Last Viking (Duncan)

Prince. Mercenary. Exile.The lost throne of Norway must be won in foreign lands. 1030 AD Some men are gifted a crown. Others have to fight to claim it. Exiled from Norway, Harald Sigurdsson, brother to murdered King Olaf, must battle mercilessly for survival in the lands of the Kievan Rus. His brother's legacy gifts him a warband of hardened warriors and entry to the court of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. By his wits, sword and skill in battle, Harald must learn not just to survive but to triumph. He fights for glory, for fame, and to regain his family's battle-stolen throne. But his greatest challenge may not come from battlefield foes but from those who stand by his side. The first instalment in a remarkable story of an exiled boy's incredible journey to become Harald Hardrada; The Hard Ruler and The Last Viking. Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron "Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity." - Richard Cullen

Mercenary. Exile. Warlord. At the edge of the world, the clouds of war are gathering... 1034AD Cast out from the Kyivan Rus, Harald Sigurdsson's quest for fame and fortune takes him to the far reaches of Europe, the lands of the Eastern Roman empire. The empire is dying the slow death of decay and corruption. In desperation to fend off a myriad of foes, the emperor turns to the legendary Varangian guard for salvation. These deadly warriors from the far north, famed for their fearsome steel and battle skill, have become the empire's greatest protectors. From the golden gate of Constantinople to the holy waters of the river Jordan, Harald will march with the emperor's finest. Joining their ranks promises him all the gold and glory he can desire, if only he can survive the desperate battles, the hostile land, and the ruthless ambition of a vengeful queen. The fascinating next book in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada. Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron

Preorder the BRAND NEW instalment in JC Duncan's action-packed Last Viking series 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 Praise for JC Duncan: 'Harald Hardrada as you've never seen him before! A fantastic story written by a fantastic author' - Donovan Cook 'Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity' - Richard Cullen 'A fresh, vibrant take on perhaps that most Viking of all Vikings, Harald Hardrada. Bloody, epic and full of detail, Duncan paints a vivid picture of Harald's early life, as he battles his way into legend' - Matthew Harffy 'The gripping tale of the last great viking, Harold Hardrada, told in compelling style' -Tim Hodkinson 'An engrossing, epic tale brimming with historical detail and brave daring - the story of a legend' - MJ Porter

Sworn to serve the empire, cursed to decide its fate. 1041 AD, Constantinople The Byzantine empire is fading. Sick with corruption and complacency that paralyses its once mighty people, assailed from within and without by those who seek to feast upon its riches. The emperor is dying, the empress is ageing, and rebellion threatens in the heart of their homelands. The last hope of the eternal empire might lie with a disgraced foreign mercenary. Harald Hardrada fears nothing but failure or dishonour. For eight years he has faithfully served the heirs of Caesar, but has failed in his goal to earn the riches and reputation he needs to reclaim the throne of Norway. Empress Zoe makes Harald one final offer to save both of their ambitions: He can have all the riches and glory that he desires, if he breaks his oaths and delivers the empire into her grasp. Is Harald the man of his word or will he bend to the empress's ruthless demands? The explosive next chapter in the extraordinary tale of Harald Hardrada