Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher: MJ Publishing
Pub date: 12 March 2024

Can one man win Mercia’s freedom from the Viking raiders?

Jarl Guthrum has been captured after the terrible events in Grantabridge. King Coelwulf knows exactly what he’d like to do to him, but those with calmer heads have other ideas.

Baptised and having taken the name of Æthelstan, Guthrum is Mercia’s prisoner, and in the wake of that, Mercia must rebuild.

But Jarl Guthrum is far from the only Viking raider who wishes to subdue Mercia. Coelwulf and his allies, grief-stricken, must still fight for her survival while those around demand their help in defeating the enemy.

Once more, the warriors of Mercia are obliged to do all they can to ensure the kingdom’s survival.

This is the 8th book in The Kingdom of Mercia: The Ninth Century, and the series continues to get better and better.
I am a huge fan of Coelwulf, his band of warriors, and of course, their four-legged companions.
This instalment isn’t as gruesome as some in the series, but it’s still excellent, and the humour continues to make me laugh.
The Last Viking feels a little different from the previous books but I loved how MJ has incorporated memories and grief into the story, though I’m still sad about that loss (I won’t say who as to not spoil it).
I’ve always thought MJ has an incredible way of making you feel like you’re standing in the shield wall and this was no different, there were some tense moments that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue reading, not because they were bad but to avoid what I thought may happen.
The characters have developed well over the series, and starting this was like greeting old friends. I’m very fond of Rudolf and Coelwulf’s aunt, both of whom have become more integral as the series continues.
If you’re looking for something that will keep you gripped, with epic fighting scenes and fantastic characters, I recommend this. Though you could read as a stand-alone, I’d read the whole series!
I can’t wait for the next one!