MJ Porter's 'Warriors of Iron' drops readers into the violent and intense world of tribal Britannia in AD 541, a time overshadowed by Arthurian legend. The second in 'The Dark Age Chronicles' series continues the author's style of gritty historical detail merged with character-driven storytelling.

The tale mainly follows seeress Meddi, fighting to ensure her tribe's survival from the revengeful Elen, and the Saxon warrior Wærmund, seeking retribution and a new life in the West. The author is great at developing a very lived-in world, setting out minute details from the mud and blood of battles to the details of early medieval life. The dual point of view adds richness to both sides of the fight, keeping the action moving and moving quickly. Some readers may find the many names difficult, but a useful character list helps to navigate them. Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy fans will feel at home here with this compelling story of power, treachery, and the desperate fight for survival in a land characterized by iron.

A gritty, immersive historical tale with strong characters and killer atmosphere

Another cracking read from M.J. Porter!

Warriors of Iron does what Porter does best, plunges you straight into the mud, blood, and politics of early medieval Britain. The attention to historical detail is second to none and makes the world feel utterly lived in. I love the scene-setting and at times I genuinely felt like I was there. (Terricus)

Waermund’s storyline landed best for me, gritty, heartfelt, and more emotionally grounded. I found myself looking forward to every chapter with him. He’s the kind of character that sticks with you. Another Icel/Coelwulf!

I did however really enjoy the dual POV (just Waermund a lil more 🤏), it allowed MJ to keep the pace up and gave depth to both sides of the story telling. Looking forward to seeing how this all wraps up. If it ends on the same level it's been building, we're in for a strong finish.

Having read the first book in this trilogy, and really enjoyed it, I was excited to read this second book in the trilogy.
The book could be read as a standalone, although personally I would stay start from book 1 to get a background to the story.
The book splits between following two very different characters, and their fight against a common enemy. The writing is excellent and you really get a feel of the time and age and it does make you think of what an advancement the use of iron in weapons made to warfare at the time. I did find that switching between the two characters and their stories did sometimes get a little confusing but this gets easier as the story develops.
If you are a fan of historical fiction do check out this trilogy.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and the author, for providing me with an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review..
The book was released on 13th July in various formats.

Britain AD541. Meddi, seeress of the Eorlingas tribe, has achieved her goal of helping her brother, Madog, to claim his rightful position as chieftain of the tribe. However, she knows that Elen, the former leader’s wife, will ferment as much trouble as she can so that she can take Villa Eorlingas for herself. Meddi knows they will know no peace until Elen is dead and for this the tribe needs to rediscover the lost art of making iron so that they have sharp blades to defend themselves with.

Meanwhile Wærmund and his band of warriors, who were being held captive by Isarninus, have escaped along with a fellow captive, Gildas. They have befriended a woman, Elen, whom they don’t completely trust but they need her as she can speak Gildas’s language. Wærmund is also searching for someone who makes iron blades so he can return to take his revenge on Isarninus and Gildas know where to find what they need.

A story of friendship, betrayal, deceit, battles and bravery. This is a fascinating read about life in post Roman Britain, a time when many skills have been forgotten. I haven’t read the first book in the series, Men of Iron, but I learnt enough from this book to understand the motives of the main characters.

This is the second book in the Men of iron series but the first one i have read. Set during the dark ages, we follow Meddi the seeress and Waermund, a Warrior as they search to find the lost art of making sharp blades. Each chapter is from the perspective of one or other of rhe main characters. I felt most comfortable with the Waermund chapters until.near the climax of the story when both characters uped their games. A fascinating insight into how feral the dark ages could be but also how loyal they could be to their allies and family. Although there is no way of knowing how life actually was at that time this book gives a very credible view of it. A very enjoyable read, perfect for history buffs and anyone who enjoys good storytelling. With thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

The series gets even better. I really enjoyed book one. The way MJ Porter weaved fascinating detail in the lives of the different tribes scattered across England a few generations after the Romans left. We know so little about this period of time that Porter explores it makes for a very engaging read.

I love Medieval history, it was my focus for my undergraduate degree. I love when a Historical Fiction book not only entertains you, but also makes you want to keep thinking about the real history of the time after you finish the book. With the little we actually know about the period I would almost term this a Historical Fantasy Fiction. Especially the last third of the book. I won’t say more but it was definitely a “Oh!” moment for me but for the story I really liked it.

The story itself continues to explore the themes of revenge and redemption. The two protagonist are inching closer to each other and I cannot wait to be there when they finally meet in book 3. They have to meet right?! In book two they have to continue to live with the outcome of their revenge and find a way to move past it and release its claim over their lives. The character arch for both of the protagonists is wonderfully handled and explored.

First Person POV is my least favorite and for the first book it made me downgrade to 4 stars. However Porter’s skill made me completely ignore this time around. It’s been awhile since I read a book where I told myself one more chapter. If you’re curious jump in and join the shield wall.

Porter knows how to pack a ferocious punch. The invention of iron to create swords and knives is changing the known world. Meddi the Seeress continues to search for Elen and stop her machinations to regain control of her clan. Wærmund has such a small loyal group to help him achieve his goals. Will either one be successful? We need the next and final book to find out! Thanks to NetGalley for this copy.

Warriors Of Iron is the second book in the Men Of Iron trilogy by MJ Porter and the steaks are amping up. in the last book Warmand and his band of Warriors were kidnapped by Isarninus. thankfully they found a way out in while leaving took an elderly man who’s language they did not speak with them as he was also a captive. They learned his name is Gildas when Ellen finds them they’re excited because she can speak to Gildas although Warmand suspects it soon he’ll get his proof where there’s Ellen there’s trouble in his tribe will not be the only one out for her blood. while all that is happening Meddi and Maddik are trying to get back to life as they knew it but when a neighboring village sends a rating party to take over their home and their seer is killed Meddi learns it was all due to Ellen and she leaves their compound to find her. they search for days even running across those who have seen Wormand and his warriors but no one has seen Ellen while out searching she meditates and finds a resolve and an answer to a long look for query. Meddi and Wormand are both looking for the same thing in both find their answers and the most surprising place. There is so much more to this book and I haven’t been so excited to read the next book since the age of 10 and waiting for prom night in the babysitters club series. MJ Porter is definitely an author that can keep you on the edge of your seat but I have never read a book that had me standing in the middle of the living room because the tension was so high especially at the end with Warmand. The story has many surprises and it’s tempered with a few sad moments but all together it makes for a very awesome freaking read! I wouldn’t read this one without reading the first book men of iron as it is a trilogy but trust me if you like books like this you’ll be excited to get to the next installment. #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestreview, #MJPorter, #WarriorsOfIron, #MenOfIronTrilogy,

Absolutely riveting and thoroughly engrossing! Warriors of Iron by M.J. Porter is an outstanding addition to her portfolio of historical fiction that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Warriors of Iron is a gritty immersion into ancient Britain, filled with compelling characters, rich history and great insight into ancient life. It is the second book in MJ Porter's The Dark Ages Chronicles and continues the stories of Meddi (a seeress) and Wærmund (a Saxon warrior). Told in alternating chapters is seems to be leading us ever closer to an encounter between the two of them, who have no idea of the existence of the other.

Meddi's tribe, led by her brother, is making great strides in rebuilding their village and their lives. But when evil Elen disappears with an artifact belonging to Meddi's family and knowledge of the secrets behind making iron, anxieties increase. Meddi goes looking for Elen hoping to eliminate the threat once and for all.

Wærmund is also seeking strong blades so he and his band can sell their services are protectors and survive battles. He meets a woman who beguiles him with stories of how she can get them what they want if they will only help her. Little do they know what they are getting into!

Told by Meddi and Wærmund in alternating chapters, Warriors of Iron moves quickly and the suspense is intense all the way through. I can't wait to read the next (and final?) book in the trilogy!

The series’s knows she must find Elen if they want to feel at peace. They also need good swords to protect themselves but can they find the right way and materials needed? Meanwhile Waermund continues his quest to prove himself.

Well written a historical based novel set in AD541. Good strong characters who will seek their futures and face many dangers. There will be many a fight and terrible injuries. Can Elen be stopped or will she win?

This story takes place in the sixth century long after the Romans left our shores. Many of their skills have been lost including the forging of strong sharp swords.
There are many small tribes trying to eke out a living but preyed on by bands of armed men.
The tale folows one group of men who fall foul of an ambitious deceitful woman Ellen who betrayed her tribe and stole her father's broken sword that she wants mended to use as a symbol of her power.
The tale also follows those Ellen left behind, a small; tribes of horse breeders now ruled by Ellen's younger step brother and her eldewr sister a seer ess called Meddii.
They want revenge for Ellen's betrayal and to learn the art of forging bettewr swords with which to protect themselves.
A very readable story with battles and alliances between small tribes in a lawless land.

Even though the action is described well and the characters are intriguing, I found this story to drag compared to the first book. But, there are some surprising plot developments! The biggest issue I have is having absolutely no idea how to pronounce the majority of the names, it makes my reading stumble each time I come to one. To bad there isn't a guide for that included.