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Bane of the North #3
The Crooked Shard
Bane, Alruna and Garik knights, embark on a perilous journey to the Empire on a quest to find and bring home a lost hero.
Fraught with danger in the unforgiving land, they find themselves amidst a rebellion.
As the stakes grow higher and the challenges more desperate, they must overcome the will of Gharl himself.
"We live as men, but fight as gods."
Fraught with danger in the unforgiving land, they find themselves amidst a rebellion.
As the stakes grow higher and the challenges more desperate, they must overcome the will of Gharl himself.
"We live as men, but fight as gods."
462 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 12, 2025
Reading book 2 after book 1, I couldn't believe it could be bettered. But book 3 has blown both books 1 and 2 out of the water and reached an unprecendented level of brilliance. Everything flows beautifully, the detail exquisite and the prose sublime. The rich characters are even more developed and tuned, Bailin ever so thrilling, a man for all seasons and a role model to the equally dynamic Bane.
But just as the men are thrilling, so are the women, Alruna, you have my heart, Sherin, the power and legacy she holds, and Nel, a presence flowing in the vein. The story picks up immediately, and the relentless action is at an astonishing pace. What trials will our heroes face next? Just as the heroes have their glory, the villains are never far behind. I can't wait to devour Book 4 Storm Cleaver!
But just as the men are thrilling, so are the women, Alruna, you have my heart, Sherin, the power and legacy she holds, and Nel, a presence flowing in the vein. The story picks up immediately, and the relentless action is at an astonishing pace. What trials will our heroes face next? Just as the heroes have their glory, the villains are never far behind. I can't wait to devour Book 4 Storm Cleaver!
June 7, 2025
And done! Liked the characters but didn’t enjoy the plot in this one as much as the first 2 books. Looking forward to the next book in the series
December 27, 2024
Great third entry to this series. Endless twists and an interesting plot. A few more typos than the previous books, but probably a result of such a quick publication after book 2.
Would recommend and will be looking out for future works!
Would recommend and will be looking out for future works!
May 3, 2025
Wow, what another fantastic reason by A.C.Salter.
I really don't know what it is you put in these books but they're absolutely insane!
Each one of the books in the Bane of the North series I've read so far have just been phenomenal.
The storyline/plot, character development, action, heart never ceases to amaze me.
I keep getting new favourites step up to the front and it fills my heart with so much joy. Also a shout out to the unsung hero that is Freki 😺
Looking forward to continuing these incredible stories and would urge anybody who hasn't read these or any of A.C.Salters work to hurry up and get on it, you won't regret it 😉
I really don't know what it is you put in these books but they're absolutely insane!
Each one of the books in the Bane of the North series I've read so far have just been phenomenal.
The storyline/plot, character development, action, heart never ceases to amaze me.
I keep getting new favourites step up to the front and it fills my heart with so much joy. Also a shout out to the unsung hero that is Freki 😺
Looking forward to continuing these incredible stories and would urge anybody who hasn't read these or any of A.C.Salters work to hurry up and get on it, you won't regret it 😉
October 26, 2025
An wonderful Vikings fantasy with some ungodly like characters thrown in which makes me think of tremors if your old enough to remember. The storyline's in all the books so far are incredible in plot and the characters really come together in The Crooked Shard.
The plot definitely kept me hooked. I did find the fighting scenes hard to keep up but thats just me.
Looking forward to reading Storm Clever. #4.
The plot definitely kept me hooked. I did find the fighting scenes hard to keep up but thats just me.
Looking forward to reading Storm Clever. #4.
November 8, 2024
Continuing a strong series, with an exhausting book 3…
This series does not slow down, breakneck speed, a thrill ride with every page turned. Exhilarating, devastating, heartbreaking, just to make my spirits soar on the next page. Cannot wait to continue this journey asap in next book. Well done.
This series does not slow down, breakneck speed, a thrill ride with every page turned. Exhilarating, devastating, heartbreaking, just to make my spirits soar on the next page. Cannot wait to continue this journey asap in next book. Well done.
June 16, 2026
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I’d give it six stars, but the algorithm is a coward and won't let me live my best life).
Look, I read a lot of fantasy, but A.C. Salter did something to my brain with this one. My adrenaline levels are still trying to recover. If you are the kind of reader who judges an epic fantasy book by how hard your heart hammers during a shield-wall clash, pack your bags. We are going to the Empire, and it is a glorious meat-grinder.
The Setup: Generational Drama Meets a Global Crisis
In this third installment of the Bane of the North saga, Salter absolutely refuses to hold back. We follow our favorite battered, perpetually exhausted core trio—Bane, Alruna, and Garik—as they embark on what was supposed to be a straightforward, low-stakes quest: locate and retrieve a lost legend. Specifically, Bailin, Bane’s father.
Naturally, because this is the Chaos Crew we’re talking about, they can't just have a normal, quiet family reunion. Instead, they immediately stumble face-first into a brutal political rebellion, a landscape crawling with terrifying monsters, and the direct, catastrophic wrath of ancient, epic gods like Gharl.
When they find themselves cornered by cosmic entities, the story hits its absolute peak with that legendary, jaw-dropping theme: "We live as men, but fight as gods." Watching these flawed, deeply human characters stare down literal divine power, roll up their sleeves, and essentially say, "Yeah, alright, let's have a go then," is the absolute definition of epic fantasy. They refuse to break, matching the scale of cosmic horrors with sheer, stubborn human will.
Why I Am Completely Obsessed
The Brutally Immersive Combat: I am incredibly picky about how authors write action, but Salter completely blew me away. Because the author was actually in the infantry, you can feel the authenticity in every tactical decision, every desperate parry, and every broken shield. These aren't clean, choreographed, Hollywood-style sword fights where everyone stops for a dramatic monologue and nobody gets their hair messy. It is heavy, muddy, bloody, and utterly exhausting. You practically have to wipe imaginary shield-splinters and mud off your face while reading. I found myself genuinely holding my breath during the skirmishes.
The Grounded Character Dynamics: The camaraderie between the characters is fantastic. Salter avoids turning them into a cheesy stand-up comedy routine; instead, their connection feels deeply grounded and authentic. It’s that fierce, quiet, ride-or-die bond born from surviving nightmares together. They know exactly how to anchor each other when the world is literally tearing itself apart around them with a hint of classic Alruna sarcasm.
The Long-Awaited Climax: After dragging us through a punishing gauntlet of monstrous hordes and divine wrath, we finally get the hard-fought reunion between Bane and Bailin at the end. After all the blood, sweat, and heavy generational trauma hanging over Bane's head throughout the series, the emotional payoff of them finally finding him hits the absolute sweet spot. It grounds all the massive, earth-shattering stakes back into a deeply personal story about a son and his father.
The Final Verdict: The Crooked Shard is fast, fierce, and entirely avoids the dreaded middle-of-the-series slump. Salter didn't just write a book; he built a historical woodchipper and invited us inside. If you want high stakes, massive gods, terrifying monsters, and immersive battles that drag you right into the sand, halt your current tbr and buy this series immediately!
Look, I read a lot of fantasy, but A.C. Salter did something to my brain with this one. My adrenaline levels are still trying to recover. If you are the kind of reader who judges an epic fantasy book by how hard your heart hammers during a shield-wall clash, pack your bags. We are going to the Empire, and it is a glorious meat-grinder.
The Setup: Generational Drama Meets a Global Crisis
In this third installment of the Bane of the North saga, Salter absolutely refuses to hold back. We follow our favorite battered, perpetually exhausted core trio—Bane, Alruna, and Garik—as they embark on what was supposed to be a straightforward, low-stakes quest: locate and retrieve a lost legend. Specifically, Bailin, Bane’s father.
Naturally, because this is the Chaos Crew we’re talking about, they can't just have a normal, quiet family reunion. Instead, they immediately stumble face-first into a brutal political rebellion, a landscape crawling with terrifying monsters, and the direct, catastrophic wrath of ancient, epic gods like Gharl.
When they find themselves cornered by cosmic entities, the story hits its absolute peak with that legendary, jaw-dropping theme: "We live as men, but fight as gods." Watching these flawed, deeply human characters stare down literal divine power, roll up their sleeves, and essentially say, "Yeah, alright, let's have a go then," is the absolute definition of epic fantasy. They refuse to break, matching the scale of cosmic horrors with sheer, stubborn human will.
Why I Am Completely Obsessed
The Brutally Immersive Combat: I am incredibly picky about how authors write action, but Salter completely blew me away. Because the author was actually in the infantry, you can feel the authenticity in every tactical decision, every desperate parry, and every broken shield. These aren't clean, choreographed, Hollywood-style sword fights where everyone stops for a dramatic monologue and nobody gets their hair messy. It is heavy, muddy, bloody, and utterly exhausting. You practically have to wipe imaginary shield-splinters and mud off your face while reading. I found myself genuinely holding my breath during the skirmishes.
The Grounded Character Dynamics: The camaraderie between the characters is fantastic. Salter avoids turning them into a cheesy stand-up comedy routine; instead, their connection feels deeply grounded and authentic. It’s that fierce, quiet, ride-or-die bond born from surviving nightmares together. They know exactly how to anchor each other when the world is literally tearing itself apart around them with a hint of classic Alruna sarcasm.
The Long-Awaited Climax: After dragging us through a punishing gauntlet of monstrous hordes and divine wrath, we finally get the hard-fought reunion between Bane and Bailin at the end. After all the blood, sweat, and heavy generational trauma hanging over Bane's head throughout the series, the emotional payoff of them finally finding him hits the absolute sweet spot. It grounds all the massive, earth-shattering stakes back into a deeply personal story about a son and his father.
The Final Verdict: The Crooked Shard is fast, fierce, and entirely avoids the dreaded middle-of-the-series slump. Salter didn't just write a book; he built a historical woodchipper and invited us inside. If you want high stakes, massive gods, terrifying monsters, and immersive battles that drag you right into the sand, halt your current tbr and buy this series immediately!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2026
I absolutely loved this series!
I read all five books back-to-back in about a week, so rather than writing separate reviews for each one, I'm leaving the same review across the series because I don't want to accidentally spoil anything.
From the very first book, I was completely hooked. The world-building is fantastic, with gods, battles, adventure, mystery, and plenty of twists along the way. Every time I finished a book, I immediately picked up the next one because I just had to know what happened next.
Bane is such a wonderful main character. Despite the tragic start to his life, he grows into a kind, caring, and memorable young man. Watching his journey unfold across all five books was one of my favourite parts of the series. His character growth felt natural and rewarding, and I became completely invested in his story.
This series has everything I love in an epic viking fantasy, adventure, action, fascinating lore, powerful gods, memorable characters, and a world that feels alive. Before I knew it, I'd spent an entire week completely immersed in it.
Every book in this part of the series was a 5⭐ read for me, and I will definitely be picking up more books by A.C. Salter in the future.
Highly recommended for fantasy readers who love epic adventures and character-driven stories.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I intended to read one book. A week later I'd finished five. Make of that what you will." 😅📚⚔️
I read all five books back-to-back in about a week, so rather than writing separate reviews for each one, I'm leaving the same review across the series because I don't want to accidentally spoil anything.
From the very first book, I was completely hooked. The world-building is fantastic, with gods, battles, adventure, mystery, and plenty of twists along the way. Every time I finished a book, I immediately picked up the next one because I just had to know what happened next.
Bane is such a wonderful main character. Despite the tragic start to his life, he grows into a kind, caring, and memorable young man. Watching his journey unfold across all five books was one of my favourite parts of the series. His character growth felt natural and rewarding, and I became completely invested in his story.
This series has everything I love in an epic viking fantasy, adventure, action, fascinating lore, powerful gods, memorable characters, and a world that feels alive. Before I knew it, I'd spent an entire week completely immersed in it.
Every book in this part of the series was a 5⭐ read for me, and I will definitely be picking up more books by A.C. Salter in the future.
Highly recommended for fantasy readers who love epic adventures and character-driven stories.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I intended to read one book. A week later I'd finished five. Make of that what you will." 😅📚⚔️
March 20, 2025
Starting to drop stars because the the "homophones" are starting to grate! Obviously what ever word solution he is using lets them pass because technically they are spelt correctly,they are simply the wrong words! Examples just from the books baron/barren,no/know, hear/here....... To be honest it's an easy read, probably more YA than anything. My main gripe with this one is the trope of the baddie can't die- come on buried alive-nope fall off a cliff-nope & finally buried alive again where no one else survives- nope. Then we have the Emperor's Champion, who when first introduced into the storyline is apparently all looks with no substance, well until he needs to be all substance for the storyline! Just be consistent.
Book 5 has still to be released so I'm hoping that's it because I can't see me going further than that.
Book 5 has still to be released so I'm hoping that's it because I can't see me going further than that.
February 28, 2025
I am really enjoying this series!
I feel like a lot happened in this book and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t get enough of the battles and the attention to the details of the fights that make them so easy to picture.
Usually when I read a series with many characters there is at least one that I really dislike and they just annoy me throughout the books but not here. I haven’t found a single character I dislike yet, they’re all very likeable. Even the bad guys a great characters!
I know I’ve mentioned this already in my reviews for the first two books but I still love the bonds/friendships between the characters, they’re amazing.
I am very excited to read book 4!
I feel like a lot happened in this book and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t get enough of the battles and the attention to the details of the fights that make them so easy to picture.
Usually when I read a series with many characters there is at least one that I really dislike and they just annoy me throughout the books but not here. I haven’t found a single character I dislike yet, they’re all very likeable. Even the bad guys a great characters!
I know I’ve mentioned this already in my reviews for the first two books but I still love the bonds/friendships between the characters, they’re amazing.
I am very excited to read book 4!
April 25, 2025
What on earth do you put in these books. I am so hooked and invested. The way all the POVs came together at the end had me holding my breath. I am so glad to see two certain individuals finally together at last and that last chapter?!… I’m so exited to see what becomes of him.
The way these characters are written is impeccable, especially the female characters. They are fierce, strong and know exactly who they are. I love it!
Very excited to read book 4 and so glad I started this series. I will also be working my way through the other series from this author, his writing is fantastic and always leaves me wanting more.
The way these characters are written is impeccable, especially the female characters. They are fierce, strong and know exactly who they are. I love it!
Very excited to read book 4 and so glad I started this series. I will also be working my way through the other series from this author, his writing is fantastic and always leaves me wanting more.
October 6, 2025
The Crooked Shard, the third installment in A.C. Salter’s Bane of the North series, brilliantly continues the fast-paced action that fans have come to love. From start to finish, the story delivers heart-pounding moments of shock and suspense that keep you glued to the page. Yet amid the chaos, Salter masterfully weaves in heartwarming, emotional scenes that tug at the heartstrings and deepen our connection to the characters. It’s a perfect balance of intensity and emotion. Another five-star read—and I absolutely can’t wait for the next instalment!
December 1, 2024
Disappointed
I'm a bit disappointed I get to the end of the story and it says THE END. No hope for another version For another story? I mean surely there's more to this they still gotta go back and defeat Gharl. Tyr still needs to prepare. I mean there's more there You can't just end it like this I hope. Saying all that, it was a great story, I loved it, but we need to properly finish it.
I'm a bit disappointed I get to the end of the story and it says THE END. No hope for another version For another story? I mean surely there's more to this they still gotta go back and defeat Gharl. Tyr still needs to prepare. I mean there's more there You can't just end it like this I hope. Saying all that, it was a great story, I loved it, but we need to properly finish it.
June 30, 2026
The series continues to grow more intense as the battle for mankind grows more serious. Gharl, the snake god of the southern world continues to grow stronger while Tyr, the god of the north remains weak and unable to rise. Bane, the knights, Alruna and her shadow leopard have traveled south to find Bailin and return him to his home. All face tremendous battles against overpowering odds as traitors, infiltrators and spies work to destroy them. On to book 4
May 4, 2025
The Crooked Shard
Third book in the Bane of the North series, Bane and Alruna on an epic voyage chasing Bailin, Banes father who he has never met. Learns what his Wycom mark can do, he battles monsters in the fug, that come from the sea and erupt from the desert .Finally they meet and recognise each other. Next ine please!
Third book in the Bane of the North series, Bane and Alruna on an epic voyage chasing Bailin, Banes father who he has never met. Learns what his Wycom mark can do, he battles monsters in the fug, that come from the sea and erupt from the desert .Finally they meet and recognise each other. Next ine please!
December 22, 2025
Part way through reading, this was only going to get two stars because the plot was very slow and I was very bored of the fight descriptions. Then it got better with the plot speeding up and emotional reunions so it went back up to three stars.
There are still many spelling and punctuation mistakes - if readers can spot them then so should proof-readers.
There are still many spelling and punctuation mistakes - if readers can spot them then so should proof-readers.
February 8, 2026
Another great read
If you like a good mystery or suspense read, then you’ll find both and more in this book, this entire series! Never a dull or slow moment, something is always happening that will keep you reading. Will Bane ever meet his father? Will his father even want to claim him as his son? These are just a couple of the many questions you’ll be asking yourself.
If you like a good mystery or suspense read, then you’ll find both and more in this book, this entire series! Never a dull or slow moment, something is always happening that will keep you reading. Will Bane ever meet his father? Will his father even want to claim him as his son? These are just a couple of the many questions you’ll be asking yourself.
November 1, 2024
Bane of my life lol
There was nothing to dislike in this series as far as I am concerned, the action is steady and fun, the supporting characters are cool,and the bad guys suck!!! Lol
There was nothing to dislike in this series as far as I am concerned, the action is steady and fun, the supporting characters are cool,and the bad guys suck!!! Lol
November 8, 2024
BA e of the North Series
Enjoyed the story, the characters the fast pace. Minor recapping of story that allowed me continue the fast pace story line. Thank you a d look forward to next story.
Enjoyed the story, the characters the fast pace. Minor recapping of story that allowed me continue the fast pace story line. Thank you a d look forward to next story.
March 12, 2025
Word processor used
I really loved this series, but I am puzzled by some of the errors I found. For instance, taught instead of taut. They sound the same. It's as if sections were dictated, and the wrong was chosen. Other than that, i really enjoyed it.
I really loved this series, but I am puzzled by some of the errors I found. For instance, taught instead of taut. They sound the same. It's as if sections were dictated, and the wrong was chosen. Other than that, i really enjoyed it.
March 14, 2025
Action packed. Hard to put down.
A truly captivating fantasy. At the end of each chapter, you want to keep reading to find out what going to happen next. New twist and turns around every corner. I can't wait to start book four.
A truly captivating fantasy. At the end of each chapter, you want to keep reading to find out what going to happen next. New twist and turns around every corner. I can't wait to start book four.
May 9, 2025
another fantastic read and now onto the next book
I love following the fast pace of the story and can visualise the places travelling through the book . Can’t wait for the next book .
I love following the fast pace of the story and can visualise the places travelling through the book . Can’t wait for the next book .
May 18, 2025
eating up this series so fast. I love the continued charaters and the battles. our favorite main character continent to bond and fight any one who need it. lol
our new friends are such a great addition to the story contributing to the depth of the story and the characters
our new friends are such a great addition to the story contributing to the depth of the story and the characters
October 25, 2025
One of my favorites of A.C salter yet again , this book had me griped . The ending had me almost in tears !
For me its stil a bit wierd to read about Tyr . For those that know why you understand! But all in all a amazing book and series !
For me its stil a bit wierd to read about Tyr . For those that know why you understand! But all in all a amazing book and series !
May 15, 2026
interesting story
I’ve been enjoying the stories, but this book 3 has so many misspelled words in it let it kept me from the complete enjoyment of the story as I tried to figure out what the author wanted to say.
I’ve been enjoying the stories, but this book 3 has so many misspelled words in it let it kept me from the complete enjoyment of the story as I tried to figure out what the author wanted to say.
October 20, 2024
awesome
These books are fabulous, such vision A.C Salter, you have done it again. Enthralling, captivating and I couldn’t put it down, just right for dull days
These books are fabulous, such vision A.C Salter, you have done it again. Enthralling, captivating and I couldn’t put it down, just right for dull days
November 15, 2024
great book
Really enjoyed reading this series of books. Engaging characters , interesting twists. Looking forward to reading the next one. Hope it is soon
Really enjoyed reading this series of books. Engaging characters , interesting twists. Looking forward to reading the next one. Hope it is soon
December 15, 2024
At last
Hopefully the last of the series, hurrah . It will come soon I hope. The last , I can’t wait
Hopefully the last of the series, hurrah . It will come soon I hope. The last , I can’t wait
January 3, 2025
Great Series Read it
March 13, 2025
the bane of the north book 3
Good read enjoyed the continuation of the series and am anticipating the next book to be just as interesting. Thumbs up!
Good read enjoyed the continuation of the series and am anticipating the next book to be just as interesting. Thumbs up!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews