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Bloodsong #2
Death Riders of Hel
They were the Death Riders, the remains of once-proud heroes and Hel's greatest warriors. The very touch of their black-hilted swords or rotted flesh brought instant death and even the sight of their mail-clad corpses chilled the hearts of the bravest warriors.
Now, the warrior woman Bloodsong must face these ghoulish emissaries of Evil in a battle to the death, for the forces of Hel have kidnapped her daughter, and are determined to awaken the dark magic buried in her soul. From the mystical island of the Berserkers to wise Freya's domain, Bloodsong and her companions must prepare for the ultimate battle, honing their swords to lethal rediness, waiting for the onslaught to come.
Now, the warrior woman Bloodsong must face these ghoulish emissaries of Evil in a battle to the death, for the forces of Hel have kidnapped her daughter, and are determined to awaken the dark magic buried in her soul. From the mystical island of the Berserkers to wise Freya's domain, Bloodsong and her companions must prepare for the ultimate battle, honing their swords to lethal rediness, waiting for the onslaught to come.
- GenresFantasySword and Sorcery
263 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1986
1 person is currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Asa Drake
10 books9 followersAsa Drake is a pseudonym used by author C. Dean Andersson:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
C. Dean Andersson writes Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. His day-jobs (and night) have included rock band drummer, television graphic designer, US Air Force band percussionist, robotics programmer, and technical writer. His Swedish-born father inspired the Viking Age studies he uses in his tales about the warrior Bloodsong, collected in HELx3: Warrior Witch of Hel, Death Riders of Hel, and Werebeasts of Hel. He is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and was a Horror Writers Association Bram Stoker Award finalist for his story about a modern encounter with the Goddess Hel, "The Death Wagon Rolls on By."
Website: www.cdeanandersson.com
Wikipedia, C. Dean Andersson: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._Dean_...
New interview with C. Dean Andersson: http://uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com...
Interview about writing the Hel Trilogy: http://kingsofthenight0.tripod.com/de...
facebook: Bloodsong: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bloods...
Wikipedia, Bathory's "One Rode to Asa Bay," dedicated to C. Dean Andersson in honor of Bloodsong: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_rode...
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
C. Dean Andersson writes Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. His day-jobs (and night) have included rock band drummer, television graphic designer, US Air Force band percussionist, robotics programmer, and technical writer. His Swedish-born father inspired the Viking Age studies he uses in his tales about the warrior Bloodsong, collected in HELx3: Warrior Witch of Hel, Death Riders of Hel, and Werebeasts of Hel. He is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and was a Horror Writers Association Bram Stoker Award finalist for his story about a modern encounter with the Goddess Hel, "The Death Wagon Rolls on By."
Website: www.cdeanandersson.com
Wikipedia, C. Dean Andersson: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._Dean_...
New interview with C. Dean Andersson: http://uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com...
Interview about writing the Hel Trilogy: http://kingsofthenight0.tripod.com/de...
facebook: Bloodsong: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bloods...
Wikipedia, Bathory's "One Rode to Asa Bay," dedicated to C. Dean Andersson in honor of Bloodsong: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_rode...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 15, 2023
At least as good at the first installment of the Bloodsong trilogy! Death Riders of Hel takes place about seven years after Bloodsong's last adventure, which culminated with the killing of the ancient tyrant wizard and returning the crystal skull to Hel. Bloodsong is once again a free agent and her rescued daughter is being taught magic by her fellow adventurer Huld and her mentor.
It seems, however, there is a new evil wizard in town, Thokk, who also is in league with Hel. It seems Thokk 'rescued' Bloodsong's son (or at least his body) years ago (this happened in the first installment, when Bloodsong was finally captured and left to die), and basically reanimated it with some help from Hel. Thokk needs Bloodsong's daughter now, or at least her blood, to finish bringing Bloodsong's son back to 'life'. So, this starts off with a raid on the town Bloodsong and friends rebuild after the last book and her daughter and friend Huld in chains at Thokk place. They almost got Bloodsong, but she escaped, and now sets her sights on getting her daughter back...
Drake keeps his prose lean and the pacing just right. If this came out in the 90s or later, it probably would have been 700 pages or so. Nonetheless, the story is tight and full of sword and sorcery adventure from page one to the very end. Great action scenes and magic wrapped up in a loose Norse mythos. 4 'chicks in chainmail' stars!!
It seems, however, there is a new evil wizard in town, Thokk, who also is in league with Hel. It seems Thokk 'rescued' Bloodsong's son (or at least his body) years ago (this happened in the first installment, when Bloodsong was finally captured and left to die), and basically reanimated it with some help from Hel. Thokk needs Bloodsong's daughter now, or at least her blood, to finish bringing Bloodsong's son back to 'life'. So, this starts off with a raid on the town Bloodsong and friends rebuild after the last book and her daughter and friend Huld in chains at Thokk place. They almost got Bloodsong, but she escaped, and now sets her sights on getting her daughter back...
Drake keeps his prose lean and the pacing just right. If this came out in the 90s or later, it probably would have been 700 pages or so. Nonetheless, the story is tight and full of sword and sorcery adventure from page one to the very end. Great action scenes and magic wrapped up in a loose Norse mythos. 4 'chicks in chainmail' stars!!
November 22, 2025
This is the second book in the Norse inspired series the Bloodsong Saga. Seven years after the first book, Bloodsong’s village is attacked and she is captured along with her daughter and her Freya Witch friend Huld. This starts a non stop ride of dark fantasy and sword and sorcery. New menaces are introduced all seemingly serving the Goddess Hel- A Frost Giant, a powerful Hel Witch, and Bloodsong’s dead son resurrected into a menacing Hel-Sorcerer more powerful than the rest.
Bloodsong gains some new friends and powers along the way as she sails to an Isle of Berserkers and completes their trial. She now has the power of Odin in her veins, as she shape shifts into a creature to save the group from Hel-Riders.
Other actions of note : Freya makes a brief appearance to aid the company. Thor’s blood on a cloth is used to perfection in the final battle. Odin’s Ravens appear in Bloodsong’s trial, as well as a light and voice of Odin himself. The witch Huld has gained power over the years. Bloodsong’s daughter becomes some form of a Hel-Witch as she is sacrificed and brought back to life by the Hel Witch Thokk.
This was a good dark fantasy read with sword and sorcery elements mixed with tons of Norse mythology. For the mid 1980’s this is very dark and different. It follows more in the path of the 70’s style action fantasy rather than the world building and overdevelopment, slow style of the 90’s and beyond.
There is a bit too much torture and endless capturing for my taste, but overall a solid piece.
Bloodsong gains some new friends and powers along the way as she sails to an Isle of Berserkers and completes their trial. She now has the power of Odin in her veins, as she shape shifts into a creature to save the group from Hel-Riders.
Other actions of note : Freya makes a brief appearance to aid the company. Thor’s blood on a cloth is used to perfection in the final battle. Odin’s Ravens appear in Bloodsong’s trial, as well as a light and voice of Odin himself. The witch Huld has gained power over the years. Bloodsong’s daughter becomes some form of a Hel-Witch as she is sacrificed and brought back to life by the Hel Witch Thokk.
This was a good dark fantasy read with sword and sorcery elements mixed with tons of Norse mythology. For the mid 1980’s this is very dark and different. It follows more in the path of the 70’s style action fantasy rather than the world building and overdevelopment, slow style of the 90’s and beyond.
There is a bit too much torture and endless capturing for my taste, but overall a solid piece.
January 18, 2014
An entertaining gateway to Hell, and toward darker fiction
This review covers the trilogy, printed in 1986 but released in an eBook omnibus in 2013 called Bloodsong! — Hel X 3 by C. Dean Andersson
History and Style: The three books combined in Bloodsong! — Hel X 3 were written within ~1.5 yrs (1985-86). C. Dean Andersson (aka Asa Drake) was motivated to make a fun horror series on quick timing. The result was easily digestible horror / fantasy, all rooted in Viking lore. The trilogy includes: 1) Warrior Witch of Hell; 2) Death Riders of Hell; and 3) Werebeasts of Hel.
The concepts and setting really carry the story: a reanimated mother is out to save her unborn daughter from the Goddess Hel. This more than compensates for the dialogue which relies heavily on characters broadcasting their intentions. Its simplistic tone and fast pace is appropriate for young-adult novels, but its abundance of mature scenes makes it more suitable for adults (there are many heroines who continually find themselves stripped naked, chained, and tortured) . This is highly recommended for epic/high fantasy readers looking for darker fiction. It would work well as a "gateway drug" for those introduced to fantasy via Tolkien, but are now looking for gritty fare.
Bloodsong and Freedom: The conflict centers on the female warrior Bloodsong who is pitted against Hel Queen of Darkness, Death Goddess. It begins with Bloodsong coming back from Hel's domain, resurrected and sworn to serve the Goddess. Hel is holding Bloodsong's daughter, hostage (she had died in Bloodsong's womb, but was raised in Helheim). The conflict over freedom/domination is persistent and explicitly echoed in the protagonist's war cry & call to action "Bloodsong and Freedom!" The subsequent books fill in many details about Bloodsong's husband and her son, who had died during the same raid as she; they are, of course, plagued past their natural deaths.
Fun Horror: The variety and abundance of undead creatures makes this most fun, and their titles speak to their coolness: Flesh Demons (skeletons who steal skin), Skull Slaves (humans possessed by ghosts), Death Riders (undead warriors mounted on skeletal Hel-Horses who ride the wind), Corpse Beasts (humanoids who eat their kill), Hel-Witch (sorceress who draw upon Her powers), etc. There are of course Viking inspired monsters (i.e. Frost Giants, Invisible Dwarves), but the series is really about Hel's incarnations, as the three titles communicate, so expect lots of necromancy.
New vs. Old: The 2013 Helx3 eBook release has a lengthened first book (in the omnibus, the first book "Warrior Witch from Hel" has 24 chapters versus the original 18). The remaining books have the same number of chapters, but their content is altered to accommodate some character development , mostly regarding the secondary character Jalna. The additions are fine, but the paperback originals are just as enjoyable.
Coverart:The illustrations for the paperbacks and eBook are from Boris Vallejo. They are incredible and accurately portray the characters and books' tone:
More Bloodsong Adventures:
2014...: A new novel, The Valkyries of Hel, is in progress now.
1996: Eternal Champion cross-over: In the Pawn of Chaos: Tales of the Eternal Champion anthology, Bloodsong interacts with Michael Moorcock's eternal champion (the Urlik Skarsol incarnation) in the short story: "The Warskull of Hel" (which was the title for the first book in the trilogy according to the author). This continues the saga in a solid way, even if a short story.
2006: R.E.Howard and Texas: For the World Fantasy Convention in Austin, Texas, there was a R. E. Howard centenary tribute anthology called Cross Plains Universe - Texans Celebrate Robert E. Howard. Therein there is a fun, Bloodsong short "Slim and Swede and the Damned Dead Horse."
This review covers the trilogy, printed in 1986 but released in an eBook omnibus in 2013 called Bloodsong! — Hel X 3 by C. Dean Andersson
History and Style: The three books combined in Bloodsong! — Hel X 3 were written within ~1.5 yrs (1985-86). C. Dean Andersson (aka Asa Drake) was motivated to make a fun horror series on quick timing. The result was easily digestible horror / fantasy, all rooted in Viking lore. The trilogy includes: 1) Warrior Witch of Hell; 2) Death Riders of Hell; and 3) Werebeasts of Hel.
The concepts and setting really carry the story: a reanimated mother is out to save her unborn daughter from the Goddess Hel. This more than compensates for the dialogue which relies heavily on characters broadcasting their intentions. Its simplistic tone and fast pace is appropriate for young-adult novels, but its abundance of mature scenes makes it more suitable for adults (there are many heroines who continually find themselves stripped naked, chained, and tortured) . This is highly recommended for epic/high fantasy readers looking for darker fiction. It would work well as a "gateway drug" for those introduced to fantasy via Tolkien, but are now looking for gritty fare.
Bloodsong and Freedom: The conflict centers on the female warrior Bloodsong who is pitted against Hel Queen of Darkness, Death Goddess. It begins with Bloodsong coming back from Hel's domain, resurrected and sworn to serve the Goddess. Hel is holding Bloodsong's daughter, hostage (she had died in Bloodsong's womb, but was raised in Helheim). The conflict over freedom/domination is persistent and explicitly echoed in the protagonist's war cry & call to action "Bloodsong and Freedom!" The subsequent books fill in many details about Bloodsong's husband and her son, who had died during the same raid as she; they are, of course, plagued past their natural deaths.
Fun Horror: The variety and abundance of undead creatures makes this most fun, and their titles speak to their coolness: Flesh Demons (skeletons who steal skin), Skull Slaves (humans possessed by ghosts), Death Riders (undead warriors mounted on skeletal Hel-Horses who ride the wind), Corpse Beasts (humanoids who eat their kill), Hel-Witch (sorceress who draw upon Her powers), etc. There are of course Viking inspired monsters (i.e. Frost Giants, Invisible Dwarves), but the series is really about Hel's incarnations, as the three titles communicate, so expect lots of necromancy.
New vs. Old: The 2013 Helx3 eBook release has a lengthened first book (in the omnibus, the first book "Warrior Witch from Hel" has 24 chapters versus the original 18). The remaining books have the same number of chapters, but their content is altered to accommodate some character development , mostly regarding the secondary character Jalna. The additions are fine, but the paperback originals are just as enjoyable.
Coverart:The illustrations for the paperbacks and eBook are from Boris Vallejo. They are incredible and accurately portray the characters and books' tone:
More Bloodsong Adventures:
2014...: A new novel, The Valkyries of Hel, is in progress now.
1996: Eternal Champion cross-over: In the Pawn of Chaos: Tales of the Eternal Champion anthology, Bloodsong interacts with Michael Moorcock's eternal champion (the Urlik Skarsol incarnation) in the short story: "The Warskull of Hel" (which was the title for the first book in the trilogy according to the author). This continues the saga in a solid way, even if a short story.
2006: R.E.Howard and Texas: For the World Fantasy Convention in Austin, Texas, there was a R. E. Howard centenary tribute anthology called Cross Plains Universe - Texans Celebrate Robert E. Howard. Therein there is a fun, Bloodsong short "Slim and Swede and the Damned Dead Horse."
March 23, 2014
It's sort of surprising to walk into a book like this and find the story so completely straightforward. There's no political context, no talk of nations or cities or society. It starts at a village of freed slaves, proceeds to the castle of the Evil Overlord and from there on a hero-quest to various locations, none of which require a trip through Customs.
It's more explicitly a hero quest out of legend, following the logic of mythology. The new and improved Evil Overlord(lady?) has a grander plan than the old, defeated Overlord, and a set of new menaces to see it through. The heroes must be tested for worthiness and gifted with new abilities and strengths before facing the threat.
The evil plan is, of course, highly ridiculous and irrational but exactly the sort of thing that Evil Overlords are up to these days: Resurrect the never-alive to become a non-dead, non-alive warrior to conquer the world and turn it into a barren, cold wasteland. Because who wouldn't want that?
Unfortunately, the embiggening of the story on all fronts includes the scenes of torture and sexual violence, which steps beyond the bounds of necessity to plot and theme and into the realm of cringe-inducing and why-am-I-reading-this.
I kept wondering if the cover art were a harbinger of the contents. Not necessarily that the women are inadequately dressed for combat (thought they are), but that one of them is posed presenting both chest and rear end in a way only possible if her spine contains no actual vertebra.
It's more explicitly a hero quest out of legend, following the logic of mythology. The new and improved Evil Overlord(lady?) has a grander plan than the old, defeated Overlord, and a set of new menaces to see it through. The heroes must be tested for worthiness and gifted with new abilities and strengths before facing the threat.
The evil plan is, of course, highly ridiculous and irrational but exactly the sort of thing that Evil Overlords are up to these days: Resurrect the never-alive to become a non-dead, non-alive warrior to conquer the world and turn it into a barren, cold wasteland. Because who wouldn't want that?
Unfortunately, the embiggening of the story on all fronts includes the scenes of torture and sexual violence, which steps beyond the bounds of necessity to plot and theme and into the realm of cringe-inducing and why-am-I-reading-this.
I kept wondering if the cover art were a harbinger of the contents. Not necessarily that the women are inadequately dressed for combat (thought they are), but that one of them is posed presenting both chest and rear end in a way only possible if her spine contains no actual vertebra.
May 17, 2024
This was good. I may have even liked it better than Book One. This is classic sword and sorcery here, based on Norse Mythology. There's undead warriors, frost giants, women and men warriors, shapeshifters, gods and goddesses, sorcerers and everything else this type of story needs.
It follows the myths a little closer than your average novel of this type, and does get a little dark at times.
Overall this is a strong, and I'd say underrated, entry in the genre.
It follows the myths a little closer than your average novel of this type, and does get a little dark at times.
Overall this is a strong, and I'd say underrated, entry in the genre.
August 31, 2008
This features another female sword and sorcery hero. The book ties in a fair amount with mythology.
December 3, 2022
Every few pages something amazing happens. This is how you write fantasy fiction.
January 23, 2018
I liked this entry in the series much better.
We see the entry of Odin, Freya, and Thor.
From the Norse mythology, as participants, in the tale.
So not as dark, but still as deadly.
The conflict still with Hela, and her dark forces.
This time a sorceress. Along with things, that set up book three.
This is a complete tale of itself.
Several new elements added in here.
Will warn though. Maybe in keeping with the mind set of that era.
It seems the female characters. Always at risk of being captured, and stripped.
Taken as captives.
Seems to be a regular theme, through out this series.
As soon as captured, wardrobe comes off.
I am sure at the time, this is supposed to be set in.
Women, would have been viewed as sport.
Either slaves, wives or prostitutes.
It still can be disturbing, how frequent this happens.
One plus, the main female characters are strong.
They do not meekly give in.
Struggling, fighting, and cursing captors, all the way.
New allies, tests, and magical trials. Along the way.
This one a decent find.
For fans of tales, like Red Sonja, and others.
That may not be on the well known, book shelves.
We see the entry of Odin, Freya, and Thor.
From the Norse mythology, as participants, in the tale.
So not as dark, but still as deadly.
The conflict still with Hela, and her dark forces.
This time a sorceress. Along with things, that set up book three.
This is a complete tale of itself.
Several new elements added in here.
Will warn though. Maybe in keeping with the mind set of that era.
It seems the female characters. Always at risk of being captured, and stripped.
Taken as captives.
Seems to be a regular theme, through out this series.
As soon as captured, wardrobe comes off.
I am sure at the time, this is supposed to be set in.
Women, would have been viewed as sport.
Either slaves, wives or prostitutes.
It still can be disturbing, how frequent this happens.
One plus, the main female characters are strong.
They do not meekly give in.
Struggling, fighting, and cursing captors, all the way.
New allies, tests, and magical trials. Along the way.
This one a decent find.
For fans of tales, like Red Sonja, and others.
That may not be on the well known, book shelves.
January 18, 2014
An entertaining gateway to Hell, and toward darker fiction
This review covers the trilogy, printed in 1986 but released in an eBook omnibus in 2013 called Bloodsong! — Hel X 3 by C. Dean Andersson
History and Style: The three books combined in Bloodsong! — Hel X 3 were written within ~1.5 yrs (1985-86). C. Dean Andersson (aka Asa Drake) was motivated to make a fun horror series on quick timing. The result was easily digestible horror / fantasy, all rooted in Viking lore. The trilogy includes: 1) Warrior Witch of Hell; 2) Death Riders of Hell; and 3) Werebeasts of Hel.
The concepts and setting really carry the story: a reanimated mother is out to save her unborn daughter from the Goddess Hel. This more than compensates for the dialogue which relies heavily on characters broadcasting their intentions. Its simplistic tone and fast pace is appropriate for young-adult novels, but its abundance of mature scenes makes it more suitable for adults (there are many heroines who continually find themselves stripped naked, chained, and tortured) . This is highly recommended for epic/high fantasy readers looking for darker fiction. It would work well as a "gateway drug" for those introduced to fantasy via Tolkien, but are now looking for gritty fare.
Bloodsong and Freedom: The conflict centers on the female warrior Bloodsong who is pitted against Hel Queen of Darkness, Death Goddess. It begins with Bloodsong coming back from Hel's domain, resurrected and sworn to serve the Goddess. Hel is holding Bloodsong's daughter, hostage (she had died in Bloodsong's womb, but was raised in Helheim). The conflict over freedom/domination is persistent and explicitly echoed in the protagonist's war cry & call to action "Bloodsong and Freedom!" The subsequent books fill in many details about Bloodsong's husband and her son, who had died during the same raid as she; they are, of course, plagued past their natural deaths.
Fun Horror: The variety and abundance of undead creatures makes this most fun, and their titles speak to their coolness: Flesh Demons (skeletons who steal skin), Skull Slaves (humans possessed by ghosts), Death Riders (undead warriors mounted on skeletal Hel-Horses who ride the wind), Corpse Beasts (humanoids who eat their kill), Hel-Witch (sorceress who draw upon Her powers), etc. There are of course Viking inspired monsters (i.e. Frost Giants, Invisible Dwarves), but the series is really about Hel's incarnations, as the three titles communicate, so expect lots of necromancy.
New vs. Old: The 2013 Helx3 eBook release has a lengthened first book (in the omnibus, the first book "Warrior Witch from Hel" has 24 chapters versus the original 18). The remaining books have the same number of chapters, but their content is altered to accommodate some character development , mostly regarding the secondary character Jalna. The additions are fine, but the paperback originals are just as enjoyable.
Coverart:The illustrations for the paperbacks and eBook are from Boris Vallejo. They are incredible and accurately portray the characters and books' tone:
More Bloodsong Adventures:
2014...: A new novel, The Valkyries of Hel, is in progress now.
1996: Eternal Champion cross-over: In the Pawn of Chaos: Tales of the Eternal Champion anthology, Bloodsong interacts with Michael Moorcock's eternal champion (the Urlik Skarsol incarnation) in the short story: "The Warskull of Hel" (which was the title for the first book in the trilogy according to the author). This continues the saga in a solid way, even if a short story.
2006: R.E.Howard and Texas: For the World Fantasy Convention in Austin, Texas, there was a R. E. Howard centenary tribute anthology called Cross Plains Universe - Texans Celebrate Robert E. Howard. Therein there is a fun, Bloodsong short "Slim and Swede and the Damned Dead Horse."
This review covers the trilogy, printed in 1986 but released in an eBook omnibus in 2013 called Bloodsong! — Hel X 3 by C. Dean Andersson
History and Style: The three books combined in Bloodsong! — Hel X 3 were written within ~1.5 yrs (1985-86). C. Dean Andersson (aka Asa Drake) was motivated to make a fun horror series on quick timing. The result was easily digestible horror / fantasy, all rooted in Viking lore. The trilogy includes: 1) Warrior Witch of Hell; 2) Death Riders of Hell; and 3) Werebeasts of Hel.
The concepts and setting really carry the story: a reanimated mother is out to save her unborn daughter from the Goddess Hel. This more than compensates for the dialogue which relies heavily on characters broadcasting their intentions. Its simplistic tone and fast pace is appropriate for young-adult novels, but its abundance of mature scenes makes it more suitable for adults (there are many heroines who continually find themselves stripped naked, chained, and tortured) . This is highly recommended for epic/high fantasy readers looking for darker fiction. It would work well as a "gateway drug" for those introduced to fantasy via Tolkien, but are now looking for gritty fare.
Bloodsong and Freedom: The conflict centers on the female warrior Bloodsong who is pitted against Hel Queen of Darkness, Death Goddess. It begins with Bloodsong coming back from Hel's domain, resurrected and sworn to serve the Goddess. Hel is holding Bloodsong's daughter, hostage (she had died in Bloodsong's womb, but was raised in Helheim). The conflict over freedom/domination is persistent and explicitly echoed in the protagonist's war cry & call to action "Bloodsong and Freedom!" The subsequent books fill in many details about Bloodsong's husband and her son, who had died during the same raid as she; they are, of course, plagued past their natural deaths.
Fun Horror: The variety and abundance of undead creatures makes this most fun, and their titles speak to their coolness: Flesh Demons (skeletons who steal skin), Skull Slaves (humans possessed by ghosts), Death Riders (undead warriors mounted on skeletal Hel-Horses who ride the wind), Corpse Beasts (humanoids who eat their kill), Hel-Witch (sorceress who draw upon Her powers), etc. There are of course Viking inspired monsters (i.e. Frost Giants, Invisible Dwarves), but the series is really about Hel's incarnations, as the three titles communicate, so expect lots of necromancy.
New vs. Old: The 2013 Helx3 eBook release has a lengthened first book (in the omnibus, the first book "Warrior Witch from Hel" has 24 chapters versus the original 18). The remaining books have the same number of chapters, but their content is altered to accommodate some character development , mostly regarding the secondary character Jalna. The additions are fine, but the paperback originals are just as enjoyable.
Coverart:The illustrations for the paperbacks and eBook are from Boris Vallejo. They are incredible and accurately portray the characters and books' tone:
More Bloodsong Adventures:
2014...: A new novel, The Valkyries of Hel, is in progress now.
1996: Eternal Champion cross-over: In the Pawn of Chaos: Tales of the Eternal Champion anthology, Bloodsong interacts with Michael Moorcock's eternal champion (the Urlik Skarsol incarnation) in the short story: "The Warskull of Hel" (which was the title for the first book in the trilogy according to the author). This continues the saga in a solid way, even if a short story.
2006: R.E.Howard and Texas: For the World Fantasy Convention in Austin, Texas, there was a R. E. Howard centenary tribute anthology called Cross Plains Universe - Texans Celebrate Robert E. Howard. Therein there is a fun, Bloodsong short "Slim and Swede and the Damned Dead Horse."
June 22, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this literary piece and had the pleasure of working on it with Crossroads Press. A must read! Another book I've had the pleasure of reading in this collection was Warrior Witch from Hel.
February 2, 2024
A bit of a mixed bag. Some cool scenes sprinkled among endlessly boring torture sessions.
We get it, the antagonists are jerks.
Fans of the series will like it. I'm sure I'll read the final installment as well, but I'm not in a hurry.
We get it, the antagonists are jerks.
Fans of the series will like it. I'm sure I'll read the final installment as well, but I'm not in a hurry.
December 24, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. Action packed with sexy protagonists. Better than book one.
September 28, 2021
Usual content notes apply:
Gratuitous nudity, sexualized violence, BDSM, but this books deserves an added CN for child abuse.
Read with care.
Gratuitous nudity, sexualized violence, BDSM, but this books deserves an added CN for child abuse.
Read with care.
December 19, 2021
Good old sword and sorcery. Has a lot of torture by the villian but not in a bondage porn kind of way. Well-paced.
February 18, 2023
Good action, good characters. Nice mix of sword and sorcery fantasy with horror. Will read more of the Bloodsong books.
March 12, 2013
Very fine book! Amazing plot, amazing language, amazing characters! Thank You, Author!!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews