Jorundyr's Path

Wolf of the North #2

by Duncan M. Hamilton

Book 2 of the Wolf of the North trilogy.

Jorundyr's Path is walked only by the brave. It is survived only by the strong.

As Wulfric pursues Adalhaid's Blood Debt, he soon learns that the path to revenge is never easy, and the desires of men and the will of gods rarely meet. Aethelman seeks answers to questions long ignored. Rodulf chases power and wealth.

From the streets of Elzburg to the dry plains of Darvaros, Wulfric walks Jorundyr's Path and encounters a world larger than he could ever have dreamed of: filled with friends, enemies, and danger--the crucible from which heroes are forged.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Adventure, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2017

About the author

Hi, thanks for visiting my page. I’m Duncan, a fantasy and science fiction author from Ireland. I love to blend my passion for Medieval and Renaissance history with the freedom of fantasy environments to create fast paced heroic fantasy adventures with compelling characters and high stakes—exactly the types of stories that I love to read, so I hope you’ll like them too.

You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!



I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.



My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!

Society of the Sword



The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!

In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.

Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.

Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.

Wolf of the North



It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.

A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.

If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!

Reviews

[Terry Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm...while I enjoyed the continuation, there were way too may POV in the second book. I see the importance and how it gives the book more depth, I got hooked on the first book because of Wulfric's story. I found myself trying to get through the other character's storyline, in an effort to simply read his part. If anyone has ever read Blood Song vs Tower Lord, you'll get what I mean here.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters in this trilogy, the Wolf of the North, I enjoy Duncan Hamilton's ability to make the characters human, feeling and relatable. The story is one of many epic journeys, undertaken by different people who face overwhelming odds and challenges, while continuing to stride forward. The sheer will of focus, determination and grit is inspiring. This second book picks up right where book one ended, the transition is smooth, the writing capturing the raw intensity of the inspirational characters, and the monumental challenges faced and overcome, the losses are at times staggering, unpredictable and why I so enjoy reading. Duncan Hamilton continues to exceed my expectations, keeps me on the edge of my seat and my nerves raw, work well done, sir, well done.

[Nicholas Kotar]

DNF. Someone called it "epic fantasy ADD". That's exactly right. There are no scenes in the book. There are a bunch of prematurely cut off half-scenes, like in a soap opera. It doesn't help the pace. Plus, I don't really care what happens to the main character.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seemed to run a little slower than the first. I think it is a setting for the next book to come. Jorundyr's Path is a good read overall though. I listened to the audio book, and again, Simon Vance does a superb job. The cover for this book is really cool!

At the end of Book 1, Wulfric thinks Adalhaid is dead. He discovers a plot that was to take Adalhaid away from their town where she was supposed to have died. Wulfric declares a Blood Debt and seeks out to avenge her death. As a part of the same plot, Adalhaid is told that Wulfric is dead. So she goes on to be a governess for a widowed nobleman's children. The university is in the town where she is living and she decides that she must learn to be self sufficient and returns back to school. She is "discovered" by a young handsome doctor as having a talent for medicine. Meanwhile, Wulfric kills Rodulf's father as a part of the Blood Debt. He means to kill Rodulf as well but must escape the city before he is captured where he would be put to death. Wulfric's and Adalhaid's path crosses momentarily but neither can believe they are seeing the other. Wulfric meets up and befriends a rich elderly man who just happens to be leader of a mercenary army. Wulfric goes on his own adventure.

There are more characters beautifully created and integrated in this wonderful story. Probably the most annoying part of the story is that it bounces around to various character's POV. This is to keep the reader current where each character is as the story progresses. I don't like real long segues like in Robert Jordon's Wheel of Time books where he would go off for a couple hundred pages for one character. The short and frequent segues are also rather bothersome. What's the happy medium? I can't really say. In any case, this is not a showstopper as far this being a great story. We get to know more about Adalhaid and Wulfric and find they are special at what they do. Depending on the circumstance, this can be a good thing. In others, it means they can risk their lives.

I think for this a series I will probably re-read once all the books are completed. It is supposed to be a trilogy. I think it will best enjoyed taken as a whole. We will have to see where the author takes us. There are a lot of familiar aspects to this story making it a comfortable world which provides for the story setting. This opens the book(s) up to a great character-driven fantasy epic. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I was given an advanced reader copy by the author in return for an honest review.

Approximately 6 months ago I wrote a review of The Wolf of the North, my closing comment was that I couldn't wait for book 2 to arrive. Book 2 is here and let me be the first to tell you, block some time out of your schedule when you sit down to read it as you will not want to put it down. It picks up right where the first left off, Wulfric fleeing town seeking vengeance for Adalhaid's "death".

The maisterspaeker is continuing his tale, and we learn how he met Wulfric/Ulfyr. The story is beginning to grow towards the timeline of the maisterspaeker, we will see them come together in the next book I suspect. Some may find it slightly frustrating, but Mr. Hamilton has a few viewpoints in this volume, and jumps between them fairly frequently and with little warning. This results in a myriad of minor cliff hangers as you wait to return to that character's POV, however the book is just such an enjoyable read that I was breezing through it quickly enough that it did not bother me at all.

There is some clarification made about where it falls in relation to the Society of the Sword series, and I hope to see some more connections in the next book. Overall, this just further cements me firmly in Mr. Hamilton's fan club. He has stated that the third book is written and going through edits, which bodes well for not having to wait too much longer for the next. In my opinion, that can't come soon enough.

[Piyush Rajput · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved book 1 of the series. It was very well done. But the way book 2 has been written, left me frustrated to no end. The books switches between characters with half a page / one and a half page to character one, moving on to another page of character two and then on to the third.

With barely a thought given to one character before moving on to the next often made it difficult to move on with the book.

It is like your mind is thinking about something and then suddenly flip flops and moves along a completely different tangent. And when it happens over and over; nausea.

But it is not in me to leave a book in between no matter how hard it is to continue, I did finish it.

I hope more thought is given to developing book 3 and is made more coherent to follow.

On to the storyline, the way the audience of the story teller reacts to all the names Wulfric has earned over his years, makes one believe mighty deeds that must have been committed justifying such familiarity and awe. To me, it was a bit of a let down since Wulfric has engaged in only 1 battle and a few skirmishes (in book 2 where his real journey began).

Perhaps book 3 shall have such deeds and grand adventures that have made Wulfric so heroic and awe-inspiring to the people. I also hope that it goes beyond Rudrick since he is not portrayed to be such a mighty villain that the story should end with him. But I leave it to the better judgement of the author.

I shall still eagerly wait for book 3.

[David Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine second volume in the story, this fighting fantasy is outstandingly well written, maintaining the high standard of the first book. This one differs from the first as I recall it, in that the pov changes in fairly short bursts. However, there are only four primary pov characters, and it is easy to follow; also, the concurrent strands of the story unfolding add to the suspense and keep the pages turning.

Wulfric matures (and gets a little more cynical) as being in the graf's Company exposes him to more of the world. Adalhaid discovers a hidden gift, and Rodulf becomes ever more ambitious (and heartless). Aethelman's story offers the greatest depth in the background and setting of this world, and I found his tale fascinating. This is an outstanding and well-developed fantasy tale, and I can't wait to get stuck into volume 3, which I have already bought.

[Shannon Wolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost Great

I was really looking forward to this book dagnabbit! Unfortunately it turned into a very good stories (yeah, I know it should be story), but for cripes sake, what is with the bouncing around between characters argh! I hate that! Just as I start to get into the story, stop change gears, read a different story. This always seems to happen with authors I like, someone told them they are great, so of course they have to write a technically difficult storyline (and don't pull it off). Argh again! Some of my fellow readers may enjoy this type of book, it is well written and I enjoyed reading about all of the characters. A huge let down.

[Gina Basham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book two!

I couldn't wait to get this and I'm sorry I finished. Loved it. Now I want book three immediately! Hurry up Mr Hamilton. I can highly recommend. If you are a fantasy reader you will thoroughly enjoy. Gbash

[Enzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts right after the end of Wolf of the North. Wulfric is looking to avenge Adalhaid to fulfill the Blood Debt. But they are not the only two who are out in the world. Rudolf is in competition to see who will be named Baron and that consumes all of his attention. Finally Aethelman is on a path to completes life mission.
Let me say one thing. What I loved in the first novel the story telling is continued and now augmented with a much larger world for the characters to explore. Wulfric is a pleasure to read about. He is a main character that just is meant to be spoken about. But the biggest growth has come from Adalhaid. She really comes into her own on this book.
I really loved it.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Point of View changes galore

The first book was great, I really looked forward to this one, but the point of view changes were infuriating. Made it painful to read.

[kartik narayanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit

People want an exotic hero, someone who stands apart from them. No one wants to hear about the man from two fields over who becomes a great hero. That only makes them feel bad for not doing it themselves.

Introduction
The “Wolf of the North” trilogy is written by Duncan M. Hamilton, author of the excellent “Society of the Sword” series. The trilogy is at it’s a core a heroic fantasy – it is the story of Wulfric Wolframson who braves all odds for love and revenge.

This trilogy is basically one long story broken into three books. The Wolf of the North is a coming of age story where Wulfric becomes a warrior. Jorundyr’s Path is the story of how he matures as a warrior. The Blood Debt tells the story of his revenge. This story of Wulfric is told from multiple points of view, thought there is a nominal narrator.

Recommendation
I thoroughly enjoyed the series and would give a strong recommend to readers interested in fantasy specifically, heroic fantasy.

I am sucker for heroic fantasy. Stories which have mortal men who struggle against all odds by sheer blood and guts appeals to me like no other. Pop psychology might say it is because I have grown up on Indian mythology which typically has larger than life heroes. But that is neither here not there. What is relevant is the fact that Duncan M. Hamilton has written something brilliant here. His writing reminds me of David Gemmell’s in a lot of ways – the violence, the characters, the plot etc. Wulfric is Druss and Waylander and any of the other heroes.

Read the full review at my site Digital Amrit

[Matthew T. McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I read this type of book as much as possible...... this series is as good as any other out there. I seldom leave a review but this writer is very good, and I suspect he will only get better.

[Marcos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very pleasant and entertaining read and a good follow up to the first book.

[Jacob P · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2/5

Jorundyr’s Path picks up where The Wolf of the North left off, continuing Wulfric’s saga alongside his fiancée and the scheming antagonist Rorik/Rolo (depending on how you hear it in the audiobook). The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, shifting constantly between main and side characters, all while building toward a larger, ongoing conflict. It’s a short, fast-paced entry that feels more like a bridge between installments than a fully fleshed-out story in its own right.

Plot & Pacing
The pacing is brisk - sometimes too brisk. While that momentum can be engaging if you listen straight through, it often feels disjointed in smaller chunks. The constant POV-switching means each plot thread inches forward only slightly at a time, giving the impression of five half-developed stories rather than one cohesive narrative. I couldn’t shake the feeling that if this book had been combined with the first, it might’ve flowed more naturally.

Characters & Relationships
Here’s where the book really struggled for me: I just didn’t connect with the characters. Wulfric’s journey should’ve been central, but with so many scattered perspectives (including fleeting side characters), I never felt invested in anyone. Some POVs were mildly more interesting than others, but overall, I found myself indifferent - even forgetting big chunks of what I’d just listened to. By the end, I didn’t care enough to follow them into the next installment.

Writing Style & Tone
The prose itself is serviceable and works well enough in audiobook form, but the rapid scene and POV changes make it feel restless - what I called “ADHD Fantasy.” Instead of diving deep, it skims the surface across too many threads, leaving little emotional payoff.

World-Building & Themes
The world remains consistent with the first book, but again, nothing really deepened or expanded in a memorable way here. The themes of legacy, honor, and looming conflict are present, but they never hit with the weight they should because I wasn’t emotionally invested in the characters carrying them.

Overall Impression
This book had moments of entertainment—especially when I listened for long stretches without stopping—but it never fully grabbed me. The overuse of POV-switching diluted both plot and character development, and while it was fine as a “placeholder listen,” I finished it out of obligation more than enjoyment. Unfortunately, I don’t feel compelled to continue with the third book.

It was okay, with some positives (momentum, a few enjoyable POVs), but overall underwhelming. The lack of engagement and connection to the characters dragged it down too much for me to rate higher.

[Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second installment in Hamilton’s wolf of the north trilogy, still a pretty good read, but as already many others have mentioned, the story suffers from to many point of view characters. It is actually against the idea of a meister speaker telling the whole story. Something that is limiting the tension a bit, as we know about characters, who are going to survive the narrative.

[Camp Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was also very good. He continues it off from the last story in way that is really satisfying. Although it wasnt as good as the first one, it still is great! The only thing is that theres a lot more foul language and and suggestive material in this one. 7/10, and i would recommend

[Innes Christison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jorundyrs path is now complete…

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid second book of the trilogy, as our main characters go off on different paths. The tale is continued by our storyteller.
Our main character Wulfric is tested and a legend is born. Aethelman seeks answers, and our enemy grows in power and wealth.

[Rohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

class read on holiday gets very good as it goes on. everyone’s individual story gets interesting now unlike before i would only like to read wulfrics parts.

[Starr Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

It was a good read through and through. However,I felt that there were to many unnecessary changes in character throughout the book. I would have liked to see more of wulfric. Still looking forward to completing the series.

[Justin Healy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too many character changes

I Loved the book it just changed back and forth between characters a lot. Ready to read the next one

[Charles van Buren · Rating 4 out of 5]

 A fine adventure centered around a Norse style hero, November 27, 2017

This review is from: Jorundyr's Path: Wolf of the North Book 2 (Kindle Edition)

In this volume Wulfic's saga is joined by those of Adalhaid, Aethelman and the truly black hearted villain, Rodulf. The story is told primarily from their points of view, switching back and forth fairly quickly. There are also a few lesser characters whose points of view contribute to the story. Of course the Maisterspaeker continues to be the teller of the tale as well as having been a participant in parts of it.

Wulfric has proven to be a mighty warrior, but tragedy continues to follow him and his friends. Characters are developed and explored well enough that the reader cares about their fates. Even though tragedy dogs their footsteps, there are pointers that eventually things may work out for Wulfric and Adalhaid. The scenes of combat and intrigue are well written an exciting. I downloaded this novel via Kindle Unlimited.

[Matthew Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent follow-up!

Just as good as, or better than, the first book! Where the first book seemed a bit slow at the start and when getting to the nitty-gritty, this excellent sequel thrusts you right into the action from page one.

While I understand some of the other reviewers' complaints about the almost nauseating transition between characters and their stories, it was no more confusing than A Song of Ice and Fire, really. Not to mention, the ultimate pay-off with the convergence of different stories, in my opinion, outweighs any confusion from the jumps between POVs!

It's a very satisfying and well-written continuation to Wulfric's story, and I'm excited to see where the next (final, I believe) book takes him!

[Tomas Grizzly · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the immersion level remained where it was after reading the first book, this book also reminded me why I dislike this type of narration, recollection and finale several years later than the story told. The main problem is that at some point, it revealed too much to a point I might be tempted to call significant spoiler.
The PoV shifts were also maybe too frequent, I think it wouldn't hurt to follow some character(s) for a while instead of switching several times in a chapter, often across half the world.

Giving it 4 stars with mixed feelings and putting it into the "good, BUT..." category.

[JennIfer Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this trilogy!!!

I really love this author. He isn't as windy as some of the other fantasy authors (cough cough GRRM, cough). But he is every bit as talented. Worth double the price, definitely check out Duncan M. Hamilton!

[Matthew Kropp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 2

Really enjoyed this second book in the series and will continue on to the final book! I could see this series being a pretty good movie if given the right direction and actors!!

[Andrew Crust · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great work of art. The story takes multiple twists. The character development was wonderful. I totally enjoyed this book. I cannot wait until book #3.

[Suzanne Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the greatest trilogy of my reading history so far. I’m so glad I found this series!

[Martina Fagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid continuation of the story. Look forward to reading the next book in the series...