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Eagle of Mercia Chronicles #4
Eagle of Mercia
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?
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?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2023
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!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 9, 2023
The author kindly sent me this arc yesterday.
So I finished it in 24 hours !
I cant explain how much I enjoy this series. We have a MC who has so much depth and growth taking place and yet his journey feels like it has so much more distance to run
Icel is a young warrior now, finding his place in the world. He is becoming a renowned fighter, who also has the fortunate knowledge to help act as a healer for his injured war-band
He is also continually swimming against the tide of his family history, with this being an ever intriguing backdrop to the events in the story.
The pacing in this one was, chefs kiss 😘🤌. Never a dull moment with plenty of danger, battles, politics and drama sprinkled in.
MJ knocks this one out of the park
So I finished it in 24 hours !
I cant explain how much I enjoy this series. We have a MC who has so much depth and growth taking place and yet his journey feels like it has so much more distance to run
Icel is a young warrior now, finding his place in the world. He is becoming a renowned fighter, who also has the fortunate knowledge to help act as a healer for his injured war-band
He is also continually swimming against the tide of his family history, with this being an ever intriguing backdrop to the events in the story.
The pacing in this one was, chefs kiss 😘🤌. Never a dull moment with plenty of danger, battles, politics and drama sprinkled in.
MJ knocks this one out of the park
May 12, 2023
oh my ! poor Icel .. why can't he ever catch a break. i want to cuddle him and tell him that everything is going to be alright!
another great book by MJ Porter showing the grizzly times Icel is living in.
Battles are not heroic but they stink and are hard on the men. so much sensless slaughter there had been in the medieval times. Fascinating how the wounds were treated and how much knowledge about herbs were used to treat warriors and common folk alike to keep them alive.
Cannot wait for the next book!
another great book by MJ Porter showing the grizzly times Icel is living in.
Battles are not heroic but they stink and are hard on the men. so much sensless slaughter there had been in the medieval times. Fascinating how the wounds were treated and how much knowledge about herbs were used to treat warriors and common folk alike to keep them alive.
Cannot wait for the next book!
May 4, 2023
Thank you Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙖𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙩, 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡.
🦅The book - 4th in the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles - set in the Anglo-Saxon time period of the 9th century, narrates the story of a healer-turns-warrior of Mercia, Icel.
832 AD. Once again the Viking raiders return to plunder the land of Saxon. As Lord Coenwulf of Kingsholm is taken hostage by them and held captive on the Isle of Sheppey in Wessex held Kent, Lady Cynehild implored Icel to rescue her husband. Thus Icel and his fellow Mercian warriors led a rescue mission inside the heart of the enemy kingdom, where they not only had to overpower the Viking raiders but also avoid being captured by the enemy Wessex soldiers to rescue Lord Coenwulf.
🦅Once again the author had created a convincing story based on the historical background and the way he portrayed this dark age of Saxon Britain shows he has a great grasp of this era. The plot is tightly packed, the spacing never slows down and the battle scenes were topnotch. I also find it interesting how the various medicinal treatments applicable during that era are shown in the book.
🦅Icel is now a renowned warrior and a minor lord of Mercia, but to rescue Lord Coenwulf he had to use both his battle expertise and his healing skills. The entire story is narrated from his 1st person POV; so it is through his eye that we experienced his torn feeling for Lady Elflaed whom he can never have and his yearning to know his parentage, but ultimately how that knowledge turned his life upside down.
🦅In the climax Icel's parentage is finally revealed which I already see coming, but what surprises me is the promise that he had to give for knowing his father’s name. I'm eager to see what will he do with this knowledge and who else is privy to that secret.
Overall, Eagle of Merica was an enjoyable read. This series just gets better and better with each book and I cannot wait for the next one. If you're into historical fiction & Anglo-Saxon history, then this one is for you. Highly recommend.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙖𝙢, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙚𝙩, 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡.
🦅The book - 4th in the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles - set in the Anglo-Saxon time period of the 9th century, narrates the story of a healer-turns-warrior of Mercia, Icel.
832 AD. Once again the Viking raiders return to plunder the land of Saxon. As Lord Coenwulf of Kingsholm is taken hostage by them and held captive on the Isle of Sheppey in Wessex held Kent, Lady Cynehild implored Icel to rescue her husband. Thus Icel and his fellow Mercian warriors led a rescue mission inside the heart of the enemy kingdom, where they not only had to overpower the Viking raiders but also avoid being captured by the enemy Wessex soldiers to rescue Lord Coenwulf.
🦅Once again the author had created a convincing story based on the historical background and the way he portrayed this dark age of Saxon Britain shows he has a great grasp of this era. The plot is tightly packed, the spacing never slows down and the battle scenes were topnotch. I also find it interesting how the various medicinal treatments applicable during that era are shown in the book.
🦅Icel is now a renowned warrior and a minor lord of Mercia, but to rescue Lord Coenwulf he had to use both his battle expertise and his healing skills. The entire story is narrated from his 1st person POV; so it is through his eye that we experienced his torn feeling for Lady Elflaed whom he can never have and his yearning to know his parentage, but ultimately how that knowledge turned his life upside down.
🦅In the climax Icel's parentage is finally revealed which I already see coming, but what surprises me is the promise that he had to give for knowing his father’s name. I'm eager to see what will he do with this knowledge and who else is privy to that secret.
Overall, Eagle of Merica was an enjoyable read. This series just gets better and better with each book and I cannot wait for the next one. If you're into historical fiction & Anglo-Saxon history, then this one is for you. Highly recommend.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)
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April 26, 2023When a messenger comes to Mercia to tell the king Vikings have been spotted sailing Close to his kingdom he sends Icel and the rest of his Warriors to defend the land after a brutal battle with a group of Vikings Icelgets word from ladies centile that her husband has been taken but the Warriors don’t know if he was taken by the other king or the Vikings. They will pretend to be fisherman move under the cover of darkness all to find SinHiles husband after all she is heavy with baby. If Icel thanks the journey to find his Lord is a hellish one he has seen nothing yet they will lose some good man and he will be called on to use all the healing knowledge he has it seems this series just gets better and better I love how each book focuses on a new warrior and although this is the second one that focuses on Icel I don’t mind at all as he is one of my favorite characters in the book and OMG if this didn’t end on a wild moment. MJ Porter really has a great grasp of this era and I cannot wait for the next book I look so forward to reading her books and could read them all day and be fine with that. If you like historical fiction with great fight scenes an even better dialogue then you love eagle of Mercia by M.J Porter I definitely do. I received this book from NetGalley and Boldwood books but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
April 24, 2023
Book 4 of the Eagles of Mercia Chronicles and the hero for this book is Icel in AD831. He knows little of his parentage but knows he has a destiny to follow.
He is a healer and a warrior and together with his friends sets off to try and rescue Lord Coelwulf from the Vikings and held in Wessex. Not an easy task to accomplish and lots of fighting to take place.
Really enjoyed this book, full of action and adventure. Will not spoil the outcome but there will be revelations.
He is a healer and a warrior and together with his friends sets off to try and rescue Lord Coelwulf from the Vikings and held in Wessex. Not an easy task to accomplish and lots of fighting to take place.
Really enjoyed this book, full of action and adventure. Will not spoil the outcome but there will be revelations.
April 30, 2023
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This is the fourth book in this excellent series, I have read books one and two, three is in my ever increasing to be read pile, but while there are references to the previous books this could be read as a standalone story, though my advice read all of them. Well written and researched the continuing coming of age saga of Icel trainee healer, now minor Lord and trainee warrior is totally gripping. Atmospheric descriptive so much so you almost feel a part of the story and witness to the sights smells of these times. Our hero being a healer leads to some graphic details of treating wounds. Immersive riveting totally engaging a real page turner, and completely and utterly recommended.
This is the fourth book in this excellent series, I have read books one and two, three is in my ever increasing to be read pile, but while there are references to the previous books this could be read as a standalone story, though my advice read all of them. Well written and researched the continuing coming of age saga of Icel trainee healer, now minor Lord and trainee warrior is totally gripping. Atmospheric descriptive so much so you almost feel a part of the story and witness to the sights smells of these times. Our hero being a healer leads to some graphic details of treating wounds. Immersive riveting totally engaging a real page turner, and completely and utterly recommended.
April 12, 2024
an important step in Marcia’s history
As usual we have vivid clashes in battle, but also more history of Icel’s past is discovered. I enjoy the elaborate and detailed fights between the English. But now Viking raids in England is added to the mix, and I find a renewed vigor to these scenes. I hope to see more personality from the Viking warriors so that they are not just depicted as dangerous beserkers. However this is all backdrop to our main character, Icel. He receives some answers to his questions of family, but how does this impact his future? Will he just ignore it? How can he protect Cynehild’s sons and be loyal to King Wiglaf? What does he want to do?
As usual we have vivid clashes in battle, but also more history of Icel’s past is discovered. I enjoy the elaborate and detailed fights between the English. But now Viking raids in England is added to the mix, and I find a renewed vigor to these scenes. I hope to see more personality from the Viking warriors so that they are not just depicted as dangerous beserkers. However this is all backdrop to our main character, Icel. He receives some answers to his questions of family, but how does this impact his future? Will he just ignore it? How can he protect Cynehild’s sons and be loyal to King Wiglaf? What does he want to do?
June 4, 2023
Another great read. Another breathtaking journey through a warrior's time - when life was so much simpler, but so much more violent. So, another chapter opens for Icel. I shall be looking forward to the next volume from this great story teller, all of whose stories have to be pure works of fiction of course. But the characters are so real despite this, and it's so easy to forget when reading.
April 7, 2023
Review to come (blog tour).
May 8, 2023
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.
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.
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.
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.
November 8, 2024
Another 5-star blast from Icel's past.
May 17, 2023
I'm a fan of this brilliant series, so I couldn't wait to read about Icel's latest adventures. A veritable anti-hero, Icel does not hanker after power or glory. He really wanted to be a healer, but fate had other plans for him. Now, Icel is a warrior in Ealdorman Ælfstan's retinue, in the service of King Wiglaf, and quite content with his lot.
Eagle of Mercia begins with an intriguing claim. When on a visit to the lands he inherited from his late uncle, he is followed by a Mercian-turned-East-Anglian, Godwulf. All Icel wanted to do is have a chance to speak to the Lady Ælflæd who has arrived to show her respects at his uncle's grave, but it's in vain. The lady ignores him. When Godwulf insists that Icel should be commander of the king's warriors, one of Ælflæd's men challenge him, and a fight ensues. Icel is reluctant to stop it, uncertain how to react as the new lord of the manor. This seemed a little weak to me, especially when Ælflæd then intervenes, stopping the men. Icel must still learn how to be the owner of his own hall.
When Godwulf follows him on to Tamworth, the capital of Mercia, others hear of the man's claims. As Icel knows nothing of his birthright, because no one would tell him, he feels uncomfortable with it all – until he firmly and publicly insists that he has no plans of becoming commander. But the man's words stay with him, and he's even more desperate now to know who his father was. Why on earth is no one telling him?
When Ealdorman Ælfstan's men are tasked with crushing a Viking approach in the east, Icel is keen to be away from Tamworth and his thoughts. Yet a raid leads to disaster, and our young hero must think on his feet. But in its aftermath, Icel makes a discovery that may change everything.
Eagle of Mercia is another exciting adventure featuring young Icel. I always think of him as the anti-hero. He is not a mindless fighting machine, like so many around him. His real strength lies in healing, which he still practices when his co-warriors are injured. He is no longer ridiculed for his skill, but appreciated.
I found the beginning a little too slow as he mulls over Godwulf's words at great length. There are quite a few repetitions of his thoughts, which slow the pace of the early chapters. Some tension still exists, mainly because of Godwulf's stubborn, inexplicable insistence, and you do wonder about the man's real objectives, as does Icel. But our young hero also ponders a lot about the Lady Ælflæd, and there are sadly also quite a few cases of repetitions which the editor should have picked up on. I found myself skipping some paragraphs here and there, to get to the actual action.
In my view, the plot of Eagle of Mercia is more about Icel's continuing internal conflict, at least in the first part of the novel, then turns to the renewed threat from the Vikings. The pace picks up rapidly then, and we are offered brilliant visual scenes of skirmishes, actions, and gripping plots the author so excels in. The research is, as always, impeccable, and throughout, the novel maintains a strong sense of place and time.
Icel is a thoroughly nice guy, keen to avoid conflict at his home and with his friends. He is not an aggressive character, but one who tries to think things through. His strength is saved for fighting when needed, and he is content with that. Part of him still misses being a healer, and we can sense a restlessness in him. But he's happy with his fate – for the moment.
There is a great twist near the end, which promises much intrigue for the next novel in the series. What will Icel do next? Can't wait to see!
Eagle of Mercia continues to reveal more of young Icel's exciting path, peppered with new discoveries, friendships, and losses. Well worth reading!
Note: I was provided with a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
Eagle of Mercia begins with an intriguing claim. When on a visit to the lands he inherited from his late uncle, he is followed by a Mercian-turned-East-Anglian, Godwulf. All Icel wanted to do is have a chance to speak to the Lady Ælflæd who has arrived to show her respects at his uncle's grave, but it's in vain. The lady ignores him. When Godwulf insists that Icel should be commander of the king's warriors, one of Ælflæd's men challenge him, and a fight ensues. Icel is reluctant to stop it, uncertain how to react as the new lord of the manor. This seemed a little weak to me, especially when Ælflæd then intervenes, stopping the men. Icel must still learn how to be the owner of his own hall.
When Godwulf follows him on to Tamworth, the capital of Mercia, others hear of the man's claims. As Icel knows nothing of his birthright, because no one would tell him, he feels uncomfortable with it all – until he firmly and publicly insists that he has no plans of becoming commander. But the man's words stay with him, and he's even more desperate now to know who his father was. Why on earth is no one telling him?
When Ealdorman Ælfstan's men are tasked with crushing a Viking approach in the east, Icel is keen to be away from Tamworth and his thoughts. Yet a raid leads to disaster, and our young hero must think on his feet. But in its aftermath, Icel makes a discovery that may change everything.
Eagle of Mercia is another exciting adventure featuring young Icel. I always think of him as the anti-hero. He is not a mindless fighting machine, like so many around him. His real strength lies in healing, which he still practices when his co-warriors are injured. He is no longer ridiculed for his skill, but appreciated.
I found the beginning a little too slow as he mulls over Godwulf's words at great length. There are quite a few repetitions of his thoughts, which slow the pace of the early chapters. Some tension still exists, mainly because of Godwulf's stubborn, inexplicable insistence, and you do wonder about the man's real objectives, as does Icel. But our young hero also ponders a lot about the Lady Ælflæd, and there are sadly also quite a few cases of repetitions which the editor should have picked up on. I found myself skipping some paragraphs here and there, to get to the actual action.
In my view, the plot of Eagle of Mercia is more about Icel's continuing internal conflict, at least in the first part of the novel, then turns to the renewed threat from the Vikings. The pace picks up rapidly then, and we are offered brilliant visual scenes of skirmishes, actions, and gripping plots the author so excels in. The research is, as always, impeccable, and throughout, the novel maintains a strong sense of place and time.
Icel is a thoroughly nice guy, keen to avoid conflict at his home and with his friends. He is not an aggressive character, but one who tries to think things through. His strength is saved for fighting when needed, and he is content with that. Part of him still misses being a healer, and we can sense a restlessness in him. But he's happy with his fate – for the moment.
There is a great twist near the end, which promises much intrigue for the next novel in the series. What will Icel do next? Can't wait to see!
Eagle of Mercia continues to reveal more of young Icel's exciting path, peppered with new discoveries, friendships, and losses. Well worth reading!
Note: I was provided with a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
May 13, 2023
Eagle of Mercia is book 4 in the now well established Eagle of Mercia Chronicles. I feel like it was only yesterday I read the first book but so much has happened since.
Icel is a fully fledged warrior now with his days as a healer gone.. but never forgotten. I really loved how the author give little nods to past events, these are perfect reminders for those familiar with the series but also allow new readers to catch up quickly and to understand motivations.
I really felt the depth of Icel in the instalment, you can see he is starting to grow older and sees the world in a different light.
There’s also a dash of secrecy to the tale. Icel still does not know much about his family but he learns he is linked to an old king in some way.. but Icel doesn’t want power or fame, he really just wants to get on with his life, but will people let him? And what’s the connection.. is there more to it than what he is being told.
If that wasn’t enough stress for Icel he’s also torn romantically, unsure of his feelings toward a lady that can never be his.
As you can see from the blurb there’s more at stake than Icel’s difficulties.. Lord Coenwulf is taken hostage by the Viking’s and a rescue attempt must be mounted. These are savagely strong warriors, how can they possibly get Lord Coenwulf back safely?
Add to that the men of Wessex are marching but why, and who is really behind it all…There’s a lot of political intrigue around certain motivations and Icel’s is sort of caught in the middle at times with no rock to hide behind.
What really works well is the balance between character driven plot and the wider plot, it’s a nice way to break up events for the reader but also helps you feel for the characters, I need the realness, to see Icel’s weaknesses as well as his strengths really made me fall in love with the character and this series.
Eagle of Mercia is packed full of adventure, action, hate, lust, intrigue.. the list goes on but safe to say it ticks all the boxes and more. A resounding 5/5 star success!
Icel is a fully fledged warrior now with his days as a healer gone.. but never forgotten. I really loved how the author give little nods to past events, these are perfect reminders for those familiar with the series but also allow new readers to catch up quickly and to understand motivations.
I really felt the depth of Icel in the instalment, you can see he is starting to grow older and sees the world in a different light.
There’s also a dash of secrecy to the tale. Icel still does not know much about his family but he learns he is linked to an old king in some way.. but Icel doesn’t want power or fame, he really just wants to get on with his life, but will people let him? And what’s the connection.. is there more to it than what he is being told.
If that wasn’t enough stress for Icel he’s also torn romantically, unsure of his feelings toward a lady that can never be his.
As you can see from the blurb there’s more at stake than Icel’s difficulties.. Lord Coenwulf is taken hostage by the Viking’s and a rescue attempt must be mounted. These are savagely strong warriors, how can they possibly get Lord Coenwulf back safely?
Add to that the men of Wessex are marching but why, and who is really behind it all…There’s a lot of political intrigue around certain motivations and Icel’s is sort of caught in the middle at times with no rock to hide behind.
What really works well is the balance between character driven plot and the wider plot, it’s a nice way to break up events for the reader but also helps you feel for the characters, I need the realness, to see Icel’s weaknesses as well as his strengths really made me fall in love with the character and this series.
Eagle of Mercia is packed full of adventure, action, hate, lust, intrigue.. the list goes on but safe to say it ticks all the boxes and more. A resounding 5/5 star success!
May 12, 2023
M J Porter blends action, adventure, intrigue and tension in their latest captivating historical novel, Eagle of Mercia.
Icel’s star continues to ascend. Acknowledged by King Wiglaf and his comrades to keep Mercia safe from the ravages of Wessex, the king-slayer on the East Angles and the Viking raiders, he certainly has got a lot on his plate. With danger looming round every corner, Icel needs to keep his eyes and ears open – especially as the threat of Viking raiders returning come springtime looms large. When Lord Coenwulf of Kingsholm is apprehended by a Viking and held captive, Lady Cynehild implores Icel to rescue her husband.
This mission is going to test Icel like never before. Alongside his fellow warriors, Icel must risk himself twice over for not only must he do battle with the Vikings, but also with Mercia’s ancient enemy, the Kingdom of Wessex. A stranger in unwelcome territory and with threats wherever he turns, will Icel manage to do the impossible and triumph over all the adversity standing in his way? Or will this be a battle he simply cannot win?
A first-rate historical novel, Eagle of Mercia is an adrenaline-fueled, heart-racing and nail-biting page-turner perfect for Bernard Cornwell fans. M J Porter never fails to create vivid, atmospheric, exciting and unpredictable page-turners that sweep readers into another world and Eagle of Mercia is certainly no exception
A superb historical novel that will keep readers gripped from start to finish, Eagle of Mercia is the latest triumph by M J Porter.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Icel’s star continues to ascend. Acknowledged by King Wiglaf and his comrades to keep Mercia safe from the ravages of Wessex, the king-slayer on the East Angles and the Viking raiders, he certainly has got a lot on his plate. With danger looming round every corner, Icel needs to keep his eyes and ears open – especially as the threat of Viking raiders returning come springtime looms large. When Lord Coenwulf of Kingsholm is apprehended by a Viking and held captive, Lady Cynehild implores Icel to rescue her husband.
This mission is going to test Icel like never before. Alongside his fellow warriors, Icel must risk himself twice over for not only must he do battle with the Vikings, but also with Mercia’s ancient enemy, the Kingdom of Wessex. A stranger in unwelcome territory and with threats wherever he turns, will Icel manage to do the impossible and triumph over all the adversity standing in his way? Or will this be a battle he simply cannot win?
A first-rate historical novel, Eagle of Mercia is an adrenaline-fueled, heart-racing and nail-biting page-turner perfect for Bernard Cornwell fans. M J Porter never fails to create vivid, atmospheric, exciting and unpredictable page-turners that sweep readers into another world and Eagle of Mercia is certainly no exception
A superb historical novel that will keep readers gripped from start to finish, Eagle of Mercia is the latest triumph by M J Porter.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 5, 2023
Icel is the hero in Eagle of Mercia and he doesn't know his true family heritage. Icel is a healer and a warrior and with his comrades they set out to rescue Lord Coelwulf from the Vikings but it won't be easy and there is a battle. As someone who never used to read this genre I am now happy to say that it is my favourite genre. The battles, action, danger and suspense in Eagle of Mercia make it a page turner but also learning more history from the Viking days is a added bonus. Icel is a favourite of mine because as well as being a warrior which most are, he is also a healer which I find more intriguing and enjoy learning more about the healing. If you don't think you like this genre and like me had never actually given it a go then please please do because it is actually really suprisingly fantastic and Eagle of Mercia is a Viking historical masterpiece. Hugely recommend reading this book. I am so excited for the next book in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles.
November 13, 2024
This is one of the most engrossing series I've ever read. I'm usually not one for series, in all honesty. I prefer stand alones. I usually lose interest or the story begins to get stale or repetitive. MJ Porter keeps Isil's journey as a warrior of Mercia fresh and exciting with every new instalment.
Truth time: I finished reading this book awhile ago and Im already 3/4s through the next book. This series has everything you need to stay engaged and engrossed: war, intrigue, action, injustice, and the will to live in the face of incalculable odds. Gritty and immersive, this ancient historicall fiction series is a must-read for everyone searching for an escape to medieval times.
Truth time: I finished reading this book awhile ago and Im already 3/4s through the next book. This series has everything you need to stay engaged and engrossed: war, intrigue, action, injustice, and the will to live in the face of incalculable odds. Gritty and immersive, this ancient historicall fiction series is a must-read for everyone searching for an escape to medieval times.
March 12, 2024
This book was definitely better than the previous one with much more adventure, dangerous moments and nail-biting excitement. Our “hero”, Icel, continues on his journey to being a warrior-healer in Anglo-Saxon England, fighting Vikings and men from Wessex and getting into all kinds of scrapes and scraps.
I must admit that I’m becoming quite addicted to this series. So, the question is: should I go on to the next book immediately, or take a break with something different? Choices, choices!
I must admit that I’m becoming quite addicted to this series. So, the question is: should I go on to the next book immediately, or take a break with something different? Choices, choices!
June 11, 2023
The eagle spreads his wings
Icel continues his search for he parentage, and battles his demons,along with Viking raiders, and Wessex. Thoroughly enjoyed Potter's depiction of life in these troubled times. All aspects of the story are a fascinating insight into ancient history.
Icel continues his search for he parentage, and battles his demons,along with Viking raiders, and Wessex. Thoroughly enjoyed Potter's depiction of life in these troubled times. All aspects of the story are a fascinating insight into ancient history.
May 30, 2024
I am absolutely thrilled with all the books in this series. The intrigue the characters and the history!!
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