What begins as a brief moment of calm quickly erupts into chaos in this gripping historical adventure. The weather, the warring kingdoms, and the clash of faith and fury all conspire to test Icel in ways that push him to his very limits. Brutal, tense, and darkly humorous, this second book in the series proves that peace in early medieval England is always just the calm before the storm.
Shield of Mercia by MJ Porter
Series: The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles #8
Genres: Action/Adventure, Historical Fiction

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 perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy.

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Clash of Kings , Betrayal of Mercia , Men of Iron , Warriors of Iron

Review

From the opening pages, I should have known that the fleeting tranquility wouldn’t last—because where would the excitement be in that? The calm quickly gives way to a tempest of battle, treachery, and survival. Once again, the weather itself feels like a living, breathing character—cold, wet, and relentless. You can practically feel the dampness in your own bones as the storm rolls through.

This installment also delivers one of the most striking openings with the arrival of fire. The chaos of men fighting amid flames is visceral, and yet, unlike before, Icel is showing signs of maturity. He’s still fierce and driven, but there’s restraint and awareness that mark real growth.

A new villain enters the scene in Bishop Beornmod of Rochester, a man whose holy robes do little to hide his treacherous ambitions. Icel’s enemies are multiplying—his past actions have left bitter memories in Wessex, and vengeance is never far behind. That constant sense of being hunted keeps the tension razor-sharp throughout.

The supporting cast adds wonderful texture. Wynflæd, aging yet irreplaceable, remains the series’ wonderfully gruff conscience, while Aldhelm’s knowledge of the land—and his growing bond with Icel—gives the story some of its best and most grounded moments. Their scenes together balance the brutality with camaraderie and clever strategy.

Though the Vikings loom as a threat, the real intrigue lies with Wessex—its politics, its pride, and its duplicity. The question of whether their alliance with Mercia is genuine or a calculated trap drives much of the suspense. Icel’s sharp tongue and dry humor shine here, offering moments of dark levity amidst the bloodshed.

By the end, Icel has endured more physical and emotional punishment than ever, caught between enemies on both sides and still somehow standing. His resilience, his anger, and his refusal to yield make him one of the most compelling protagonists in historical fiction today.

This is a richly written, tightly paced story that captures the grit, danger, and bleak beauty of its world. The stakes are higher, the enemies more cunning, and Icel more human than ever before. A brilliant continuation of an outstanding series.

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