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Thrall of Deception: A Tale from Norvegr
A shieldmaiden, a fisherwoman, and a kingdom held captive …
Ravn Fierceblade, a war hero, is renowned for her loyalty, unshakable duty, and formidable glare. When children in Vestfold go missing, she heeds the king’s call to lead an expedition to recover them.
Svana longs to see more of the world, but as a widowed single mother carrying on her husband’s work as a fisher while raising her baby, she barely has time to dream. Will she ever meet someone who can lift her beyond a mundane existence?
While searching for the kidnapped children, Ravn and her crew travel to Svana’s hamlet. Ravn’s attraction to Svana is inescapable, yet she must not let it distract her from the mission. Uncovering a clue, she investigates further, unsure of the culprit’s identity. Who can Ravn trust? And is a scheme more devious than she could imagine at play—one that could cost the shieldmaiden her life?
If you love suspenseful mystery, sapphic romance, or Norse tales featuring a woman warrior, then you’ll be captivated by Thrall of Deception, the latest Tale from Norvegr. This Viking Historical Mystery Romance brims with action, intrigue, and unexpected twists.
Set sail for adventure—click buy today!
Ravn Fierceblade, a war hero, is renowned for her loyalty, unshakable duty, and formidable glare. When children in Vestfold go missing, she heeds the king’s call to lead an expedition to recover them.
Svana longs to see more of the world, but as a widowed single mother carrying on her husband’s work as a fisher while raising her baby, she barely has time to dream. Will she ever meet someone who can lift her beyond a mundane existence?
While searching for the kidnapped children, Ravn and her crew travel to Svana’s hamlet. Ravn’s attraction to Svana is inescapable, yet she must not let it distract her from the mission. Uncovering a clue, she investigates further, unsure of the culprit’s identity. Who can Ravn trust? And is a scheme more devious than she could imagine at play—one that could cost the shieldmaiden her life?
If you love suspenseful mystery, sapphic romance, or Norse tales featuring a woman warrior, then you’ll be captivated by Thrall of Deception, the latest Tale from Norvegr. This Viking Historical Mystery Romance brims with action, intrigue, and unexpected twists.
Set sail for adventure—click buy today!
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
7 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Edale Lane
48 books220 followersEdale Lane is an Amazon Best-selling author and winner of Rainbow, Lesfic Bard, and Imaginarium Awards. Her sapphic historical fiction and mystery stories feature women leading the action and entice readers with likeable characters, engaging storytelling, and vivid world-creation.
Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95
Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 16, 2026
Historical fiction, Norse Mythology, a mystery surrounding kidnapped children, Svana a fisher woman with a babe and...a tall brunette Shield-Maiden called Ravn.
Loved the romance and escapism with its very detailed historical and often violent depiction. Add in of an old Norse glossary was useful.
Overall expert writing, a fast paced historic sapphic mystery story. Great chemistry between Svana and Ravn and I loved it. I must check out more Edale Lane books!
Loved the romance and escapism with its very detailed historical and often violent depiction. Add in of an old Norse glossary was useful.
Overall expert writing, a fast paced historic sapphic mystery story. Great chemistry between Svana and Ravn and I loved it. I must check out more Edale Lane books!
September 9, 2025
This is the latest book in the Tales from Norvegr series, and like the previous books, it too is a winner. As much as I’d love to see returning characters from the previous books, I am really enjoying meeting new protagonists. Our shieldmaiden in this book is Ravn Fierceblade. Now that’s a great Viking name! She lives up to the moniker too. Thrall of Deception has everything you’d want: great action, political machinations, family peril, and of course, romance. As with the other books in the series, the attention to historical details is incredible. Edale Lane does a terrific job with this time and place in history. It makes it come alive. I highly recommend this book.
September 10, 2025
I was totally captivated by this story. Highly recommended.
September 10, 2025
Thrall of Deception is the fifth book in Edale Lane’s Tales from Norvegr series. I shall begin by assuring readers that while I did not read any of the first four, I had absolutely no trouble following the narrative. This is truly a “stand-alone” volume!
Lane has painted on a broad canvas here, some 80,000 words or so. Nevertheless, her tale is remarkably fast-paced and leaves the reader anxious to turn to the next page (or chapter).
Lane’s characters are presented clearly, even though we cannot anticipate the various plot twists in which some of them will be involved. The setting is the very early 8th century in pagan Norway, and while the author interpolates various Norwegian terms and alludes to Norse deities, we can easily surmise the meanings within the context.
The heroine of this novel is Ravn, the shieldmaiden, whose background story is itself remarkable. Ravn’s mission is to get to the bottom of a horrible crime. The mysterious Wolverines, led by an equally enigmatic person who calls himself The Fox, have been kidnapping children. King Agnar must put an end to this criminal activity, but how can his forces stop someone who cannot be found?
The shieldmaiden soon encounters Svana of Gnóttveiðr, Vestfold. Svana has had her own traumas, and while she may lack the physical strength and martial skills of the heroine, she is a powerful woman in her own right.
Ravn and her forces fight skirmishes and sustain losses, but they somehow prevail…or so it appears. Something still does not seem altogether “right,” and in short order, Ravn may find herself thrust into yet further danger.
The story unfolds at an excellent and very smooth tempo, and so much can occur in just a few pages. The plot is tightly woven, and the structure is solid throughout.
Bottom line: highly recommended. [Note: I received an “advance reader’s copy” (ARC) of this work.]
Lane has painted on a broad canvas here, some 80,000 words or so. Nevertheless, her tale is remarkably fast-paced and leaves the reader anxious to turn to the next page (or chapter).
Lane’s characters are presented clearly, even though we cannot anticipate the various plot twists in which some of them will be involved. The setting is the very early 8th century in pagan Norway, and while the author interpolates various Norwegian terms and alludes to Norse deities, we can easily surmise the meanings within the context.
The heroine of this novel is Ravn, the shieldmaiden, whose background story is itself remarkable. Ravn’s mission is to get to the bottom of a horrible crime. The mysterious Wolverines, led by an equally enigmatic person who calls himself The Fox, have been kidnapping children. King Agnar must put an end to this criminal activity, but how can his forces stop someone who cannot be found?
The shieldmaiden soon encounters Svana of Gnóttveiðr, Vestfold. Svana has had her own traumas, and while she may lack the physical strength and martial skills of the heroine, she is a powerful woman in her own right.
Ravn and her forces fight skirmishes and sustain losses, but they somehow prevail…or so it appears. Something still does not seem altogether “right,” and in short order, Ravn may find herself thrust into yet further danger.
The story unfolds at an excellent and very smooth tempo, and so much can occur in just a few pages. The plot is tightly woven, and the structure is solid throughout.
Bottom line: highly recommended. [Note: I received an “advance reader’s copy” (ARC) of this work.]
September 7, 2025
Thrall of Deception is another exciting Norvegr tale from Edale Lane. In this one, an experienced and well regarded warrior is drawn into worthy chase. Find out who is kidnapping kids from her town and the villages nearby. She is leading the charge to recover the children. On her way to accomplish the goal she meets Svana, a fisher's widow in a very small village. As always the attention to detail of life in the past is excellent. So much work to travel from place to place to follow clues! I really liked the way the MC's came together and how Ravn could accept Svana's child. The twist in the kidnappings is horrifying and surprising. The gall and ego of some is astounding. Don't miss this one whether you a fan of Norvegr, women warrior or suspense.
September 24, 2025
Wonderful characters and a mystery that had me totally going down the wrong path for a while. I always love trying to figure out where an Edale Lane story is going to go after a couple of chapters and she always manages to add in twists and turns that I never see coming. These are books I talk back to as the surprises come. As always, the author tells a story full of heart with characters you truly root for but the stories are also realistic in that you can never take it for granted that everyone is going to survive or thrive but the baddies also get some really satisfying comeuppances. I've read the ebook version and now I have my paperback on the way.
September 13, 2025
The Tales of Norvegr continue with this fifth installment - and it is a must read! Even if you haven't read the first four you'll be able to enjoy this story. It is filled with intrigue, conflict, turmoil, and love. The attention to detail for the time period is superb! The action is engaging. The characters are fantastic and their day-to-day lives are interesting.The book description tells you all you need to know, so I won't repeat it here - just grab the book and enjoy!
September 22, 2025
An honourable shieldmaiden and her stalwart companions must battle political intrigue and deception to solve a terrible ongoing crime and bring those responsible to justice. With excellent attention to detail we are taken on a journey through historical Norvegr. Edale Lane is able to skilfully advance the plot at just the right pace with enough breadcrumbs and unexpected twisty bits. As usual the writing is spot on, the descriptions are great and the characters even better.
September 23, 2025
Another fantastic tale from Norway. Filled with adventure and sapphic delight.
March 17, 2026
FAB
This is another fantastic captivating episode in this adventure.
This is an exciting, fast paced story.
I adore this duo, they are powerful, and unstoppable together.
This is another fantastic captivating episode in this adventure.
This is an exciting, fast paced story.
I adore this duo, they are powerful, and unstoppable together.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews