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The Ragnarok Era #3

The Shores of Vanaheim

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The final steps are the longest

A timeless paradise greets Odin upon arrival to the islands of the gods. Vanaheim is the ultimate respite after the frozen wastes of Midgard. There he meets Freyja, a woman with whom he’d gladly pass eternity. The Fates prove fickle, however, for Freyja is the daughter of the very god-king he has come to depose.

Still hunted by the Children of Mist and their dire allies, Odin’s people await his order to attack Vanaheim. Their king must decide which campaign to wage: to win the hand of Freyja and turn his back on destiny, or to fulfill his mission and destroy Freyja’s very world.

The Shores of Vanaheim continues where The Mists of Niflheim leaves off. Fans of glorious quests and tragic mythology should not miss the third book in this Norse epic.

Buy your copy of The Shores of Vanaheim today!

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2017

48 people are currently reading
172 people want to read

About the author

Matt Larkin

99 books174 followers
Along with his wife and daughter, Matt lives as a digital nomad, traveling the world while researching for his novels. He reads approximately a bazillion books a year, loves video games, and relaxes by binge watching Netflix with his wife.

Matt writes retellings of mythology as dark, gritty fantasy. His passions of myths, philosophy, and history inform his series. He strives to combine gut-wrenching action with thought-provoking ideas and culturally resonant stories.

As a child, Matt read The Lord of the Rings with his parents. This sparked a lifelong obsession with fantasy and started him on a path of discovering the roots of fantasy through mythology. In exploration of these ideas, the Eschaton Cycle was born—a universe of dark fantasy where all myths and legends play out.

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for R.K. King.
Author 3 books104 followers
July 12, 2024
Another worthy entry in this series.
This third book really delves deeper for Odin as a character. What drives him. The lengths he'll go to achieve his goals, all while the foundations of Ragnarok begin to whisper their approach.
The only criticism I'd give is the use of Sigyn's character with the swan cloak. It's a neat idea, but there was far too much back and forth with that element in the story. I wish it'd been used more sparingly.
Fenrir is a force to be reckoned with, and I look forward to future use of him in regards to Ragnarok.
Some revelations as to who/what Loki is, and am curious where it's going to go with him. Loki is indeed the trickster, after all.
A great series so far!
Join the RK King readers' list for an exclusive FREE short story, plus inside info, musings, promos and more: RK King Writes
541 reviews3 followers
May 12, 2018
Not the end

According to the author, this was the third book of a trilogy. However, since The High Seat of Asgard is available, I'm not sure if that is the end or the start of the next generation story.

No matter what , these books are brilliant reads. The author incorporates myth and history and his characters seem very real. They struggle to do what they think is best, to fight against the dark and the cold and make their world a better place. Sometimes they win, but it's not always a sure thing and it's never easy.

I couldn't recommend these books any higher. If you're a fan of Norse mythology, read them now. If not, you may find yourself one after reading.

Enjoy
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
May 18, 2018
JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!!!
The more of Matts work I read the more impressed I am with his style. He makes his characters appealing with just enough flaws it brings them into sharp focus. The scenes vividly detailed and descriptive that its easy to sink into so deep that everything else ceases to exist. There's all the excitement with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. You have enough heart pounding, earth shattering moments you find yourself releasing a breath you never realised you were holding. Great job Matt. Thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Profile Image for Schvenn.
307 reviews
November 18, 2024
This book is a fine conclusion to the trilogy covering Odin's life as the main character in Norse mythology. In the next, his son is no doubt set to take center stage, but the epic battles between good an evil here build and twist in interesting and somewhat unexpected fashion until they reach a dramatic end.
Profile Image for sharon bales.
117 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2022
and so it continues

Loving this series the characters, the plot is so riveting it’s hard to put down. Now Odin and his people have finally took Vanaheim will he stop Ragnorak I guess I have to keep reading to find out!
Profile Image for Adam Carman.
383 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2021
Great book!

Odin fulfills his destiny...and unleashes Ragnarok. The battle between the old gods and the new gods leads to a new age for mankind.
Profile Image for Zina.
535 reviews21 followers
June 13, 2023
Mostly fun.
Odin goes through hell and back and emerges the Father of Gods that he is. Destroys Vanaheim.
Profile Image for Gergő Érdi-Krausz.
101 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2024
Another strong book to follow up the Mists of Niflheim. Lots of character development, especially for Odin
490 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2025
this was A very enjoyable book I'm learning a lot about Norse mythology having gone to Norway a few times as made me interested in it
Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
August 12, 2017
This is the third book in the Ragnarok Era series. This book can be read as a standalone but it makes more sense if you read the previous books. It does have a soft cliffhanger ending setting the storyline for the next book in the series. There is a lot of violence and may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

If you didn't read the first two books it might take you a few chapters to figure out the characters and the author's writing style. There are many layers within this storyline and at times it's hard to keep track. This is a different version of Norse mythology than you are used to.

I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to leave a review for other readers.
Profile Image for LisaMarie .
469 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2017
Matt Larkin has weaved a magnificent tale with wonderful world building and character development.

Lovers of Norse mythology and those of speculative fiction alike will enjoy this epic tale. A tale of Gods and mere mortals, mythological creatures, of mighty battles won ... and lost.
The quest of Odin and his people for the godly lands of Vanheim continues in this third book of the Ragnarok Era series.

Is life a never-ending cycle? Are we doomed to repeat our mistakes or do we learn from them... and at what price?
Odin will seek these answers and many more....



Profile Image for Dale Russell.
441 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2017
The world of Midgard is slowly being choked to death in the grip of the Fimbulwinter. The mists of Hel's domain cover the world bringing with it a curse of demons who will possess and corrupt the bodies and souls of those lost within its shadowy grip. Only one place is safe from the ravages of the mists. Vanaheim. - home of the god-like Vanir. Vanaheim - where it is spring all forever. Odin must deliver his people to the safety of those isles while facing other clans; the Niflunger - Wizards of the Mist; the first among the Werecreatures; and finally the Vanir themselves.

All the tragedy.. all the pain and tears...! It's all been leading up to this, the final book in THE RAGNAROK ERA trilogy. If you are a mythology fan...and specifically a NORSE mythology fan, you are going to find yourself drawn into this story...wrapped up so tightly that you won't be able to put the book down as you ride the ups and downs of this truly magical story. The action and adventure that were so much a part of the lead-ins finds its way to the finale as the final confrontation that Odin and his Aesir clans have been heading for against the god-like Vanir.

Matt Larkin has built on the excitement of the first two books in this series ... books that were amazing in their own rights yet, the Author has gone back and reworked and expanded the first two pieces of the trilogy.

The is the first in a proposed set of three trilogies set in the 9 realms...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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