Book Review: Enemies of the Crown by Peter Gibbons

We are pleased to be welcoming back Peter Gibbons to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his latest book in the Saxon Warrior series, Enemies of the Crown.

A weakened crown. A country besieged by Vikings, suffering under the oppression of a powerful church.

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King Aethelred the Unready’s rule falters. Policies recommended by the controlling bishops invite more attacks upon his Saxon kingdom as Sweyn Forkbeard, Viking battle-king of the Danes, grows in power; bloodthirsty for conquest.

Beornoth, Viking-killer and kings thegn believed his days in the shield wall to be over until summoned by the king to enforce a policy of retribution against his enemies.

In a time of shifting loyalties, alongside a savage warband of cruel Norman warriors, Beornoth embarks upon a brutal quest to rid England of King Aethelred’s so-called Viking enemies.

However, when this murderous campaign leads to the door of an old friend, Beornoth must choose sides, as his loyalty to king, country, and his brothers of the sword are put to the test.

Can Beornoth triumph over insurmountable odds in this shield splintering battle for the future of England itself?

*****

Enemies of the Crown continues the story of Beornoth, a fierce  Saxon warrior and King’s Theign.

In a country beleaguered by Norsemen and Normans, alliances will be tested, friends will become enemies and enemies will become friends. Beornoth will have to choose – stand with his King, or defend those he loves.

Once again this is a powerhouse performance by Peter Gibbons. The pace is perfect and I couldn’t put it down.

I have read a lot of books based in this rough time period or based around the Briton / Saxon / Norse conflicts and, for me, this series stands out as one of the best especially when it comes to plot and characters. The story is very immersive.

Beo is believable, human, conflicted and easy to identify with. I am impressed by how Peter Gibbons makes characters from so long ago so relatable given that, on the surface, we in the 21st century and seemingly would have little in common with our Saxon and Norse ancestors.

Overall, another strong addition to this series. I enjoyed it very much.

About Peter Gibbons–

Peter is the winner of the 2022 Kindle Storyteller Literary Award, and an author based in Kildare in Ireland, with a passion for Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and of course writing!

Peter was born in Warrington in the UK and studied Law at Liverpool John Moores University, before taking up a career in Financial Services and is now a full time author.

Peter currently lives in Kildare Ireland, and is married with three children.

Peter is an avid reader of both Historical Fiction and Fantasy novels, particularly those of Bernard Cornwell, Steven Pressfield, David Gemmell, and Brandon Sanderson. His books include the Viking Blood and Blade Saga, the Saxon Warrior series, and the Chronicles of Arthur.

Say hello to Peter via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to his newsletter. 

Enemies of the Crown is book five in the Saxon Warrior series and was released on 2nd April 2025 by Boldwood Books. Click to buy on Amazon and Waterstones. 

by

Chris Parish