Review: Lords of Iron by MJ Porter

January 07, 2026

Review: Lords of Iron by MJ Porter

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome back acclaimed historical fiction author, MJ Porter. I'm sharing my review of Lords of Iron – the conclusion in the gripping Dark Age Chronicles series.

Find my review of the first two books in the trilogy, Men of Iron, HERE, and Warriors of Iron, HERE!

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

Lords of Iron

The Dark Age Chronicles, Book #3

MJ Porter

Review:

Lords of Iron is the last instalment in this fascinating series set in Dark Age Britain. The story continues straight after the end of Warriors of Iron.

Meddi, respected seeress of the Eorlingas, is mourning the death of her mother at the hands of her devious sister, Elen. Meddi is alive, as is her chieftain brother, Madog, but so is Elen. As long as Elen lives, they cannot live in peace. But her tribe has a rare possession – it has better iron swords, forged after ancient, almost-forgotten methods. The rusty weapons of their enemies are no match in battle. But swords don't protect against treachery...

Meanwwhile, Wærmund of the Gyrwe has assembled a small but loyal band of warrior followers as he continues to make a name for himself, to show his ignorant father, Wihtlæd, that he is capable of great things, and not 'Woden-cursed'. He knows he will eventually have to face his father and defeat him, his revenge only complete on Wihtlæd's death. But first, there are several scores to settle, and agreements to be forged.

As their enemies are on their tracks, neither Meddi nor Wærmund are able to trust other tribes completely, as recent experience of Elen's intrigues make them cautious. Eventually, they meet and form an alliance against the woman who wronged them, and those who support her. Their superior weapons help, but not without uncertainty, deception, and deeply-felt loss.

Will they defeat Elen and Wihtlæd? Or will their lives be forever scarred? Well, read the book, or even better, the whole trilogy!

Lords of Iron completes this intriguing and thought-provoking trilogy, and again, we have a plot full of unexpected twists and turns, as tribes find it difficult to trust one another. One reason is that they are wary of strangers – they speak different languages, so our intrepid warriors are always reliant on honest translators. Ambitions and greed also play a role, of course, although tribal society seems content with living off their land in peace – well, for the most part.

As the other two books, the POV switches in first person between Meddi and Wærmund, clearly divided by chapters. That way, we experience each character's fears and motivations directly. It's a strong way of inter-weaving both strands of this enthralling plot.

I still find the background to this trilogy utterly fascinating – the departure of the Romans now a distant memory, and with them departed the knowledge on how to forge iron into powerful weapons. MJ Porter has undertaken exceptional research, and it shows in small, daily routines as well as in community and tribal hierarchy and decision-making. The power of the seeress / seer is also not brushed aside, but forms an important aspect.

Another interesting aspect is the plethora of faiths: the Angles believing in Woden, whilst Meddi has her horse-god. Other tribes have other gods. This cohabitation of tribes with different deities on one large island is perhaps ahead of its time, and I had to wonder why we can't live peacefully alongside each other some 1,500 years later, divided even more deeply by religion.

And in me, it raised the question: Why can't anyone believe in whatever goddess or god they fancy, without being 'converted’? Well, that's just me, but it is a series that makes you think.

If you enjoy an unusual setting in historical fiction, you should definitely check out MJ Porter's Dark Ages Chronicles. The three books should be read in order, so you can follow Meddi's and Wærmund's entire journeys step by step.

Lords of Iron is a befitting conclusion to a series with a difference. Delve into the Dark Ages! I dare you...

~~~

Blurb:

During Britannia’s tribal age, vengeance is brutal, bloody and will come for even those who think themselves invincible.

Britain AD541

Family feuds must be settled, whatever the cost. Both Seeress Meddi of the Eorlingas and Wærmund of the Gyrwe have old scores to settle. Meddi for her tribe to survive and thrive, and Waermund to cast himself from his father’s shadow once and for all.

But unbeknownst, Meddi and Wærmund share a common enemy who threatens them both – the elusive Elen and her ally is someone Wærmund has travelled the breadth of Britannia to outrun.

United in their hatred of Elen, Meddi and Waermund must defeat powerful enemies with the sharpest blades and the magik of iron to overawe them and gain much-needed vengeance for past wrongs inflicted against them.

In the stunning conclusion to the Dark Age Chronicles Meddi and Wærmund will finally collide in a world of iron and rust. Will they triumph or will their legacy be nothing but ash?

Universal Buy Link: https://mybook.to/LordsofIron

~~~

About the Author:

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, and in Viking Age Denmark. Raised in the shadow of a building that was believed to house the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia, meant that the author's writing destiny was set.