The Last Viking
3 total works
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
Praise for WARRIOR PRINCE - JC Duncan
'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
'Harald Hardrada as you've never seen him before! A fantastic story written by a fantastic author' - Donovan Cook
'So GOOD. I have read a lot of Viking type adventure books and this series is up with the best. Great action which is based on written records. So to some extent it actually happened!' - Reader Review
'Excellent book one of the best I have had the pleasure to read in a long time. I have read this book in double quick time, once I started it I could not put it down. Full of intrigue and fast moving.' - Reader Review
'Warrior Prince. A fantastic read, thank you, Mr J.C. Duncan! I was there! Thoroughly enjoyed it and only wished it were a lot longer! 10/10 thank you!' - Reader Review
'Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity.' - Richard Cullen
'No Characters more vivid or tale better told than this story within a story. There are perhaps not enough words to do justice to the epic tale set to paper by this author. And so I will not attempt to do so beyond recommending this book to anyone with eyes to read it.' -Reader Review
'The gripping tale of the last great viking, Harold Hardrada, told in compelling style.' - Tim Hodkinson
'An engrossing, epic tale of Harald Hardrada's early years, brimming with historical detail and brave daring do. This is the story of a man who will become a legend, told lovingly through the eyes of one of his loyal followers and sure to delight readers.' - MJ Porter
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
Praise for JC Duncan
'Harald Hardrada as you've never seen him before! A fantastic story written by a fantastic author' - Donovan Cook
'Wonderful story telling. One of the best books of its kind that I have read. Loved it and want more' - Reader Review
"Immersive and impeccably researched, JC Duncan brings Harald Hardrada's epic journey to life with gripping authenticity." - Richard Cullen
'Brilliant read and good storyline. I appreciate this is a work of fiction based on historic events but it is such a well written with a good story that makes it feel it is real,I am truly hooked and looking forward to Book 3 in the series.' - Reader Review
'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
'Gripping read. I am truly hooked and looking forward to Book 3 in the series.' - Reader Review
'The gripping tale of the last great viking, Harold Hardrada, told in compelling style.' - Tim Hodkinson
'Awesome book series. JC Duncan respects attention to historical detail and these books are just great. The story flows so easily and you can get so caught up within it the real world is tuned out. I love thus series and anxiously await the next book.' - Reader Review
'An engrossing, epic tale of Harald Hardrada's early years, brimming with historical detail and brave daring do. This is the story of a man who will become a legend, told lovingly through the eyes of one of his loyal followers and sure to delight readers.' - MJ Porter
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
'Wow wow wow!!! This was such a ride. The character development and world building was top notch. This is a must read!!' - Netgalley Reviewer