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Bane of the North #5
Thorns and Ivy
As Gharl brings the Empire north, determined to finish the war that began a thousand years ago, Garik prepares to defend their dying god.
When the dark armies close in, aided by a dragon and a ruthless god, Bane, Bailin and Alruna must win their own fights befroe joining the final battle - the last stand which will decide the fate of mankind.
We live as men but fight as gods...
When the dark armies close in, aided by a dragon and a ruthless god, Bane, Bailin and Alruna must win their own fights befroe joining the final battle - the last stand which will decide the fate of mankind.
We live as men but fight as gods...
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 30, 2025
What an amazing and fitting conclusion to a phenomenal series! I have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions right from page 1 to the very end. And what an end, I have no emotions left! Every character gets their moment and their point of views, fly and dance on the page at an unbelievable pace. No one is left out.
To have been immersed in this world has been such a treat, A.C. Salter you have really outdone yourself. The last 80% has been simply unputdownable. Bane, you have my heart forever!
I cannot wait to be immersed in the next series.
To have been immersed in this world has been such a treat, A.C. Salter you have really outdone yourself. The last 80% has been simply unputdownable. Bane, you have my heart forever!
I cannot wait to be immersed in the next series.
May 31, 2025
A.C.Salter!
What an ending to fantastic series!
Honestly the best books I've read in a long while. Captivating, gripping, action packed, heartfelt! This lost to describe these books, this series is endless!
Massive round of applause 👏 Endless thanks for writing these books and looking forward to reading your back catalogue.
"We live as men, but we fight as gods!" ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️
What an ending to fantastic series!
Honestly the best books I've read in a long while. Captivating, gripping, action packed, heartfelt! This lost to describe these books, this series is endless!
Massive round of applause 👏 Endless thanks for writing these books and looking forward to reading your back catalogue.
"We live as men, but we fight as gods!" ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️
October 16, 2025
of course this was 5 stars ! 🤩😍
May 24, 2025
Wow wow wow! Where to start?!
This series has been building towards an epic finale and it’s safe to say that it does not disappoint. Forget doing anything from 80% of the book onwards as you will not be able to put it down.
As with the rest of the series, the book consists of lovable characters, a scintillating plot and very atmospheric writing.
A few typos here and there including full character names but dare I say I’m used to them by now in the series and they don’t distract from the story. That would be my only possible criticism.
This needs to be a TV series pronto! Bravo!
This series has been building towards an epic finale and it’s safe to say that it does not disappoint. Forget doing anything from 80% of the book onwards as you will not be able to put it down.
As with the rest of the series, the book consists of lovable characters, a scintillating plot and very atmospheric writing.
A few typos here and there including full character names but dare I say I’m used to them by now in the series and they don’t distract from the story. That would be my only possible criticism.
This needs to be a TV series pronto! Bravo!
September 4, 2025
Are you kidding me?
This is what I meant when I reviewed the first book! I don't usually read books written by men! So you're going to leave Bane and Arulna like this? You must be joking? A woman would never, ever do this! I just read 4 books over 6 days to have it end like this? I admit the story, even though the hundreds of battles I could have done without, had me in it's clutches. Even without a spark of Romance anywhere, I thought right there at the end, you were going to redeem yourself! But noooo!!!! I am highly ticked off! Never again. Sorry!
This is what I meant when I reviewed the first book! I don't usually read books written by men! So you're going to leave Bane and Arulna like this? You must be joking? A woman would never, ever do this! I just read 4 books over 6 days to have it end like this? I admit the story, even though the hundreds of battles I could have done without, had me in it's clutches. Even without a spark of Romance anywhere, I thought right there at the end, you were going to redeem yourself! But noooo!!!! I am highly ticked off! Never again. Sorry!
June 25, 2025
Anticlimactic ending of a series where I already guessed the ending, so not sure what I was expecting. Decent book, needs more spice less fog 3/5
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." 😅📚⚔️
September 10, 2025
Wow! What an incredible ending to such an amazing series! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and I didn’t want it to end!
I’ve been so captivated by all of these characters and so invested in their journey and I’ve loved every minute of it. The battles again are just incredible and the bonds between the characters are so strong and beautiful to read. I could honestly go on and on about all the things I loved about these books but I think you need to experience it for yourselves.
