Exciting, unpredictable and action-packed, Warrior of Mercia continues M J Porter’s gripping historical series, The Eagles of Mercia Chronicles.

Becoming the Warrior of Mercia has always been Icel’s most cherished dream and number one priority. With an oath sworn to the King and acknowledged as a member of Ealdorman’s Ælfstan’s warrior band, Icel is well on his way to achieving all of his goals for the future. With the King of Wessex fully defeated and Londonium under control of the Mercians, the Wessex invasion of Mercia can finally be consigned to the past…or can it? It quickly transpires that the Wessex king might not have been the only enemy this kingdom will have to contend with…

Ruthless Viking raiders are approaching under cover of darkness intent on infiltrating the waterways within touching distance of Mercia’s eastern borders in the kingdom of East Angles. The burden of duty and responsibility falls on Icel’s shoulders to journey to the East Angles and unite a common enemy to ensure that peace continues to reign in Mercia – because if tensions escalate the consequences simply do not bear thinking about.

Will Icel be successful in his quest? With failure not an option, Icel must tread carefully and trust nobody or else he might end up an unfortunate casualty of a treacherous conflict that could spell disaster for Mercia.

M J Porter’s Warrior of Mercia is a rollicking historical adventure that sweeps readers back in time and takes them straight into a world of divided loyalties, dangerous secrets, evil machinations and earth-shattering betrayals. Readers looking for a panoramic, enthralling and entertaining historical novel will certainly not be disappointed by M J Porter’s Warrior of Mercia.

If you enjoy historical fiction novels so full of action that they keep you on the edge of your seat, Warrior of Mercia is for you! With each new chapter, the detailed narrative and political landscape Icel lives in deepens. 
Icel has come a long way from the first book in the series, Son of Mercia. By and large, he has kept to his roots and has far more affinity for healing people as opposed to causing harm. However, his character development throughout the series allows him to expand into a more traditional role expected in ninth-century historical fiction novels. England is divided, and invaders from the Norse lands threaten their every way of life. Icel has transitioned from a boy who quails at the idea of harming someone to a young man who will raise his seax willingly to defend his people. 
That isn’t the typical plot development you would expect from these kinds of novels. However, it is for this reason that this series really works for me. It offers something different and unique. Icel’s perspective is, at least for me, unseen so far in this historical setting. Whilst comparable to the likes of Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom, the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles has a tale of its own, and from a fresh pair of eyes. 
Warrior of Mercia is a fast-paced read. At just 327 pages, it is very easy to pick up and makes for a quick read. The chapters are also nicely broken out so none are too long. It is a small thing but makes a difference to the reading experience. It makes it easier and more enjoyable. You have the option to pick it up and put it down relatively easily – although, you won’t want to! Even though the page count isn’t too onerous, the quality and quantity of the narrative isn’t compromised. On the contrary, the narrative is full of in-depth battle scenes and political machinations. If these are elements you enjoy in your books, just as I do, then you will be just as thrilled with the book as I am.

Posted as part of the blog tour

Firstly.. WOW..

Secondly… WOW..

We are back with Icel but don’t worry if you are not familiar with the series as the author does a nice little recap of events but in such a subtle way, for new readers it will give you the backdrop to Icel’s life to present, for the readers who have been with him from the start it’s a nice refresher and really gets you in the right zone, and puts you right back into the moment so you already feel those emotions brought on by the previous books again.

It’s only been a few months really since all this craziness started and in that time Icel has lost a lot, including his uncle. Friendships have become strained and he’s struggling to find his feet as a warrior. It doesn’t help that the King has singled him out for favour.. this doesn’t go down well with some!

What MJ Porter manages to do so well is setting the scene.. the emotions..the smell.. it feels like you are right there with Icel, you can smell his sweat and feel his heart pumping.

The Wessex King has run for his life but Mercia isn’t safe yet. The Viking’s are inbound and they could be an even bigger threat than Wessex.. but with so many men dead from the previously hard won battle how will King Wiglaf protect his people and repel these forces?

I keep saying it in my reviews but one thing I need to hit that 5* is character development, if characters go stale or seem out of place it just spoils the flow of my reading but there’s never any worry when reading anything by MJ Porter.

The plot is so expertly woven with character development, and you see each character grow as the page turns and I loved seeing characters like Cuthred with his own story arc. It was also great to see Brute and Wine back.. Icel’s trusty steeds, they don’t say anything obviously but their actions are louder than words and Brute especially brings a massive smile to my face.

Icel’s development is at the forefront and the author did a brilliant job showing the internal battle he faces each day, he trained to be a healer, now he’s a warrior, so many faces of those crush beneath feet, or with ghastly wounds.. he’s torn.. he could have saved some of these men.. and did… only to have them return to the fight and die. There’s a real depth to the character that can’t be beaten!

I’m never one to give spoilers but you can tell from the synopsis there’s going to be some battles.. blood and guts and it was beautifully brutal in detail and merged perfectly with Icel’s development, his feelings, his history… His uncle is never far from his thoughts and there’s clearly a hidden secret..but what? And why does the new Queen hate him so much? All will be revealed…. Or will it? Ha.

A wonderous 3rd instalment packed full or excitement, I’ve got the kindle version but can’t wait to grab hold of a paperback too!

Having read and reviewed the first two titles in the series, Son of Mercia and Wolf of Mercia, I was eagerly awaiting this new adventure featuring young Icel. Our healer is turning fast into an accomplished warrior, but his journey there isn't an easy one.

King Wiglaf has secured his throne for the second time, firmly establishing himself again as King of Mercia. But Icel, who was rewarded by Wiglaf for saving his life with the beautiful stallion, Brute, doesn't feel comfortable at court in Tamworth. Not everyone shares the king's goodwill, and petty jealousies soon erupt when Wiglaf's son, Wigmund, challenges Icel. Wigmund, kept safe at home by his scheming mother Cynethryth, lacks Icel's battle experience, but in his entitlement he regards the young healer-turned-fighting man as a threat.

But soon, an even deadlier enemy approaches: the Vikings are raiding the coast of East Anglia, and their king calls for help. But can he be trusted, or is it all an elaborate trap? Under the guidance of Ealdorman Ælfstan, Icel and his fellow warriors are sent deep into East Anglia, aware of enemies lurking everywhere. They don't trust the East-Anglian Ealdorman they're accompanying, and being wary pays off as they spot marauding Northmen before the local lord does!

They are attacked by a group of Vikings, but there are still instances that baffle Icel and the Ealdorman. Why was a West Saxon coin found in a burnt-down village? And why was the Viking's boat burnt and hidden?

But before they can investigate further, a new, larger threat emerges – one that directly heads to Peterborough monastery where the king stays, awaiting news. Will Icel and his fellow men arrive on time?

It was well worth waiting for this new adventure. The plot continues on from previous novels, but it also works well as a standalone read. Some threads are closed at the end of Warrior of Mercia, whilst others continue into the next book, making you want to read more.

Icel's personal development continues too. Early on, he's still a bit green, caught off guard by Wigmund’s henchman, but as Icel and his group journey into the enemy kingdom of East Anglia, his curious nature and common sense give him a real edge. He questions everything, and learns along the way. By the end of this novel, Icel the Healer has turned into a fully-fledged warrior. His healing skills still come in handy as he saves his friends’ lives, but he has grown not only in stature, but also into his role as the king's man. I expect further antipathy from Wigmund in the next instalment!

The political setting is shown realistically, with the small kingdoms vying with each other for any sort of supremacy over the others. East Anglia was part of Mercia once, and Wessex wants to absorb all of them. There is much mistrust and suspicion, and an element of personal ambition by a range of characters, which creates great tension.

And, of course, there is still the riddle about who Icel's father was. As further pieces fall into place, new questions emerge. The author does well to give poor Icel a few snippets of information, only for him to come up against another brick wall. This riddle is to be continued, and I have my own suspicions...

Warrior of Mercia is a gripping fast-paced historical adventure, well-researched, though a little gory at times, in the battle scenes and in the description of injuries sustained (which didn't bother me as it's not gratuitous). For me, this adds a sense of gritty realism to the story, and the knowledge that a warrior's life could be over in the blink of an eye.

An engaging read with a clever protagonist who grows into his changed role very nicely. I can't wait for the next adventure. Highly recommended!

The series continues with Icel becoming more of a warrior than the healers path that he has initially started off. In this part he has to face the mighty vikings help defend his beloved Mercia from enemies who act as friends. Interpersed within the story is a thread where he starts to raise question about his family and tries to find out his past which though still kept in suspense did add a delicious thread to the story.
Highly recommended for its historical narrative and clean style of writing

Wow, this series just gets better and better! Having fought off the Wessex forces in Londonia, Icel along with King Wiglaf’s men return to Tamworth for the cold winter. But while the winter stretches on in Tamworth, it becomes clear that Icel is still despised by the king’s son and king’s wife, and has to be careful not to get into trouble. Keeping his head down and trying not to draw attention to himself, Icel tries to avoid any problems, but soon the king’s men are called upon to travel towards the kingdom of East Anglia, and it seems there’s more than just the neighbouring kingdom to be wary of.

This is such a brilliant story and I can’t believe how much I’ve enjoyed this third instalment in the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles! After the bloody battle fought in Londonia, Icel and most of the king’s forces arrive back in Tamworth for the cold winter. As Icel spends time in Tamworth with Wynflaed and Cuthred, catching up on what he’s missed while away, it’s clear that the queen and her son still despise him more and more, and something soon happens between Icel and Edwin, his former friend too. I like how this third book returns to the events happening around Tamworth rather than focusing solely on one area of battle like the previous book did. While Icel finds himself becoming a better and more respected warrior, he’s also becoming more hated by the queen and her son Wigmund for the same reasons.

I like what happens while Icel is not only dealing with what is happening to him in Tamworth but also how he ends up meeting and having some interesting conversations with a few people from the past like Lady Cynehild, and how he’s also trying to work out a key piece of information about his past. The story is interesting throughout and I like how there are some lighter moments of humour throughout the book even though the majority of it is a more serious. When the king’s forces have to march out once again from Tamworth during the late winter, it becomes clear that Mercia is threatened with more than one foe. I like what happens as Icel becomes instrumental in several battles during this trip and what ends up happening with the other foe as well as the East Anglians.

The build up towards the ending is really good. I didn’t know what to expect but it was such a good build up and the ending is really good too. The final battle is quite a scene, bloody, gory and also so brilliant especially right at the end and I like what happens and how everything concludes in the final chapter too. The book has the occasional use of the s and b swear words and mentions several deaths, killings and some blood and more gory scenes, although it doesn’t feel as gory as the second book in the series which I liked as there’s only so much gore I can handle personally.

The book has some information about the kings of Mercia at the start of the book as well as more at the back and I really love the map illustrations which brings the area to life. There is also a very helpful ‘The Story so Far’ section which I appreciate as key things can sometimes be forgotten when reading this and it does make it easier for those who are picking up the series mid-way to begin reading, although of course I would recommend reading this series from the start to really enjoy and understand Icel and some of the other characters too. There are some notes at the end of the book which I liked reading too as they help you know what is fact and what is fiction as well as some interesting information on Saxon churches which I didn’t know. The story ends in a good way but that last scene leavs you wanting to read the next book in the series which I’m so eager and can’t wait for!!

Overall this is such a brilliant third instalment in the series following young sixteen-year-old Icel and I can’t wait to read more. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction set in the early medieval times, and would recommend the whole series so far too. This book focuses more on Icel and certain aspects of his life rather than just being focused on the battles (like in the first book), although there is a good few battles in here too, and I do feel as if Icel’s character is developing and growing more in this story which I like, and I am curious as to where the his tale will go next! 🙂

My Review: This isnt my usual genre and I am still finding my feet here, however it’s a very fascinating read that stimulates the imagination to a time and places that are far removed from the here and now. All the names and the battles, the questions of loyalties, the Kings and Lady’s. Really well put together. If it is your genre I know you will fully enjoy this book and the stories it tells.

The third instalment in The Eagle Of Mercia Chronicles. Warrior Of Mercia picks up the story of Icel, a young man who is trying to be accepted as a warrior. I have followed this series from the start and its been one full of ups and downs. You can read this as a standalone but if you are a historical fiction fan like me, read them as a series. It is one that is so worth reading.

M.J Porter has done it again. Such an immersive story, I was back by Icel's side as he attempts to help keep the peace in Mercia as a warrior. I felt like he was almost a friend, three books in. It wasn't just Icel that I felt for as the story developed. The fact that every character is brought vividly to life as you turn the pages made me hold my breath as they went into the brutal battles that this book has plenty of.

I am such a history nerd that revisiting Icel and this historical period had me in my element again. Again M.J Porter's detailed settings are so good I could picture myself there. I was so immersed I couldn't drag myself away from the book. I really was glued to my kindle.


The facts and fiction were interwoven so skilfully, I really couldn't tell where the facts ended and the fiction began, it is written that well. Three books in and it's a story that is still as exciting as the first book. I read this in a day and I didn't want to get to the end. Warrior Of Mercia gave me a book hangover and they hasn't happened for a while.

If you love historical fiction that's been meticulously researched, with characters you can get behind and plenty of action. Try this series, you won't be disappointed.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley.

I’ve loved every single one of MJ’s books and this is no different. Getting to know Icel as a young man turned warrior has been a roller coaster ride, full of battles, sadness and laughter.

MJ has a fantastic way of creating characters that mean something to the reader, there’s a few in Warrior of Mercia, not just Icel that I held my breath for when they were in danger and that’s not even including the horses! Every horse has a personality which makes the narrative so much more realistic.

If you are a fan of battle scenes then MJ is the author for you, the descriptives of battles are so incredible you can hear seaxes clashing on shields in your mind.

This is the 3rd instalment but you don’t have to read the previous two (though I recommend you do, they’re brilliant) and once again Mercia is in danger. I never reveal spoilers but this had me on edge, page turning, wanting to know if everyone will survive….

Danger doesn’t always come from outside, something Icel knows well, so he must be alert whether at home or out with the warband.

This book is filled to the brim with historical facts weaved into fiction, bloody battles and humour. MJ has been a favourite author of mine for a while now and based on this will remain so.

The third book in the story of Icel, a Mercian coming of age in the Warrior class. Having successfully waged battle against Wessex in the previous book, this story begins with the return of the Mercian King to Tamworth. With him travels Icel who is gaining a reputation as a great warrior despite only just coming of age. The book begins with his exploits at Tamworth as he finds his place amongst the King’s warriors looking to determine who is ally’s are, as well as his enemies. One of which is the King’s son Wigmund. Soon the band find themselves travelling to Peterborough to assist their East Angle neighbours from the Vikings and Icel finds himself facing danger in war once again.

Porter continues to go from strength to strength, his writing style is more immersive with each novel I read and I find the pages flashing past. I really enjoy his novels and love the way Porter brings the era to life, I can feel myself with the warrior band as they travel and can almost smell the smells and see the sights. Moreover, the pace of story line development is good and aids with immersion.

The book ends with an awesome hook to the next instalment, we may find out a bit more about who Icel is. This has been a question that has run through each of the books, Icel is without parents and his only living relative (or is it?) was his Uncle who died in the first book. There are a number of indications that Icel might be something more, jealousy amongst other warriors and members of the court to talents that run in his family. But who is he? I can’t wait to find out in the next book; or the one after, or the one after…, it doesn’t matter as they will all be amazing I’m sure!

Icel continues to strive to be a Warrior of Mercia and with Wessex defeated Londonium is back under Mercian control .
But an unknown danger lurks in the form of Viking Raiders.
Icel sets out to make sure Mercias hard won freedom prevails.

I had to step out of my comfort zone for this one and I am so glad I did. The plot of Warrior of Mercia is so well written that you feel like you are there in the middle of the battle's. The emotions are highly strung with lots of action. Icel is my favourite character and I was cheering for him and really felt for him.

Fans of Bernard Cornwell and Game of Thrones will love this action packed battle novel.

If you enjoy an action packed historical fiction book
This is one at which you should take a look.
Though I recommend you also check out the previous two
So this would make more sense to you.

It continues the story of Icel in the Dark ages again
An era when there are changes in the Kings who reign.
This turbulent times and the folks living then
Are the focus for this continuing story again.

Unfortunately this wasn't great for me
But why not look for yourself to see
We're all different, I'm sure you'll agree
So a favourite for you it could well be!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
And, hopefully obviously, this is my honest review.

This is one of my favourite periods of history so I am thrilled to have found this author! The characters were incredible and the description so vivid I could imagine being in that time and place. Many of the historical aspects are true to life, which written well like this, will always be a 5 star read to me.
Although this was the first book for me, it's actually the third in a series. This didn't take anything away from my enjoyment of the book, though I am very much looking forward to reading the others.

Young Icel is a warrior for Mercia The only thing he has close to a family is the local healer Wynstead. Although she is cranky they share a great affection for each other. He is untested in battle now though he gone and favor with the king an even received a gift from him he has yet to be really tested in battle but when he is it will both please him and scare him. There is so much to this book, 1st of all he is in love with the kings daughter but she is promise to another king‘s son who is a mama‘s boy and he cannot stand Icel, because of his favor with the king. There is a lot going on in this book but unlike most warrior books this one is really plot driven and I loved it! I have never read a book like this one before and I can only hope there’s going to be a fourth book because there were some unanswered questions and I would be so down to read that. I wish I was better at describing the greatness of a book but all I can say is if you love warrior stories MJ Porter has done a great job with the warrior of Mercia this is a definite five star read. This is the third book in the series in one I highly recommend. I received this book from Net Galley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Warrior of Mercia by MJ Porter

This is the 3rd instalment of the authors The Eagle of Marcia series. If you are following them you would have read :

Son of Mercia ( 1) and Wolf of Mercia ( 2 ) All three make up an suspenseful , exciting ,and well written books.

We follow Incel through his childhood t o becoming a warrior.
The author follows true events ( known kings , warriors and battles ) and writes in such a way that you can easily images all the sights and smells of the time in the dark ages .

M. J. Porter's The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles series continues with Warrior of Mercia The series currently has three books.

Synopsis:
As we begin book three, Icel continues to struggle to be recognized as a warrior. Mercia is facing a new threat, the East Angles. In order to prevent evil Vikings from invading Mercia's water canals, Icel must travel to the ruthless kingdom bordering the country. It is Icel's duty to maintain peace in Mercia and fight the enemy.

The story of Warrior of Mercia is action-packed. The reader feels as if he or she is at the scene of the battle. Icel's struggle to become a man is felt through his emotions. As a stand-alone, I was blown away by M. J. Porter's description of this time period. As soon as I started reading, I was able to pick up the plot and follow it.

Warrior of Mercia is available on November 9th. My review will be released on November 13th, as part of Rachel's Random Resources Blog Tour.

Thanks to M. J. Porter, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!

@BoldwoodBooks @BookandTonic #WarriorOfMercia #TheEagleOfMerciaChronicles @RachelsRandomResources, @NetGalley #NetGalleyReviewer #Blogtour

This is the third title in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles, we get to pick back up with Icel and continue to follow his coming of age in Mercia and his continuous battle with Wessex and now the newest threat to Mercia, East Angles.

This book, like all of MJ Porter's works does a fantastic job of keeping the reader engaged, setting the atmosphere and really pulling you into the time and place, you'll feel as if you are in fact in Dark Age Wessex. The battle scenes are well crafted with the right amount of detail.

If you've been reading The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles this new installment does not disappoint, if you haven't been reading it, why not?! Pick up Son of Mercia and join us in this great story!