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Bane of the North #4
Storm Cleaver
The war for the North continues, and as the Empire releases a new threat onto Alialis, Garik must seek new allies to prepare for the coming battle which will decide the outcome of mankind - yet help may come from beyond the veil of the Fug itself.
- GenresFantasy
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 29, 2025
Anyone else hold their breath for the last couple of chapters. What an ending 🤯🥹🥹🥹🥹
May 27, 2025
A.C Salter I swear you are on a war path with the readers emotions!
Another absolutely flawless book, they just get better and better!
You really did have me in the last few chapters! I was going to be so mad!!!!
"We live as men, but we fight as GODS!" ⚔️🖤
Onto Thorns and Ivy
Another absolutely flawless book, they just get better and better!
You really did have me in the last few chapters! I was going to be so mad!!!!
"We live as men, but we fight as GODS!" ⚔️🖤
Onto Thorns and Ivy
May 30, 2025
5 🌟
Just sublime, the easiest 5 stars I have ever given a book. I had my favourite in the series, and now that has changed, truly magnificent. The characters are like family. Bane, a hero of all ages, Belle, the divine one and Alruna the warrior with a heart of gold. Some other faves, Jarl, a mentor for all ages and Geri, just wow!
Incredible balance between plot and character, genius storytelling and vivid battle scenes. A.C. Salter I slaute you. This world you have created is as much yours as it is ours and will be treasured forever. I cannot wait to conclude the series but my heart is also heavy, as it is coming to an end.
Just sublime, the easiest 5 stars I have ever given a book. I had my favourite in the series, and now that has changed, truly magnificent. The characters are like family. Bane, a hero of all ages, Belle, the divine one and Alruna the warrior with a heart of gold. Some other faves, Jarl, a mentor for all ages and Geri, just wow!
Incredible balance between plot and character, genius storytelling and vivid battle scenes. A.C. Salter I slaute you. This world you have created is as much yours as it is ours and will be treasured forever. I cannot wait to conclude the series but my heart is also heavy, as it is coming to an end.
March 12, 2025
The Bane Of The North series for me has been absolutely amazing. I haven’t been able to put these books down!
The characters are incredible and so likeable. The battles are always really fun to read and so well detailed that I can easily picture it all happening. I enjoy the plots and the twists so much that I always dive straight into the next book.
Another thing I enjoy in the series is that each main character gets their own journey they need to take for the story to build and get to where it needs to go and it always fits together so well. I definitely go through a lot of emotions reading these books.
As much as I love this series and will definitely re-read them, I am sadly coming to the end as I believe there is only one more book left for me to read.
I’m very excited for book 5 and I wish I could read these books again for the first time.
The characters are incredible and so likeable. The battles are always really fun to read and so well detailed that I can easily picture it all happening. I enjoy the plots and the twists so much that I always dive straight into the next book.
Another thing I enjoy in the series is that each main character gets their own journey they need to take for the story to build and get to where it needs to go and it always fits together so well. I definitely go through a lot of emotions reading these books.
As much as I love this series and will definitely re-read them, I am sadly coming to the end as I believe there is only one more book left for me to read.
I’m very excited for book 5 and I wish I could read these books again for the first time.
May 18, 2025
I truly loved this book my favorite so far. I may be partial since my husband and i are characters in it. Joedoll, Storm Cleaver is an amazing character and AC captured all the funny and amazing details about my husband joe.. and as a surprise to me.. added a charater called Leeannok, of Asgard, Baird, reader of staries... I cried. but beyond all of that... this book gave us so much more to love and charaters that continue to grow and bond.
the battles are written with such detail that you are there in the story fighting the same battle!!!!! WE LIVECAS MEN, BUT FIGHT AS GODS!!!!
the battles are written with such detail that you are there in the story fighting the same battle!!!!! WE LIVECAS MEN, BUT FIGHT AS GODS!!!!
December 14, 2025
Adrians books ar allways a 5 star for me !! This book i just loved so so much , here you get bits of everything from the book and i love it . It was a bit like oh no on the end but still allways good . Loved that We Get to see more with Bane and Bailin , Alruna and Belle . And everyone Else . How they all have to save the world , the ups and downs . Its just incredible !!!
December 19, 2025
Meh
Too many catastrophic setbacks, with minimal character and relationship developments. Not my favorite book in the series. We'll see what Book 5 brings.
Too many catastrophic setbacks, with minimal character and relationship developments. Not my favorite book in the series. We'll see what Book 5 brings.
July 13, 2026
Review: Storm Cleaver (Bane of the North, Book 4) by A. C. Salter
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐• (4.5/5 stars)
The Verdict: A masterpiece of tension... and absolute auditory torture.
I have a massive bone to pick with A. C. Salter, Scott Fleming (the narrator), and the entire audiobook distribution industry.
I have just finished listening to the audiobook of Storm Cleaver. I am currently sitting in my car, staring blankly at the steering wheel, gripping it with white knuckles because of that ending. A cliffhanger of epic, Norse-level proportions. Naturally, I immediately fumbled my phone, opened Audible with trembling thumbs to download Book 5 (Thorns and Ivy)...
And. There. Is. No. Audiobook. Yet!
Are you actually kidding me? How am I supposed to function? Do I have to... read it with my physical eyes? Like a medieval peasant? By Odin's beard, help me.
The Pace: Slow Burn, High Stakes
Compared to the previous books in the Bane of the North series, Storm Cleaver definitely takes its foot off the accelerator a bit. It is a slower-paced ride, focusing heavily on the strategy, the politics of Alialis, and Garik desperately trying to gather allies.
But don't let the word "slower" fool you:
The Atmosphere: Thick, tense, and dripping with Norse-inspired dread.
The Tension: Salter manages to make a slower pace feel like a slow-burning fuse attached to a massive keg of gunpowder.
The Grip: Even when the characters were just planning their next move, I was held utterly on the edge of my seat.
And then, of course, the fuse finally reaches the gunpowder right at the very end—and the book just stops.
Gods, Heartbreak, and One Absolute Unit of a Man
While we are navigating the politics, we are also dealing with the terrifying shadow of the villainous gods. Salter writes these divine antagonists with such chilling, unreachable malice that you feel the hopelessness of the mortals' plight in your very bones.
And speaking of feeling things in your bones—my heart was absolutely shattered during the desperate quest to wake up Tir. The sheer, agonising emotion of that storyline was almost too much to bear. It was a case of being so close, yet so agonizingly far. You can practically taste the hope on your tongue, only for the narrative to snatch it away.
Luckily, we have the great chunk himself, Storm Cleaver, to lift our spirits! This towering giant of a warrior is the absolute embodiment of glorious, larger-than-life Viking bravado, hailing straight from Asgard itself.
Picture this: a man-mountain swinging a literal gallon of ale in one hand, bellowing thunderous glory songs to the heavens, and cracking side-splitting battle jokes while skulls are being crushed around him. He brings a brilliant, raucous energy to the story that anchors the epic fantasy elements in pure, giant-sized muscle and unbreakable spirit. If you're going to face doom, you want to face it laughing with a tankard in your hand, and Storm Cleaver delivers exactly that.
The Battles: Beyond Epic (Bring a Raincoat)
While the build-up is a masterclass in suspense, when the violence finally erupts, Salter doesn't just write battle scenes—he flings you headfirst into them.
The combat in Storm Cleaver is absolutely, mind-blowingly epic. It’s the kind of visceral, bone-crunching, shield-splintering warfare that makes you want to duck while you're listening. You can practically feel the freezing sleet on your face, taste the copper of blood in the air, and hear the deafening roar of iron clashing against iron.
Salter's ability to capture the chaotic, terrifying majesty of a shield wall is unmatched. It is immersive to the point of exhaustion, and hearing it narrated with such raw, booming emotion had my heart hammering against my ribs.
Final Thoughts
This is a fantastic, gripping, 4.5-star addition to the series. The audio production is brilliant, making the agonizing wait for Book 5's audio release even harder to bear.
My blood pressure is through the roof. My sanity is hanging by a thread. To whom it may concern: please get the narrator back in the recording booth immediately. Raise your horns, belt out a saga, and get me the next book—I need to know what happens, and I need to know now!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐• (4.5/5 stars)
The Verdict: A masterpiece of tension... and absolute auditory torture.
I have a massive bone to pick with A. C. Salter, Scott Fleming (the narrator), and the entire audiobook distribution industry.
I have just finished listening to the audiobook of Storm Cleaver. I am currently sitting in my car, staring blankly at the steering wheel, gripping it with white knuckles because of that ending. A cliffhanger of epic, Norse-level proportions. Naturally, I immediately fumbled my phone, opened Audible with trembling thumbs to download Book 5 (Thorns and Ivy)...
And. There. Is. No. Audiobook. Yet!
Are you actually kidding me? How am I supposed to function? Do I have to... read it with my physical eyes? Like a medieval peasant? By Odin's beard, help me.
The Pace: Slow Burn, High Stakes
Compared to the previous books in the Bane of the North series, Storm Cleaver definitely takes its foot off the accelerator a bit. It is a slower-paced ride, focusing heavily on the strategy, the politics of Alialis, and Garik desperately trying to gather allies.
But don't let the word "slower" fool you:
The Atmosphere: Thick, tense, and dripping with Norse-inspired dread.
The Tension: Salter manages to make a slower pace feel like a slow-burning fuse attached to a massive keg of gunpowder.
The Grip: Even when the characters were just planning their next move, I was held utterly on the edge of my seat.
And then, of course, the fuse finally reaches the gunpowder right at the very end—and the book just stops.
Gods, Heartbreak, and One Absolute Unit of a Man
While we are navigating the politics, we are also dealing with the terrifying shadow of the villainous gods. Salter writes these divine antagonists with such chilling, unreachable malice that you feel the hopelessness of the mortals' plight in your very bones.
And speaking of feeling things in your bones—my heart was absolutely shattered during the desperate quest to wake up Tir. The sheer, agonising emotion of that storyline was almost too much to bear. It was a case of being so close, yet so agonizingly far. You can practically taste the hope on your tongue, only for the narrative to snatch it away.
Luckily, we have the great chunk himself, Storm Cleaver, to lift our spirits! This towering giant of a warrior is the absolute embodiment of glorious, larger-than-life Viking bravado, hailing straight from Asgard itself.
Picture this: a man-mountain swinging a literal gallon of ale in one hand, bellowing thunderous glory songs to the heavens, and cracking side-splitting battle jokes while skulls are being crushed around him. He brings a brilliant, raucous energy to the story that anchors the epic fantasy elements in pure, giant-sized muscle and unbreakable spirit. If you're going to face doom, you want to face it laughing with a tankard in your hand, and Storm Cleaver delivers exactly that.
The Battles: Beyond Epic (Bring a Raincoat)
While the build-up is a masterclass in suspense, when the violence finally erupts, Salter doesn't just write battle scenes—he flings you headfirst into them.
The combat in Storm Cleaver is absolutely, mind-blowingly epic. It’s the kind of visceral, bone-crunching, shield-splintering warfare that makes you want to duck while you're listening. You can practically feel the freezing sleet on your face, taste the copper of blood in the air, and hear the deafening roar of iron clashing against iron.
Salter's ability to capture the chaotic, terrifying majesty of a shield wall is unmatched. It is immersive to the point of exhaustion, and hearing it narrated with such raw, booming emotion had my heart hammering against my ribs.
Final Thoughts
This is a fantastic, gripping, 4.5-star addition to the series. The audio production is brilliant, making the agonizing wait for Book 5's audio release even harder to bear.
My blood pressure is through the roof. My sanity is hanging by a thread. To whom it may concern: please get the narrator back in the recording booth immediately. Raise your horns, belt out a saga, and get me the next book—I need to know what happens, and I need to know now!
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." 😅📚⚔️
July 3, 2026
As the North tries to prepare for the coming war, they know they need assistance and set out to different parts of the country to seek aid. But Gharl, the demon snake god has his desciple that has always been 2 steps ahead, planning the North's fall for months. Horix, the jackal god crazed with bloodlust is sent to clear the path with his thousands of jackal warriors. Tyr can only be restored with tears from a dragon and with the hornful Belle carried spilled and the dragon freed from her captivity the future of man looks bleak. Ganlin and Fable, on the glaciers, have stumbled on the buried Ice Giants who were entombed in the glaciers by Odin. As Ganlin and Fable go further into the crevice, the Ice Giants stir.
July 19, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m feeling very sad that I’m coming to the end of this amazing series. One book left and I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters at all. The last few chapters of this book had me heavy breathing and nearly typing out a strongly worded message to Mr A.C Salter! The writing in this one was next level. There were so many well written battles, amazing character development, the plot still has me hooked and I’m SO excited to start the next (and last 🙁) book in this amazing series.
I’m feeling very sad that I’m coming to the end of this amazing series. One book left and I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters at all. The last few chapters of this book had me heavy breathing and nearly typing out a strongly worded message to Mr A.C Salter! The writing in this one was next level. There were so many well written battles, amazing character development, the plot still has me hooked and I’m SO excited to start the next (and last 🙁) book in this amazing series.
November 17, 2025
Storm Cleaver is my favourite instalment of the series so far. The stakes feel higher than ever, the character warmth leaps off the page, and the villains are wonderfully easy to root against. The banter is sharp and hilarious, and I especially loved the time spent between the two main female characters—their jealous, messy, genuine dynamic felt so real and added a lot of humour.
This book had me emotionally spiralling more than once, and the adrenaline never let up. Now I’m both excited and terrified for the final book—I don’t want this series to end! A solid 5 stars from me.
This book had me emotionally spiralling more than once, and the adrenaline never let up. Now I’m both excited and terrified for the final book—I don’t want this series to end! A solid 5 stars from me.
March 26, 2025
Rushed ending
I wonder if all of the authors go to the same school,another one where our MCs must face ever increasing levels of over powered baddies to then somehow win out in the end. Massive build up for the finale which pretty much went out like a damp squib. If book 5 is the finale then I’ll probably read it but if it’s likely to go beyond that I’ll not bother as it’s pretty much rinse & repeat at this point.
I wonder if all of the authors go to the same school,another one where our MCs must face ever increasing levels of over powered baddies to then somehow win out in the end. Massive build up for the finale which pretty much went out like a damp squib. If book 5 is the finale then I’ll probably read it but if it’s likely to go beyond that I’ll not bother as it’s pretty much rinse & repeat at this point.
February 19, 2026
Another fantastic read
OMG! This book will grab you and not let go, it’s so full of action and suspense. Bane finds his fighting soul after finding his father and together they work to save Garik, the North and its people. Some good people die but Bane, Altima, Belle and Bailin do not give up, they can’t if they hope to end the evil god Gharl and Bailin’s traitorous brother Glance.
OMG! This book will grab you and not let go, it’s so full of action and suspense. Bane finds his fighting soul after finding his father and together they work to save Garik, the North and its people. Some good people die but Bane, Altima, Belle and Bailin do not give up, they can’t if they hope to end the evil god Gharl and Bailin’s traitorous brother Glance.
February 17, 2025
I was a little disappointed with this installment. Silly, carless decisions made about an apple and Bane's decision in dealing with the first party he comes across that is hunting his party. These actions did not make sense to me and took away from an otherwise good continuation of the story.
February 25, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable👍
My first time reading
works from this Author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the whole 4 book series from beginning to end. Full of action, great leading characters, great plots and more twists and turns than a very long big dipper ride👍
My first time reading
works from this Author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the whole 4 book series from beginning to end. Full of action, great leading characters, great plots and more twists and turns than a very long big dipper ride👍
March 5, 2025
Gets better and better
I’m so glad I gave this series a chance. Each book is more engaging and the author writes well with good storylines and characters. The best compliment I can give is that I wish the books were longer
I’m so glad I gave this series a chance. Each book is more engaging and the author writes well with good storylines and characters. The best compliment I can give is that I wish the books were longer
June 10, 2025
Gripps you and doesn't let go
A fast paced addition to the saga. The battle scenes are great, they grab you and don't let go. With characters you grow to love and bad guys you want to kill , another great part of the series.
A fast paced addition to the saga. The battle scenes are great, they grab you and don't let go. With characters you grow to love and bad guys you want to kill , another great part of the series.
July 9, 2025
Wonders never cease, but gods do.
I like that Belle and Alruna can overcome their jealousy over their relationship with Bane. I like Jeoll and his quirks. The blood of Tyr is really strong, I just wish he was at least awake.
I like that Belle and Alruna can overcome their jealousy over their relationship with Bane. I like Jeoll and his quirks. The blood of Tyr is really strong, I just wish he was at least awake.
March 28, 2026
The war of Gods is coming
As the castle tries to seek aid in the coming war, they all face challenges. As they find giants, dragons, and face another war with the jackels. Read to find out if they over come their short comings.
As the castle tries to seek aid in the coming war, they all face challenges. As they find giants, dragons, and face another war with the jackels. Read to find out if they over come their short comings.
February 5, 2025
fantastic
Each book gets better and better. The intrigue, the sorrows,the battles and the overall scope of this epic is outstanding.
Each book gets better and better. The intrigue, the sorrows,the battles and the overall scope of this epic is outstanding.
February 8, 2025
could be a movie
A great series of stories, the characters are growing with each book. Can’t wait for the next book to come out
A great series of stories, the characters are growing with each book. Can’t wait for the next book to come out
Read
February 17, 2025Great read
I wish I didn't have to wait for the next one. I really liked the mythology that was tied in to the stort
I wish I didn't have to wait for the next one. I really liked the mythology that was tied in to the stort
Read
March 7, 2025Great book
This was another great book in an amazing series, if you're looking for adventure and well written battle scenes you'll love this.
This was another great book in an amazing series, if you're looking for adventure and well written battle scenes you'll love this.
March 24, 2025
excellent
Great series would recommend to anyone who likes this type of book, keeps you wanting to read all night and every night .
Great series would recommend to anyone who likes this type of book, keeps you wanting to read all night and every night .
May 8, 2025
Love this series
Constant action and a great story line. Grabs you and won’t let you go. Highly recommended. Can’t wait for the next one
Constant action and a great story line. Grabs you and won’t let you go. Highly recommended. Can’t wait for the next one
May 18, 2025
im all in on this one, great battles, great back and forth between characters again picks up right from the last book as do the entire series no time lapse absolutely love this series
June 23, 2025
With every one of these the writing is improving and at least I'm not sure how it's going to end, which is a nice change from the usual fantasy. Solid book, needs more bane powerups 3.5/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2025
love this series 😍 one more book and it's all over 😔 I don't want it to end !
December 5, 2025
Outstanding! Easily within the top 5 of my series I’ve read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews