Shield of Mercia: The Epic Dark Ages Historical Adventure of War, Honour and Destiny

A BRAND NEW epic adventure from bestselling author MJ Porter! Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy 💥🗡️ Mercia is triumphant. Her king is safe. But Wessex was never Mercia’s only enemy. Tamworth, AD836

Following a brutally cold winter, King Wiglaf of Mercia is in the ascendancy. Even Wessex’s Archbishop of Canterbury extraordinarily ventures to Mercia to broker a religious accord. But, can the hard-won peace prevail?

Viking raiders threaten Wessex. These blood-thirsty warriors are fast, skilful and have no reticence about killing those who stand in their way. Their aim isn't to rule but to overwhelm, slaughter and take ill-gotten wealth.

King Wiglaf is no fool. As the Vikings push to overwhelm Wessex, Mercia’s lands look insecure. King Wiglaf needs the shields of Mercia's warriors to prevent the overwhelming advancement of their deadliest enemy yet.

To save Mercia, Icel must first prevail over the two men who mean to end his life; King Ecgberht of Wessex and his son, Æthelwulf of Kent and only then the marauding Viking army for whom boundaries have no meaning.

An action packed, thrilling historical adventure .

If you love MJ Porter’s Eagle of Mercia series, also try the Dark Chronicles and also epic Brunanburh series

Praise for The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles

'Immediate and personal. MJ Porter recounts a sensitive, reluctant hero's coming-of-age within a Dark Age realm riven by chaos and conflict' - Matthew Harffy

'No lover of Dark Age warfare is going to be disappointed. Son of Mercia is personal, real, fascinating and satisfying.' - S.J.A. Turney

'If you love history, fiction, adventure and great stories, grab a copy of Son of Mercia. You won’t regret it!" - Eric Schumacher

'Excellent storyline. So enjoyed reading about Icel & his exploits such a good character well written very sad when I come to the end of the book can't wait for his next adventure' - Reader Review

'There really isnt anything bad I can say about this series, it keeps just getting better.. adding more depth to not only the characters but also their motivations. MJ Porter offers another solid 5* addition to the series, strengthening the readers love of their work.' - Reader Review

'A very good series. These are the first books I’ve read by this author but he writes in the genre very well and the main character is well drawn. This book sits nicely in the series. The observations of everyday life are really interesting and add to the historical enjoyment of the story.' - Reader Review

'Another hit. Honestly was disappointed when it ended as I could read this series forever. Such a page turner, great novel. Pow.' - Reader Review

'Fast paced action. Great cast of characters and clever insight into the eternal human condition. A very difficult book to put down so I'm pleased I bought the series.' - Reader Review

‘Refreshing… I was reluctant to put the book down’ - Historical Novel Society ' A story of hidden agendas, excellent read. Great read, fast paced with the usual betrayal. Lots of characters that have their own agendas. Overall it's a page turner, exciting.' - Reader Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'So real I felt I was there!... A page-turner' - Reader Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Wonderful to read and hard to put down' - Reader Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I found the pages flying by... A great book' - Reader Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I found the pages flying by... A great book' - Reader Review

© 2026 Boldwood Books (Lydbog): 9781836175124
© 2025 Boldwood Books (E-bog): 9781836175179

Udgivelsesdato

Lydbog: 9. januar 2026
E-bog: 3. oktober 2025