The Last Saxon King

A Jump in Time Novel, Book One

By: Andrew Varga

Narrated by: Mark Sanderlin

One jump to save all time

Life is progressing normally for sixteen-year-old Dan Renfrew when he accidentally transports himself to England in the year 1066. He soon realizes that he’s trapped there, and that’s not his only astonishing discovery. Dan learns that he’s descended from a long line of time jumpers—secret heroes who travel to the past and resolve glitches in the time stream that threaten to alter subsequent history. The only way Dan can return home is to set history back on its proper course in the Anglo-Saxon age. This is no easy task. A Viking horde is ravaging England in the north while a Norman army threatens to invade from the south. In between and desperately struggling to hold on to his throne is Harold Godwinson, the newly-crowned English king. Dan is fighting to ensure that events play out correctly when he finds himself plunged into an even more lethal conflict. To save history, Dan must battle a band of malevolent time jumpers whose lust for wealth and power threatens the entire future of the world.

©2023 Andrew Varga (P)2023 Imbrifex Books

Critic reviews

"The Last Saxon King is a riveting story. Well researched and beautifully written, you can practically sense the sights, sounds and smells of 11th century England. A unique take on the momentous events of 1066, the reader finds themselves egging the characters on. This is edge-of-the-seat time traveling historical fiction."—Historian Sharon Bennett Connolly is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and the author of Heroines of the Medieval World, Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest, Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century England and Defenders of the Norman Crown: Rise and Fall of the Warenne Earls of Surrey

"A thrilling adventure and a wonderful introduction to the history of pre-Conquest England."—Annie Whitehead, historian and author of Women of Power in Anglo-Saxon England, Mercia: The Rise and Fall of a Kingdom, To Be A Queen, Tales of the Iclingas Series, and Alvar the Kingmaker

"A rollicking action/adventure of time travel with both male and female heroes! A modern day tale of love and sacrifice to save the world. I couldn’t put it down." —Tom Taylor, author of Brock’s Assassin, Brock’s Traitor, Brock’s Railroad and Brock’s Agent

It was hard to put down - or stop listening to

Andrew (Bhaal) managed to blend in excitement with historical realism. I was invested in Leofric’s goals far more than I imagined, and cannot wait to listen to second and third audiobooks.

Exciting Infotainment for All Ages

Although The Last Saxon King is written for the YA market, it is as entertaining and informative for adults as it is for younger readers. The main characters are likeable and believable, and the page-turner story line keeps the reader/listener engaged from page one through the epilogue. Mark Sanderlin is one of the best narrators I've ever listened to. After listening to more than a thousand audiobooks, I have my favorites, but I found Mark Sanderlin's presentation to be equal to the best of them. He first captivates the reader with his portrayal of 16 year old Dan Renfrew, with his teenage innocence, but then he convincingly transitions through a multitude of good guys and bad guys in current day New York and Anglo-Saxon England. He even gives a credible feminine voice to Sam, Dan's female partner.
Andrew Varga has written a Newbery Award level book for young readers and adult fans of historical fiction. In the first of his planned Jump in Time Novels, he has introduced the reader to an inquisitive hero who is destined to explore first-hand events in history and to learn about the people who lived through those events. I cannot wait to read/listen to his next book, The Celtic Deception.

Fast paced and thrilling

Nonstop action and high adventure. The author has captured the best of historical fantasy and set a new high bar.