If you enjoy Viking fantasy’s with amazing characters, epic battles and books that make you feel all kinds of emotions then you should give The Bane of the North series a read. I cannot recommend this series enough!
Here are some of my favourite quotes from the book.
“We live as men, but fight like gods!”
“In the words of Tough Bits,” he shouted, raising his axe high. “Fug you.”
“We don’t wield weapons. We are weapons.”
“I’ll lock my shield beside yours in the next life.”
I’ve been so captivated by all of these characters and so invested in their journey and I’ve loved every minute of it. The battles again are just incredible and the bonds between the characters are so strong and beautiful to read. I could honestly go on and on about all the things I loved about these books but I think you need to experience it for yourselves.
If you enjoy Viking fantasy’s with amazing characters, epic battles and books that make you feel all kinds of emotions then you should give The Bane of the North series a read. I cannot recommend this series enough!
Here are some of my favourite quotes from the book.
“We live as men, but fight like gods!”
“In the words of Tough Bits,” he shouted, raising his axe high. “Fug you.”
“We don’t wield weapons. We are weapons.”
“I’ll lock my shield beside yours in the next life.”
July 6, 2026
While I have to give this book — in fact the entire 5 book series — 5 stars, I believe the author lost his proofreaders somewhere along the way. Book 4 was noticeable , however, Book 5, Thorns & Ivy drove me to distraction. The verb tense shift seemed more abundant and there were also a few instances where the author used entirely incorrect words .. Gazed expectedly at him rather than expectantly or a defensive stance was mute instead of the proper moot. Still, the story is captivating and I found myself reading far into the night. Vikings, Knights, Demons, Giants, Gods ... epic for sure. . Truly a good versus evil storyline with the evil far outnumbering the good making every battle intense. It ends but also leaves you knowing there is something brewing in the West as well as something growing in little Aada.
September 3, 2025
I read all five books of “Bane of the North” books I was only going to read the first one “GallowsBorn” but the darn thing didn’t end until four books later. The writing was excellent. The story line was complete and thrilling. It dealt with the safekeeping of a castle and the region around it. There was treachery, betrayal, heroic rescue and deep love. Such fun!
I thought the intersperse of Norse Gods into the story together with heroes good and evil was fascinating. Alruna the chief of one of the tribes was my favorite character. The monsters were very fierce and imaginative. The heroes were very heroic!
I thought the intersperse of Norse Gods into the story together with heroes good and evil was fascinating. Alruna the chief of one of the tribes was my favorite character. The monsters were very fierce and imaginative. The heroes were very heroic!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2026
Thorns & Ivy, the final instalment in The Bane of the North series, is the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey. I was hooked from the very first book, and this finale delivered on every level.
The stakes were high, yet cleverly placed humour lightened the tension. The love between the characters radiated from the pages, the twists had me audibly gasping, and the heartbreaking moments brought real tears. Salter’s writing is pure magic—utterly addictive and deeply moving.
This series has forever changed me and will always hold a place in my heart. If you don’t know The Bane of the North series, you truly need to. Another easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read.
The stakes were high, yet cleverly placed humour lightened the tension. The love between the characters radiated from the pages, the twists had me audibly gasping, and the heartbreaking moments brought real tears. Salter’s writing is pure magic—utterly addictive and deeply moving.
This series has forever changed me and will always hold a place in my heart. If you don’t know The Bane of the North series, you truly need to. Another easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read.
June 19, 2025
Great series!
When I read the first book in this series I almost didn’t read the second. The writing was a little stilted and the story was a bit uneven. I honestly picked up the second book because I couldn’t find anything else to read at that moment. Well I am very happy I did, the storyline was more interesting, the characters better developed and the writing was much improved. I just completed book 5 and honestly didn’t want it to be over
Luckily it isn’t! The storyline will continue in the first book of War of the Small Gods coming in November.
When I read the first book in this series I almost didn’t read the second. The writing was a little stilted and the story was a bit uneven. I honestly picked up the second book because I couldn’t find anything else to read at that moment. Well I am very happy I did, the storyline was more interesting, the characters better developed and the writing was much improved. I just completed book 5 and honestly didn’t want it to be over
Luckily it isn’t! The storyline will continue in the first book of War of the Small Gods coming in November.
May 7, 2026
If i could give it more than 5 stars I would. I hate that Bane isn't with Alruna but this book series has me begging for more. I dont like Belle just because she doesn't seem deserving of Bane but that's literally my only dislike. Its the best book series ive read in a long time and I CANNOT wait for book 6 to release in September!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
A good ending
I like that the story is over and done. That being said, I didn't like how the last fight scene ended so quickly when it came to the gods' fight. It was really anticlimactic, I my simple opinion.
I like that the story is over and done. That being said, I didn't like how the last fight scene ended so quickly when it came to the gods' fight. It was really anticlimactic, I my simple opinion.
September 15, 2025
Beloved Characters
I loved this series. It is a tale of love and losses and hard fought battles. You truly come to love the characters, especially Bane, the boy who came from nothing to become a good man and leader.
I loved this series. It is a tale of love and losses and hard fought battles. You truly come to love the characters, especially Bane, the boy who came from nothing to become a good man and leader.
January 29, 2026
Great book and a fitting end.
My only gripe is that Bane and Alruna didn't end up together. Honestly felt like there was no chemistry between Belle and Bane. Especially compared to what Bane and Alruna went through together throughout all of the books..
My only gripe is that Bane and Alruna didn't end up together. Honestly felt like there was no chemistry between Belle and Bane. Especially compared to what Bane and Alruna went through together throughout all of the books..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
Skipped through honestly, I wanted the ending of the story but had mostly lost interest by this point. It's good and fun, but I guess my attention-span is low. To be fair, I skip through almost every Brandon Sanderson and he's one of my favorite authors, so it's no insult to this author.
May 23, 2025
again love this series strong characters vs impossible odds tons of action great read
June 1, 2025
Awesome
Enjoyed the whole series, liked the characters, and the action, it was never boring and kept you riveted. Can't wait for the next series.
Enjoyed the whole series, liked the characters, and the action, it was never boring and kept you riveted. Can't wait for the next series.
June 9, 2025
fab book
Brilliant as usual, I really hope there is another book to this series ,
I just feel there is more to come .
Brilliant as usual, I really hope there is another book to this series ,
I just feel there is more to come .
June 15, 2025
good series
I’ve enjoyed this series, it’s difficult to be original in modern fantasy but this is a good series, I like the characters- looking forward to the continuation
I’ve enjoyed this series, it’s difficult to be original in modern fantasy but this is a good series, I like the characters- looking forward to the continuation
July 25, 2025
What a fantastic end to a fantastic series. I cannot wait to explore more of A.C Salters worlds and stories!
April 12, 2026
Great victory
Through all the battles that Alruna, Bane, Bella, and Bailin had been through, it's amazing how they seem to come out alive. Read how the God's final battle is won.
Through all the battles that Alruna, Bane, Bella, and Bailin had been through, it's amazing how they seem to come out alive. Read how the God's final battle is won.
April 14, 2026
Yet another amazing series !!
September 15, 2026
Excellent series so far! I really struggled to find something I liked and have loved all the books 😁
July 2, 2025
Thorns and ivy is book 5 in the bane of the North series. I took my time to read this as I didnt want it to end.
Thorns and Ivy picks right up were Storm Cleaver ended, the tension and suspense with the final battle impending. My heart was in my mouth from page 1. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through.
The way that this book is written I just couldn't put it down. I went through every emotion.
Also the ending of this book made my Jaw hit the floor and I NEED the next series
Thorns and Ivy picks right up were Storm Cleaver ended, the tension and suspense with the final battle impending. My heart was in my mouth from page 1. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through.
The way that this book is written I just couldn't put it down. I went through every emotion.
Also the ending of this book made my Jaw hit the floor and I NEED the next series
July 27, 2025
Read all five books in the serie and I am happy that this is done and over with. The mythology obviously was quite mixed up but the construction of the story was decent. I do feel that the ending was a tad rushed and there were multiple characters developments going on which made the reading tiresome leading me to skip the pages with the battles since that was boring. Not as boring as Belle though and zero chemistry between her and Bane. I am yet to find a couple that was a boring as those two.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews