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Bane of the North #1
Gallows Born
'We live as men - but fight as gods.'
Born on the gallows, the corpse of his mother swinging from the rope above, the villagers brand him The Bane of the North and leave him out for the Fug to claim - a deadly fog ruled by Draugr - Viking warriors that had long ago fallen in battle. They didn’t expect to find him the next day, tattooed with the mark of an ancient god.
Fifteen winters later - ridiculed, scorned; but never broken, Bane forges a life as a forager, surviving between Castle Garik and a looming mountain that legend says contains the body of a Norse god. In a strange twist of fates Bane discovers that the mark gives him abilities beyond that of mortal man, and along with his lineage and a blood link to the god, his journey unfolds, fraught with danger and purpose.
As the drums of war close in, and the time of men comes to an end, Bane could be the North’s only hope.
Born on the gallows, the corpse of his mother swinging from the rope above, the villagers brand him The Bane of the North and leave him out for the Fug to claim - a deadly fog ruled by Draugr - Viking warriors that had long ago fallen in battle. They didn’t expect to find him the next day, tattooed with the mark of an ancient god.
Fifteen winters later - ridiculed, scorned; but never broken, Bane forges a life as a forager, surviving between Castle Garik and a looming mountain that legend says contains the body of a Norse god. In a strange twist of fates Bane discovers that the mark gives him abilities beyond that of mortal man, and along with his lineage and a blood link to the god, his journey unfolds, fraught with danger and purpose.
As the drums of war close in, and the time of men comes to an end, Bane could be the North’s only hope.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2024
849 people are currently reading
1395 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
February 20, 2024
I knocked this one out in one weekend. I don't do that too often.
An easy read, and I enjoyed it tremendously. A.C. Salter had posted on X that he just released a book. I hopped on Amazon. Read the sample and was hooked.
Bane was the perfect name for MC. He had all the makings to be a psycho case like Jorge Prince of Thorns, but I'm kind of glad he turned out the way he did. Alruna was a character I did not like. I'm sure she will return in the next book, and I hope her character grows and matures.
So yea, I'm quite sure there will be another book! Too much left undone!
An easy read, and I enjoyed it tremendously. A.C. Salter had posted on X that he just released a book. I hopped on Amazon. Read the sample and was hooked.
Bane was the perfect name for MC. He had all the makings to be a psycho case like Jorge Prince of Thorns, but I'm kind of glad he turned out the way he did. Alruna was a character I did not like. I'm sure she will return in the next book, and I hope her character grows and matures.
So yea, I'm quite sure there will be another book! Too much left undone!
September 5, 2025
*We live as men, but fight as gods*
I bloody enjoyed this one, a very impressive four star, I couldn't put it down, flowed so nicely and one of the best opening chapters in a book I've read for a while.
Was nice to read something different to my usual genre of romantasy
I bloody enjoyed this one, a very impressive four star, I couldn't put it down, flowed so nicely and one of the best opening chapters in a book I've read for a while.
Was nice to read something different to my usual genre of romantasy
February 11, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by A. C. Salter and it did not disappoint, I was hooked from the first chapter.
This is the first book in The Bane Of The North Series and as soon as I’m done with this review, I am diving straight into book 2!
I loved the plot, I thought the characters were amazing and I loved the relationships that were built between the characters. I think Bane is a great MMC and I loved his story arc. I also really liked Glance, I loved his personality and the whole master/apprentice relationship.
If you like a fantasy that is easy to read, has a gripping story and likeable characters then you should definitely give this a go. I’m very excited to read the rest of the series.
On to book 2!
This is the first book in The Bane Of The North Series and as soon as I’m done with this review, I am diving straight into book 2!
I loved the plot, I thought the characters were amazing and I loved the relationships that were built between the characters. I think Bane is a great MMC and I loved his story arc. I also really liked Glance, I loved his personality and the whole master/apprentice relationship.
If you like a fantasy that is easy to read, has a gripping story and likeable characters then you should definitely give this a go. I’m very excited to read the rest of the series.
On to book 2!
January 16, 2025
This book made me think of the post that says that not everyone should write a novel, some people should write DnD quests. This guy should write DnD quests.
Honest the quality dramatically dipped in the final battle (I’m supposed to believe that an undisclosed number of castle guards and a hundred Vikings defended the castle from ten thousand jackal men????).
