MJ Porter is fantastic at setting the scene ready for future books. As the first in the series, it has a nice steady pace, and lots of new characters to get to know. The focus is largely on the characters and their circumstances and there are some fantastic characters in this book, I particularly liked Meddi, it is so refreshing to have a strong female character! There are lots of names to learn but MJ provides a character list to help which is very useful for reminding myself who is who as we switch between the different tribes and their struggles, through their viewpoint.

If you have read any of MJ’s books then you would not be surprised to know that there are battle scenes, and they are depicted so well, something that MJ excels in, and this book is no different. No detail is omitted, MJ includes tiny details such as clothing, food, shelter, all from the point of view of the character, it is like witnessing the events through their eyes. I must mention there is some swearing, which I realise some do not like, but it adds humour and authenticity in my view, I cannot imagine a band of warriors never swearing.

As I am not used to reading about this era I definitely had to focus when reading but I enjoyed it immensely, it is not a book for a bit of light reading, it is a brilliant first instalment that will escort you back to post Roman Britain in AD540; a world of tribes, weapon forging, battles, blood, and death, but it will also leave you eagerly awaiting the next one.

As usual MJ doesn't disappoint.
Great characters, actions and world-building. There is never a dull moment.

MJ Porter's Men of Iron sets "The Dark Age Chronicles" ablaze with a strong and evocative dive into Britain circa AD 540. It is a savage, tribal era, after Arthurian lore but before Saxon kingdoms, where rust and iron rule. The author skillfully interweaves the stories of two strong protagonists: Meddi, a seeress in the Eorlingas tribe in the west, and Wærmund, a Saxon warrior youth in the east.

Meddi's quest is one of revenge and restoring her people's ancient villa, a mission that requires she and her brother, Madog, bring their people together and tap into the "lost magicks of iron" to make weapons against those who would take their land. And Wærmund, having taken a brutal revenge on his own brother, is an outlaw, with no choice but to flee west and forge a new life as a mercenary.

The author is great at evoking a sense of the era, utilizing archaeological evidence to bring to life an age with limited documentation. The book is dense with action and description, and the battlefield scenes are especially vivid, placing the reader in the midst of the shield wall.

Although the early introduction of many tribes and characters is slightly daunting, The author's storytelling ability keeps the story hurtling along, creating tension as Meddi and Wærmund's lives inevitably converge. Men of Iron is a thrilling beginning to an exciting new series, providing a gritty and exhilarating historical adventure that will inevitably be enjoyed by those who like Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy.

We delve far into the past, to a time of great upheaval on the British Isles. Britannia is no more. The Romans have left, or the last remnants assimilated into local tribes. But after the arrival of strangers from the east – warbands from Saxon lands called to help bolster the failing empire – a new challenge has arisen for the British tribes. As the old established order crumbles, men and women seek new opportunities, and the world's your oyster, as they say...

With the departure of the Romans, the ancient way of making weapons from iron is lost to history. But each leader is keen to regain that knowledge, as whoever holds the power, has good quality weapons at their disposal – not those rusty, dented old swords and seaxes.

We meet Meddi, seeress and elder sister of young Madoc, the leader of the Eorlingas. After decades in exile, they reclaim the ancient Roman villa near the river Severn, that had been theirs prior to it having been taken over by ruthless Edern. But with the man's death, they lock up his wife, and take over their ancient property. But they are challenged immediately for the sumptuous villa and fertile lands, and Meddi has her hands full, trying to maintain her brother's lordship.

Then there is young Wærmund, elder son of the leader of the Gyrwe, but set aside in favour of his younger brother by their ambitious father. Wærmund bears a birthmark on his cheek – he's cursed by the gods, they say. But the young man has had enough of it, and moves to kill his brother. With a small warband, he then sets out westwards, always aware his powerful father might be hot on his heels. But Wærmund is still barely a warrior himself, and his shortcomings become evident on their journey.

Will Meddi help the Eorlingas retain their inheritance? And will Wærmund become the warrior he dreams to be? Well, read the novel to find out!

Men of Iron is a fascinating take on the Dark Ages, a time we know little about. Archaeological evidence suggests that the skill of forging weapons from iron was lost for centuries. But as tribes are forced to fight for their survival, it is strategically important to regain that ancient knowledge.

This novel is an interesting journey into an often overlooked era. The urgency behind the need for good weapons is clear. Whoever has them, wins.

