What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ninth Century #4
The Last Enemy
Mercia lies broken but not beaten, her alliance with Wessex in tatters, her new king a warrior, not a ruler. And Coelwulf has done little but fight against overwhelming numbers since being declared Mercia’s king, and it’s far from over.
Northampton is secure, but the Raiders persist in infiltrating Mercia. Coelwulf has enticed them away from their stronghold at Grantabridge, and now he must rout the Danish Jarl, Guthrum, once and for all.
The year is AD874 and Mercia lies threatened, but Coelwulf and his loyal warriors have vowed to protect Mercia with their lives.
Northampton is secure, but the Raiders persist in infiltrating Mercia. Coelwulf has enticed them away from their stronghold at Grantabridge, and now he must rout the Danish Jarl, Guthrum, once and for all.
The year is AD874 and Mercia lies threatened, but Coelwulf and his loyal warriors have vowed to protect Mercia with their lives.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
About the author
M.J. Porter
89 books223 followersAuthor of historical fiction (Early English (before 1066)/Viking) and now three 20th century mysteries and a series of historical fantasy.
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles (featuring a young Icel from The Last King series) now available from Boldwood Books. The Brunanburh Series also available from Boldwood Books. The Dark Age Chronicles coming soon.
The Ninth Century Series (The Last King), stories of ninth-century England, but not as it's been written before, (featuring an older Icel).
The Royal Women Who Made England, my first non-fiction book, ia available now.
I like to write. You've been warned.
Find me @coloursofunison or at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing!
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!
The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles (featuring a young Icel from The Last King series) now available from Boldwood Books. The Brunanburh Series also available from Boldwood Books. The Dark Age Chronicles coming soon.
The Ninth Century Series (The Last King), stories of ninth-century England, but not as it's been written before, (featuring an older Icel).
The Royal Women Who Made England, my first non-fiction book, ia available now.
I like to write. You've been warned.
Find me @coloursofunison or at
www.mjporterauthor.com or at www.mjporterauthor.blog where I blog about books and films and sometimes, writing!
https://linktr.ee/MJPorterauthor
(I have odd reading tastes - there's no need to notice though!!) I'm also exceedingly anti-social - that you may notice but must accept!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 23, 2020
This is the 4th book in the series which follows Coelwulf and his loyal warriors.
After he and his warriors arrive back in Northampton sorely wounded. Coelwulf Aunt ministers to him and the wounded to get them fit for the fight again. Slowly more raiders arrive at Northampton they want the town back. Coelwulf his warriors along with other Mercian warriors led by Eldorman they prepare to defend Northampton. Excellent well written great fighting action, the loyal warriors honour & duty bound fight time & time again against impossible odds the brotherhood of warriors will stand or fall together with Coelwulf at the head always in the heat of battle brilliant book really enjoyable and follows on from previous an excellent series well worth the read
After he and his warriors arrive back in Northampton sorely wounded. Coelwulf Aunt ministers to him and the wounded to get them fit for the fight again. Slowly more raiders arrive at Northampton they want the town back. Coelwulf his warriors along with other Mercian warriors led by Eldorman they prepare to defend Northampton. Excellent well written great fighting action, the loyal warriors honour & duty bound fight time & time again against impossible odds the brotherhood of warriors will stand or fall together with Coelwulf at the head always in the heat of battle brilliant book really enjoyable and follows on from previous an excellent series well worth the read
January 19, 2021
Best in the series. You can see how the author is growing with every novel in the series. By now, every character is so well known you feel like you are part of the band of warriors. You can second guess the reactions of the characters, so when the story twists and turns, it feels even more shocking and absorbing. I have read a lot of books of this genre, but I am not sure I have read a single better battle scene than the main battle in this novel.... only problem is I now need to wait for the next book to be written
February 18, 2021
Another good read
This was another good read, It feels realistic and gritty, I was exhausted by the end! I look forward to the next instalment.
This was another good read, It feels realistic and gritty, I was exhausted by the end! I look forward to the next instalment.
August 11, 2021
EDITING GORIER THAN BATTLES
When the reader gets through a spoiler Prologue that's repeated word for word near the book's end, the dozen misuses of PASSED instead of PAST, the constant misreads because of improper comma usage, the benighted use of I instead of ME, and the endless faulty pronoun references, one is left with an editing job more savage than the gory battle sequences.
When the reader gets through a spoiler Prologue that's repeated word for word near the book's end, the dozen misuses of PASSED instead of PAST, the constant misreads because of improper comma usage, the benighted use of I instead of ME, and the endless faulty pronoun references, one is left with an editing job more savage than the gory battle sequences.
December 15, 2021
Hard going in places
A good read but hard to keep interest in places,mostly accurate in historical detail despite being fictional, overall a good read and leads nicely to the next book
A good read but hard to keep interest in places,mostly accurate in historical detail despite being fictional, overall a good read and leads nicely to the next book
October 20, 2023
another yawning, lackluster tale...ahh, who am I kidding; another edge-of-the-seat tale is the reality.😊
January 14, 2021
Great
I have read all of MJ Porters work and I have enjoyed everyone . I hope more books are coming soon.You really get involved with the characters and the times and try to imagine how these hardy people survived the injuries and lived in those times, thougherley enjoyable reading.
I have read all of MJ Porters work and I have enjoyed everyone . I hope more books are coming soon.You really get involved with the characters and the times and try to imagine how these hardy people survived the injuries and lived in those times, thougherley enjoyable reading.
November 13, 2021
Completely wonderful
Another example of fine historical fiction following a brave king and his loyal followers who risk it all for Mercia and each other
Another example of fine historical fiction following a brave king and his loyal followers who risk it all for Mercia and each other
November 23, 2020
This is the fourth book in MJ Porter's Ninth Century Series and I was already a huge fan!
If you haven't read any of this series then prepare for violence, battles, gore and a lot of humour! I knew to expect those things and still found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion reading this.
This time Coelwulf and his warriors are in Northampton which they had taken back from the raiders and fortified. Not willing to give it up, the raiders arrive ready for battle but it's not just them Coelwulf needs to worry about, is there a traitor amongst them?
The characters in this series have become so well known to me I can almost visualise them. Each is different but all are amazing. I was pleased to see Coelwulf's aunt play a more prominent role in this book she's a strong independent female and the only one all the warriors seem to be a little afraid of including Coelwulf who she can almost reduce to a naughty child.
The banter between the warriors is as ever hilarious. The battles are just as gory and brilliantly written, you can almost feel like you're with them yelling 'For Mercia'. Rudolf, Coelwulf and Haden are my personal favourites but I really like how each warrior has developed through the series and how their experiences change them but never affects their loyalty to Mercia or each other.
I'm not sure what else I can say about this series other than I absolutely love it, I love the characters more with each book.
There was a moment in this one I almost didn't want to keep reading I just felt like something bad was about to happen and didn't want it to but I finished it and can honestly say I cannot wait for the next instalment.
If you haven't read any of this series then prepare for violence, battles, gore and a lot of humour! I knew to expect those things and still found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion reading this.
This time Coelwulf and his warriors are in Northampton which they had taken back from the raiders and fortified. Not willing to give it up, the raiders arrive ready for battle but it's not just them Coelwulf needs to worry about, is there a traitor amongst them?
The characters in this series have become so well known to me I can almost visualise them. Each is different but all are amazing. I was pleased to see Coelwulf's aunt play a more prominent role in this book she's a strong independent female and the only one all the warriors seem to be a little afraid of including Coelwulf who she can almost reduce to a naughty child.
The banter between the warriors is as ever hilarious. The battles are just as gory and brilliantly written, you can almost feel like you're with them yelling 'For Mercia'. Rudolf, Coelwulf and Haden are my personal favourites but I really like how each warrior has developed through the series and how their experiences change them but never affects their loyalty to Mercia or each other.
I'm not sure what else I can say about this series other than I absolutely love it, I love the characters more with each book.
There was a moment in this one I almost didn't want to keep reading I just felt like something bad was about to happen and didn't want it to but I finished it and can honestly say I cannot wait for the next instalment.
October 1, 2024
A battle ensues, but then we are catapulted three weeks back in time. We have some unexplained intrigue. What happened to Icel when he was captured? Who is the traitor in their camp?
I liked the small moments when Coelwulf was attempting to stay hidden and approaching the enemy steadily. He thought about the loyalty of his close knit circle of warriors and how they always stick with him, even if they don’t always agree on his methods. He evnen acknowledges the importance of craftsmen like blacksmiths and woodworkers. They play an integral part to the functioning of a warband.
And special love to Haden, his constant companion and horse, who seems to understand him, and his stalwart, feisty aunt Cyneswith. Coelwulf could not be the man and king he is without these two most steadfast loyalists.
I liked the small moments when Coelwulf was attempting to stay hidden and approaching the enemy steadily. He thought about the loyalty of his close knit circle of warriors and how they always stick with him, even if they don’t always agree on his methods. He evnen acknowledges the importance of craftsmen like blacksmiths and woodworkers. They play an integral part to the functioning of a warband.
And special love to Haden, his constant companion and horse, who seems to understand him, and his stalwart, feisty aunt Cyneswith. Coelwulf could not be the man and king he is without these two most steadfast loyalists.
August 23, 2021
Another decent addition to the series but I was annoyed and distracted by grammatical errors - the wrong use of “they’re” and “their”, “passed” instead of “past” and others
October 18, 2023
great read
Terrific battle tales and intrigue, personal love of companions in war and commitment to a cause. This series of books is highly recommended by me.
Terrific battle tales and intrigue, personal love of companions in war and commitment to a cause. This series of books is highly recommended by me.
January 2, 2024
The saga continues
Love the characters but wish less time was spent on the battles and more on the back story I their lives.
Love the characters but wish less time was spent on the battles and more on the back story I their lives.
January 16, 2022
I’ve been captivated by The Ninth Century series and had high expectations for book four. It didn’t let me down. There’s something about this warband with their big hearts… Gripping, tense but with laugh out loud moments, The Last Enemy was just what I wanted – keep reading for my review.
When you reach book four in a series, it’s either stronger than ever, or you’re wondering what’s next. The Last Enemy is, thankfully, the former. This action-packed historical fiction reunites us with favourite characters and tense battles, with plenty of humour and laugh out loud moments. Couldn’t put it down.
Anyone’s who has followed my reviews on this series knows how much I love the characters.
Coelwulf remains as epic as ever: determined to kick the raiders out of his kingdom. We glimpse his leadership qualities more in this one: a secure base rather than a constantly-moving camp allows you to witness interactions with more of his men.
We get to know Coelwulf’s formidable aunt in this book – and how all the men react to her. While she’s a character and a half in her own right, it was pure entertainment watching the men – even Coelwulf (especially Coelwulf!) - squirm under her disapproving gaze. It gave a new dynamic to the book, keeping it fresh despite being the fourth in the series.
The rest of the gang – Rudolf, Pybba, Edmund etc – remain their charismatic selves who are happiest keeping their king on his toes, and I love it.
We learn more about the bonds between the men this time as well. It gave the book a softer feel at times; we understand how deep their loyalty goes, and how close their friendships are. Things we’ve known all along, but are given voice this time. It’s a fantastic mix of characters.
I’m a huge fan of the writing here. The whole book took place over a short period of time, but you’re right there with the characters all the way. You only ever know as much as they do, and it’s fun watching them figure it out.
By the fourth book, you’d think I’d be wise to the misdirection and intrigue Porter creates in the opening chapter. But no, I’m still desperate to know how events unfold. The building of tension and suspense – knowing where they’re going but not how they get there – leaves you unable to put it down.
This is an action-packed series. We move from one battle to another, often with no time for a breather in-between (for us or the characters). But humour is interjected throughout, often at Coelwulf’s expense with either his bad sense of direction or not knowing what is going on. It offsets the drama perfectly and stops the fights getting too much.
There is a focus on the bonds of loyalty in this one; the men stay by Coelwulf’s side even in the face of injury. There’re a few moving moments understanding what drives and bonds these men together despite the impossible odds.
This is a recommendation for any historical-fiction fan. It’s packed of one fight after another and you won’t be able to put it down. But it’s perfectly balanced with characters you love, bonds of friendship and loyalty and a scattering of humour off-setting the tension. What more do you need?
When you reach book four in a series, it’s either stronger than ever, or you’re wondering what’s next. The Last Enemy is, thankfully, the former. This action-packed historical fiction reunites us with favourite characters and tense battles, with plenty of humour and laugh out loud moments. Couldn’t put it down.
Anyone’s who has followed my reviews on this series knows how much I love the characters.
Coelwulf remains as epic as ever: determined to kick the raiders out of his kingdom. We glimpse his leadership qualities more in this one: a secure base rather than a constantly-moving camp allows you to witness interactions with more of his men.
We get to know Coelwulf’s formidable aunt in this book – and how all the men react to her. While she’s a character and a half in her own right, it was pure entertainment watching the men – even Coelwulf (especially Coelwulf!) - squirm under her disapproving gaze. It gave a new dynamic to the book, keeping it fresh despite being the fourth in the series.
The rest of the gang – Rudolf, Pybba, Edmund etc – remain their charismatic selves who are happiest keeping their king on his toes, and I love it.
We learn more about the bonds between the men this time as well. It gave the book a softer feel at times; we understand how deep their loyalty goes, and how close their friendships are. Things we’ve known all along, but are given voice this time. It’s a fantastic mix of characters.
I’m a huge fan of the writing here. The whole book took place over a short period of time, but you’re right there with the characters all the way. You only ever know as much as they do, and it’s fun watching them figure it out.
By the fourth book, you’d think I’d be wise to the misdirection and intrigue Porter creates in the opening chapter. But no, I’m still desperate to know how events unfold. The building of tension and suspense – knowing where they’re going but not how they get there – leaves you unable to put it down.
This is an action-packed series. We move from one battle to another, often with no time for a breather in-between (for us or the characters). But humour is interjected throughout, often at Coelwulf’s expense with either his bad sense of direction or not knowing what is going on. It offsets the drama perfectly and stops the fights getting too much.
There is a focus on the bonds of loyalty in this one; the men stay by Coelwulf’s side even in the face of injury. There’re a few moving moments understanding what drives and bonds these men together despite the impossible odds.
This is a recommendation for any historical-fiction fan. It’s packed of one fight after another and you won’t be able to put it down. But it’s perfectly balanced with characters you love, bonds of friendship and loyalty and a scattering of humour off-setting the tension. What more do you need?
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews