Review: Kings of War by MJ Porter
Today, I'm delighted to share my review of Kings of War, another cracking historical novel by MJ Porter. It's the sequel to the epic King of Kings.
Kings of War is currently on blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. Check out all the other fabulous posts on tour.
Kings of War
Having read and reviewed the fantastic King of Kings (here), I was eagerly awaiting this instalment in the thrilling historical fiction series surrounding the battle of Brunanburgh. And what another exciting ride through early medieval times in the British Isles it was!
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As in King of Kings, the narrative is split, with changing points of view of several historical characters. It's all clearly separated by chapters, to avoid any confusion, and this kind of narrative really shows the scheming and plotting of the various protagonists and antagonists (but who is which??).
Kings of War is currently on blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. Check out all the other fabulous posts on tour.
MJ Porter
Having read and reviewed the fantastic King of Kings (here), I was eagerly awaiting this instalment in the thrilling historical fiction series surrounding the battle of Brunanburgh. And what another exciting ride through early medieval times in the British Isles it was!
It begins with the humiliation of King Constantine of the Scots, at Cirencester in England, in front of the King of the English, ̠thelstan, and his court. This situation arose following the disastrous defeat of the Scots at Cait, in the far north, by ̠thelstan's army previously Рwhere King of Kings ended.
So we have a deeply frustrated Scots king, a triumphant English king, but also other intriguing players in their households, such as Æthelstan's stepmother, dowager Queen Eadgifu, the mother of Edmund, his young half-brother.
Leading on from this embarrassment, we find Constantine back in Scotland, plotting. His son, Ildulb, has his own plan, seeking brutal revenge for the murder of his own son in battle. When Ildulb plots an allegiance with the Dublin Norse against the English, a plan begins to form. But the Dublin Norse under Olaf have their own problems on their doorstep – their distant kin in Limerick are nipping at his heel, and then there are the Irish Ui Neill, who constantly cut away at the invaders. Olaf still wants to retake Jorvik, but with these distractions, and now the Scots come begging, he must set his priorities.
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And as with everything in those ’dark’ days, nothing is ever as it seems. There is a distinct lack of trust between fathers and sons, across Scotland and Wales, and between brothers, in Dublin. This allows for a continuing and growing sense of unease, which the author brings across very well in each character’s musings.
As in King of Kings, the narrative is split, with changing points of view of several historical characters. It's all clearly separated by chapters, to avoid any confusion, and this kind of narrative really shows the scheming and plotting of the various protagonists and antagonists (but who is which??).
Whilst we see less actual action, except perhaps during the battle of Brunanburgh, which is described in great detail, we instead follow the leaders’ thoughts, fears, jealousies, and (on very rare occasions) joys. This deep POV allows a great insight into the mind of these 10th-century warriors and their families. Some of the attitudes will send a chill down your spine, especially as regards the inevitable loss of many followers in battle, which is something these leaders take for granted, to stay in – or even extend – power.
Politics, machinations, lies and plots are revealed as they unfold, and it makes for utterly gripping reading.
So when the battle at Brunanburgh is over, with thousands of men lying dead, we have a great affirmation of power, but as always, a sense of uncertainty remains. Can these rulers truly trust one another? Will the warring factions cease their antagonisms? Will peace prevail on the isles, and for how long?
So when the battle at Brunanburgh is over, with thousands of men lying dead, we have a great affirmation of power, but as always, a sense of uncertainty remains. Can these rulers truly trust one another? Will the warring factions cease their antagonisms? Will peace prevail on the isles, and for how long?
Kings of War is an absorbing tale of political intrigues, personal ambitions, and ruthless action. Another highly entertaining read from MJ Porter!
Blurb:
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Blurb:
Can the King of the Scots and the Dublin Norse triumph against a united England?
AD934
King Athelstan of the English has been successful in uniting the many kingdoms of Britain against one enemy, the Viking raiders.
But men who are kings don’t wish to be ruled.
Constantin, King of the Scots, rebelled against the Imperium and was forcibly brought to bend the knee to Athelstan and England at Cirencester.
His son Ildulb seeks bloody vengeance from Athelstan following the battle at Cait and the death of his son.
Olaf Gothfrithson, king of the Dublin Norse, having asserted his power following his father's death has his sights set on reclaiming Jorvik.
Can the united might of the Scots and the violence of the Dublin Norse, descendants of the infamous Viking raiders, bring King Athelstan and his vision of the united Saxon English to her knees?
An epic story of kingsmanship that will result in the pivotal, bloody Battle of Brunanburh, where only one side can be victorious.
Buy Link: https://mybook.to/Kingsofwarsocial
About the Author:
AD934
King Athelstan of the English has been successful in uniting the many kingdoms of Britain against one enemy, the Viking raiders.
But men who are kings don’t wish to be ruled.
Constantin, King of the Scots, rebelled against the Imperium and was forcibly brought to bend the knee to Athelstan and England at Cirencester.
His son Ildulb seeks bloody vengeance from Athelstan following the battle at Cait and the death of his son.
Olaf Gothfrithson, king of the Dublin Norse, having asserted his power following his father's death has his sights set on reclaiming Jorvik.
Can the united might of the Scots and the violence of the Dublin Norse, descendants of the infamous Viking raiders, bring King Athelstan and his vision of the united Saxon English to her knees?
An epic story of kingsmanship that will result in the pivotal, bloody Battle of Brunanburh, where only one side can be victorious.
Buy Link: https://mybook.to/Kingsofwarsocial
~~~
About the Author:
MJ Porter
MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. They were raised in the shadow of a building that they believed housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia – so their writing destiny was set.
MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. They were raised in the shadow of a building that they believed housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia – so their writing destiny was set.
The first novel in their new Anglo-Saxon series for Boldwood, Son of Mercia, was published in February 2022.
Connect with MJ:
Twitter https://twitter.com/coloursofunison
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/m_j_porter/
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MJPorterNews
Connect with MJ:
Twitter https://twitter.com/coloursofunison
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/m_j_porter/
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MJPorterNews
Thank you for sharing your fab review:)
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome.
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