Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub date: 3 May 2023

A mercy mission in the heart of Wessex is beset with deadly, bloody dangers.
Tamworth AD831
Icel’s profile continues to rise. Lord of Budworth and warrior of Mercia, he’s acknowledged by King Wiglaf and his comrades to keep Mercia safe from the ravages of Wessex, the king-slayer of the East Angles, and the Viking raiders.
But, danger looms. Alongside Spring’s arrival comes the almost certain threat of the Viking raiders return.
When Lord Coenwulf of Kingsholm is apprehended by a Viking and held captive on the Isle of Sheppey in Wessex held Kent, Icel is implored by Lady Cynehild to rescue her husband.
To rescue Lord Coenwulf, Icel and his fellow warriors must risk themselves twice over, for not only must they overpower the Viking raiders, they must also counter the threat of Mercia’s ancient enemy, the kingdom of Wessex as they travel through their lands.
Far from home and threatened on all sides, have Icel and his fellow warriors sworn to carry out an impossible duty?

If you haven’t read The Kingdom of Mercia: The Ninth Century series by MJ Porter, then firstly, you need to. Although you don’t need to have read this current series before, I would recommend it. Icel is one of my favourite characters in the Ninth Century series, and this current series really brings an understanding to his character in later years.

Now, onto The Eagle of Mercia, MJ has done it again! This is another brilliant storyline, blended with battles, humour, history, and bravery.

MJ has a talent for setting scenes so you can almost close your eyes and imagine the settlement of Tamworth, the battles, and the horror of those battles. At some points I found myself holding my breath in apprehension.

MJ creates characters that develop so well over the series that you can’t help but love or loath them, and the Eagle of Mercia is no different.

This has made me like Icel even more. He has become the warrior, and Lord his uncle knew he could be but doesn’t neglect his healing skills.

If you have read my reviews before you’ll know I dislike spoilers so all I will say is, if you want battles, blood and gore whilst laughing with a band of warriors then this is for you.

Congratulations, MJ, on another fantastic instalment.

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. You can find out more about MJ on the following social media accounts:

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