Dark Age

Defender of the Realm #2

by Mark Huckerby, Nick Ostler

After the great battle at King Alfie's coronation, the nation thinks it's seen the last of the Black Dragon. But when a band of undead Vikings appears, Alfie, Hayley and the rest of the Yeoman Warders must prepare for the epic battle that's brewing.

Genres: Urban Fantasy

352 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2017

Reviews

[Les McFarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this sequel to Defender of the Realm. Mark Huckerby & Nick Ostler have converted a reluctant sci fi reader into a fan of their work. I wouldn't have picked out science fiction book usually but their first Defender adventure was so enjoyable and I've been dying to read the follow up!
There were just enough details from the first story to refresh my memory as I started the new adventure. The action picked up straight away and King Alfie was the endearing but hapless Alfie that I remembered. Hayley, LC and Brian were still as well drawn and as integral to the story, too.
We left the last story with Professor Lock ( a fabulous baddie!) making a sharp exit from his impending imprisonment. We picked up with an flashback explanation of how Lock persuaded Richard to take the throne from his undeserving brother. The story then develops with the introduction of an army undead vikings and the knowledge that not only the royalty from our country are imbued with special powers.
As in the first book, I love how the action pieces are written and how they are balanced with the careful development of the characters relationships. As with all sci fi, reality needs to be suspended. I found that incredibly easy with this story. Again I loved the touches of history as we know it, given a different spin. How they use modern day London to set some of the exciting action scenes, also was very well done.
The final scenes of Alfie & his brother's showdown...well I'm not going to spoil it, but fabulous!
Can't believe those guys left me on such a cliffhanger!
I would say these stories are great for adventure loving key stage two children ( girls and boys! The character of Hayley is strong, capable and techy so please don't think this is just for boys!)
If you haven't read the first I would advise you to do so, then buy this!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Toppsta.com for providing a free copy for review. Defender of the Realm: Dark Age is the second book in the series. I would definitely recommend reading the first book before this as the story assumes a knowledge of the characters from the very beginning. Once again Alfie and the gang are pitted against the Black Dragon for control of the Crown but it was great to see the character development of the 'baddies' in this instalment. Although the pace slowed down through the middle section the action really got going for the dramatic climax. A great story which combines history and mythology alongside teen angst, family and friendship issues. A fun read for the 9-12 age group.

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an excellent follow up to Defender of the Realm, we continue to follow Alfie, the new king as he negotiates his new royal duties, especially his role as the secret superhero Defender who fights against the mythical monsters who were the real causes of historical disasters. I loved how Huckerby and Ostler expanded this world in this instalment, particularly when we got to meet royals from another country. I also grew even more attached to Alfie, his friend Hayley and the rest of the crew at the Keep (LC always make me chuckle). I thought the development of Alfie`s brother Prince Richard in this book was phenomenal, particularly as he was such a minor character in book one. This was absolutely action packed, so much so I got a bit muddled about what was happening at some point and I`m really crossing my fingers for film versions as it reads like watching a superhero film. After the dramatic ending, I cannot WAIT to get hold of book 3 next year. 4.5/5

[B For Butterfly Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defender of the Realm: Dark Age is the second book in the series. I would definitely recommend reading the first book before this as the story assumes a knowledge of the characters from the very beginning. Once again Alfie and the gang are pitted against the Black Dragon for control of the Crown but it was great to see the character development of the 'baddies' in this instalment. Although the pace slowed down through the middle section the action really got going for the dramatic climax. A great story which combines history and mythology alongside teen angst, family and friendship issues. A fun read for the 9-12 age group.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Age seems to lack some of the personality of the first installment, but a quickly-moving plot with some twists and turns makes this an enjoyable read, and a good choice for any younger-leaning YA book club.

[Chris Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible, action-packed sequel with a great cast of characters in full swing. The kingdom has never seen such a threat. Perfectly set up to make the wait for the third part agonising!!

[Sam E · Rating 4 out of 5]

And I still want to read the next!

[Katie Hamstead · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun continuation of the story. I didn't like it as much as the first, but it was still enjoyable. I will be getting to book 3 asap.