Diving into a series partway through can sometimes feel like stepping into the middle of a saga, but this story quickly proves you don’t need prior knowledge to be swept up in its world of conquest, conflict, and compelling characters.
Viking Conqueror by J. C. Duncan
Series: The Last Viking #5
Genres: Historical Fiction

Born to be king. Destined to die for glory.

1066 AD, Norway

Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, the Thunderbolt of the North, reigns supreme; undefeated on the battlefield and unchallenged at home. His banner, Land-Waster, flies triumphant everywhere he marches. Everything that was stolen from his brother, King Olaf, has been regained.

But power does not satiate. Glory does not fill the empty void in an ambitious heart. Victory is an elixir that runs dry no matter how freely it flows. No matter the height on which the triumphant stand, there, in the corner of his eye, is the glitter of another conquest.

Harald has achieved more than any man of his time, but fate is not done with him. His destiny lies on the banks of a quiet river in England’s green and pleasant land - Stamford Bridge.

To finish his great story, to forge the empire he always desired, all the last Viking conqueror must do is defeat a worthy opponent; King Harold of England, and seize his country and his crown.

His life changed nations.
His death will change the world.

The thrilling conclusion in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada 'The Last Viking'. A formidable warrior king known for his military prowess, ambition, and ruthlessness.

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Review

While this was my first experience with this series I am happy to say it worked well as a standalone. It is, of course, clear there’s a broader world and history behind the characters. However, I never felt lost, and was able to fully enjoy the story on its own.

The author did a great job balancing the political and cultural backdrop with the more personal moments. As well as filling the story with action and tension. The Viking setting is vivid and draws you in completely.

The characters themselves are engaging, well-developed, and believable within the realities of the time period. I especially enjoyed that the story didn’t shy away from the grit of Viking life.
This is a great read and left me intrigued enough to want to go back and read the previous books in the series.

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