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The Norsemen Saga #5
Night Wolf
With their ill-fated raid on the monastary at Glendalough torn apart by betrayal and defeat, Thorgrim Night Wolf and his handful of survivors from the crew of Sea Hammer find themselves in desperate and tenuous straights. Stranded far from the safety of Vík-ló, surrounded by enemies, and with barely enough men to work the longship’s oars, the Norsemen must make their way back through a dangerous and uncertain country. Thorgrim, however, is not interested in mere survival. His one thought, his one desire, is to take revenge on those whose treachery led to the slaughter of so many of his men. Assembling an ad hoc army of unlikely allies, Thorgrim leads his warriors to a final showdown that can end only in his enemies’ death or his own.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2016
About the author
James L. Nelson
46 books377 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 35 reviews
July 1, 2016
Oh, Thorgrim. You'll never make it back to Norway.
This latest installment of the tale of ol' Thorgrim Night Wolf has left me with some mixed feelings. I struggled through the first two thirds of this book but the ending was so exceptional that it may have all been with it.
We find Thorgrim with what's left of his men after the disaster at Glendalough and he's only got one thing on his mind: DOUBLE REVENGE. Sounds good, right? Maybe.
The chapters that included Thorgrim and the Irish warriors who opposed him were great. There was one POV that wasn't so great. Aghen is a shipwright left in Vik-lo and through him we experience one of Thorgrim's enemies take over his turf. Though this was necessary to the plot and ending, these chapters were rough. I started to skim those chapters pretty quickly and that heightened my reading experience.
On the bright side, Starri Deathless is back in all his berserker glory. And a story about a Viking werewolf? Please, how could I not RECOMMENDED it?
RECOMMENDED.
This latest installment of the tale of ol' Thorgrim Night Wolf has left me with some mixed feelings. I struggled through the first two thirds of this book but the ending was so exceptional that it may have all been with it.
We find Thorgrim with what's left of his men after the disaster at Glendalough and he's only got one thing on his mind: DOUBLE REVENGE. Sounds good, right? Maybe.
The chapters that included Thorgrim and the Irish warriors who opposed him were great. There was one POV that wasn't so great. Aghen is a shipwright left in Vik-lo and through him we experience one of Thorgrim's enemies take over his turf. Though this was necessary to the plot and ending, these chapters were rough. I started to skim those chapters pretty quickly and that heightened my reading experience.
On the bright side, Starri Deathless is back in all his berserker glory. And a story about a Viking werewolf? Please, how could I not RECOMMENDED it?
RECOMMENDED.
May 13, 2020
Another good entry in this series featuring the Vikings, led by Thorgrim Night Wolf, and their adventures in what is now Ireland. The previous volume, Glendalough Fair, ended in a cliffhanger, with Thorgrim and his followers all but destroyed by an array of forces against them. Now it is time to pull off some sort of miracle, build an army of some sort, reverse his fortunes, and try to re-take the village of Vik-Lo.
Lots of good viking-style tactics are on display here but this time around, rumors of Thorgrim's mystical Night Wolf persona make an impact and the Vikings are able to take full advantage of the myth that has grown and spread among the Irish. The novel's ending is as powerful as it is fun to read.
As always, with a James L. Nelson book, I am greatly looking forward to the next in the series.
Lots of good viking-style tactics are on display here but this time around, rumors of Thorgrim's mystical Night Wolf persona make an impact and the Vikings are able to take full advantage of the myth that has grown and spread among the Irish. The novel's ending is as powerful as it is fun to read.
As always, with a James L. Nelson book, I am greatly looking forward to the next in the series.
July 26, 2016
Great story and book. Hated for the book to end. Can't wait for the next one. Kudos to Mr. Nelson.
January 16, 2018
I have read and reviewed all the books in this series so far. I have run out of hyperbole. I can only say this, if you ike this kind of thing you will love this. Read this book or start at the beginning, the purchase price is cheap for hours of entertainment in the movie of your mind. You will not regret it.
December 27, 2021
Basic, good read
I’d give it a five star except for:
- terrible editing that makes the book difficult to read, having to read a word that doesn’t fit in the sentence, then decide what word the author meant to use before the auto edit software kicks in. I’m assuming the author has a good handle on the English language and didn’t make the mistake due to poor grammar knowledge.
- Thorgrim is not a good protagonist. That character shows an incredible lack of foresight when the problem is as clear as the spilled food on your white shirt. He’s supposed to have this wolfy persona that is so fake this reader gets the urge to skip ahead so it doesn’t look so juvenile.
- And how can a spoiled brat who ends up as a novice monk get one month of weapons training and then is able to take down those with years of experience? Even the Mighty Norse Chieftain Thorgrim (outthinks him in planning an ambush)? I know this is fiction but you have to be a bit realistic.
I’d give it a five star except for:
- terrible editing that makes the book difficult to read, having to read a word that doesn’t fit in the sentence, then decide what word the author meant to use before the auto edit software kicks in. I’m assuming the author has a good handle on the English language and didn’t make the mistake due to poor grammar knowledge.
- Thorgrim is not a good protagonist. That character shows an incredible lack of foresight when the problem is as clear as the spilled food on your white shirt. He’s supposed to have this wolfy persona that is so fake this reader gets the urge to skip ahead so it doesn’t look so juvenile.
- And how can a spoiled brat who ends up as a novice monk get one month of weapons training and then is able to take down those with years of experience? Even the Mighty Norse Chieftain Thorgrim (outthinks him in planning an ambush)? I know this is fiction but you have to be a bit realistic.
May 14, 2018
Thorgrim Continues his Irish Adventure
This continues the story of Thorgrim and his band of survivors of Vik-Lo after the disastrous raid on Glendalough (?) Fair. And while this episode takes place mostly on land it continues the tradition of the previous books: nonstop action, intrigue, and new characters — Irish outlaws this time — joining Thorgrim’s decimated crew. Thorgrim has revenge on his mind for his betrayal by Irish warrior Kevin and Viking rival . The book’s climax is a holmgang— a duel that seemed a bit more stylized than I expected judging from what I’d read in the sagas. But, it is a perfect opportunity for vengeance to take its bloody course.
Thorgrim still has problems to solve before he can sail for Norway, but that’s for subsequent books in the series.
This continues the story of Thorgrim and his band of survivors of Vik-Lo after the disastrous raid on Glendalough (?) Fair. And while this episode takes place mostly on land it continues the tradition of the previous books: nonstop action, intrigue, and new characters — Irish outlaws this time — joining Thorgrim’s decimated crew. Thorgrim has revenge on his mind for his betrayal by Irish warrior Kevin and Viking rival . The book’s climax is a holmgang— a duel that seemed a bit more stylized than I expected judging from what I’d read in the sagas. But, it is a perfect opportunity for vengeance to take its bloody course.
Thorgrim still has problems to solve before he can sail for Norway, but that’s for subsequent books in the series.
September 26, 2017
I'm conflicted about this one.
On one hand, Nelson's stories are getting formulaic - the Irish can't be trusted! the other Vikings are psychotic! - and his characters are whipsaws - Louis is glad for this chance to escape, oh wait, I mean he hates the heathens! - but at the same time it's an adventure story, not "Moby-Dick." At least now we have an Irishman who is something other than a conniving backstabber and a female character that didn't throw herself at Thorgrim or Harald the moment she saw them. I'm giving it four because while it's a formulaic adventure story, it's a well-executed, competent formulaic adventure story.
On one hand, Nelson's stories are getting formulaic - the Irish can't be trusted! the other Vikings are psychotic! - and his characters are whipsaws - Louis is glad for this chance to escape, oh wait, I mean he hates the heathens! - but at the same time it's an adventure story, not "Moby-Dick." At least now we have an Irishman who is something other than a conniving backstabber and a female character that didn't throw herself at Thorgrim or Harald the moment she saw them. I'm giving it four because while it's a formulaic adventure story, it's a well-executed, competent formulaic adventure story.
August 8, 2023
In the last saga Thorgrim Night Wolf was left in dire straights after a series treacherous acts. He vowed revenge. This is the story of his revenge. Typical of all of Mr. Nelson's books, the pace is fast, the characters are well drawn without becoming caricatures, the violence gripped by the heat of battle abounds, and several streams of the plot come together with some twists.
I enjoyed the book. In a few places the meeting of characters was opportune to the story but felt a little contrived but necessary to drive the story forward. There are enough unannounced questions to keep the reader wanting to follow the story further
I enjoyed the book. In a few places the meeting of characters was opportune to the story but felt a little contrived but necessary to drive the story forward. There are enough unannounced questions to keep the reader wanting to follow the story further
February 10, 2019
Great characters and battle
I really enjoyed this book. Thorgrim is a sympathetic character,the others are well drawn and interesting, scenes are brilliantly detailed.
Only gripe is the editing... One does not "sew discord", but sows discord. A damn does not break but a dam does. Then there's the "its/it's problem. I hate to be the grammar police but there you have it. Looking forward to the next adventure.
I really enjoyed this book. Thorgrim is a sympathetic character,the others are well drawn and interesting, scenes are brilliantly detailed.
Only gripe is the editing... One does not "sew discord", but sows discord. A damn does not break but a dam does. Then there's the "its/it's problem. I hate to be the grammar police but there you have it. Looking forward to the next adventure.
March 15, 2017
Hope to hear more of Harold and Night Wolf
Loved this series and the complexity that ruled Ireland. The characters are well developed and I found myself routing for people on each side! The ease with which people met death at this time is so well portrayed. Oh and I love Starri. What a great character!
Loved this series and the complexity that ruled Ireland. The characters are well developed and I found myself routing for people on each side! The ease with which people met death at this time is so well portrayed. Oh and I love Starri. What a great character!
October 22, 2019
The best Viking series
James L. Nelson transports us to Viking age Ireland, where we experience battle and adventure through characters who become our brothers in arms. I can't put these books down!
James L. Nelson transports us to Viking age Ireland, where we experience battle and adventure through characters who become our brothers in arms. I can't put these books down!
December 13, 2019
Good battle scenes
The usual intrigues, blunt Viking courage, honor and battle craziness but this seem to lack the authenticity of other viking era adventures iv read. Still, a fun read
The usual intrigues, blunt Viking courage, honor and battle craziness but this seem to lack the authenticity of other viking era adventures iv read. Still, a fun read
January 2, 2020
Great Series!
Nelson is a fine and talented writer. His stories are engaging and the characters interesting and memorable: you root for and admire the good guys and despise the bad ones while looking forward to their just deserts.
Nelson is a fine and talented writer. His stories are engaging and the characters interesting and memorable: you root for and admire the good guys and despise the bad ones while looking forward to their just deserts.
August 1, 2020
Vikings, Ireland and Adventure
As always, James L Nelson delivers adventure in a historical context. The characters are believable and the descriptions informative. Bravo, now on to the next book.
As always, James L Nelson delivers adventure in a historical context. The characters are believable and the descriptions informative. Bravo, now on to the next book.
July 14, 2018
I think that this one has been my favorite of this series so far. Excellent ending.
October 24, 2019
Getting better yet. I gave the previous books 4 stars.
November 2, 2019
Best book of the series
February 10, 2020
Fantastic adventures and characters!
December 4, 2020
Another great str
I' m Irish, but I love the the stories of Thorgrim, the night wolf. This was as good as all the other four I've read.
I' m Irish, but I love the the stories of Thorgrim, the night wolf. This was as good as all the other four I've read.
April 7, 2021
A great rap-roaring Viking yarn. Enormous fun.
Don’t read any reviews and especially don’t read the back of the book.
Just start reading and enjoy!
Don’t read any reviews and especially don’t read the back of the book.
Just start reading and enjoy!
June 26, 2021
Fighting, Vikings and Irish men of arms
Fast read with lots of action. Best read after reading book 4. But just fine as a stand alone read.
Fast read with lots of action. Best read after reading book 4. But just fine as a stand alone read.
April 20, 2024
- Really well done.
Read
October 25, 2025Fast paced
I've enjoyed following the series especially since it's not the typical coming of age story. Night Wolf is already a mature man and a leader of many
I've enjoyed following the series especially since it's not the typical coming of age story. Night Wolf is already a mature man and a leader of many
October 31, 2020
Good read
More toils and travails of our Norse hero, Thor-grim, fighting his was across the Irish countryside, beset by trickery and madmen.
More toils and travails of our Norse hero, Thor-grim, fighting his was across the Irish countryside, beset by trickery and madmen.
September 27, 2019
Correct Irish history
I also would say besides knowledge of middle age Ireland the author knows his sailing!!!! I appreciate his descriptive emotions of his characters
I also would say besides knowledge of middle age Ireland the author knows his sailing!!!! I appreciate his descriptive emotions of his characters
October 10, 2016
Two hundred men dead. One betrayer. One deserter. A lone longship. Guilt gnaws at Thorgrim Night Wolf, for leading his men into the bloody slaughter, and honor demands satisfaction. But revenge must wait until the ten remaining survivors of the battle at Glendalough have repaired themselves and Sea Hammer. The sheltered sandbar is a good spot to do both, even though it is far from a secure place to stay with Irish men-at-arms still hunting them. And what should be done with their two prisoners– the Frank named Louis de Roumois and an Irish woman named Failend – who asked to go with them? Why do they flee their own kind? And what’s in the small chest they hide?
Rage, confusion, and fear swirl within Lochlánn mac Ainmire. The man he most admired and trusted, Louis de Roumois, has abandoned him. Plus Louis murdered one of their soldiers, possibly killed another man, and has run away with the second man’s wife. Justice demands satisfaction, and Lochlánn is determined to see Louis doesn’t escape. If he encounters more Northmen, so much the better, so with twenty men-at-arms, he hunts them all.
After twenty-five, ragtag Irishmen step from the woods near Thorgrim, he knows his men are outnumbered and in no condition to fight again. Two men step forward – one a giant with more brawn than brains, and the other a shorter, red-haired man who whispers to his companion as if giving him advice. With only one way to win this confrontation, Thorgrim challenges the giant to a duel. Hardened by many battles and more intelligent than his opponent, he toys with the Irishman before slaying him.
Without consulting the remaining Irishmen, Cónán assumes command and prepares to depart because he’s savvy enough to abide by the rules of the challenge. But Thorgrim offers him a tempting proposition. If the Irish stay and help Thorgrim sack the monastery at Glendalough, Thorgrim will provide them with weapons and armor, as well as a share of the plunder. He might not trust these Irish bandits, but he needs them.
When Aghen Ormsson of Vik-ló first spots the returning longships, he senses no trouble. But Thorgrim isn’t with the Northmen who alight. Ottar Bloodax claims the former lord of Vik-ló is dead and declares himself the new ruler of the Viking longphort. He trusts only a handful of his men and rules by terrorizing those under him. The more Aghen learns, the more he believes Thorgrim isn’t dead and that belief is strengthened when a lone wolf appears inside the walls one night. Knowing Ottar is a superstitious man, Aghen acts on that fear. One by one Ottar’s elite corps is killed and the evidence points to the lone wolf – the shape changer Thorgrim who stalks at night.
Night Wolf, the fifth book in The Norsemen Saga, is an intricately woven tale of betrayal and revenge. Violence remains a key element of this story and the time period, yet Thorgrim, Cónán, and Aghen rely more on ingenuity and knowledge than their fighting expertise in the encounters with their enemies. This adds depth to the characters and shatters the stereotypical portrayals of Norse and Irish alike. Readers who haven’t read the previous volume, Glendalough Fair, won’t have any trouble following what happens in the aftermath of that disaster, but reading that title first may enrich the experience of Night Wolf. Like the tales of old told by an Irish seanachaidh or a Norse skald, Night Wolf lures readers into its web and holds them spellbound until the story ends.
Rage, confusion, and fear swirl within Lochlánn mac Ainmire. The man he most admired and trusted, Louis de Roumois, has abandoned him. Plus Louis murdered one of their soldiers, possibly killed another man, and has run away with the second man’s wife. Justice demands satisfaction, and Lochlánn is determined to see Louis doesn’t escape. If he encounters more Northmen, so much the better, so with twenty men-at-arms, he hunts them all.
After twenty-five, ragtag Irishmen step from the woods near Thorgrim, he knows his men are outnumbered and in no condition to fight again. Two men step forward – one a giant with more brawn than brains, and the other a shorter, red-haired man who whispers to his companion as if giving him advice. With only one way to win this confrontation, Thorgrim challenges the giant to a duel. Hardened by many battles and more intelligent than his opponent, he toys with the Irishman before slaying him.
Without consulting the remaining Irishmen, Cónán assumes command and prepares to depart because he’s savvy enough to abide by the rules of the challenge. But Thorgrim offers him a tempting proposition. If the Irish stay and help Thorgrim sack the monastery at Glendalough, Thorgrim will provide them with weapons and armor, as well as a share of the plunder. He might not trust these Irish bandits, but he needs them.
When Aghen Ormsson of Vik-ló first spots the returning longships, he senses no trouble. But Thorgrim isn’t with the Northmen who alight. Ottar Bloodax claims the former lord of Vik-ló is dead and declares himself the new ruler of the Viking longphort. He trusts only a handful of his men and rules by terrorizing those under him. The more Aghen learns, the more he believes Thorgrim isn’t dead and that belief is strengthened when a lone wolf appears inside the walls one night. Knowing Ottar is a superstitious man, Aghen acts on that fear. One by one Ottar’s elite corps is killed and the evidence points to the lone wolf – the shape changer Thorgrim who stalks at night.
Night Wolf, the fifth book in The Norsemen Saga, is an intricately woven tale of betrayal and revenge. Violence remains a key element of this story and the time period, yet Thorgrim, Cónán, and Aghen rely more on ingenuity and knowledge than their fighting expertise in the encounters with their enemies. This adds depth to the characters and shatters the stereotypical portrayals of Norse and Irish alike. Readers who haven’t read the previous volume, Glendalough Fair, won’t have any trouble following what happens in the aftermath of that disaster, but reading that title first may enrich the experience of Night Wolf. Like the tales of old told by an Irish seanachaidh or a Norse skald, Night Wolf lures readers into its web and holds them spellbound until the story ends.
February 4, 2017
Fascinating look into the past
This series of books offer you a glimpse into Vikings & their culture arriving in Ireland. The vast distance between the wealth of the Christian monasteries & the brutish life of common Irish people is unimaginable. These riches drew the Vikings repeatedly to Ireland with wide spread, casual violence & rape resulting. Obviously thoroughly researched & well written..
This series of books offer you a glimpse into Vikings & their culture arriving in Ireland. The vast distance between the wealth of the Christian monasteries & the brutish life of common Irish people is unimaginable. These riches drew the Vikings repeatedly to Ireland with wide spread, casual violence & rape resulting. Obviously thoroughly researched & well written..
September 19, 2016
I'm getting very fond of these characters. At the end of the first in this series I really didn't think I'd still be enjoying the saga another 4 books down the track and I'm looking forward to the next installment. I particularly enjoy the series because I have spent a little time here and had the very best Guinness ever in Wicklow town (Vik'lo) where this tale is partially set.
July 9, 2016
Another Good Book by Nelson
James Nelson's maritime fiction is great and now his Viking series has become one of the best available. He created great characters, a good plot, and exciting action. I think he has been historically accurate also.
James Nelson's maritime fiction is great and now his Viking series has become one of the best available. He created great characters, a good plot, and exciting action. I think he has been historically accurate also.
October 11, 2016
This was well done
Excellent story. Well written , great characters and development. It was cool to see all the sides of the story meet up for the final conflict. I recommend reading the whole series, I've enjoyed every book so far and can't wait for the next
Excellent story. Well written , great characters and development. It was cool to see all the sides of the story meet up for the final conflict. I recommend reading the whole series, I've enjoyed every book so far and can't wait for the next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews