Review: The Heathen Horde by Steven McKay

Northumbria, AD 864. Viking warlord Ragnar Lothbrok is captured and killed in brutal fashion, an event that will shape the future of the nation for decades to come.

Mercia, AD 868Alfred, son of Wessex and heir to the throne, draws his first blood on the battlefield. It will not be his last.

A devastating scourge from the north is coming to Britain, one that will bring armies and entire kingdoms to their knees. Travelling along the whale road in their feared longships, the Great Heathen Army move fast, striking with a savagery unmatched, in a seemingly unstoppable tide of blood and iron.

One inexperienced warrior will prove the difference, a young man who will lead from the front and, in time, aspire to become the saviour of the Saxons… Alfred the Great.

My Review

Covering the early life of Alfred the Great, this novel shows us a prince who never expected to be king—nor did he want the responsibility. Alfred was happy to spend his time drinking, whoring, and doing all the stuff expected of a young noble. Alas, his greatness was thrust upon him in the most disagreeable manner, and Alfred wasn’t even sure he was up to the challenge. But what choice did he have? Wessex was the last unconquered kingdom in England, and the Danes were inexorable. Only one surviving brother stood between Alfred and the crown: Aethelred—oh, and Aethelred’s six year-old son. But that was soon sorted out, because a child could never defend the kingdom in this time of need:

Most of the men at the gathering probably thought Alfred could hardly wait to take the throne for himself, but, as he met Aethelred’s gaze they smiled at one another, just as they’d done since they were children. Wessex was stronger with the two of them around, Alfred knew. He truly hoped things would continue as they were for many years to come, even if that meant he would never be king.

Especially if it meant he would never be king!

Alas, it was fated otherwise, and the king died of his wounds from one of the many vicious battles. But though Alfred fought like a champion and tried his best to keep the enemy at bay, he was beset from both the Danes and his own countrymen. Not everyone agreed with his decisions, and it was easier for the thegns to blame Alfred when things went wrong than risk everything. We see him at his best and at his worst, and history tells us that the most amazing story is yet to come. This is a great introduction to a lesser-known phase of his life.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C45R3M5S

Follow Steven on Twitter: https://x.com/SA_McKay

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