Described as “racy” and a “pacy and suspenseful blockbuster”, Viking Storm is set in a 9th century England beset by the fear of ruthless foreign invaders.

The somewhat unlikely author of this new novel is Canterbury and Whitstable Conservative MP Julian Brazier.

At the age of 61, it is the first novel he has published – and he says he found time to write it around his parliamentary and constituency duties.

The story centres on Alfred the Great’s effort to repel the Vikings as they make their way across Britain.

Asked what inspired him, Mr Brazier said: “Winston Churchill said Alfred the Great was the greatest ever Englishman and I agree with him.

“Most of what is great about the English-speaking world goes back to Alfred – the jury system, common law and a system of local government which was genuinely local.

“I wrote the book as a hobby and when I could find time to do so, evenings and so on. I did have to do a lot of research and had to read a lot of books.”

Viking Storm – the first in an “action-packed trilogy” – has already won favourable reviews, including from Conservative Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

He said: “Julian Brazier has shone a light on the Dark Ages and given Alfred the Great the rip-roaring yarn he deserves.

“This generation has all but forgotten the astonishing achievements of the Saxon King, and how he saved England from a blood-crazed enemy – and re-founded the City of London. Viking Storm is a pacy and suspenseful blockbuster. Alfred lives.”

A Sunday Times critic said: “New recruits to the territorial army should perhaps consult
a copy of Viking Storm, a racy new novel by Julian Brazier, for tips on how to behave under fire.

“Brazier displays an alarming flair for describing violent conquest.”

Mr Brazier has been Canterbury and Whitstable’s MP since 1987 and is seeking re-election at the general election in May.

Viking Storm is published as an e-book for £2.99 on the internet.