Review: Warrior and Protector by Peter Gibbons
I'm thrilled to share my review of Warrior and Protector, a gripping take of the harsh realities of medieval life, by Peter Gibbons.
It's currently on Blog Tour with Rachel's Random Resources. Make sure to check the other posts on this tour. My thanks to the author, and to Rachel, for a copy of the book.
Warrior and Protector
The Saxon Warrior series
Peter Gibbons
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!
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Blurb:
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.
If you like Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden, and David Gemmell you will love this epic Saxon adventure packed with battles, Vikings, and adventure.
Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3RuNZ4u
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About the Author:
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Bookbub profile: Peter Gibbons Books - BookBub
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