Steven A. McKay Books In Order

Publication Order of Alfred the Great Books

Publication Order of The Forest Lord Books

Publication Order of The Forest Lord Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Warrior Druid of Britain Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Steven A. McKay
Steven A. McKay was born in Scotland in 1977 and he always enjoyed studying history. He decided to write his Forest Lord novels after he saw a house called “Sherwood” as he was out at work one day.

He is a writer from Old Kilpatrick, near Glasgow, Scotland, and is heavily influenced by the likes of Ben Kane, Bernard Cornwell, and Douglas Jackson, among others.

Steven was once in a heavy metal band although he tends to play his guitar in his study these days. He did use these guitars to write the theme song for “Rock, Paper, Swords!” (the podcast that he co-hosts with Matthew Harffy). They’ve interviewed Simon Scarrow, Dan Jones, Bernard Cornwell, and Erin Young, as well as others.

In 2021, the Xbox game “HOOD: Outlaws and Legends” was released, which included his writing the character backstories, which was a fantastic experience.

“Wolf’s Head” is the first novel in the “Forest Lord” series and was released in 2013. This frightened young outlaw joins up with a gang of desperate criminals their names (against a backdrop of love, death, dishonour, and brotherhood) are going to become legend!

AD 1321 in England. After viciously assaulting a powerful yet corrupt clergyman Robert Hood flees the sole home that he’s ever known in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Becoming a member of this notorious group of outlaws, Hood and his new buddies, including Will Scaflock and John Little, hide out in the great forests of Barnsdale, fighting for their existence while the law hunts them down like animals.

They get betrayed, and their harsh lives get even more unbearable, the group of friends seeks bloody vengeance. All the while, the rest of the country’s in turmoil, while many of the powerful lords strive to undermine King Edward II’s rule up until, inevitably, rebellion becomes a reality and the increasingly lethal outlaw from Wakefield finds his fate bound up with that of a Hospitaller Knight.

This novel brings the injustice, brutality, and intensity of medieval England vividly to life, and marks the start of a thrilling new historical fiction series.

“The Druid” is the first novel in the “Warrior Druid of Britain” series and was released in 2018. AD 430 in Northern Britain. A village ablaze, and a land in turmoil. A king’s daughter has just been abducted. In the aftermath of this surprise attack Dun Buic lies in smoking ruins and numerous innocent villagers are now dead. While the survivors attempt to make more sense of the night’s events, Bellicus (the giant warrior druid) gets tasked with hunting raiders down and thwarting their dark purpose.

With years of training in the old ways, two war dogs by his side, and with unsurpassed skill with a long sword, Bellicus’ quest is going to take him on this perilous journey through lands that still struggle to cope with the departure of the Roman legions.

All the while, among her brutal captors Catia (the little princess) finds this unlikely ally, however even he might not be able to avert the horrible fate that King Hengist has got in store for her.

Exploring the rich folklore and culture of post-Roman Britain, where superstition, blood-sacrifice, and warfare were just as much a part of everyday life as song, love, and laughter. While Saxon invaders and the new Christian religion seek to mould this country for their own ends a single man is going to change the course of Britain’s history forever: THE DRUID.

“Sworn to God” is the first stand alone novel and was released in 2020. AD 1329 in Yorkshire. This new religious group moves into this abandoned church north of the village of Altofts, however once men begin dying under suspicious and strange circumstances the local bailiff decides to investigate.

The Disciples of God and Lady Alice de Staynton (their charismatic leader), appear to be truly holy, however something sinister appears to be going on within the walls of the newly refurbished St. Joseph’s. Certainly John Little (the bailiff) has got his suspicions about a few of the warrior-like male acolytes, however are his fears actually justified? Infiltrating the group appears to be the best course of action, even though the volatile Will Scaflock is not too happy about getting nominated for this job by Friar Tuck.

Three legendary heroes battling some invisible ‘Black Lords’ and much more dangerous earthly foes, however can they possibly figure out what’s actually going on in St. Joseph’s before anybody else dies?

With turns and twists aplenty, and based on some real events, historical fiction fans are sure to enjoy this action packed thriller.

“The Heathen Horde” is the first novel in the “Alfred the Great” series and was released in 2023. Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

Northumbria in AD 864. Ragnar Lothbrok (a Viking warlord) gets captured and is murdered in brutal fashion, which is an event that’ll shape the nation’s future for decades to come.

AD 868 in Mercia. Alfred (son of Wessex and heir to the throne) draws first blood on the battlefield, and it won’t be his last.

One devastating scourge from the north is coming to Britain, one that’ll bring armies and whole kingdoms to their knees. Traveling along the whale road in their feared longships, the Great Heathen Army move quickly, striking with an unmatched savagery, in a seemingly unstoppable tide of iron and blood.

An inexperienced warrior is going to prove the difference, a young man that will lead right from the front and, in time, is going to aspire to become the savior of the Saxons. Alfred the Great.

A fully enrapturing historical adventure following the life of one of Britain’s most important ever kings.

Readers found this to be visceral and immersive, loving every single word of it. Steven delivers a novel packed with pulse quickening battle scenes and high drama. This novel is a superbly researched story of a kingdom that is at bay and a young man being thrust unexpectedly to the epicenter of power. A brilliant beginning to this series that brings Alfred vividly to life.