Rise of the Northmen

by Mark Henry, Saranna DeWylde, Annice Sands

Fathoms by Mark Henry

In Fathoms, a widow on a quest to uncover the truth about her husband's mysterious death makes a darkly erotic deal for a promise of eternal happiness...but at what price?

Savage Want by Annice Sands

Caught between two worlds, Elena is torn on what she expects her future to hold, until fate and consequence reveals all.

Wildflower in Snøw by Paul Goat Allen

A subtle fusion of erotic romance, mythic fantasy, and apocalyptic fiction, Wildflower in Snøw chronicles a chieftain’s wife’s intimate journey of sexual and spiritual self-discovery as her settlement struggles to survive in a brutal and foreign land.

Mark of the Raven by Alyssa Breck

Kára and Gram’s dreams are shattered when Kára is taken by the gods to serve her true calling as a Valkyrie and Gram is left behind. After Kára learns that Gram has been marked for death by the raven, she wagers a deal with the gods that could reunite the two lovers or doom them both forever.

The Wolf Who Swallowed the Sun by Saranna DeWylde

Aphrodite Jackson’s job is to keep the bad things in cages, but when something from a nightmare rises from the dark—a single bite wakes the beast in her and will unleash the apocalypse unless one man can put aside his love for her to stop it.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2015

About the author

MARK HENRY traded a career as a counselor to scar minds with his fiction. In stories clogged with sentient zombies, impotent sex demons, transsexual werewolves and ghostly goth girls, he irreverently processes traumatic issues brought on by premature exposure to horror movies, an unwholesome fetish for polyester and/or witnessing adult cocktail parties in the swingin' 70s. A developmental history further muddied by surviving earthquakes, typhoons, and two volcanic eruptions. He somehow continues to live and breathe in the oft maligned, yet not nearly as soggy as you’d think, Pacific Northwest, with his wife and four furry monsters that think they’re children and have a complete disregard for carpet.

Reviews

[Synde Korman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many awesome writers. Mark Henry's Fathoms starts the collection off with a twist that is going to have your mouth hanging open. Truly awesome.
Annice Sands, a newcomer on the erotica scene, gives us a story of desire and paranormal love. Steamy and sweet.
Paul Goat Allen's story is a mix of erotica and horror and not for the faint of heart. Saranna DeWylde's and Alyssa Breck's stories finish up the trilogy with a bang in true erotica fashion. Neither of these authors disappoints. Hot Vikings and hot sex! Five stars.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great collection of stories by an stellar group of authors. Each story has some connection to the Northmen and they do not disappoint.

Mark Henry's Fathoms story was wickedly dark and delicious. I enjoyed the strong female lead in erotic tale by Paul Goal Allen. Savage Want by Annice Sands was a paranormal tale rich with romance. Alyssa Breck's Mark of the Raven was a fantastic tale with Valkyrie and the Norse gods. Kara and Gram's story was one of my favorites in this collection. I loved her strength and determination to fight for her love.

This is a great read!

[Anti-social Butterfly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conflict of Interest Statement: I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Off the bat, you should know Rise of the Northmen is an omnibus of supernatural Viking erotica. If you made it past that sentence, great! Let me break things down for you.

The book is a collection of five novelettes (longer than a short story but shorter than a novella). Like most collections, each author has their own writing style and take on the theme. As such, if you are good with the theme, you will probably find a story that you like in here. My opinions are obviously biased towards my own preferences, but I will try to make it clear where it is preference versus criticism.

The first story is Fathoms by Mark Henry. This is the tale of a widow who is trying to track down the truth behind her true love’s death. The story alternates between flashbacks and the “present.” The erotic aspects of the story are more strongly tied into the supernatural elements, which is reasonably unique and interesting. For me, this read more like a horror story with erotic elements than a romance per se, which isn’t really my cup of tea. However, if you like that style, this story is well written and interesting.

The second story is Savage Want by Annice Sands. This is the tale of a soon to be wed woman captured by Northmen Raiders. The story is entertaining, and the supernatural element is interwoven seamlessly into the plot. This story is more of a riff on the traditional romance novel trope with respect to both plot points and the sex-to-plot ratio. The main characters have a lot of chemistry, which made this a fun read. It is also better aligned to my personal preferences, which enhanced my enjoyment.

The third story is Wildflower in Snow by Paul Goat Allen. The author excerpt leading into this one describes it as “a subtle fusion of erotic romance, mythic fantasy, and apocalyptic fiction.” I will admit that I sighed and rolled my eyes at the apocalyptic part. I am not a big fan of apocalyptic; I find it depressing. Coming in from that mind set, I was delighted by this story. The story is the tale of a chieftain’s wife living in a failing Viking settlement in North America and her mysterious lover. Despite the dire straits in the story, the characters are so rich and well developed that you can’t help but get drawn in to the story. The fact that the story could overcome my aversion to the apocalyptic description is a testament to the writing quality.

