Fate's Needle

Ulfrik Ormsson's Saga #1

by Jerry Autieri

"No land. No father. No brother. No son." When his father is murdered and his brother betrays him to steal his birthright as Jarl of Grenner, Ulfrik Ormsson finds himself adrift on a sea of vengeance and corruption. Aided only by a beautiful slave, a smiling warrior, and a group of blood-lusting berserkers, he must wrest back his homelands by force and face the most difficult decision of all to even the scales of justice and honor.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Medieval, Historical

Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2012

About the author

Jerry grew up in a snowy New England town, then decided to move to an arid desert town. Along the way, he got married and started a family.

Jerry has been writing most of his life. He loves fast-paced, pithy stories, hopefully with a few good sword fights sprinkled within.

A writer, gaming geek, and corporate flunky, Jerry spends most of his time in cubeville. He dreams of leaving it behind one day.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a lot of Viking historical fiction. A lot. This one was okay. It started out very promising but then meandered a little more then I like. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed this book. It was different from a lot of Viking books I've read in that this book is more about Norse culture in the homeland. Most Viking books are about adventuring to far off lands and treasure (which is what I love about the sub genre). This one started in Norway and ended there.

It's mostly about the most sacred aspect of Norse culture: the blood fued. I love revenge stories. however this one was heavy on the transgression and light on the vengeance.
Not my favorite Viking book, but I will continue on to the next in the series and see what happens.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been looking for a viking tale for a short while, and was undecided about which to get. This book came out at just the right time and I am so glad it did.
Well written, exciting, and with characters that I grew to care for. Even the villain of the story would at times elicit sympathy and then hatred and back again.
I don't give details about books in reviews because I don't like reading them in reviews, but here is one. Great Battles! On land and sea.

The author did his homework as well. In the author's note he talks about the real historical backdrop to this fictional story. This adds another level of enjoyment for me as I LOVE to learn things.
I'm going to hold my breath until a sequel is written. So get cracking before I pass out.

[Elden · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent first entry to the saga, the use of different POVS specially those of Ulrik and his hated brother Grim added layers to the story that would have been lost through traditional storytelling, Runa was also a surprising character that allows us a glimpse of the tough life of slave during the SIX century.

Beyond that Jarl Ulfrik remained far too ignorant about the politics of pre Unification Norway for far too long like it was even funny how through his POV in Kjotve's war table he even seemed proud when he didn't know anything regarding Harald beyond his original position as Jarl of Vestfold, like the guy was raiding alongside the Norwegian coast under Thor's orders and didn't even catch the gossip from his targets or the common people, given this was the man his brother sold Grenner to it us a bit pathetic, was he focused only on the plundering and causing havock?

The fate of Vandrad or Jarl Frodi felt meaningless, specially the first one who the author could have killed during the Battle against Frodi without much problem allowing Ulfrik a little return to his old lands beforing losing them again but increasing the drama, regarding Frodi it is strange not even Bard the rapist died it as it was really easy to give Runa or Ulfrik the satisfaction after the raid on Frodi's lands.

Ulfrik grew during the story as a warrior and leader yet he lacked epic moments to truly stand out amongst the rest of the cast, Yngvar was not developed enough as a companion and his death felt hollow, Toki and his role as Runa's long lost brother was played airily(such a character was meant for more or at least get more attention) and Toki himself would have benefited from being a POV character particularly his introduction or following him through the Battle of Hafrsfjord sharing the spotlight with Ulfrik.

Basically expected more out of this first entry, more focus in politics, more satisfactory character arcs and a better portrayal of the Battle of Hafrsfjord itself even with those failings Jerry's novel tries its best to represent an often forgotten part of Scandinavian history.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised to find this authors series of books about the not always so lucky Ulfrick. I have read every book in this saga, though just started the last one..and it is well done that as I finish one book, I can easily start right into the next book seamlessly. If you are into the times of the Northman, and the conquest of the Franks, of warriors and honor..you might want to add these books to your reading list. There is of course; many battle scenes so if that offends you, these wont work but I was very pleased to have found this author. My only complaint and why the rest of this series rated one less star; is due to whomever was used to proofread. I admit, I am a stickler for having the storyflow just come to a halt when I run into typos and unfortunately; Jerry Autieri needs a more diligent proofreader..not sure if this is the fault of amazon, or? but it does detract somewhat from the flow of the storyline. Other than that? this is an excellent first book in a series that has kept me reading for weeks now.

[R Pata · Rating 4 out of 5]

a Decent Start

Overall I’ll give it 4 out of 5, a solid grade of ‘B’. Entertaining, stays pretty well with history and the fight v relationship thing (romance) is well balanced.

I just wish the main dude in this book wasn’t so much of an eye waterer and had spent lots & lotsa more time honing his fighting skills. Plus, it’d be good to have the lead guy be just a little more of a clear headed thinker for a change, instead ‘going with the flow;’ his fighters and close people around him would’ve benefited.

[H Kevin Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading, but. . .

The book moves fairly quickly and a smooth storyline that is easy to follow. Not burden by a dearth of characters. Ulfriik is fairly well developed. Reads like a TV series.
My only complaint is the slight depiction of rape. I believe this could have been handled better and more left to the readers understanding, not so spelled out.
I do look forward to reading the second book as it is still a solid historical fiction on the Vikings.

[Ashley Kerth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Jerry’s other series Forgotten Heros of Rome, and I had high hopes for this series - however this book seems like it was written by a completely different author - it might be a great series for a younger reader (pre-teen/teen) but it lacks the character development and maturity that would intrigue an adult reader - it just seemed a little silly in spots. Admittedly I didn’t finish the book past the first 14 chapters, it never got any better.

[Tim McRae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining yarn.

Reminded me a bit of the Last Kingdom. I liked it a lot and was ready to get back to the story on consecutive reading nights. Very enjoyable, I look forward to the 2nd book.

[Dania Mcclanahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was different than my normal read, i needed a change up and this was a pleasant surprise. Good story line and learn about our history especially during war time. It was a good read, flowed nicely

[Larry W. Leek · Rating 1 out of 5]

Great Viking Tale

Always exciting to read a well crafted Viking story, especially one based on actual historical events such as Ulfrik's adventure in the historical setting of King Harald Fairhairs acsendence to power.

[Wesley Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I really enjoyed this book. Great story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of this awesome series

[Cat Marthers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, so far

Clarafies characters in this debut in the serial, not a lot of background,, good enough I'll try book ii, then update.

[Karen Fournier-foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done! The story keeps getting better.

[Susanne Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure

Story flows fast with adventure and suspense. I loved the characters and how the author bought them to life. Excellent

[roger royer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

Great read
Like all his books recommended
Can't wait to read book two
If you like Bernard For well you will enjoy this series

[Jimmie Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series so far, book one and two well worth reading. Just started book three tonight and I am sure it will be as good....

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 10th century, A.D., Harald won the battle at Hafrsfjord which led to a unified Norway with Harald being its first king. Through both fictitious and real characters the author writes about life before the definitive battle. I gave the book four stars because the mechanics of good writing were fine, the author was not verbose, and his descriptions of the people, theirs actions and their lands were excellent. The outcome was predictable, but I want to read the next book of the series to find out what historical event Ulfrik wanders into next. This book was hyped as being much like Bernard Cornwell's books on a similar subject. The hype was correct--a rarity. The book gained one of those stars for that very reason. At the outset the word 'apology' was used in dialogue, and the red flag was raised because 'apology' originated in the 15th century. What word should have been used? Probably a word so hard to say that I would have apologized to the author and begged him to please and thank you use any word he pleased. After brother Grim did something horrendous to Ulfrik, all Ulfrik wanted was an apology from Grim. An apology was not a fit punishment. That bit of action showed me that Ulfrik was both compassionate and weak. In the end, Grim did lose his life, but Ulfrik lost his land and his standing among other land owners.

Thank you, Mr. Autieri, for a good read.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book on a whim and enjoyed it so much I bought this one. Well to cut a long story short, I enjoyed this book, but maybe not as much as the first.The problem I did have (poss spoiler alert) was the love story section that seemed to last forever.Don't get me wrong it's nice to have a love interest but not to go on and on. Anyway apart from that ,if you enjoyed the first one enjoy this ,we'll worth it.

[Jerry Mercer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written Book

An interesting story of the Viking period. Some typos were evident but did not distract much from the plot. Good characters and descriptions of the places of action.

[Etta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a good read. I read it almost straight through. Really enjoyed it.

The hero is believable and you are rooting for him in every battle. Can't wait to read the next one.