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The Norsemen Saga #4
Glendalough Fair
Spring has come to Ireland, where Thorgrim Night Wolf, new-made Lord of Vík-ló, and the three hundred Viking warriors under his command have suffered through a brutal winter. Despite having accomplished much during the months of cold and rain, the patience of the men has worn thin and anger and frustration threaten to tear the ships’ crews apart. But just as the men are turning on one another, a local Irish lord arrives with a proposal, a plan for Irish and Norse to join together in a raid using Ireland’s rivers to float their longships far inland. The plan, however, soon turns into a nightmare of massacre and betrayal, and Thorgrim and his band must fight both the skilled commander of the local forces as well as enemies in their own camp. It’s a fight in which victory or defeat will mean the difference between riches or death.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2015
248 people are currently reading
270 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 37 reviews
October 1, 2017
I wanted to be one of those people that rates a book before it's out. I did it mom! I did it! Plus James L. Nelson rocks. Nuff said.
Merged review:
First of all, I love Thorgrim Night Wolf. He's a Viking, he's a werewolf and he's a badass. I will never miss a Thorgrim book.
That being said, this one isn't my favorite in the series. The previous books were driven by Thorgrim's desire to return home to the Vik. In this book Thorgrim has accepted that he is stuck in Ireland and has come to enjoy his position as the lord of Vik-Lo. For me this deflated Thorgrim's depth as a character. I even found myself more interested in the new POV character, Louis' story.
Also, Thorgrim takes a big fall in this book. I love reading about a victorious Thorgrim who uses his cleverness and werewolf powers to win the day against the worst odds. I was happy however to see that the next book in the series will be a blood fued story. My favorite!
Recommended.
Merged review:
First of all, I love Thorgrim Night Wolf. He's a Viking, he's a werewolf and he's a badass. I will never miss a Thorgrim book.
That being said, this one isn't my favorite in the series. The previous books were driven by Thorgrim's desire to return home to the Vik. In this book Thorgrim has accepted that he is stuck in Ireland and has come to enjoy his position as the lord of Vik-Lo. For me this deflated Thorgrim's depth as a character. I even found myself more interested in the new POV character, Louis' story.
Also, Thorgrim takes a big fall in this book. I love reading about a victorious Thorgrim who uses his cleverness and werewolf powers to win the day against the worst odds. I was happy however to see that the next book in the series will be a blood fued story. My favorite!
Recommended.
November 9, 2019
After a brutal winter, Thorgrim Night Wolf, newly minted Lord of Vik-Lo (modern day Irish town of Wicklow), hears from a local Irish Lord of an opportunity for plunder. It would involve both Vikings and Irishmen teaming up to raid an abbey far inland and the visitors who attend the Fair at Glendalough. Thorgrim needs a way to thwart the strife that is building among various factions in his holdings so perhaps a raid would be just the thing. But the expedition soon turns bad when the Irish forces they face prove tough and the leader of the enemy shows savvy battle leadership skills.
This series is very close to becoming my favorite historical fiction series; it’s certainly in the top five. Each book is better than the last and really drives me to want to read the next one right away. That’s especially true in this case because this volume doesn’t exactly end and you’ll need volume five, Night Wolf, to find out how it resolves. The story here has all the Viking battle action you’d expect along with a complex network of characters that are equally likely to support Thorgrim as betray him. I was pleased to see his son, Harald grow as a character from merely a strong, skilled warrior into a young man that can think tactically and really impact events.
This entry in the series does change things up a bit. At one point, Thorgrim realizes that when he thinks of home, it is no longer the farm back in Norway that he has previously yearned for. Now it’s Vik-Lo where he has worked hard to restore the defenses and build a long-lasting refuge for over 300 people. It also introduces an intriguing new character in the form of Louis, a Frenchman forced into the life of a monk and then elevated to military leader. I suspect we’ll be hearing from him again, as well as several prominent rivals that have managed to get the best of Thorgrim in this novel.
I’ve read most of James L. Nelson’s works, from his numerous naval adventures, pirate novels, nonfiction, and now these Viking Age Ireland books. All wonderful stuff.
This series is very close to becoming my favorite historical fiction series; it’s certainly in the top five. Each book is better than the last and really drives me to want to read the next one right away. That’s especially true in this case because this volume doesn’t exactly end and you’ll need volume five, Night Wolf, to find out how it resolves. The story here has all the Viking battle action you’d expect along with a complex network of characters that are equally likely to support Thorgrim as betray him. I was pleased to see his son, Harald grow as a character from merely a strong, skilled warrior into a young man that can think tactically and really impact events.
This entry in the series does change things up a bit. At one point, Thorgrim realizes that when he thinks of home, it is no longer the farm back in Norway that he has previously yearned for. Now it’s Vik-Lo where he has worked hard to restore the defenses and build a long-lasting refuge for over 300 people. It also introduces an intriguing new character in the form of Louis, a Frenchman forced into the life of a monk and then elevated to military leader. I suspect we’ll be hearing from him again, as well as several prominent rivals that have managed to get the best of Thorgrim in this novel.
I’ve read most of James L. Nelson’s works, from his numerous naval adventures, pirate novels, nonfiction, and now these Viking Age Ireland books. All wonderful stuff.
February 14, 2020
Good
This the 4th book I read in the series and it was really good.I find myself rooting for the Norseman, even though I’m Irish. The characters are really interesting as is the story line.
This the 4th book I read in the series and it was really good.I find myself rooting for the Norseman, even though I’m Irish. The characters are really interesting as is the story line.
February 13, 2017
I have been reading and enjoying this series for several months now. This is well researched, well written, better than average historical fiction. Action, adventure, romance and a sugar coated history lesson. Just what I like. This 4th novel in the series also introduces a new, well developed, likeable protagonist, a Frankish prince in exile. What this volume does not do is give us a complete story. When I finished volume three, I wanted to read the sequel. When I finished this volume four, I needed to read volume five to find out what happened. Five stars for the writing, the history and the story telling. Three stars for an incomplete, cliff hanger ending.
February 13, 2017
I have been reading and enjoying this series for several months now. This is well researched, well written, better than average historical fiction. Action, adventure, romance and a sugar coated history lesson. Just what I like. This 4th novel in the series also introduces a new, well developed, likeable protagonist, a Frankish prince in exile. What this volume does not do is give us a complete story. When I finished volume three, I wanted to read the sequel. When I finished this volume four, I needed to read volume five to find out what happened. Five stars for the writing, the history and the story telling. Three stars for an incomplete, cliff hanger ending.
February 13, 2017
I have been reading and enjoying this series for several months now. This is well researched, well written, better than average historical fiction. Action, adventure, romance and a sugar coated history lesson. Just what I like. This 4th novel in the series also introduces a new, well developed, likeable protagonist, a Frankish prince in exile. What this volume does not do is give us a complete story. When I finished volume three, I wanted to read the sequel. When I finished this volume four, I needed to read volume five to find out what happened. Five stars for the writing, the history and the story telling. Three stars for an incomplete, cliff hanger ending.
May 4, 2018
The Saga Continues
But I don’t think this book (#4?) Is quite as good as the others.
It has the plot twists and action all right, but our hero, Thorgrim Nightwolf, seems to have made too many bad decisions compared to his obvious leadership ability. The raid on Glendalough depends on cooperation with a mixed force, and Thorgrim has many indications that’s not happening yet fails to cut his losses.
I was also unimpressed with the subplot featuring the Frankish nobleman Louis. He was sent to Ireland without warning. Why can he speak Gaelic? Don’t all the clergy know Latin in this period? Shouldn’t a nobleman have learned it too? Gaelic is in a different language group from Old French and Latin, so it isn’t probable he would develop a facility with it quickly.
Finally, the ending seemed contrived. Why didn’t Kjartan’s brother burn Thorgrim’s ship once he realized it couldn’t be promptly refloated? Far too many questions to occur to a reader of this kind of fast moving tale.
So only 4 stars, but still good entertainment!
But I don’t think this book (#4?) Is quite as good as the others.
It has the plot twists and action all right, but our hero, Thorgrim Nightwolf, seems to have made too many bad decisions compared to his obvious leadership ability. The raid on Glendalough depends on cooperation with a mixed force, and Thorgrim has many indications that’s not happening yet fails to cut his losses.
I was also unimpressed with the subplot featuring the Frankish nobleman Louis. He was sent to Ireland without warning. Why can he speak Gaelic? Don’t all the clergy know Latin in this period? Shouldn’t a nobleman have learned it too? Gaelic is in a different language group from Old French and Latin, so it isn’t probable he would develop a facility with it quickly.
Finally, the ending seemed contrived. Why didn’t Kjartan’s brother burn Thorgrim’s ship once he realized it couldn’t be promptly refloated? Far too many questions to occur to a reader of this kind of fast moving tale.
So only 4 stars, but still good entertainment!
December 31, 2018
SPOILERS: Always loving the next book in James Nelson’s Viking series. This one is a bit different than the first three in the series because it isn’t a stand-alone book- you'll need to pick up the fifth book in the series to know how this adventure turns out. I really enjoyed this one and am excited to start the next one and see how things shape up for Thorgrim Nightwolf and our newest character introduced in this book- Louis de Roumis.
In all the books, Throgrim is weary and growing older and ready to stop with raids and get back to Norway and his farm. In this one, he is equally ready to be done with the raids, it seems to be changing in his views of heading home. He is now Lord of Vik-lo and seems content with staying in Ireland and ruling over Vik-lo, that is if he can make it back in time to still keep it.
In this book, Throgrim regretfully joins up with Keven mac Breandan to raid Glendalough during a faire, but is not up for the task once he learns he’s teamed up with another Viking, Ottar, who is a brutal and unjust killer. Everything about this raid seems to be going wrong and even though Throgrim sees this, he still does not shy away, leading to more and more dismay for him and his men.
.
Hopefully, in the next book Throgrim can turn everything around, but at the end of this one, he is looking like a pretty foolish leader.
In all the books, Throgrim is weary and growing older and ready to stop with raids and get back to Norway and his farm. In this one, he is equally ready to be done with the raids, it seems to be changing in his views of heading home. He is now Lord of Vik-lo and seems content with staying in Ireland and ruling over Vik-lo, that is if he can make it back in time to still keep it.
In this book, Throgrim regretfully joins up with Keven mac Breandan to raid Glendalough during a faire, but is not up for the task once he learns he’s teamed up with another Viking, Ottar, who is a brutal and unjust killer. Everything about this raid seems to be going wrong and even though Throgrim sees this, he still does not shy away, leading to more and more dismay for him and his men.
.
Hopefully, in the next book Throgrim can turn everything around, but at the end of this one, he is looking like a pretty foolish leader.
December 24, 2021
Much Good, Much Bad
First, I’ll say the book did move along better than some of the earlier volumes of the Saga.
There was more action and just enough intrigue that carried the reader through the slow, monotonous periods of self reflection, immature doubts (as opposed to mature doubts;), and not even much dialogue that didn’t repeat itself over and over.
However, the biggest failure here is in the decisions and inability of the Norse leadership to smell out how the obvious falseness of events, plans and declamations of the ignoble was deleterious to his men. If Thorgrim had an ounce of sense and and caution, he’d have not gotten a couple hundred of his troops slaughtered. Even the lady warrior made better decisions than war leader Thorgrim. Not once, but many times the chuckle-head had a chance to act on strong hunches and a modicum of common sense, but noooo, not him. Brave and brash, but stupido.
First, I’ll say the book did move along better than some of the earlier volumes of the Saga.
There was more action and just enough intrigue that carried the reader through the slow, monotonous periods of self reflection, immature doubts (as opposed to mature doubts;), and not even much dialogue that didn’t repeat itself over and over.
However, the biggest failure here is in the decisions and inability of the Norse leadership to smell out how the obvious falseness of events, plans and declamations of the ignoble was deleterious to his men. If Thorgrim had an ounce of sense and and caution, he’d have not gotten a couple hundred of his troops slaughtered. Even the lady warrior made better decisions than war leader Thorgrim. Not once, but many times the chuckle-head had a chance to act on strong hunches and a modicum of common sense, but noooo, not him. Brave and brash, but stupido.
July 28, 2023
The clash of shield walls, treachery, loyalty, surprises--Glenalough Fair is fast, furious, and always entertaining. Nelson's The Norsemen Saga #4 delivers a story of large but real and finely drawn characters (Northmen, Irish, and a Frank) with their flaws (some with defects, not flaws), fears, and strengths. The evolving relationships between the characters deepens the story.
The story focuses on a raid of the Glendalough Fair. Thorgrim's, the Lord of Vic-Lo, decision to join forces with an Irish ally sets the stage for an excellent story.
This is the fourth in The Norsemen Saga. It reflects the continued top-notch writing skill of James L. Nelson. The Saga is excellent. I first read Nelson's trilogy The Brethren of the Coast which drew me to his Norsemen Saga. Nelson does not disappoint; he is one of my favorite historical fiction writers. I place him in the same tier as Bernard Cornwell.
Book five in the Saga will clearly be one of my next summer reads.
The story focuses on a raid of the Glendalough Fair. Thorgrim's, the Lord of Vic-Lo, decision to join forces with an Irish ally sets the stage for an excellent story.
This is the fourth in The Norsemen Saga. It reflects the continued top-notch writing skill of James L. Nelson. The Saga is excellent. I first read Nelson's trilogy The Brethren of the Coast which drew me to his Norsemen Saga. Nelson does not disappoint; he is one of my favorite historical fiction writers. I place him in the same tier as Bernard Cornwell.
Book five in the Saga will clearly be one of my next summer reads.
August 17, 2025
I am enjoying this ongoing saga of Vikings in Ireland for the engaging storytelling. The time period and setting are fascinating and I really like the central characters. There is authentic detail in the author's research. I'm reading it on Kindle just before I go to sleep. Stimulating enough to read a chapter and then put it down. Just completed the fourth book and started the next in the series, Night Wolf.
January 15, 2022
This was by far my favorite of the books I have read in the series so far. The introduction of the new characters on the Irish side was awesome and I love the development of those characters. If you haven’t read the first three it would behoove you to do so. This series just keeps getting better and better with each book!
July 28, 2017
The last - open ende
The last in the series and very good (as the rest), especially for those who wonder avout the history of Ireland but do not have the patience to read dry history. The catch it does not really end the saga.
The last in the series and very good (as the rest), especially for those who wonder avout the history of Ireland but do not have the patience to read dry history. The catch it does not really end the saga.
April 9, 2018
Cliffhanger after cliffhanger. Action action action. Battles, betrayals, twists and turns. Running, fighting and running and fighting, victory and defeat snatched away and returned all the way to the end. This is a non-stop ride.
May 20, 2018
Unexpected continuation of what I had thought was a trilogy
An interesting continuation of the Thornton story. A good read along the lines of the previous three books! Will look for the continuation!
An interesting continuation of the Thornton story. A good read along the lines of the previous three books! Will look for the continuation!
August 23, 2018
Another entertaining read in the Norsemen Saga Series.
This writer keeps you turning pages. Very interesting time period. I enjoy the cast of characters. Very believable stories. Enjoy!
This writer keeps you turning pages. Very interesting time period. I enjoy the cast of characters. Very believable stories. Enjoy!
January 29, 2020
Absolutely Fantastic! !!
I love this series of books and ready for the next book! James L. Nelson is a wizard coming up with this storyline. It's exciting and it's not a fairy tale ending. I love the characters and their heart. I am hopefull that Thorgrim gets his vengeance!
I love this series of books and ready for the next book! James L. Nelson is a wizard coming up with this storyline. It's exciting and it's not a fairy tale ending. I love the characters and their heart. I am hopefull that Thorgrim gets his vengeance!
June 16, 2017
Good read.
I enjoyed the book very much. The Irish still do more harm to each other than from any one else.
I enjoyed the book very much. The Irish still do more harm to each other than from any one else.
August 17, 2017
It was excellent just the like the rest in the series. Reading book number five now. Excellent historical fiction with plenty of action.
June 16, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. I am now left hanging until I can get the next book to see what comes into lives of my favorite fin gall.
January 23, 2020
Great series.
Read
October 10, 2020Good continuation
Treachery is no stranger Thorgrim Night Wolf, will he ever learn ? Potential for battle and riches lead him to ally with yet another treacherous group...or is two?
Treachery is no stranger Thorgrim Night Wolf, will he ever learn ? Potential for battle and riches lead him to ally with yet another treacherous group...or is two?
March 30, 2021
Great fun. They just get better and better.
June 20, 2021
Vikings in Ireland
Great story with well developed storyline. Liked the pace and the characters. Absolutely with a read! Especially if you like a historical context.
Great story with well developed storyline. Liked the pace and the characters. Absolutely with a read! Especially if you like a historical context.
April 28, 2023
Another James Nelson classic
Another James Nelson classic.
From the first page, almost impossible to put this book down.
Well researched and masterful storytelling.
Another James Nelson classic.
From the first page, almost impossible to put this book down.
Well researched and masterful storytelling.
January 13, 2024
Excellent read. Love the Night Wolf series. Open ending was disappointing
April 20, 2024
Good read.
June 21, 2016
The last vestiges of winter blanket Vík-lo at the opening of the fourth book in the Norsemen Saga. Thorgrim Nightwolf is lord, and soon he and his men will launch their new longships. But some of his cooped-up men spoil for action. Chief amongst them is Kjartan Thorolfson, who stages a fight with the intention of killing Thorgrim. The timely arrival of Kevin mac Lugaed interrupts Kjartan’s plans, but Thorgrim intends to deal with the traitor just as soon as the Irishman leaves.
The uneasy alliance Kevin has forged with Thorgrim allows the two peoples to coexist, but Kevin wants to be rid of all Norsemen. In doing so, he will gain more land and greater power. To initiate his plan, he proposes that Thorgrim and his men join with the Irish to raid Glendalough Fair, an annual gathering of merchants and villagers near a monastery. Both offer rich, tempting targets that are ill-defended.
Louis de Roumois chafes at being a novitiate in the monastery. He’s a soldier, who spent the past four years fighting the Danes, but his popularity with his men made his elder brother wary and jealous. Although Louis had no desire to rule Frankia, his brother exiled him to Glendalough to take holy vows. Instead, he spends more time bedding the wife of Colman mac Breanclan, the wealthiest man in town. Colman knows of the dalliance, and when a priest tasks Louis with leading the Irish in defending the village and monastery against the Norsemen, but under the nominal command of Colman, problems ensue. Further complicating Louis’s life is the fact that someone wants him dead.
Thorgrim doesn’t trust the Irish, but he agrees to Kevin’s proposal. On the morrow when they are to depart, Thorgrim discovers Kjartan and his men have taken one longship and disappeared during the night. He intends to have his day of reckoning with Kjartan, but it must wait until after the raid. On the way to where they are to meet Kevin and his men, they come across a burning village where everyone has been slain. The killing seems senseless and doesn’t set well with Thorgrim because the villagers had nothing to steal. Then Kjartan reappears and he is afraid. He claims not to know who slaughtered the Irish, but Thorgrim knows he’s lying. He learns why when they reach Kevin’s camp and discovers the Irishman has also allied with another group of Norsemen. They are led by Ottar Bloodax, who likes killing. It soon becomes evident that Ottar is untrustworthy and Kevin can’t control him. When the men of Glendalough launch a surprise attack on the encampment, Thorgrim begins to rue ever getting involved with Kevin’s scheme, but it’s too late to turn back.
Glendalough Fair is a novel of deception, betrayal, and honor. The various storylines are intricately woven, and while how they will intersect isn’t initially obvious, they come together seamlessly to realistically depict life in Ireland during the Viking Era. While the water scenes are minimal, the raid is portrayed with ingenuity that shows how much Thorgrim’s son has matured during the course of this series. Readers will gloss over the occasional misspellings or missing words, because this riveting and gritty tale is told so vividly it unfolds in the mind’s eye like a movie playing on the big screen. Fans of Thorgrim and his men will relish this latest saga and eagerly await their fifth adventure.
The uneasy alliance Kevin has forged with Thorgrim allows the two peoples to coexist, but Kevin wants to be rid of all Norsemen. In doing so, he will gain more land and greater power. To initiate his plan, he proposes that Thorgrim and his men join with the Irish to raid Glendalough Fair, an annual gathering of merchants and villagers near a monastery. Both offer rich, tempting targets that are ill-defended.
Louis de Roumois chafes at being a novitiate in the monastery. He’s a soldier, who spent the past four years fighting the Danes, but his popularity with his men made his elder brother wary and jealous. Although Louis had no desire to rule Frankia, his brother exiled him to Glendalough to take holy vows. Instead, he spends more time bedding the wife of Colman mac Breanclan, the wealthiest man in town. Colman knows of the dalliance, and when a priest tasks Louis with leading the Irish in defending the village and monastery against the Norsemen, but under the nominal command of Colman, problems ensue. Further complicating Louis’s life is the fact that someone wants him dead.
Thorgrim doesn’t trust the Irish, but he agrees to Kevin’s proposal. On the morrow when they are to depart, Thorgrim discovers Kjartan and his men have taken one longship and disappeared during the night. He intends to have his day of reckoning with Kjartan, but it must wait until after the raid. On the way to where they are to meet Kevin and his men, they come across a burning village where everyone has been slain. The killing seems senseless and doesn’t set well with Thorgrim because the villagers had nothing to steal. Then Kjartan reappears and he is afraid. He claims not to know who slaughtered the Irish, but Thorgrim knows he’s lying. He learns why when they reach Kevin’s camp and discovers the Irishman has also allied with another group of Norsemen. They are led by Ottar Bloodax, who likes killing. It soon becomes evident that Ottar is untrustworthy and Kevin can’t control him. When the men of Glendalough launch a surprise attack on the encampment, Thorgrim begins to rue ever getting involved with Kevin’s scheme, but it’s too late to turn back.
Glendalough Fair is a novel of deception, betrayal, and honor. The various storylines are intricately woven, and while how they will intersect isn’t initially obvious, they come together seamlessly to realistically depict life in Ireland during the Viking Era. While the water scenes are minimal, the raid is portrayed with ingenuity that shows how much Thorgrim’s son has matured during the course of this series. Readers will gloss over the occasional misspellings or missing words, because this riveting and gritty tale is told so vividly it unfolds in the mind’s eye like a movie playing on the big screen. Fans of Thorgrim and his men will relish this latest saga and eagerly await their fifth adventure.
February 6, 2017
Good sequel
The book was fun and the action was good. My complaint would be too many stories. It made it hard to keep track. Also too many typos and grammatical errors.
The book was fun and the action was good. My complaint would be too many stories. It made it hard to keep track. Also too many typos and grammatical errors.
May 6, 2016
A breathtaking adventure
Mr. Nelson writes a marvelous adventure. This is book four and I strongly recommend reading from the beginning, but this book is by far my favorite in the continuing saga of Thorgrim Nightwolf and his fellow Vikings. I am anxiously awaiting book five. Mr. Nelson writes with an excitement that makes it almost impossible to put the book down. Please hurry!!!!
Mr. Nelson writes a marvelous adventure. This is book four and I strongly recommend reading from the beginning, but this book is by far my favorite in the continuing saga of Thorgrim Nightwolf and his fellow Vikings. I am anxiously awaiting book five. Mr. Nelson writes with an excitement that makes it almost impossible to put the book down. Please hurry!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews