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Varangian #1
Varangian
In the middle part of the Eleventh century, the Byzantine Empire dominated the world. The surviving part of the old Roman Empire, its position as the greatest know civilisation remained undisputed. Within the walls of its great capital city, Constantinople, treachery, debauchery and power politics dominated the lives of the rulling elite, as it had in the glory days of Rome.
Thrust inside this heady mix, the Viking adventurer Harald Hardrada struggles to survive. A new emperor, the deranged Michael V, means danger for him as he becomes a pawn in the jostling for power of the various factions. Can he survive, and in so doing, turn his mind to the regaining what is rightfully his - the throne of Norway?
Thrust inside this heady mix, the Viking adventurer Harald Hardrada struggles to survive. A new emperor, the deranged Michael V, means danger for him as he becomes a pawn in the jostling for power of the various factions. Can he survive, and in so doing, turn his mind to the regaining what is rightfully his - the throne of Norway?
418 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
453 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Stuart G. Yates
147 books28 followersMy first published book 'Cold Hell in Darley Dene' (written as Glenn Stuart) was the culmination of years of trying to get myself into print. Back in 1979 I submitted a novel to a publisher, and in 2009 Darley Dene was accepted. Thirty years of honing my skills, and learning a lot about the world. If I had the chance, I'd almost certainly re-write all of my books, improve them, make them more solid, because the more we write, the better we get.This is what has happened to 'Darley Dene'. It's now available as 'Lament for Darley Dene', re-written and improved. Soon, you will find the same with 'The Pawnbroker', a horror story which I am sure many out there will enjoy.
My current day-job is being a teacher, a job I love. Without it I would not be able to continue to write; it also gives me a wealth of characters and so many ideas. The bills get paid too!
I write now as Stuart G Yates in a range of genres. Unflinching is my best-selling Western, but if you like historical fiction, thrillers or spine-tingling horror, I am sure I have a title for you.
For the moment, I live in Spain, which is not so wonderful as people try to make out, and I would dearly love to return to Old Blighty, find a little cottage and write full time. Or the Philippines and be with my fiance, marry her, find happiness. Dreams, but dreams that I am trying very hard to make true. Afterall, it's dreaming what writers do best...don't they?
My current day-job is being a teacher, a job I love. Without it I would not be able to continue to write; it also gives me a wealth of characters and so many ideas. The bills get paid too!
I write now as Stuart G Yates in a range of genres. Unflinching is my best-selling Western, but if you like historical fiction, thrillers or spine-tingling horror, I am sure I have a title for you.
For the moment, I live in Spain, which is not so wonderful as people try to make out, and I would dearly love to return to Old Blighty, find a little cottage and write full time. Or the Philippines and be with my fiance, marry her, find happiness. Dreams, but dreams that I am trying very hard to make true. Afterall, it's dreaming what writers do best...don't they?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 3, 2020
This was so disappointing. The first thing I noticed about this book was his unrealistic view of women. Every woman in this book oozed sexuality, was outrageously hot, and gave all the men instant erections. Top that off with the fact that they were all whores and slept with every available man. If Stuart Yates really feels this way about women, he should seriously consider counseling.
Also, who proofread this book? There were so many errors! There were sentences that ended with both a comma and a period, words that were misspelled or just the completely wrong word.
While the story was decent, the above details really took from the experience for me. I wanted to like it, but it failed to deliver and I found myself questioning if I should just quit the book without finishing.
Also, who proofread this book? There were so many errors! There were sentences that ended with both a comma and a period, words that were misspelled or just the completely wrong word.
While the story was decent, the above details really took from the experience for me. I wanted to like it, but it failed to deliver and I found myself questioning if I should just quit the book without finishing.
December 1, 2013
Varangian: Stuart Yates
Can you see the bodies strewn and smell the stench of death that permeates like a rancid perfume in the air? Death, carnage, violence and so many killed in order to prove their own strength and take over the throne or Rome. As we learn more about those killed, those that sought revenge we never see the orchestra leader that created the silent death music and conducted the soldiers in such precision that those that were victims never heard their footsteps or saw their blazing swords. The setting is 10th century Constantinople, the time period highly volatile and the two sides distinctly different. Harald Sigurdsson, called Hardrada is in a cell with several other men hoping to find a way to freedom. Thinking that the Empress Zoe, his lover, would come in his cell would not happen. Within the walls of the palace there is treachery, deceit, lies and hate as so many seek out power, influence and will do anything including debase themselves to get it. When we finally meet the much coveted and loved by many men, Empress Zoe, we hear her thoughts as she speaks to her maid, Leoni never realizing that those close to her would be her downfall. Leoni, young, beautiful, thinking she is so smart in many ways, beguiling to men and finding her way into many beds, allows herself to become the mistress to a powerful general and then a concubine or lover to the present Emperor whose goal is to remove Zoe, who took him in when married to his uncle, adopted him and finds himself in power. But, the present Emperor Michal V, is more than just boastful of his prowess in bed and manipulations of others as he took is being managed you might say by a eunuch whose principles are questionable, whose ability to take him to task quite cunning but whose end will surprise you.
Throughout the beginning of the novel we learn about the wars that took place, the battles between the many military factions working for and against the establishment of New Rome/Constantinople. When the story opens we learn about the demise of many Varangian, those that served in the elite unit of the Byzantine Army. These men guarded the Emperor. But, one man stands out Harald Hardrada whose loyalty is to the Empress but whose quest will force him to do more than just choose sides and loyalty. The Patriarch of the Royalty, Alexis, gets away when warned by Zoe, whose life is endanger when she becomes dispensable to the Emperor, a thorn in his side as he seeks to rule on his own at any cost. Releasing Harald from prison, threatening to kill Zoe, he sends him to bring back the Patriarch for him to stand in support of him during his coronation. But, Michael is deranged, delusional and really sick and thirsty for control power and uses Harald as his messenger and toys with his love for Zoe in order to get what he wants.
As Harald embarks on his journey, others are sent to find him and take his life as Michal changes course, imprisons the one man loyal to him, sends Zoe away to a nunnery and devises a plot so sick and diabolical it will take more than just the return of the Alexius, Patriarch of the great city of Constantinople, his support and Harald to get what he wants.
There are many who Zoe trusts and one is Scythian Guard who becomes her lover. When found out he is sent away to seek Harald and told to kill him. Along with a young soldier named Andreas he hopes to succeed but along the way they encounter more than one obstacle, a young girl that appears to be dangerous, taken with Andreas, yet a pawn this wild band that she belongs it and that threatened her if she does not stay her course, do their bidding and follow the path they have outlined for her.
As Michael’s plans come into play, the games begin but there are those appearing close to him that have another goal in mind. Manipulating not only her lover the general, Leoni, manages to help General Maniakes put his own spin on how he wants things to go, arrange for Constantine the brother of the eunuch, Orphano, to return and restore his power, and hopefully be successful in his plans to get Zoe back on the throne. Within each plan there are many subplots and plans and those that appear to be loyal just might have other agendas in mind as we hear the voice of one young man named Nikolias working with the general but whose quest for power too might lead him in another direction. Battle scenes that come next, descriptions quite graphic, the Alexius soon to return and the entire cast just might wind up in the same place. But, can Harald bring Zoe back on the throne, convince the Patriarch to return to the city, and lead the Varangians to victory? But, what about Crethus, whose loyal to Zoe, a messenger for the Empire and now faced with having to kill Hardrada? The plot gets exciting when his two friends create a diversion, finally escape and then confronts Crethus with a startling truth and two men just might be at a standstill.
When the ending comes near just who survives, who will rule and where everyone winds up you just won’t believe. Author Stuart Yates takes us deep inside the mind of a man so delusional he actually believes his own power. When the people speak out and their wishes are known, violence breaks out and the sides and swords are drawn.
As Hardrada and Ranulph work side by side to take back what is theirs, find a way to destroy the Scythian Guard, deal with Crethus and hopefully rid themselves of Andreas, the surprise twists, turns and subtle nuances that the author creates will keep you guessing, wondering and joining in the fight, drawing your own sword, deciding which side you are on and the final battle is won. Just who will remain standing and whose plan worked? Will Harald get back what he lost? Will he remain as the head of the Varangian or will he and his two friends finally be free? What about the veiled threat made by someone at the end? The answers to these and many other questions will come when our brilliant author brings us the sequel titled: King of the Norse. Volume II. To get a sneak peak you are going to have to read this great fast paced novel first to get look at the first chapter of the next book. Can you see the bodies strewn? Can you smell the threat of death? Can you see the carnage? Whose bodies? Whose deaths? Read this outstanding novel to find out and close your eyes and picture the scenes. Characters that are quite colorful, devious, well defined, clearly described and a plot that is easy to follow and subplots that will draw you in even more. This is one novel you want to read.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
Can you see the bodies strewn and smell the stench of death that permeates like a rancid perfume in the air? Death, carnage, violence and so many killed in order to prove their own strength and take over the throne or Rome. As we learn more about those killed, those that sought revenge we never see the orchestra leader that created the silent death music and conducted the soldiers in such precision that those that were victims never heard their footsteps or saw their blazing swords. The setting is 10th century Constantinople, the time period highly volatile and the two sides distinctly different. Harald Sigurdsson, called Hardrada is in a cell with several other men hoping to find a way to freedom. Thinking that the Empress Zoe, his lover, would come in his cell would not happen. Within the walls of the palace there is treachery, deceit, lies and hate as so many seek out power, influence and will do anything including debase themselves to get it. When we finally meet the much coveted and loved by many men, Empress Zoe, we hear her thoughts as she speaks to her maid, Leoni never realizing that those close to her would be her downfall. Leoni, young, beautiful, thinking she is so smart in many ways, beguiling to men and finding her way into many beds, allows herself to become the mistress to a powerful general and then a concubine or lover to the present Emperor whose goal is to remove Zoe, who took him in when married to his uncle, adopted him and finds himself in power. But, the present Emperor Michal V, is more than just boastful of his prowess in bed and manipulations of others as he took is being managed you might say by a eunuch whose principles are questionable, whose ability to take him to task quite cunning but whose end will surprise you.
Throughout the beginning of the novel we learn about the wars that took place, the battles between the many military factions working for and against the establishment of New Rome/Constantinople. When the story opens we learn about the demise of many Varangian, those that served in the elite unit of the Byzantine Army. These men guarded the Emperor. But, one man stands out Harald Hardrada whose loyalty is to the Empress but whose quest will force him to do more than just choose sides and loyalty. The Patriarch of the Royalty, Alexis, gets away when warned by Zoe, whose life is endanger when she becomes dispensable to the Emperor, a thorn in his side as he seeks to rule on his own at any cost. Releasing Harald from prison, threatening to kill Zoe, he sends him to bring back the Patriarch for him to stand in support of him during his coronation. But, Michael is deranged, delusional and really sick and thirsty for control power and uses Harald as his messenger and toys with his love for Zoe in order to get what he wants.
As Harald embarks on his journey, others are sent to find him and take his life as Michal changes course, imprisons the one man loyal to him, sends Zoe away to a nunnery and devises a plot so sick and diabolical it will take more than just the return of the Alexius, Patriarch of the great city of Constantinople, his support and Harald to get what he wants.
There are many who Zoe trusts and one is Scythian Guard who becomes her lover. When found out he is sent away to seek Harald and told to kill him. Along with a young soldier named Andreas he hopes to succeed but along the way they encounter more than one obstacle, a young girl that appears to be dangerous, taken with Andreas, yet a pawn this wild band that she belongs it and that threatened her if she does not stay her course, do their bidding and follow the path they have outlined for her.
As Michael’s plans come into play, the games begin but there are those appearing close to him that have another goal in mind. Manipulating not only her lover the general, Leoni, manages to help General Maniakes put his own spin on how he wants things to go, arrange for Constantine the brother of the eunuch, Orphano, to return and restore his power, and hopefully be successful in his plans to get Zoe back on the throne. Within each plan there are many subplots and plans and those that appear to be loyal just might have other agendas in mind as we hear the voice of one young man named Nikolias working with the general but whose quest for power too might lead him in another direction. Battle scenes that come next, descriptions quite graphic, the Alexius soon to return and the entire cast just might wind up in the same place. But, can Harald bring Zoe back on the throne, convince the Patriarch to return to the city, and lead the Varangians to victory? But, what about Crethus, whose loyal to Zoe, a messenger for the Empire and now faced with having to kill Hardrada? The plot gets exciting when his two friends create a diversion, finally escape and then confronts Crethus with a startling truth and two men just might be at a standstill.
When the ending comes near just who survives, who will rule and where everyone winds up you just won’t believe. Author Stuart Yates takes us deep inside the mind of a man so delusional he actually believes his own power. When the people speak out and their wishes are known, violence breaks out and the sides and swords are drawn.
As Hardrada and Ranulph work side by side to take back what is theirs, find a way to destroy the Scythian Guard, deal with Crethus and hopefully rid themselves of Andreas, the surprise twists, turns and subtle nuances that the author creates will keep you guessing, wondering and joining in the fight, drawing your own sword, deciding which side you are on and the final battle is won. Just who will remain standing and whose plan worked? Will Harald get back what he lost? Will he remain as the head of the Varangian or will he and his two friends finally be free? What about the veiled threat made by someone at the end? The answers to these and many other questions will come when our brilliant author brings us the sequel titled: King of the Norse. Volume II. To get a sneak peak you are going to have to read this great fast paced novel first to get look at the first chapter of the next book. Can you see the bodies strewn? Can you smell the threat of death? Can you see the carnage? Whose bodies? Whose deaths? Read this outstanding novel to find out and close your eyes and picture the scenes. Characters that are quite colorful, devious, well defined, clearly described and a plot that is easy to follow and subplots that will draw you in even more. This is one novel you want to read.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
October 6, 2015
A bad read overall
This book was simply too bad a read, thank goodness the price reflected that. Filled with shallow intrigue, sex and coarse language written for teenagers, terrible action and yet all of it totally lacking in substance. I don't mind that the story had very little basis in historical fact but this was too terrible for words. Don't waste your time on it.
This book was simply too bad a read, thank goodness the price reflected that. Filled with shallow intrigue, sex and coarse language written for teenagers, terrible action and yet all of it totally lacking in substance. I don't mind that the story had very little basis in historical fact but this was too terrible for words. Don't waste your time on it.
May 18, 2015
I love Harald Hardrada but know next to nothing about the Byzantine Empire except that it was decadent, complex, and treacherous. Yes, I found all these things in Varangian as expected, and apparently this story puts us at the end of Hardrada's long stay in this adventurous land. He's had enough and is thinking of taking his vast treasure and going home—except that the villain Orphano has stolen it from him and he must perform a disagreeable task before he gets it back. Oh, and almost all his companions have been betrayed and murdered in a palace coup (this happened before the book started), and two of his friends languish in prison until Harald succeeds at his task.
The book is full of intrigue, deceitfulness, and double-dealing; it's the first place I ever found the Vikings as the honest heroes! All the women we meet, from the Empress on down, are sluts, and sex is the key to getting one's way. The Empress falls in love with one of the most despicable characters because he is good in bed. The usurping Emperor wants to honor his new favorite whore because she pleases him so well; of course, she was placed in his bed to manipulate him. I don't know, I just didn't find such shenanigans convincing. Perhaps I'm not the target audience for this kind of book. As a middle-aged female, I found the sex scenes distasteful, as though they were written for a horny teenaged boy. And there was a lot of sex.
With that being said, the writing is snappy and I had no trouble getting through the book. I admit that the scheming plots and counter-plots were so complicated that I got lost in places, but Hardrada comes through and the end was quite satisfying. There was plenty of action and color and overall a good ride.
The book is full of intrigue, deceitfulness, and double-dealing; it's the first place I ever found the Vikings as the honest heroes! All the women we meet, from the Empress on down, are sluts, and sex is the key to getting one's way. The Empress falls in love with one of the most despicable characters because he is good in bed. The usurping Emperor wants to honor his new favorite whore because she pleases him so well; of course, she was placed in his bed to manipulate him. I don't know, I just didn't find such shenanigans convincing. Perhaps I'm not the target audience for this kind of book. As a middle-aged female, I found the sex scenes distasteful, as though they were written for a horny teenaged boy. And there was a lot of sex.
With that being said, the writing is snappy and I had no trouble getting through the book. I admit that the scheming plots and counter-plots were so complicated that I got lost in places, but Hardrada comes through and the end was quite satisfying. There was plenty of action and color and overall a good ride.
February 25, 2025
Incredibly shallow writing and deeply misogynistic. Not to mention, in dire need of professional editing. It's a shame considering the story had potential and could have been very interesting, but totally fell flat; this feels like it was written by a horny teenager who has no concept of what a woman is outside of porn. It is some of the most hollow writing of female characters I've ever had the displeasure of reading with my own two eyes: they're written like perpetually horny cardboard cutouts. Sex scenes are fine, great even, but Yates has sapped all nuance, relevance, and realism out of these female characters, and turned them all into blow up sex dolls. Rampant sexism aside, the writing (as far as I was able to continue, which wasn't far) was decent at best, and the political intrigue was mildly interesting. I cannot understand how this book could appeal to anyone that has an ounce of taste.
February 1, 2023
It is Constantinople ruled by Michael the 5th in the 11th century. The palace is filled with intrigues plotted by the generals, by Emperor Michael, by Zoe who adopted him to give him power, by the head eunuch, and anyone else connected to the throne or the government. Harald Hadrada, the Norseman, is released from prison and given a mission. The main prelate had been warned and fled from the palace and he is needed back. The Norseman is sent after him. In the meantime the emperor, the eunuch, and the General initiate their own plans. When they all march on Constantinople the blood flows. Read on to find out who wins and who loses in this battle of wits and power.
January 20, 2020
Nordic romance?
This is an enjoyable tale with interesting characters. The protagonist and main characters are well defined. The 'intrigues ' seem to fit together well. The romance or sex is a bit clumsily portrayed, but fits do the the quick telling of the story. A fun read that entices the reader to read on. I was a bit confused by a number of typos in the text. Maybe it was American vs. English spelling, but it did put me off a bit.
This is an enjoyable tale with interesting characters. The protagonist and main characters are well defined. The 'intrigues ' seem to fit together well. The romance or sex is a bit clumsily portrayed, but fits do the the quick telling of the story. A fun read that entices the reader to read on. I was a bit confused by a number of typos in the text. Maybe it was American vs. English spelling, but it did put me off a bit.
October 21, 2023
A good story, but editing is needed
A good soldier story with political intrigue and sex.
The sporadic poor grammar, spelling, and punctuation was very distracting.
I would highly suggest parting with some of that hard-earned teacher salary and take a professional writing class. Finding a quality editor Will help with story transitions, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
The author weaves an acceptable story and has promise, but needs polish.
A good soldier story with political intrigue and sex.
The sporadic poor grammar, spelling, and punctuation was very distracting.
I would highly suggest parting with some of that hard-earned teacher salary and take a professional writing class. Finding a quality editor Will help with story transitions, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
The author weaves an acceptable story and has promise, but needs polish.
December 2, 2023
I don't know why I bothered finishing this. It's badly written and desperately needs an editor. (Grizzly for grisly, for example. Or having an 11th century character say that something felt like a virus.) And the story was dull. Hardrada was the least interesting character - I'd rather have read a story about Empress Zoe, John Orphano, or even George Maniakes. The endless sex scenes were tedious, and it seems that every female character was incredibly beautiful and only there to have sex.
November 4, 2021
Norseman
The sword fighting warriors is my favorite thing. Less favorite is the royal in fighting. Even though it was short it was a good story. I gave it four stars because it drew me into the story. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes warring adventure stories. I look forward to reading more stories like this.
The sword fighting warriors is my favorite thing. Less favorite is the royal in fighting. Even though it was short it was a good story. I gave it four stars because it drew me into the story. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes warring adventure stories. I look forward to reading more stories like this.
October 3, 2024
Marred by a lack of editing...
I kept stumbling over nonsensical statements, obviously dictated into speech wreck with no one coming behind to clean up--wrong homonyms, letters missing, just nonsense, It really interrupted the building story (which was actually pretty good). Bummer.
I kept stumbling over nonsensical statements, obviously dictated into speech wreck with no one coming behind to clean up--wrong homonyms, letters missing, just nonsense, It really interrupted the building story (which was actually pretty good). Bummer.
December 25, 2024
Very good book, Stuart. Complications in the Byzantine Empire with Scythian and Varangian armies, and, of course, the Varangians win. Complications within the Byzantine court as well - the Empress Zoe is banished to a convent but she's brought back to rule at the end of the book. Lots of people die in this book.
January 10, 2025
Once I got my head round tbe fact this story was based in and around Rome and Constantinople, it was easier for me to concentrate on the story. I couldn't put this book down. It was full of political intrigue and power seeking, and the fight scenes, especially at the end were fantastic. Will certainly be getting the next 2 in the series
November 12, 2018
What a really good read
A really good and exciting twist to what could have been a dry old history tale! Full of authentic sounding violence and good old sex, it made the story come alive.Not for the faint hearted!
A really good and exciting twist to what could have been a dry old history tale! Full of authentic sounding violence and good old sex, it made the story come alive.Not for the faint hearted!
November 17, 2020
4 Stars
Good story, looking forward to the rest of the series...maybe. Why 4 stars, way to many typo errors which to memakes the reading harder when you have to go back over that sentence to make sure you read it correctly.
Good story, looking forward to the rest of the series...maybe. Why 4 stars, way to many typo errors which to memakes the reading harder when you have to go back over that sentence to make sure you read it correctly.
June 29, 2022
The story line was ok, but way too much graphic, explicit content for my taste. I couldn't finish it and deleted it from my Amazon Kindle account, so that my children don't accidentally stumble upon it.
December 3, 2023
Hardcore fantasy
A fantastic tale of Byzantine duplicity, interspersed with extraneous, detailed, and undoubtedly exaggerated descriptions of sexual acrobatics and imaginary battle gore.
A fantastic tale of Byzantine duplicity, interspersed with extraneous, detailed, and undoubtedly exaggerated descriptions of sexual acrobatics and imaginary battle gore.
Read
February 3, 2025Great story well researched but editing issues
That is as maybe....if only it had been written correctly (may be) all would have been forgiven. But there were a number of other grammatical issues. Invest in professional editing.
That is as maybe....if only it had been written correctly (may be) all would have been forgiven. But there were a number of other grammatical issues. Invest in professional editing.
May 6, 2025
Full of suspense
This book is packed with action and intrigue as the various factions fight among themselves and each other. The outcome is uncertain throughout, and the series promises even more suspense.
This book is packed with action and intrigue as the various factions fight among themselves and each other. The outcome is uncertain throughout, and the series promises even more suspense.
May 12, 2019
This book is something of an enigma. There was good action, but it was hurt by way too much attention given to "stupidly" repetitive Byzantine intrigue. Stick to the action; to have a good book.
January 14, 2020
Historical Byzantium
Action, plots, sub-plots and more! Definitely not a book for the younger set but well written none the less. Very well developed characters.
Action, plots, sub-plots and more! Definitely not a book for the younger set but well written none the less. Very well developed characters.
March 29, 2020
Good read
Liked this book. Even though it jumped a little bit so much you couldn't keep track. Good plot, good charter development.
Liked this book. Even though it jumped a little bit so much you couldn't keep track. Good plot, good charter development.
May 7, 2022
.
If you like cheap teenaged sex shots, this could be the book for you.
If you like cheap teenaged sex shots, this could be the book for you.
June 20, 2022
Some redeeming parts, but a lot of cardboard characters (especially the women). Too much unnecessary sex scenes. Weird plots within plots within plots.
Suffice to say, I won’t read the 2nd book
Suffice to say, I won’t read the 2nd book
April 17, 2023
I enjoyed this tale of Vikings in the Byzantine Empire. Lots of intrigue and plenty of action. I would recommend it to sword fantasy fans.
October 26, 2023
Great book
Why do you insist on 20 words or this is crap and would send many away good book good plot hard to put down
Why do you insist on 20 words or this is crap and would send many away good book good plot hard to put down
December 29, 2023
Simple blood and guts Viking Saga. Enjoyed the book for a light read.
Gave it four stars.
Gave it four stars.
April 4, 2024
i got here after reading leo suter (who plays harald hardrada in vikings valhalla) speak of this book as "pure smut". he may not have been able to read it, but i (proudly?) did.
while women are written horribly (goddesses only made for sex) and the sex scenes are plenty and ehh, i thought the writing was good. the pace of the journey and the action were compelling (usually not my favorite), as well as the scenario set historically with enough details you get immersed. the characterization is a bit poor (it gets worse over the books, everyone flips how they behave all the time) and there were definitely things that couls have been corrected with an editor but it seems to be the best from the saga (im currently on book 3).
while women are written horribly (goddesses only made for sex) and the sex scenes are plenty and ehh, i thought the writing was good. the pace of the journey and the action were compelling (usually not my favorite), as well as the scenario set historically with enough details you get immersed. the characterization is a bit poor (it gets worse over the books, everyone flips how they behave all the time) and there were definitely things that couls have been corrected with an editor but it seems to be the best from the saga (im currently on book 3).
June 5, 2024
Great story
Well written with twists and turns I didn't see coming. The characters were so well written with a good paced storyline.
Well written with twists and turns I didn't see coming. The characters were so well written with a good paced storyline.
September 28, 2024
Interesting historical fiction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews