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The Ninth Century #1
The Last King
They sent three hundred warriors to kill one man. It wasn’t enough.
Mercia lies broken but not beaten, her alliance with Wessex in tatters.
Coelwulf, a fierce and bloody warrior, hears whispers that Mercia has been betrayed from his home in the west. He fears no man, especially not the Vikings sent to hunt him down.
To discover the truth of the rumours he hears, Coelwulf must travel to the heart of Mercia, and what he finds there will determine the fate of Mercia, as well as his own.
Mercia lies broken but not beaten, her alliance with Wessex in tatters.
Coelwulf, a fierce and bloody warrior, hears whispers that Mercia has been betrayed from his home in the west. He fears no man, especially not the Vikings sent to hunt him down.
To discover the truth of the rumours he hears, Coelwulf must travel to the heart of Mercia, and what he finds there will determine the fate of Mercia, as well as his own.
Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
591 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Porter
111 books257 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 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 13, 2020
3.5 stars
You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.
This historical fiction book about Coelwulf, a battle-hardened warrior with royal blood, and his fight to save his beloved Mercia from a Viking horde is not for those with delicate sensibilities. But if you can withstand a hard-fighting, bloody book with adult language, this is the one for you.
This book started off rough. Really rough. To the point where I almost stopped reading after 10%. The writing was atrocious. Sentences were hokey and incomplete. I have nothing against cursing and have been known to imbibe on occasion. I am all for a well-placed use of the word "f*&k", but the sentences were littered with unnecessary cursing. It felt like I was reading a 14 year old boys late-night mad ramblings.
I have disliked a well-received book before, so I figured this was yet another. BUT, I was really intrigued by the premise. I eventually decided to stick with it, and I am so glad I did. At some point, either the writing improved dramatically, or I got used to the author's style of writing and it didn't feel like nails on a chalkboard anymore. However it happened, once I hit that mark in the book, I really enjoyed it.
Coelwulf and his group of warriors have spent their time trying to rid Mercia of the Viking raiders that have been plaguing their land. After one such brutal battle, he is shocked to hear that the King of Mercia has given up the throne and handed it to the Vikings. As Coelwulf makes his way to the heart of Mercia to find out for himself if the rumor is true, he encounters several bands of Vikings searching for him. The Viking leaders have sent 300 men to find Coelwulf to bring him to swear allegiance to them. Coelwulf's response is to kill everyone he encounters.
This book is told in first person, which is a bit jarring at first since it's not often done. In this case, however, it allows the readers to get a good feel for Coelwulf's relationship with his men, particular two brothers that act as his lieutenants and protectors. His men certainly have interesting personalities and interactions with each other, which you would expect to find in a small group of men that have fought, and survived, together.
If you can push through the first few chapters of this book and stick with it, I think you'll enjoy this fast-paced, action-packed story about one man and his quest to save his country. The book is only 257 pages, so you should be able to tear through it quickly.
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.
This historical fiction book about Coelwulf, a battle-hardened warrior with royal blood, and his fight to save his beloved Mercia from a Viking horde is not for those with delicate sensibilities. But if you can withstand a hard-fighting, bloody book with adult language, this is the one for you.
This book started off rough. Really rough. To the point where I almost stopped reading after 10%. The writing was atrocious. Sentences were hokey and incomplete. I have nothing against cursing and have been known to imbibe on occasion. I am all for a well-placed use of the word "f*&k", but the sentences were littered with unnecessary cursing. It felt like I was reading a 14 year old boys late-night mad ramblings.
I have disliked a well-received book before, so I figured this was yet another. BUT, I was really intrigued by the premise. I eventually decided to stick with it, and I am so glad I did. At some point, either the writing improved dramatically, or I got used to the author's style of writing and it didn't feel like nails on a chalkboard anymore. However it happened, once I hit that mark in the book, I really enjoyed it.
Coelwulf and his group of warriors have spent their time trying to rid Mercia of the Viking raiders that have been plaguing their land. After one such brutal battle, he is shocked to hear that the King of Mercia has given up the throne and handed it to the Vikings. As Coelwulf makes his way to the heart of Mercia to find out for himself if the rumor is true, he encounters several bands of Vikings searching for him. The Viking leaders have sent 300 men to find Coelwulf to bring him to swear allegiance to them. Coelwulf's response is to kill everyone he encounters.
This book is told in first person, which is a bit jarring at first since it's not often done. In this case, however, it allows the readers to get a good feel for Coelwulf's relationship with his men, particular two brothers that act as his lieutenants and protectors. His men certainly have interesting personalities and interactions with each other, which you would expect to find in a small group of men that have fought, and survived, together.
If you can push through the first few chapters of this book and stick with it, I think you'll enjoy this fast-paced, action-packed story about one man and his quest to save his country. The book is only 257 pages, so you should be able to tear through it quickly.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2020
Full review here
The Last King immediately grabbed my attention: historical setting, overwhelming odds and one man standing against the hordes to protect his homeland. It was also a quick read; the perfect length given the heavy nature of the content.
The Last King is the type of novel made by its characters. Coelwulf is an undefeated warrior, his skill surpassing any opponent to come against him, regardless of the odds. He has no problems killing and is unstoppable once the song of battle enters his blood.
But – more importantly – he’s a complete softie hidden by a tough exterior. He cares for his men. He’ll never leave a man behind and won’t give up on a comrade, no matter how bad their injuries. He will fight for his homeland, accepting what others press on him, not because of the power it gives him but because it’s the only way.
Coelwulf is a satisfying hero to root for: you see both sides of him and watch him balance the two to save the kingdom. I found, however, that Coelwulf is the only one you get to know. By the end, you’re warming to the others and figuring out who is who through what they mean to Coelwulf, but most of the time, you’re trying to figure out if that’s the man he sent left or right.
Part of this lack of connection comes from the narrative itself. This is a heavy book: the entire plot is moving from battle to skirmish and back again. Every chapter contains at least one confrontation with the enemy and little else. Due to the length, Porter gets away with it: Coewulf and his gang move from A to B, fighting along the way with the occasional plot point thrown in. If any longer, it’d be tedious, but it works here. The battles are always clear and there is no unnecessary violence despite the dark nature of the book.
The opening prologue is a scene from the end, with Coewulf in a dire situation. With all the fights happening and the lack of connection to the characters, coupled with believing you know the ending, made it hard for me to fully immerse myself.
I was wrong. Not all is as it seems and when the true plot is revealed, I gasped out loud. It changed the ending for me, helping me invest in the characters and the story and sweeping me up in the excitement of the final battle. My opinion of the entire book shifted and I’m now excited for the second, knowing the power of the writing.
The Last King is the type I enjoyed while reading, then realised just how much I liked it when reflecting on it.
This hasn’t been an easy review to write due to keeping it spoiler free but if you like historical fiction, this is a definite recommendation. Clear battles, likeable characters (those you know) and strong writing has left me looking forward to the second book and Coewulf’s continuing adventures.
The Last King immediately grabbed my attention: historical setting, overwhelming odds and one man standing against the hordes to protect his homeland. It was also a quick read; the perfect length given the heavy nature of the content.
The Last King is the type of novel made by its characters. Coelwulf is an undefeated warrior, his skill surpassing any opponent to come against him, regardless of the odds. He has no problems killing and is unstoppable once the song of battle enters his blood.
But – more importantly – he’s a complete softie hidden by a tough exterior. He cares for his men. He’ll never leave a man behind and won’t give up on a comrade, no matter how bad their injuries. He will fight for his homeland, accepting what others press on him, not because of the power it gives him but because it’s the only way.
Coelwulf is a satisfying hero to root for: you see both sides of him and watch him balance the two to save the kingdom. I found, however, that Coelwulf is the only one you get to know. By the end, you’re warming to the others and figuring out who is who through what they mean to Coelwulf, but most of the time, you’re trying to figure out if that’s the man he sent left or right.
Part of this lack of connection comes from the narrative itself. This is a heavy book: the entire plot is moving from battle to skirmish and back again. Every chapter contains at least one confrontation with the enemy and little else. Due to the length, Porter gets away with it: Coewulf and his gang move from A to B, fighting along the way with the occasional plot point thrown in. If any longer, it’d be tedious, but it works here. The battles are always clear and there is no unnecessary violence despite the dark nature of the book.
The opening prologue is a scene from the end, with Coewulf in a dire situation. With all the fights happening and the lack of connection to the characters, coupled with believing you know the ending, made it hard for me to fully immerse myself.
I was wrong. Not all is as it seems and when the true plot is revealed, I gasped out loud. It changed the ending for me, helping me invest in the characters and the story and sweeping me up in the excitement of the final battle. My opinion of the entire book shifted and I’m now excited for the second, knowing the power of the writing.
The Last King is the type I enjoyed while reading, then realised just how much I liked it when reflecting on it.
This hasn’t been an easy review to write due to keeping it spoiler free but if you like historical fiction, this is a definite recommendation. Clear battles, likeable characters (those you know) and strong writing has left me looking forward to the second book and Coewulf’s continuing adventures.
April 23, 2022
The Last King is my first read from MJ Porter and I’m excited to find another author to follow (as if I need more on my TBR pile!). This is a thrilling, historical fiction set in the ancient Kingdom of Mercia.
The Last King starts off with action and rarely let’s up the pace, making this an exciting read. It’s full of medieval battle action with a ton of description. It was easy to be absorbed into this world, though be prepared, it is brutal!
The warriors were impressive. Strong, rough, and highly skilled. It was very realistic when watching them go to battle. But my favorite part was when glimpses of the humans under the armor showed. Their humanity, friendships, and lives were compelling to read. Colewulf is a perfect example of this. He’s a great lead because he was easy to get to know.
The Last King is fast-paced and thrilling. I really enjoyed it and would recommend checking it out!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
The Last King starts off with action and rarely let’s up the pace, making this an exciting read. It’s full of medieval battle action with a ton of description. It was easy to be absorbed into this world, though be prepared, it is brutal!
The warriors were impressive. Strong, rough, and highly skilled. It was very realistic when watching them go to battle. But my favorite part was when glimpses of the humans under the armor showed. Their humanity, friendships, and lives were compelling to read. Colewulf is a perfect example of this. He’s a great lead because he was easy to get to know.
The Last King is fast-paced and thrilling. I really enjoyed it and would recommend checking it out!
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
April 12, 2021
I might have given four stars, but the HORRENDOUS editing cost at least a star.
Opening quotes with no closing, closing quotes with no opening, incorrect names referenced; I frequently didn't know who was speaking or to whom.
The story was pretty good, if not a little far-fetched. Coelwulf reminded me a lot of
James Wilde's Hereward, another Mercian with superpowers.
But altogether a decent read.
M.J. Porter has written many titles that interest me, but if the editing is as shoddy on all of them, I doubt they'll rise very high on my list.
Opening quotes with no closing, closing quotes with no opening, incorrect names referenced; I frequently didn't know who was speaking or to whom.
The story was pretty good, if not a little far-fetched. Coelwulf reminded me a lot of
James Wilde's Hereward, another Mercian with superpowers.
But altogether a decent read.
M.J. Porter has written many titles that interest me, but if the editing is as shoddy on all of them, I doubt they'll rise very high on my list.
May 19, 2020
The book starts with a brilliant scene that details Lord Coelwulf’s capture as he’s brought before the Raiders. It sets the tone of the book perfectly. Coelwulf isn’t afraid to use a bit of bad language and blood will be spilt.
Chapter one goes back to the past to detail the events that led up to his capture as he’s quickly swept up in battle. Coelwulf is used to protecting Mercia from the Welsh but this new threat has come from nowhere.. and at first he hasn’t a clue why.
We soon learn that King Burhred of Mercia ha fled leaving it to the whim of the Raiders.. There’s one hope.. Coelwulf!
Coelwulf has ties back to the throne but doesn’t see himself as a King..but he does like to kill people.. the battle fame.. the thrill of being the best.. and that’s just what Mercia needs right now to survive.
It’s a hard journey for him and his men.. and they don’t come out of this unscathed. I really thought the detail into the battles and injuries was fascinating. I particularly liked the recovery with the constant risk of infection. We are lucky with have antibiotics and such to fight infections.. back then not so much..
The Raiders are numerous..Coelwulf doesn’t stand a chance given the numbers but he knows just how to tip things in his favour.. He has home court advantage so to speak. He’s not alone in this though.. if only the men of Merica could come together to fight.
The final few chapters were pure magic for me as we relive Coelwulf’s capture and learn of his fate. I found myself reading that chapter the 2nd time with different eyes.. a different outlook and that is credit to the author that they were able to mould how I felt and imagined events playing out so easily.
To say this book is excellent would be a understatement.. it’s a blood and gore fest for any fan of the period or this type of novel. You would be forgiven to think a tale with so many battles might get repetitive but no..each are unique and exhilarating.
Overall I loved it, the detail, the use of language, the characters, damn.. I could go on and on.
Chapter one goes back to the past to detail the events that led up to his capture as he’s quickly swept up in battle. Coelwulf is used to protecting Mercia from the Welsh but this new threat has come from nowhere.. and at first he hasn’t a clue why.
We soon learn that King Burhred of Mercia ha fled leaving it to the whim of the Raiders.. There’s one hope.. Coelwulf!
Coelwulf has ties back to the throne but doesn’t see himself as a King..but he does like to kill people.. the battle fame.. the thrill of being the best.. and that’s just what Mercia needs right now to survive.
It’s a hard journey for him and his men.. and they don’t come out of this unscathed. I really thought the detail into the battles and injuries was fascinating. I particularly liked the recovery with the constant risk of infection. We are lucky with have antibiotics and such to fight infections.. back then not so much..
The Raiders are numerous..Coelwulf doesn’t stand a chance given the numbers but he knows just how to tip things in his favour.. He has home court advantage so to speak. He’s not alone in this though.. if only the men of Merica could come together to fight.
The final few chapters were pure magic for me as we relive Coelwulf’s capture and learn of his fate. I found myself reading that chapter the 2nd time with different eyes.. a different outlook and that is credit to the author that they were able to mould how I felt and imagined events playing out so easily.
To say this book is excellent would be a understatement.. it’s a blood and gore fest for any fan of the period or this type of novel. You would be forgiven to think a tale with so many battles might get repetitive but no..each are unique and exhilarating.
Overall I loved it, the detail, the use of language, the characters, damn.. I could go on and on.
April 14, 2020
In this novel we meet Lord Coelwulf, Mercian Warlord, relentless killer, future king.
Mercia is overrun, the Northmen have come in their dreaded dragon ships and forced the king to flee. Four Jarl's now hold power, and there is only one man that stands in their way. Coelwulf and his warriors patrol the western borders, their main priority keeping the Welsh at bay. But now they must face a new threat, the Jarl's have sent three hundred men to bring Coelwulf down, and they must fight their way through Mercia to survive.
And by the gods do they fight - A LOT! This book is blood drenched, saturated in a mire of dead Northmen. Coelwulf and his small band of warriors take on every Warband that comes their way and through either cunning or sheer force they overcome the odds and by the end of the tale they are knocking at their enmy's door. It is not a story for the feint hearted. The Action is full on and the story is told from a soldier's perspective, with more than a fair share of foul language.
Each battle scene is well written, has its own unique aspect which differentiates from the one before. The story propels forwards at a relentless pace, not a chapter wasted. I did think at times it moved so quickly that I didn't have time to really get to know Coelwulf, his character is quite vague and we don't learn much about his backstory. On reflection the plot can read like a road map at times, Coelwulf has little in terms of options and his headstrong nature keeps him moving in one direction.
His band of warriors are well thought out, each bringing their own aspect and point of view to the story. The brotherhood they share feels real and when they clash in the shieldwall I could picture them vividly in my mind.
Overall an excellent read, entertaining and packed with action.
Mercia is overrun, the Northmen have come in their dreaded dragon ships and forced the king to flee. Four Jarl's now hold power, and there is only one man that stands in their way. Coelwulf and his warriors patrol the western borders, their main priority keeping the Welsh at bay. But now they must face a new threat, the Jarl's have sent three hundred men to bring Coelwulf down, and they must fight their way through Mercia to survive.
And by the gods do they fight - A LOT! This book is blood drenched, saturated in a mire of dead Northmen. Coelwulf and his small band of warriors take on every Warband that comes their way and through either cunning or sheer force they overcome the odds and by the end of the tale they are knocking at their enmy's door. It is not a story for the feint hearted. The Action is full on and the story is told from a soldier's perspective, with more than a fair share of foul language.
Each battle scene is well written, has its own unique aspect which differentiates from the one before. The story propels forwards at a relentless pace, not a chapter wasted. I did think at times it moved so quickly that I didn't have time to really get to know Coelwulf, his character is quite vague and we don't learn much about his backstory. On reflection the plot can read like a road map at times, Coelwulf has little in terms of options and his headstrong nature keeps him moving in one direction.
His band of warriors are well thought out, each bringing their own aspect and point of view to the story. The brotherhood they share feels real and when they clash in the shieldwall I could picture them vividly in my mind.
Overall an excellent read, entertaining and packed with action.
April 23, 2020
The Last King starts with a punchy opening paragraph that instantly draws you into the story. It also tells you two things; this book is going to be full of action and it’s not suitable for those who are upset by curse words!
It’s 874 CE and the Anglo Saxon Kingdom of Mercia has been abandoned by it’s craven king to the tender mercies of the Great Heathen Army. Before he fled to Rome King Burgred told the Jarls who had ousted him that there was only one man in the region who could defeat their Raiders. This is of course the hero of our tale; Lord Coelwulf. We learn through the story that he is the sole remaining descendant of an old ruling family of the Hwicce tribe, now subservient to Mercia. He is a fierce and skillful warrior with a formidable band of fighters at his side. Readers are invited to join them in the shield wall and follow them to the last bloody moments of every hectic battle.
I haven’t read anything by M.J. Porter before and after perusing this author’s back catalogue I can’t imagine why, but it’s an oversight that warrants correction. The Last King is a spirited novel; drenched in gore and positively ringing with the sound of seaxes on shields. This novel suits anyone who prefers a fast paced tale with plenty of action. If you are a fan of Bernard Cornwell’s Uhtred series then this could help ease the wait till the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publishers for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
It’s 874 CE and the Anglo Saxon Kingdom of Mercia has been abandoned by it’s craven king to the tender mercies of the Great Heathen Army. Before he fled to Rome King Burgred told the Jarls who had ousted him that there was only one man in the region who could defeat their Raiders. This is of course the hero of our tale; Lord Coelwulf. We learn through the story that he is the sole remaining descendant of an old ruling family of the Hwicce tribe, now subservient to Mercia. He is a fierce and skillful warrior with a formidable band of fighters at his side. Readers are invited to join them in the shield wall and follow them to the last bloody moments of every hectic battle.
I haven’t read anything by M.J. Porter before and after perusing this author’s back catalogue I can’t imagine why, but it’s an oversight that warrants correction. The Last King is a spirited novel; drenched in gore and positively ringing with the sound of seaxes on shields. This novel suits anyone who prefers a fast paced tale with plenty of action. If you are a fan of Bernard Cornwell’s Uhtred series then this could help ease the wait till the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publishers for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 3, 2021
What an epic start to a new series!!! If you are a bit soft, then violence and swearing might put you off... but if you appreciate that you are reading a novel about people raiding a country, then this novel gives you exactly what you want! I dont think I have come across a novel with more battle scenes across the volume of pages. What MJ Porter excels with, is that each battle feels so unique and exhilarating. Coelwulf is a legend of a character and you instantly take to him! I will be cracking straight on with book 2. One final comment, the beautiful designs of the front cover are misleading as to what the novel will be like! This story is not beautiful, its perfectly written chaos!
May 8, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm disappointed. Disappointed I've not come across this author until now!
This was incredible! The battles scenes are amazing! They're gory, bloody and detailed, the writing is fantastic! I could almost see the fighting as if I was watching a film.
This was incredible! The battles scenes are amazing! They're gory, bloody and detailed, the writing is fantastic! I could almost see the fighting as if I was watching a film.
January 18, 2021
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The Last King is an action-packed adventure of backstabbing, bravery, and battles!
If you are in the mood for a gripping battle adventure, then this is the book! The author writes the battle scenes in a detailed and raw manner. Moreover, the author pulls you with the characters, and you feel like you are alongside Lord Coelwulf as his team battles the Raiders. The author also describes the violence and injuries in a gut-wrenching manner. It was interesting to see how some characters dealt with infections during that time.
I also enjoyed Coelwulf as the main character. He is ambitious, brave, and knows how to take charge. The main reason why I liked reading this story was the battle was between two powerhouses. The Jarls make for excellent villains. While you know that Coelwulf and his army are substantial, at times, you wonder if they are a match for the Jarls. There is never a dull moment in the story as the author keeps you on your toes with action.
However, some moments staggered for me in the tale. For instance, (and this is just my personal opinion), but there were many cusses that I felt was unnecessary. Similarly, it felt disconnected from the way they would have spoken at the time. Also, I thought the book focused a lot on the action and not much on the characters. The story is primarily plot-based, and it would have been nice to add character development as well. And lastly, at times, the story did feel slightly one-sided in favor of Lord Coelwulf while dumbing down the Raiders, which did not feel realistic.
Apart from that, I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to seeing how it continues.
January 15, 2021
I enjoy reading ancient history whether it be about the Roman empire or the stories that came before in the land that became England. The Last King is the story – maybe based in fact, maybe not? – of Coelwulf, the warrior earl who is being hunted by the raiders who have sent the King of Mercia fleeing for Rome. He is seen as the last heir to the throne by many, but he does not see himself as such. He is just a warrior.
And what a warrior! If you are squeamish this is not a book for you. While I have read more violent books, war is war and battles are never pretty. Particularly battles that take place close in like those depicted in the book. There is a lot of sword and ax play, much blood and gore. After a while you do become somewhat innured to it.
As Coelwulf fights his way through the forests of Mercia, killing the seemingly endless bands of warriors sent to find him he is finally convinced of the rightness of his claim to the title of King. This is only the first chapter and nothing is as it seems. This is the first of four books telling these tales so more blood, guts and glory for some, and ignominy for others.
The author does an exceptional job of describing close in fighting and there is a LOT of it in this book. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is going to depend on how much you like to read about such battles. For me the endless fighting got to be a bit tiresome.
I recognize that the premise of this book was Coelwulf fighting the many bands of Vikings (raiders) sent to find him but there was very little respite for the reader. They were well written one could note for battle scenes – you felt like you were there in the midst of it all. I would like to think the next book would be a little less bloody?
It was a violent time, there is no doubting that and the book covers a specified period of time. In the hands of a lessor writer I think this would be a really bad book but thanks to the author’s abilities it is a good book. It was just a lot of blood and guts for this old woman.
I will note that there was strong character development in spite of constant war and the comic relief provided by the horses was truly welcome. I would be most intersted in reading the next book in the series to see if it’s as battle-y. It is historically a fascinating time and that is what I find fascinating – the history.
And what a warrior! If you are squeamish this is not a book for you. While I have read more violent books, war is war and battles are never pretty. Particularly battles that take place close in like those depicted in the book. There is a lot of sword and ax play, much blood and gore. After a while you do become somewhat innured to it.
As Coelwulf fights his way through the forests of Mercia, killing the seemingly endless bands of warriors sent to find him he is finally convinced of the rightness of his claim to the title of King. This is only the first chapter and nothing is as it seems. This is the first of four books telling these tales so more blood, guts and glory for some, and ignominy for others.
The author does an exceptional job of describing close in fighting and there is a LOT of it in this book. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is going to depend on how much you like to read about such battles. For me the endless fighting got to be a bit tiresome.
I recognize that the premise of this book was Coelwulf fighting the many bands of Vikings (raiders) sent to find him but there was very little respite for the reader. They were well written one could note for battle scenes – you felt like you were there in the midst of it all. I would like to think the next book would be a little less bloody?
It was a violent time, there is no doubting that and the book covers a specified period of time. In the hands of a lessor writer I think this would be a really bad book but thanks to the author’s abilities it is a good book. It was just a lot of blood and guts for this old woman.
I will note that there was strong character development in spite of constant war and the comic relief provided by the horses was truly welcome. I would be most intersted in reading the next book in the series to see if it’s as battle-y. It is historically a fascinating time and that is what I find fascinating – the history.
December 27, 2020
BLURB
They sent three hundred warriors to kill one man. It wasn’t enough.
Mercia lies broken but not beaten, her alliance with Wessex in tatters.
Coelwulf, a fierce and bloody warrior, hears whispers that Mercia has been betrayed from his home in the west. He fears no man, especially not the Vikings sent to hunt him down.
To discover the truth of the rumours he hears, Coelwulf must travel to the heart of Mercia, and what he finds there will determine the fate of Mercia, as well as his own.
REVIEW
When I got the request to read and review The Last King, I accepted immediately. I've read a few of this author's prodigious portfolio of early Britain prose, and she has found my weakness, or perhaps my longing, for tales of this time period. The immediacy of my response, however, did have the side effect of being given January 11 as my posting date for the tour, which as it turns out, is the kickoff date. No pressure whatsoever for this humble scribbler of reviews and novels. So, without further ado, or prattling, I welcome one and all to The Last King Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tour.
Well now, that is one badass group of warriors. The raiders sent 300 to get him, hah, even Leonidas and his 300 Spartans would have succumbed to Coelwulf and his warband. An intense series of encounters with Raider bands are the highlights of this action packed saga. A warrior without equal, a man with fierce loyalties to his men, a leader reluctant to assume the title king; Coelwulf is dedicated to one thing - protecting Mercia, no matter the overwhelming odds against his success. The Raiders, no longer content with hit and run tactics are, under the leadership of Halfdan and Guthrum, looking to stay, and only Coelwulf stands in their way. The process of Coelwulf coming to terms with this savior role, and the prospect of being chosen King of Mercia, is deftly portrayed by the author, as are the men of his warband. All of them deadly killers, but each with their own personalities, though it will become apparent that they all share the same all purpose expletive. If you are familiar with The Big Lebowski, there is a scene where The Stranger asks The Dude, "Do you have to use so many cuss words?" The Dude's response is undoubtedly the same one that would be uttered by Coelwulf, or any of his men for that matter, "What the fuck are you talking about?" 😊 Yes, my fellow readers, this is a tale of cunning, bravery, loyalty, and of a man finding his destiny, however reluctantly. A page turning, thrilling delight awaits. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
They sent three hundred warriors to kill one man. It wasn’t enough.
Mercia lies broken but not beaten, her alliance with Wessex in tatters.
Coelwulf, a fierce and bloody warrior, hears whispers that Mercia has been betrayed from his home in the west. He fears no man, especially not the Vikings sent to hunt him down.
To discover the truth of the rumours he hears, Coelwulf must travel to the heart of Mercia, and what he finds there will determine the fate of Mercia, as well as his own.
REVIEW
When I got the request to read and review The Last King, I accepted immediately. I've read a few of this author's prodigious portfolio of early Britain prose, and she has found my weakness, or perhaps my longing, for tales of this time period. The immediacy of my response, however, did have the side effect of being given January 11 as my posting date for the tour, which as it turns out, is the kickoff date. No pressure whatsoever for this humble scribbler of reviews and novels. So, without further ado, or prattling, I welcome one and all to The Last King Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tour.
Well now, that is one badass group of warriors. The raiders sent 300 to get him, hah, even Leonidas and his 300 Spartans would have succumbed to Coelwulf and his warband. An intense series of encounters with Raider bands are the highlights of this action packed saga. A warrior without equal, a man with fierce loyalties to his men, a leader reluctant to assume the title king; Coelwulf is dedicated to one thing - protecting Mercia, no matter the overwhelming odds against his success. The Raiders, no longer content with hit and run tactics are, under the leadership of Halfdan and Guthrum, looking to stay, and only Coelwulf stands in their way. The process of Coelwulf coming to terms with this savior role, and the prospect of being chosen King of Mercia, is deftly portrayed by the author, as are the men of his warband. All of them deadly killers, but each with their own personalities, though it will become apparent that they all share the same all purpose expletive. If you are familiar with The Big Lebowski, there is a scene where The Stranger asks The Dude, "Do you have to use so many cuss words?" The Dude's response is undoubtedly the same one that would be uttered by Coelwulf, or any of his men for that matter, "What the fuck are you talking about?" 😊 Yes, my fellow readers, this is a tale of cunning, bravery, loyalty, and of a man finding his destiny, however reluctantly. A page turning, thrilling delight awaits. 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 23, 2022
This book is definitely not for the faint hearted. Loved how the book started with the scene of Lord Coelwulf's capture. I was captivated from the beginning to the end.
My favourite part of the book was the final few chapters where we learn Coelwulf's fate. I thought it was written brilliantly.
The Last King was my first read by the author and definitely won't be the last. This is a fast paced, action packed gripping story with plenty of blood and gore. You'll learn about life of a Saxon warrior and tactics used. Definitely recommend this book.
My favourite part of the book was the final few chapters where we learn Coelwulf's fate. I thought it was written brilliantly.
The Last King was my first read by the author and definitely won't be the last. This is a fast paced, action packed gripping story with plenty of blood and gore. You'll learn about life of a Saxon warrior and tactics used. Definitely recommend this book.
May 19, 2020
This book was great! First time reading anything by this author and I couldn't put it down!
It drew me in immediately! The only problem I did have was calling the horses bridle a harness,a harness is what's used when a horse is hooked up to a cart, but that's just equestrian girl problems 😂
It drew me in immediately! The only problem I did have was calling the horses bridle a harness,a harness is what's used when a horse is hooked up to a cart, but that's just equestrian girl problems 😂
July 12, 2024
3.5 stars
May 3, 2022
This is the second novel by MJ Porter that I've read, both set in the ancient kingdom of Mercia. The author clearly knows the era and the region well, and it shows. It won't be my last read by this brilliant author.
In The Last King, we are thrown right into the action in the Prologue, which sees Coelwulf captured and brought before the Viking Raiders in Repton, the old capital of Mercia. His fate appears sealed.
Flash back one month, King Burghred has abandoned the Mercians, and Raiders are ravaging the kingdom. Coelwulf discovers the Raiders have put a price on his head. The last descendant of the Mercian Royal House, albeit illegitimate, he remains their main threat. So six warbands are after him. 300 Viking warriors!
As more and more of his own men are injured or die during the various battles as the warbands approach, Coelwulf is offered the chance to become king, but he is a warrior first and foremost, a killing machine. And that's how we see him most of the time.
But in absence of an alternative solution, he begins to consider it. Is it the best chance that Mercia has to repel the invaders?
The Last King is fast-paced, and full of medieval battle action. Descriptions are very detailed, so be prepared for a blood feast. But it's all within the context and setting, and I think it works well to give us readers a glimpse of the grim, brutal reality these men faced.
The author clearly wanted to depict the warriors as they were: rough men, highly skilled, wreaking havoc on their enemies. This impression comes across well, but occasionally a more thoughtful side shows, which is like a glimpse under the helmet. The friendships between the men show a deep bond, which is so at odds with their aggressive fighting personas, but it works very well. You had to be able to trust your followers, and they you.
Coelwulf is a hardened fighter, and his determination to rid Mercia of the Raiders is his main attitude. We get to know him and his men well, and we begin to worry for them.
But will a warrior make a good king, a position that requires not only strength, but also political diplomacy?
The Last King will reel you in from the start. The pace keeps you reading, and you begin to care enough about the characters to continue. Whilst this novel is not for faint-hearted readers, its earthy, rough core works well in the context of a ravaged kingdom – and the quest for revenge. I will be checking out the other novels in the series.
An engaging, gripping read!
Trigger warning: The version I read contains an abundant use of the f-word. However, the author assured me that there exists another, less sweary, version. Therefore I've removed my comments about excessive swearing, as readers have an option.
Note: I received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
In The Last King, we are thrown right into the action in the Prologue, which sees Coelwulf captured and brought before the Viking Raiders in Repton, the old capital of Mercia. His fate appears sealed.
Flash back one month, King Burghred has abandoned the Mercians, and Raiders are ravaging the kingdom. Coelwulf discovers the Raiders have put a price on his head. The last descendant of the Mercian Royal House, albeit illegitimate, he remains their main threat. So six warbands are after him. 300 Viking warriors!
As more and more of his own men are injured or die during the various battles as the warbands approach, Coelwulf is offered the chance to become king, but he is a warrior first and foremost, a killing machine. And that's how we see him most of the time.
But in absence of an alternative solution, he begins to consider it. Is it the best chance that Mercia has to repel the invaders?
The Last King is fast-paced, and full of medieval battle action. Descriptions are very detailed, so be prepared for a blood feast. But it's all within the context and setting, and I think it works well to give us readers a glimpse of the grim, brutal reality these men faced.
The author clearly wanted to depict the warriors as they were: rough men, highly skilled, wreaking havoc on their enemies. This impression comes across well, but occasionally a more thoughtful side shows, which is like a glimpse under the helmet. The friendships between the men show a deep bond, which is so at odds with their aggressive fighting personas, but it works very well. You had to be able to trust your followers, and they you.
Coelwulf is a hardened fighter, and his determination to rid Mercia of the Raiders is his main attitude. We get to know him and his men well, and we begin to worry for them.
But will a warrior make a good king, a position that requires not only strength, but also political diplomacy?
The Last King will reel you in from the start. The pace keeps you reading, and you begin to care enough about the characters to continue. Whilst this novel is not for faint-hearted readers, its earthy, rough core works well in the context of a ravaged kingdom – and the quest for revenge. I will be checking out the other novels in the series.
An engaging, gripping read!
Trigger warning: The version I read contains an abundant use of the f-word. However, the author assured me that there exists another, less sweary, version. Therefore I've removed my comments about excessive swearing, as readers have an option.
Note: I received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
September 9, 2020
My Review:
The Last King by MJ Porter
Published: April 2020
Publisher: Indie
Genre: Historical Fiction, Military, Vikings
Available: paperback, ebook
pages: 316 paperback
Violence: 😱😱😱😱😱
Sex: none
Reviewers Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The last king of an independent Mercia, one of the ancient English Kingdoms, was a chap by the name of Ceolwulf. The Last King is a fictionalized story about his fight against the invading Vikings. He ruled roughly 874-879 and is mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles. They tell of the Great Heathen Army (Vikings) that settled in Repton for the winter and drove off Mercia's King Burgred. Ceowulf fought off the invaders and was acclaimed king. MJ Porter has imagined this fight to oust the invading army and retain Mercian independence.
The plot in brief: Ceolwulf and a band of loyal warriors encounter waves of enemy fighters determine to bring him, heir to Mercia, to the Viking leaders. Ceolwulf must use all his strength and cunning to survive.
Overall: First let me tell what this book is not. This is not a book that's going to give you a deep dive into history. In fact it is not until the end notes do you find out who the main character is. Unless, of course, you're like me and you googled him already. You are not going to learn much about the social/cultural/political norms of the day. So do not read this hoping to learn more about Mercia and early English history.
What you will get is an immersion into military tactics, fighting and the life of a Saxon warrior. The book is battle after battle after battle. If you love to read military action scenes this is the book for you. This book is a full on gorefest of fighting; swords, seax and shield walls; it's all here. There's some post battle cleanup, battle field medicine and burial customs which are interesting. I would compare this to a super violent video game in which the battle hardened warriors glory in killing.
The story is told in first person; Ceolwulf is our narrator. The dialogue is pretty much what you'd expect from a bunch of Saxons and Vikings intent on killing each other. The writing is straight forward and the narrative is laced together with a staggering amount of profanity. Ceolwulf is a man's man. He's brave and loyal and looks after those in his charge. Beneath his rough exterior is a man who is protective of the weak and mourns the loss of his friends. He inspires confidence and fear in equal measure.
Recommendation: I think this book would appeal to readers who are interested in military history and enjoy battlefield stories. Click on the buy now button and see this book on Amazon.
The Last King by MJ Porter
Published: April 2020
Publisher: Indie
Genre: Historical Fiction, Military, Vikings
Available: paperback, ebook
pages: 316 paperback
Violence: 😱😱😱😱😱
Sex: none
Reviewers Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The last king of an independent Mercia, one of the ancient English Kingdoms, was a chap by the name of Ceolwulf. The Last King is a fictionalized story about his fight against the invading Vikings. He ruled roughly 874-879 and is mentioned in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles. They tell of the Great Heathen Army (Vikings) that settled in Repton for the winter and drove off Mercia's King Burgred. Ceowulf fought off the invaders and was acclaimed king. MJ Porter has imagined this fight to oust the invading army and retain Mercian independence.
The plot in brief: Ceolwulf and a band of loyal warriors encounter waves of enemy fighters determine to bring him, heir to Mercia, to the Viking leaders. Ceolwulf must use all his strength and cunning to survive.
Overall: First let me tell what this book is not. This is not a book that's going to give you a deep dive into history. In fact it is not until the end notes do you find out who the main character is. Unless, of course, you're like me and you googled him already. You are not going to learn much about the social/cultural/political norms of the day. So do not read this hoping to learn more about Mercia and early English history.
What you will get is an immersion into military tactics, fighting and the life of a Saxon warrior. The book is battle after battle after battle. If you love to read military action scenes this is the book for you. This book is a full on gorefest of fighting; swords, seax and shield walls; it's all here. There's some post battle cleanup, battle field medicine and burial customs which are interesting. I would compare this to a super violent video game in which the battle hardened warriors glory in killing.
The story is told in first person; Ceolwulf is our narrator. The dialogue is pretty much what you'd expect from a bunch of Saxons and Vikings intent on killing each other. The writing is straight forward and the narrative is laced together with a staggering amount of profanity. Ceolwulf is a man's man. He's brave and loyal and looks after those in his charge. Beneath his rough exterior is a man who is protective of the weak and mourns the loss of his friends. He inspires confidence and fear in equal measure.
Recommendation: I think this book would appeal to readers who are interested in military history and enjoy battlefield stories. Click on the buy now button and see this book on Amazon.
April 30, 2020
Do you ever feel like you need a change of genre when reading? I often do, something to clean the pallet and reboot, especially during these strange times. Being confined to our homes and not being able to get outside stimulation, conversation or excitement, I decided it was time for something different from my usually read. I do not have a specific genre of book I like, mainy, I tend to stick to the general genre of ‘feel good’ books.
It has been a while since I’ve read a historic fiction and I’m so glad The last King was my first book back into this genre. Set in middle England, Coelwulf and a handful of faithful men are tasked with defending Mericia from the Vikings. Coelwulf is a fierce warrior with an honourable battlefield moral code. Coelwulf’s character is one that you soon learn to respect and admire, along with his men. With plenty of gory battle scene MJ Porter’s descriptive writing really brings Coelwulf’s battles to life. I often find battle scene confusing with too much going on, but this is not the case with The last King which is clear and well written.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It has been a while since I’ve read a historic fiction and I’m so glad The last King was my first book back into this genre. Set in middle England, Coelwulf and a handful of faithful men are tasked with defending Mericia from the Vikings. Coelwulf is a fierce warrior with an honourable battlefield moral code. Coelwulf’s character is one that you soon learn to respect and admire, along with his men. With plenty of gory battle scene MJ Porter’s descriptive writing really brings Coelwulf’s battles to life. I often find battle scene confusing with too much going on, but this is not the case with The last King which is clear and well written.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2022
Middle Age Historical Faction is one of my favourite categories of books with Bernard Cornwell and Angus Donald my firm favourites; a tall order for MJ Porter to compete with! I was not disappointed, the only negative is that it took me 2 years from this book first being published for me to read a novel by Porter.
I loved it – it is a lot rawer and stripped back than some of the other authors and the use of coarse language litters the prose. The amount of coarse language could turn some readers off, but not me. It isn’t an unnecessary use of the words but instead adds to the story providing some real feel and depth to the era, where life was harder and aggression/war part of daily life. A particular point of joy was when the book circled back on the prologue, with a delicious twist, which builds the climax superbly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will now be looking for the rest of the series – I’m invested, I want to know how the life of Coelwulf continues!
The Pursuit of Bookiness received a copy of this book free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own
I loved it – it is a lot rawer and stripped back than some of the other authors and the use of coarse language litters the prose. The amount of coarse language could turn some readers off, but not me. It isn’t an unnecessary use of the words but instead adds to the story providing some real feel and depth to the era, where life was harder and aggression/war part of daily life. A particular point of joy was when the book circled back on the prologue, with a delicious twist, which builds the climax superbly.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will now be looking for the rest of the series – I’m invested, I want to know how the life of Coelwulf continues!
The Pursuit of Bookiness received a copy of this book free of charge in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own
May 19, 2020
I am a huge MJ Porter fan, so I was extremely excited when I saw this book was available on NetGalley. Unfortunately, however, this book did not live up to its predecessors. While, as always, Porter does a fine job creating the world of the medieval England the writing was sloppy, the dialogue stilted and the language especially anachronistic. In particular--the swearing. Now, I absolutely have nothing against swearing, especially if it fits the characters. Furthermore, any writer who is attempting to recreate this extremely brutal and violent period in history, can only do so by portraying the people and events as honestly as possible. However, when f**k is practically in every sentence every character utters, it starts to distract rather than bolster the story.
In addition, while "characters" in 10th century novels can often be obscure, this one was particularly so. Therefore, having to wait for 50% or so of the book to have any sense of what makes the title character particularly noteworthy or interesting feels like a slog more than anything else.
In addition, while "characters" in 10th century novels can often be obscure, this one was particularly so. Therefore, having to wait for 50% or so of the book to have any sense of what makes the title character particularly noteworthy or interesting feels like a slog more than anything else.
April 16, 2020
I am a big fan of M. J. Porter, especially the Lady Elfrida books and the Tenth Century series. So I was very pleased when Netgalley and the publisher allowed me to read and review this new book The Last King. This book takes place in ninth century Britain in the kingdom of Mercia and is about King Coelwulf II. The Danes have given King Burgured and his Queen the offer of their lives in exchange for their kingdom, an offer they hastily accepted. They have since fled to Rome. The Danish leaders have now sent their 300 best men looking for Coelwulf, the last living member of the previous Royal family, to get him to join them or to kill him as he is the only one left in Mercia who could stop the Danes take over. So begins a tale that moves fairly swiftly, breathless at times, with great battle scenes and just the right amount of humor. I gave it 4 stars because of some of the language though I realize fighting men curse it was a lot. I will be glad when book 2 comes out.
June 4, 2020
The Last King...historical fiction without much actual history! M.J. Porters recent book is a rolicking read if you enjoy reading about battles....endless battles, with gruesome detail. It covers a relatively short period in the life of Ceolwulf, who battles Vikings (called Raiders) and treachery from inside and outside of Mercia, in his attempt to keep Mercia safe. As the description says, they sent 300 to kill his 50 warriors, and he came out victorious. Which leads to the endless battles until he surprise approach which turns the tables at last. The Last King is interesting, but too much time is spent in battle and the dialogue is largely limited to the f bomb. If you enjoy war stories, especially in days of old, you'll love this book. If you like to know more about the lives of historical figures, you won't get that in this 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!
April 23, 2022
Historic fiction is not my usual go to genre but I like to read one every now and again to mix things up a bit. I really liked the premise of the Last King and I wasn’t disappointed.
This isn’t for the faint hearted it is full of blood and gore as Coelwulf and his men take on battle after battle.
This was my first time reading anything by this author and it drew me in from the start, I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
If you like historical fiction, battles and gore I recommend giving this a read.
This isn’t for the faint hearted it is full of blood and gore as Coelwulf and his men take on battle after battle.
This was my first time reading anything by this author and it drew me in from the start, I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
If you like historical fiction, battles and gore I recommend giving this a read.
September 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this historical tale of Lord (and later King) Coelwulf. The crude language did jar on my sensitivities but I suppose that manner of speech was only to be expected from blood thirsty warriors. This was not a tale for the feint hearted and the descriptions of battle were particularly gory. However, it was a rip roaring tale of life in dark age Britain where premature death stalked everyone's life.
May 25, 2020
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A tad brutal and bloody, nevertheless a good read for any Viking fans. The language seemed a little over the top, especially at first...did not seem accurate to me, but... If you like lots of fighting and brutality, this may be the book for you...not really my cup of tea, though. Only my opinion.
A tad brutal and bloody, nevertheless a good read for any Viking fans. The language seemed a little over the top, especially at first...did not seem accurate to me, but... If you like lots of fighting and brutality, this may be the book for you...not really my cup of tea, though. Only my opinion.
October 16, 2021
Good paced gallop through a succession of bloody encounters but gets 5 stars because it also included enjoyable characterisation of the main 'heros' and some of the people they met along the way. Way too much f*** in the early pages, just a few would be enough to convey the crude nature of the men and environment. Almost gave up it was so overdone but glad I persevered.
September 14, 2020
Great read!
I can’t believe a war story so engrossed me. I didn’t stop until I read all three...waiting for the fourth. These are great characters and it is such a readable series!!!
I can’t believe a war story so engrossed me. I didn’t stop until I read all three...waiting for the fourth. These are great characters and it is such a readable series!!!
October 24, 2020
Well written but definitely more of a male read. I love Bernard Cornwell novels but this was a gritty no holds barred version with strong language and gruesome details of battles.
April 8, 2020
Review to follow
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews