Today, I’m so happy to say I have my review for King Of Kings by M.J Porter. A brand new series for the author. Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the ARC of the book to take part.
In the battle for power, there can be only one ruler.
AD925
Athelstan is the king of the English, uniting the petty kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia, the Danish-held Five Boroughs and York following the sudden death of his father, King Edward.
His vision is to unite the realms of the Scots and the Welsh in a peace accord that will protect their borders from the marauding threat of the Norse Vikings.
Whilst seemingly craving peace and demanding loyalty with an imperium over every kingdom, Athelstan could dream of a much bigger prize.
But danger and betrayal surround his best intentions, namely from his overlooked stepbrother, Edwin, who conspires and vies for what he deems is his rightful place as England’s king.
As ever, powerful men who wish to rule do not wish to be ruled, and Constantin of the Scots, Owain of Strathclyde, and Ealdred of Bamburgh plot their revenge against the upstart English king, using any means necessary.
An epic story of kingsmanship that will set in motion the pivotal, bloody Battle of Brunanburh where allies have to be chosen wisely…
M.J. Porter writes the most fabulous historical fiction. They can weave a tale so skilfully that I am in whichever age they have set the book I am reading. So, saying that, I expected rather a lot from King Of Kings. I’m so glad I wasn’t disappointed!
King Of Kings is set in AD925. Athelstan is King after his father Alfred the Great’s death. He has managed to unite Wessex, York, and Mercia to become King of England. His next aim is to become King of England, Scotland, and Wales. This sets him on a path frought with danger and betrayal. Where backing the wrong alliance could even cost an entire kingdom.
Told from multiple perspectives, this first book in a new series is as excellently researched as any other book I have read by this author. The fact that the story is told from various characters gave me the fuller picture, so I could understand and appreciate the minute details.
The characters were so well described again. I always feel like I am part of the story whenever I read an M.J. Porter book. I am such a history geek. I love programmes such as The Last Kingdom and Vikings. King of Kings just made me feel like I was watching one of these types of series.
King Of Kings is a slower paced story than some of this author’s work. It builds the characters and each of the threads of the storyline. This brought so much depth and detail to the story. When the scene is set, it builds to the final chapters. The underlying tension pours of the pages, alliances tested, alliances worked on. This book is less about violence and more about how Fealty and alliances can be won or lost without battle or force.
I am certainly looking forward to the next book in this series. Another gripping and captivating page turner from M.J. Porter.
Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3QzSc72
Author Bio
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.
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