From author MJ Porter comes a thrilling new hero.

Can one man win Mercia’s freedom from the Viking raiders?

Jarl Guthrum has been captured after the terrible events in Grantabridge. King Coelwulf knows exactly what he’d like to do to him, but those with calmer heads have other ideas.

Baptised and having taken the name of Æthelstan, Guthrum is Mercia’s prisoner, and in the wake of that, Mercia must rebuild.

But Jarl Guthrum is far from the only Viking raider who wishes to subdue Mercia. Coelwulf and his allies, grief-stricken, must still fight for her survival while those around demand their help in defeating the enemy.

Once more, the warriors of Mercia are obliged to do all they can to ensure the kingdom’s survival.

Praise for The Last King

"A well-written book from start to finish, full of action with lots of strong characters that you soon love. Really, truly loved it. 5 stars from me. Smashed it."

"I feel as though I'm sat astride a horse, sword in hand, screaming like a banshee as I charge."

"Action-packed and hard to put down."

"To say this book is excellent would be an understatement. it’s a blood and gore fest for any fan of the period." Amazon Reviewer

"The Last King starts with a punchy opening paragraph that instantly draws you into the story. Coelwulf is a fierce and skilful warrior with a formidable band of fighters at his side. Readers are invited to join them in the shield wall and follow them to the last bloody moments of every hectic battle. The Last King is a spirited novel; drenched in gore and positively ringing with the sound of seaxes on shields. This novel suits anyone who prefers a fast-paced tale with plenty of action. If you are a fan of Bernard Cornwell’s Uhtred series then this could help ease the wait till the next instalment." Netgalley Reviewer

"an instant page-turner." Netgalley Reviewer

"The battle scenes were really well written." Netgalley Reviewer

"Coelwulf is a fierce warrior with an honourable battlefield moral code. Coelwulf’s character is one that you soon learn to respect and admire, along with his men. With plenty of gory battle scenes, MJ Porter’s descriptive writing really brings Coelwulf’s battles to life." Netgalley Reviewer

"Fast-paced, deep character development, page-turning action, what more do you need." Netgalley Reviewer

"A tale that moves fairly swiftly, breathless at times, with great battle scenes and just the right amount of humour." Netgalley Reviewer

"I really loved this book, great strong central characters that grow on you. Fantastic read. The book had me gripped. Excellent storyline, fast-paced, full of action, bloody action and violence you feel like you're stood in the shield walk or charging on a horse with the blood & sweat of man & beast around you as you help battle the impossible odds. The stories main character Coelwulf is a true warrior of royal blood & the only man with the skills & presence to pull the lords of Mercia together. He stands tall with his band of warriors & draws men to him to do battle. A true hero of old." Netgalley Reviewer

The Ninth Century Series

Coelwulf's Company: Tales from before The Last King
The Last King
The Last Warrior
The Last Horse
The Last Enemy
The Last Sword
The Last Shield
The Last Seven
The Last Viking
The Last Alliance

MEET THE AUTHOR

I'm an author of historical fiction (Early English/Viking) and fantasy. I write A LOT. You've been warned.

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