Book Review - Warriors of Iron, The Dark Age Chronicles Book 2
By MJ Porter
I have been slacking a bit recently on reading anything that isn’t related to Desiderius Erasmus, but I have managed to catch up on some of the books that were top of my TBR mountain. First up, published today is Warriors of Iron.
Keep reading for the blurb and my review of Warriors of Iron
Genre: Historical fiction
Publication date: 13 July 2025
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Blurb
During Britannia’s tribal age only the strongest prevail…
Britain AD541
Seeress Meddi has been restored to her rightful position of influence within the Eorlingas tribe. But a heavy cloud hangs over the tribe’s survival with the escape of the treacherous Elen who seeks to exact a bloody vengeance following Meddi’s reinstatement and her downfall.
Meddi knows Elen will return to settle the blood feud and the tribe must be ready to face this deadly threat with iron. They must toil day and night to harness the power of the lost magiks to make the weapons needed to overpower Elen.
Meanwhile, Wærmund, a warrior of Saxon descent, has escaped his enforced captivity and vows vengeance against his captors. He too hungers for the promise of sharp blades and travels West to find those who can fashion iron into blades sharp enough to kill. But when a lone woman befriends the band of warriors, promising him even more than that, he’s beguiled by her tale of deceit amongst her own tribe, so reminiscent of his own.
Unbeknown, Meddi and Wærmund share a common enemy and one who is just as belligerent as they are…
Review
Having read the first book, Men of Iron, in this new trilogy I could not wait to dig in to this one.
If you have a goldfish memory like me, then you will be pleased to know that there is an extremely helpful recap of events in the previous book as well as a list of characters, locations and a map. Having said that, there are some characters that are unforgettable; some for good reasons, others because you cannot wait to see if they get their comeuppance. You do not need to have read the first to pick this book up but I would recommend reading it anyway as it is brilliant.
Like the first book the chapters are from the viewpoints of Meddi and Wærmund, each facing their own battles, concerns and hopes, but with one common goal and now one common enemy. I really enjoyed the first book but I have to say, this one, I read in a day. I know it is cliche but I could not put it down, so much was happening and I just had to keep reading. I found this instalment develops the characters much more, by revealing secrets, one of which I was not expecting at all, but I won’t spoil it for anyone! Meddi, the seeress of the Eorlingas tribe was fairly mysterious in the first book but I found her to become much more humane and endearing, though still a total badass.
This would not be an MJ Porter book if it did not include some gory battles and scenes that are written so vividly you can hear the clash of weapons and almost smell the blood, sweat, and tears of those fighting. Neither Meddi nor Wærmund realise that they face the same threat, from the same enemy but as the story continues the danger they face grows. Both are in a position where they could lose everything, or they could succeed and secure their livelihoods as well as the lives of those they care about.
This was a fantastic start to coming out of my reading slump and I cannot wait for the next instalment.
Lastly, Happy Publication Day to MJ!
Thank you so much for sharing your fab review for Warriors of Iron. I'm so, so pleased you enjoyed it. Another reviewer has commented that Elen is the character they love to hate:) I think we all do.