Warrior and Protector

The Saxon Warrior #1

by Peter Gibbons

989 AD.

Alfred the Great’s dream of a united England has been forged by his daughter Aethelfaed and grandson, King Aethelstan.

The Vikings have been expelled from York following the death of Erik Bloodaxe, and for two generations there has been peace between Saxon and Dane.

A new Viking warlord Olaf Tryggvason seeks revenge for Bloodaxe's death and the slaughter that followed, and has set his sights on a fresh assault on England’s shores. With Skarde Wartooth they set sail for Saxon lands, hungry for glory, conquest and vengeance.

Beornoth, a brutal and battle-hardened Saxon Thegn, is called to arms to fight and protect the Saxon people from the savage Norse invaders. On a personal crusade, he joins the army of Byrthnoth, Lord of the east Saxons in a desperate fight against the bloodthirsty Vikings.

Beornoth must lay his own demons to bed, survive vicious attacks and find redemption for his tragic past.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, 10th Century, War, Medieval, Audiobook

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2022

About the author

I am an author based in Kildare in Ireland, with a passion for Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and of course writing! My books include the Viking Blood and Blade Saga and the Saxon Warrior Series. You can visit my own website at www.petermgibbons.com or find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Peter-Gibbon...

Reviews

[John Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew, what a tale!

This was another, historically accurate, tale of Britain's dark ages and this time it was told from the Saxon perspective. It began with Beornoth, a disgraced and drunken thegn, reduced to acting as village reeve for a group of impoverished peasants. However, he seizes the chance to redeem himself when the Viking king, Olaf Tryggvason, and his general, Skarde, invade England's southern kingdom. What follows is a tale of warfare and revenge, full of unlikable characters but all typical of this era. Full blooded action from start to finish and well worth a read.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been spoiled by reading Bernard Cornwell's excellent Saxon series, so I can't help but compare. I found Warrior and Protector boring and repetitive, extremely repetitive. As an example, I lost count of how many times we're told that Danelaw died after Erik Bloodaxe was killed. I'm hoping the second book in this series is an improvement on the first because I made the mistake of buying the the second before reading this one.

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

Scar is fighting for revenge. Beorneth has something to prove but in the end it will become personal between these two men. This is one of the best Viking stories I have ever read. Not only worth the fight scenes intense but it was historically accurate with a pulse pounding plot and unlike in most biking stories does even a man to route four in Beorneth. He is the bastard son of the Saxton King mistreated by the Saxton‘s that should treat him like Brother his only friend is wolf and I could go on and on. Despite a four-year peace treaty score his back and looking for revenge and land that doesn’t even belong to him. There are many other reasons why the fight is an evitable but the Vikings will not win as easily Escobar believes. I love this book and can’t wait for the second one. If all those authors books or historically accurate and intense is this one signed me up. I wish I could give a better summary but I’m just here to tell you if you love warrior stories this isn’t your typical tail. I will have to call this a legitimate war story it was awesome! I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Barbara Velard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Fast paced and exciting. Peter Gibbons is a wonderful writer. He knows his history. His books are great.

You will not be sorry.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This action-packed historical novel is a feast for fans of books set in Anglo-Saxon England.

After several peaceful years, the Vikings are back. Under the leadership of Olaf Tryggvason, Skarde Wartooth is keen to wreak havoc on unsuspecting English settlers, seeking revenge for the ousted Norse at York decades earlier.

Meanwhile, we meet Beornoth, a former Saxon thegn whose life has taken a turn for the worse. Now living as a drunk, in a miserly position of guarding a village from thieves, he is a poor shadow of his former warrior self. But when he is recalled to face the new threat from the returning Northmen, he has the opportunity to redeem himself.

Warrior and Protector is a gripping tale of warfare, revenge, and battles. Set against the fascinating historical background of a uniting England and renewed attacks from Vikings seeking revenge, you find a riveting, fast-paced plot full of rather unlikeable characters (but perfectly fitting into their era).

I didn't like Beornoth at all early on, and my sympathies lay firmly with Skarde to start with, as the more interesting character. But Beornoth turns it around as the story progresses. His learning curve is a steep one, and it's fascinating to read.

The author has a real grasp of the history and the characters of those turbulent times, and it shines through strongly in the novel. At times too much historical description, perhaps, slowing the pace down in places, but I found it very interesting.

Warrior and Protector is not for the faint-hearted. It is rough, honest, and brutal in places. The harsh reality is not glossed over. But we also see personal development as well, which gives the novel a realistic, human edge.

A great start to a new series!

Note: I received a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.

[Adam Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an exciting and fast paced story, a little bit repetitive in parts but not bad for a first in series.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series from Peter Gibbons brings all sorts of historical possibilities for me. I have read some of his other books and they were definitely my kind of stories. Warrior and Protector is the first of the Saxon Warrior series, and I was looking forward to being transported back to the times of the Vikings and Saxons in England.

Set during the 980s in England and is has been more or less free from Viking raiders for over 20 years. Saxon Thegn, Beornoth is a diminished man. He has failed himself as a warrior and his wife as a husband. Then he finds himself called to battle, with the Saxons against the Vikings. Can this once respected Thegn gather all his strength, physical and mental and fight to regain everything he felt he had lost?

Peter Gibbons books just remind me of The Lost Kingdom. The series that was on TV and is now aired on Netflix. I sit down to watch this and I'm transported away. Warrior and Protector did just that. I was in my element, up to my neck in Saxons and Vikings, battles, action and excitement and death, off course.

The research that must go into Peter Gibbons novels must be immense. Such detail and what feels like authenticity runs through this book. Every scene I read was so real. The brutality of the times back then is laid bare for the reader to feel. It came across in writing as well as it does on TV and that is a skill.

From opening the book to ending it I didn't experience one boring moment. I could feel the adrenaline racing through my veins, never mind the warriors doing battle! I found everything so immersive and interesting and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources Boldwood Books and NetGalley.

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Vikings.. previously defeated.. fled home.. but many years have gone by and time does not heal, some still hold a grudge and it’s time to return.. time for vengeance!

These Vikings are true blood.. not the settled kind who embraced the shores of England.. the brutal murderous kind ready to spill blood.

The King needs warriors to stop this Viking force from shedding more blood, the scars from the last time at sill raw. Real warriors are needed, ones who know how to stand up to these Vikings.

This is when we meet Beornoth, he’s a man of pure strength but he’s broken. The loss of his family to Viking’s sent him spiralling into the drink.. he tumbled so far down he even lost the title Thegn and everything that comes with it!

There’s a chance to reclaim the title.. reclaim the honour associated but Beornoth is bitter and rightly so.. but a chance encounter..and a stupid amount of ale help set Beornoth on his journey of redemption… he’s pretty much left with no choice!

Along the way he faces internal battles as well as the physical ones.. can he stop the drink long enough to become the man he once was? Can he face his demons.. Will fighting the Vikings ease his suffering?

Beornoth struggles playing second fiddle a little, he’s not in command and has also been tasked to look after a boy, the son of Ealdorman Aethelhelm! He’s to train him in battle..yeh this isn’t going to be easy.

The best character for me was Wulfhere, another fallen warrior who swears his sword to Beornoth and the first 5 or 6 chapters really do hook you in and set the scene and cast and give so much development before you really even get stuck into the blood and guts of the tale. To have characters stick in your mind in so few pages is awesome and a credit to the author.

I’ve heard many a good thing about the author but this is my first foray into his world and imagination, and I’m so glad a jumped on this one and feel rather disappointed in myself that it’s taken me this long to pick up one of his books…I’ll learn from this error! Ha.

Set in 10th century England you know the book is going to be filled of blood and guts but that’s only part of it, Gibbons manages to add a wealth of depth and feeling and sets the scene so well, it’s a fiercely powerful tale of redemption.. One I’m fully committed to now!

Warrior and Protector is not your typical warrior tale of battle, it has that but it has the character depth needed to make a series succeed and I’m excited for more!

I really wish I could put some spoilers in to really give you an idea of Beornoth’s journey, there’s soo much history and meaning and this leads to some quite intense and emotional scenes that really hit you.

I don’t like to compare but I always see people do this so here we go.. you’ll love this if you enjoy authors such as Gordon Doherty, Matthew Harffy and C. R. May, each of these 4 have their own style but what they really have in common is depth. A warriors tale, a journey, with pure raw emotion flowing.

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Score: 3/5

Brief Review
Warrior and Protector by Peter Gibbons is an action-driven tale steeped in historical battles, but it veers heavily into fantasy-like storytelling with its protagonist, Beornoth. While the combat is visceral and engaging, the book is let down by repetitive descriptions, predictable plot devices, and a lack of meaningful depth.

Full Review
Warrior and Protector serves as a brutal, fast-paced dive into Anglo-Saxon England, complete with plenty of battles and historical backdrops. At its best, it delivers thrilling combat scenes and solid world-building with moments that immerse readers in the grit and grime of war. However, the book’s potential is dulled by its heavy reliance on repetition, both in descriptions and character beats. Beornoth, the grizzled warrior at its centre, oscillates between a conflicted, broken figure and a superhuman berserker, often leaning into the latter. This creates a lack of believability, leaving little room for genuine stakes or tension.

The supporting cast feels underdeveloped, with many characters introduced seemingly for the sole purpose of dying later, providing emotional stakes that don’t fully land. The historical backdrop adds richness, but the story frequently leans on familiar tropes, like incompetent leaders and reckless displays of honour, which are true to the era but come across as overly predictable here.

For readers seeking a deep exploration of morality or character-driven storytelling, this book may feel hollow. However, it works well as a straightforward tale of vengeance and violence. The battle sequences and sheer physicality of Beornoth’s journey may appeal to fans of raw, action-heavy narratives. Still, it’s worth noting that the lack of nuance and its fantasy-like depiction of its protagonist might alienate readers who prefer more grounded historical fiction, although the history aspects appear fairly researched.

While Warrior and Protector won’t leave a lasting mark on the genre, it’s a serviceable and entertaining read for those seeking blood-soaked battles without much concern for character depth or thematic complexity. A solid 3/5 for action enthusiasts but not one for those seeking emotional nuance.

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beornoth is a conflicted man, and one who needs to regain his standing - not just for himself either. He needs to retrieve a certain level of respect from those around him. Perhaps facing his demons will awaken the part of his soul and the warrior inside him when he gets the opportunity to confront his enemy.

It's an epic tale of battle-hardened men on both sides of the conflict. Some more battle hungry than others, because many are just forced to defend themselves against the invaders. Brutal, bloody battles fought - names are made and echo through the vast halls of history till this very day.

I enjoyed the way the author steers the story sharply away from misconceptions and tropes that are usually associated with the Vikings, Saxons and used frequently in fiction. It also gives an interesting insight into how the conflicts between them influenced history, and left a visible footprint ingrained even now in our daily lives.

Not sure why, but the title instantly brings Highland or Viking spice-rom to mind. Aside from that this is a vigorous and exciting start to a new series - Saxon Warrior. It's historical fiction or historical war and conquering fiction (is conquering fiction a thing - it should be a sub-genre). The author melds fact with fiction, but in a way that lets the read become both an enjoyable and learning experience - the best kind of historical fiction. Roll on the next book, which promises to be an exploration of a fierce and destructive period in time.

[Colin Garrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Viking longboats head for the shores of England, Saxon Thegn Beornoth has little to look forward to – charged by the farmers of Knutsford to track down a bunch of masterless men, he must locate them and make them pay for their crimes: stealing, looting and killing. Having found them, he kills all but one man, taking him as a prisoner back to the village. Shortly afterwards, a band of men arrive in the village and Beornoth is called to arms to join the Saxon forces against the Vikings. Still struggling to come to terms with his recent fall from grace, can the unhappy warrior put his demons to one side and fight to regain his weapons, home and the honour of his family?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. The first in his new Saxon Warrior series, it gets off to a good start. Though my knowledge of this period in history is limited, the author has done his research and brings each scene to life vividly and with great style. With lots of axe-wielding and sword-slashing action we get a real sense of how brutal life must have been and how short some of those lives were. The background to the characters and their situation is at times a little complicated and I found myself having to re-read some passages. However, after a while all became clear and my only gripe (and it’s a small one), is that occasionally the amount of detail feels a little unwieldy.

A rollicking good read steeped in the bloody history of our lands.

[Jeffrey D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, good characters…

This book may have been offered at a low sale price, and I’m interested in this period, so I bit. I’m not sorry I did. It filled a gap for me while waiting on other series installments to drop. I found early engagement with the characters, who were well developed. The characters changed over the time of the story, in good ways.

I did enjoy the book, in spite of what seemed like minor shortcomings to me. The writing was direct and simple, never really rising to the point of impressive art. That is, there was never a point where I stopped to admire the writing. I hesitate to say this; I couldn’t write a book like this. But for me this separated it from works by other authors in the same genre where the writing is really enjoyable in itself, apart from the story.

A further knock is that it seemed repetitive on some points, in particular the anguish and pain of the main character wrt his past and his wife. I found myself skipping, saying “Yeah, yeah, we know…” I would advise fewer detailed passages of that type, with shorter allusions in between. Readers can make the connections.

In sum, it was good but could be better. I’ve put down books before, and I’ve dropped series for various reasons. But I’m thinking of continuing on with this one for at least another, maybe more. It clearly beats what I’m trying to read now.

[M.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warrior and Protector takes the reader to England in the late 980s.

While England may have been largely peaceful and free from attacks from the Viking raiders for the last thirty years, Beornoth, once a respected thegn, is tormented by his own failings as a husband, warrior and father. Only the return of his despised enemy can rouse him from his drunken stupor. And luckily for Beornoth, but not for the English, the Viking raiders are about to make an unwelcome return to the eastern shores of England. Beornoth is forced to face his enemy and his past and, in the process, make a few new enemies as well.

This tale of England in the 980s resounds with the fierceness of battle-hardened men, both the English and the Viking raiders, and the concluding battle is portrayed in fierce and bloody detail.

I'm looking forward to following this series that will take readers to one of the best-known battles in Saxon England.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.

[Shell Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book starts off with a list of characters, with there being quite a few and also a Glossary of Viking words. So you can always flick back and look things up. Although I have to admit that I didn’t need to. The author transports back to 989AD and follow a Viking/Saxon story that will have you glued to your seat from start to finish!

This is a total genre swap for me. I have never read anything like this until now….OMG I loved it!

The author has clearly done his research. It is dark, gruesome, action packed full of blood and war. Exactly what you would expect from those times. Not that I’m a Viking expert. But wow it is crazy to think that things like this actually happened just from reading this story.

I am so glad I took the chance giving this book ago. It is an absolutely brilliant start to a new series….I cannot wait for the next one!

Massive thank you to Rachel for inviting me to take part in this tour.

[GingerOrange · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the fighting and gore.

Lately, I’ve become a bit of a fan of historical battle stories and this was a good one. The author did a good job of writing out the battles. He made Beonorth into a fearsome warrior with lots of honour and a good backstory. I also loved that the author put just enough history and cultural context into the story that I understood everything without becoming bored.

The battles were such a highlight. The author did not shy away from the guts and gore of battle. He wrote those scenes so well, I sometimes gasped aloud and winced at the brutality. I loved how the different cultures here, Saxon and Viking, were described.

Overall, a really action packed book. An entertaining read if you’re looking for a warrior’s story.

[Edson L Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Warrior IS The Protector.

If course there are more than one warrior, and individually they are at war for more than one cause, more than one loved one. But ultimately those individuals blend into that one cause, especially when that cause is freedoms for the United peoples of our homes. And for the Vikings who have inevitably invaded our homes, our homes, raping our women folk, stealing children to become slaves, teen age girls to be wives and more.. And our Protector rises up amongst us, with his own mental challenges, his physical challenges, and must rise to see the occasion and become our hero, our Protector..
If you seem your challenges then put yourself into Beo's shoes and with him, through him fight the good fights, and fights and become our Protector!!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vikings have been expelled from York following the death of Erik Bloodaxe. A blood thirsty battle presumes between the Saxons and the Vikings.
I was slightly hesitant to read this one as it is very different from my usual style of book but I really did enjoy reading this as it was something different. A change is as good as a holiday! It did take me a while to understand the language but I was grateful for the index at the beginning of the book.I particularly enjoyed the descriptive and intriguing battles. This is so action packed it is not exciting.
The start of a brand new series that is unputdownable and fast paced and action packed. Fans of Bernad Cornwell will devour this.

[Deanna Drai Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read..

Fast paced and strong characters both male and female. I enjoyed the descriptive fighting and weaponry. The historical context was woven into the story with ease and comfort. Realistically written and kept me turning the pages with blazing speed and enthusiastic to see what was going to happen next. Descriptive attention to the geographic area with the lands, towns and villages.Looking forward to seeing what comes next in this story because it's left nicely with enough exciting information about its characters to get another story or two out of it. Thank you for the informative story and good escapes from reading entertainment....😀

[Mrs B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom series, this was a return to familiar ground for me.
I agree with previous reviewers that the main protagonist Beornoth did not start out to be a very sympathetic character at the beginning of the book, but as he began to see the possibility of redemption, it was possible to warm towards him.

One odd thing .... at the beginning of chapter 12, Beornoth's horse Ealdorbana is described as a "white stallion". In chapter 24 Ealdorbana is described as a "monstrous black stallion".

The book was fast paced, exciting, bloodthirsty and gruesome in places. I'm an 80 year old widow, and I absolutely loved it!!

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

One adage I've heard from a variety of fiction writers is essentially, "show, don't tell." And that is where this book suffers; solid editing would've helped solve this problem. Continually throughout the book, particularly before a battle, we get a re-iteration of events in Beornoth's life and an explanation as to why he hates the Vikings. Ad naseum...

Yes, i will admit that, the telling is needed in a few spots to provide Beornoth's motivation, but it occurs too much.

The plot is solid and engaging. It chronicles Beornoth's rise in rank during Olaf Tryggvason's invasion of the British Isles. Some interesting twists and turns along the way.

[R Pata · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Excellent Start on the Series…but

…a couple of pet peeves:
Why insist on using modern idioms and slang when the time portrayed in the book is 1,000 years in the past, before these words became common? It jars me when Saxons of Olde talk about ‘bleeding, bugger, daft…etc.’

I can’t feel tight with the protagonist, B. Too much hate in his life and the author kept repeating the paragraphs that described why he felt that way a large number of times.

Gibbons is a gifted writer, especially describing action scenes.

[Mrs Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I really enjoyed this book. I hadn’t read a book which had battles between Saxons and Vikings before and battle scenes were thrilling and very realistic, with good descriptions of weapons used by each side (I kept googling them to see what they looked like). Beornoth was a character who grew on you quite rapidly and I was always rooting for him to win and excise those demons he carried with him. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series and learning a bit more about this time in history. Definitely recommended.

[Thomas Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading all the viking series I decided to start the the side or point of view. The Saxon series and Beornoth the main character he is every inch a viking in mannerisms and beliefs, except one he hates vikings why vikings raided his home killed his children and maimed his wife. He wants blood, viking blood. Great start to a series. Ps... I loved the scene when Beornoth attacked the lords home on the back of a war horse. Reminds me of William Wallace entering that lords house in the middle of the night and bashing his head in.

[Kevin Schaeffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this new series about Beornoth, an angry Saxon Warlord seeking vengeance on Norse Vikings for destroying his family.
Not necessarily a nice guy, he reminds me of an old school version of the type of character Liam Neeson typically portrays.
The story is good, the fighting scenes are laid
Out well, putting the reader Right there in the battle. Looking forward to the series to unfold.

[Michael Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beornoth had a business, killing Vikings and business was booming.

Yeah this was John Wick•esque a man with revenge on his mind who wanted nothing more than to avenge his family but it turned out he was more than that.

The fight scenes were often Gibbons does a fantastic job at making sure each one served as a reminder to the reader as to why he was killing. His pain drives him, fuels him, and boy does it work in his favor.

[Ryan Fredrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I've read this book ten times before. Just by a different author with a different name for the protagonist. Adds absolutely nothing to historical fiction.
Also doesn't help that the author will repeat descriptions and situations multiple times over a few pages. It's like it's written for someone with extreme memory issues.
However, if you want a comfort blanket read that you will instantly forget, then go for it.

[Brian Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story.

From watching the epic Viking series available on our screens. I find the temptation to forget the atrocities inflicted by the Viking hordes and glorify their great fighting skills and the fearlessness. So it’s a pleasure to read a story that portrays the other side. The Saxon Warriors winning epic battles, displays of loyalty and support for their families and brethren. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it and was glad to see something covering the beginning of Ethelred's reign rather than always the end of it. It was a little "rarr we are Men, Manly Men, who Fight and Kill," but then I've been reading too many books that are about somebody's wife or daughter and getting too much of the feminine side from those, so different was good, if perhaps a bit too far in the opposite direction.

[Polly Krize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Trying to retrieve his reputation, Beornoth will fight to protect the Saxons against the degradation of the Vikings, in particular Skarde Wartooth, Viking leader. A brutal and skilled fighter, Beornoth fights not only for the Saxon people, but the family he lost due to these raiders. Awaiting the 2nd installment...

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: I am pretty new to this genre and it takes me a while to read through but I am completely fascinated by the story. The old maps, bellies full of beef, the fights and language used and the Kingdoms. I can lose myself in the darkness and light of the story. The Author has done a great job putting this story together. I definitely recommend it to those who are already fans of the genre