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Bridge of Kings
Two Warriors. Two Kings. One bridge.
Some men hold secrets that are far darker than war. An old oath obligates Ulf Bodvarsson to join King Harald Hardrada’s army of Norsemen, seeking to assert his claim to the English crown. Yet near Stamford Bridge, enemies await, seeking to fulfill their own oaths of blood. The struggle that awaits them all will decide who rules and who dies.
This gritty historical fantasy novella gives new readers an excellent introduction to the dynamic grimdark world created by Logan D. Irons. Start the series that is perfect for fans of George R.R. Martin, Bernard Cornwell, Joe Abercrombie, John Gwynne, and Mark Lawrence.
“Akin to acclaimed grimdark author Joe Abercrombie's The Heroes, Irons' Bridge of Kings covers an entire skirmish between two forces, presenting a grim and bloody view of war through the perspective of an anti-hero berserker hell-bent on destroying anything and everything he comes across.” - Readers’ Favorite 5-star review on Bridge of Kings
"If you thought you knew the story of Stamford Bridge, I invite you to read Bridge of Kings, a thoroughly imaginative and visceral retelling of the battle. The characters, the prose, the dialogue and the action all blend perfectly into a heady tale fit for a king's mead hall. And it's only just beginning. Well done and five stars." - Eric Schumacher, bestselling author of God’s Hammer, Hakon’s Saga
“This one is perfect for readers who enjoy Norse mythology, John Gwynne-esque combat, grimdark situations ala Joe Abercrombie, as well as a good spear through the eye socket.” - Dave Lawson, author of The Envoys of War
“The writing was very crisp and made me feel like I was a part of the battle between the two kings. I can’t wait to read more!” - Myth and Muggle
“If you like historical fiction and grimdark fantasy, you'll love it! Highly recommend!” - Alyssa G.
“This short story is very well paced, fun and with a very interesting world building which started as a historic novella and swifted into a fantastic fantasy story. 5 stars without a second thought!” - Fantasy_Throne
“Bloody, brutal, and brilliantly action-packed. Historical fantasy that will sink its fangs into you!” — Andy Peloquin, author of Darkblade
Some men hold secrets that are far darker than war. An old oath obligates Ulf Bodvarsson to join King Harald Hardrada’s army of Norsemen, seeking to assert his claim to the English crown. Yet near Stamford Bridge, enemies await, seeking to fulfill their own oaths of blood. The struggle that awaits them all will decide who rules and who dies.
This gritty historical fantasy novella gives new readers an excellent introduction to the dynamic grimdark world created by Logan D. Irons. Start the series that is perfect for fans of George R.R. Martin, Bernard Cornwell, Joe Abercrombie, John Gwynne, and Mark Lawrence.
“Akin to acclaimed grimdark author Joe Abercrombie's The Heroes, Irons' Bridge of Kings covers an entire skirmish between two forces, presenting a grim and bloody view of war through the perspective of an anti-hero berserker hell-bent on destroying anything and everything he comes across.” - Readers’ Favorite 5-star review on Bridge of Kings
"If you thought you knew the story of Stamford Bridge, I invite you to read Bridge of Kings, a thoroughly imaginative and visceral retelling of the battle. The characters, the prose, the dialogue and the action all blend perfectly into a heady tale fit for a king's mead hall. And it's only just beginning. Well done and five stars." - Eric Schumacher, bestselling author of God’s Hammer, Hakon’s Saga
“This one is perfect for readers who enjoy Norse mythology, John Gwynne-esque combat, grimdark situations ala Joe Abercrombie, as well as a good spear through the eye socket.” - Dave Lawson, author of The Envoys of War
“The writing was very crisp and made me feel like I was a part of the battle between the two kings. I can’t wait to read more!” - Myth and Muggle
“If you like historical fiction and grimdark fantasy, you'll love it! Highly recommend!” - Alyssa G.
