allows the characters the chance to develop and not be overshadowed by each other or the main story.
Splitting the group also allowed for a greater flow of the tale, you never get bored as the focus changes from chapter to chapter.. This just makes you devour the tale!
I also particularly liked the parallels with the first novel, the mythical creatures and how it links to King Lysandros and his mage Nicander, those responsible for Wulfnoth’s parents imprisonment.
What I really loved is that you can see the authors growth as they move to a new genre but at the same time the writing feels so familiar.. it’s the style and flow, the relationships and character growth.. it makes fans of the author feel at home instantly.
There’s battles, magic, love and grief.. and twists and turns meaning that ending packs a gut punch..No spoilers but it’s not the ending Wulfnoth would have liked but leaves so much promise for more to come.
The best addition character wise for me was Korax, again no spoilers, there’s development but not so much that you’ve got him worked out..I’m very interested in what happens next.
I’m left breathless.. needing to know where this will go next..
He will do anything to free them but enemies are everywhere!
It’s lucky that Wulfnoth has made some friends along the way to help in in his journey..Greybeard and Chrysanthe along with soldiers Ardgal, Muirren and the mage Timon!
They are being hunted and soon realise they need to split up to keep their enemies at bay.
The issue soon becomes clear that they aren’t just being hunted by a normal solider…Captain Kallias is a brutal warrior.. And Greybeard senses quickly why this man is so dangerous…
Plot wise i thought it was a great move to split the group up, not only does it give more options of where the story can go but also allows the characters the chance to develop and not be overshadowed by each other or the main story.
Splitting the group also allowed for a greater flow of the tale, you never get bored as the focus changes from chapter to chapter.. This just makes you devour the tale!
I also particularly liked the parallels with the first novel, the mythical creatures and how it links to King Lysandros and his mage Nicander, those responsible for Wulfnoth’s parents imprisonment.
What I really loved is that you can see the authors growth as they move to a new genre but at the same time the writing feels so familiar.. it’s the style and flow, the relationships and character growth.. it makes fans of the author feel at home instantly.
There’s battles, magic, love and grief.. and twists and turns meaning that ending packs a gut punch..No spoilers but it’s not the ending Wulfnoth would have liked but leaves so much promise for more to come.
The best addition character wise for me was Korax, again no spoilers, there’s development but not so much that you’ve got him worked out..I’m very interested in what happens next.
I’m left breathless.. needing to know where this will go next..
August 14, 2026
A Kingdom For The Taking (The Sword Song Chronicles Book 2)
5 🌟 review
Just finished this book, the second in The Sword Song Chronicles and enjoyed it immensely, both the storylines and characters developing and growing stronger as the series develops, there were some points in the first book where it struggled a bit, (hopefully the author doesn’t mind me saying this) but this book is so much stronger and it just ‘flows’. Some really good fight sequences. Loved the bit about the sewers, definitely wouldn’t want to go through those.
We have new characters entering the story, some good, some bad, but all working well in the plot. Definitely got some surprises coming along the way.
I can see some conflict in Wulfnoth’s and his companions future adventures both emotional and physically challenging.
Really looking forward to the next episode of The Sword Song Chronicles.
***note to Steven, I went lit. nurd and looked up Vodyanoy, very interesting Slavic myth.
Thank you 👍🏼
5 🌟 review
Just finished this book, the second in The Sword Song Chronicles and enjoyed it immensely, both the storylines and characters developing and growing stronger as the series develops, there were some points in the first book where it struggled a bit, (hopefully the author doesn’t mind me saying this) but this book is so much stronger and it just ‘flows’. Some really good fight sequences. Loved the bit about the sewers, definitely wouldn’t want to go through those.
We have new characters entering the story, some good, some bad, but all working well in the plot. Definitely got some surprises coming along the way.
I can see some conflict in Wulfnoth’s and his companions future adventures both emotional and physically challenging.
Really looking forward to the next episode of The Sword Song Chronicles.
***note to Steven, I went lit. nurd and looked up Vodyanoy, very interesting Slavic myth.
Thank you 👍🏼
August 20, 2026
Gems in a Fantasy World
I enjoy historical fiction as well as a good fantasy tale. Both are not always easy to find when you read as much as this old DV. However, Steven McKay has worked hard at his craft, and seeing him attempt fantasy after so many excellent historical fictions grabbed my attention. Then he, along with his team, delivered two of the best I've read. Jump into this world, but beware the magic spells that will have you reading deep into the night!
I enjoy historical fiction as well as a good fantasy tale. Both are not always easy to find when you read as much as this old DV. However, Steven McKay has worked hard at his craft, and seeing him attempt fantasy after so many excellent historical fictions grabbed my attention. Then he, along with his team, delivered two of the best I've read. Jump into this world, but beware the magic spells that will have you reading deep into the night!
August 17, 2026
a great read
I wondered if Steven made the right decision to go down the fantasy route. Well, my goodness did he ever. A Kingdom for the Taking is even better than Singers of the sword song.
Outstanding characters move seamlessly through the well crafted narrative.
A thoroughly entertaining, and outstanding read.
Keep it up Steven.
I wondered if Steven made the right decision to go down the fantasy route. Well, my goodness did he ever. A Kingdom for the Taking is even better than Singers of the sword song.
Outstanding characters move seamlessly through the well crafted narrative.
A thoroughly entertaining, and outstanding read.
Keep it up Steven.
August 31, 2026
A Kingdom For The Taking, Book Two in the Sword Song Chronicles, continues the story at the fast pace of action, we got used to in Book One. It is a brilliantly enjoyable book following found family, as they seek to rescue, real family, and free a Kingdom from the grips of a dictator. Roll on book three...
September 4, 2026
Hard not to give it 5
The story is fantastic, the adventure and action is also great. I'm finding it a little hard to deal with the magic / fantasy but when its so good to read you can deal with it. I had no idea what type of story it was when I started the series but I'm pretty sure I'll definitely finish it now.
The story is fantastic, the adventure and action is also great. I'm finding it a little hard to deal with the magic / fantasy but when its so good to read you can deal with it. I had no idea what type of story it was when I started the series but I'm pretty sure I'll definitely finish it now.
September 30, 2026
Brilliant. Simple premise, now gathering pace in this new fantasy series. I’m now properly invested in the characters, and will wait impatiently for the next in the series. Author - I love the fact that he’s properly engaged with his audience. Social media is bad for some things - but engaging with an author you love isn’t one of them.
August 6, 2026
I have honestly never finished a book so quickly. A Kingdom for the Taking is full of twists and turns, the characters are believable whether they are good or bad. An awesome sequel considering it's the authors second book of writing fantasy.
August 10, 2026
Loved it.
I don't usually read fantasy novels, but I gave the first in the series a try. Mainly because of who the author is.
I'm really glad I did. I've finished this in a few days and I'm really looking forward to the next one. Hoping it comes out sooner rather than later.
I don't usually read fantasy novels, but I gave the first in the series a try. Mainly because of who the author is.
I'm really glad I did. I've finished this in a few days and I'm really looking forward to the next one. Hoping it comes out sooner rather than later.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews