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Charlemagne's Cross #2
Loki's Deceit
Sven the Boar is Jarl of Ribe once more. He and Charles try to settle into their new lives, but trouble and treachery are never too far away. Tormented by recent events, Charles struggles to adapt to life amongst the heathens that mock his Christian God and the arrival of a priest from the south only makes things worse. Meanwhile, Sven is burdened with the responsibilities of being Jarl again and protecting his grandson from those hunting him. When forced into an alliance with King Horik’s nephew who is raising an army to challenge his uncle for the throne of Denmark, Sven makes an important decision. As the threat of war becomes real, Sven rides to fight a battle that will change the destiny of Denmark. But whilst he fights, will Charles remain safe or are other games in play that threaten him?
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2023
230 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 24, 2023
If Oden blessed young Charlie’s journey to his grandfather, Loki is definitely playing games with his stay with the Danes. I have two favorite warrior Siri‘s that I am reading right now in the Charlemaine series is definitely my absolute favorite I do love the other but OMG if this series isn’t heart pounding fun! Since the death of Torick back in Francia everyone it seems has had their eye on where and what young Charles was doing and win the people who rule the different parts of west and east Francia lost track of him they were desperate to find him again and then Lokeys Deceit that is definitely their aim. It will cause a friend of fins to turn on him with an army behind him and an ulterior motive things will come to battle another friend of friends is injured and may die in that I mentioned that young Charles mom is also looking for him. Everyone wants the cross that he possesses and oh yeah and how could I forget Finn is the new Gerald of Ride and although it’s because he has defeated jerkin well now Jerkins son’s want revenge and their village back. Poor fin may be sober but he’s still old and it seems there’s always a battle to fight not to mention the people in Ride have no respect for their new Gerald Finn and they will even pronounce their opinion while drinking his ale. I’m sorry about this review that is all over the place but this book has me so excited and I cannot wait for the third installment from the Charlemagne series by Donovan Cook I love Loki‘s deceit and they can definitely be read as a standalone because they retell the story as you go but if you read both books it is a fuller and much bigger story. This is a book I highly recommend because I absolutely loved it a definite five star read! I want to thank Boldwood books and net galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
September 17, 2023
I loved this book lots of blood and guts and really well described fight scenes If you like books by Bernard Cornwell, Matthew Harffy and Dan Jones this series will be right up your street. Thank you to netgalley and Boldwood for giving me the chance to read this
September 28, 2023
Another great book by Cook
This is just another excellent book from an excellent author. Cook's stories are filled with great characters, twisting storylines, and exciting action. I couldn't put this book down. And I really can't wait until the next one.
This is just another excellent book from an excellent author. Cook's stories are filled with great characters, twisting storylines, and exciting action. I couldn't put this book down. And I really can't wait until the next one.
September 24, 2023
Brilliant
Utterly amazing book. Action packed throughout. I could not put this down. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Utterly amazing book. Action packed throughout. I could not put this down. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
October 30, 2023
After reading Odin’s Betrayal, book 1 in The Charlemagne’s Cross Series and quite frankly falling in love with it, you can imagine my excitement to read book 2.
I would recommend reading the fist instalment to really understand the characters but felt the author did a really good job of throwing little titbits of info in just when needed so even a new reader would understand the emotions and motivations behind the characters. For me it reminded me of those past events and credit to the authors ability it easily transported me back and I can remember those events vividly.
With Charles now under his grandfather’s care, Sven the Boar it’s going to be a rough ride. It’s been a difficult time for both, and the trouble isn’t going to go away any time soon.
Charles is still young, and a Christian living in a town of heathens. His religion is important to him and it’s an internal battle for him to understand why anyone wouldn’t believe in the one true god. As time passes you can see him start to grow, he learns religion and mans urges aren’t always linked.. just because you pray to god doesn’t make you good.. and similarly, just because you pray to another god doesn’t make you inherently evil.. there’s more to peoples motivations and sometimes you need to look deep to find the deception.
Sven has his own issues too after avenging his wife’s death by killing his brother no less! He and Charles find it tough to connect since they have been brought up in very different worlds and Sven really doesn’t know how to be there for the boy but does things the only way he knows how and has the boy start training.. Charles needs to learn to protect himself.
We quickly learn that there’s a lot of secrecy and deception afoot..but are the motivations good or bad? And what will happen to Charles? He’s already lost his father after all.
I don’t want to spoil the secrecy of the tale but I was engrossed reading as the different players show their hands in the tale, you learn so much more about Charles family history and what led to the events surrounding his fathers death.. there’s love and political motivations and at times it’s hard to see how Charles will recover if he ever learns the full extent of his origins.
While these events are playing out behind the scenes, Sven is dealing with a much closer threat. After becoming Jarl again he’s made the King look weak… and a blast from the past shows up with war on his mind.. but he wants Sven’s help… and actually Sven needs his too. Things aren’t going well for him.. the people are still angry after Sven murdered their previous Jarl so there’s an interesting chance for both of them to get what they want.
For me this instalment was all about the development. Don’t get me wrong the plot is unparalleled but the development of the characters just outshines anything I’ve read before. There’s so much depth added to the main characters but at the same time we are introduced to new ones, and again the detail added really helps you imagine their look, mannerisms, motivations.
The book is paced very well, plot is just gobsmackingly good plus detail and development added with precision to give you a captivating story.
I’m very much glad I found this author and their work and can’t fault it. 5*
I would recommend reading the fist instalment to really understand the characters but felt the author did a really good job of throwing little titbits of info in just when needed so even a new reader would understand the emotions and motivations behind the characters. For me it reminded me of those past events and credit to the authors ability it easily transported me back and I can remember those events vividly.
With Charles now under his grandfather’s care, Sven the Boar it’s going to be a rough ride. It’s been a difficult time for both, and the trouble isn’t going to go away any time soon.
Charles is still young, and a Christian living in a town of heathens. His religion is important to him and it’s an internal battle for him to understand why anyone wouldn’t believe in the one true god. As time passes you can see him start to grow, he learns religion and mans urges aren’t always linked.. just because you pray to god doesn’t make you good.. and similarly, just because you pray to another god doesn’t make you inherently evil.. there’s more to peoples motivations and sometimes you need to look deep to find the deception.
Sven has his own issues too after avenging his wife’s death by killing his brother no less! He and Charles find it tough to connect since they have been brought up in very different worlds and Sven really doesn’t know how to be there for the boy but does things the only way he knows how and has the boy start training.. Charles needs to learn to protect himself.
We quickly learn that there’s a lot of secrecy and deception afoot..but are the motivations good or bad? And what will happen to Charles? He’s already lost his father after all.
I don’t want to spoil the secrecy of the tale but I was engrossed reading as the different players show their hands in the tale, you learn so much more about Charles family history and what led to the events surrounding his fathers death.. there’s love and political motivations and at times it’s hard to see how Charles will recover if he ever learns the full extent of his origins.
While these events are playing out behind the scenes, Sven is dealing with a much closer threat. After becoming Jarl again he’s made the King look weak… and a blast from the past shows up with war on his mind.. but he wants Sven’s help… and actually Sven needs his too. Things aren’t going well for him.. the people are still angry after Sven murdered their previous Jarl so there’s an interesting chance for both of them to get what they want.
For me this instalment was all about the development. Don’t get me wrong the plot is unparalleled but the development of the characters just outshines anything I’ve read before. There’s so much depth added to the main characters but at the same time we are introduced to new ones, and again the detail added really helps you imagine their look, mannerisms, motivations.
The book is paced very well, plot is just gobsmackingly good plus detail and development added with precision to give you a captivating story.
I’m very much glad I found this author and their work and can’t fault it. 5*
January 18, 2024
I chose Loki's Deceit for review, as I'm fascinated by the era. The interweaving politics between Franks and Danes are really interesting, especially when religion enters the fray. And then there are the intrigues against other rulers...
And I was not to be disappointed. Although I hadn't read the first book in the series (something I'll have to remedy!), I quickly learned about the characters, and what their purposes and motivations were.
There's young Charles, currently safe at his Dane grandfather Sven's hall in Ribe. The story centres around him, as he has in his possession a cross which the Franks desperately want as individual Frankish kings are struggling to hold their own small kingdoms.
Then there's Sven, old jarl of Ribe after he'd killed his own brother, Bjarni. He's not popular with the locals as constant raids threaten their lives and livelihoods.
Then we have Gerold, who appeared in book 1, and who – early on in the novel – learns about Frankish political intrigues, and discovers who Charles’ mother is.
There are other characters, too, who fill the pages, and their stories run parallel. There's Sven's right-hand men, Rollo and Asgar, and Thora – a former shield maiden who teaches Charles, bullied by the other boys for his small stature and disinterest in weapons, how to fight.
Each has their own ambitions, and they often interweave, but the essence of the story is about Charles and his cross.
When Sven is challenged by Danish King Horik's ambitious nephew, Guttrom, he must decide whether it will be worth challenging Horik's rule (and thereby likely losing men in battles). And then there's the boy, Charles, to protect...
Loki's Deceit is a gripping tale full of fascinating intrigues. I loved Thora and Rollo – two down-to-earth and fair characters. She is a feisty woman who knows how to survive in a man's world. He is tall, strong, and a solid presence in the story.
Charles is highly religious, and he struggles at his Pagan grandfather's hall. His calling would be the Church, but here, in Ribe, he's not allowed to practice, and boys make fun of him. He's still a weak character to begin with, but grows slowly as the story progresses.
Sven is an old warrior, tricked into an alliance with Guttrom. But he's unhappy as it is, so why should he not try get rid of the bane of his life, King Horik! But with scheming Guttrom, would Sven just swap one enemy to another?
The narrative is at times over-descriptive and repetitive, also with a few modernisms, so I skipped a few paragraphs here and there as to not lose the actual thread. A little less explaining (especially early on) would have helped maintain the fast pace that we see throughout much of the novel. The ideological differences between the Danes and the Franks are very well researched, and they certainly enrich the plot.
Cook brought this often overlooked early medieval conflict cleverly to life, in a riveting tale of how these intrigues would have been spun. The story felt authentic and realistic, and the characters were acting well within their time. A real treat.
Loki's Deceit is a fascinating read for fans of early medieval fiction.
Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
And I was not to be disappointed. Although I hadn't read the first book in the series (something I'll have to remedy!), I quickly learned about the characters, and what their purposes and motivations were.
There's young Charles, currently safe at his Dane grandfather Sven's hall in Ribe. The story centres around him, as he has in his possession a cross which the Franks desperately want as individual Frankish kings are struggling to hold their own small kingdoms.
Then there's Sven, old jarl of Ribe after he'd killed his own brother, Bjarni. He's not popular with the locals as constant raids threaten their lives and livelihoods.
Then we have Gerold, who appeared in book 1, and who – early on in the novel – learns about Frankish political intrigues, and discovers who Charles’ mother is.
There are other characters, too, who fill the pages, and their stories run parallel. There's Sven's right-hand men, Rollo and Asgar, and Thora – a former shield maiden who teaches Charles, bullied by the other boys for his small stature and disinterest in weapons, how to fight.
Each has their own ambitions, and they often interweave, but the essence of the story is about Charles and his cross.
When Sven is challenged by Danish King Horik's ambitious nephew, Guttrom, he must decide whether it will be worth challenging Horik's rule (and thereby likely losing men in battles). And then there's the boy, Charles, to protect...
Loki's Deceit is a gripping tale full of fascinating intrigues. I loved Thora and Rollo – two down-to-earth and fair characters. She is a feisty woman who knows how to survive in a man's world. He is tall, strong, and a solid presence in the story.
Charles is highly religious, and he struggles at his Pagan grandfather's hall. His calling would be the Church, but here, in Ribe, he's not allowed to practice, and boys make fun of him. He's still a weak character to begin with, but grows slowly as the story progresses.
Sven is an old warrior, tricked into an alliance with Guttrom. But he's unhappy as it is, so why should he not try get rid of the bane of his life, King Horik! But with scheming Guttrom, would Sven just swap one enemy to another?
The narrative is at times over-descriptive and repetitive, also with a few modernisms, so I skipped a few paragraphs here and there as to not lose the actual thread. A little less explaining (especially early on) would have helped maintain the fast pace that we see throughout much of the novel. The ideological differences between the Danes and the Franks are very well researched, and they certainly enrich the plot.
Cook brought this often overlooked early medieval conflict cleverly to life, in a riveting tale of how these intrigues would have been spun. The story felt authentic and realistic, and the characters were acting well within their time. A real treat.
Loki's Deceit is a fascinating read for fans of early medieval fiction.
Note: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
September 20, 2023
Donovan Cook has added a wonderful volume to his Charlemagne Series with Loki's Deceit.
The intrigue begins from the first page, interweaving the designs of a number of players in a kind of Dark Age Great Game. This period is packed with conflict - the inroads of Christianity into the domain of the old Norse gods; Danes holding out against the burgeoning Frankish empire; rebel jarls rising up against aging kings. Cook plays all these out with a collection of brilliantly drawn characters. He's especially strong in the POV of Charles, a nine year old Frankish boy, in exile from his native land and in the care of his grandfather Sven the Boar, a cantankerous old Danish jarl, whose age doesn't seem to blunt his skills as a warrior in the shieldwall much.
Cook can write an action scene along with the best of them - fans of Matthew Harffy, Giles Kristian, Peter Gibbons et al have more than enough to get their teeth into here. And the book is full of pace. But for me, it was Cook's ability to draw us into the experience of a nine year old in a foreign land among foreign gods that truly held me. His vulnerability, his sincerity, and yet his courage.
A gripping story of heroism and intrigue in a Dark Age world that is passing away. Perfect for fans of historical fiction.
The intrigue begins from the first page, interweaving the designs of a number of players in a kind of Dark Age Great Game. This period is packed with conflict - the inroads of Christianity into the domain of the old Norse gods; Danes holding out against the burgeoning Frankish empire; rebel jarls rising up against aging kings. Cook plays all these out with a collection of brilliantly drawn characters. He's especially strong in the POV of Charles, a nine year old Frankish boy, in exile from his native land and in the care of his grandfather Sven the Boar, a cantankerous old Danish jarl, whose age doesn't seem to blunt his skills as a warrior in the shieldwall much.
Cook can write an action scene along with the best of them - fans of Matthew Harffy, Giles Kristian, Peter Gibbons et al have more than enough to get their teeth into here. And the book is full of pace. But for me, it was Cook's ability to draw us into the experience of a nine year old in a foreign land among foreign gods that truly held me. His vulnerability, his sincerity, and yet his courage.
A gripping story of heroism and intrigue in a Dark Age world that is passing away. Perfect for fans of historical fiction.
August 31, 2023
Though Loki’s Deceit is the second in a series, I was able to get the gist of things without any problems. It relates Norse history just after the time of Charlemagne. Sven the Boar seeks revenge against those who turned his son over to the French. His son is killed, and Sven takes charge of his grandson, Charles, who carries a cross that once belonged to Charlemagne himself. Sven and Charles go back to Ribe and try to fit in there. But betrayal after betrayal remains part of their existence, partly because Charles is a Christian living among those who follow the ancient Norse gods. This is something of a young adult novel, particularly with Charles as one of the protagonists. It didn’t give any new insights into that time of history and the prose lacked the gravitas I’d expect in a retelling of ancient history; i.e. it doesn’t rise to the level of Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom series. The book also ends on a whopper of a cliff hanger. That alone is enough to keep me from reading either the preceding book, Odious Betrayal or #3 in the series (which is clearly planned).
January 5, 2024
Part two of a fami!y saga set mainly in Denmark.
Lots of referee to the Daanish religious beliefs which are pretty much similar to the Norse gods. Lots of authentic vocabulary used to make particular everyday items used in everyday life added to the rich descriptive scenes of the lives of townsfolk and also warriors.
This book is part two of a trilogy and whilst it can be read as a stand alone novel it is perhaps more fulfilling to read it in the order intended by the author.
There are lots of references to real historical figures. There is some intrigue but most of that is explained fairly early on in the story. The books are character driven based around one family in particular and that's what held my interest.
There are lots of battle scenes which are quite gory and blood thirsty but necessary to the story and the depiction of life in that era.
I am looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy.
Lots of referee to the Daanish religious beliefs which are pretty much similar to the Norse gods. Lots of authentic vocabulary used to make particular everyday items used in everyday life added to the rich descriptive scenes of the lives of townsfolk and also warriors.
This book is part two of a trilogy and whilst it can be read as a stand alone novel it is perhaps more fulfilling to read it in the order intended by the author.
There are lots of references to real historical figures. There is some intrigue but most of that is explained fairly early on in the story. The books are character driven based around one family in particular and that's what held my interest.
There are lots of battle scenes which are quite gory and blood thirsty but necessary to the story and the depiction of life in that era.
I am looking forward to reading the final book in the trilogy.
September 26, 2023
As Sven and Charles settle back into there lives, it isn't long before enemies attack and Charles is battling his own demons. I loved this book so much I can't describe how good it is so you should read it for yourself and find out. I don't know how the author does it but the books get better and better each time. A historical fiction of a Norse tale with action, family deception, blood thirsty battles and so much more. I loved all the gory details described and Charles is fast becoming someone I admire but there are plenty of other characters to either love or loathe. Loki's Deceit took me on a thrilling adventure ride!
January 3, 2024
This author knows how to draw you into his books. Highly recommend.
When a book can pull you into its story and make you feel that you are actually there with the characters, and going through all the different emotions with them, then you know that you have found a really good author. I have thoroughly enjoyed following Charles adventure, and the deceit and greed of some of the characters, in both of the books in this series by Donovan and can not wait for book 3. I highly recommend these books to readers who enjoy historical action adventure books.
When a book can pull you into its story and make you feel that you are actually there with the characters, and going through all the different emotions with them, then you know that you have found a really good author. I have thoroughly enjoyed following Charles adventure, and the deceit and greed of some of the characters, in both of the books in this series by Donovan and can not wait for book 3. I highly recommend these books to readers who enjoy historical action adventure books.
October 6, 2023
Received from Boldwood Books and Netgalley for honest read and review,this review is my own.
I read the blurb on this and it sounded really interesting, it was, but I haven't read the first in series, so I don't know if I missed a lot.
This turned out be a really good read, if a little bit slow at times, but enjoyable all the same.
There are a great amount of characters in the story and at times became quite confusing.
It was a good read and thoroughly enjoyable.
I read the blurb on this and it sounded really interesting, it was, but I haven't read the first in series, so I don't know if I missed a lot.
This turned out be a really good read, if a little bit slow at times, but enjoyable all the same.
There are a great amount of characters in the story and at times became quite confusing.
It was a good read and thoroughly enjoyable.
January 4, 2025
Loki's Deceit delivers more action, intrigue, and suspense. I enjoyed the fierce battles and the high stakes that kept me turning the pages. Cook does a great job developing the characters further, connecting me to their struggles and triumphs. The historical setting is richly detailed, bringing it all to life. You won't be disappointed if you enjoyed the first book in this series. This sequel sets the stage for even more adventure to come. I highly recommend it.
November 7, 2023
Excellent again
Without giving away to much the insipid boy and the constant Christian bable can get a bit annoying But it is probably consistent with the times. The story however is epic. You get glued to the book and just don't want to put it down, the action is extremely well described and the author has a way of writing that make it extremely easy to read.
Without giving away to much the insipid boy and the constant Christian bable can get a bit annoying But it is probably consistent with the times. The story however is epic. You get glued to the book and just don't want to put it down, the action is extremely well described and the author has a way of writing that make it extremely easy to read.
June 24, 2025
What a series!
I wasn't sure when I started with, Odins Betrayal, but the Charlemagne's Cross series is incredible. Not just swords and shield walls, though there's plenty of that. It's, mystery, its thriller, and a rousing story for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Highly recommended.
I wasn't sure when I started with, Odins Betrayal, but the Charlemagne's Cross series is incredible. Not just swords and shield walls, though there's plenty of that. It's, mystery, its thriller, and a rousing story for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Highly recommended.
October 10, 2023
Fast paced action
I enjoyed the fast paced, nonstop action, the characters all had their share of problems but never stopped fighting for what they believed in. I look forward to the rest of the series.
I enjoyed the fast paced, nonstop action, the characters all had their share of problems but never stopped fighting for what they believed in. I look forward to the rest of the series.
September 9, 2024
interesting read
An above average book, the series is getting better. I will read the next one and the next….while I am enjoying the read, do not compare this to the Saxon Chronicles. This series is not at all comparable to Bernard Cornwell’s series…
An above average book, the series is getting better. I will read the next one and the next….while I am enjoying the read, do not compare this to the Saxon Chronicles. This series is not at all comparable to Bernard Cornwell’s series…
September 24, 2025
Aware this is the second book in a trilogy but it just felt like a lot of filler - not a lot happened plot wise and there were just lots of lengthy battles. Still interested in the story and the characters so will probably read the 3rd book but this felt a bit unnecessary
October 4, 2023
Awesome.
Loving this series. Old Sven the boar gives all of us oldies, hope. I will impatiently wait for the next one.
Loving this series. Old Sven the boar gives all of us oldies, hope. I will impatiently wait for the next one.
October 13, 2023
A solid step up from the first instalment.
Highly enjoyable Viking fun.
Highly enjoyable Viking fun.
October 17, 2023
Loki,a deceit
I've read the first two of these books &I've loved doing so.
I hope that this series continues.
Just brilliant.
I've read the first two of these books &I've loved doing so.
I hope that this series continues.
Just brilliant.
December 7, 2024
Good
Good read, not heavy on historical facts but a good story all the same. Just need to read the next book.
Good read, not heavy on historical facts but a good story all the same. Just need to read the next book.
December 11, 2024
Now for book 3
Great continuation from book one , telling of the different religious beliefs , good battle and how to manipulate people with deceit and betrayal.
Great continuation from book one , telling of the different religious beliefs , good battle and how to manipulate people with deceit and betrayal.
February 13, 2025
Great read
Ready for the next. I hope Thora and Sven live. I hope Charles is found. I wish some of he others had made it too.
Ready for the next. I hope Thora and Sven live. I hope Charles is found. I wish some of he others had made it too.
July 21, 2025
This is the 2nd book in this series. While I really liked the first book, I enjoyed this book even better.
September 21, 2025
What a fucking wonderful cliffhanger! 5⭐️
Read
December 29, 2025WOW
Okay I wasn't expecting that. I have to continue with the series it's so interesting and it left at such an important time.
Okay I wasn't expecting that. I have to continue with the series it's so interesting and it left at such an important time.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews