Review: Men of Iron by MJ Porter

Today, I'm delighted to welcome back historical fiction author, MJ Porter. I'm always happy to share their brilliant releases, so here is a new treat for us fans, the first in an exciting new series – Men of Iron – set in the so-called Dark Ages. It's different, and intriguing. Read on!

Men of Iron is currently on blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. My thanks to Rachel and Boldwood Books for a copy.

 

 

Men of Iron

The Dark Age Chronicles, Book #1

MJ Porter

 

We delve far into the past, to a time of great upheaval on the British Isles. Britannia is no more. The Romans have left, or the last remnants assimilated into local tribes. But after the arrival of strangers from the east – warbands from Saxon lands called to help bolster the failing empire – a new challenge has arisen for the British tribes. As the old established order crumbles, men and women seek new opportunities, and the world's your oyster, as they say...

With the departure of the Romans, the ancient way of making weapons from iron is lost to history. But each leader is keen to regain that knowledge, as whoever holds the power, has good quality weapons at their disposal – not those rusty, dented old swords and seaxes.

We meet Meddi, seeress and elder sister of young Madoc, the leader of the Eorlingas. After decades in exile, they reclaim the ancient Roman villa near the river Severn, that had been theirs prior to it having been taken over by ruthless Edern. But with the man's death, they lock up his wife, and take over their ancient property. But they are challenged immediately for the sumptuous villa and fertile lands, and Meddi has her hands full, trying to maintain her brother's lordship. 

Then there is young Wærmund, elder son of the leader of the Gyrwe, but set aside in favour of his younger brother by their ambitious father. Wærmund bears a birthmark on his cheek – he's cursed by the gods, they say. But the young man has had enough of it, and moves to kill his brother. With a small warband, he then sets out westwards, always aware his powerful father might be hot on his heels. But Wærmund is still barely a warrior himself, and his shortcomings become evident on their journey.

Will Meddi help the Eorlingas retain their inheritance? And will Wærmund become the warrior he dreams to be? Well, read the novel to find out!

 

Men of Iron is a fascinating take on the Dark Ages, a time we know little about. Archaeological evidence suggests that the skill of forging weapons from iron was lost for centuries. But as tribes are forced to fight for their survival, it is strategically important to regain that ancient knowledge.

This novel is an interesting journey into an often overlooked era. The urgency behind the need for good weapons is clear. Whoever has them, wins. 

Men of Iron is told from two very different points of view: Meddi and Wærmund. Both try to forge a future for themselves. Meddi for her tribe, and Wærmund for himself.

Meddi is an intriguing character. A seeress, abused by Edern following his murder of her father, and still full of secrets, which she shares only slowly. She can be haughty and arrogant, but given her past, this is not surprising. She doesn't trust easily, and she knows her influence as a respected seeress is vital to keep her brother and tribe safe.

Wærmund is a spoilt brat. (Sorry!) Rejected by his powerful warlord father in favour of his younger brother – an ineffective drunk – he seeks bloody revenge. But after he's succeeded, he struggles to find his path. He's plagued with doubts, but also rage against his father, and the unfairness of it all. Wærmund is not really likeable, and I felt like shaking him a few times. Despite his youthful arrogance, he soon realises he must accept guidance from the more experienced men in his small warband, but he also knows he can't trust any of them with the small treasure he carries with him.

As so often with first-person narrative, there are quite a few repeats of past grievances – especially in Wærmund's chapters, which made me skip some paragraphs here and there, as it only made him annoying. But at the same time, we get an insider's view into their heads, which also makes it much more personal, especially from Meddi's point of view.

Whilst much happens in Men of Iron, I wouldn't call the narrative fast-paced. We follow day-to-day events with both Meddi and Wærmund, which allows for a more meandering pace. Through their eyes, we see the immediate environments they encounter.

The author has packed much historical detail into the novel, though, which also explains the rather slower pace. It is quite descriptive in places, which makes for fascinating reading for those of us who love to learn new things about the past (but may not be ideal for those in favour of fast-paced action). Proof how much research MJ Porter has undertaken for this series. It's impressive. Much of the evidence is based on archaeological discoveries, rather than written records, and it's merged cleverly into the intriguing plot.

 

 

Men of Iron is a fascinating read, especially from an historical research point of view. Meddi intrigues me, but I don't really care about poor Wærmund, I'm afraid. Still, it's yet another exciting read by one of my favourite historical fiction authors, and one I can certainly recommend to readers who enjoy immersive history in a lesser-known setting.

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Blurb:

After the legends of Arthur, yet before the Saxon kingdom of Mercia, a tribal age of iron and rust ruled.

Britain AD540.

In the western hinterland of Roman Britannia, Meddi, the seeress of the Eorlingas tribe, can only obtain vengeance when her husband’s dead and her ancestral villa returned to her.

With her brother, Madog, as leader, they unite and stand strong against those who seek the riches of their villa. They must harness the power of the lost magiks of iron to make weapons to mercilessly oppose those who seek to challenge and fight to rule.

Meanwhile in the east, Waermund, a young warrior of Saxon descent, has exacted the ultimate revenge against his brother. Startled by his own ruthlessness, he knows his father will pursue him to exact retribution. He and his band of miscreant warriors must flee westwards and forge a new future by earning coin from those too weak to protect themselves.

Meddi and Wærmund are set to collide in a world of iron and rust.

Buy Link: https://mybook.to/menofiron

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About the Author:

MJ Porter is the author of over fifty fiction titles set in Saxon England and the era before the tumultuous events of 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building and told from a young age that it housed the long-dead bones of Saxon kings, it’s little wonder that the study of the era was undertaken at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

 

MJ Porter has written a collection of interconnected fiction series focusing on the Saxon kingdom of Mercia and books set in the newly formed 'England.'

MJ Porter is published by Boldwood Books for The Dark Ages Series, The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles and The Brunanburh Series.

MJ Porter has also written three 20th-century mysteries and historical fantasy

 

Connect with MJ: 

Facebook: @MJPorterauthor

Twitter: @coloursofunison

Instagram: @m_j_porter

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MJPorterNews

Bookbub profile: @coloursofunison