Book Review of The Heathen Horde by Steven A. McKay
The Heathen Horde comes out swinging!
This is a fresh and exciting new look at the historical Alfred the Great, one of Britain’s most legendary kings and perhaps the Father of England.
Steven A. McKay fleshes out Alfred from the historical record and legends to give us a hero to cheer for and an authentic person to care about.
McKay’s Alfred is a flawed man who must overcome his own weaknesses if he’s to save his people from the seemingly unstoppable Viking invasion. His character reminds me a lot of Shakespeare’s Henry V. Both are legendary for their roguish behavior during their youths, chasing women and drink before taking on the dire responsibility of kingship during a time of peril.
Alfred is equally known for his faith and poor health. Most scholars believe he suffered from Chrones disease. McKay lays a convincing path for Alfred that will take him from the wild party boy prince to the pious leader and ferocious warrior.
The book is exciting from the very beginning. Its ominous prologue portends the storm to come. The sons of Ragnar Lodbrok will have their revenge, and they’re bringing their Great Heathen Army with them. Britain will made to pay.
The book picks up a young, rambunctious Prince Alfred during his brother’s reign. Alfred is a mere teenager, just beginning to learn how to fight and lead men in battle as the Viking threat grows in Wessex. We follow him through battles with the Northmen and his own demons as he grows into a man, marries, and eventually becomes king.
The book is well-structured giving us a great “darkest hour” moment and resolution in the third act that not only satisfies the plot of this first novel of what will be a trilogy but also satisfies Alfred’s development as a character. And even though there’s a satisfying conclusion to this story, do not let your guard down during the denouement because there’s a setup for the next book that will make you want to come back for more.
By the way, the bad-ass picture on the cover totally happens in the book. It’s pretty metal. I think you’ll like it.
Check out a free preview below:
Here’s a preview to Book II out July 4, 2024:
And when you get done reading both of those, check out my latest novel:
