If you wish to read chronologically, then Men of Iron is where you should start your journey through Saxon England with MJ Porter. The books weren't written chronologically, however, as I have a tendency to work backwards.
The Last King is perhaps my most accessible book - it is a thrilling, humour-laid, violent (and very sweary) series about a man fighting impossible odds (the bad language is entirely intentional). There are Cleaner versions available, however, with much of the swearing removed. This is the series focusing on King Coelwulf II, Mercia's last king - beset on all sides by Viking raiders, and the ambitions of Wessex. Can one man stand alone?
The Last King also introduced readers to Icel, who features as the main character in the earlier, Eagle of Mercia Chronicles series, starting with Son of Mercia. You don't need to read either series first. And, you can also find Icel, and Rudolf, from The Last King books, in The Eagle Will Rise.
If you're looking for the lost women of the Saxon era then you can begin with Men of Iron, and meet Meddi (and Wærmund), or step right into the tenth century with LadyÆlfwynn, Lady Eadgifu and the daughters of Edward the Elder, as well as Lady Elfrida, England's first crowned queen.
If you're seeking politics and battles, then King of Kings is where to start (also featuring Lady Eadgifu and Lady Ælfwynn to a lesser degree).
The end of Saxon England begins with The Earl of Mercia's Father. If you thought the eleventh century was all about the powerful Godwine family, you are very wrong.
