Member Reviews

Apprehensive was the word starting this next instalment in The Brunanburh Series… not because I’ve not enjoyed the series immensely so far.. no I’m just gutted this is the last in the series.. I know there’s only a finite number of pages that could be written but MJ Porter has really made these characters come to life and I just wish we could have more..

Edmund returns home after coming to an accord with Anlaf Sihtricson but if we’ve learnt anything about the period and the King’s in play at the time we all know peace won’t last.

For each power In play it’s a chess game, trying to second guess what the other will do, wondering which way they should align themselves… or do they wait it out?

Something I really enjoyed was that the narrative switched between the characters effortlessly. I can’t imagine the time taken by the author to put everything in order but the flow was perfect and the change in focus so suitable you can’t help but be absorbed into the tale.

The story is rich in detail, depicting the time.. the connections..the infighting and plotting..it’s all there.

For me the star is, and always has been Constantin, now former King ot the Scots. Kings of Conflict solidifies his shrewdness and his place in history… I won’t spoil it but wow.. what a man he must have been.

What really shines through is the research and time the author has clearly put into the tale, and it’s so expertly woven that it brings history to life.. credit where credits due.. it’s a talent to make a subject exciting and while I know with historic fiction there’s some leeway with events and characters etc but they are based around known facts.. and to use those facts.. and to be able to weave such a wonderful engrossing series..wow.. it’s a masterclass in historical fiction writing and further cements MJ Porter’s as one of, if not thee best, historical fiction writer out there!

Throughout the final instalment the tension mounts and the pace meant it perfectly mirrored the tension rising within myself as events played out.. the excitement growing with each page turn.

To create such a wonderful series, with such a plethora of characters, and egos.. utterly astounding it’s so perfect.

Earth shaking 5*

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🛡 Book Review: "Kings of Conflict" by MJ Porter
🛡Genre: Historical Fiction / Adventure
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

⚔ Blurb Insight:
Step into the world of AD 942, where the echoes of clashing swords and the tension of political intrigue are palpable in the air. In Kings of Conflict, MJ Porter delivers a gripping conclusion to The Brunanburh Series, a historical saga that vividly brings to life the fierce battles and relentless struggles for power in early medieval England.

⚔ Why You'll Love It:
🛡 Epic Historical Drama: MJ Porter masterfully captures the raw intensity of this period, weaving a tale that is as much about personal valor as it is about the broader sweep of history. The stakes are high, and the tension is relentless.
⚔ Rich Characterization: Edmund, portrayed with all his flaws and strengths, stands at the center of this epic. His determination to restore England’s glory and his struggle against both external enemies and internal divisions make him a compelling and relatable figure.
🏰 Historical Accuracy: Fans of historical fiction will appreciate the meticulous research that underpins every chapter. The vivid descriptions of battles, the intricacies of medieval politics, and the portrayal of 10th-century life immerse you in the era.
🗡 Action-Packed Narrative: From the first page to the last, Kings of Conflict is a thrilling ride. The battles are fierce, the alliances fragile, and the betrayals devastating. It's a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

🎯 Perfect For:
✨Lovers of historical fiction with a focus on medieval warfare and politics.
✨Readers who enjoy character-driven stories set against the backdrop of real historical events.
✨Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, and other masters of historical epics.

Kings of Conflict is a fitting and exhilarating conclusion to MJ Porter’s series. It's a tale of courage, strategy, and the unyielding fight for a nation’s destiny. Whether you’re a history buff or a lover of epic tales of war and leadership, this book will leave you breathless. Thanks to @rachelsrandomresources and @netgalley for the #ARC #BlogTour

#KingsOfConflict #MJPorter #BrunanburhSeries #BookReview #HistoricalFiction #MedievalHistory #ReadersOfInstagram #IGReads #InstaBooks #Bookstagram #Bookstagrammer #BookstagramCommunity #Netgalley

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I'm both excited and sad to have finished the Brunanburh Series! This final book is packed with everything I've loved about the series: political intrigue, shifting alliances, and fascinating historical detail. A perfect wrap-up to the series. If you love historical fiction, don't miss this one about the English Kings.

Porter's storytelling is top-notch. The story flows effortlessly between characters, and the research really shines through. It's like stepping back in time!

Definitely recommended to all history buffs.
My thanks,and apologies for the late review, to Netgalley for sharing an advance copy for my unbiased rev6

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Kings Of Conflict is the last installment in MJ Porter‘s latest series. While Edmund is celebrating his win Constantine‘s son Ildulb, is chafing at the bit having to serve his cousin Meal Colium who forced the legendary King to abdicate. While Constantine prays at Saint Andrews his son is making other plans. King Edmund wants to celebrate by gaining all the lands he lost and bringing peace to England the same way his brother did. They say all‘s fair in love and war and in this real life game of chess kings are placed and replaced and in the end only one can be the victor. There’s so much I want to put in this book about the strange bedfellows that war can bring just like politics, but I don’t want to give anything away just know MJ Porter has really outdone herself with this well researched awesomely told historical fiction tale. I loved this whole Siri‘s from the battle scenes to the intrigue and even the infighting this is definitely a book I recommend to anyone who loves medieval warrior stories you will definitely enjoy this one oh I certainly did!#NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks,#MJ Porter, #kings of conflict,

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I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is the fourth and final instalment in the Brunanburh series. I read a lot of historical fiction, but I haven't read many books that were set during this period, so I found this interesting and exciting in a historical context.

I haven't read any of the previous books, and it seemed a little bit of a shame to find that I was jumping in at the end. I did find this to be very well-written though. I liked the author's style of writing, as the story flowed easily. The narrative switched between several characters, but in each case, I was able to connect with the narrative. I also found the story to be action-packed, with plenty of momentum.

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

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M.J. Porter gives it her all in the final, thrilling installment of her Brunanburh Series. As always, the action and battle scenes are a real highlight, and the effort Porter has put in researching always shines through.
The ending is a very satisfying conclusion to the overall series. However, the middle section of this book did drag slightly, feeling like it took forever to get to the climax.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC. All opinions are my own.

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The ultimate tale of Mediaeval period England and it's told so effortlessly and with much knowledge that it instantly draws you in. I personally think there were too many Kings and not enough Queens (haha). I enjoyed the various battles and travelling on ship was a different but exciting variety in the story. The charterization of all involved was epic and the conclusion was the ultimately the best possible.

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This was a great finish to the series. Mj jams in the action, but also, this one ties up the character arcs.

As always MJ writes fantastic battle scenes and that was the highlight of the book for me.

Another wonderful series from the author

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