My Review (4 stars out of 5)
This is the first book in a new series titled The Dark Age Chronicles. With little historical documentation to fall back on, the story is instead inspired by archaeological evidence, though the author’s knowledge of the period (real or imagined) does shine through. The plot revolves around several warring tribes including as the Weogoran, the Hicca, the Gyrwe and the Eorlingas. As always with many of Ms Porter’s historical sagas, the names can be confusing and even the list of characters at the front of the book didn’t help me remember who’s who. Set in Britannia AD540, the story starts by setting the scene in Britain after the Romans have left, leaving the various tribes to battle it out with each other. The most interesting character is Meddi the seeress – a strong and fearless warrior. Then we hear from Waermund of the Gyrwe, who sorts out issues with his older sibling in the traditional hack-em-to-pieces manner. Several chapters in, I did find the plot became a little difficult to follow, but the descriptions of the people and their antics are well done. The author’s narrative talents bring the story to life and at times it’s like watching a movie, which can’t be bad.
A rollicking saga with plenty of action.
About MJ Porter
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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NB this post first appeared as part of the Blog Tour for Men of Iron, via Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources.
Colin Garrow 