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M J Porter
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The Last King: England The First Viking Age - the first book in the bloody and brutal action-packed historical fiction series from MJ Porter (The kingdom of Mercia: The Ninth Century 1) Kindle Edition

by MJ Porter (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 2,281 ratings

From author MJ Porter comes a thrilling new hero.


They sent three hundred warriors to kill one man. It wasn’t enough.

The Saxon kingdom of Mercia lies broken but not beaten, her alliance with Wessex in tatters.

Coelwulf, a fierce and bloody warrior with a distant claim to the kingship, hears whispers Mercia has been betrayed by her feeble king and placed in the hands of his brutal enemy. But Coelwulf fears no man, especially not the Viking raiders sent to hunt him down.

To protect his kingdom, Coelwulf must travel to Repton, the heart of Mercia. What he finds there will determine his fate and that of the future of Mercia.


Praise for The Last King


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

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

'Action-packed and hard to put down.' Advanced Reviewer

'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

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
The Last Deceit

MEET THE AUTHOR

I'm an author of historical fiction and non-fiction set in Early England and the Viking era. I've also written four 20th century historical mysteries. I write A LOT, you've been warned.
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  1. Book 1 of 10
    The kingdom of Mercia: The Ninth Century
  2. Print length
    312 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 23, 2020
  5. File size
    3.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

The words blood, brutal, brilliant on a dark background with a sword above them
The Last King
The Last Warrior
The Last Horse
The Last Enemy
The Last Sword
The Last Shield
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Customer Reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars 2,281
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,491
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,361
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,198
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,026
4.3 out of 5 stars 956
Price $2.99 $3.49 $4.99 $4.99 $4.99 $4.99
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All 10 covers for The Last King series
Image showing the Tales of Mercia book covers, an interlinked collection of stories about Mercia

Editorial Reviews

Review

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. I 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."

"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 your standing 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." Stacy T Netgalley Reviewer

"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

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B085QN74WW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ MJ Publishing (April 23, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 23, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.6 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 312 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 2,281 ratings

About the author

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M J Porter

M J Porter

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I'm an author of historical fiction (Early English/Saxon, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest, as well as three 20th-century mysteries) and fantasy (now published under a different name). I've also written my first nonfiction book, The Royal Women Who Made England: The Women of the Tenth Century, which is available now.

I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it's little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!

I like to write. You've been warned!

Not sure where to start your journey through Saxon/Early England?

If you're new to Saxon England, then Son of Mercia, book 1 in Eagle of Mercia Chronicles, is perhaps where you should start. And then follow on with Wolf of Mercia and Warrior of Mercia and the continuing books in the series.

King of Kings, book 1 in The Brunanburh Series, is the story of the build-up to the greatest battle on British soil you've probably never heard about, Brunanburh. 'An epic story of kingsmanship that will set in motion the pivotal, bloody Battle of Brunanburh where allies have to be chosen wisely.' The continuing series takes readers to Brunanburh and beyond.

And, coming in April 2025, Men of Iron, the first book in The Dark Age Chronicles. This trilogy will take my readers back to the very beginnings of Saxon England before the creation of Mercia and the other kingdoms.

If you like action adventure with a heavy dose of violence, foul language, and good old camaraderie - The Mercian Ninth Century series is for you, starting with The Last King (there are also Cleaner versions where much of the foul language has been removed - they can be a little harder to find but they are available). Fans of The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles will also find a familiar face. Or The Seventh Century, starting with Pagan Warrior, has a little more politics to go with the set-piece battles.

If you like stories about the forgotten women of history, then the Tenth Century series, starting with The Lady of Mercia's Daughter, is a good place to begin, the story of Lady Ælfwynn after the death of her mother. Or, The First Queen of England, with a little more romance.

If you're interested in the last century of Early England (before 1066) then The Earls of Mercia series is for you.

If you want to read it all, then you can read in chronological order or mix it up. The series weren't written in chronological order (I have a tendency to move backwards through time).

If you're as interested in the ancient kingdom of Mercia as I am, then the loosely connected, The Tales of Mercia is for you. The individual series can be read in this order but can be read in any order. I started my historical fiction writing journey with The Earls of Mercia, so yes, I began at the end.

1) The Dark Age Chronicles starting with Men of Iron, coming April 2025

2) Gods and Kings starting with Pagan Warrior.

3) The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles starting with Son of Mercia.

4) The Ninth Century books starting with The Last King

5) A detour to The Lady of Mercia's Daughter and A Conspiracy of Kings, from the Tenth Century series

6) The Earls of Mercia series starts with The Earl of Mercia's Father.

If you're interested in my 20th-century mysteries, then The Custard Corpses and The Automobile Assassination are the books for you. The Secret Sauce is coming soon. And Cragside, a standalone 1930s murder mystery set at the beautiful North Northumberland estate, and inspired by my Lockdown walks around the property.

My first non fiction book, The Royal Women Who Made England, is now published by Pen and Sword in hardback and ebook, detailing the information I used to write The Tenth Century series featuring Ælfwynn, Eadgifu and the daughters of Edward the Elder.

If you want to keep up to date with my latest writing projects, then please find me on your social media channel of choice, and check out my blog where you will find lots of information about my books..

Happy reading:)

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,281 global ratings

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An action-packed adventure
4 out of 5 stars
An action-packed adventure
The Last King is an action-packed adventure of backstabbing, bravery, and battles! If you are in the mood for a gripping battle adventure, then this is the book! The author writes the battle scenes in a detailed and raw manner. Moreover, the author pulls you with the characters, and you feel like you are alongside Lord Coelwulf as his team battles the Raiders. The author also describes the violence and injuries in a gut-wrenching manner. It was interesting to see how some characters dealt with infections during that time. I also enjoyed Coelwulf as the main character. He is ambitious, brave, and knows how to take charge. The main reason why I liked reading this story was the battle was between two powerhouses. The Jarls make for excellent villains. While you know that Coelwulf and his army are substantial, at times, you wonder if they are a match for the Jarls. There is never a dull moment in the story as the author keeps you on your toes with action. However, some moments staggered for me in the tale. For instance, (and this is just my personal opinion), but there were many cusses that I felt was unnecessary. Similarly, it felt disconnected from the way they would have spoken at the time. Also, I thought the book focused a lot on the action and not much on the characters. The story is primarily plot-based, and it would have been nice to add character development as well. And lastly, at times, the story did feel slightly one-sided in favor of Lord Coelwulf while dumbing down the Raiders, which did not feel realistic. Apart from that, I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to seeing how it continues.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Marilyn
    5.0 out of 5 stars exciting first book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This story begins with Coelwulf already captured by the Raiders or Danes. Then we go back and see how it all happened. So the first chapter is immediately intriguing.
    We get to know some of his most loyal warriors. There are some good friendships but also rivalries. There is lots of cursing! So be forewarned if you’re a bit sensitive to language.
    The battles are spot on. We are not coddled during these fight scenes. There’s lots of blood, guts, and gore.however there is a moment where we experience the healing arts known at this time with Eowa, an elusive woodland dweller. He knows plants and how moss placed on a wound can help heal it. Also I must mention the horses. They play an important part in their lives. And it’s great to see how well treated and loved they are.
    Coelwulf is an arrogant and impulsive leader, as my reading buddy, Terry, has so eloquently described him. But he’s a fierce almost perfect fighter. This is my only criticism, that he is just too perfect and doesn’t seem to make any mistakes. However this could change as his story continues.
    It’s a very immersive reading experience and I look forward to the next one.
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  • P. Woodland
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Last King By M.J. Porter
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2021
    I enjoy reading ancient history whether it be about the Roman empire or the stories that came before in the land that became England. The Last King is the story – maybe based in fact, maybe not? – of Coelwulf, the warrior earl who is being hunted by the raiders who have sent the King of Mercia fleeing for Rome. He is seen as the last heir to the throne by many, but he does not see himself as such. He is just a warrior.

    And what a warrior! If you are squeamish this is not a book for you. While I have read more violent books, war is war and battles are never pretty. Particularly battles that take place close in like those depicted in the book. There is a lot of sword and ax play, much blood and gore. After a while you do become somewhat innured to it.
    As Coelwulf fights his way through the forests of Mercia, killing the seemingly endless bands of warriors sent to find him he is finally convinced of the rightness of his claim to the title of King. This is only the first chapter and nothing is as it seems. This is the first of four books telling these tales so more blood, guts and glory for some, and ignominy for others.

    The author does an exceptional job of describing close in fighting and there is a LOT of it in this book. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is going to depend on how much you like to read about such battles. For me the endless fighting got to be a bit tiresome.

    I recognize that the premise of this book was Coelwulf fighting the many bands of Vikings (raiders) sent to find him but there was very little respite for the reader. They were well written one could note for battle scenes – you felt like you were there in the midst of it all. I would like to think the next book would be a little less bloody?

    It was a violent time, there is no doubting that and the book covers a specified period of time. In the hands of a lessor writer I think this would be a really bad book but thanks to the author’s abilities it is a good book. It was just a lot of blood and guts for this old woman.

    I will note that there was strong character development in spite of constant war and the comic relief provided by the horses was truly welcome. I would be most intersted in reading the next book in the series to see if it’s as battle-y. It is historically a fascinating time and that is what I find fascinating – the history.
    One person found this helpful
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  • ekakolewski
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I can’t believe a war story so engrossed me. I didn’t stop until I read all three...waiting for the fourth. These are great characters and it is such a readable series!!!
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  • jjw901
    3.0 out of 5 stars Ponderous
    Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A bit hard to read. But I'll get back to it. That's the beauty of kindle.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jane
    4.0 out of 5 stars A quick, action-packed historical fiction
    Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2020
    This historical fiction book about Coelwulf, a battle-hardened warrior with royal blood, and his fight to save his beloved Mercia from a Viking horde is not for those with delicate sensibilities. But if you can withstand a hard-fighting, bloody book with adult language, this is the one for you.

    This book started off rough. Really rough. To the point where I almost stopped reading after 10%. The writing was atrocious. Sentences were hokey and incomplete. I have nothing against cursing and have been known to imbibe on occasion. I am all for a well-placed use of the "f" word, but the sentences were littered with unnecessary cursing. It felt like I was reading a 14 year old boys late-night mad ramblings.

    I have disliked a well-received book before, so I figured this was yet another. BUT, I was really intrigued by the premise. I eventually decided to stick with it, and I am so glad I did. At some point, either the writing improved dramatically, or I got used to the author's style of writing and it didn't feel like nails on a chalkboard anymore. However it happened, once I hit that mark in the book, I really enjoyed it.

    Coelwulf and his group of warriors have spent their time trying to rid Mercia of the Viking raiders that have been plaguing their land. After one such brutal battle, he is shocked to hear that the King of Mercia has given up the throne and handed it to the Vikings. As Coelwulf makes his way to the heart of Mercia to find out for himself if the rumor is true, he encounters several bands of Vikings searching for him. The Viking leaders have sent 300 men to find Coelwulf to bring him to swear allegiance to them. Coelwulf's response is to kill everyone he encounters.

    This book is told in first person, which is a bit jarring at first since it's not often done. In this case, however, it allows the readers to get a good feel for Coelwulf's relationship with his men, particular two brothers that act as his lieutenants and protectors. His men certainly have interesting personalities and interactions with each other, which you would expect to find in a small group of men that have fought, and survived, together.

    If you can push through the first few chapters of this book and stick with it, I think you'll enjoy this fast-paced, action-packed story about one man and his quest to save his country. The book is only 257 pages, so you should be able to tear through it quickly.

    I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Amy Selvidge
    5.0 out of 5 stars Arguably one of the best
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    An interesting read with twists and turns, drama, emotion, loyalty and war for Mercia's future and those who will rule it
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Howrook123
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read, can't wait to read the rest of the series.
    Reviewed in Australia on July 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Fantastic read, can't wait to read the rest of the series. So eloquently written, it draws you in & keeps you there.
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  • David Baird
    5.0 out of 5 stars Blood and gore... Just what I wanted!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 19, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The book starts with a brilliant scene that details Lord Coelwulf’s capture as he’s brought before the Raiders. It sets the tone of the book perfectly. Coelwulf isn’t afraid to use a bit of bad language and blood will be spilt.

    Chapter one goes back to the past to detail the events that led up to his capture as he’s quickly swept up in battle. Coelwulf is used to protecting Mercia from the Welsh but this new threat has come from nowhere.. and at first he hasn’t a clue why.

    We soon learn that King Burhred of Mercia ha fled leaving it to the whim of the Raiders.. There’s one hope.. Coelwulf!

    Coelwulf has ties back to the throne but doesn’t see himself as a King..but he does like to kill people.. the battle fame.. the thrill of being the best.. and that’s just what Mercia needs right now to survive.

    It’s a hard journey for him and his men.. and they don’t come out of this unscathed. I really thought the detail into the battles and injuries was fascinating. I particularly liked the recovery with the constant risk of infection. We are lucky with have antibiotics and such to fight infections.. back then not so much..

    The Raiders are numerous..Coelwulf doesn’t stand a chance given the numbers but he knows just how to tip things in his favour.. He has home court advantage so to speak. He’s not alone in this though.. if only the men of Merica could come together to fight.

    The final few chapters were pure magic for me as we relive Coelwulf’s capture and learn of his fate. I found myself reading that chapter the 2nd time with different eyes.. a different outlook and that is credit to the author that they were able to mould how I felt and imagined events playing out so easily.

    To say this book is excellent would be a understatement.. it’s a blood and gore fest for any fan of the period or this type of novel. You would be forgiven to think a tale with so many battles might get repetitive but no..each are unique and exhilarating.

    Overall I loved it, the detail, the use of language, the characters, damn.. I could go on and on.
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  • Atl Canuck
    3.0 out of 5 stars emjoyable read
    Reviewed in Canada on February 9, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    was a good read
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  • jeffrey sparham
    4.0 out of 5 stars Historical
    Reviewed in Australia on October 28, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Historical fiction in a similar vein to Simon Scarrow & Bernard Cornwall well worth a read
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars The last king
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting story about trying to rid Mercia of the Raiders. I did find the abundance of battles a bit overwhelming and would have liked a bit of background information on some of the main characters.An enjoyable read however
    Report

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