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Pit of Vipers (Sons of Kings Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Millie Thom (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 218 ratings
The lives of Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia continue to unfold against the ever-increasing threat of Danish raids. Now back in his homeland, Eadwulf sets out on his determined quest for revenge, whilst Alfred’s leadership skills develop at the courts of his successive brothers. Before long, those skills will be put to the test.

The Danish invasion of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in 865 is merciless and relentless. Every year more Norse ships come to join their comrades in a quest to plunder for wealth and gain domination over the people. The Wessex king is now Aethelred, Alfred’s last surviving brother, and Alfred becomes his trusted second-in-command. Whilst the Danes take kingdom after kingdom, the brothers wait with baited breath for them to set their sights on Wessex.

By 869 their worst fear is realised.
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  1. Book 2 of 4
    Sons of Kings
  2. Print length
    411 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    December 22, 2014
  5. File size
    925 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A thoughtful and exciting novel that brings history to life. The political intrigues, the thirst for revenge, and the Viking invasion of the English kingdoms are the perfect recipe for an addicting series. This novel is not only a fantastic addition to the Sons of Kings series, but it's a great find for historical fiction fans. Millie Thom knows her history and she knows how to craft a novel that's impossible to put down. Highly recommended." - Self-Publishing Review, 5 Stars
"There is a little of everything in this book -- heroes, villains, hate, love, wit and a good dose of irony -- which keeps the reader not only engaged but enthralled. Thom is a born storyteller, and her masterful style pulls you right in. I found myself back in the Dark Ages with these fascinating characters during which can only be described as a very turbulent and uncertain time. Sons of Kings #2 is an absolute must-read for fans of Michael Hirst's fabulous Vikings series. This book hooks you in and leaves you wanting more. The pages practically turn themselves." - Mary Anne Yarde, 5 Stars

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00RDB7H0A
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Millie Thom; 1st edition (December 22, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 22, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 925 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 411 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 218 ratings

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Millie Thom

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
218 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical thriller engaging, with one noting how the flow of the story kept them spellbound. Moreover, the writing is exceptionally rich, and one customer describes it as a thoughtfully written historical fiction saga. Additionally, customers appreciate the book as a great history lesson and consider it a must-read for those who love England. They also value the character development and accurate timeline.

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11 customers mention "Story quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as an enthralling historical thriller with engaging intrigue.

"...Her synopsis makes the story accessible to all – ‘the lives of Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia continue to unfold against the ever increasing..." Read more

"...Set in the 9th century, this is mostly a tale of revenge, with dashes of heroism, invaders of all kinds and battles both won and lost...." Read more

"...There’s plenty of action, intrigue, and rich historical detail to keep any reader satisfied...." Read more

"...isn’t my strong suit, but that’s okay, because Ms. Thom keeps the action moving and her historical knowledge is amazing...." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as exceptionally rich, with one customer noting its wonderful detail and another finding it a riveting read.

"...The prose is simple yet in keeping with the period, and beautifully crafted...." Read more

"...Pit of Vipers is well written, well researched, and a great read...." Read more

"...Millie Thom’s writing is exceptionally rich and vivid and she knows well how to keep the pace exciting...." Read more

"Pit of Vipers is the second book in Millie Thom’s wonderfully detailed and enthralling Sons of Kings trilogy set in the 9th Century...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning their connection to the characters and another noting their interest in the historical context surrounding them.

"...Millie then lists a complete list of characters from each of the lands in which the story blossoms as well as maps of the countries described – a..." Read more

"...It is obvious that the author loves and cares about the history surrounding these characters...." Read more

"...has everything historical fiction fans could hope for: strong, believable characters, meticulously rendered historical settings, love and heartache,..." Read more

"...I had become connected to the characters (love Bjorn!) and fascinated by the detailed description of their lives...." Read more

4 customers mention "History lesson"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical content of the book, with one noting its meticulously rendered settings and another highlighting its well-researched approach.

"...as well as maps of the countries described – a very useful in informed adjunct to her story’s clarity...." Read more

"...If you enjoy this fascinating time period, check out Pit of Vipers and the other books from Sons of Kings Trilogy by the amazing, Millie Thom...." Read more

"...and knowledge of the time period provides an in-depth, fascinating look into the trials, tribulations, and challenges of those who lived in this..." Read more

"...Even though they are novels, these books are a history lesson of the kind I needed in school rather than memorizing dates of wars...." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with some noting it's a must-read for those who love England.

"...Pit of Vipers is well written, well researched, and a great read...." Read more

"This is a must read for people who love England during 800 rds. Fascinating and flowing from the first chapter to the last...." Read more

"Enjoyed reading" Read more

3 customers mention "Time line"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the timeline of the book, with one noting it is accurate and helpful for understanding time and place.

"...In addition, a map in the beginning of the book is quite helpful to know time and place...." Read more

"...The prose is simple yet in keeping with the period, and beautifully crafted...." Read more

"The time line seems accurate , according to Wikipedia , I enjoyed catching up with the characters presented in the first book of the series and yes..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Grady Harp
    5.0 out of 5 stars ‘An ambush could be waiting around any hill or clump of woodland, and I don’t want to be the only one to see it coming!’
    Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    British author Millie Thom earned a degree in Geology, served as a former geography and history teacher, and maintains a passion for the Anglo-Saxon and Viking period – a factor that influences her chosen genre of historical fiction writing. Originally from Lancashire, she is a mother of six grown up children and now lives with her husband in a small village in Nottinghamshire.

    In a very generous gesture Millie continues her generosity by offering a commentary about he historical aspects of her Book 2 in this SONS OF KINGS series. ‘PIT OF VIPERS is the second book of the Sons of Kings trilogy. It continues the tale of Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia started in Book 1, SHADOW OF THE RAVEN. Threats to the Anglo Saxon kingdoms continue to escalate. In 864, large bands overwinter again on the Isle of Thanet, breaking treaties to raid mercilessly into Kent. By now Alfred is fifteen and continuing to learn much about kingship at the successive courts of his older brothers. The following year, the Great Heathen Army lands on the coast of East Anglia, its presence in the Anglo Saxon kingdoms ultimately challenging Alfred’s considerable leadership skills. By 864 Eadwulf has been back in Mercia for four years. His newfound contentment in the home of a Mercian ealdorman is marred only by two things: his memories of Freydis, and his relentless hunger for revenge on his treacherous uncle, Burgred. But, as the Mercian king, Burgred proves difficult to kill; even more so once the Danes invade. As in Book One, the story follows the chronological order of documented evidence, with the addition of sections attributed to Norse sagas and mythology. The invasion of the Great Heathen Army in 865, for example, is documented in both The Anglo Saxon Chronicle and Asser’s Life of Alfred. In both of these, the invasion appears to be the natural progression of increasing raids on the Anglo Saxon kingdoms. According to Asser, the great fleet arrived in Britain from the Danube. Yet the Norse sagas portray the reason for the invasion in a different light – which I have chosen to use in my book. In this version, The Great Heathen Army is led by three of the sons of the notorious Ragnar Lodbrok in response to an incident that demands reprisal.’

    Millie then lists a complete list of characters from each of the lands in which the story blossoms as well as maps of the countries described – a very useful in informed adjunct to her story’s clarity. Her synopsis makes the story accessible to all – ‘the lives of Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia continue to unfold against the ever increasing threat of Danish raids. Now back in his homeland, Eadwulf sets out on his determined quest for revenge, whilst Alfred’s leadership skills develop at the courts of his successive brothers. Before long, those skills will be put to the test . . .The Danish invasion of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in 865 is merciless and relentless. Every year more Norse ships come to join their comrades in a quest to plunder for wealth and gain domination over the people. The Wessex king is now Aethelred, Alfred’s last surviving brother, and Alfred becomes his trusted second-in-command. Whilst the Danes take kingdom after kingdom, the brothers wait with baited breath for them to set their sights on Wessex. By 869 their worst fear is realised. In the meantime, Eadwulf pursues the objects of his revenge.

    Excellent journey into little known historical concepts told by a lady who is a fine master storyteller. Recommended. Grady Harp, September 17
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  • V.E.
    4.0 out of 5 stars her background is perfect to write about the Anglo Saxon and Viking periods
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Millie Thom thoughtfully provides the reader with a list of characters in her latest book, Pit of Vipers: Volume 2 (Sons of Kings). This list in the front of book is so helpful to know who Is who, and who they all are related to. In addition, a map in the beginning of the book is quite helpful to know time and place. With a continuation of the story line between Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia, the author skillfully pulls the reader back in to the saga. It is obvious that the author loves and cares about the history surrounding these characters. As a former history and geology teacher, her background is perfect to write about the Anglo Saxon and Viking periods. Set in the 9th century, this is mostly a tale of revenge, with dashes of heroism, invaders of all kinds and battles both won and lost. You will fall in love with the characters as you immerse yourself into their lives, with all of their trials and tribulations. Highly recommend for a skilled and thoughtfully written historical fiction saga.
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  • MK Alexander
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bringing History to Life
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Book two of this series of four begins in the year 864, in what could hardly be called the “United Kingdom.” The parallel narrative follows two royal-born children Eadwulf a (fictional) son of the Mercian King, and a very young Alfred of Wessex, eventually to become Alfred the Great.

    Some time has passed from book two. Eadwulf, previously a Danish thrall, has been set free and returns to his native lands, now bent on revenge against his uncle who has all but stolen the crown of Mercia. Alfred has come of age and both characters marry and have children of their own.

    But all is not well. Norse raids on the Saxon lands have become all out warfare, with the northern city York now under Danish control, and the kingdom of Wessex under direct threat of invasion.
    There’s plenty of action, intrigue, and rich historical detail to keep any reader satisfied. The prose is simple yet in keeping with the period, and beautifully crafted. One small caution: book two ends in a cliffhanger, and personally, I am compelled to read the next.
    Recommended.
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  • Cindy McDonald
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great history lesson written in great detail!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Wow. I must admit I’ve never read anything like Pit of Vipers by Millie Thom. I’m ashamed to say, historical fiction simply isn’t my strong suit, but that’s okay, because Ms. Thom keeps the action moving and her historical knowledge is amazing. Pit of Vipers is well written, well researched, and a great read. Yes, keeping all the names straight is a bit of a challenge, yet it is a challenge well worth the adventure through the characters trials and tribulations of a very turbulent time in history.
    To be perfectly honest, I was unaware that Pit of Vipers was book #2 in Sons of Kings Trilogy. My bad. Now that I have read this wonderful story, I am intrigued, and will seek out book #1 Shadow of the Raven. If you enjoy this fascinating time period, check out Pit of Vipers and the other books from Sons of Kings Trilogy by the amazing, Millie Thom. 5 STARS!!
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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars On and on and on , so boring
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The time line seems accurate , according to Wikipedia , I enjoyed catching up with the characters presented in the first book of the series and yes there were some interesting incidents , both nice and nasty back but I was bored by the unnecessary dialogue .
    Everyone seemed to talk at length about even minor details .If the ale and mead were passing round even more so .
    Four hundred pages could have.fitted in much less space
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Nicole Fielding
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 4, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is a great continuation of Millie Thom’s ‘Sons of Kings’ trilogy. I really enjoyed Book One, ‘Shadow of the Raven’, and ‘Pit of Vipers’ was just as good. The writing is consistently elegant and polished and the historical detail obviously impeccably researched. There is enough action to keep the plot flowing and to keep the reader gripped, but it’s not the only thing that holds your attention. What I like most is the fascinating cast of characters, with their relationships and interactions, their moments of triumph and heartbreak.

    First there is Eadwulf, now living in Mercia with a wife, Leoflaed, and a family. He is still seeking revenge against those who have wronged him – Burgred, Ivar and Halfdan – with mixed success. My favourite character from Book One, Bjorn, makes a number of appearances over the course of the novel and the final scene promises that we’ll be seeing much more of him in Book Three. The character who came most to the fore in this section was, for me, Alfred. In Book One he was still a child; now he is a young man, a warrior prince fighting against the invading Great Army of Danes. I love the relationship he has with his wife, Ealhswith, a strong-willed young lady who is fortunate to find love with the man chosen for her to wed. His mysterious illness is worrying and his piety, whilst eclipsed at times by that of his brother, is clearly a driving influence on his life.

    Overall I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read and can’t wait for Book Three.
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  • HM Holten
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Worthy Sequel to Shadow of the Raven
    Reviewed in Germany on April 14, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    York, Wessex, and Anglia beleaguered by the Danes. Eadwulf can’t forget his beloved but settles for marriage. His thirst for vengeance is not slaked, but he hasn’t much luck with his endeavours. The sequel to Shadow of the Raven follows several of the already known characters but especially focuses on Alfred (the Great). His personality develops as he grows up and must follow his brother Aethelred on the throne. The Danes mostly appear as land-greedy raiders. Their brutality is legendary, but the British match their bloodlust. Millie Thom’s writing is as compelling as in the first volume. The ending is abrupt – explosive and makes clear that there’s more to come. This is a series well worth following.
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  • Christine J Randall
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it.
    Reviewed in Australia on February 22, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Pit of Vipers is the second historical fiction novel in the Sons of Kings trilogy written by Millie Thom. It continues the tale of Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia started in Book 1, Shadow of the Raven.

    The year is 864. Alfred is now fifteen, and learning kingship at the successive courts of his older brothers. Eadwulf, the fictional Mercian who had spent time as a Danish slave, has been back in his homeland now for four years. Though settled into married life in the household of his father-in-law, a Mercian ealdorman, he cannot shake off the memory of his lost love, Freydis. On top of this, he is frustrated by failed attempts to extract vengeance on his uncle.

    Once again, the author includes a handy Characters page to help with the old names which could easily grace the pages of any fantasy novel: Aethelberht, Heahmund, Wulfrida, Dryhtwald, Paega, Katato - to name just a few. You need your wits about you, but the well-written story does quickly place everyone in context and you are never left confused. Handy maps in both print and digital versions place the positions of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in perspective.

    Large bands of Scandinavian Vikings break the treaties, raiding Kent. In 865, they are joined by more Norse and Danish invaders dubbed "The Great Heathen Army" landing on the coast of East Anglia. While some historians believe the invasion was a natural progression from the increasing raids on the Anglo-Saxon kingdom, the author has chosen to present her story from the view put forth in the Norse Sagas.

    I love the way Millie Thom imbues her characters with personal qualities. Alfred is a different Alfred than what I came to expect from reading other historical novels where he is portrayed as extremely pious. Here, he seems no more pious than normal in those days when ailments of the flesh were considered manifestations of sin. Alfred does marry and is able to satisfy his fleshly desires without all the guilt. His hemorrhoids seem to cause less trouble, but this bother is replaced by bouts of a mysterious debilitating illness which he bears with fortitude. He hopes he will not die of the same mysterious ailment which takes some of his family.

    I don't think Eadwulf plays as great a part in this novel, but again he is a well developed character and it's a pleasure to track the life of the ordinary Mercian household from his view-point. His loyalties are divided, of course, since he has strong ties with the Danish friends he had to leave behind four years earlier. I expect unfolding events in Book 3 will severely test him. The Pit of Vipers closes in the year 871. Alfred is now King of the West Saxons, and Eadwulf is given an invitation by three Danes which I don't think he can refuse.

    Overall, the story has a lovely finished feel. While I'm eager for the next book of the trilogy to be written and published, I wasn't left with that unresolvedness you sometimes get in the middle of a series.

    NOTE: I purchased this book. I could have asked for a review copy, but - holding the standard of the author's research and her writing in high regard - I was happy to buy myself a copy as soon as I saw it available.
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  • sue
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sue
    Reviewed in Australia on June 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This is a good book to read even though it is the second book I was able to pick up the backstory of the main characters
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  • Whitey
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Historical Fiction
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I read the first in this series and absolutely loved it. Reading the second, I realised that what I loved most about the first was Eadwulf's time in the 'Viking' settlements and in some ways his life seemed a little quiet in this volume. However, it soon became clear that this part of the story was leading on to the next, and there were plenty of intriguing markers placed along the way. I've never been a super-fan of Alfred the Great and was always happier when the scenes focused on Eadwulf and his motley collection of friends and relatives. Certain things had to happen to him in order for his story to move on and the way Ms Thom dealt with those life events was masterful, and all too believable. She weaves her fiction around fact, but wherever she is 'making it up' she stays true to the world she's writing about. I think it is best to read the first in this series before reading Pit of Vipers, because it really helps to know who all the characters are and the details of their shared past lives. As soon as I finished this part of the story, I immediately began reading the next, as I simply couldn't not find out what happens to them all.
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