The concept was interesting and I enjoyed the strange way the central family maintained a sense of loyalty to each other but yeah…. It just devolved somewhere in the middle.
Side note: I get that you’re an indie author but if you can’t get an editor at LEAST find a friend who had to diagram sentences in school. The grammar/sentence structure was often so bad it distracted from the story. Half the time it seemed the subjects and verbs didn’t match up and you’d have random relative clauses with no or a mismatched antecedent. I didn’t think I cared this much about grammar until I read this book.
Also: petition to hit all authors who think “Strong Female Character = hair trigger temper + refusal to know any basic life skills aka cooking” over the head with a pool noodle.
Honest the quality dramatically dipped in the final battle (I’m supposed to believe that an undisclosed number of castle guards and a hundred Vikings defended the castle from ten thousand jackal men????).
The concept was interesting and I enjoyed the strange way the central family maintained a sense of loyalty to each other but yeah…. It just devolved somewhere in the middle.
Side note: I get that you’re an indie author but if you can’t get an editor at LEAST find a friend who had to diagram sentences in school. The grammar/sentence structure was often so bad it distracted from the story. Half the time it seemed the subjects and verbs didn’t match up and you’d have random relative clauses with no or a mismatched antecedent. I didn’t think I cared this much about grammar until I read this book.
Also: petition to hit all authors who think “Strong Female Character = hair trigger temper + refusal to know any basic life skills aka cooking” over the head with a pool noodle.
April 5, 2025
A.C. Salter, you sir are a genius!
What a fantastic read, great characters, amazing plot lines, character development was sublime. Action, heart and soul.
What more could you possibly want from a book 😀
The story about The Fug, and the powers that come along being marked by a god really drew me in. Will definetly be continuing this fantastic series.
Amazing 💪
What a fantastic read, great characters, amazing plot lines, character development was sublime. Action, heart and soul.
What more could you possibly want from a book 😀
The story about The Fug, and the powers that come along being marked by a god really drew me in. Will definetly be continuing this fantastic series.
Amazing 💪
May 14, 2024
Easy read, with clear potential for a sequel. Definite parallels with Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice, but plenty of original ideas as well.
A little "young" in tone at times, and I was disappointed at the relationship between the two main characters beginning to have romantic hints towards the end, when there was such good potential for genuine lasting hatred instead.
Generally good SPAG, but with a weird flurry of errors at the 25-30% mark (eg, breather instead of brother, m instead of my, saw instead of sore).
Will keep an ear to the ground for any sequels, and probably read them .
A little "young" in tone at times, and I was disappointed at the relationship between the two main characters beginning to have romantic hints towards the end, when there was such good potential for genuine lasting hatred instead.
Generally good SPAG, but with a weird flurry of errors at the 25-30% mark (eg, breather instead of brother, m instead of my, saw instead of sore).
Will keep an ear to the ground for any sequels, and probably read them .
August 14, 2025
3.5 stars.
This first book in a fantasy series was easy to read, with familiar tropes used, an intriguing mystery around the Fug, and a fresh Wycum mark magic system. The action in the last 20% delivered, but the slow pace, long chapters, and YA feel with teen main characters and censored swearing weren’t for me. I also much preferred Alruna’s chapters way more than Bane’s.
More action from the beginning and fewer repetitive moments such as the training scenes, would have kept me more engaged. That being said I flew through the book in 5 days.
This first book in a fantasy series was easy to read, with familiar tropes used, an intriguing mystery around the Fug, and a fresh Wycum mark magic system. The action in the last 20% delivered, but the slow pace, long chapters, and YA feel with teen main characters and censored swearing weren’t for me. I also much preferred Alruna’s chapters way more than Bane’s.
More action from the beginning and fewer repetitive moments such as the training scenes, would have kept me more engaged. That being said I flew through the book in 5 days.
May 9, 2025
Just omg, everybody should read this book. the storyline, the world building, the characters it's Just amazing. this man can write, i am so invested can't wait to get book 2 and read where this characters are going next ❤️
March 13, 2025
5 🌟
This book is an easy, thrilling read. I devoured this book from start to finish, the story starts with a real aplomb, the characters had me gripped and the action does not let up, relentless right until the explosive ending, what happens now? Bane is the hero, Alruna, clan chief but also a formidable woman, and Bane's 'family', that hold the secrets of his heritage and lineage. Only a few trusted individuals know Bane's start in life.
A.C. Slater brings depth and sublime prose in a seamless balance between historical fiction and fantasy. I can not wait to continue Bane's journey in Book 2!
This book is an easy, thrilling read. I devoured this book from start to finish, the story starts with a real aplomb, the characters had me gripped and the action does not let up, relentless right until the explosive ending, what happens now? Bane is the hero, Alruna, clan chief but also a formidable woman, and Bane's 'family', that hold the secrets of his heritage and lineage. Only a few trusted individuals know Bane's start in life.
A.C. Slater brings depth and sublime prose in a seamless balance between historical fiction and fantasy. I can not wait to continue Bane's journey in Book 2!
June 2, 2025
Born on the gallows and shunned by the village Bane is left for the Fug to claim. The next day the baby is found tattooed with the mark of an ancient god. Years later and Bane is trying to survive in any way he can.
The world building in this book is done so well feeding bits in as we go along on the adventure. I absolutely loved it. The characters are all so well written and I just want to give Bane a hug. Definitely #TeamBane at this point 🥰
The world building in this book is done so well feeding bits in as we go along on the adventure. I absolutely loved it. The characters are all so well written and I just want to give Bane a hug. Definitely #TeamBane at this point 🥰
November 18, 2024
And Done! A fantastic start to an Epic Viking fantasy with a twist. My only issue is that I wish we had 5 more chapters to read. On to book 2!!!
January 24, 2025
Good Story
A good storyline. An interesting take on the Ragnarok. Sadly it is marred by poor spelling and grammar. It needed a close read by something other than spellcheck. All in all I look forward to the next episode.
A good storyline. An interesting take on the Ragnarok. Sadly it is marred by poor spelling and grammar. It needed a close read by something other than spellcheck. All in all I look forward to the next episode.
October 22, 2025
3 stars.
What I liked? I liked Bane's tough upbringing and how his birth caused him to be an outcast in his village. A trope for sure, but a good one. I liked the way that action was written, especially the final battle. I liked everything involving Alruna and the vikings. I liked the worldbuilding of the Fug rolling in and taking people away. I liked the worldbuilding of the two gods at the end of each world.
What I didn't like as much? I thought Bane's development was filler. We spend a lot of time with him, as he grows and learns to fight and learns to sneak. Ultimately a lot of it could have been skipped (especially the sneaking - that had no point to the story in this book). This section felt very tropey and derivative of other things. I thought a lot of the villagers were very tropey and didn't really have much character. I thought the threat in the climax came out of nowhere and could have been seeded earlier in the story. I thought there were some logical fallacies involving the threat - how did they get all the way to the North of the continent without being noticed? I did spot some spelling mistakes and typos.
Overall thoughts?
A book that is unmistakenly Classic Fantasy and isn't afraid of being that. I liked the viking subplot a lot more than the main plot. I thought that the biggest issue was pacing. We spent a lot of time focussing on things that didn't matter, and then the antagonist appeared out of nowhere looking for something we had no idea about. The action was well written, the magic was pretty cool, and the worldbuilding was interesting. The main characters had a little bit more to them, but the rest of the cast felt very flat.
Would I read more?
I would probably pick up the next book if I came across it, but I am not going to go searching for it.
What I liked? I liked Bane's tough upbringing and how his birth caused him to be an outcast in his village. A trope for sure, but a good one. I liked the way that action was written, especially the final battle. I liked everything involving Alruna and the vikings. I liked the worldbuilding of the Fug rolling in and taking people away. I liked the worldbuilding of the two gods at the end of each world.
What I didn't like as much? I thought Bane's development was filler. We spend a lot of time with him, as he grows and learns to fight and learns to sneak. Ultimately a lot of it could have been skipped (especially the sneaking - that had no point to the story in this book). This section felt very tropey and derivative of other things. I thought a lot of the villagers were very tropey and didn't really have much character. I thought the threat in the climax came out of nowhere and could have been seeded earlier in the story. I thought there were some logical fallacies involving the threat - how did they get all the way to the North of the continent without being noticed? I did spot some spelling mistakes and typos.
Overall thoughts?
A book that is unmistakenly Classic Fantasy and isn't afraid of being that. I liked the viking subplot a lot more than the main plot. I thought that the biggest issue was pacing. We spent a lot of time focussing on things that didn't matter, and then the antagonist appeared out of nowhere looking for something we had no idea about. The action was well written, the magic was pretty cool, and the worldbuilding was interesting. The main characters had a little bit more to them, but the rest of the cast felt very flat.
Would I read more?
I would probably pick up the next book if I came across it, but I am not going to go searching for it.
June 22, 2024
Review of Gallows Born by @a.c.salter
When I first heard the premise of AC Salter’s latest book, Gallows Born, I was immediately intrigued. This book has received great reviews, which made me want to read it even more. And, while the story wasn’t quite what I was expecting, Salter delivered a compelling story with great characters. The story centers around Bane, the boy born on the gallows as his mother was hung. He was an outcast, but he has a mysterious secret. As an infant, Bane is turned over to the mysterious fog that rolls in and out of the region, but the boy is returned, giving him an even more complex and ominous reputation. Salter paces the story well, slowly and carefully developing Bane’s story within a norse/viking inspired magical world. Along with Bane, we are introduced to a female lead character named Alruna. The two characters collide, leading to some big changes for Bane. I appreciated Salter slowly revealing the magic and fantasy elements and some subtle vintage fantasy elements. I also appreciate that the book is clean (absent of swearing and sex). Bane and Alruna are both likable characters with what looks like an exciting journey ahead in future books. Gallows Born is just the start of what promises to be a wonderful series. Highly recommended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am eager to read book 2! Hurry up, AC! We need book 2!
When I first heard the premise of AC Salter’s latest book, Gallows Born, I was immediately intrigued. This book has received great reviews, which made me want to read it even more. And, while the story wasn’t quite what I was expecting, Salter delivered a compelling story with great characters. The story centers around Bane, the boy born on the gallows as his mother was hung. He was an outcast, but he has a mysterious secret. As an infant, Bane is turned over to the mysterious fog that rolls in and out of the region, but the boy is returned, giving him an even more complex and ominous reputation. Salter paces the story well, slowly and carefully developing Bane’s story within a norse/viking inspired magical world. Along with Bane, we are introduced to a female lead character named Alruna. The two characters collide, leading to some big changes for Bane. I appreciated Salter slowly revealing the magic and fantasy elements and some subtle vintage fantasy elements. I also appreciate that the book is clean (absent of swearing and sex). Bane and Alruna are both likable characters with what looks like an exciting journey ahead in future books. Gallows Born is just the start of what promises to be a wonderful series. Highly recommended. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I am eager to read book 2! Hurry up, AC! We need book 2!
August 24, 2024
Very good book
Excellent storyline, wonderful characters. Reminds me of David eddings books. Well written lots of action. Looking forward to the ebook!
Excellent storyline, wonderful characters. Reminds me of David eddings books. Well written lots of action. Looking forward to the ebook!
June 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 | 4.5 stars rounded up
SUCHHHH an epic story and world. Everything I love in a fantasy book and the little romantic subplot at the end was 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 can’t wait to read the next one.
SUCHHHH an epic story and world. Everything I love in a fantasy book and the little romantic subplot at the end was 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 can’t wait to read the next one.
June 3, 2024
What a surprisingly great read. This was WAY better than any expectations I had and it blew right past them. Will be looking for the sequel.
June 1, 2024
Loved this!! ❤
May 23, 2024
Great read
The characters in this book are well developed. I really enjoyed the plots and the relationships that were built between characters. Definitely reading the next.
The characters in this book are well developed. I really enjoyed the plots and the relationships that were built between characters. Definitely reading the next.
February 26, 2024
Please hire an editor. Story was really good. End battle was exhilarating. I enjoyed the characters. Hungry for more!
April 24, 2024
Unique telling of the age old battle between good and evil
A hero is ripped from his dead mother’s womb, and the Son of Death is released into the world. Damned for his birth by an unfriendly village, Bane learns quickly all he can to survive.
In another world, beyond the deadly fog, a chieftain’s daughter struggles to find her way, not knowing that one day she would be chosen to defend her clan from an immortal enemy…
Gallows Born is a fast paced adventure, with wonderfully wrought characters. Good versus evil, showing both the folly of Man and the Hope that redemption brings when foes learn to trust each other and work together to save the world they know.
A hero is ripped from his dead mother’s womb, and the Son of Death is released into the world. Damned for his birth by an unfriendly village, Bane learns quickly all he can to survive.
In another world, beyond the deadly fog, a chieftain’s daughter struggles to find her way, not knowing that one day she would be chosen to defend her clan from an immortal enemy…
Gallows Born is a fast paced adventure, with wonderfully wrought characters. Good versus evil, showing both the folly of Man and the Hope that redemption brings when foes learn to trust each other and work together to save the world they know.
April 20, 2024
Absolutely loved this book cover to cover, gave me big "Rangers Apprentice" vibes. definite 10/10 - so keen for the series continuation.
The only part that i did feel a little let down by was the final battle. i feel as though it had been building to a much grander and more spectacular finish with a stronger cliffhanger. But that said, i still loved it.
The only part that i did feel a little let down by was the final battle. i feel as though it had been building to a much grander and more spectacular finish with a stronger cliffhanger. But that said, i still loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2024
I think gallows born series will be one to keep your eyes on it’s A very good coming to age story that I’ll follow. An if coming to age story’s are your thing I would recommend it to anyone!
April 13, 2024
A little dark but life is dark. Waiting for the next book. The characters feel real. The world is just weird enough to want to visit.
April 28, 2024
Never a dull moment in this one, entertaining at every point. I probably could have read this in book in one sitting if I would have allowed myself the luxury.
November 3, 2025
If you take anything from this review it's to listen to this book in audio!
The most concise way I can summarise the vibe of this book is Assassins Apprentice meets Shadow of the Gods, but with its own very distinct flair. If you liked either of those two books I think you really like Gallows Born.
This is the opening book to a Norse inspired epic fantasy fantasy series where we follow Bane, a youth that has grown up in the superstitious village of Crookfell. The villagers have shunned him all his life as he was born in the gallows, a very bad omen and as a result the villagers decide to condemn him as a baby to a trial by Fug - essentially a death sentence.
The Fug is an ominous and almost sentient fog that meets the village border and those that go in never come out. However as a baby, Bane is taken by the Fug and then returned with a mysterious mark on his arm, and by laws of the trial by Fug Bane has earned his right to live in the village. But he’s considered bad luck throughout his childhood.
Within the Fug itself there are hardy Norse tribes that live on the nearby mountain which is where we meet our second protagonist Alruna, a rash and headstrong teenager who is the daughter of the village chief and is desperate to prove herself to her tribe.
This is an epic story about rising to your destiny and not staying shackled to the expectations of others.
This is a coming of age story for Bane and Alruna but make no mistake there are larger and more sinister things at play here in this world.
What I loved about this story is for me it was the perfect balance of character and plot development. Our heroes are really easy to get behind and root for and their behaviours and motivations feel believable.
I especially came to really warm to Alruna’s character. She is just a whirlwind of rage and oftentimes that comes back to bite her but I can feel her desperation to be accepted by her people as a warrior.
I also loved how organic the story and worldbuilding were developed throughout the book. There was no info dumping, we just learn about the world as our characters do so everything was really easy to follow.
I think if you were new to the fantasy genre or even reading in general this book would be a fantastic place to start as it’s not too long and I think it encompasses the best of classic fantasy.
And even if you’re not a beginner, you’re a seasoned pro, this felt almost nostalgic to me, like we’re going back to classic epic fantasy roots done well.
I would also highly recommend this in audio. The narrator was just fantastic, his accents were spot on and he was especially engaging during the action scenes, so well performed and I think I’ll continue the series in audio.
For me I did want a bit more from the worldbuilding and lore especially from the middle of the story onwards and we go from low stakes to very high stakes at the very end of the book which felt quite sudden based on the trajectory that the story was going on, but I think in the next book the world is going to scale a lot a more and we’re going to see the world expand and everything is going to to get a lot more bloody I can tell, so I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series!
The most concise way I can summarise the vibe of this book is Assassins Apprentice meets Shadow of the Gods, but with its own very distinct flair. If you liked either of those two books I think you really like Gallows Born.
This is the opening book to a Norse inspired epic fantasy fantasy series where we follow Bane, a youth that has grown up in the superstitious village of Crookfell. The villagers have shunned him all his life as he was born in the gallows, a very bad omen and as a result the villagers decide to condemn him as a baby to a trial by Fug - essentially a death sentence.
The Fug is an ominous and almost sentient fog that meets the village border and those that go in never come out. However as a baby, Bane is taken by the Fug and then returned with a mysterious mark on his arm, and by laws of the trial by Fug Bane has earned his right to live in the village. But he’s considered bad luck throughout his childhood.
Within the Fug itself there are hardy Norse tribes that live on the nearby mountain which is where we meet our second protagonist Alruna, a rash and headstrong teenager who is the daughter of the village chief and is desperate to prove herself to her tribe.
This is an epic story about rising to your destiny and not staying shackled to the expectations of others.
This is a coming of age story for Bane and Alruna but make no mistake there are larger and more sinister things at play here in this world.
What I loved about this story is for me it was the perfect balance of character and plot development. Our heroes are really easy to get behind and root for and their behaviours and motivations feel believable.
I especially came to really warm to Alruna’s character. She is just a whirlwind of rage and oftentimes that comes back to bite her but I can feel her desperation to be accepted by her people as a warrior.
I also loved how organic the story and worldbuilding were developed throughout the book. There was no info dumping, we just learn about the world as our characters do so everything was really easy to follow.
I think if you were new to the fantasy genre or even reading in general this book would be a fantastic place to start as it’s not too long and I think it encompasses the best of classic fantasy.
And even if you’re not a beginner, you’re a seasoned pro, this felt almost nostalgic to me, like we’re going back to classic epic fantasy roots done well.
I would also highly recommend this in audio. The narrator was just fantastic, his accents were spot on and he was especially engaging during the action scenes, so well performed and I think I’ll continue the series in audio.
For me I did want a bit more from the worldbuilding and lore especially from the middle of the story onwards and we go from low stakes to very high stakes at the very end of the book which felt quite sudden based on the trajectory that the story was going on, but I think in the next book the world is going to scale a lot a more and we’re going to see the world expand and everything is going to to get a lot more bloody I can tell, so I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series!
August 23, 2024
***SPOILERS***
I surprised myself at how much I liked this book. It's the first book in months that I've read late into the night, missing sleep in order to finish it. I found the main character hugely likeable, compelling me to read on. There were elements I found really entertaining and original - the idea of being 'gallows born'; the fug coming and going like a tide; Bane's tattoo growing and changing. There were other elements that were less original, though, with echoes of Game of Thrones (evil things in the snow and ice; a male and female character bathing in a hot spring in a cave in the mountains; illegitimate sons named after places); The Farseer trilogy (learning to be a spy/assassin); Lord of the Rings (Eowyn: "I am no man,"; Alruna: "And no man has,"; two ghostly armies - the Dead Men of Dunharrow and the Draugr) etc.
None of this stopped me enjoying the book, though, as it had enough originality to make it its own book.
The biggest problem was the number of mistakes in it. I'm presuming the book was self-published and I'm all for people trying to make a go of it themselves, but they really need to get the book proof read properly - it was riddled with mistakes. These are just some:
Then Chewer found a sent. (scent)
“You heard you mutton-brained oath of a child." (oaf)
One was the King’s Own standard and bared the head of a roaring lion ...(bore)
But at least she got to tie her hair in a warrior’s tale. (tail)
Her grip on the ground was a slippering one. (slippery?)
“Whose there?” he asked. (Who's)
They were in the shape of men. Tall, lythe ... (lithe)
“Your lad has saved my lively hood." (livelihood - this one made me laugh!)
One character's name was spelt in three different ways and several words were used incorrectly (adjectives as verbs etc).
Being a colossal pedant, this would normally make me dislike a book, but not with this one - I loved it.
I'd like to give such an enjoyable self-published book 5 stars, but I reserve my 5 star reviews for books that change my life and this didn't quite do that (and there were all the mistakes!)
A.C.Salter just needs to get a good proofreader - if he's reading this - I'll do it!
I surprised myself at how much I liked this book. It's the first book in months that I've read late into the night, missing sleep in order to finish it. I found the main character hugely likeable, compelling me to read on. There were elements I found really entertaining and original - the idea of being 'gallows born'; the fug coming and going like a tide; Bane's tattoo growing and changing. There were other elements that were less original, though, with echoes of Game of Thrones (evil things in the snow and ice; a male and female character bathing in a hot spring in a cave in the mountains; illegitimate sons named after places); The Farseer trilogy (learning to be a spy/assassin); Lord of the Rings (Eowyn: "I am no man,"; Alruna: "And no man has,"; two ghostly armies - the Dead Men of Dunharrow and the Draugr) etc.
None of this stopped me enjoying the book, though, as it had enough originality to make it its own book.
The biggest problem was the number of mistakes in it. I'm presuming the book was self-published and I'm all for people trying to make a go of it themselves, but they really need to get the book proof read properly - it was riddled with mistakes. These are just some:
Then Chewer found a sent. (scent)
“You heard you mutton-brained oath of a child." (oaf)
One was the King’s Own standard and bared the head of a roaring lion ...(bore)
But at least she got to tie her hair in a warrior’s tale. (tail)
Her grip on the ground was a slippering one. (slippery?)
“Whose there?” he asked. (Who's)
They were in the shape of men. Tall, lythe ... (lithe)
“Your lad has saved my lively hood." (livelihood - this one made me laugh!)
One character's name was spelt in three different ways and several words were used incorrectly (adjectives as verbs etc).
Being a colossal pedant, this would normally make me dislike a book, but not with this one - I loved it.
I'd like to give such an enjoyable self-published book 5 stars, but I reserve my 5 star reviews for books that change my life and this didn't quite do that (and there were all the mistakes!)
A.C.Salter just needs to get a good proofreader - if he's reading this - I'll do it!
October 19, 2025
Story: 3/5 - Decent. Linear. Predictable. The story has an interesting premise and the plot isn't bad, but nothing to write home about.
Setting: 4/5 - Loved. Gorgeous misty woods and mysterious castle at the foot of an ominous, even more mysterious mountain. Would have loved to get more detail on the culture of the people of Crookshanks, the castle, and the Vikings. Would have made the world more rich and helped to flesh out the characters. Wish we got to see more of the castle
Politics: 2/5 - It seemed the author was trying to weave 'complex' interpersonal and political agendas in as part of character motivations and general world-building, but most of it was fairly predictable.
Characters: 3.5/5 - Some interesting characters, but again, most of them were fairly predictable. A lot of actions and interactions felt stiff and forced. Alruna's character in particular sent a lot of mixed messages. She gave up her vendetta way too easily - and her blood oath against Bane was never brought up, for some reason? And she's suddenly falling in love with him? I found myself scratching my head for most of her inner monologue towards the end of the book.
Fight scenes: 2.5/5 - Fight scenes were vague. I didn't understand what was happening half of the time. Normally, I wouldn't mind, but considering story progression revolves around action and battle scenes, I was expecting more. (Also, a 14- or 15-year old defeating multiple battle-hardened undead warriors with centuries of experience is... not realistic, no matter how much training they've had.)
Humour: N/A
Romance: N/A - The main cast is fairly young when the story starts so don't expect anything. There is some light (very light) romance about 2/3 of the way in. A bit weird to read about 14 year-olds kissing in the middle of everything going on - particularly with Alruna. You'd think they have more important things to worry about... But maybe that's just me.
Overall, a solid 3/5 stars. Fine if you're between books and looking for a quick read.
Setting: 4/5 - Loved. Gorgeous misty woods and mysterious castle at the foot of an ominous, even more mysterious mountain. Would have loved to get more detail on the culture of the people of Crookshanks, the castle, and the Vikings. Would have made the world more rich and helped to flesh out the characters. Wish we got to see more of the castle
Politics: 2/5 - It seemed the author was trying to weave 'complex' interpersonal and political agendas in as part of character motivations and general world-building, but most of it was fairly predictable.
Characters: 3.5/5 - Some interesting characters, but again, most of them were fairly predictable. A lot of actions and interactions felt stiff and forced. Alruna's character in particular sent a lot of mixed messages. She gave up her vendetta way too easily - and her blood oath against Bane was never brought up, for some reason? And she's suddenly falling in love with him? I found myself scratching my head for most of her inner monologue towards the end of the book.
Fight scenes: 2.5/5 - Fight scenes were vague. I didn't understand what was happening half of the time. Normally, I wouldn't mind, but considering story progression revolves around action and battle scenes, I was expecting more. (Also, a 14- or 15-year old defeating multiple battle-hardened undead warriors with centuries of experience is... not realistic, no matter how much training they've had.)
Humour: N/A
Romance: N/A - The main cast is fairly young when the story starts so don't expect anything. There is some light (very light) romance about 2/3 of the way in. A bit weird to read about 14 year-olds kissing in the middle of everything going on - particularly with Alruna. You'd think they have more important things to worry about... But maybe that's just me.
Overall, a solid 3/5 stars. Fine if you're between books and looking for a quick read.
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