Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pub date: 13 January 2024

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AD937

After the slaughter field of Brunanburh, a defeated Olaf Gothfrithson of the Dublin Norse and Constantin of the Scots narrowly escaped with their lives. In their kingdoms, failure has left them demoralised and weak.

Olaf licks his wounds in Dublin, whilst Constantin and the Welsh kingdoms who defied King Athelstan, are once more forced to bend the knee. As Athelstan’s reputation grows stronger day by day, their need to exact revenge on the overmighty and triumphant Athelstan has never been greater. 

Olaf sets his sights on reclaiming the lost kingdom of Jorvik only for tragedy to strike at the heart of England and a reluctant new King, Edmund steps in the fray.

While England mourns the death of their warrior King, her enemies gather on her borders and England stands alone against the might of the Norse, Welsh and Scots. 

Can the new King be victorious and banish her enemies once and for all or will England, and its king lose all that’s been gained and succumb to a new pretender?  

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In one word: EPIC!
Absolutely loved this instalment!
As Edmund grows into his kingship, his enemies attempt to take advantage, but his allies and friends are not about to let England suffer.
There’s one character in this instalment who is the highlight for me, and that’s Athelstan. I won’t say anymore as I don’t like spoilers but he is a very interesting character and i really enjoyed his increased presence in this instalment and his viewpoint of events. I really enjoyed how the focus of each chapter changes according to the viewpoint. It is interesting to read how differing sides viewed the same events.

There are some battles in this instalment and MJ does what MJ does best, writes incredible battle scenes, one which kind of makes you squint as you read because you’re not sure you want to read the next bit but do so anyway!

This is a fantastic continuance from Kings of War but could easily be read as a stand-alone, though I’d certainly recommend reading them all to thoroughly enjoy the events unfolding and the character development.

MJ, thank you once more for transporting me back to Saxon England.

Clash of Kings is released today and is available for purchase!