Title: Wyvern of Wessex (Sons of Kings Book 3)
Author: Millie Thom
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Blurb:
Eadwulf is back in the Sea Eagle with Bjorn and his crew in a quest to discover if Eadwulf’s father, King Beorhtwulf of Mercia, is still alive after twenty years as a slave. Bjorn’s great dragonship carries them down to the searing June temperatures and strict laws in the Moorish lands of al-Andalus. But searching for Beorhtwulf proves more difficult than they’d expected, causing them more trouble than they bargained for… In Wessex, King Aethelred is now dead, leaving his twenty-one-year-old-brother, Alfred, to succeed to the throne. Though his succession was agreed by the witan, Alfred must now prove himself worthy of the kingship, or lose it. But Wessex is in turmoil, besieged by Viking Danes intent on subjugating the kingdom – and knowing that the new king is young and inexperienced. Alfred must use all his wiles if he is to outthink and outmanoeuvre Guthrum, the Dane who nearly becomes his nemesis. Alfred’s victories and defeats take him on a journey of learning, during which he gains experience and strength. We share his highs and his lows and how he rises from the depths of despair to save his beloved kingdom from total conquest. And at his side at his greatest time of need, is his new ally and friend, Eadwulf of Mercia.
My Review:
Alfred is now King of Wessex and immediately tested. His army is faced with a fierce Norse army. The Danes have better armor, better weapons and can smell blood in the water. King Alfred must use all this strengths and abilities to defeat the invaders. Everything he has learned is put to the test. If he fails, he will not only lose the crown but may forfeit his life. Every victory, no matter how small, solidifies his leadership and bravery in the eyes of his people. When the unthinkable happens, King Alfred is plunged into despair. But a surprise ally gives him hope. Can his childhood friend help him eradicate the Danes for good or has been outsmarted by his enemy?
This is book three in the Sons of Kings trilogy and I must say, it’s my favorite. There’s so much going on but it’s the maturation of King Alfred which makes it a brilliant book. We see his highs and lows, his mistakes and successes, his weaknesses and strengths all align to a dramatic conclusion. The viciousness of Guthrum provided a clear contrast to King Alfred’s goodness. The historical details are so intricate, so spot on, it was like I was right there. Lush descriptive narration brings a tumultuous time period to life. The ending, while a bit surprising, whet my appetite for more. The author is writing book four, which I will read with pleasure once published.
If you’re anxiously waiting for The Vikings to return and missing Game of Thrones, pick up Wyvern of Wessex. You’ll be as hooked as me! Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote:
“I have just one piece of advice for you, Alfred of Wessex… Surrender!”
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
Free to read on Kindle Unlimited!
Author Biography:
Millie Thom is the author of the first three books in the Sons of Kings series: Shadow of the Raven, Pit of Vipers and Wyvern of Wessex, and is currently writing Book 4 – which has a working title of King of the Anglo Saxons. The books are historical fiction, set in the mid-ninth century, primarily in the Anglo Saxon and Danish lands. They follow the stories of King Alfred of Wessex (later known as Alfred the Great) and Eadwulf of Mercia, the latter being the fictional son of real-life King Beorhtwulf.
Millie has also published a book of 85 very short stories and flash fiction pieces of mixed genres, titled A Dash of Flash.
Millie is a retired history and geography teacher with a degree in geology and an enduring passion for history. She and her husband have six grown up children and now live in a small village in Nottinghamshire where Millie writes her books and blog posts about historic sites they’ve visited. She is a passionate traveller, walker, collector of fossils and baker of cakes!
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MillieThom
Website/Blog: https://milliethom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millie.thom/
Reviewed by: Mrs. N