Mike Carden and Michael Carden

Hi and thanks for visiting.

I write humorous books of my cycle travels as Mike Carden: the Bike Ride Books series. I also write historical novels as Michael Carden: the Alfred of Wessex series based around Alfred the Great, King of Anglo-Saxon Wessex in the 9th century, in his wars with the vikings. I hope you enjoy all of them!

You can find out more on the About Me page.

Bike Ride Books

by Mike Carden

There are three books in this series of humorous cycling travelogues, with reviews such as “Warm, well observed, unpretentious and very funny.”

You can read more on the whole Bike Ride Books story here, or click on the books below for more on each book. All are available on Amazon.

Mike Carden and Michael Carden - Author Page - Bike Ride Books

The Full English

Pedalling through England, Mid-Life Crisis and Truly Rampant Man-Flu

‘The sort of book that can put a smile on your face even when it is cold, grey Winter outside.’

A Bit Scott-ish

Pedalling through Scotland in Search of Adventure, Nature and Lemon Drizzle Cake

‘Loaded with yet more laughs, yes, but also pathos and a certain infectious wonderment at the sheer diversity of humankind.‘

A Lake District Grand Tour

Pedalling through Lakeland:

The Challenge, The History, The Wildlife, The Scones

‘A sense of humour in abundance.‘

REVIEWS FOR BIKE RIDE BOOKS

The Full English

An ‘articulate and witty account of one fortysomething man’s quest to ride from one end of England to the other…‘ London Cyclist magazine

‘Mike’s relaxed and chatty style is never less than entertaining, making The Full English the sort of book that can put a smile on your face even when it is cold, grey Winter outside.‘ Dorset Life

‘This thoroughly enjoyable chronicle of one man’s ‘mid-life crisis’ is England’s answer to Round Ireland with a Fridge, by Tony Hawks – but without the fridge.‘ Ludlow Advertiser

‘Warm, well observed, unpretentious and very funny, this is the kind of cycle tour we can all imagine ourselves taking, though hopefully without the Man-flu.‘ Adventure Travel Magazine

A Bit Scott-ish

‘With almost unquenchable good humour, the author takes on everything that Scotland can throw at him.‘ Velo Vision cycling magazine

‘A nice line in self-deprecating humour.‘ Stirling Observer

‘Witty. A light touch.‘ Cycle Magazine

A Lake District Grand Tour

‘Relaxed and chatty with a ready wit.’ Cumbria Life magazine

‘For the armchair adventurer, cycling the Lakes with Mike is an enlightening experience‘ The North West Evening Mail

‘Mike Carden’s easy style of writing, with its built-in gentle humour and his eye for detail that many of us would easily miss, belies the fact that he (and his 20-year-old son) have undertaken a serious tour.‘ Arrivee magazine

‘This is one hell of way to see the Lake District National Park! A great description of the grandest of Lake District tours. Get pedalling!’ Richard Leafe, Chief Executive, Lake District National Park Authority

Alfred of Wessex

by Michael Carden

The trilogy of historical novels centring on Alfred the Great is now complete. Reviews have included, “First class book regarding Alfred King of Wessex. Action packed. Brilliant storyline. “

There is a lot more information on the writing and historical background to ‘Alfred of Wessex‘ here, and the books are available on Amazon.

Book One: Inheritance

Book Two: Vengeance

Book Three: Resistance

Reviews for ‘Alfred of Wessex, Book One: Inheritance‘

“Gripping.”
“If you’re a fan of “The Last Kingdom” this is one for you.“
“Great writing and storytelling. I’m waiting patiently for the second book.“
“Thoroughly enjoyable.“

Reviews for ‘Alfred of Wessex, Book Two: Vengeance‘

“A fantastic follow up from the first in the trilogy.“
“Excellent read, finished in 3 days.“
“It’s a cracking book, you have done it again.”
“5* at least. Excellent book as well as part 1.“

Reviews for ‘Alfred of Wessex, Book Three: Resistance‘

“I love historical fiction. This series was so enjoyable. Michael, I hope that you will write more. Thank you for a wonderful read.“
“Just finishing the 3rd book. Very good series.“
“I love this genre of books and having read all three I can thoroughly recommend!“
“Read them all. Great read“

Alfred of Wessex is based around real historical events during the defence of Anglo-Saxon Wessex, as viking raids turned into full-scale invasion by the pagan Danes.

The novel is the story of Alfred, youngest brother of the Kings of Wessex, who only centuries later would be known as ‘Alfred the Great’.

Alfred of Wessex. Book One: Inheritance

The Kingdom of Wessex is under threat of invasion from the Danes and is divided by rivalries. A young Alfred is thrust into the midst of war and intrigue.

In Inheritance, the first book in the series, the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms of Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria and East Anglia face a gathering storm of Danes threatening destruction and occupation.

Amongst all this, the Kingdom of Wessex is split by rivalries. Who should be King and lead the defence of the Kingdom? How can Wessex avoid catastrophe: is this the end of Wessex itself?