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Viking Bloodlines Saga #1
A Kingdom of Dreams
We were not chosen — we died.
In modern-day Boston, CEO Markus Embla constantly seeks release from irrepressible anger. But when a chance meeting with an alluring stranger triggers a sudden and intimate flashback to a past life, Markus’ hard-fought-for control begins to unravel.
Having left his politically influential family to pursue a less prestigious career as a nurse, Faron Ask struggles alone with immersive, often ominous, dreams. When the line between nightmare and reality merges, he reaches out for help from the one constant in both – Markus.
Drawn irresistibly to each other, the pair entwine at breakneck speed as they fight to discover the truth about their forgotten shared history. But traitorous winged Valkyries, shape-shifting assassins and rune-scarred sorceresses are intent on keeping them apart, to prevent their ancient powers from rekindling.
Because their ignorance is the condition of others’ lives — lives that will not be willingly sacrificed.
The battle for Ragnörak begins in A Kingdom of Dreams, the first volume in the Viking Bloodlines Saga.
In modern-day Boston, CEO Markus Embla constantly seeks release from irrepressible anger. But when a chance meeting with an alluring stranger triggers a sudden and intimate flashback to a past life, Markus’ hard-fought-for control begins to unravel.
Having left his politically influential family to pursue a less prestigious career as a nurse, Faron Ask struggles alone with immersive, often ominous, dreams. When the line between nightmare and reality merges, he reaches out for help from the one constant in both – Markus.
Drawn irresistibly to each other, the pair entwine at breakneck speed as they fight to discover the truth about their forgotten shared history. But traitorous winged Valkyries, shape-shifting assassins and rune-scarred sorceresses are intent on keeping them apart, to prevent their ancient powers from rekindling.
Because their ignorance is the condition of others’ lives — lives that will not be willingly sacrificed.
The battle for Ragnörak begins in A Kingdom of Dreams, the first volume in the Viking Bloodlines Saga.
362 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2024
56 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Sam Northman
3 books36 followersSam Northman: lover of gay romance, Norse mythology, and urban uantasy
Sam loves all things mythological and can get lost for days in old sagas, but what they enjoy most is reimagining these stories for readers looking to escape to another world.
Specifically crafted to touch a reader’s heart, each story is an unforgettable journey filled with romance, mythical creatures and thrilling adventures. Fall in love with compelling characters, be transported to enchanting realms, explore the magic of urban fantasies, and experience the beauty of love and passion in every heartfelt tale.
Sam loves all things mythological and can get lost for days in old sagas, but what they enjoy most is reimagining these stories for readers looking to escape to another world.
Specifically crafted to touch a reader’s heart, each story is an unforgettable journey filled with romance, mythical creatures and thrilling adventures. Fall in love with compelling characters, be transported to enchanting realms, explore the magic of urban fantasies, and experience the beauty of love and passion in every heartfelt tale.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 24, 2024
yk i saw this, and i love me some mythology fantasy, so i was like, sure, i'll read this norse mythology book with the pretty cover. i mean, it also has a past life trope, which is a great bonus.
but honestly, i thanked my childhood love for magnus chase and my children's book of norse mythology so much while i was reading this because i don't think i would have understood anything without them. this book delves a bit deeper into norse mythology than magnus chase, and there's some terms you're not gonna get am explicit explanation for until you reach the glossary at the end of the book (like dreki, asgard, half of the norse lang terms... :/).
and the instalove. i was warned. the grr blurb had the instalove tag. but i just can't- dude was like "he's integral to my existence" at SIXTEEN PERCENT. it's partially justified because of the 'past life' thing tho.
and honestly i just couldn't connect to any of the characters. they were bland. except misty, because she was a deranged bish. and kara, since she has some equivalent to a moral compass. oh, speaking of the valkyries, i...look. hilda and misty are thousand year old valkyries. you're telling me they, with so many years of battle experience, and skilled enough to be valkyries / guardians, are defeated in ONE battle with recently-awakened-not-to-full-power godlings??? (/= 皿=)/~┴┴
plus there were so many pov's 😭😭 i could not keep up and that's saying something cos i kept up with a book about a girl with 9 siblings in 1980's hong kong when i was 13. there had to be like 8 or more pov's plus the random intervals of memories from the mc's past lives - like how are all these people's perspectives necessary bro?
i'll be brief with the lack of mystery cos i'm short with time, but, uhh yeah there wasn't a lot of suspense going on cos me / the reader will basically know everything cos the abundant amount of pov's basically reveal everything.
prose was okay, a bit flowery but that's an issue with a lot of debut authors and i feel like it'll get better in time sooo
2 stars, but adding 0.5 for the mythology.
edit: just realized this is my 100th review :D stepping into 3 digitsssss
but honestly, i thanked my childhood love for magnus chase and my children's book of norse mythology so much while i was reading this because i don't think i would have understood anything without them. this book delves a bit deeper into norse mythology than magnus chase, and there's some terms you're not gonna get am explicit explanation for until you reach the glossary at the end of the book (like dreki, asgard, half of the norse lang terms... :/).
and the instalove. i was warned. the grr blurb had the instalove tag. but i just can't- dude was like "he's integral to my existence" at SIXTEEN PERCENT. it's partially justified because of the 'past life' thing tho.
and honestly i just couldn't connect to any of the characters. they were bland. except misty, because she was a deranged bish. and kara, since she has some equivalent to a moral compass. oh, speaking of the valkyries, i...look. hilda and misty are thousand year old valkyries. you're telling me they, with so many years of battle experience, and skilled enough to be valkyries / guardians, are defeated in ONE battle with recently-awakened-not-to-full-power godlings??? (/= 皿=)/~┴┴
plus there were so many pov's 😭😭 i could not keep up and that's saying something cos i kept up with a book about a girl with 9 siblings in 1980's hong kong when i was 13. there had to be like 8 or more pov's plus the random intervals of memories from the mc's past lives - like how are all these people's perspectives necessary bro?
i'll be brief with the lack of mystery cos i'm short with time, but, uhh yeah there wasn't a lot of suspense going on cos me / the reader will basically know everything cos the abundant amount of pov's basically reveal everything.
prose was okay, a bit flowery but that's an issue with a lot of debut authors and i feel like it'll get better in time sooo
2 stars, but adding 0.5 for the mythology.
edit: just realized this is my 100th review :D stepping into 3 digitsssss
January 30, 2025
RTC
The worldbuilding was wordbuilding HARD
The worldbuilding was wordbuilding HARD
March 1, 2025
Omg this was phenomenal!! Read it for the world building, the plot stretching across eons, the fated star crossed love, the fantastic lore and the gripping, almost lyrical writing.
This multi POV story unravelling, tells the tale of realms ending, reincarnation, magic and witchcraft, bloodlines and power struggles, murky lines of good evil and the shifting tapestry of time.
At the centre of it all Modi and Fjolnir or Markus and Faron. There is no time before they are thrust into saving themselves, each other and the worlds. They are catching up as we are, seeing multiple different perspectives as we go along for the ride.
Their love is epic and unshakable and unbearably swoony.
Definitely recommend reading this book, I can’t wait to dig into Strings of Destiny which is book 2 out soon, I need to know what happens next after that ending
Expect:
* Norse mythology
* Fated lovers
* Love across time
* Fantastic world building
* Magic and mayhem
* Unexpected twists
* Overall plot cliffie
March 20, 2024
Markus and Faron have their lives interrupted after they literally bump into each other at a coffee shop. This touch triggers an unraveling of memories of a past life. Memories where they were tangled in an all-consuming forbidden romance. Now they must work together to figure out what all these memories mean. Told in dual timelines, present times are mixed with past memories that Markus and Faron shared from a previous life where they were madly in love.
I really liked the idea of the premise, a different take on Norse myth set in the modern world, and reincarnated star-crossed lovers are some of my favorite tropes.
However, I think the writing style did not work for me. The first 20% of this book there is a lot of information given to the reader before really understanding what is going on. I found myself simultaneously wanting more information while also needing less? I think it is difficult in 1st person POV to write in a way that avoids telling and not showing and at times this book really fell into the trap of only telling. I felt some of the characters' reactions to their surroundings were inconsistent and unbelievable - especially how quickly these two come together in modern times without much discussion of the bizarre happenings. So I do think this could benefit from some trimming and tightening of the set up. After about 40% the plot really picks up and the story starts to flow and was much more enjoyable for me. I think these two do have a great connection and great steamy scenes.
This was a very unique read and a very steamy one as well. If you are a fan of Norse myth, reincarnation or urban fantasy, give this one a try!
I really liked the idea of the premise, a different take on Norse myth set in the modern world, and reincarnated star-crossed lovers are some of my favorite tropes.
However, I think the writing style did not work for me. The first 20% of this book there is a lot of information given to the reader before really understanding what is going on. I found myself simultaneously wanting more information while also needing less? I think it is difficult in 1st person POV to write in a way that avoids telling and not showing and at times this book really fell into the trap of only telling. I felt some of the characters' reactions to their surroundings were inconsistent and unbelievable - especially how quickly these two come together in modern times without much discussion of the bizarre happenings. So I do think this could benefit from some trimming and tightening of the set up. After about 40% the plot really picks up and the story starts to flow and was much more enjoyable for me. I think these two do have a great connection and great steamy scenes.
This was a very unique read and a very steamy one as well. If you are a fan of Norse myth, reincarnation or urban fantasy, give this one a try!
July 15, 2025
4.5 stars
A Kingdom of Dreams is Sam Northman's debut novel. It is a fantasy novel, with a large dose of Nordic mythology, a story of reincarnated love that transcends time, full of adventure and spicy scenes.
Markus and Faron are two strangers, who, despite the efforts of their guardians, run into each other in a coffee shop one day, discovering that they have an intense past in common. Love and desire arise, although they must face forces that oppose their being together.
Events from Markus and Foran's past lives are recounted in this book, but there is a short novella, which serves as an introduction, in which this is told in more depth.
It doesn't end in a cliffhanger exactly, but there is a second book that continues the story, which I'm looking forward to reading.
In my adolescence I read a lot about different mythologies, in this case the Nordic, which has given me a basis for reading the book, but that is not necessary, because there is a glossary at the end of the book that explains terms.
A Kingdom of Dreams is Sam Northman's debut novel. It is a fantasy novel, with a large dose of Nordic mythology, a story of reincarnated love that transcends time, full of adventure and spicy scenes.
Markus and Faron are two strangers, who, despite the efforts of their guardians, run into each other in a coffee shop one day, discovering that they have an intense past in common. Love and desire arise, although they must face forces that oppose their being together.
Events from Markus and Foran's past lives are recounted in this book, but there is a short novella, which serves as an introduction, in which this is told in more depth.
It doesn't end in a cliffhanger exactly, but there is a second book that continues the story, which I'm looking forward to reading.
In my adolescence I read a lot about different mythologies, in this case the Nordic, which has given me a basis for reading the book, but that is not necessary, because there is a glossary at the end of the book that explains terms.
March 15, 2025
A Norse mythology-based story with an m/m romance? The moment I saw the ARC call, I signed up immediately. This was exactly the kind of book I’d been looking for. It’s the first in a series, with the second installment coming out this month.
The main characters died during the Viking era and have now been reincarnated in modern times. They experience flashbacks to their past lives, and as the story unfolds, the pieces slowly start to fall into place. The first few chapters had me hooked right away: the two protagonists (separated from each other by Valkyries) cross paths by chance, and the chemistry is instant. As they dig deeper into their past, they begin to unlock powers they need to understand and control.
But once they got together, my attention started to drift. More and more side characters got their own POVs and, while they were usually relevant to the plot, they just didn’t hold my interest. Since they took up so much space, I also felt like I never got to truly know the main characters. By the end, I didn’t feel particularly attached to either of them—or to the supporting cast. Which was a shame, because the book started off so strong!
Since the story is told from so many perspectives—including those of the antagonists—you end up knowing way more than the protagonists do. That takes away a lot of the mystery, and with it, much of the tension. By the time they figured things out, I wasn’t all that invested anymore. I had to push myself to get through the last few chapters—even though that’s where most of the action happens. But at that point, I just didn’t feel connected enough to the characters to really care what happened to them.
Of course, that’s just me—other readers will probably click with the characters much more, because they are likable. Lately, I’ve been losing interest in stories more quickly, so that probably says more about me than about the book itself. Still, it didn’t quite convince me to pick up the sequel.
The main characters died during the Viking era and have now been reincarnated in modern times. They experience flashbacks to their past lives, and as the story unfolds, the pieces slowly start to fall into place. The first few chapters had me hooked right away: the two protagonists (separated from each other by Valkyries) cross paths by chance, and the chemistry is instant. As they dig deeper into their past, they begin to unlock powers they need to understand and control.
But once they got together, my attention started to drift. More and more side characters got their own POVs and, while they were usually relevant to the plot, they just didn’t hold my interest. Since they took up so much space, I also felt like I never got to truly know the main characters. By the end, I didn’t feel particularly attached to either of them—or to the supporting cast. Which was a shame, because the book started off so strong!
Since the story is told from so many perspectives—including those of the antagonists—you end up knowing way more than the protagonists do. That takes away a lot of the mystery, and with it, much of the tension. By the time they figured things out, I wasn’t all that invested anymore. I had to push myself to get through the last few chapters—even though that’s where most of the action happens. But at that point, I just didn’t feel connected enough to the characters to really care what happened to them.
Of course, that’s just me—other readers will probably click with the characters much more, because they are likable. Lately, I’ve been losing interest in stories more quickly, so that probably says more about me than about the book itself. Still, it didn’t quite convince me to pick up the sequel.
December 18, 2024
Kingdom of Dreams is a complex, fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable novel that defies easy genre classification. The uniquely unusual opening of the novel - a conversation between the Nornir (fates) - intrigues the reader from the beginning. The novel is told in first person from the perspective of several characters (including the baddies) with the two lead narrators being Markus and Faron.
The immediate attraction between these two, due to a fated-mates style storyline, is what makes the book a gay romance. It is that and more, however. Northman has created an immersive universe (with elements from Norse mythology that some may recognise) with elegant prose and an absorbing narrative. The world-building and distribution of information is just right to allow the readers to embark on a thrilling journey.
Kingdom of Dreams is the first part of the Viking Bloodlines Saga and I eagerly await the next instalment, The Strings of Destiny, due in Spring 2025. As I said from the beginning, the novel is not easy to classify in terms of genre, because it is something special of its own. Lovers of Norse mythology and high fantasy will enjoy the witches, dragons, Gods and magic (that really gets going in the second half of the novel). Romance lovers will swoon over Faron and Markus's love that conquers death and time to endure. The contemporary setting of the novel in a dreary Boston will appeal to those who like modern thrillers.
What I'm trying to say, is there's something for everyone in Sam Northman's stunning epic fantasy novel, and I implore you all to give it a go.
The immediate attraction between these two, due to a fated-mates style storyline, is what makes the book a gay romance. It is that and more, however. Northman has created an immersive universe (with elements from Norse mythology that some may recognise) with elegant prose and an absorbing narrative. The world-building and distribution of information is just right to allow the readers to embark on a thrilling journey.
Kingdom of Dreams is the first part of the Viking Bloodlines Saga and I eagerly await the next instalment, The Strings of Destiny, due in Spring 2025. As I said from the beginning, the novel is not easy to classify in terms of genre, because it is something special of its own. Lovers of Norse mythology and high fantasy will enjoy the witches, dragons, Gods and magic (that really gets going in the second half of the novel). Romance lovers will swoon over Faron and Markus's love that conquers death and time to endure. The contemporary setting of the novel in a dreary Boston will appeal to those who like modern thrillers.
What I'm trying to say, is there's something for everyone in Sam Northman's stunning epic fantasy novel, and I implore you all to give it a go.
March 8, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
It would be safe to say that A Kingdom of Dreams is chaotic and sometimes that chaos works and sometimes it doesn’t. Having finished the book, I’m still not actually sure if I like it or not, which made this one an unusual read.
There’s a lot happening from the jump and, while the story is threaded through with Norse mythology references, there is very little bearing to the actual mythology here. The author definitely played fast and loose, mythologically speaking, but acknowledges this from the start, which I appreciated.
In many ways, A Kingdom of Dreams comes down square in the middle between interesting and annoying and depending on the moment, it wobbles back and forth between the two. It’s a story that has good bones, but it’s needs to untangle itself from its chaotic pacing and lack of character development, and give everything a chance to develop more evenly than it has thus far.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
It would be safe to say that A Kingdom of Dreams is chaotic and sometimes that chaos works and sometimes it doesn’t. Having finished the book, I’m still not actually sure if I like it or not, which made this one an unusual read.
There’s a lot happening from the jump and, while the story is threaded through with Norse mythology references, there is very little bearing to the actual mythology here. The author definitely played fast and loose, mythologically speaking, but acknowledges this from the start, which I appreciated.
In many ways, A Kingdom of Dreams comes down square in the middle between interesting and annoying and depending on the moment, it wobbles back and forth between the two. It’s a story that has good bones, but it’s needs to untangle itself from its chaotic pacing and lack of character development, and give everything a chance to develop more evenly than it has thus far.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
March 18, 2025
From the very first chapters, I found myself immersed in this richly detailed world. While there's a lot of information to take in initially, the use of Norse Mythology quickly pulled me into the plot and it sets up the Good V Evil aspect of this Romantasy novel.
It's set in Midgard (earth) and the mission is to prevent Ragnarok and keep the tree of Yggdrasil alive.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the instant connection between Markus and Fallon. Their insta-love is truly captivating, especially with the added layer of their past life bond. It’s fascinating to see how their previous connection influences their current experiences, making their romance even more intense and meaningful. The spicy scenes flow effortlessly and shows just how deeply they feel for each other.
The multiple points of view are a brilliant touch, allowing us to dive deeper into the characters’ minds and feelings, both in the past and present. This narrative style keeps the story dynamic and engaging, and we learn who the minor characters are and how they have influenced this ancient magic that is the key to harmony and life in the 9 Realms
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling love story that spans across time. Im so excited for the next installment.
It's set in Midgard (earth) and the mission is to prevent Ragnarok and keep the tree of Yggdrasil alive.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is the instant connection between Markus and Fallon. Their insta-love is truly captivating, especially with the added layer of their past life bond. It’s fascinating to see how their previous connection influences their current experiences, making their romance even more intense and meaningful. The spicy scenes flow effortlessly and shows just how deeply they feel for each other.
The multiple points of view are a brilliant touch, allowing us to dive deeper into the characters’ minds and feelings, both in the past and present. This narrative style keeps the story dynamic and engaging, and we learn who the minor characters are and how they have influenced this ancient magic that is the key to harmony and life in the 9 Realms
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling love story that spans across time. Im so excited for the next installment.
February 25, 2025
I loved this book, it was so good. It has a lot of world building and names, so you have to pay attention or else you miss stuff.
I loved Markus and Faron, their love was everything. The lengths they would go to protect each other, my God.
I loved the side characters too and I just can't wait to read more from these series
I loved Markus and Faron, their love was everything. The lengths they would go to protect each other, my God.
I loved the side characters too and I just can't wait to read more from these series
April 5, 2025
I have a reader flaw.
I don’t read blurbs.
I read tropes, trigger lists, quotes, and reviews. But not blurbs.
This can lead to disappointment, disaster, and dnf’s. It can ALSO lead to delight, deliciousness, and dancing.
This book delivered on the delight, deliciousness, and dancing!
I expected Vikings doing Viking things with some magic and medium-high spice.
It was so much more. It had all that and more. The story is insanely good. Magic, mayhem, Valkyrie’s being badaxx’s, blood, love, more Vikings, more magic, deep connections…it had all the things that make a fantasy amazing.
I had an amazing time reading this.
I don’t read blurbs.
I read tropes, trigger lists, quotes, and reviews. But not blurbs.
This can lead to disappointment, disaster, and dnf’s. It can ALSO lead to delight, deliciousness, and dancing.
This book delivered on the delight, deliciousness, and dancing!
I expected Vikings doing Viking things with some magic and medium-high spice.
It was so much more. It had all that and more. The story is insanely good. Magic, mayhem, Valkyrie’s being badaxx’s, blood, love, more Vikings, more magic, deep connections…it had all the things that make a fantasy amazing.
I had an amazing time reading this.
Read
February 27, 2025DNF at 29%
March 10, 2024
A beautiful and entrancing Norse retelling!
What a read! The world-building was detailed but not overwhelming, and the characters had layers of complexity that made them incredibly engaging. Not to mention, the romance was sizzling hot!
Perfect for any lovers of Norse mythology. I'm looking forward to Book 2!
What a read! The world-building was detailed but not overwhelming, and the characters had layers of complexity that made them incredibly engaging. Not to mention, the romance was sizzling hot!
Perfect for any lovers of Norse mythology. I'm looking forward to Book 2!
March 10, 2024
What a freaking AMAZING book and start to this world! This book will take you into these MCC’s lives, past and present, and what a ride it is. Flawless!
May 18, 2024
Loved this book so much! I've been reading so many enemies to lovers lately that this instant love was so refreshing! No fighting between the mc's just that beautiful soul connection between Markus and Faron. They stole my heart! Also very happy they are adults with jobs and not teens the balance between figuring out the mythical stuff and their real lives was done really well. The switching povs were great. Loved the characters we got to meet along the way! We also get a glimpse in the minds of some the villains, which I found very interesting. Loved the memories of their past. Love norse mythology but came across some new to me terms, but there is a glosary in the back! So be sure to check that out. This was my first m/m romance with spice, and it is written very well the consent, the trust and the comfort between these two is everything! It is beautiful it touches your soul. I can't wait for the next book!!
March 17, 2024
Markus and Faron live in present day Boston, but they aren't quite normal. Both have mysterious powers that make them think there is something wrong with them. Markus is a fighter and full of anger. His spark is something that fuels the rage and he tries to repress it every day. While kindhearted Faron is a bit of a pushover who is still grieving the loss of his brother. His hallucinations confuse and overwhelm him and blur the lines between dream and reality. When they meet by accident, their "flaws" start go grow beyond their control. And yet, they want each other more than makes sense. They can't seem to stay away.
But someone doesn't want their powers to grow. They are being watched by creatures not from their realm that will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fantastic blend of Norse mythology, modern day, and fantasy. I liked that I got perspectives from all the people involved, but not the ones we needed to figure out what was going on completely. It was just the right amount of information to keep me guessing at who a villain was and who might not be. I loved getting to see the memories and experiences of the characters in the other realms rather than keeping it all in Boston. I also loved the healing Markus and Faron underwent. Everyone needs a Markus to keep them safe and protected. Everyone needs a Faron to just listen and be there. They are the sweetest couple and I loved them!
This book is also a win for anyone who loves bad a** female villains. Yes, I hated them and wanted them to die horrible deaths, but they were wicked cool, and I can tell that future books will include even more of them.
I will say that things move a bit slowly in the beginning. It was also a little hard to get sucked in because there's a lot of terminology to adjust to. That said, I think it was around the 35-40% mark that things picked up and never stopped. From that point on, I couldn't quit reading. It's also pretty insta-lovey. However, it makes perfect sense within the story, and I loved how the characters acknowledged that they'd only known each other a short time and their connection made no sense. It ended up adding another layer to the whole story that I enjoyed.
Honestly, I can't even count how many times I thought that they were the sweetest couple. They are the perfect balance for each other, and I am obsessed with what their powers turned into by the end. I cannot wait for the next book, and the final revelation was a confirmation of my suspicions that I need to see play out! This book is a wonderful twist on Norse mythology, and I enjoyed how Sam Northman took what I knew and twisted it around to be unexpected.
But someone doesn't want their powers to grow. They are being watched by creatures not from their realm that will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fantastic blend of Norse mythology, modern day, and fantasy. I liked that I got perspectives from all the people involved, but not the ones we needed to figure out what was going on completely. It was just the right amount of information to keep me guessing at who a villain was and who might not be. I loved getting to see the memories and experiences of the characters in the other realms rather than keeping it all in Boston. I also loved the healing Markus and Faron underwent. Everyone needs a Markus to keep them safe and protected. Everyone needs a Faron to just listen and be there. They are the sweetest couple and I loved them!
This book is also a win for anyone who loves bad a** female villains. Yes, I hated them and wanted them to die horrible deaths, but they were wicked cool, and I can tell that future books will include even more of them.
I will say that things move a bit slowly in the beginning. It was also a little hard to get sucked in because there's a lot of terminology to adjust to. That said, I think it was around the 35-40% mark that things picked up and never stopped. From that point on, I couldn't quit reading. It's also pretty insta-lovey. However, it makes perfect sense within the story, and I loved how the characters acknowledged that they'd only known each other a short time and their connection made no sense. It ended up adding another layer to the whole story that I enjoyed.
Honestly, I can't even count how many times I thought that they were the sweetest couple. They are the perfect balance for each other, and I am obsessed with what their powers turned into by the end. I cannot wait for the next book, and the final revelation was a confirmation of my suspicions that I need to see play out! This book is a wonderful twist on Norse mythology, and I enjoyed how Sam Northman took what I knew and twisted it around to be unexpected.
March 25, 2024
[I received an ARC for an honest review.]
Rating: 4.5 stars (9/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Norse mythology, reincarnation, star-crossed lovers, mysterious, powers
Review:
This is the first book in a new Norse Mythology series set in the modern day world, where Midgard (Earth) has become what we know it as and has forgotten about magic the other 8 realms. We follow two characters, Markus and Faron, who are reincarnated lovers that are being kept apart lest they realise who they used to be and their powers awaken. We also follow those who are keeping them apart, along with a few other characters, in this multi-POV story which is equal parts plot and character story.
I am not hugely familiar with Norse Mythology, but I appreciated that the story did help with explaining a number of things, as well as providing a glossary of terms and people. Markus and Faron were so quickly endeared to me, and I was stressed quick when their relationship was being denied seemingly from every direction around them. These two are star-crossed lovers, and watching them come to realise who they are to each other, and to reignite their age-old love for each other, was so sweet and tender and hot at many moments too. I really loved them both, and it was interesting to see so many prominent moments from their past in flashbacks.
The plot of this story was really interesting, and I appreciated how balanced the book felt. If you liked Percy Jackson or any of Rick Riordan's series', this will definitely be up your alley, and it has gay MCs who do naughty things on-page 🤭 the stakes are very high in this story, and I enjoyed the ways in which I could go from biting my nails being nervous to laughing to feel some kind of way 🥵 the multiple POVs also gave an interesting storytelling style that I really haven't come across much in MM, so I enjoyed that too.
This is not a standalone story, and there plot is not contained in this story. The ending isn't exactly a cliffhanger, but it is left wide open for future books, and the ending of the teaser for the next book has me shocked and so excited for what's to come. It seems like we will still follow the exact same cast of characters, and I'm so ready to see where this series goes!
Rating: 4.5 stars (9/10)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes: Norse mythology, reincarnation, star-crossed lovers, mysterious, powers
Review:
This is the first book in a new Norse Mythology series set in the modern day world, where Midgard (Earth) has become what we know it as and has forgotten about magic the other 8 realms. We follow two characters, Markus and Faron, who are reincarnated lovers that are being kept apart lest they realise who they used to be and their powers awaken. We also follow those who are keeping them apart, along with a few other characters, in this multi-POV story which is equal parts plot and character story.
I am not hugely familiar with Norse Mythology, but I appreciated that the story did help with explaining a number of things, as well as providing a glossary of terms and people. Markus and Faron were so quickly endeared to me, and I was stressed quick when their relationship was being denied seemingly from every direction around them. These two are star-crossed lovers, and watching them come to realise who they are to each other, and to reignite their age-old love for each other, was so sweet and tender and hot at many moments too. I really loved them both, and it was interesting to see so many prominent moments from their past in flashbacks.
The plot of this story was really interesting, and I appreciated how balanced the book felt. If you liked Percy Jackson or any of Rick Riordan's series', this will definitely be up your alley, and it has gay MCs who do naughty things on-page 🤭 the stakes are very high in this story, and I enjoyed the ways in which I could go from biting my nails being nervous to laughing to feel some kind of way 🥵 the multiple POVs also gave an interesting storytelling style that I really haven't come across much in MM, so I enjoyed that too.
This is not a standalone story, and there plot is not contained in this story. The ending isn't exactly a cliffhanger, but it is left wide open for future books, and the ending of the teaser for the next book has me shocked and so excited for what's to come. It seems like we will still follow the exact same cast of characters, and I'm so ready to see where this series goes!
February 10, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this book. Overall, I liked it. I struggled through Part 1 a lot given that I know basically nothing about Norse mythology and it wasn’t explained in a way that worked well for me. Turns out there’s a Glossary of Terms at the end that would’ve been helpful to know at the time but I didn’t read the Table of Contents well and it wasn’t listed in the chapters of my Kindle. So mostly my fault but does affect how I read the book.
The story follows Markus Embla and Faron Ask as they go through a journey from being ordinary humans to reincarnated gods. Alongside these two, they each have a Guardian and the guardians have basically their own guardian. When the guardians betray Markus and Faron, they meet new friends that help them connect the dots between their current lives and their past lives as well as fight alongside them to keep both themselves and Midgard (Earth) safe. As a multi-pov book, you get to see the plot from all sides.
Throughout the book, there are snippets from their past lives that intertwine with their current lives giving great context to the story, especially relating it back to mythology. The beginning is very heavy in information that did confuse me at multiple points but once I got past that, it was a really good story and plot with good pacing.
If you like fantasy, Norse mythology, and/or a series, this book is great! Coming soon is the second book The Strings of Destiny, so stay tuned for my review on that as soon as I get a copy!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review. This is my honest thoughts and opinions!
The story follows Markus Embla and Faron Ask as they go through a journey from being ordinary humans to reincarnated gods. Alongside these two, they each have a Guardian and the guardians have basically their own guardian. When the guardians betray Markus and Faron, they meet new friends that help them connect the dots between their current lives and their past lives as well as fight alongside them to keep both themselves and Midgard (Earth) safe. As a multi-pov book, you get to see the plot from all sides.
Throughout the book, there are snippets from their past lives that intertwine with their current lives giving great context to the story, especially relating it back to mythology. The beginning is very heavy in information that did confuse me at multiple points but once I got past that, it was a really good story and plot with good pacing.
If you like fantasy, Norse mythology, and/or a series, this book is great! Coming soon is the second book The Strings of Destiny, so stay tuned for my review on that as soon as I get a copy!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review. This is my honest thoughts and opinions!
April 9, 2025
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐.75 / 5 (rounded up)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
The world building in this is extraordinary. And, as much as there’s a lot to learn along the way, I appreciate that the author drops us straight into the action and lets us pick up the breadcrumbs as we go.
I’ve always been a fan of mythology and the Viking era, and this story leans heavy into both. My cursory understanding of Norse legend wasn’t quite enough for me to pick up on all of the Easter eggs I know were buried in here, but it was enough to keep me reading!
The leads are complex characters with deep feelings, fast…largely driven by their pasts. We get glimpses of their falling in love but I wanted more.
There are a lot of POVs to contend with here, and a lot of past retellings (largely done in big italicized blocks without paragraph breaks, which was challenging at times purely from a formatting perspective). I found myself not quite sure whose POV I was in a couple of times, but not enough for it to be a significant distraction.
I’m excited to read the next chapter of their journey (a character who showed up at the very end had me squealing because I had a sense we’d get more of their story!) and can’t wait to post reviews for book two shortly.
Recommended for fans of epic fantasy, Norse mythology, Penny Moss, and C. Rochelle (the deep mythology-driven plot, but not the snarky/irreverent humor).
📚Fast facts📚
✨ Fated mates
✨ Past lives / timeline jumping
✨ Them against the world
✨ Storm god, dream-walking, dragons!
✨ Open door spice
✨ LGBTQIA+
✨ First in a series
✨ MM Norse mythology PNR
✨ First person, multi-POV, present tense
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 / 5
The world building in this is extraordinary. And, as much as there’s a lot to learn along the way, I appreciate that the author drops us straight into the action and lets us pick up the breadcrumbs as we go.
I’ve always been a fan of mythology and the Viking era, and this story leans heavy into both. My cursory understanding of Norse legend wasn’t quite enough for me to pick up on all of the Easter eggs I know were buried in here, but it was enough to keep me reading!
The leads are complex characters with deep feelings, fast…largely driven by their pasts. We get glimpses of their falling in love but I wanted more.
There are a lot of POVs to contend with here, and a lot of past retellings (largely done in big italicized blocks without paragraph breaks, which was challenging at times purely from a formatting perspective). I found myself not quite sure whose POV I was in a couple of times, but not enough for it to be a significant distraction.
I’m excited to read the next chapter of their journey (a character who showed up at the very end had me squealing because I had a sense we’d get more of their story!) and can’t wait to post reviews for book two shortly.
Recommended for fans of epic fantasy, Norse mythology, Penny Moss, and C. Rochelle (the deep mythology-driven plot, but not the snarky/irreverent humor).
📚Fast facts📚
✨ Fated mates
✨ Past lives / timeline jumping
✨ Them against the world
✨ Storm god, dream-walking, dragons!
✨ Open door spice
✨ LGBTQIA+
✨ First in a series
✨ MM Norse mythology PNR
✨ First person, multi-POV, present tense
March 23, 2024
A Kingdom Of Dreams is by a new-to-me author, but I love Norse mythology so I was really interested in seeing how this reimagining would pan out…and I liked it a lot!
It's contemporary but with some of the magical powers of the old gods and there are flashbacks to the previous lives lived by MCs, Markus and Faron, though at first they're clueless about what they're experiencing. Their chemistry is immediate and they quickly form a bond as they start to figure out their abilities.
There's some great world building going on here, split between some of the nine realms of Norse lore, with modern-day Boston serving as the primary location for the action in Midgard. There are appearances by plenty of mytho characters, too, no spoilers apart from to say that the Nornir sisters have to make an appearance as there is something dated about the relationship between Faron and Markus. And what a wonderfully possessive and protective relationship it is, as well as being sweet and hot at the same time.
There was just one tiny ‘me thing’ that occasionally took me out of the zone a little whilst reading this book, which I I'm not a fan of written dialect, etc, so the fact that Markus doesn't say a single ‘g’ at the end of a word got to me from time to time, especially when there were multiple “sayin’, goin’, doin’* words in the same sentence. Like I said, though, that's a me thing.
Overall, I thought A Kingdom Of Dreams is a very nicely written homage to Norse mythology with a great contemporary relationship between the main characters and lots of plot twists and turns to keep me happy. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.
It's contemporary but with some of the magical powers of the old gods and there are flashbacks to the previous lives lived by MCs, Markus and Faron, though at first they're clueless about what they're experiencing. Their chemistry is immediate and they quickly form a bond as they start to figure out their abilities.
There's some great world building going on here, split between some of the nine realms of Norse lore, with modern-day Boston serving as the primary location for the action in Midgard. There are appearances by plenty of mytho characters, too, no spoilers apart from to say that the Nornir sisters have to make an appearance as there is something dated about the relationship between Faron and Markus. And what a wonderfully possessive and protective relationship it is, as well as being sweet and hot at the same time.
There was just one tiny ‘me thing’ that occasionally took me out of the zone a little whilst reading this book, which I I'm not a fan of written dialect, etc, so the fact that Markus doesn't say a single ‘g’ at the end of a word got to me from time to time, especially when there were multiple “sayin’, goin’, doin’* words in the same sentence. Like I said, though, that's a me thing.
Overall, I thought A Kingdom Of Dreams is a very nicely written homage to Norse mythology with a great contemporary relationship between the main characters and lots of plot twists and turns to keep me happy. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book. 4*
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.
March 7, 2025
CEO Markus Embla constantly feels a rage that can only be alleviated through fights at his local gym. He thought that was the only thing that worked until he had a chance encounter with a young man in a coffee shop. That young man was Faron Ask. Faron had left his politically prominent family for a career in nursing. He too struggles but with dreams, dreams that are often realistic and ominous. The two gravitate towards each other and as they do they learn so much about who they are and what they represent. They had a past connection that is now coming back to them. Unfortunately, there are some who want them to not realize the power they had in the past. Valkyries, shape shifters, and sorceresses are just a few of those who are determined to keep them apart.
What an excellent beginning! Norse mythology comes to life with Sam Northman’s story telling expertise. Markus (Modi) and Faron (Fjolnir) had a past together that is just as strong as the one they are developing now. Their powers are rekindling and they find themselves in a fight for their very lives. There are some who would stop that rekindling. I enjoyed this a lot but there are numerous POVs and it did get confusing at times, but it did provide us with necessary insights into the thoughts and actions of so many people. The next book is out and we will all be out looking for it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
What an excellent beginning! Norse mythology comes to life with Sam Northman’s story telling expertise. Markus (Modi) and Faron (Fjolnir) had a past together that is just as strong as the one they are developing now. Their powers are rekindling and they find themselves in a fight for their very lives. There are some who would stop that rekindling. I enjoyed this a lot but there are numerous POVs and it did get confusing at times, but it did provide us with necessary insights into the thoughts and actions of so many people. The next book is out and we will all be out looking for it.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 1, 2025
I would give 2.5-stars for this book because the story was creative and had potential.
Execution of the idea was messy, and characters felt rushed in exploration.
Starting with the positives:
- Interesting concept for a story.
- Viking Lore.
What did not work:
-Sorry… but everything else.
-Markus and Faron’s romance never felt real or organic. I know this is supposed to have the infamous “past life super deep instant love connection” but I could not feel anything. I know that MM romance can be less focused on the development of love and emotions and more straight forward to the physical aspects of things, so I give this one a rest as “it is what it is”. I felt more connection between the glimpse of memories from their past lives than I did at any moment of their current lives, which is crazy.
-This book suffered a case of “too much CAN be too much”. Too many things going on, too many POVs, too many jumps between timelines, too many messy executions of trying to describe all of that with words (this would have been a great movie or TV series. That medium would work better for this story). The written format was just too hectic.
-I could not care less about any characters… and, for me, this one hurts the most when reading a book.
Will I be reading the follow up book? I might, but not right now. I really can’t go through another book series that I have an utter dislike for.
Execution of the idea was messy, and characters felt rushed in exploration.
Starting with the positives:
- Interesting concept for a story.
- Viking Lore.
What did not work:
-Sorry… but everything else.
-Markus and Faron’s romance never felt real or organic. I know this is supposed to have the infamous “past life super deep instant love connection” but I could not feel anything. I know that MM romance can be less focused on the development of love and emotions and more straight forward to the physical aspects of things, so I give this one a rest as “it is what it is”. I felt more connection between the glimpse of memories from their past lives than I did at any moment of their current lives, which is crazy.
-This book suffered a case of “too much CAN be too much”. Too many things going on, too many POVs, too many jumps between timelines, too many messy executions of trying to describe all of that with words (this would have been a great movie or TV series. That medium would work better for this story). The written format was just too hectic.
-I could not care less about any characters… and, for me, this one hurts the most when reading a book.
Will I be reading the follow up book? I might, but not right now. I really can’t go through another book series that I have an utter dislike for.
March 22, 2024
A Kingdom of Dreams was a story that immediately caught my attention. I am always interested in new twists on mythology, and I was excited to see how this one would handle it. Thus, I went into the story with high hopes.
I will be honest and say that I struggled with this from the start. I am not quite sure what it was, but there was something about the writing that did not work for me. I was never quite as sucked in as I had hoped to be, and this made it difficult to connect with the characters. Add in the fact that there were lots of things happening – that it was not just the main characters that were followed – and there were points when my interest was not what I had hoped it would be. This is largely because I went in expecting something different to what I was given, which meant my expectations and reality did not match. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it did have an impact upon my interest. Sadly, for me, my interest was never pulled back up to what it was prior to starting the story.
All in all, I can see many enjoying this. Sadly, for me, I was never able to connect with the characters. I appreciate what the author did with the story, but it was not for me.
I will be honest and say that I struggled with this from the start. I am not quite sure what it was, but there was something about the writing that did not work for me. I was never quite as sucked in as I had hoped to be, and this made it difficult to connect with the characters. Add in the fact that there were lots of things happening – that it was not just the main characters that were followed – and there were points when my interest was not what I had hoped it would be. This is largely because I went in expecting something different to what I was given, which meant my expectations and reality did not match. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it did have an impact upon my interest. Sadly, for me, my interest was never pulled back up to what it was prior to starting the story.
All in all, I can see many enjoying this. Sadly, for me, I was never able to connect with the characters. I appreciate what the author did with the story, but it was not for me.
May 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5, rounded up)
🌶️ Spice level: 2.5/5
This one surprised me—in a good way.
A Kingdom of Dreams by Sam Northman is an intense, fast-paced fantasy romance that balances action, mythology, and spice in a really satisfying way. The story pulled me in quickly and kept the momentum going, with just the right mix of tension and relief.
I really enjoyed the way North mythology was woven into the present-day storyline—it felt fresh and added a unique layer to the world-building without overwhelming the plot. The flashbacks were another highlight, offering key glimpses into the characters' pasts and raising the emotional stakes just enough to keep you invested.
That said, I didn’t go all the way to 5 stars because one of the main characters felt a bit emotionally dry at times, especially in contrast to the other, who was written with more depth. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment, but it did leave a little space where the connection could’ve gone deeper.
Spicy scenes (🌶️ 2.5) are well placed—they slow down the pace in a good way and offer a breather from the action while adding some emotional grounding.
4.5 stars because I flew through it and loved the mythological angle—just wished for a bit more emotional nuance from one of the leads.
🌶️ Spice level: 2.5/5
This one surprised me—in a good way.
A Kingdom of Dreams by Sam Northman is an intense, fast-paced fantasy romance that balances action, mythology, and spice in a really satisfying way. The story pulled me in quickly and kept the momentum going, with just the right mix of tension and relief.
I really enjoyed the way North mythology was woven into the present-day storyline—it felt fresh and added a unique layer to the world-building without overwhelming the plot. The flashbacks were another highlight, offering key glimpses into the characters' pasts and raising the emotional stakes just enough to keep you invested.
That said, I didn’t go all the way to 5 stars because one of the main characters felt a bit emotionally dry at times, especially in contrast to the other, who was written with more depth. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment, but it did leave a little space where the connection could’ve gone deeper.
Spicy scenes (🌶️ 2.5) are well placed—they slow down the pace in a good way and offer a breather from the action while adding some emotional grounding.
4.5 stars because I flew through it and loved the mythological angle—just wished for a bit more emotional nuance from one of the leads.
January 21, 2025
Thank you to Nisha's Books and Coffee PR for this free Ebook for an honest review. :)
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
I did enjoy this book once I was able to wrap my head around everything that was going on. I would for sure recommend this series to others.
This is a multi character POV… and I mean there are a lot of characters, you could say too many POVs. I did however like that you get the POV of the heros and the villains.
There is a lot of jumping back and forth between the past lives of the multiple characters and their modern life. They didn’t always seem to make sense or feel like they belonged (rare) which caused more confusion.
This book goes deep into Norse mythology and it doesn’t always give a great explanation as to what the word means. I was surprised when I got to the end and found the glossary of words and the pronunciations for some of them. I really wish it was at the beginning, knowing it was there would have helped me a lot.
Long story short this was a good debut book for a new series and author. I’m excited to read the next book to see what happens with Faron and Markus.
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 3/5
I did enjoy this book once I was able to wrap my head around everything that was going on. I would for sure recommend this series to others.
This is a multi character POV… and I mean there are a lot of characters, you could say too many POVs. I did however like that you get the POV of the heros and the villains.
There is a lot of jumping back and forth between the past lives of the multiple characters and their modern life. They didn’t always seem to make sense or feel like they belonged (rare) which caused more confusion.
This book goes deep into Norse mythology and it doesn’t always give a great explanation as to what the word means. I was surprised when I got to the end and found the glossary of words and the pronunciations for some of them. I really wish it was at the beginning, knowing it was there would have helped me a lot.
Long story short this was a good debut book for a new series and author. I’m excited to read the next book to see what happens with Faron and Markus.
January 31, 2025
I just loved this book, plain and simple!
First of all: doomed lovers who find each other again in reincarnated lives? Yes, please! I can't resist this. I loved everything about this book: the romance with the present intermingled with visions of the past, the characters, the magic, the suspense, the fights, and freaking dragons!! It kept me on my toes and I was eager to keep reading and discover what was going to happen.
I think the world-building was great, even when we were being introduced to new elements or concepts, I never felt lost or confused.
I loved Markus and Faron, I think they perfectly balanced each other and I enjoyed their evolving relationship. The addition of the previously cursed drekar into their lives gave a found family vibe that was nice, and some more characters POVs to give more depth to the story.
Whether you're into Norse mythology or not, I think you'll enjoy this book if you like urban fantasy, MM romance with touch him and ☠️ vibes, dragons and spice.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review, and this is my honest opinion.
First of all: doomed lovers who find each other again in reincarnated lives? Yes, please! I can't resist this. I loved everything about this book: the romance with the present intermingled with visions of the past, the characters, the magic, the suspense, the fights, and freaking dragons!! It kept me on my toes and I was eager to keep reading and discover what was going to happen.
I think the world-building was great, even when we were being introduced to new elements or concepts, I never felt lost or confused.
I loved Markus and Faron, I think they perfectly balanced each other and I enjoyed their evolving relationship. The addition of the previously cursed drekar into their lives gave a found family vibe that was nice, and some more characters POVs to give more depth to the story.
Whether you're into Norse mythology or not, I think you'll enjoy this book if you like urban fantasy, MM romance with touch him and ☠️ vibes, dragons and spice.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review, and this is my honest opinion.
March 24, 2024
Ok. Im sorta confused as to how to rate this story and Im not sure 3 is right either. Let me explain... I LOVE NORSE STORIES AND BOOKS. But for me the jumping between memories and current day made me struggle on the read.
On occasion the memory was to answer a question Faron or Markus had. However, the memory didnt actually answer the question.
This story has left me hungry for more and I hope the next book will come quickly. I did love the immediate trust that Faron and Markus had in oneanother. That in the past it was Faron that came from money and position, and in this life they both did. It makes the lack of media/police involvement sorta confusing, esp after the number of attempts on Farons life. Not only that, but as the fates are not supposed to step in but did, surely they should be able to do so again, in an attempt to prevent Ragnarok.
I am left with a few questions, not least is....
Why is Freija killing the bloodlines
On occasion the memory was to answer a question Faron or Markus had. However, the memory didnt actually answer the question.
This story has left me hungry for more and I hope the next book will come quickly. I did love the immediate trust that Faron and Markus had in oneanother. That in the past it was Faron that came from money and position, and in this life they both did. It makes the lack of media/police involvement sorta confusing, esp after the number of attempts on Farons life. Not only that, but as the fates are not supposed to step in but did, surely they should be able to do so again, in an attempt to prevent Ragnarok.
I am left with a few questions, not least is....
Why is Freija killing the bloodlines
February 9, 2025
Vikings, Valkyries, mythology come to life, reincarnation, and true love!? A Kingdom of Dreams has it all. Sam Northman has woven a stunning tale with first-class world building and characters with depth. Readers are pulled into this exciting story from the start, and will be immediately ready for the upcoming release of book 2!
Markus and Faron are starcrossed lovers. Reincarnated by fate and chosen to save the nine realms. But figuring that out from modern lives in Boston isn't an easy task. I love the connection between our MMCs and how their hearts knew each other, even when they'd never met in this lifetime. Their growth and love was beautiful to see. Sam also gives readers fascinating secondary characters who fill out the lore and keep the story moving at a rapid pace. There is plenty of adventure and mystery in every chapter!
If you love a diverse romance rich in Norse mythology, and filled with emotion and friendship, get this book!
Open door spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
Markus and Faron are starcrossed lovers. Reincarnated by fate and chosen to save the nine realms. But figuring that out from modern lives in Boston isn't an easy task. I love the connection between our MMCs and how their hearts knew each other, even when they'd never met in this lifetime. Their growth and love was beautiful to see. Sam also gives readers fascinating secondary characters who fill out the lore and keep the story moving at a rapid pace. There is plenty of adventure and mystery in every chapter!
If you love a diverse romance rich in Norse mythology, and filled with emotion and friendship, get this book!
Open door spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4/5)
May 16, 2024
exhilarating
💕 This was a fantastic read that I more than thoroughly enjoyed. I have a soft spot for Norse Mythology and this one without a doubt gave me a thrill. Set it contemporary Boston, we meet Faron and Markus living completely separate lives, oblivious to the connection that they share.
But this book of reincarnation did not stop there, as we were given glimpses of the past that they shared as Fjolnir and Modi. A past that did not allow them to be together as they so desired. A past that ultimately led to their deaths. A past that required the Three Nordir, the Fates, to intervene.
As much as the Valkyrie try to keep them apart in modern day Boston, they were bound to meet. And with the past that they shared, they were bound to reconnect. A love so strong could never be stopped.
I love the intensity. The back and forth from present to past. Seeing hints along the way as we learn, with them, of their past. Of their bloodlines. Of their powers. The magic of the kingdom of dreams. The dragons. Oh, the dragons. Their curse and the sacrifice that freed them. The witches.
Yes, this story has many characters. Yes, this story jumps time. Yes, this story blends the fantastical with the contemporary. And how beautifully it was done. I can’t wait for the sequel.
💕 This was a fantastic read that I more than thoroughly enjoyed. I have a soft spot for Norse Mythology and this one without a doubt gave me a thrill. Set it contemporary Boston, we meet Faron and Markus living completely separate lives, oblivious to the connection that they share.
But this book of reincarnation did not stop there, as we were given glimpses of the past that they shared as Fjolnir and Modi. A past that did not allow them to be together as they so desired. A past that ultimately led to their deaths. A past that required the Three Nordir, the Fates, to intervene.
As much as the Valkyrie try to keep them apart in modern day Boston, they were bound to meet. And with the past that they shared, they were bound to reconnect. A love so strong could never be stopped.
I love the intensity. The back and forth from present to past. Seeing hints along the way as we learn, with them, of their past. Of their bloodlines. Of their powers. The magic of the kingdom of dreams. The dragons. Oh, the dragons. Their curse and the sacrifice that freed them. The witches.
Yes, this story has many characters. Yes, this story jumps time. Yes, this story blends the fantastical with the contemporary. And how beautifully it was done. I can’t wait for the sequel.
May 17, 2024
If you like broody Vikings, plot twists and multiple POV books then this is for you. Don't expect it to be entirely straightforward but I love a book that doesn't lay everything out for you in bite-size pieces. This one makes you work a little for it and it's all the better for it.
There's plot twists, action, danger and a romance that feels real despite the fantasy world this is set in. I also enjoyed reading something a bit different, and for those who are fans of Norse mythology this is a good twist on established lore but it isn't irreverent to the myths. It helps if you know the terminology around the mythology, but helpfully the author provides a glossary at the back for those who need a refresher or who are new to Viking myths. Looking forward to book 2.
There's plot twists, action, danger and a romance that feels real despite the fantasy world this is set in. I also enjoyed reading something a bit different, and for those who are fans of Norse mythology this is a good twist on established lore but it isn't irreverent to the myths. It helps if you know the terminology around the mythology, but helpfully the author provides a glossary at the back for those who need a refresher or who are new to Viking myths. Looking forward to book 2.
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