The fourth story is Mark of the Raven by Alyssa Breck. Fair warning, this one was my favorite. This is the story of a maiden who is deeply in love with a boy from her village, but before they get together, she is claimed as a Valkyrie by Valhalla. The love story is both endearing and hot. The story dips in to familiar aspects of Norse mythology, while turning them on their head just enough to make them interesting. This combines into a thoroughly enjoyable story.

The final story is The Wolf Who Swallowed the Sun by Saranna DeWylde. This is the story of a “present day” corrections officer who gets pulled into the events of Ragnorak. It is readily apparent that story is a snapshot of a larger, richer tale with extensive world building. I think if I had that context, I would have enjoyed the story. The characters were intriguing, and the dialogue was snappy. However, I did not have that context, and the missing information became an impediment. I frequently backtracked several pages trying to figure out what was going on and failed. Feeling like I am missing important information tends to make a me a grumpy reader; however, another reader may be able to enjoy the story without the context.

Overall, this omnibus was a fun read, and I recommend it for anyone who thinks they might enjoy supernatural Viking erotica.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer- I have not read the entire anthology.
Who ever said men can’t write romance never read a story by PGA. His short story in the Rise of the Northmen anthology, Wildflower in the Snow, is romantic, evocative and sometimes playful and an entertaining story in an economy of words. His hostile environment is the perfect backdrop for his tale of forbidden love and his stars are outlandishly believable. If you want more from this Renaissance man pick up the anthology Christmas Nookies where you can read his great short story, Old Fashioned with a Twist. See my review on goodreads -https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

In the far north a once thriving Viking community is slowly dying, her residents are succumbing to various mysterious afflictions and deadly unknown diseases leaving empty decaying buildings where once commerce and everyday life used to flourish. Her once mighty chieftain has gone from leader to marauder and murderer leaving the remaining inhabitants without direction and guidance. But there are two who may have found a way out if they can keep their love a secret until they make their escape.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this anthology up because it had so many authors to try and one I had read before. Each book worked for me. And I can't wait to read more of all of them.

[Debbie Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very captivating and enjoyable anthology...not to mention, super sexy!

I truly enjoyed this entire anthology! Each Author brings a unique flare to their stories, but the story that pushed me to give a 5 star is Wildflower in Snow, by Paul Goat Allen. Instead of giving a detailed review on all the stories, I decided to simply give one of this particular story. He writes in such a descriptive way that you can't help but feel as if you are in the story. This is a true love story, with a few graphic love scenes that are both sexual and sensual, and graphic (not disgusting) violent scenes that make you jolt your head back a bit, but then quickly continue reading! Mr. Allen does a fabulous job of allowing the reader to get to know the characters and their motivations, especially for such a short story! This is not my typical reading choice but I am very happy that I was introduced to it and highly recommend this anthology to everybody that enjoys a great read, even if it's not their typical genre pick! I will eagerly await the next release from Paul Goat Allen, as well as the other excellent "new to me" Authors that comprised this exciting and fun to read anthology!

[Mothermayhem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Saranna DeWylde's Ride of the Sarkyrie series and got this compilation just to read another of her Norse inspired stories. I loved her story "The Wolf Who Swallowed the Sun". She has her mythology down and her writing is tight. When I finished it, I was left wanting more. Paul Goat Allen's "Wildflower in the Snow" was also a great read that again, left me wanting more. His story was interesting and the character's were very compelling. I definitely appreciated the strength of character of his female lead, and would be interested to read more of his material to see how he represents women. I've given the compilation 4 stars based on the excellence of the stories mentioned above, but I have mixed feelings about the three remaining stories.

[Melissa Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I requested this book for review from one of the authors.

Fighting and sex. What a combination! Both are moments of heightened emotions. Vikings are the perfect essence to use for this. They are strong in the emotion they portray. And there are so many legends and myths that could be used in their magical world.

Fathom by Mark Henry:
2.5/5
It's Jerrik's funeral. Solveig is heartbroken that her husband died in battle. But Solveig doesn't believe her brothers story of Jerrik's death. Somethings off, and her brother's a terrible liar. She decides the truth is on the boat that will fill with the clan warriors and head out to fight for Jerrik's revenge. She sneaks on and stows away to learn the truth. The truth is far more than what Solveig is ready for. And she accepts it.

Solveig's determination never sways. She has a deep love for her husband and will do anything for it and to find the truth of what happened to him. We see her with her husband before he left to battle. There is a deep connection there and with others present in the story.

The story felt a bit rough around the edges for me though. I didn't feel like I was into the story. I thought it was because of the erotic essence here, but it's one of the stories I didn't feel the flow through it in this collection.

Salvage Want by Annice Sands:
4.5/5
Elena's father has arranged for her to marry again. She'll be well taken care of and living in the luxury she deserves with the young man. The morning of her wedding, the town is raided by the savages that have been attacking through the land. Elena is taken by the leader of the clan because of her beauty. Wulf holds her in his tent, but seems better mannered than the man she was betrothed to.

I absolutely loved this story. Wulf is an amazing character. Elena too! The growth she makes here with her views is wonderful. The story flows and feels true to the characters. The writing is of a style I enjoy and could get lost in. It had a rhythm that kept me going with the story.

Oh I loved the surprise we come across at the end. Nice fantasy feel to the story.

Wildflower in Snow by Paul Goat Allen:
4.5/5
Heima is dwindling in number of residents from the attacks by Cree and disease. Gyda, the chieftains wife, is not in a loving relationship with her husband. But Gyda is in one with Soren. The village is doomed with the constant attacks back and forth between Cree and Heima, and the cleric knows it's coming. He's seen it.

This is a full story. It feels longer than the others but we get so much here. There's a world created, Gyda's life is lived, along with learning of Soren's answers to his life as well. I love that Gyda's body is not what many would call perfect. She's scarred from life of a warrior along with having children. And she's loved for it. She's proud of her body and all she's lived through. There is a magical and mysterious feel to Soren. When Gyda is with Soren, he seems to take her to another world. There is a reason for this, and we learn it through Soren and who he is. The cleric, Visman, has a great view on how the fighters are raised now. I really liked the implication and what is being said as it's a truth.

I couldn't stop reading the story of Gyda and Soren. Their fight to survive and love. Oh! I was even starting to tear up at the events. Then! Surprise! Paul wrote this to catch your heart, and that he does.

Mark of the Raven by Alyssa Breck:
4/5
Kara waits for her love of her youth to arrive at their meeting point. Instead, a tall, beautiful man approaches her saying it's her time to "come home". Kara has no choice and is taken. She now has a purpose and duty, which she can soon retire from. But her desire for the loved one she was taken from will set her on a new path.

The beginning of this story had me curious. Stories of Valkyries and warriors, then the manner of which Kara was taken. I wanted more!

Kara is a determined woman. But she holds her honor and duty close to her and does as she's to do, never giving up on the love she once felt and would love to have back. Kara is to escort the worth warriors to the secret halls, and there comes a time she returns to her home village to do just that. She goes to see Gram, her love. She's still in love with him and he's never moved on. The sign, the raven, is there and he will fall in battle soon, so Kara has to make a choice on what to do. They do get their time together and it's beautiful.

I enjoyed the story of the way of a Valkyrie and the blend with love. I fell for Alyssa's writing style with the characters and felt their connection.

The Wolf Who Swallowed the Sun by Saranna DeWylde:
3.5/5
Aphrodite "Jack" Jackson doesn't fall for all the lines men give. She's heard all and then some with being a prison guard for sex offenders. But today is a first when a werewolf attacks. She is saved by a beautiful man arrives to help her after a severe bite on her arm. Finn carries her off to safety, away from the attacking wolves. Soon Finn realizes who Jack is and has a job to do. Jack starts to fall for the man who saves her, even after he tells her what he's to do.

This story has a current time setting. It feels more urban fantasy than of the viking legends, but there is a legend that this story plays off of.

Jack is a strong woman who doesn't fall for the woos of men. Yet she does find herself attracted to Finn. The connection between the two is deeper than she knows yet it's all so new as well.

The story was good and I may have enjoyed it more but the story feels like it's not complete to me. I felt like the story didn't have a solid ending, that I should have more to bring me to a feeling of completion. But didn't get it. I feel as if we get a piece to a bigger world and series.

[Leila Mota · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is advertised as a "erotic anthology", but I found that it focus more the Viking's lore than the erotic. Although there are hot scenes, they are not as important or intriguing as the myth. There are five stories by five different authors, all of them showing some relation to the Norse mythology, and some are better than others. It took me some time to get to the book, maybe because this universe is inherently violent. The interesting stories took me to the end, even though the last one seemed unfinished or maybe is a 'to be continued'. I don't like stories that end in a cliffhanger unless I'm expecting it, and even so, I'd rather read independent stories. I'm too impatient.

[Saltydawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hear a lot of talk about how men can't write erotica, and I have just one response to that. Shut your mouth and pick up any of Mark Henry's many offerings. Like his other works, this novella delivers superb imagery and character development with a twist of the bizarre.
This was the first PGA story I've read, and I enjoyed it as well. It wasn't what I was expecting, which is something I find very refreshing.
Overall this was a solid anthology all the way around, but I definitely felt the men carried it.

[Luanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I spent the time to enjoy each story. Each story had a different view of the Northmen. I do need to read again.