Skarde, the wandering sell-sword with a fantastical past, rides into the unknown with his trusted companions; Belgeti, a cunning horselord, and the enigmatic Zlata. What begins as a rumor of hidden treasure leads them to a strange stronghold isolated from the world—an astonishing gateway to a true land of the lost.
There, a forgotten realm hidden by towering mountains is ruled by ancient forces. Stone-age tribes wage brutal war, monsters stalk the night, and dark sorcery twists the fates of those who dare enter. A scheming high priest plots from the shadows, kingdoms battle for dominance, and a sultry, hedonistic princess tempts Skarde… but for what purpose?
For the companions, survival calls for more than steel and strength; it demands wit, nerve, and uneasy alliances. Every path forward reveals new threats and deeper mysteries. Each step tightening the grip of this prison-realm with stone walls that pierce the sky.
Will they escape… or is this lost land determined to claim them forever?
Another really good sword and sorcery book in the Skarde series. Skarde and his friends end up in a lost valley hemmed in by mountains. They must battle for their very lives every inch of the way to make it back to their world. Good stuff. Plenty of new tribes, lost civilizations, ancient civilizations, new creatures. A good addition to Skarde’s saga.
"Princess of the Shrouded Mountain: Skarde: The Wandering Sword" is an epic adventure that pulls you into a vividly imagined world full of danger, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. Erik Waag masterfully blends high-stakes action with rich world-building, creating a realm that feels both fantastical and deeply immersive.
Skarde, the wandering sell-sword, is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. His wit, courage, and loyalty make every choice he faces compelling, while his companions Belgeti, the cunning horselord, and Zlata, the enigmatic ally bring depth and intrigue to the journey. The dynamics between the characters feel genuine and layered, and their struggles against both human and supernatural threats kept me on the edge of my seat.
What I loved most is how the story balances intense action with moments of wonder and suspense. The forgotten realm hidden by towering mountains is richly described stone-age tribes, dark sorcery, and mysterious strongholds give the story a palpable sense of danger and discovery. Each twist and encounter feels carefully crafted, keeping the tension high while expanding the world in fascinating ways.
Beyond the adventure, the novel explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the consequences of ambition, making the story not just thrilling but meaningful. I was captivated from the first page to the last, eager to see how Skarde and his companions navigate this treacherous, magical land.
For fans of epic fantasy, dark adventure, and layered storytelling, this book is an absolute must-read. Erik Waag delivers a story that’s immersive, gripping, and unforgettable—I can’t wait to explore more of the Skarde series!"*