Here’s the blurb
The greatest threat to the empire is not a foreign army, but the thirst for power at all costs.
1038 AD, Constantinople
Harald Sigurdsson has risen through bravery and glory in battle to become the commander of the legendary Varangian guard, the oath-sworn protector of the Roman throne in Constantinople; The wielder of the emperor’s axe.
With the estranged Emperor and Empress consumed in a deadly palace war for sole control of the empire, Harald must somehow keep the peace. In a city where everything is taken by subterfuge, violence and deceit, what must an honourable man do to protect the empire from both its enemies and itself?
Harald might be forced to choose between his life and his oaths, to take a side or become an enemy of all, and watch, outcast, as the empire crumbles.
Harald is a master of war, but victory in battle will no longer be enough.
The explosive next chapter in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada
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My Review
Emperor’s Axe is book three in JC Duncan’s epic retelling of Harald Hardrada’s life. I’ve read the first two books.
Emperor’s Axe sees our hero, Harald, still deeply embroiled in the court politics of the era, only this time, he does seem to have found himself an enemy that might just be his match, John, the Emperor’s brother. As such, he quickly finds himself and many of his men shipped off to fight a seemingly impossible offensive in Sicily and on the mainland of what is now Italy. The expedition’s leaders are ineffective, placed there because of politics and not skill. That’s never going to go down well with Harald, who has a thirst for action and brave daring-do. And it is up to our narrator, Eric the Follower, to intervene when allies threaten to become enemies.
Eric, narrating his tale fifty years later, has the benefit of hindsight and can gloss over some details, but he never shies away from being honest about Harald’s character. He might follow him, but always agree with him? That’s another thing entirely.
And indeed, Harald’s thirst for action and brave daring-do, as opposed to having a sound head for politics, leads him to the tumultuous concluding events of the novel, when he is finally allowed to return to Constantinople, and finds the Empress and Emperor in crisis.
JC Duncan never lets us forget that the Emperor and Empress rule over vast swathes of land. Neither can we forget that Harald has a goal in mind, reclaiming his dead brother’s kingship as soon as he’s able. This is a hugely entertaining novel, managing to encapsulate so much, including the Norman warriors as well as the Norsemen, and stuffed with detail. A fabulous read.
Check out my review for book 1, Warrior Prince and book 2, Raven Lord.
Meet the author
J. C. Duncan is a well-reviewed historical fiction author and amateur bladesmith, with a passion for Vikings. The first book in his fictional series about Harald Hardrada, the last great Viking leader, will be published by Boldwood in October 2023.
Connect with JC Duncan
MJ Porter 