The fight for a torn Kingdom rests in the hands of a few brave men… 990AD.
King Aethelred II, who men will one day call The Unready, rules over a land divided by the shadowy spin of his mother Queen Ælfthryth and the sprawling power of the Church.
The Viking Warlord, Olaf Tryggvason smelling the Kingdoms weakness brings the vicious Jomsvikings to the Saxon coastline ravenous for war and plunder.
Together Lord Byrthnoth, Ealdorman of the East Saxons and Beornoth his Saxon Thegn lead a force of oath sworn Viking killers, every bit as brutal and war-skilled as the Norse invaders to protect the Kingdom against enemies both from within, and from the cruel seas. They are pushed to the very limits of their bravery and endurance in a desperate fight for the very existence of the Saxon Kingdom.
In a riveting story of trachery, betrayal, vengeance and war, can Beornoth defeat his enemies and protect the Kingdom from destruction?
Storm of War continues the unmissable Viking historical fiction saga series which began with Peter Gibbons' Warrior & Protector.
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...
I received this book as ARC and this is my honest review.
What I enjoyed most from this book is was it being written from the point of view of the Saxon. Most viking era books I've read have been from the viking point of view. It was refreshing to have something different. As soon as I started the book I was thrown straight into battles and political intrigue. This book kept me in constant anxiety in fear of my favorite characters lives. Storm of War absolutely delivered on all of my expectations. The plot was gripping and full of excitement; I instantly fell in love or loathed entirely characters. You can read this book without having read the first installment in the series. I'd definitely recommend this book and author if you love John Gwynne and Bernard Cornwell.
This is a good series. The last two books are we'll wrote, fast pace. It brings you a tail how the Vikings continue to raid England an the men who fight them back with there heart an soul. To protect the family, friends an the people they watch over.
If you like action-packed historical fiction with plenty of battles, intrigue, revenge, backstabbing and betrayals, this is the book for you.
You’ve got to love a book that starts out with the sentence “Beornoth was hunting Vikings.” The book is written from the point of view of the Saxons, and in particular, a leader named Beornoth (Beo), who is a Thegn (leader) oathsworn to fight for Ealdorman Byrhtnoth, one of the most powerful men in England. Beo’s family were killed by Vikings, so he wants revenge on as many of them as he can. The battles start immediately in Chapter 1, as Beo and his men face a group of Viking raiders that attacked a small village near Beo’s land. The book follows Beo as he and Byrhtnoth answer King Etherlred’s call to push the Vikings out of England. A new, highly trained group of Vikings led by a Viking named Olaf is in this new raiding party, and they will be a bigger test on the Saxon’s skills than ever before.
This is book two in the series, but you can start with it. There was enough back story given that I didn’t feel to lost, although I will probably go back and read book 1. The book is well-written, with short chapters that make it a quick and easy read. I liked reading the warrior’s struggles with having to deal with a weak King who is not a warrior, does not fight, and is pushed around by his devious mother and other advisors. I really enjoy this time period in history, so I was thrilled to find another great author to read. I look forward to reading more of Gibbon’s books in the future. Check back in a few days for a more complete and thorough review of this book. Or better yet, just buy it now and find out for yourself!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books. All opinions are my own.
Beornoth is a warrior to be feared. A terrifying sight to behold and his favourite pastime is killing Vikings. At the time of writing, this is a 2 book series. When I started the first book, I was wondering if I could get into it. Beornoth is initially, a very flawed man. An alcoholic who drinks until he falls over. He was once a Thegn, a well respected and feared man. Then came the Vikings, destroying his family and his heriot. This had devastating consequences and Beornoth lost everything. His life now consists of hunting down outlaws and drinking until he feels nothing. We first meet him hunting said outlaws and we find out how good a warrior he is. Beornoth's life is about to change again. These novels are brilliant. The action is violent, intense and at times, frightening. Brilliantly written, I can't recommend these books enough. We are lucky in this day and age, we have a number of first class authors out there and Peter Gibbons is definitely right up there with the best. I'm hoping for more novels about Beornoth, Wulfhere and his men as they fight against the Viking scourge.
Beornoth better known to his friends as Bea is heading to the coast we’re Viking raiders have killed all the men and taken the women and children for slaves king Ethalridge is there but looks more like a scared boy than a ruling king but true to Bea’s character in the picture he wants to betray to his men he is respectful of the boy king when asked the translate since he speaks Norse he finds out these Raiders used to sail with Scar A man they reveered and also a man be decapitated in their last raids. Before finding this out they took everything the king said as sport and blocked him and although their attitude was different when they found out who the Saxton was the bravado was still clearly evident. They tell them they are Johnny Raiders a A group of Vikings who dedicated their life to making their God proud and only live sleep and eat a monks those of their kind they are very feared across the land but not by BIA and his men. When the battle commences both sides fight hard but just like last time Bia takes out the head raider and the others flee back to their ships. Olof Who seems to be the new leader threatens to find Bia in the north before they leave the king makes them leave hostages unfortunately Bia is tasked with keeping one. He is more than happy to be back at his hall at wrench tree but it will not last long he is ask to go to the north and subtle rating issues from there from there own people. This is win Bia it’s haunted by things that happened when his kids were murdered and his wife left for dead and eventually kidnapped and yet they want to charge him with murder. I could go on and on and eventually would tell the whole story but just know this story is so exciting he makes a great escape loses a good friend and his fighting isn’t over it seems some Vikings keep their word and Olof is one of them. Once again he will be fighting for what’s right and the defense of his people against someone who’s just doing it for glory and revenge. Unfortunately for Olaf this time Beornoth is fed up! This book was so good once again I must reiterate this book was so historically accurate from the devious kings mom to the wimpy king himself treachery, lies backstabbing and it seems the warriors take the brunt of all of this. I totally loved this book and cannot wait for the next one I know I say that every time but I cannot. Peter Gibbons has quickly become my favorite Saxton warrior/Viking author and I don’t see that changing although I do love me a good porter book as she is really good as well but when it comes to fight scenes I do think Mr. Gibbons is in a class by himself. except for the book being much shorter and then having mini more fight sings this book to remind me of the Matthew Shardlake books except he was a lawyer and Bia is a warrior did I say how much I absolutely love these books what I do a total five star read and one I definitely recommend. If you love a good Sexting/biking story with great fight scenes and a hero you can route four you need to give Peter Gibbons books a read you will not be disappointed. I received this book from NetGalleyg and BoldwoodBooks but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
An excellent next book in this series, it follows on seamlessly from that one and we get to find out what happened with Beo and his fellow Saxons. Peter Gibbons writes succinctly and uses his words with care to tell the story well, makes his characters real and his battle descriptions are just long enough to be exciting and not too long that it gets a bit boring. I cannot wait for the next one!
While the first book in this series was okay, although very repetitive, Peter Gibbons really stepped up for Storm of War. Still a little repetitive, but a really good story. I bought the third in the series before I finished this one because I'm hooked now.
You will rarely find a better battle book from that era than . From this author Exciting and full of battle scenes! I have followed this author and will keep doing it. We’ll recommended from a Bamburgh resident who grew up listening too Viking Stories.
I started reading fantasy books around Forty years ago with the first Dragon Lance trilogy and this is absolutely one of the best I've ever read. If not the best. This story is all over the place. It's not just one storyline but a couple that make this book. It's plot after plot and the characters travel all over England just like the storyline. There's intrigue, sub-plots, and of course incredible action that makes this book absolutely amazing. I can't wait till August for the next one!
A match for even the great Bernard Cornwells LAST kingdom books, I was completely absorbed from the first chapter of book 1 and cannot wait to read the rest of the series
Another absolute classic from Peter Gibbons, action from start to finish, pure savagery, EXCELLENT book. Peter’s books just keep getting better and better. Can’t wait for #3
I haven’t read book one in this series, Warrior and Protector, but I love this period of history and decided to dive into book two, Storm of War, anyway - I do not regret this decision! I will also be picking up book one at some point in the future.
A Brilliant Historical Fiction
Set from 990AD, Storm of War covers a period of history I love, and with the popularity of all these Viking-related books, films and TV shows, I know I am not alone.
This book is an exciting, action-packed read; historical fiction for the epic fantasy reader for sure. Beo is pitted against viking invaders, making for some tense, atmospheric battle scenes that were impossible to stop reading!
The characters are pretty good, but not my favourite part of the book. It was the plot, atmosphere and vivid setting depictions that kept me reading, and that’s not a bad thing. I’m not just a character-based reader - this isn’t to say that Storm of War isn’t a character-driven narrative, I just didn’t find them the most interesting part of the story.
If you enjoy battle heavy historical fiction, this is the book for you. Another great read in the series as we follow Beo across the country in defence against viking invaders and enemies from within England. A really thrilling read from start to finish, with my favourite part being how Gibbons doesn’t shy away from the gory, graphic detail of the battle scenes (of which there are many). 5/5.
I’m fairly new to the authors work but after reading Warrior and Protector last year I was eagerly awaiting this release and god damn it packs a punch!
King Aethelred is weak, and the Vikings know it. The King’s mother and the bishops have too much say in his rule and even some thought loyal are of Viking blood and wish to see the return to Norse rule.
Lord Byrthnoth and Thegn Beornoth stand in their way! Pillars of Saxon might!
Ah I loved the whole ensemble of characters, but these two just outshine even the brightest star. Byrthnoth is a good and fair lord, strong and wise and leads his men from the front.. he’s not afraid of battle and when the King doesn’t seem to want to stand in the way of the Viking invasion he’s not going to stand by and watch.. he’s a man of action..but his temperament means he’s wise and weighs up his options.. unlike Beornoth.. Beornoth has suffered pain like no one should.. his children murdered by Vikings and his wife left to die, only to survive a broken woman.. He’s fuelled by anger and that anger sees him get into some sticky situations but it’s also what the Saxons need.
The Vikings are brutal.. they have no honour and leave a trail of destruction.. the sight would turn anyone stomach. Beornoth use’s that anger and brings vengeance upon his enemies.
The main issue is the battle is on many fronts, how do they see off this threat with so little men at their disposal?
Without a shadow of doubt this book is one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading, the plot, character development, the detail setting the scene … wow. I almost felt I was aboard the Viking ship as Beornoth puts a risky plan into action!
Usually when I read a book one aspect stands out as the thing I loved the most.. not this time..everything is just woven perfectly together, you get depth and raw guttural anger and bloodshed.. there’s real hurt and some of the most brutal scenes I’ve read.. every slice jumping from the page.
This review is for both the first and second book in the series. So my sleep schedule has been completely off since I started reading these books!! If that’s not a good recommendation, I don’t know what is. The story is well written with a few minor proofreading issues, non stop action and likeable/loathable characters in abundance. The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star book was the constant repetition of the main characters past and how he psyched himself up for battle remembering his daughters etc. One explanation of the significance of the locket he wore was sufficient. There were other repetitions explaining things that had already been explained. I will read the 3rd book when it comes out and hopefully won’t have to do much skimming over information that had already been presented.
This second book keeps me on the edge of my seat turning pages like the Norwegian Berserkers that Beornoth seems to identify with when unleashing his anger and fury on the enemy, be it Viking or corrupt Saxons. I thought this second episode would be copy cat but no it is another great story, thanks .
Don't get me wrong I like blood guts and violence as much as the next person but that's about 90% of this book. Our hero gets stabbed, jabbed and beaten and still manages to get up and defeat 5 or 6 Vikings.. About 20 pages relate to the plot the tee is blood and guts.
I enjoyed the book overall. However, I still prefer human interactions, a broad and detailed history of life, emotions, and politics rather than battles, although I understand that they are, of course, an intrinsic part of the books. So, I am invested in the characters, both historical and fictional, and will continue to read the series.
I loved every minute of reading about Beornoth’s latest adventures. Non-stop action and such graphic battle scenes that it was like being there too. Can’t wait for the next instalment.
This one races along from start to finish. Despite the good verses evil theme it still managed to hold you attention and has glimpsed of peace and ordinary life. However it is quite graphic in parts. Still a good idea of what that period may have been like.
Another action packed blood and gore fest in typical Peter Gibbons style. This time the Saxons turns have an even tougher test to try and prevent another Viking invasion of their shores. Great adventure!
Reading this fictional story about historical characters really puts you into the book. I feel I am right there fighting right beside Beornoth( a fictional character). The betrayal by the kings mother was devastating at the least and I am glad the King finally stood up to his mother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well crafted story, believable characters. Good mix of battle scenes and of normal life for a Saxon Thene. If the Brutality required to give others a more peaceful life.
I'm always on the lookout for great historical fiction and this series stands along the best. Great characters come to life during an interesting and important time in history. Highly recommended.
This is an interesting story, learned more about the Saxons after Alfred the great. Knew his grandson united the different kingdoms of what is now called England. Back then it was called Engaland. I have read the first two books and plan on reading the next one in the series.
Historical fiction. Great storytelling so I definitely plan to read the series.
Good quote from the book:
“Fear is a thing to be welcomed. It sharpens us, makes us faster. But you must learn to overcome it, for bravery is the mastery of fear. Courage is doing a thing despite our fear.”