From author MJ Porter comes a thrilling new hero for readers of Matthew Harffy and Peter Gibbons.
Deceit and ambition threaten to undo the most fragile alliance.

King Coelwulf of Mercia has unwillingly accepted the need to ally with the kingdom of Wessex under the command of King Alfred. But King Alfred of Wessex must still prove himself, and Coelwulf can't remain absent from Mercia indefinitely.

Returning to London, a place holding more fascination for the West Saxons and the Viking raiders than Coelwulf and his fellow Mercians, Coelwulf sets about reinforcing the walled settlement so long abandoned by all but the most determined traders. But Coelwulf knows Jarl Guthrum has set his eyes on Canterbury, and he must protect the archbishop in Kent, nominally under the control of the West Saxon king, even if King Alfred is no warrior.

But deceit and lies run rife through the West Saxon camp and when Coelwulf believes he's held to his oaths and alliances, an unexpected enemy might just sneak their way into Mercia. The future of Mercia remains at stake.

(The series will continue in 2026. This is NOT the last book in Coelwulf's story). Praise for the series
"Action-packed and hard to put down."

"To say this book is excellent would be an understatement. it's a blood and gore fest for any fan of the period." Amazon Reviewer

"an instant page-turner." Netgalley Reviewer

"The battle scenes were really well written." Netgalley Reviewer

"Coelwulf is a fierce warrior with an honourable battlefield moral code. Coelwulf's character is one that you soon learn to respect and admire, along with his men. With plenty of gory battle scenes, MJ Porter's descriptive writing really brings Coelwulf's battles to life." Netgalley Reviewer

"Fast-paced, deep character development, page-turning action, what more do you need." Netgalley Reviewer

"A tale that moves fairly swiftly, breathless at times, with great battle scenes and just the right amount of humour." Netgalley Reviewer

"I really loved this book, great strong central characters that grow on you. Fantastic read. The book had me gripped. Excellent storyline, fast-paced, full of action, bloody action and violence you feel like you're stood in the shield walk or charging on a horse with the blood & sweat of man & beast around you as you help battle the impossible odds. The stories main character Coelwulf is a true warrior of royal blood & the only man with the skills & presence to pull the lords of Mercia together. He stands tall with his band of warriors & draws men to him to do battle. A true hero of old." Netgalley ReviewerThe Ninth Century Series Coelwulf's Company: Tales from before The Last King
The Last King
The Last Warrior
The Last Horse
The Last Enemy
The Last Sword
The Last Shield
The Last Seven
The Last Viking
The Last Alliance
The Last Deceit
To be continued in 2026MEET THE AUTHOR
I'm an author of historical fiction and non-fiction (Early English/Viking), fantasy and nonfiction I write A LOT. You've been warned.

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• Literature & FictionAction & AdventureMystery, Thriller & SuspenseThriller

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• Print Length: 324 Pages
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