This is not my normal genre, so it was interesting to read it. It’s so detailed in what happened, especially when it refers to punishment.
I loved that there was a map and cast of characters, although this signals to me that I’m gonna need to refer to it a few times.
This book is full of adventure and intrigue, even leading me to research some of the time period to get a better understanding. If a book makes you research what you’ve just read, it’s clearly a good book.
For it not being my usual genre, I enjoyed it

1041 AD Constantinople: Harald Hardrada is in the service of Emperor Michael IV where he is desperate to reclaim his reputation and earn money to help him reclaim the throne of Norway. The story of what happens to him is narrated by his loyal companion, Eric the Follower.

The tale Eric tells is full of palace politics, intrigue, loyalty, war, oaths sworn and broken, all served up with a good dash of humour. Before reading this book all I knew about Harald was that he tried to invade England in 1066 AD but was defeated in the attempt and died in battle. This book paints a fascinating picture of him – a strong leader, loyal to his oaths, far-sighted and, at times, cruel in pursuit of his objectives. This is the fourth book in a series and, having not read the previous three, I read it as a standalone which does work. However, I will read the first three to find out more about Harald and how he came to be in Constantinople.

Wolves of the Empire by JC Duncan.
The Last Viking Series Book 4.
This was a good read. I have not read the first 3 books in this series. I was able to read it. I did like the writing style and the story. I did like the action in the book. It felt like I was there watching everything happening. I didn't really have any favourite characters. I didnt like them. But I didn't hate them either. I'm not a big fan of historical books. But I'm slowly getting into them. I do hope there is more to come.

Wolves Of The Empire by JC Duncan is the fourth book in the Last Viking series. When we find Prince Harold although betrayed by Zoe his loyalty still stands firm in an order to keep his oath he agrees to lead emperor Michael into one final battle in which Zoe hopes he will perish. when he survives the war it’s not much longer that his diseases and illnesses take him down. In route to concrete her plans she learns John who has kept a white knuckle grip on Michael the younger is one step ahead of her. Even when she tries to flee to save her life once again her plans aren’t a secret as she first thinks. John the eunuch will finally get exactly what he wanted but not the way he wanted it and when Michael the younger takes the throne nothing is as it was before. Eric and his elder days is still with the good people telling his tail when king maxim shows up early. The King wants to hear Eric’s tales of his great ancestor Harold but he too is wondering why Eric is digging a bones at a time when the Kings future is so dubious.!! just know there is way more to this grade book full of twist OMG moments and oh I did not see that coming situations. JC Duncan never leaves the reader wanting for action and when it comes to heart palpitations I don’t need exercise I just need to sit and read a JC Duncan book and this one is extraordinarily awesome! from ghost of the past showing up to cover their demons wanting to lead the empire this book is not without some truly edge of your seat moments. I can’t wait to see what happens in the final book because it seems for every new book the action amplifies and I cannot wait to see what happens next. truly an awesome series. I also want to know most of the outrageous things that happen in the book the author puts in the historical notes that for the most part they’re all mainly True which is even more baffling. #NetGalley, #BoldWoodBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #JCDuncan,#WolvesOfTheEmpire,

Narrated by Eric, a loyal soldier and follower, this is an epic historical fantasy set in 1041AD following Prince Harald of Norway and his adventures in Constantinople.
It explores political intrigue, power plays, scheming and betrayals, as well as loyalty, honour and dedication to duty and oaths.
There are epic battles and rebellions, conflict for leadership, and ruthless bargains for power as it explores the Byzantine and Roman Empires.
I enjoyed seeing Eric's pov and his honest accounts of the events, views of honour, and his loyalty to Harald.
Harald was an interesting character as he battles with ambition, power, morality and doing what is right, even when it means risking his life. I particularly enjoyed how he tackles the Empress's wrath, saves the Kingdom from a deranged and naive ruler, and his aims to protect the people.
The afterword was particularly interesting to read and learn which accounts were true or embellished. Overall this was an entertaining but tragic tale of ambition, dominance, and plots.

The fourth installment of The Last Viking Series. We follow Harald Hardrada as he defends the Emperor at the royal palace. A fascinating insight into the life of Viking guardsmen as they defend the Emperor and Empire from rebel factions. Exciting action amid politics of the Byzantine era. A really good read. I recommend this to historical fans as well as others who like well written entertaining and thought provoking stories. With thanks to the author, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this copy.

Great story. Vikings meets the Romans! I always like a story that is based on real characters and events that’s made into an enjoyable and readable story. Wasn’t sure how it was going to finish until the very end so that’s a good thing. Not too many characters to get your head around and the story gives you a real sense of how brutal life was during this period

A great read following the path of Harald and his vikings as guards to the Emperors of the holy Roman empire set in Constantinople in 1041.
Harold has to keep his oath to protect the Emperor and his wife, even as the Empress plots against her husband and rival factions seek to control the throne as Emperor Michael is dying of his illnesses.
The events challenge Harald and his men, regarding their loyalty and their oaths, both to him and the Empire.
Set against a background of historical fact, anyone who enjoys tales of the Vikings will enjoy this.

Excellent read! The writing is so descriptive that you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. I have to say, Harald was a ruthless man and his ambition was legendary. I'm really looking forward to the next book to get JC Duncan's take on Stamford Bridge. After Harald's notorious battles it makes you wonder what really happened in 1066. But, Wolves of the Empire is so full of adventure, drama, and intrigue it might make you do a little research of your own into the different historical characters. Well done!