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The Ninth Century #2
The Last Warrior: England: The First Viking Age
He sent a hundred men to kill two thousand. It had to be enough.
Mercia lies broken but not beaten, her alliance with Wessex in tatters. Coelwulf, a fierce and bloody warrior, fears no man, especially not the Raiders claiming Mercia as their own.
Coelwulf must travel away from the heart of Mercia, hunting down the Raiders and what he discovers will determine the fate of Mercia, as well as his own. Coelwulf's Company - tales from before The Last King
The Last King
The Last Warrior
The Last Horse
The Last Enemy
The Last Sword
The Last Shield
The Last Seven "A well-written book from start to finish, full of action with lots of strong characters that you soon love. I really, truly loved it. 5 stars from me. Smashed it."
'I feel as though I'm sat astride a horse, sword in hand, screaming like a banshee as I charge."
"Action-packed and hard to put down."
"I really loved this book, great strong central characters that grow on you. Fantastic read. The book had me gripped. Excellent storyline, fast-paced, full of action, bloody action and violence you feel like you're standing in the shield walk or charging on a horse with the blood & sweat of man & beast around you as you help battle the impossible odds. The story's main character Coelwulf is a true warrior of royal blood & the only man with the skills & presence to pull the lords of Mercia together. He stands tall with his band of warriors & draws men to him to do battle. A true hero of old." Netgalley Reviewer
MEET THE AUTHOR
I'm an author of historical fiction (Early English/Viking) and fantasy. I like to write. You've been warned.
Find me @coloursofunison or at www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog, where I blog about books and films and, sometimes, writing!
Mercia lies broken but not beaten, her alliance with Wessex in tatters. Coelwulf, a fierce and bloody warrior, fears no man, especially not the Raiders claiming Mercia as their own.
Coelwulf must travel away from the heart of Mercia, hunting down the Raiders and what he discovers will determine the fate of Mercia, as well as his own. Coelwulf's Company - tales from before The Last King
The Last King
The Last Warrior
The Last Horse
The Last Enemy
The Last Sword
The Last Shield
The Last Seven "A well-written book from start to finish, full of action with lots of strong characters that you soon love. I really, truly loved it. 5 stars from me. Smashed it."
'I feel as though I'm sat astride a horse, sword in hand, screaming like a banshee as I charge."
"Action-packed and hard to put down."
"I really loved this book, great strong central characters that grow on you. Fantastic read. The book had me gripped. Excellent storyline, fast-paced, full of action, bloody action and violence you feel like you're standing in the shield walk or charging on a horse with the blood & sweat of man & beast around you as you help battle the impossible odds. The story's main character Coelwulf is a true warrior of royal blood & the only man with the skills & presence to pull the lords of Mercia together. He stands tall with his band of warriors & draws men to him to do battle. A true hero of old." Netgalley Reviewer
MEET THE AUTHOR
I'm an author of historical fiction (Early English/Viking) and fantasy. I like to write. You've been warned.
Find me @coloursofunison or at www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog, where I blog about books and films and, sometimes, writing!
308 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2020
249 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Porter
111 books256 followersI'm an author of historical fiction (Early English (before 1066)/Viking) and now five 20th-century mysteries..
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles (featuring a young Icel from The Last King series) is now available from Boldwood Books. As is the complete Brunanburh Series and the first two books in the Dark Age Chronicles, my foray to before Saxon England was Saxon England. Enjoy.
The Ninth Century Series (The Last King), are stories of ninth-century England, but not as it's been written before, (featuring an older Icel and some other familiar faces too).
The Erdington Mysteries now has a third book in the series—The Secret Sauce. (Did you know Erdington would have been in Mercia back in the Saxon period? I know, you can't get me away from the place.) The Barrage Body is coming soon.
The Royal Women Who Made England, my first non-fiction book about the royal women of the tenth century, is available now.
I like to write. You've been warned.
Find me at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing!
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
https://mjporterauthor.sumupstore.com
You can join my monthly subscriber newsletters and gain access to the restricted page on my blog at the same time.
https://BookHip.com/MGWHLDC (Saxon stories)
https://BookHip.com/THPKCKP (mysteries only)
(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles (featuring a young Icel from The Last King series) is now available from Boldwood Books. As is the complete Brunanburh Series and the first two books in the Dark Age Chronicles, my foray to before Saxon England was Saxon England. Enjoy.
The Ninth Century Series (The Last King), are stories of ninth-century England, but not as it's been written before, (featuring an older Icel and some other familiar faces too).
The Erdington Mysteries now has a third book in the series—The Secret Sauce. (Did you know Erdington would have been in Mercia back in the Saxon period? I know, you can't get me away from the place.) The Barrage Body is coming soon.
The Royal Women Who Made England, my first non-fiction book about the royal women of the tenth century, is available now.
I like to write. You've been warned.
Find me at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing!
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
https://mjporterauthor.sumupstore.com
You can join my monthly subscriber newsletters and gain access to the restricted page on my blog at the same time.
https://BookHip.com/MGWHLDC (Saxon stories)
https://BookHip.com/THPKCKP (mysteries only)
(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 29, 2020
4 stars
You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.
Wow. This is a great second book in the series about King Coelwulf and his courageous band of men's fight to save Mercia from the invasion of Norse raiders. The action starts immediately after the battle at Repton and doesn't let up until the devastating cliffhanger.
King Coelwulf and his men are bloodied after they beat back the raiders at Repton, but far too many of them made it to their boats and fled north to safety. Determined to extinguish the scourge from Mercia completely, King Coelwulf's depleted war band sets off in hot pursuit of the invaders.
Setting a plan in motion that required his men split into two groups on opposite sides of a river, Coelwulf is worried when the second group of men don't show up at the predetermined rally point. With no other option but to forge ahead in pursuit of the fleeing foe, he and his smaller band fight their way north to the raider's next stronghold. Along the way Coelwulf deals with divided loyalties, traitors and a seemingly endless army of Norsemen.
This book has just as much blood, guts and gore as the first book, with plenty of fight scenes and cursing. The descriptive fight scenes are almost non-stop and the book is a fast, quick read. The author does a fantastic job of conveying the pain, exhaustion and despair the courageous men are feeling as they fight their way through the country. I can't wait for the next installment to see what happens next!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.
Wow. This is a great second book in the series about King Coelwulf and his courageous band of men's fight to save Mercia from the invasion of Norse raiders. The action starts immediately after the battle at Repton and doesn't let up until the devastating cliffhanger.
King Coelwulf and his men are bloodied after they beat back the raiders at Repton, but far too many of them made it to their boats and fled north to safety. Determined to extinguish the scourge from Mercia completely, King Coelwulf's depleted war band sets off in hot pursuit of the invaders.
Setting a plan in motion that required his men split into two groups on opposite sides of a river, Coelwulf is worried when the second group of men don't show up at the predetermined rally point. With no other option but to forge ahead in pursuit of the fleeing foe, he and his smaller band fight their way north to the raider's next stronghold. Along the way Coelwulf deals with divided loyalties, traitors and a seemingly endless army of Norsemen.
This book has just as much blood, guts and gore as the first book, with plenty of fight scenes and cursing. The descriptive fight scenes are almost non-stop and the book is a fast, quick read. The author does a fantastic job of conveying the pain, exhaustion and despair the courageous men are feeling as they fight their way through the country. I can't wait for the next installment to see what happens next!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2023
This tale, my peeps, and fellow readers is one of those that makes me kind of upset. It had been too long a period since I read the first book in the series, and now I am agitated that I waited to continue. A rousing tale of battle filled with a plethora of surprises. The newly named King of the Mercians, Coelwulf is one determined individual. Despite all of the unknowns about his enemies, despite not knowing where half of his men are, and despite the fatigue and pain, he rallies his men time and time again to rid his land of the Raiders. All in all, a tale that keeps the reader glued to the pages.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ And no long wait to read book 3. 😊
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ And no long wait to read book 3. 😊
November 29, 2021
This was very...ok.
I use these Kindle books as a sort of palate cleanser.
The editing was atrocious -- terrible punctuation, misspellings, wrong names used -- but what do I expect for free, right?
But the story was engaging enough to make me finish.
Will be a while before I pick up the next one.
I use these Kindle books as a sort of palate cleanser.
The editing was atrocious -- terrible punctuation, misspellings, wrong names used -- but what do I expect for free, right?
But the story was engaging enough to make me finish.
Will be a while before I pick up the next one.
August 30, 2020
Another fast paced gore fest that picks up where book one left off!
Like the first book this felt like a very quick read, which is always a good sign. Our main focus character is once more Coelwulf (now king of Mercia) and it was great fun being thrown back into his dark, scheming mind.
This book is drenched in blood, pretty much from the first page to last, and like the first book MJ has done a great job in ensuring all the combat scenes are unique and at no point did I feel the story was becoming repetitive.
We end on a nail biting cliff hanger, looking forward to seeing what happens in book three!
Like the first book this felt like a very quick read, which is always a good sign. Our main focus character is once more Coelwulf (now king of Mercia) and it was great fun being thrown back into his dark, scheming mind.
This book is drenched in blood, pretty much from the first page to last, and like the first book MJ has done a great job in ensuring all the combat scenes are unique and at no point did I feel the story was becoming repetitive.
We end on a nail biting cliff hanger, looking forward to seeing what happens in book three!
May 13, 2020
This is a great book.The 2nd in series and a must read The book is full of action, blood & guts, right from the start. Lord (king) Ceolwulf with his faithful men Edmund, Pybba, Rudolf, Icel, Herman to name a few embroiled in war to free Mercia from the grip of the Raiders. The book flows and continues on from Book 1 with the battle outside of Repton. Having rallied the leading Earls & Bishops troops to his cause Ceolwulf gains his victory but before he and his loyal men can relax they must chase down the feeling raiders. Still strong in numbers
The Last Warrior is a great look at the Anglo Saxon kingdom of Mercia With Ceolwulf at the head.The last descendant of the old ruling family the Hwicce Tribe.
Ceolwulf is a true warrior, skillful & fierce with a small loyal band you will stand side by side with these men in the bloody gore of battle, shield touching shield stabbing, thrusting, pushing, kicking, drenched in the blood of your enemies, metal striking the wooden shields and your seax striking the enemy down. You will be one of the few overcoming the many as you fight and follow a true king a strong king ..... Ceolwulf The Last Warrior. I have read other books by MJ Porter but this new series for me outshines her previous works.
Stunning, Fast & Furious paced, Blood Guts & Gore, Action packed, Gripping Story, Colourful individual characters. Truly Brilliant.
If like me your a fan of Bernard Cornwell's Uhtred books or Simon Scarrow's Cato & Marco series then you will love this series too.
5 Stars from me.
I love to read & review books like this such a true pleasure.
The Last Warrior is a great look at the Anglo Saxon kingdom of Mercia With Ceolwulf at the head.The last descendant of the old ruling family the Hwicce Tribe.
Ceolwulf is a true warrior, skillful & fierce with a small loyal band you will stand side by side with these men in the bloody gore of battle, shield touching shield stabbing, thrusting, pushing, kicking, drenched in the blood of your enemies, metal striking the wooden shields and your seax striking the enemy down. You will be one of the few overcoming the many as you fight and follow a true king a strong king ..... Ceolwulf The Last Warrior. I have read other books by MJ Porter but this new series for me outshines her previous works.
Stunning, Fast & Furious paced, Blood Guts & Gore, Action packed, Gripping Story, Colourful individual characters. Truly Brilliant.
If like me your a fan of Bernard Cornwell's Uhtred books or Simon Scarrow's Cato & Marco series then you will love this series too.
5 Stars from me.
I love to read & review books like this such a true pleasure.
June 22, 2020
I was a little worried starting this that the sequel wouldn't live up to the first book but I was very much mistaken, this one has a prologue that literally drags you on straight away with thoughts of "What??????"
I really enjoyed the first one and after this I think it's becoming a series I will definitely continue to read, I can't wait for the next one.
It's a story of war, loyalty and friendship with incredible battle scenes and the added bonus of humour.
This is fast becoming a favourite series for me!
I really enjoyed the first one and after this I think it's becoming a series I will definitely continue to read, I can't wait for the next one.
It's a story of war, loyalty and friendship with incredible battle scenes and the added bonus of humour.
This is fast becoming a favourite series for me!
August 29, 2020
The Last Warrior by MJ Porter is a compelling battle story of the war between the Saxons and the Raiders (most likely the Danes). It is riddled with gore, violence, and misery. In fact, that is really all there is to the story. Although well-written, it is not really my cup of tea. Authentic, it became repetitive in its bloodletting. I do not love war and typically expect more from books by way of plot. This was war, which went on and on. Loved by many, this book is what it is. I can't recommend it, yet I can't condemn it. Personal taste aside, it was interesting,
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Last Warrior by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thelastwarrior
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Last Warrior by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thelastwarrior
May 17, 2020
More fighting, more betrayal, more banter. An excellent second book.
November 2, 2020
This is a terrible book (series). The author constantly has characters using words and phrases that would not have been used in the time period. Just as a small example, our hero gets frustrated and utters "Fuck me!", a decidedly modern turn of phrase. These happen throughout the first two books (I didn't finish the series).
Also, the author depicts the Viking raiders as incompetent dolts, completely unskilled at fighting in a shield wall. The "battles" are more slaughters, easily won by our hero with very little effort. Obviously, little effort in researching the language, culture, and history was put into this series. Very disappointing!
Also, the author depicts the Viking raiders as incompetent dolts, completely unskilled at fighting in a shield wall. The "battles" are more slaughters, easily won by our hero with very little effort. Obviously, little effort in researching the language, culture, and history was put into this series. Very disappointing!
January 10, 2021
Well this book didnt disappoint. Very similar to the first book of the series in terms of plot, but only because it feels like the story of book 1 was too big for one novel, so the second novel picks up, where it left off. I absoutley love the gore, battles and well described villains. The characters are growing with every chapter and you start to really feel emotions towards them. I think that's why this is a five star for me. Because lets face it, King CoelWulf is a bada$$
October 24, 2020
I read The Last King and felt the violence and language pushed this book more towards male readers. However, when I received an e-mail asking if I would like to read and review and ARC of the next book The Last Warrior, I accepted. Although, like the Last King is it well written, there was absolutely no change in the main character's language. Therefore I am now convinced it definitely lends itself to a male reading audience. I love historical fiction but on this occasion this series is not for me.
November 4, 2021
Full marks for a well written story
The tale grips you as you ride alongside the characters. You do not read these books you live them, or so it feels.
Why 4 stars? BC also tells a good story but packs it with historical content. That and only that makes the difference but if you are reading solely for entertainment then this is five star reading.
The tale grips you as you ride alongside the characters. You do not read these books you live them, or so it feels.
Why 4 stars? BC also tells a good story but packs it with historical content. That and only that makes the difference but if you are reading solely for entertainment then this is five star reading.
July 19, 2020
After two books if nothing but battles it is getting a little monotonous. I love the storyline; but this one was one long battle in detail.
August 18, 2020
This was not my cup of tea. But entirely a personal opinion since it wasn't a bad book by any means, maybe the writing a but simplistic but at least it reads fast. I really like books in a historical setting, I also don't mind violence but for some reason I couldn't shake the feeling that it was more written towards men. So yeah..I read it.
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review ***
*** An ARC was provided by Netgalley in exchange for a honest review ***
July 12, 2020
Full Review Here
After being stunned by the The Last King, I was looking forward to the series continuing. Porter again delivers an action-packed historical fantasy, moving from one battle to another while making you care about this warband of soldiers.
I described Coelwulf as a tough guy with a soft heart in my first review, and I stand by that now. After unofficially being crowned King of Mercia, his burdens are heavier than ever: Raiders roam his land, his group are divided and friend and foe aren’t as distinguishable as they should be. His loyalty to his men is matched only by theirs to him and you’re left with a warm glow of comradeship, despite the majority of the plot is formed by both large-scale battles and smaller skirmishes.
Coelwulf continues to be a strong protagonist. Regardless of the violence, he’s driven by the need to protect both his men and his kingdom. He will stop at nothing to ensure victory, but always has time to honour the dead and grieve the fallen. He comments on not knowing fatherhood, but his bond with his former squire-turned-warrior, Rudolf, makes the reader smirk: there’s no denying he has experienced the emotions that comes with being a parent.
One issues from the first book was not connecting to the multiple characters. Names were complicated and you didn’t get to know the personalities of the men. There are fewer to remember due to the force splitting this time, which helps. But we’ve had our introductions: now we start to know their temperaments. Rudolf has always been cheeky but is gaining a man’s confidence; Pybba is a word of caution when all seems rash; Hereman is even more stubborn that Coelwulf. You couldn’t make that connection previously but it makes for a more moving tale.
This is a novel full of bloodshed and tension, betrayal and action. But it never feels heavy or overwhelming. The language is strong but you sense the bond between the men and it provides light relief, cutting through otherwise intense scenes. A favourite part is how these warriors are with their horses: heaven forbid anyone harm their steeds, and it adds humanity to these tough warriors.
The plot echoes the first book: the warband move from one point to another, fighting along the way. The slow pace of the men is reflected in the steady pace of the plot. The emotional connection with the characters immerses you in their world though, and you’re rooting for them from the beginning. Betrayals hurt; deaths are painful; and sly comments from Rudolf make you grin.
As with The Last King, it opens with a passage taken from near the end. I thought I was prepared for the misdirection. But it fooled me again, resulting in a gripping novel that kept me guessing. One thing is for sure with M.J Porter’s books: nothing is as it seems.
The Last Warrior is an intense but engaging read, perfect for historical fiction fans who like a battle or two.
After being stunned by the The Last King, I was looking forward to the series continuing. Porter again delivers an action-packed historical fantasy, moving from one battle to another while making you care about this warband of soldiers.
I described Coelwulf as a tough guy with a soft heart in my first review, and I stand by that now. After unofficially being crowned King of Mercia, his burdens are heavier than ever: Raiders roam his land, his group are divided and friend and foe aren’t as distinguishable as they should be. His loyalty to his men is matched only by theirs to him and you’re left with a warm glow of comradeship, despite the majority of the plot is formed by both large-scale battles and smaller skirmishes.
Coelwulf continues to be a strong protagonist. Regardless of the violence, he’s driven by the need to protect both his men and his kingdom. He will stop at nothing to ensure victory, but always has time to honour the dead and grieve the fallen. He comments on not knowing fatherhood, but his bond with his former squire-turned-warrior, Rudolf, makes the reader smirk: there’s no denying he has experienced the emotions that comes with being a parent.
One issues from the first book was not connecting to the multiple characters. Names were complicated and you didn’t get to know the personalities of the men. There are fewer to remember due to the force splitting this time, which helps. But we’ve had our introductions: now we start to know their temperaments. Rudolf has always been cheeky but is gaining a man’s confidence; Pybba is a word of caution when all seems rash; Hereman is even more stubborn that Coelwulf. You couldn’t make that connection previously but it makes for a more moving tale.
This is a novel full of bloodshed and tension, betrayal and action. But it never feels heavy or overwhelming. The language is strong but you sense the bond between the men and it provides light relief, cutting through otherwise intense scenes. A favourite part is how these warriors are with their horses: heaven forbid anyone harm their steeds, and it adds humanity to these tough warriors.
The plot echoes the first book: the warband move from one point to another, fighting along the way. The slow pace of the men is reflected in the steady pace of the plot. The emotional connection with the characters immerses you in their world though, and you’re rooting for them from the beginning. Betrayals hurt; deaths are painful; and sly comments from Rudolf make you grin.
As with The Last King, it opens with a passage taken from near the end. I thought I was prepared for the misdirection. But it fooled me again, resulting in a gripping novel that kept me guessing. One thing is for sure with M.J Porter’s books: nothing is as it seems.
The Last Warrior is an intense but engaging read, perfect for historical fiction fans who like a battle or two.
August 1, 2024
I enjoyed this book but not as much as the first one. Yes - there is a lot of cursing but the reader already knows this from the first book. So it’s not a shock anymore. Plus we know soldiers do curse a lot. And not exclusively them.
Anyway the second half really picked up for me. I thought the first half was just going from fight to fight without any real benefits or consequences. However that said the battle scenes are vivid and realistic. I like getting into the messy goriness of it all.
I also get better acquainted with some of the main characters here. A major question is where is Icel? And who is betraying Coelwulf’s band of merry men?
I’m not happy with one part of the ending.
But I can’t say more without spoiling it.
Bonus!!! Haden and the horse companion element gives me hope and happiness especially when situations look dire.
