Sword of Vengeance by Peter Gibbons
Series: The Saxon Warrior Series #4
Genres: Historical Fiction
In the aftermath of the great battle of Maldon, justice is demanded and vengeance will be served!
992AD
King Aethelred’s the Unready’s army has been defeated at the historic Battle of Maldon by Viking invaders led by Olaf Tryggvason and King Sweyn Forkbeard.
The strategic turning point of the battle was when Godric, an East Saxon Thegn, fled the battlefield taking with him the Saxon army, leaving behind his brothers to be massacred in a welter of blood and Norse axe blades.
Saxon warrior Beornoth emerges from the ashes of defeat with his heart aflame with vengeance and when King Aethelred sends for Beornoth with orders to punish those traitors responsible for the crushing defeat, he heeds the king’s call.
With a small band of loyal warriors, Beornoth embarks on an unforgiving journey across the perilous landscape to seek out Godric and exact his bloody revenge. They must fight their way through a world teeming with political intrigue, shifting alliances and the ever-present threat of the Vikings.
Can Beornoth triumph over insurmountable odds in this pulse pounding quest for retribution.If you enjoyed The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell, you'll love Beornoth’s Quest for Vengeance!
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
In the aftermath of the intense Battle of Maldon, the protagonist Beornoth is in dire straits, and Brand must exert every effort to ensure his survival. This poignant and pivotal start to the story delves into loss and the brutal aftermath of the battle, showcasing Brand’s strength as he persists despite the emotional toll. The author skillfully infuses guttural strength and determination, making the opening of the book deeply emotional and captivating.
While Beornoth manages to survive, the outcome hangs in the balance, leaving readers hopeful yet uncertain. The narrative unveils the harsh realities of war politics, forcing characters to decide whether to continue the fight or compromise their pride by paying off the enemy. The emotional depth intensifies as Beornoth and his wife confront their inner demons, grappling with the aftermath of brutal assault and loss.
The latest battle becomes a pivotal moment in their relationship, as retribution weighs heavily on their minds, testing Beornoth’s commitment to honor. The author adeptly sets the scene, creating emotive characters and an immersive atmosphere that forces readers to empathize with the struggles. The narrative explores the challenging choices faced by characters dealing with unimaginable loss, evoking a real emotional roller-coaster.
For those who enjoy gore, the book offers ample action, but it transcends expectations by seamlessly blending historical detail with a gripping, gut-wrenching plot. Beornoth’s pursuit of justice against the cowards and traitors from the battle adds a layer of complexity, putting the time period into perspective and highlighting the plight of the innocents caught in the chaos.
In terms of pace, the story engrosses the reader to the point where chapter lengths and details become inconspicuous. A truly enjoyable and immersive read that seamlessly combines historical elements with a captivating plot.
Sherry says
Looks interesting but not what I usually read.
heather says
I am so loving the cover of this one it sounds so exciting.
MICHAEL A LAW says
This looks very entertaining. Thanks for sharing
bn100 says
intriguing
Barrie says
This IS a different book review for you. It sounds interesting and one I will consider reading in the future!
Sara Zielinski says
Wow this looks like an amazing book
mami2jcn says
I think my husband would enjoy this book. He likes stories about Vikings.
Elizabeth says
It’s fun to be pleasantly surprised by a book!
Adriane says
Sounds exciting!
SUzie B says
Wow! This sounds very different than your usual genre – but I am very intrigued! It sounds like a truly captivating story
Louise Craney says
Can’t wait
Barbara Montag says
We have a few uncles who would love this for a gift!
Thank you for sharing this.
Lisa Vance says
This looks like an exciting story.