Men of Iron is told from two very different points of view: Meddi and Wærmund. Both try to forge a future for themselves. Meddi for her tribe, and Wærmund for himself.

Meddi is an intriguing character. A seeress, abused by Edern following his murder of her father, and still full of secrets, which she shares only slowly. She can be haughty and arrogant, but given her past, this is not surprising. She doesn't trust easily, and she knows her influence as a respected seeress is vital to keep her brother and tribe safe.

Wærmund is a spoilt brat. (Sorry!) Rejected by his powerful warlord father in favour of his younger brother – an ineffective drunk – he seeks bloody revenge. But after he's succeeded, he struggles to find his path. He's plagued with doubts, but also rage against his father, and the unfairness of it all. Wærmund is not really likeable, and I felt like shaking him a few times. Despite his youthful arrogance, he soon realises he must accept guidance from the more experienced men in his small warband, but he also knows he can't trust any of them with the small treasure he carries with him.

As so often with first-person narrative, there are quite a few repeats of past grievances – especially in Wærmund's chapters, which made me skip some paragraphs here and there, as it only made him annoying. But at the same time, we get an insider's view into their heads, which also makes it much more personal, especially from Meddi's point of view.

Whilst much happens in Men of Iron, I wouldn't call the narrative fast-paced. We follow day-to-day events with both Meddi and Wærmund, which allows for a more meandering pace. Through their eyes, we see the immediate environments they encounter.

The author has packed much historical detail into the novel, though, which also explains the rather slower pace. It is quite descriptive in places, which makes for fascinating reading for those of us who love to learn new things about the past (but may not be ideal for those in favour of fast-paced action). Proof how much research MJ Porter has undertaken for this series. It's impressive. Much of the evidence is based on archaeological discoveries, rather than written records, and it's merged cleverly into the intriguing plot.

Men of Iron is a fascinating read, especially from an historical research point of view. Meddi intrigues me, but I don't really care about poor Wærmund, I'm afraid. Still, it's yet another exciting read by one of my favourite historical fiction authors, and one I can certainly recommend to readers who enjoy immersive history in a lesser-known setting.

An Iron Age tale of revenge. The two main characters living on different sides of England start the book getting their own personal justice. The two unrelated events forces them to meet and join forces for survival.

It’s a great historical adventure story set in an under used time period. The story jumps between two first person POVs. I’m not the biggest fan of 1st person. I don’t get as emotionally invested with it so it’s why I can’t give it 5 stars. Otherwise I highly recommend it.

Wow, what an interesting and exciting story set in the dark ages in Britain. Meddi of the Eorlingas is a seeress or her tribe which has suffered though survived since she and her younger brother were forced to escape when someone invaded their original home. After many years though, they now have the chance to take back her ancestral home of Villa Eorlingas and build a strong defence against future attacks from other tribes.
Wærmund of the Gyrwe has just killed his younger brother who never should have inherited what was his by right, but knowing his father will be after him, he takes his new band of warriors away from his home and escapes. But having been born with a birthmark which covers his whole cheek, Wæremund is feared and hated, with others believing he is cursed.

I’ve really enjoyed reading the author’s Eagle of Mercia Chronicles series, so I was keen to read this book which is set a few hundred years earlier, at a time before there were kingdoms, and not so far after the Romans left Britain where everyone lives in small tribes. The story alternates between Meddi and Wæremund’s chapters with each tale showing what is happening to both characters and narrated by them too. While Meddi is her tribe’s seeress, and a tough character that I struggled to connect with at first, you soon find out more about her and why she is so determined and seemingly harsh. Wæremund is also a character I took a bit of time warming to though you soon learn more about him too and why he’s taken the actions he has.

Although I wasn’t sure about whether I’d really connect with these characters, the story soon picks up and after a few chapters I really couldn’t put this down. The early medieval world full of small tribes is so different to many stories set some years later where iron weapons are plentiful. I like how through both Meddi and Wæremund’s stories we see how the art of making iron weapons is lost and seems like a form of magic to the people now living, and how this affects the people and their safety and fighting. I also like how the way Meddi is revered and feared as a seeress, with a strong position in her tribe, something which seems to be lost for many women in later years in historical fiction of this time period.

Both stories continue to be exciting with so much happening to both Meddi, Wæremund and those around them. There are some brilliant moments including some fantastic twists and shocks, especially as the story is nearing the end. The build up to the ending in both Meddi and Wæremund’s stories is so excited and I love what we discover about certain characters too. Both stories continue to be separate from each other but in the last chapters you see them finally being connected. The book ends well but with an obvious opening for the next one in the series which I’m looking forward to reading.

There are some uses of the s swear words and a few milder, as well as mentions of deaths and some violence, some of which is a little gory. There are some interesting historical notes at the end of the book, as well as a list of characters at the start along with a map of what Early England in this area would have looked like. Overall I have enjoyed reading this book. While it took me a bit of time to warm to the characters (I still prefer Icel from the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles, lol) I did start to enjoy this book and its characters more especially when I got to know their motivations, and eventually I was flying through the pages unable to upt it down. It’s certainly refreshing to have a strong woman as one of the main characters in an early medieval setting and I can’t wait to continue reading this series.

I’m a little biased these days as I’m a massive fan of the author so you can imagine my excitement at the idea of a brand new series!

Men of Iron is book 1 in the Dark Age Chronicles and perfectly shows the reader why MJ Porter is one of the best historical writers out there. MJ knows how to weave a tale. MJ picks history apart and seems to effortlessly know where a story can be found.

I know it won’t be as easy as that.. but MJ Porter makes it seem so simple and that in itself tells you how good the story is.

The main story focuses on a number of tribes and individuals as they face their own challenges of survival… each want what they believe is rightly there’s… if they manage to succeed can they keep a hold of it?

MJ Porter doesnt do things small… the pace is spot on but you are introduced and thrown in the deep end with alot of information but i really loved how the pace suited the influx of characters and development, you had time take the key information and with the focus switching between tribes as the story unfolds it just helped me focus.

Men Of Iron isnt a tale to be rushed, its rich in detail and action and i love the authors talent at adapting to any style or era.

There's plenty for the action fans to get to grips with but at the same time the plot takes priority over all and i feel it worked well, this one is more about the characters than action. Loved it.

My favourites in this tale were Heafoc and Bucge, they had a dark wit about them which i just loved.

MJ Porter for me is unique and as such each offering never fails to hit the mark. 5* start of me.. plenty to love and plenty of promise for the next in the series.

The story opens with Seeress Medi and her brother Madog reclaiming leadership of the Eorlingas Tribe after overthrowing Edern, the man who had murdered their father. Their rule is tested immediately when Edern’s widow, Elaine, reveals she’s pregnant. Instead of executing her, they imprison her in the grainhouse—an early twist that sets the tone for this gripping, unpredictable tale.

Meanwhile, in eastern Britain, we meet Waermund—a fierce and clever warrior cast aside by his own father because of a birthmark believed to be a curse. Despite being the eldest son, Waermund has lived in the shadow of his younger brother—until he decides to change his fate. Gathering a motley band of warriors, he sets out to claim power, only to face betrayal, battle, and even kidnapping along the way.

What Men of Iron does best is spin an intricate web of power, survival, and fate. MJ Porter constantly keeps you guessing—just when I thought I knew where the plot was heading, it veered off into surprising and brilliant new territory. The fight scenes are concise but effective, and the focus on the characters' inner struggles and strategic moves makes the story utterly compelling. There’s something raw and gritty about this world that pulls you in and refuses to let go.

This is the kind of first-in-a-series book that leaves you itching for book two. Bold, immersive, and sharply written—Porter has struck gold again.

This is a great foundation for this new trilogy of books from an author used to writing historical fiction. This book is different as it is about Britain in the dark ages (around AD540). Very little historical documentation exists for this time and the author has had to base a lot of his research on archology findings. The story shows the importance of iron and the skills of forging it at the time, and through the story you get great character progression along with an interesting storyline.
If you enjoy historical fiction this is definitely a trilogy to check out - roll on book 2
Many thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and the author for providing me with an advanced electronic copy of the book in return for a honest and unbiased review.
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Please tell me that book 2 will be out soon! Men of Iron was a terrific read, I couldn't put it down. It's told from the point of view of two different people: Meddi, a seeress who has helped her brother Madog and their tribe reclaim their land from a usurper, and Waermund, a young warrier with something to prove against his father. Both of them want revenge on those who have wronged them. In Meddi's case it's Elen, who conspired with the usurper (and was married to him). In Waermund's case, it's his older brother, who is technically the heir but now is dead. The book alternates between their stories, drawing Meddi and Waermund ever closer to meeting and yet.....The book ends on a real cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the rest of Waermund and Meddi's story.

Well written, with beautifully drawn, complex characters who grow and change as they deal with what life throws at them. It's action packed and non stop. Definitely a good read, and you'll find yourself wanting to hear the rest of the story.

Men Of Iron by MJ Porter is the first book in the new series that I couldn’t be more excited about. The book starts with Seeress Medi and her brother Madog, take over the Eorlingas Tribe, after the death of Edern who murdered their father to gain control. after a small battle they reinstated as a leader of the tribe but when they go to deal with Edern’s wife Elaine, she claims to be with child so instead of killing her they lock her in the grainhouse. at the same time in the east of Britain we meet another man named Waermun. he has gathered a Mötley Crüe of Warriors to take out his brother who he has no respect from or four. despite him being the oldest his father favored his younger brother because Waermun was born with a birthmark that to his father proved he was cursed by the gods. After he takes out his brother his fear is that his father will find out and try to kill him. He wants to be a great leader and although in secure and has a few fumbles along the way including getting kidnapped he is smart and throughout every battle lives to fight on. The one thing these two tribes do not have is sharp weapons to fight with as blacksmith’s or few and far between. let me start by saying MJ Porter has done it to me again I thought the book was going one way only for the author to allow me by not only going in a totally different direction but the direction that had me saying OMG!! I am always nervous about a new series and fear I will not like it but clearly that is not the case with this author’s books because every first book only makes me want the second. The fight scenes aren’t that detailed but the storyline is awesome and as I said I cannot wait for the next book.#NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #MJPorter, #MenOfIron,

A fascinating insight into the Dark Age world and the ferocity of survival.

M J Porter’s ‘Men of Iron’ is the gritty first novel in a new series, set in post-Arthurian Britain. The Romans have left, and with them, have taken the infrastructure. The characters left in this world are forced to fight for resources and status, including iron. Iron and the blacksmith skill are seen as a form of ‘magik’ and are fiercely sought after by competing tribes.

Porter establishes this chaotic, brutal, and struggling Britain effectively. From the lack of shields and quality iron, the deep rifts between families, and the bloodthirsty need for survival. It’s a bleak setting, but a fascinating and less sensationalised part of British history.

Meddi is the character that stood out for me. As a seeress, she has a terrifying aura, painting her face and throwing curses and chants at those who oppose her. Her past trauma is slowly revealed, providing insight into her cold and callous demeanor and role as leader. But hints are also revealed as to why she is the way she is and the trauma she has endured that has led to her personality. We glimpse moments of humanity within her, and the result is a complex, relatable character.

The story unfolds within a tight timeframe, and the first-person narration creates a sense of focused intensity. Because of this, reading this book requires a bit of focus and slowing down to be able to absorb the atmosphere. That said, there are plenty of battles, political intrigue, and contests for power that elevate the narrative.

For me, this read more like a prequel, in terms of the way in which it slowly and carefully set the scene, characters and world-building for the rest of the series. Whilst this can feel contained, there’s a sense of growing intensity that I feel the rest of the series will deliver on.

I'm intrigued to see where the series goes next.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

I’ve become very interested in the Dark Ages so I was excited to pick this up from Netgalley. I thought it was a bit mediocre but good enough to enjoy. It probably doesn’t help that there is very little historically to go off of from that time period. I don’t think I’ll continue the series but I’m glad there was some parts that entertained me. I’ll still be trying his Son of Mercia eventually.

It's a wonder the human race survives! This new Dark Age tale of revenge and recovery shows the undocumented, but proven by archeological evidence, of how the tribes throughout Britain's long existence have lived and either succumbed or flourished. Porter writes a good story with descriptive scenes that can put the reader in amongst the characters. A must read for Dark Age or Britannia enthusiasts.

After the legends of Arthur, yet before the Saxon kingdom of Mercia, a tribal age of iron and rust ruled. A lot of books usually either have a super good beginning or an amazing end. It's pretty rare for me to find one that has both but this defiantly had such a great beginning and all the way through pace that kept me wanting to keep reading like crazy and it also had an unforgettable ending.

This book was so good! The premise and the characters were top tier. I can't wait to see what the author does next? Totally worth reading!!