Anyway the second half really picked up for me. I thought the first half was just going from fight to fight without any real benefits or consequences. However that said the battle scenes are vivid and realistic. I like getting into the messy goriness of it all.
I also get better acquainted with some of the main characters here. A major question is where is Icel? And who is betraying Coelwulf’s band of merry men?
I’m not happy with one part of the ending.
But I can’t say more without spoiling it.
Bonus!!! Haden and the horse companion element gives me hope and happiness especially when situations look dire.
August 4, 2022
A Ninth Century Mission Impossible
The writing is dynamic with you visualizing the story that mesmerized my imagination. The book was a written movie of the Mission Impossible Movie Series. It kept me riveted to the story.
The writing is dynamic with you visualizing the story that mesmerized my imagination. The book was a written movie of the Mission Impossible Movie Series. It kept me riveted to the story.
March 5, 2025
Warriors! Make a King
Some stories start out slowly but you have to keep going and gather the facts. This is the second book in this series and I am amazed how it's turned into an awesome epic.
Some stories start out slowly but you have to keep going and gather the facts. This is the second book in this series and I am amazed how it's turned into an awesome epic.
November 11, 2021
I love Coelwulf
An awesome adventure through dark battles of emotions, drama, tragedy and war to a point of realization that his future is not his to choose
An awesome adventure through dark battles of emotions, drama, tragedy and war to a point of realization that his future is not his to choose
January 18, 2025
great historical fiction
One can believe this is real except that far too many of his warriors survive. The battle scenes are entirely believable.
It is an entertaining read.
One can believe this is real except that far too many of his warriors survive. The battle scenes are entirely believable.
It is an entertaining read.
January 31, 2025
Book two
Really good read, plenty of action and also a glimpse of life when danger was almost an every day occurrence
Really good read, plenty of action and also a glimpse of life when danger was almost an every day occurrence
sff-ok-bx
April 15, 2025Bx,Rokp
September 21, 2025
decent read formulaic and predictable
The Vikings seem to have been the most incompetent fighters ever. They are cut down like paper dolls. Every Mercian is worth 15 Danes.
The Vikings seem to have been the most incompetent fighters ever. They are cut down like paper dolls. Every Mercian is worth 15 Danes.
January 14, 2025
This is the second book in’The Ninth Century’ series and carries on directly from where the first part finished. I loved The Last King and so was lookin g very much forward to reading this one, The Last Warrior.
Coelwulf has now been, reluctantly, made King of Mercia but is still trying to chase the Raiders (Vikings) from the lands which he holds dear. He is following a route along the river Trent towards Torksey where he thinks he will find the raiders led by Jarl Hroald, with his small band of trusted warriors, men who he would himself gladly die for and also them for him. Jarl Hroald is the man who killed King Burgred, at Repton and Coelwulf hopes to bring upon him a very horrible death.
As in the first book, the story is told by Coelwulf himself and with it all of his thoughts, how he feels about every decision he has to make, how he feels about himself, about his fellow men, about his injuries and his men’s injuries, but especially how he has killed his enemies, all told in completely royal blue language which, for me, lightens the whole mood of the tale. He also has a very amusing relationship with his horse, Haden, and I am pretty sure that the horse curse him as much as he does the horse.
Onward to the next episode ‘The Last Horse’ which hopefully does not mean Haden. Once again 5/5
Coelwulf has now been, reluctantly, made King of Mercia but is still trying to chase the Raiders (Vikings) from the lands which he holds dear. He is following a route along the river Trent towards Torksey where he thinks he will find the raiders led by Jarl Hroald, with his small band of trusted warriors, men who he would himself gladly die for and also them for him. Jarl Hroald is the man who killed King Burgred, at Repton and Coelwulf hopes to bring upon him a very horrible death.
As in the first book, the story is told by Coelwulf himself and with it all of his thoughts, how he feels about every decision he has to make, how he feels about himself, about his fellow men, about his injuries and his men’s injuries, but especially how he has killed his enemies, all told in completely royal blue language which, for me, lightens the whole mood of the tale. He also has a very amusing relationship with his horse, Haden, and I am pretty sure that the horse curse him as much as he does the horse.
Onward to the next episode ‘The Last Horse’ which hopefully does not mean Haden. Once again 5/5
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews