Clash of Kings: An action-packed unputdownable Dark Ages adventure from M J Porter for 2024 (The Brunanburh Series, 3) Paperback – 13 Jan. 2024

I have read the 3 books in the series and want to read lots more.Excellent is all I can say !!

M J Porter returns with another rip-roaring tale of power, ambition and vengeance: Clash of Kings.Olaf Gothfrithson of the Dublin Norse and Constantin of the Scots have returned from battle defeated and disappointed. Having narrowly escaped with both of their lives, both men feel weakened and demoralized. While Olaf is in Dublin keeping a low profile, Constantin and the Welsh Kingdoms who had once defied King Athelstan are forced to take the knee again with the monarch’s reputation continuing to get stronger and stronger. However, plans for vengeance are afoot. But will success be theirs? Or are they just destined for further disappointment?Meanwhile, Olaf’s plans to reclaim the lost kingdom of Jorvik are dashed when tragedy strikes and a new reluctant king is crowned. As England mourns its old king, her enemies vow not to lose this opportunity, leaving the country alone and defenseless and having to fight the might of the Norse, Welsh and the Scots. Can the new King be victorious and banish its enemies for good? Or will all be lost and will England be forced to succumb to a ruthless new ruler?M J Porter’s Clash of Kings is another addictive historical epic full of action, adventure, intrigue and tension that immerses the reader into a vividly rendered world full of larger than life characters, heart-stopping battle scenes and devious political machinations.Fast-paced, brilliantly written and exquisitely told, M J Porter’s Clash of Kings is another treat for historical fiction fans.I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A really fast paced read. Lots of betrayal, love and differences. A definite page turner, exciting and a plot around the corner and intrigue. A really great read.

I love MJ Porter's unique way of telling the story from multiple viewpoints. The reader gets to see the motives of all sides - and there were many sides in 10th century England - of the conflict.Clash of Kings continues the story of England after the decisive Battle of Brunanburgh, and follows the career of Athelstan's brother and successor, Edmund., who continues to establish English superiority in the British Isles, though not without challenges to his authority.MJ Porter has followed the history as far as we know it, but her novel also fills in the gaps with her own plausible theories. I love that she gives Aethelflaed's daughter, Aelfwynn, marriage and a life, rather than confining her to a convent. And the suggestion that Aelfwynn married Athelstan Half-King is surely plausible?King Edmund himself has much to live up to - his half-brother, Athelstan, was a warrior of great renown and it is no surprise that the first part of Clash of Kings is taken up with plots, challenges and Edmund's own attempts to emulate his brother's ability to command, with limited success.Clash of Kings is a story of success overcoming failure and of the making of England. It is told with great passion and vigour. The entire series is one that is not to be missed. I can highly recommend it.

Clash of Kings by M.J. Porter is the third book in the new Chronicles of the English/Brunanburh and WoW What a fantastic magical this book this was! Just like the other two within this series which I just adored from the very first page till the very last.It's AD937 and after the slaughter field of Brunanburh, a defeated Olaf Gothfrithson of the Dublin Norse and Constantin of the Scots narrowly escaped with their lives. In their kingdoms, failure has left them demoralised and weak. Olaf licks his wounds in Dublin, whilst Constantin and the Welsh kingdoms who defied King Athelstan, are once more forced to bend the knee. As Athelstan’s reputation grows stronger day by day, their need to exact revenge on the over mighty and triumphant Athelstan has never been greater. Olaf sets his sights on reclaiming the lost kingdom of Jorvik only for tragedy to strike at the heart of England and a reluctant new King, Edmund steps in the fray.While England mourns the death of their warrior King, her enemies gather on her borders and England stands alone against the might of the Norse, Welsh and Scots.Can the new King be victorious and banish her enemies once and for all or will England, and its king lose all that’s been gained and succumb to a new pretender?An interesting and powerful read and I really enjoyed it, especially as it was beautifully written. This series of books are books that I would read again in a few years.

What a lot of politics going on between these kings.I really enjoyed the storyline in this book and was engrossed right from the start by the way the author sets the scenes and found them very descriptive to the point I didn’t want to put the book down but keep reading to find out what happened next. Full of action with lots of strong characters.The story follows on from the Battle of Brunanburh.I highly recommend this book.If you like books set before 1066 then the series written by M.J. Porter are for you.Highly recommended.

The action takes place two years after the battle of Brunanburgh where Athelstan defeated the combined armies of the Norse and Scots.Athelstan is dead from a fever and his enemies seek to take advantage of Edmund the stepbrother of Athelstan the untried King of the EnglishOlaf King of the Dublin Norse seeks to take back Jorvik to exact revenge for his defeat.Great story told from the viewpoint of all the major protagonists. It simply emphasises the difficulties holding and ruling territories from those armed raiders who seek to take it from the unprotected.I enjoyed it especially since the action takes places in areas of the country I know well so it is easy to see how difficult it was to hold onto territory and makes for a more enjoyable read..

EVEN BETTER THAN BOOK ONE. I HAVE ORDERED BOOK THREE.

I love historical books with a passion. I was not that impressed with this series only because it was so repetitive and predictable. There were no surprises or oh my gosh moments that made me want to keep reading every day. If I can put it down and not think about it, it’s definitely not a great book.

Boring