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Charlemagne's Cross #4
Valhalla's Fury
Preorder the BRAND NEW instalment in Donovan Cook's thrilling Dark Ages adventure series. Abandoned by his people and destined for Valhalla, do not stand in the way of his fury. Ribe is lost, its hall burnt, and Charles is still missing. Sven must once more sail into dangerous waters to rescue his grandson.
King Louis of East Francia, the man who took Sven’s son from him almost twenty years ago, has Charles captive and uses him to force Sven to do his bidding and create chaos raiding his brothers Kingdom of West Frankia.
The long awaited meeting of Charles and his mother, Abbess Hildegard, is not what Charles dreamed it would be and soon it becomes clear that Charles is in even more danger. Torn between the heathen gods and his Christian god, Charles must decide where his future lies.
Sven must fight if he wants to see Charles again and keep the Cross of Charlemagne out of the hands of the Frankish kings. The only thing that Sven knows is that to save Charles, innocent people must die.
Praise for The Charlemagne's Cross Series
'Donovan Cook has quickly turned into a storyteller worthy of the greatest Viking Skalds! The Charlemagne series is a joy of superb character development, secrecy and deception, and of course thrilling Viking battles. Highly recommended for any fan of the shield wall.' - Peter Gibbons
'Donovan Cook’s Charlemagne’s Cross series has everything I look for in a tale of the Dark Ages. Adventure and gritty action set against the backdrop of clashing religions and the collision of kingdoms. Great stuff!' - Matthew Harffy
'A fabulous Norse tale of family secrets, betrayal and conflict right up until the very last page - I loved it!'- MJ Porter
'An action-packed scintillating thriller. Pacy, raw, violent fayre, with a cast of characters you'll swiftly loathe or admire - you'll think you're in the shield wall' - Ross Greenwood
King Louis of East Francia, the man who took Sven’s son from him almost twenty years ago, has Charles captive and uses him to force Sven to do his bidding and create chaos raiding his brothers Kingdom of West Frankia.
The long awaited meeting of Charles and his mother, Abbess Hildegard, is not what Charles dreamed it would be and soon it becomes clear that Charles is in even more danger. Torn between the heathen gods and his Christian god, Charles must decide where his future lies.
Sven must fight if he wants to see Charles again and keep the Cross of Charlemagne out of the hands of the Frankish kings. The only thing that Sven knows is that to save Charles, innocent people must die.
Praise for The Charlemagne's Cross Series
'Donovan Cook has quickly turned into a storyteller worthy of the greatest Viking Skalds! The Charlemagne series is a joy of superb character development, secrecy and deception, and of course thrilling Viking battles. Highly recommended for any fan of the shield wall.' - Peter Gibbons
'Donovan Cook’s Charlemagne’s Cross series has everything I look for in a tale of the Dark Ages. Adventure and gritty action set against the backdrop of clashing religions and the collision of kingdoms. Great stuff!' - Matthew Harffy
'A fabulous Norse tale of family secrets, betrayal and conflict right up until the very last page - I loved it!'- MJ Porter
'An action-packed scintillating thriller. Pacy, raw, violent fayre, with a cast of characters you'll swiftly loathe or admire - you'll think you're in the shield wall' - Ross Greenwood
480 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2024
112 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 6, 2024
Valhalla‘s Fury is the last book in the Charlemagne cross series by Donovan Cook, Charles is still locked away in a room by king Louis but father Leofdag is with Charles as often as possible but the day they come and grab him they refuse to tell father Leofdag where they are taking him. So when Charles winds up on the beach and sees his grandfather he knows king Louis‘s not there to keep his promise, but to use Charles like a pawn Finn the bore knows this as well, he also knows there is no way he’s going to let Charles leave West Francia alive. What does surprise Finn as when king Louis tries to strike a deal with him asking him to raid the towns in East Francia while his son Pepe takes possession of Aquitaine. Finn feels he has no choice but to agree to this despite his small number of warriors which grow to one less when Thora decides to stay in West Francia to keep an eye on young Charles because they know the danger he is in. Thankfully Alger has a brother raiding nearby who he knows will help. So they set off to do the Kings bidding, hoping Charles will remain safe. While Charles is grappling with his faith in God and wanting to know his mother he is surprised to see Thora sculking nearby and just knowing she’s close makes him feel better. Despite everything everyone is doing for and against Charles things come to ahead and Charles almost doesn’t make it out alive only saved by a surprising hero but not before more people prove they can’t be trusted at all. Like always there is way too much in this book to give a brief summary just note the ending was awesome I loved it I only hope we have future books with Charles and Thora’s niece all grown up along with Rollins son but even if that doesn’t come to pass I am so glad I got to read these books. Donovan Cook is the type of rider Who even when you see something’s about to happen when it does happen makes you have to catch your breath this book was so good the fighting was fierce the dialogue was intriguing the plot fabulous I love his books and don’t see that changing anytime soon. He does such a great job intertwining history into the fiction and makes you wonder if that really happened and so the footnotes at the end of the book are always a great bonus in some thing I never skip. Anyone who loves Viking history will absolutely enjoyed these books and their books I definitely recommend. #NetGalley, #BoldwoodBooks, #DonovanCook, #Valhalla‘sFury,#CharlemagneCrossSeries,
September 13, 2024
Donovan Cook is back, with the final instalment in the Charlemagne's Cross series. Set in the 800s, it's been an immersive and gripping read so far! I didn't doubt for one second that Valhalla's Fury wouldn't match up to the previous books.
This is a series that I feel you need to start from the first book to follow the stories and appreciate the character depth, too. Donovan Cook is an author who writes historical fiction as if he actually lived it. I never try to work out what's real or fiction. From the very first book, I have said he can weave fact and fiction together so expertly that I have learnt to be swept away with the storytelling.
Sven is desperate to get Charles back from the Franks after the events from Thor's Revenge. Charles himself is a pawn in King Louis's hand, being used to force Sven to raid King Louis's brother's kingdom in the West.
Every character is multi layered and all the more real for it. Sven himself is almost a contradiction of himself at times. A brutal Norse raider who will shed blood in the blink of an eye one one hand. Then there is his grandson, Charles. You can easily sense the torment he feels, and, I have to say, my heartstrings were being tugged by this man and his predicament.
The authenticity of the period is clear to see. The battles are bloodthirsty, and the details are all there. It's an exhilarating read with tension that I could cut with a knife. I am sorry to see the end of this series, and just know I will miss the characters that I have got to know very well over the series. Another brilliant, well written book from Donovan Cook! I am waiting for his next book now. It won't be a minute too soon.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
This is a series that I feel you need to start from the first book to follow the stories and appreciate the character depth, too. Donovan Cook is an author who writes historical fiction as if he actually lived it. I never try to work out what's real or fiction. From the very first book, I have said he can weave fact and fiction together so expertly that I have learnt to be swept away with the storytelling.
Sven is desperate to get Charles back from the Franks after the events from Thor's Revenge. Charles himself is a pawn in King Louis's hand, being used to force Sven to raid King Louis's brother's kingdom in the West.
Every character is multi layered and all the more real for it. Sven himself is almost a contradiction of himself at times. A brutal Norse raider who will shed blood in the blink of an eye one one hand. Then there is his grandson, Charles. You can easily sense the torment he feels, and, I have to say, my heartstrings were being tugged by this man and his predicament.
The authenticity of the period is clear to see. The battles are bloodthirsty, and the details are all there. It's an exhilarating read with tension that I could cut with a knife. I am sorry to see the end of this series, and just know I will miss the characters that I have got to know very well over the series. Another brilliant, well written book from Donovan Cook! I am waiting for his next book now. It won't be a minute too soon.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
September 15, 2024
Charlemagne
A fascinating series, very well written, and very exciting. Showing that all religions have both their good and their bad sides ,the series takes the reader to a very conflicted world. Historically accurate, these books also show their relevance to today's world.
A fascinating series, very well written, and very exciting. Showing that all religions have both their good and their bad sides ,the series takes the reader to a very conflicted world. Historically accurate, these books also show their relevance to today's world.
September 9, 2024
Charles is essentially being held ransom by King Louis, obligating Hildegarde to undertake a harrowing mission - get back Charlemagne's Cross!
The political shenanigans are complicated with King Louis, Finn the Bore, Sven and even Hildegarde all getting involved in the overlapping plots. Poor Charles is the pawn in all the plots and has the most to lose in my opinion.
Charles has few things he can count on but with Thora nearby he feels a bit safer at least. He certainly leans into his faith and after the tumultuous ending to the tale, it seems to have been the thing that got him through the worst of days.
I'm pretty sure the Shetlands Isles got a few more inhabitants when things calmed down for Charles and his little found family. The the history merges with the fiction seamlessly and as records during this period are minimal you can't help but wonder...is it so far fetched!
I really hope we get to see more of an older Charles in a later book, hopefully with his new friends in tow.
The political shenanigans are complicated with King Louis, Finn the Bore, Sven and even Hildegarde all getting involved in the overlapping plots. Poor Charles is the pawn in all the plots and has the most to lose in my opinion.
Charles has few things he can count on but with Thora nearby he feels a bit safer at least. He certainly leans into his faith and after the tumultuous ending to the tale, it seems to have been the thing that got him through the worst of days.
I'm pretty sure the Shetlands Isles got a few more inhabitants when things calmed down for Charles and his little found family. The the history merges with the fiction seamlessly and as records during this period are minimal you can't help but wonder...is it so far fetched!
I really hope we get to see more of an older Charles in a later book, hopefully with his new friends in tow.
September 15, 2024
I’ve been with this series since the beginning and was so looking forward to more adventures with Sven the Boar!
After events in the last book Sven’s home, Ribe, Is lost and his grandson missing. There’s nothing left for Sven to do than to set out to find Charles and get him to safety. He failed him once before and he has no plans to let him down again.
Sven and those loyal to him set out to meet with King Louis.. there’s not really a game plan here..he will do anything to see his grandchild safe.
King Louis has the upper hand from the start, the location of the meeting is very poignant and sets the tone for the tale.. history and the present are about to clash one final time..
Forced to submit Sven sets out to secure Charles safety by causing chaos around West Frankia.. the fighting is brutal and you can really see it take it’s toll on Sven who while under the bloodlust fights like the boar he is.. but he’s no love for it.. he’s fighting for Charles..
At the same time Charles has to grow himself, to learn how to stand up for himself, he’s still young but he’s forced to battle his demons, the deal with death and destruction that has surrounded him these past few years.
What I really enjoyed was the depth and growth of Charles and Sven, both battle the same issues, separated by faith in different gods each struggle to reconcile the death and destruction.. and who is actually watching over them. It’s a connection the two never really understand they have and the inner turmoil these two suffer is beautifully awful for the reader.
The fight scenes are superbly detailed but more than anything moving.. reading those scenes really evoked something within the reader… it’s harrowing but gives you chills with the excitement too!
I’m not going to spoil anything but the author really had me on the edge throughout this one. You never know what’s to come and you fear for the characters.
Development wise I loved the emotion added subtly.. the details bout the families following the men to war.. even the planning of events such as the sacking of farms etc.. every event had an undercurrent of emotion behind it.
Sven always hoped he would do something worthy enough to have ballads written about him.. Valhalla’s’ Fury is Sven’s ballad and I’m glad I took the time to listen to and enjoy the tale.
For fans of the series this won’t disappoint. I think you could pick this up now and understand the story as the author nicely adds detail when needed to give the reader the background but personally I’d say start at the beginning to really enjoy and understand the mighty SVEN!!
This is Sven’s tale of glory and redemption and it’s a ballad worthy 5*
After events in the last book Sven’s home, Ribe, Is lost and his grandson missing. There’s nothing left for Sven to do than to set out to find Charles and get him to safety. He failed him once before and he has no plans to let him down again.
Sven and those loyal to him set out to meet with King Louis.. there’s not really a game plan here..he will do anything to see his grandchild safe.
King Louis has the upper hand from the start, the location of the meeting is very poignant and sets the tone for the tale.. history and the present are about to clash one final time..
Forced to submit Sven sets out to secure Charles safety by causing chaos around West Frankia.. the fighting is brutal and you can really see it take it’s toll on Sven who while under the bloodlust fights like the boar he is.. but he’s no love for it.. he’s fighting for Charles..
At the same time Charles has to grow himself, to learn how to stand up for himself, he’s still young but he’s forced to battle his demons, the deal with death and destruction that has surrounded him these past few years.
What I really enjoyed was the depth and growth of Charles and Sven, both battle the same issues, separated by faith in different gods each struggle to reconcile the death and destruction.. and who is actually watching over them. It’s a connection the two never really understand they have and the inner turmoil these two suffer is beautifully awful for the reader.
The fight scenes are superbly detailed but more than anything moving.. reading those scenes really evoked something within the reader… it’s harrowing but gives you chills with the excitement too!
I’m not going to spoil anything but the author really had me on the edge throughout this one. You never know what’s to come and you fear for the characters.
Development wise I loved the emotion added subtly.. the details bout the families following the men to war.. even the planning of events such as the sacking of farms etc.. every event had an undercurrent of emotion behind it.
Sven always hoped he would do something worthy enough to have ballads written about him.. Valhalla’s’ Fury is Sven’s ballad and I’m glad I took the time to listen to and enjoy the tale.
For fans of the series this won’t disappoint. I think you could pick this up now and understand the story as the author nicely adds detail when needed to give the reader the background but personally I’d say start at the beginning to really enjoy and understand the mighty SVEN!!
This is Sven’s tale of glory and redemption and it’s a ballad worthy 5*
September 12, 2024
Valhalla’s Fury is an epic conclusion to the Charlemagne Cross series, and Donovan Cook does not disappoint! Charles is still imprisoned by King Louis, but things take a drastic turn when he’s suddenly whisked away, with Father Leofdag left clueless about where they’ve taken him. Charles ends up on a beach, only to discover that his grandfather is there—not to keep any promises, but to use him as a pawn in a dangerous game of politics. Finn the Boar quickly realizes the same thing: King Louis has no intention of letting Charles leave West Francia alive.
In a surprising twist, King Louis tries to strike a deal with Finn, asking him to raid East Francia while his son Pepin seizes control of Aquitaine. Despite his limited number of warriors, Finn agrees, hoping he can still protect Charles, especially with Thora staying behind to watch over him. As the plot thickens, Charles wrestles with his faith and his yearning to know more about his mother. The tension builds as betrayal after betrayal unfolds, and Charles finds himself in mortal danger—saved only by an unexpected ally.
The ending is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with action and surprise twists that left me breathless. Cook’s ability to keep you hooked, even when you sense what’s coming, is masterful. His battle scenes are intense, and the dialogue keeps you on edge, making you feel like you’re right in the thick of it. The historical details are so seamlessly blended into the fiction that it’s easy to believe it all really happened—Cook’s footnotes at the end are a treasure trove for any history lover.
In a surprising twist, King Louis tries to strike a deal with Finn, asking him to raid East Francia while his son Pepin seizes control of Aquitaine. Despite his limited number of warriors, Finn agrees, hoping he can still protect Charles, especially with Thora staying behind to watch over him. As the plot thickens, Charles wrestles with his faith and his yearning to know more about his mother. The tension builds as betrayal after betrayal unfolds, and Charles finds himself in mortal danger—saved only by an unexpected ally.
The ending is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with action and surprise twists that left me breathless. Cook’s ability to keep you hooked, even when you sense what’s coming, is masterful. His battle scenes are intense, and the dialogue keeps you on edge, making you feel like you’re right in the thick of it. The historical details are so seamlessly blended into the fiction that it’s easy to believe it all really happened—Cook’s footnotes at the end are a treasure trove for any history lover.
September 5, 2024
In Valhalla's Fury Charles is still lost and Sven once again faces unimaginable dangers to try and rescue his grandson. I really appreciate the development of Charles character in this story as it felt like he was starting to transition into a adult with decisions of what religion he wanted. The Cross of Charlemagne is another battle to be had as Sven tries to keep it from the Frankish Kings. Donovan Cook has written a page turning Norse tale of family secrets, lies, deception and nitty gritty action. It's a exciting addition to the series. Highly recommend you grab a copy now! I think I need to know when is the next book in the series?
December 12, 2024
Valhalla s Time
Every single book I read in this historical fiction series draws me further into the ages of my ancestors and helps me to imagine what it must have been like to live and raid Christian villages and monastery s in the Dark Ages. The read is fast with action on almost every page. Don't miss this. excellent exciting series. These books definitely deserve to be made into a movie.
....
Every single book I read in this historical fiction series draws me further into the ages of my ancestors and helps me to imagine what it must have been like to live and raid Christian villages and monastery s in the Dark Ages. The read is fast with action on almost every page. Don't miss this. excellent exciting series. These books definitely deserve to be made into a movie.
....
February 17, 2025
Really enjoyed the series story
My main interest and enjoyment of the 4 books were, of course, the human interactions, the fiction, and history combined. Political intrigue. I know still the battles are key, and some were a good read, but I was very
glad it was not overly stuffed with
battles.
I would enjoy further stories/history/ political intrigue and religious conflict in Charles and Co's Journeys
My main interest and enjoyment of the 4 books were, of course, the human interactions, the fiction, and history combined. Political intrigue. I know still the battles are key, and some were a good read, but I was very
glad it was not overly stuffed with
battles.
I would enjoy further stories/history/ political intrigue and religious conflict in Charles and Co's Journeys
January 14, 2025
Another great one
If you enjoy Mr. Cooks books then you'll love this one. So much happens from the very first page to the last. There's never a dull moment at all. And I thank the Gods that he doesn't drone on with words to fill the page like so many others do. I truly enjoy his writing and just wish there was more! Skol!
If you enjoy Mr. Cooks books then you'll love this one. So much happens from the very first page to the last. There's never a dull moment at all. And I thank the Gods that he doesn't drone on with words to fill the page like so many others do. I truly enjoy his writing and just wish there was more! Skol!
October 16, 2024
Excellent finish to the series
Very enjoyable and action packed read. There wasn't a dull moment, the build up to the ending was very good and it ended pretty well too which was good to see.
Very enjoyable and action packed read. There wasn't a dull moment, the build up to the ending was very good and it ended pretty well too which was good to see.
November 15, 2024
A fine story and memorable characters
Great story and characters with a good deal moral development and reasonable transformation. The battles were a bit redundant and the near death situations while abundant were called for for tension. Good read.
Great story and characters with a good deal moral development and reasonable transformation. The battles were a bit redundant and the near death situations while abundant were called for for tension. Good read.
December 25, 2024
Excellent series
Really enjoyable read from an exciting historical period in time.
Great characters , battles and interesting story . Definitely recommend if your into Vikings and their beleifs.
Really enjoyable read from an exciting historical period in time.
Great characters , battles and interesting story . Definitely recommend if your into Vikings and their beleifs.
Read
April 16, 2025A ripper of a Viking tale.
Book 4 & final in this fast paced adventure series of Vikings & their wars. It is very real & often brutal. Loyalty & treachery, life & death, the heart breaking grief of losing friends & family.
Book 4 & final in this fast paced adventure series of Vikings & their wars. It is very real & often brutal. Loyalty & treachery, life & death, the heart breaking grief of losing friends & family.
June 29, 2025
Wow!
The Charlemagne's Cross series is one of the best I've ever read, and historical fiction is some of my favorite reading. Interesting, compelling, characters I got to know and care about. I will definitely try more by Donovan Cook. Very highly recommended.
The Charlemagne's Cross series is one of the best I've ever read, and historical fiction is some of my favorite reading. Interesting, compelling, characters I got to know and care about. I will definitely try more by Donovan Cook. Very highly recommended.
September 21, 2024
This has been a great series.
September 28, 2024
Great
Another great book in the series plenty of action all in all found that it was a real page Turner looking forward to reading more thanks
Another great book in the series plenty of action all in all found that it was a real page Turner looking forward to reading more thanks
October 30, 2024
Another great book
I have loved reading this series of books and Donovan cook just seems to get better with everyone he writes. I can't wait to read his next book
I have loved reading this series of books and Donovan cook just seems to get better with everyone he writes. I can't wait to read his next book
January 5, 2025
Brilliant! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the entire Charlemagne series. Bravo, Donovan…Bravo!
For the rest of you - get off your arse and give this series a read.
For the rest of you - get off your arse and give this series a read.
July 28, 2025
Fantastic short series!
September 26, 2025
The tetralogy: 19/20⭐️. Pretty fucking impressive, yes? 5⭐️
November 15, 2024
Frustrated
I can only raise an eyebrow in agreement with the review by Alan METALMAN. The series kept me interested enough to finish though.
I can only raise an eyebrow in agreement with the review by Alan METALMAN. The series kept me interested enough to finish though.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews