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The Norsemen Saga #3
The Lord of Vik-lo
Book III of the ongoing Norsemen Saga. In this riveting follow-up to Fin Gall and Dubh-linn, Thorgrim Night Wolf makes ready to leave the Viking town of Dubh-linn for the long journey back to his home in Norway. Having recovered from the wounds of battle and having won for himself a fortune, a crew, and a longship, he is ready to return to his farm in Vik and go a’viking no more.
But the gods have other plans, and Thorgrim and his men wash up in the small Viking longphort of Vík-ló. Thinking themselves among friends, they soon learn that the opposite is true, that Grimarr Giant, the Lord of Vík-ló, has reason to want Thorgrim and his son Harald dead.
In a world where they cannot tell friend from foe, a world of violence at sea and on land, Thorgrim, Harald, Ornolf, Starri and their band of Norsemen find themselves once again fighting not just for plunder, but for their very survival.
But the gods have other plans, and Thorgrim and his men wash up in the small Viking longphort of Vík-ló. Thinking themselves among friends, they soon learn that the opposite is true, that Grimarr Giant, the Lord of Vík-ló, has reason to want Thorgrim and his son Harald dead.
In a world where they cannot tell friend from foe, a world of violence at sea and on land, Thorgrim, Harald, Ornolf, Starri and their band of Norsemen find themselves once again fighting not just for plunder, but for their very survival.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2015
327 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
James L. Nelson
62 books363 followersJames L. Nelson (1962-) is an American historical nautical novelist. He was born in Lewiston, Maine. In 1980, Nelson graduated from Lewiston High School. Nelson attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst for two years, and then transferred to UCLA, with the ambition of becoming a film director. Nelson, his wife, Lisa, and their daughter Betsy lived for two years in Steubenville, Ohio, while Lisa attended Franciscan University. They also have two boys, Nate and Jack. They now live in Harpswell, Maine, where Nelson continues to write full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 7, 2015
The third installment of the Norseman Saga does not disappoint. Thorgrim Night Wolf is still desperate to get back to Vik but the bastard shores of Ireland keep pulling him back. This time Thorgrim must help the Lord of Vik-lo secure a vast treasure before he is allowed to return home. Along the way he deals with blood fueds, treachery and sex. Oh, and did I mention Thorgrim is a motherfucking werewolf?!? Read this book!
May 10, 2024
Back with the Viking saga in Ireland which ive very much enjoyed so far, this being book 3, now reasonably priced so I can continue with the series, it being an American import & not available in our library system.
I discover, as it’s been over FOUR years since ive picked this series up, that Ive forgotten everybody!
Ah well, a Vikinging we will go! Battle Axes at the ready!!
Strong start to the story with a sea battle between the Norse & the Irish as well as a treacherous storm that sees a ship flounder in mountainous seas as the planking begins to come apart, the repair sequence/action is grand, a proper nautical man we have here as an author, a sailor before becoming an author & it shows vividly in his writing throughout.
The beauty of this book is in the storytelling, as it fare glides along (whilst at sea I’ll add as an addendum)
The characters are grand, with the main three in reality of the same ilk even if on opposing sides be they Irish, Dane or Norwegian (Yes I say the Danes & Norwegians on opposing sides as its every Jarl for themselves in this period of history), the supporting cast able too, all have their motives in the adventure.
The Story proper revolves around a treasure trove which has more to it than meets the eye as the layers are peeled away, within it we have, revenge, greed, love & plain old wrong place at the wrong time.
Its grand, a slow burn at times where the threads are woven, but it comes together very well. Although I will say (come journeys end) I enjoyed more the seafaring side of the saga where the land based action was at times maybe a little stilted / (too much of a) slow burning.
Another solid entry in this saga
3.5 stars rounded to a three as I enjoyed some parts more than others.
I discover, as it’s been over FOUR years since ive picked this series up, that Ive forgotten everybody!
Ah well, a Vikinging we will go! Battle Axes at the ready!!
Strong start to the story with a sea battle between the Norse & the Irish as well as a treacherous storm that sees a ship flounder in mountainous seas as the planking begins to come apart, the repair sequence/action is grand, a proper nautical man we have here as an author, a sailor before becoming an author & it shows vividly in his writing throughout.
The beauty of this book is in the storytelling, as it fare glides along (whilst at sea I’ll add as an addendum)
The characters are grand, with the main three in reality of the same ilk even if on opposing sides be they Irish, Dane or Norwegian (Yes I say the Danes & Norwegians on opposing sides as its every Jarl for themselves in this period of history), the supporting cast able too, all have their motives in the adventure.
The Story proper revolves around a treasure trove which has more to it than meets the eye as the layers are peeled away, within it we have, revenge, greed, love & plain old wrong place at the wrong time.
Its grand, a slow burn at times where the threads are woven, but it comes together very well. Although I will say (come journeys end) I enjoyed more the seafaring side of the saga where the land based action was at times maybe a little stilted / (too much of a) slow burning.
Another solid entry in this saga
3.5 stars rounded to a three as I enjoyed some parts more than others.
January 10, 2020
Really do like this series. Even if it took me too long to get back into it.
September 1, 2019
This series keeps getting better and better.
After two full years of pillaging and plundering the villages of Ireland, Thorgrim Night Wolf just wants to sail back to his home in Norway, retire and farm the land, and never go a-Viking again. But fate, once again, has other ideas. He and his crew get caught up in the middle of a battle between the Danish Lord of Vik-Lo (modern day Irish town of Wicklow), Grimarr Giant, and Lorcan mac Faelain, a greedy Irishman intent on gaining power and territory. Eventually, a three-way battle for survival ensues.
These books are like a combination of the TV series, "Vikings" and Bernard Cornwell's Saxon series. Wonderful stuff.
James L. Nelson has long been a favorite author of mine, whether for his historical nautical fiction, pirate tales, or non-fiction history books. He really knows his stuff, especially when it comes to nautical matters and this book proves that yet again. This series, dubbed the Norsemen Saga, is really developing into a wonderful set of books with awesome characters and settings. There is plenty of action but also detailed worldbuilding based on actual history. This one combines shield wall style battles and longboat skirmishes with double-crossing intrigue, treasure hunting mysteries, and heartbreaking loss.
Looking forward to book four, Glendalough Fair.
After two full years of pillaging and plundering the villages of Ireland, Thorgrim Night Wolf just wants to sail back to his home in Norway, retire and farm the land, and never go a-Viking again. But fate, once again, has other ideas. He and his crew get caught up in the middle of a battle between the Danish Lord of Vik-Lo (modern day Irish town of Wicklow), Grimarr Giant, and Lorcan mac Faelain, a greedy Irishman intent on gaining power and territory. Eventually, a three-way battle for survival ensues.
These books are like a combination of the TV series, "Vikings" and Bernard Cornwell's Saxon series. Wonderful stuff.
James L. Nelson has long been a favorite author of mine, whether for his historical nautical fiction, pirate tales, or non-fiction history books. He really knows his stuff, especially when it comes to nautical matters and this book proves that yet again. This series, dubbed the Norsemen Saga, is really developing into a wonderful set of books with awesome characters and settings. There is plenty of action but also detailed worldbuilding based on actual history. This one combines shield wall style battles and longboat skirmishes with double-crossing intrigue, treasure hunting mysteries, and heartbreaking loss.
Looking forward to book four, Glendalough Fair.
February 13, 2017
Nelson has done his research, November 2, 2016
This review is from: The Lord of Vik-lo: A Novel of Viking Age Ireland (The Norsemen Saga Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
Mr. Nelson's Norsemen saga continues to entertain. Nelson has done his research and is a good writer and story teller. I noticed that this third volume did not garner as much criticism as the first two. I suppose those who didn't like the story or the writing didn't keep reading but this volume is also a more direct, less complex story. There are twists and turns, betrayals, unexpected enemies and such but I found it fairly easy to anticipate many of them. A couple of points were stretched to make this story. One is the betrayal of Grimmar. I don't see that his betrayer had any reasonable expectation of success.
SPOILER: Do not read the following if you don't want to know part of the story which is apparently supposed to be a surprise. The trouble which overtook Thorgrim and his men in Vik-Lo should not have been such a surprise. Thorgrim killed Danes raiding in Dublin and took their ship as a prize. Vik-Lo is a Danish port not far south of Dublin. The chances were good that the raiders and their ship came from Vik-Lo. The odds were also at least fair, that if they did come from Vik-Lo, that someone there might recognise the ship. Yet neither Thorgrim or any of his men gave this any thought.
Normally I would not recommend a novel with two such flaws in the plot, but the fact is that I enjoyed the book. I like Mr. Nelson's storytelling and writing ability. I also like the historical setting of the story. I plan to read volume four.
This review is from: The Lord of Vik-lo: A Novel of Viking Age Ireland (The Norsemen Saga Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
Mr. Nelson's Norsemen saga continues to entertain. Nelson has done his research and is a good writer and story teller. I noticed that this third volume did not garner as much criticism as the first two. I suppose those who didn't like the story or the writing didn't keep reading but this volume is also a more direct, less complex story. There are twists and turns, betrayals, unexpected enemies and such but I found it fairly easy to anticipate many of them. A couple of points were stretched to make this story. One is the betrayal of Grimmar. I don't see that his betrayer had any reasonable expectation of success.
SPOILER: Do not read the following if you don't want to know part of the story which is apparently supposed to be a surprise. The trouble which overtook Thorgrim and his men in Vik-Lo should not have been such a surprise. Thorgrim killed Danes raiding in Dublin and took their ship as a prize. Vik-Lo is a Danish port not far south of Dublin. The chances were good that the raiders and their ship came from Vik-Lo. The odds were also at least fair, that if they did come from Vik-Lo, that someone there might recognise the ship. Yet neither Thorgrim or any of his men gave this any thought.
Normally I would not recommend a novel with two such flaws in the plot, but the fact is that I enjoyed the book. I like Mr. Nelson's storytelling and writing ability. I also like the historical setting of the story. I plan to read volume four.
August 19, 2018
Interesting and entertaining read.
I very much enjoyed this book. Hard to put down. However unlike the previous two books in this series, it had an amazing amount of typos. Hard to think it was actually proofread. If you like this time period and culture, this series is a good read.
I very much enjoyed this book. Hard to put down. However unlike the previous two books in this series, it had an amazing amount of typos. Hard to think it was actually proofread. If you like this time period and culture, this series is a good read.
May 5, 2020
I still love the storytelling and the characters but there were a lot of editing errors in this book, and the retelling of the same events from different perspectives made the book unnecessarily long.
Read
April 3, 2020Great series. Bad editing.
May 2, 2018
The Saga Continues!
We rejoin Thorgrim Nightwolf, his son Harald, jarl Ornolf the Restless, and the Berserker Karri for another adventure on land and sea in medieval Ireland. This episode continues the riveting plot twists and continues the development of the characters seen in the first 2 books.
Like book 1, it seems an authentic portrayal of the period, including even the seamanship quirks of the Viking longships. (I have some doubts here because I have myself steered a replica longship under both sail and oars and I could not change tacks under sail alone except by wearing. However, it’s possible I didn’t have the correct sail handling techniques and neither I nor the regular crew had had much practice). This book gets even deeper into the culture of the Irish of the time and I have to accept its approach because the author clearly knows much more than I do about that. His portrayal of the Vikings is excellent (I know enough that I could check) so let’s hope he also did justice to the Irish.
Like book 2 there are signs of sloppy editing, far too many typos for the era of spellchecker and grammar check! But for someone who can write such good entertainment the reader should not be pedantic (as another famous fictional Irishman is always saying)! The meaning is always clear and it will keep you up late trying to find out who will double cross who next.
We rejoin Thorgrim Nightwolf, his son Harald, jarl Ornolf the Restless, and the Berserker Karri for another adventure on land and sea in medieval Ireland. This episode continues the riveting plot twists and continues the development of the characters seen in the first 2 books.
Like book 1, it seems an authentic portrayal of the period, including even the seamanship quirks of the Viking longships. (I have some doubts here because I have myself steered a replica longship under both sail and oars and I could not change tacks under sail alone except by wearing. However, it’s possible I didn’t have the correct sail handling techniques and neither I nor the regular crew had had much practice). This book gets even deeper into the culture of the Irish of the time and I have to accept its approach because the author clearly knows much more than I do about that. His portrayal of the Vikings is excellent (I know enough that I could check) so let’s hope he also did justice to the Irish.
Like book 2 there are signs of sloppy editing, far too many typos for the era of spellchecker and grammar check! But for someone who can write such good entertainment the reader should not be pedantic (as another famous fictional Irishman is always saying)! The meaning is always clear and it will keep you up late trying to find out who will double cross who next.
December 17, 2021
Unrealistic Events
I’m sorry to say that the author has painted several of the characters to be very weak minded, unable to handle ANY kind of planning, and with a total inability to see obvious signs of subterfuge being planned against them. In particular Harald Thorgrinsson and the other Norwegians could figure out the wily Irish or loathsome Danes.
Plus there was a lack of decent editing that left dozens and dozens of grammatical errors that bedeviled the reader by the god-awful distractions they were.
One character that wasn’t developed nearly enough was Conondil, the lovely Irish lass. She just became a silhouette of a character as Harald was doing one thing after another to get himself and the rest of the Norwegians into trouble.
I’d like to rate it higher, but I just can’t.
I’m sorry to say that the author has painted several of the characters to be very weak minded, unable to handle ANY kind of planning, and with a total inability to see obvious signs of subterfuge being planned against them. In particular Harald Thorgrinsson and the other Norwegians could figure out the wily Irish or loathsome Danes.
Plus there was a lack of decent editing that left dozens and dozens of grammatical errors that bedeviled the reader by the god-awful distractions they were.
One character that wasn’t developed nearly enough was Conondil, the lovely Irish lass. She just became a silhouette of a character as Harald was doing one thing after another to get himself and the rest of the Norwegians into trouble.
I’d like to rate it higher, but I just can’t.
January 14, 2018
I find it hard to come up with new things to say about this series. It is so consistently good, the characters are so consistently interesting, the stories are so consistently engaging, Just when you think you know what's coming you are surprised when it's something else, yo are shocked when it's not what you expected and you are eager to find our where it's going to end up.
Cheer, laugh, cry, be lifted up, be brought down, run the gamut of emotion. I've said it all before but each book in the series is packed with shovelfuls of the lot of it.
Like I said about the the last book if you like this kind of thing you will LOVE this.
Cheer, laugh, cry, be lifted up, be brought down, run the gamut of emotion. I've said it all before but each book in the series is packed with shovelfuls of the lot of it.
Like I said about the the last book if you like this kind of thing you will LOVE this.
May 16, 2018
Gets your attention and keepsnit
Adventure, intrigue, betrayal, colorful, detailed etc! After reading the trilogy, I began to know what was coming even before it was confirmed in the narrative. After awhile reading a certain author you begin to see where they are going. In the case of this author, he stretched the credulity with the times our heroes will find themselves in an impossible position only to miraculously emerge victorious! That, I imagine, is the advantage of writing fiction and doesn't take away from the reader's desire to discover where he would take you next! Good Read or I wouldn't have read all three books!
Adventure, intrigue, betrayal, colorful, detailed etc! After reading the trilogy, I began to know what was coming even before it was confirmed in the narrative. After awhile reading a certain author you begin to see where they are going. In the case of this author, he stretched the credulity with the times our heroes will find themselves in an impossible position only to miraculously emerge victorious! That, I imagine, is the advantage of writing fiction and doesn't take away from the reader's desire to discover where he would take you next! Good Read or I wouldn't have read all three books!
April 7, 2018
I always love books about the Viking era. I think this book is well researched and I love the expertise James L. Nelson shows about sailing, the Viking life and ships. To me that is the cream filling in this book, indeed in all his books. I loved Thorgrim Nightwolf the main character and his almost supernatural power. I think he is one of my favorite characters. The battle scenes are always good and have me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading more James L. Nelson and his Norse sagas.
December 28, 2019
Page turning historical fiction
Like most authentic historical fiction, these books are carefully researched and largely historically correct. I have always loved history and as a retired professor, I am quite well versed in history. This author, James L. Nelson, is impressive. He is able to combine history with compelling characters, action, romance and a healthy sprinkle of clever humor which, once I start reading, I can hardly take a break. Maybe
his books will start a new, fad diet!
Like most authentic historical fiction, these books are carefully researched and largely historically correct. I have always loved history and as a retired professor, I am quite well versed in history. This author, James L. Nelson, is impressive. He is able to combine history with compelling characters, action, romance and a healthy sprinkle of clever humor which, once I start reading, I can hardly take a break. Maybe
his books will start a new, fad diet!
July 17, 2021
After loving the first two books in this series (and reading them while in Ireland IN the locations where the stories take place!), this third installment was quite a disappointment. The fact that it took me right at a month to finish less than 300 pages really says a lot. Also, I can’t believe the number of typos and editing mistakes in this book! It was prevalent enough to be distracting. I mean, misspelled words and all. I have the rest of the books in the series waiting on my bookshelf. I sure hope they are better than this one.
May 5, 2019
Natutical , historical and plausible
Very detailed nautical sailing techniques which require goggle but that’s the fun . Historical use of Irish history and clan families but not set in stone with books characters vs real history . Finally the his main characters are mortal which bleed and are limited to their times
Very detailed nautical sailing techniques which require goggle but that’s the fun . Historical use of Irish history and clan families but not set in stone with books characters vs real history . Finally the his main characters are mortal which bleed and are limited to their times
August 11, 2023
Stellar Trilogy, soaring tale told the only way it could be.
Incredible world building, excellent pacing, bigger than life characters and villains. Gruesome battles, heroic last stands, steadfast loyalties and grave betrayals. Exceptional storytelling, I really enjoyed. Well done James Nelson, well done.
Incredible world building, excellent pacing, bigger than life characters and villains. Gruesome battles, heroic last stands, steadfast loyalties and grave betrayals. Exceptional storytelling, I really enjoyed. Well done James Nelson, well done.
September 23, 2023
I have enjoyed the previous books in the series. This book, however, was a significant step up from the first two. I would rank this among my absolute favorites within the Viking Age Fiction genre (and I've read a lot of it!)
I'm very interested to see where the series takes us next! Thanks, James!
I'm very interested to see where the series takes us next! Thanks, James!
August 17, 2019
A great adventure
The gods (or God) is/are capricious. Was Thogrimm meant to be lord of Vick lo? Maybe they wanted Ornolf to die a good death. Who knows? I enjoyed the book, learned a lot and plan to read the rest of the series.
The gods (or God) is/are capricious. Was Thogrimm meant to be lord of Vick lo? Maybe they wanted Ornolf to die a good death. Who knows? I enjoyed the book, learned a lot and plan to read the rest of the series.
January 27, 2020
Thrilling Action Packed Adventure!!!
James L. Nelson has another huge success in this continuing saga. The storyline was captivating and riveted with twists and turns throughout the entire book. It was hard to put the book down and I highly recommend it to anyone.
James L. Nelson has another huge success in this continuing saga. The storyline was captivating and riveted with twists and turns throughout the entire book. It was hard to put the book down and I highly recommend it to anyone.
July 21, 2020
If you like Vikings and / or seafaring novels, read James L. Nelson.
I am really getting into this series now. I don't know all the seafaring terminology but pick up more as I go along. The characters are real, the stories vibrant and exciting, on to book 4.
I am really getting into this series now. I don't know all the seafaring terminology but pick up more as I go along. The characters are real, the stories vibrant and exciting, on to book 4.
April 20, 2023
Excellent read
Excellent book. So many historical details and extensive research done to fill in the gaps of historical events to feel like you know the characters personally and you can virtually smell, feel, the places they inhabit/visit/attack/flee.
Excellent book. So many historical details and extensive research done to fill in the gaps of historical events to feel like you know the characters personally and you can virtually smell, feel, the places they inhabit/visit/attack/flee.
July 17, 2023
Great turns of plot and action
Likeable characters in an ongoing adventure. Villains have great backstories. Surprising and clever plot twists. Looking forward to the next installment.
Likeable characters in an ongoing adventure. Villains have great backstories. Surprising and clever plot twists. Looking forward to the next installment.
July 28, 2017
Good - as the rest
Reflects the essence of the history of Ireland and the influence of the Norsemen pretty good. Recommended to those who like popularized history.
Reflects the essence of the history of Ireland and the influence of the Norsemen pretty good. Recommended to those who like popularized history.
May 16, 2018
Great Saga!
Trying to read book 4 but having a hard time downloading. Can not wait to finish the whole Saga and start another!
Trying to read book 4 but having a hard time downloading. Can not wait to finish the whole Saga and start another!
September 14, 2018
Best book of the series
Well written and the best book in the series so far. A different perspective with three main characters. Keep up the good work!!
Well written and the best book in the series so far. A different perspective with three main characters. Keep up the good work!!
October 30, 2019
Better then book 2
January 2, 2020
Enjoyable read
This is the 3rd book in the series I have read and like the others I have enjoyed .. If you like Vikings then you will enjoy ...
This is the 3rd book in the series I have read and like the others I have enjoyed .. If you like Vikings then you will enjoy ...
August 10, 2022
Enjoyable
The third book savory enjoyable to read. Great story and characters in th saga. Will definitely read more of his books
The third book savory enjoyable to read. Great story and characters in th saga. Will definitely read more of his books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews