What do you think?
Rate this book
The Narrow Seas: Book XI of The Norsemen Saga
Thorgrim Night Wolf and his men, hunkered down behind their ad hoc defenses and facing off against the powerful army of Æthelwulf, king of Wessex, must find some means to continue their voyage home. But Æthelwulf, too, is trapped, unable to set sail on his pilgrimage to Rome while the powerful fleet of Northmen remains at his doorstep. It's only when the enigmatic Felix proposes a solution, acceptable to both sides, that the impasse is broken. It is a solution that will take them across the narrow seas that separate England from Frankia, one that will take Thorgrim and Louis de Roumois that much closer to their homes, and into even greater danger on the other side.
As Thorgrim fights for his survival, his son Odd, leader of the nascent rebellion against Halfdan the Black, takes his first tentative steps out of hiding. Odd and his brothers-in-arms, still outlaws and wanted men, must gauge the threat that awaits them as they make their secret way toward their former homes. The truth, however, is soon revealed; Halfdan's fury has not abated, and he and his men will stop at nothing to run Odd to earth and crush him and his rebellion once and for all.
As Thorgrim fights for his survival, his son Odd, leader of the nascent rebellion against Halfdan the Black, takes his first tentative steps out of hiding. Odd and his brothers-in-arms, still outlaws and wanted men, must gauge the threat that awaits them as they make their secret way toward their former homes. The truth, however, is soon revealed; Halfdan's fury has not abated, and he and his men will stop at nothing to run Odd to earth and crush him and his rebellion once and for all.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
385 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2023
96 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
James L. Nelson
62 books363 followersJames L. Nelson (1962-) is an American historical nautical novelist. He was born in Lewiston, Maine. In 1980, Nelson graduated from Lewiston High School. Nelson attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst for two years, and then transferred to UCLA, with the ambition of becoming a film director. Nelson, his wife, Lisa, and their daughter Betsy lived for two years in Steubenville, Ohio, while Lisa attended Franciscan University. They also have two boys, Nate and Jack. They now live in Harpswell, Maine, where Nelson continues to write full time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 25, 2023
Some plot elements and action are predictable. I didn't care. I liked the plot, the action and the characters. There may be no "good guys" by twenty first century western standards in this era of history but when Thorgrim Night Wolf gives his word, it means something.
A great addition to the series.
A great addition to the series.
July 20, 2023
With this 11th volume in the series, Mr. Nelson cements his position as the leading light of Viking-era historical fiction. It is superb, rich in period detail, suspense, and lively action. Thorgrim Night Wolf, the main character of the series, after a bloody battle with the Saxons of Wessex from which both sides suffered enough that they needed to recuperate, shows his negotiating skills in returning some prisoners for ransom. The Saxons, including the young Alfred, want to set out for France to begin a pilgrimage to Rome, and Thorgrim creates an agreement by which he accompanies them to France. This shows his mastery of the arts of both politics and seamanship, because Louis de Roumois has been urging Thorgrim to take him back there for the past several books. It takes place in Saxon England, the English Channel, the Kingdom of the Franks shortly after the time of Charlemagne, and Frisia.
While this book includes a few sequences that challenge the reader's ability to suspend disbelief, on the whole it hangs together magnificently, deftly drawing in strands of plot, history, and character from previous volumes and leading towards a spectacular conclusion -- not that this volume doesn't have a very satisfactory conclusion on its own, but there's still the threat of Thorgrim's other son Odd back in Agder, Norway. There are occasional chapters set in Norway showing how King Halfdan the Black was closing in on Thorgrim's son and his allies. Halfdan is a historical character, whose mother is (more by legend than documentary proof) considered to be the high-born woman buried in the Oseberg Ship. He's also the jarl who set the stage for the unification of Norway under one king, so the fact that he's trying to kill Odd and take over the family farm is a threat hanging over the characters that motivates another volume.
Good features of the previous books carry over in the epigrammatic quotes from contemporary literature at the beginning of each chapter, as well as the nonstop action and taut, well-constructed plot. Unlike many action oriented novels, Harald Thorgrimson's relationship with his father comes in for some development, too. While it's not short, it goes by in a twinkling. I'm looking forward to a 12th, possibly final volume.
While this book includes a few sequences that challenge the reader's ability to suspend disbelief, on the whole it hangs together magnificently, deftly drawing in strands of plot, history, and character from previous volumes and leading towards a spectacular conclusion -- not that this volume doesn't have a very satisfactory conclusion on its own, but there's still the threat of Thorgrim's other son Odd back in Agder, Norway. There are occasional chapters set in Norway showing how King Halfdan the Black was closing in on Thorgrim's son and his allies. Halfdan is a historical character, whose mother is (more by legend than documentary proof) considered to be the high-born woman buried in the Oseberg Ship. He's also the jarl who set the stage for the unification of Norway under one king, so the fact that he's trying to kill Odd and take over the family farm is a threat hanging over the characters that motivates another volume.
Good features of the previous books carry over in the epigrammatic quotes from contemporary literature at the beginning of each chapter, as well as the nonstop action and taut, well-constructed plot. Unlike many action oriented novels, Harald Thorgrimson's relationship with his father comes in for some development, too. While it's not short, it goes by in a twinkling. I'm looking forward to a 12th, possibly final volume.
June 15, 2023
Nothing Better Than Thorgrim Night Wolf
These 11 books in this series have set a pace of glorious adventures and heartbreak for Thorgrim and now it is clear the end is coming in the next book #12. That said I do understand all things do come to an end but I am disappointed that the author took so long in the writing of book 11 and as I read this latest book I felt he has grown tired of his Norsemen characters, and was wanting to be doing something else. It seemed the writing was bland and previously the author orchestrated his written words just as natural as the wind, and it sucked the reader in. Now in book 11 the unspoken words that bound Thorgrim and his son was lacking to the point Harold only had a few key moments and no word of him after the last battle or after the Norsemen set sail. Between that and the few memories Thorgrim had of Failend it seems to be pointing to the end of Harold just as Mr. Nelson ended Failend. The last book seems to be taking the course of Thorgrim’s other son Odd and Odd’s life has never captured me as it was inserted into the other books. Odd is my least favorite character and I’ll still read it when it’s written hoping for James L. Nelson’s natural unsuspecting twist to appear. I’ll hold on to that and see what comes next. My love and enthusiasm for these books is only for Thorgrim and his son Harold and Failend the new love Thorgrim found and let go, they are always the ones I turn the pages for, and maybe other characters but not Odd. I only skimmed through the parts that were about Odd. Looking forward to read that last book of this series.
These 11 books in this series have set a pace of glorious adventures and heartbreak for Thorgrim and now it is clear the end is coming in the next book #12. That said I do understand all things do come to an end but I am disappointed that the author took so long in the writing of book 11 and as I read this latest book I felt he has grown tired of his Norsemen characters, and was wanting to be doing something else. It seemed the writing was bland and previously the author orchestrated his written words just as natural as the wind, and it sucked the reader in. Now in book 11 the unspoken words that bound Thorgrim and his son was lacking to the point Harold only had a few key moments and no word of him after the last battle or after the Norsemen set sail. Between that and the few memories Thorgrim had of Failend it seems to be pointing to the end of Harold just as Mr. Nelson ended Failend. The last book seems to be taking the course of Thorgrim’s other son Odd and Odd’s life has never captured me as it was inserted into the other books. Odd is my least favorite character and I’ll still read it when it’s written hoping for James L. Nelson’s natural unsuspecting twist to appear. I’ll hold on to that and see what comes next. My love and enthusiasm for these books is only for Thorgrim and his son Harold and Failend the new love Thorgrim found and let go, they are always the ones I turn the pages for, and maybe other characters but not Odd. I only skimmed through the parts that were about Odd. Looking forward to read that last book of this series.
June 25, 2023
Another rollocking adventures.
A new book in James l. Nelsons Norseman Saga is always well received, and this one certainly had me reading at every chance I got. We had to wait a little while for this badboy ko98mone to appear but the
wait was ko98m certainly worth it, I hope the next one follows quickly as its always good to spend time with Thorgrim, Starry and the rest of the crew. Very highly recommended.
A new book in James l. Nelsons Norseman Saga is always well received, and this one certainly had me reading at every chance I got. We had to wait a little while for this badboy ko98mone to appear but the
wait was ko98m certainly worth it, I hope the next one follows quickly as its always good to spend time with Thorgrim, Starry and the rest of the crew. Very highly recommended.
November 22, 2023
Thorgrim Nightwolf
When is the next book coming out? I have read all 11 of the books in this series. Loved each one! Your writing style, story line, character development are so realistic . The details of boating, ships way over my head but never deterred my dedication to read each book and become immersed in each.n
After book 10 you sent emails? To say you would take a break from Thorgrim. I was devastated ! Now I have to wait again ? Its torture! But wait I will.
When is the next book coming out? I have read all 11 of the books in this series. Loved each one! Your writing style, story line, character development are so realistic . The details of boating, ships way over my head but never deterred my dedication to read each book and become immersed in each.n
After book 10 you sent emails? To say you would take a break from Thorgrim. I was devastated ! Now I have to wait again ? Its torture! But wait I will.
January 7, 2024
Excellent addition to the series
I have very much enjoyed this series. Some of the books were less impact ful than others, but the is to be expected. And this one turned out to be one of my favorites. I truly enjoyed the manner in which Nelson concluded the character Louis--not wholly expected and therefore gratifying. And now there at last is some.urgency for Thorgrim to get back to his home. Very much looking forward to the next (and final?) installment.
I have very much enjoyed this series. Some of the books were less impact ful than others, but the is to be expected. And this one turned out to be one of my favorites. I truly enjoyed the manner in which Nelson concluded the character Louis--not wholly expected and therefore gratifying. And now there at last is some.urgency for Thorgrim to get back to his home. Very much looking forward to the next (and final?) installment.
June 12, 2023
No spoilers here. I have read all the books in this Thorgrim Nightwolf series and can hardly wait for the next one. I'm am a fan of Bernard Cornwell, Melanie Karsak, Juliet Marillier, Poul Anderson, Marian Zimmerman-Bradley, and Morgan Llywelyn among others who write in this genre and the books by James Nelson are the equal or better. So if you liked the stories by those authors you will definitely like these.
July 18, 2023
Finally Night wolf returns.
Thorgrim is back, and it seems the gods/thorns have woven his breed so he is heading home. Or at least to Franka. He and his warriors out to help Louis return home. This might not be the welcome that everyone hopes for, Louis and Thorgrim's foes be ware. We find Odd working on setting things right. Can't wait for the next book.
Thorgrim is back, and it seems the gods/thorns have woven his breed so he is heading home. Or at least to Franka. He and his warriors out to help Louis return home. This might not be the welcome that everyone hopes for, Louis and Thorgrim's foes be ware. We find Odd working on setting things right. Can't wait for the next book.
January 16, 2024
Getting a little bit sloppy
The author has done a great job in making me care about Thorgrim, Harald, Starri and now Odd. Clearly we’ve been trying to get them to the endgame with the last few installments but, at least until this one, without showing too much impatience. This time, the author is in a real hurry to get this plot arch over with.
The author has done a great job in making me care about Thorgrim, Harald, Starri and now Odd. Clearly we’ve been trying to get them to the endgame with the last few installments but, at least until this one, without showing too much impatience. This time, the author is in a real hurry to get this plot arch over with.
June 9, 2023
love this author
James Nelson excels again! I eagerly await his new books and lament when I finish them. This one has more great characters and great fights. I’d love more tales of the Caribbean but these Norse tales are just as good. Heartily recommended.
James Nelson excels again! I eagerly await his new books and lament when I finish them. This one has more great characters and great fights. I’d love more tales of the Caribbean but these Norse tales are just as good. Heartily recommended.
Read
June 20, 2023The Norsemen Saga
I have been waiting for book XI of this series . The wait was worth it. I was immediately transported into the world of Thorgrim and his crew. I could not put it down . I hope Mr. Nelson writes XII .
I have been waiting for book XI of this series . The wait was worth it. I was immediately transported into the world of Thorgrim and his crew. I could not put it down . I hope Mr. Nelson writes XII .
April 9, 2024
coming to an end
I’ve loved this series, but I think Nelson is right to bring it to an end with the next book. I’ve loved characters, especially Starri. Sadly, I’m sure he will die in the last book, but it will be a fitting end if he dies.
I’ve loved this series, but I think Nelson is right to bring it to an end with the next book. I’ve loved characters, especially Starri. Sadly, I’m sure he will die in the last book, but it will be a fitting end if he dies.
November 25, 2024
When will Thorgrim get home?
Thorgrim Night Wolf continues his often interrupted return to Vik with a detour to Frankia. Believable and interesting. He will part ways with some fellow warriors who shared some of his violent adventures, but he survives to fight again.
Thorgrim Night Wolf continues his often interrupted return to Vik with a detour to Frankia. Believable and interesting. He will part ways with some fellow warriors who shared some of his violent adventures, but he survives to fight again.
June 10, 2023
Book 12
When can we expect book 12 ? I have enjoyed reading all of them and looking forward to many more. Now if we can keep you. Off your ship and writing lol
When can we expect book 12 ? I have enjoyed reading all of them and looking forward to many more. Now if we can keep you. Off your ship and writing lol
June 19, 2023
a smashing great tale…..
Nelson is true to form in this new episode. No doubt there is more to come in the Norsemen saga. We await the next adventures.
Nelson is true to form in this new episode. No doubt there is more to come in the Norsemen saga. We await the next adventures.
June 29, 2023
Thorgrim Nightwolf
Great story line as always,hardly able to set it down. Looking forward to the next book. Thumbs up to James .L. Nelson.
Great story line as always,hardly able to set it down. Looking forward to the next book. Thumbs up to James .L. Nelson.
August 2, 2023
The Norsemen Saga
I j have bread and immensely enjoyed the entire series ! I plan to read anymore that a written in the future .m
I j have bread and immensely enjoyed the entire series ! I plan to read anymore that a written in the future .m
August 3, 2023
Night Wolf
I thoroughly enjoyed the 11 books of the saga of the Night Wolf. Good writing, and a good storyline. Left wanting more!
I thoroughly enjoyed the 11 books of the saga of the Night Wolf. Good writing, and a good storyline. Left wanting more!
October 11, 2023
Great read
Love this series. The characters and battle descriptions are brilliant, and I can not wait for the next one in the series.
Love this series. The characters and battle descriptions are brilliant, and I can not wait for the next one in the series.
October 12, 2023
Some of my favorite characters shine in this latest installment: Thorgrim Night Wolf, Starry Deathless and Harold along with Louis...doesn't get better than this!
October 14, 2023
Love this series
I'm hoping there will be at least one more book. I want to know what will happen to Odd and if Thorgrim goes home.
I'm hoping there will be at least one more book. I want to know what will happen to Odd and if Thorgrim goes home.
October 20, 2023
James L Nelson - the best storyteller ever
November 26, 2023
love this series
Such a fun read
Can’t wait for the for the next book
How can you not revel in Viking exploits when you live in our pallid, sterilized world?
Such a fun read
Can’t wait for the for the next book
How can you not revel in Viking exploits when you live in our pallid, sterilized world?
December 6, 2023
I think this might be my favorite book of the series. It's at least among my top three. Bring on the next one!!!
April 27, 2024
Good to see the gang back together. Excellent read.
May 13, 2024
keeps on delivering !
Great story … probably one of thx better story lines in this ever - complex saga ! You went be disappointed !
Great story … probably one of thx better story lines in this ever - complex saga ! You went be disappointed !
Read
February 3, 2025His stories are entertaining, just wish his spelling and grammar were better.
Read
November 5, 2025Fast paced
They covered a lot of territory up to now, but it looks like they're finally heading home. Of course it's not looking like it will be a peaceful home coming.
They covered a lot of territory up to now, but it looks like they're finally heading home. Of course it's not looking like it will be a peaceful home coming.
July 2, 2023
I have read all the books in this series and have really enjoyed it. I am anxiously awaiting book 12. The characters, story lines and writing make this one of the best series I have come across. Mr. Nelson, please keep the books coming and thank you.
January 28, 2026
Spelling and grammar errors still present. Harald is still trying to get back to his home in Norway, but gets sucked into another adventure first.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews