Anglo-Saxon and viking historical fiction at its best, Sons of Kings is the beloved tetralogy by Millie Thom, comprising of Shadow of the Raven, Pit of Vipers, Wyvern of Wessex, and King of the Anglo Saxons – each title chosen with great care. Discover why.

We are smack down in the middle bit of medieval Europe. Separated only by the stretch of the North Sea, the Danish often raid the Anglo-Saxon lands.

In what we know today as Great Britain, back then there were seven Anglo-Saxon kingdoms rivaling each other (how else), a heptarchy, two of them being Wessex and Mercia. Wessex was an Anglo-Saxon kingdom in the very south of today’s England. Mercia was a larger Anglo-Saxon kingdom bordering Wessex on the north.

But whenever the Danes would raid the Anglo-Saxon lands, liking mainly the mouth of the Thames as an entry point for their ships, the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia would be forced to put their hostilities aside and face the common threat together. But can their rulings Kings forget their egos and past family feuds aside?

“By the mid ninth century, Danish raids on Anglo-Saxon kingdoms have escalated… even dare to overwinter on the coastal islands, particularly those at the mouth of the Thames, where the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia border each other. The kings of these lands must put past hostilities aside and take the first steps towards unity (Book 1)… Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia are the sons of kings… turbulent events in their childhood years change the natural progression of things and shape the characters of the men they will become (Book 2)… Alfred’s victories and defeats take him on a journey of learning… We share his highs and his lows, and how he rises from the depths of despair to save his beloved kingdom from total conquest… Eadwulf is back on the Sea Eagle with Bjorn and his crew on a quest to discover if Eadwulf’s father, King Beorhtwulf of Mercia, is still alive after twenty years as a slave (Book 3)… While Aethelred pursues his role as Lord of the Mercians, Eadwulf settles back in Aros. Old friendships are rekindled, new ones are formed, and a situation in al-Andalus takes Eadwulf, Bjorn and their comrades on another dangerous quest across the sea. But will this new life be enough to stop Eadwulf missing his children and friends back in Mercia? (Book 4)” – Amazon book synopsis for Sons of Kings by Millie Thom.

Shadow of the Raven (Sons of Kings Book 1)

Shadow of the Raven presents a vivid image with beautiful descriptions and a rich action that does not shy of the Viking era it is placed in. The author clearly knows her historical facts as well as the scenery. Although Viking era is fairly new to me as a reader, the story drew me in and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The fine portraying of commoners and their everyday lives during such trying times also fascinated me. Although loaded with anxiety, suffering, frustration and more than often lack of any human rights as we rely on today, those people rose above the grime, enjoying and valuing love and beauty.

Pit of Vipers (Sons of Kings Book 2)

Alfred of Wessex and Eadwulf of Mercia’s characters are masterfully penned, but I was drawn to the lives of the Mercians, especially those of Eadwulf and his brave wife Leoflaed. There is a heartwarming love story between them, built on trust and mutual respect. You will root for this young family and this is where Thom’s writing artistry shows itself – for she will bring you on the verge of tears. Being the son of a king comes with strings attached…

There is also cunning intrigue and battles, and torture, fitting for the Middle Ages.

The linguistic and visual details, preparing food, everyday lifestyle, the market, the weather, even the health issues, without being overwhelming they pulled me in.

Wyvern of Wessex (Sons of Kings Book 3)

Although both leading characters are by now parents and leaders, King Alfred of Wessex (Alfred the Great) deals with grave problems and treason on his journey to free his kingdom from the Danes. While Eadwulf faces his own demons considering if an eye for an eye is the right approach when it comes to those close.

We meet many well-known characters and enjoy a mosaic of daily adversity, cunning betrayal, sweet romance, engulfing war, but above all the same endurance presented in skilled prose.

Ms Thom makes good use of her vast historical knowledge delivering another engrossing read.

King of the Anglo Saxons (Sons of Kings Book 4)

This book is the perfect ending to a beloved historical fiction series about a little know era. Again, I enjoyed the way history and fiction were woven together.

In this volume we deal with a younger generation as both Alfred and Eadwulf are elderly. Still, they are faced with adversity, voyages, and the Danes who are are still causing trouble.

In this last book of the series we get to really enjoy the characters that have animated these two great kings whose lives have come full circle in what is a very satisfying end to a fascinating tetralogy.

Sons of Kings by Millie Thom is a masterful mix of history, war, intrigue, the making of Kings and love.

The series is known for its richly detailed historical setting and characters, as well as its intricate plot that weaves together political intrigue, battles, romance, and family drama. The author, Ms Millie Thom, has extensively researched the time period and brought it to life with vivid descriptions and accurate depictions of the culture and customs of the time.

By clicking on book covers you will be redirected to their respective Amazon pages. If you wish to learn more about this series and its author do head over to Ms Millie Thom’s website.

Also by Millie Thom on my blog: Book Review, Take Height, Rutterkin.

6 Replies to “Sons of Kings by Millie Thom, Book Review of a Tetralogy”

What a wonderful summary/review of all four books in my Sons of Kings series, Pat. Thank you SO much! I am immensely grateful that such a talented and versatile author as yourself would take the time to read and review my books. Your post has certainly given me something to smile about – probably well into next week! <D

With great pleasure, Millie. I enjoyed the Sons of Kings book series very much. I’ll keep it on my kindle as holiday read. Always good to have a beloved book when traveling, and I do enjoy your writing style!