Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher: MJ Publishing
Pub date: 25 August 2022

He sent twenty men to infiltrate three hundred. It had to be enough.

While Archbishop Wulfhere of York begs for assistance against Jarl Halfdan, now living in Northumbria, Bishop Smithwulf of London is eager for Coelwulf to forge an alliance with King Alfred of Wessex. And the three Viking raider jarls continue to hold Grantabridge. Yet, Coelwulf has so far managed to dismiss all of these concerns, consumed with worry for his missing warrior, Pybba.

But while searching for Pybba, events overtake Coelwulf, his men are murdered, and his aunt taken, but by which of his enemies?

If Coelwulf fails to rescue his aunt alive, what hope does he have for keeping his kingdom secure?

The year is AD875, and the men of Mercia must once more ride into the fray. The future of Mercia depends on them.

Anyone that reads my blog knows this is one of my favourite historical fiction series, in fact I love all of MJ’s work but Coelwulf and his band of warriors is amazing.

This is the seventh instalment in the series and as usual there is blood, gore and incredible fighting scenes.

This is the only instalment that I love and hate in equal measure. I love it for the storyline, the humour and the narrative. I hate it because it made me cry but no spoilers here!

The constant threat of Viking raiders certainly hasn’t ended but this time it’s much more personal for Coelwulf and it made it a bit more intense. I genuinely wondered how they’d manage the situation they found themselves in.

Coelwulf’s aunt plays a more prominent role in this one which was great as she’s a character I find really interesting and I’m glad to see her grow through the series.
The horses are of course all present with Haden up to his usual mischievous tricks, I find it brilliant how MJ has developed the characters of the horses just as much as the men in this band of warriors defending Mercia.

If you’re looking for a series that’s action packed, brilliant and funny then this is for you. You don’t necessarily need to have read the previous books in the series but I’d recommend you do anyway as they’re brilliant.

MJ has written another brilliant plot and I cannot wait for the next instalment as well as the next in Icel’s own series!

If you’d like to know more about MJ or the previous books you can find reviews in my posts or catch up with via Website or Twitter

MJ writes alot so be prepared for many adventures!