Men of Iron by MJ Porter
Series: The Dark Age Chronicles #1
Genres: Historical
After the legends of Arthur, yet before the Saxon kingdom of Mercia, a tribal age of iron and rust ruled.
Britain AD540.</strong?
In the western hinterland of Roman Britannia, Meddi, the seeress of the Eorlingas tribe, can only obtain vengeance when her husband’s dead and her ancestral villa returned to her.
With her brother, Madog, as leader, they unite and stand strong against those who seek the riches of their villa. They must harness the power of the lost magiks of iron to make weapons to mercilessly oppose those who seek to challenge and fight to rule.
Meanwhile in the east, Wærmund, a young warrior of Saxon descent, has exacted the ultimate revenge against his brother. Startled by his own ruthlessness, he knows his father will pursue him to exact retribution. He and his band of miscreant warriors must flee westwards and forge a new future by earning coin from those too weak to protect themselves.
Meddi and Wærmund are set to collide in a world of iron and rust.
An action packed, thrilling historical adventure perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy.
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
The story opens with Seeress Medi and her brother Madog reclaiming leadership of the Eorlingas Tribe after overthrowing Edern, the man who had murdered their father. Their rule is tested immediately when Edern’s widow, Elaine, reveals she’s pregnant. Instead of executing her, they imprison her in the grainhouse—an early twist that sets the tone for this gripping, unpredictable tale.
Meanwhile, in eastern Britain, we meet Waermund—a fierce and clever warrior cast aside by his own father because of a birthmark believed to be a curse. Despite being the eldest son, Waermund has lived in the shadow of his younger brother—until he decides to change his fate. Gathering a motley band of warriors, he sets out to claim power, only to face betrayal, battle, and even kidnapping along the way.
What Men of Iron does best is spin an intricate web of power, survival, and fate. MJ Porter constantly keeps you guessing—just when I thought I knew where the plot was heading, it veered off into surprising and brilliant new territory. The fight scenes are concise but effective, and the focus on the characters’ inner struggles and strategic moves makes the story utterly compelling. There’s something raw and gritty about this world that pulls you in and refuses to let go.
This is the kind of first-in-a-series book that leaves you itching for book two. Bold, immersive, and sharply written—Porter has struck gold again.
Meet the Author
Leave a Reply