“This short story is very well paced, fun and with a very interesting world building which started as a historic novella and swifted into a fantastic fantasy story. 5 stars without a second thought!” - Fantasy_Throne
“Bloody, brutal, and brilliantly action-packed. Historical fantasy that will sink its fangs into you!” — Andy Peloquin, author of Darkblade
72 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2024
3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this novella! Quick paced and action-packed, this prequel novella did a fantastic job of whetting my appetite for the first novel of the Oaths of Blood Saga! This novella follows the Norseman Ulf into battle, and let me just say, be ready to get sucked in and swept away. It is gruesome, fierce, and captivating. The battle scene was so vivid, I felt like I was watching a movie. Well done Mr. Irons! I will definitely be continuing on with this series and look forward to reading Oaths of Blood. If you like historical fiction and grimdark fantasy, you'll love it! Highly recommend!
The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2024
I just read the prequel to the Oaths of Blood Saga. Bridge of Kings by Logan D. Irons is a novella that sucks you into a world of Norse and English, on the battlefield, fighting to the death. The King from each side is there ready to win victory and rule over the land. It’s a fierce and bloody battle. My favorite character is Ulf, a Norseman who holds a secret that can change the tides of the battle. He also welds a mighty axe that he calls Crowsfeeder. One side is victorious and at the end of the battle Ulf forges an unexpected alliance with a warrior from the other side. I absolutely ate this up. If you like Joe Abercrombie and John Gwynn, this is for you. I now can’t wait to read book one, Oaths of Blood. The writing is descriptive, gripping and captivating. I need more. I LOVED it!
March 18, 2024
4.5 ⚔️ out of 5, rounded up to 5.
Visceral like an axe to the knees, this short novella packs a punch through all 71 blood-drenched pages. From the first line, you know people are going to die, and those deaths will be painful. Spears through the eyes, arrows through the neck, axes to the skull. Just another day on the battlefield.
The first half of the book focuses on a battle between Norsemen and Englishmen in Northern England in 1066, the year William the Conqueror and his Normans invaded England. Ulf Bodvarsson, our hero, carries an epic axe, Crowsfeeder—I’m a sucker for a named weapon—and he’s the most skilled fighter amongst the Norsemen. The battle begins and Iron’s eye for detail shines while describing the morbid realities of medieval combat. The familiar setting works well for the story, and Irons describes the scene well, pulling you into the events as they occur.
Then, at the halfway point of the book, everything changes. Ulf reveals his secret, and a solid historical novel in the Bernard Cornwell vein transforms into a fantastic fantasy story reminiscent of John Gwynne. We don’t learn an incredible amount about Ulf or his kind’s true abilities in the novella, but it’s the prequel to a longer series of novels, so it works.
Irons describes the Norsemen well, but their characters do come off a bit like you would expect Norsemen to act, based on other representations of them. They find glory in battle, they look forward to Valhalla, and they call each other “brother” a lot. Nothing wrong with it, but the first fifteen pages were a little dry as the characters were introduced, especially with how exciting events become by the end. There were several characters in the first chapter who played little role in the story, and didn’t stick with me beyond those first few pages.
When Ulf makes an unexpected alliance, the story reaches a new level for the second time, leaving off at a high point, keeping the reader ready for the next installment. I know I’m eager for more from this series!
This one is perfect for readers who enjoy Norse mythology, John Gwynne-esque combat, grimdark situations ala Joe Abercrombie, as well as a good spear through the eye socket.
Visceral like an axe to the knees, this short novella packs a punch through all 71 blood-drenched pages. From the first line, you know people are going to die, and those deaths will be painful. Spears through the eyes, arrows through the neck, axes to the skull. Just another day on the battlefield.
The first half of the book focuses on a battle between Norsemen and Englishmen in Northern England in 1066, the year William the Conqueror and his Normans invaded England. Ulf Bodvarsson, our hero, carries an epic axe, Crowsfeeder—I’m a sucker for a named weapon—and he’s the most skilled fighter amongst the Norsemen. The battle begins and Iron’s eye for detail shines while describing the morbid realities of medieval combat. The familiar setting works well for the story, and Irons describes the scene well, pulling you into the events as they occur.
Then, at the halfway point of the book, everything changes. Ulf reveals his secret, and a solid historical novel in the Bernard Cornwell vein transforms into a fantastic fantasy story reminiscent of John Gwynne. We don’t learn an incredible amount about Ulf or his kind’s true abilities in the novella, but it’s the prequel to a longer series of novels, so it works.
Irons describes the Norsemen well, but their characters do come off a bit like you would expect Norsemen to act, based on other representations of them. They find glory in battle, they look forward to Valhalla, and they call each other “brother” a lot. Nothing wrong with it, but the first fifteen pages were a little dry as the characters were introduced, especially with how exciting events become by the end. There were several characters in the first chapter who played little role in the story, and didn’t stick with me beyond those first few pages.
When Ulf makes an unexpected alliance, the story reaches a new level for the second time, leaving off at a high point, keeping the reader ready for the next installment. I know I’m eager for more from this series!
This one is perfect for readers who enjoy Norse mythology, John Gwynne-esque combat, grimdark situations ala Joe Abercrombie, as well as a good spear through the eye socket.
April 25, 2024
I found this novella exciting and engrossing right from the start. Not what I usually read, but now I'm hooked and can't wait for book 1.
April 16, 2024
I received a copy of Bridge of Kings from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This short story is the most action-packed epic 50 pages you will ever read in your life.
A battle for glory and survival between the Norse and English. I loved it.
Ulf is the protagonist who welds a mighty axe and holds a great secret.
At the end of the battle the stage is set for the upcoming book Oaths of Blood.
This short story is very well paced, fun and with a very interesting worldbuilding.
5 stars without a second thought.
This short story is the most action-packed epic 50 pages you will ever read in your life.
A battle for glory and survival between the Norse and English. I loved it.
Ulf is the protagonist who welds a mighty axe and holds a great secret.
At the end of the battle the stage is set for the upcoming book Oaths of Blood.
This short story is very well paced, fun and with a very interesting worldbuilding.
5 stars without a second thought.
April 10, 2024
Thos was an excellent historical fantasy read and I am very excited to read more about both main characters in the series. Highly recommend a quick and fun read filled with battles and interesting supernatural worldbuilding.
March 11, 2024
Bridge of Kings is the prequel novella to Logan D. Iron’s upcoming series the ‘Oaths of Blood’ saga.
The Novella centres around a battle between the Norse and English armies, and the friction between their two Kings.
For much of the story this novella reads as good quality historical fantasy, partway through the main protagonist unleashes his secret… then it becomes special.
What impressed me most about the book was its pacing, often novellas can feel too rushed. Bridge of Kings was measured really well.
This story reads well on its own, but the intriguing alliance at the end also sets the scene well for future releases.
Bridge of Kings is available for free when you sign-up to the author’s mailing list, for me this is everything a prequel novella should be.
The Novella centres around a battle between the Norse and English armies, and the friction between their two Kings.
For much of the story this novella reads as good quality historical fantasy, partway through the main protagonist unleashes his secret… then it becomes special.
What impressed me most about the book was its pacing, often novellas can feel too rushed. Bridge of Kings was measured really well.
This story reads well on its own, but the intriguing alliance at the end also sets the scene well for future releases.
Bridge of Kings is available for free when you sign-up to the author’s mailing list, for me this is everything a prequel novella should be.
June 4, 2024
The prequel novella to Oaths of Blood, Bridge of Kings provides the reader with a glimpse into Irons' world and lore. Taking the centre stage is Ulf, a fearsome Norse warrior with a great secret. The setting: the Battle of Stamford Bridge. And yes, this novella had me googling and looking into the real history of some the characters as well as the battle itself afterwards since my interest was piqued.
The story is fast-paced, a brutally honest depiction of a bloody battle, but also vivid and historically educational. You could see the author's love for axes, for example, through the way he describes them.
I enjoyed it and am looking forward to learning more about the particulars surrounding Ulf and his story in Oaths of Blood. And if you like bloody and gory battles, historical fiction and a dash of the uncanny, then go sign up for Irons' newsletter – the novella is provided for free to everyone who signs up.
The story is fast-paced, a brutally honest depiction of a bloody battle, but also vivid and historically educational. You could see the author's love for axes, for example, through the way he describes them.
I enjoyed it and am looking forward to learning more about the particulars surrounding Ulf and his story in Oaths of Blood. And if you like bloody and gory battles, historical fiction and a dash of the uncanny, then go sign up for Irons' newsletter – the novella is provided for free to everyone who signs up.
October 20, 2024
This author can write battles!
The prequel novella to Oaths of Blood, we join Ulf and his Norse crew, for a terrific battle against the English on a bridge that forces tight ruthless fighting. Ulf is exceptional, despite being injured repeatedly by an elusive archer who is more than he appears.
I did not see the twist coming, I'll admit but oh man, how cool! (No spoilers!)
Logan writes the history aspects so well...he's obviously well versed in the history of England.
The characters and story arc absolutely captured me! I'm excited to read the first full novel in the series!
My rating is 4.5 rounded for GR.
The prequel novella to Oaths of Blood, we join Ulf and his Norse crew, for a terrific battle against the English on a bridge that forces tight ruthless fighting. Ulf is exceptional, despite being injured repeatedly by an elusive archer who is more than he appears.
I did not see the twist coming, I'll admit but oh man, how cool! (No spoilers!)
Logan writes the history aspects so well...he's obviously well versed in the history of England.
The characters and story arc absolutely captured me! I'm excited to read the first full novel in the series!
My rating is 4.5 rounded for GR.
February 12, 2025
This is a prequel novella to the Oaths of Blood series by Logan D. Irons. It's a historical fantasy set during the battle of Stamford Bridge, and it packs an action packed punch. It follows Ulf Bodvarsson as he navigates the battle, but we do get introduced to the main players along the way, Harald Hadrada and the Godwinson brothers. The fantasy aspect is introduced in the idea of werewolves. I liked the way that this was done, taking the Ulfhednar to a new level added a very interesting spin on this historical novella. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this goes in Oaths of Blood.
I'd highly recommend for anybody looking for a gritty historical story with a bit of a twist!
I'd highly recommend for anybody looking for a gritty historical story with a bit of a twist!
May 25, 2024
Great introduction to the series! I believe a great place to start with the authors work. This is historical fantasy done right, it blends a classic fantasy aspect with an actual event from history beautifully. The action and story are perfectly paced with no sacrifice to the plot, and the action in its self is brutal and a perfect blend of fantasy with history. I highly recommend that you read this before the main story and if you want to get into historical fantasy this novella is a great place to start.
September 14, 2024
This gritty historical novella is a perfect entry point for fans of Bernard Cornwell.
Ulf Bodvarsson must honor an old oath and join King Harald Hardrada's Norse army to claim the English crown. Near Stamford Bridge, enemies await, each bound by their own dark oaths. Their clash will decide who rules and who falls.
Ulf Bodvarsson must honor an old oath and join King Harald Hardrada's Norse army to claim the English crown. Near Stamford Bridge, enemies await, each bound by their own dark oaths. Their clash will decide who rules and who falls.
December 29, 2024
A thoroughly absorbing account of a Norseman invasion of Saxon territory. The battle of Stanford Bridge ends in blood and loss on both sides with an unexpected alliance rising from the ash and devastation. You won’t be able to put A Bridge of Kings down once you pick it up, so I recommend a nice comfy chair, a nice stiff drink, and having the rest of The Oath of Blood Saga on standby.
May 4, 2024
A new undertaking for this author and boy howdy did he knock it out of the park. If you like medieval, bloody, good fighting, and intriguing stories, this is definitely for you! Looking forward to reading the following trilogy. Awesome job, Mr. Irons!
November 15, 2025
This is my second book from this author. Short read but make some time to knock this out in one sitting. You won’t want to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews