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Viking Chronicles #1
Wolves of War
Killers of kings, destroyers of kingdoms. A fast-moving story of the great Viking army. If you like Giles Kristian, Matthew Harffy and S.J.A. Turney, you’ll love this epic story of battle, treachery and conquest.Leif Ormson is a Skald, a story-teller, renowned for his witty tales. His brother, Sigurd is a black-smith, making knives, scythes, horse-shoes and magnificent weapons of war. One day, Ivar the Boneless, son of Ragnar Lothbrok, commands the brothers to make him a great sword. And he demands that they accompany his army to England. Leif and Sigurd are thrown into a maelstrom of war and violence. The great Viking army blazes across England, murdering, plundering, killing kings and setting up puppet-rulers in their place. Until now the Vikings had come only to raid and plunder. Now they have come to conquer. Leif and Sigurd face an agonising choice. Do they seek to return to their familiar lives in Denmark? Or do they stay in England and embrace this uncertain new world of war, wealth and glory? From the author of Land of Blood and Water, The Lost King Chronicles and Wings of Fire.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2018
176 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Martin Lake
42 books148 followersHello, I'm Martin Lake. I've been writing fiction since the age of eleven when our inventive English teacher Mr Johnson asked us to imagine that we were a Guy on a Guy Fawkes bonfire. I discovered the thrill of words and character.
My favourite authors when I was young were historical novelists like Rosemary Sutcliff and Henry Treece and a galaxy of science fiction writers. Later on I discovered the Flashman novels by George McDonald Fraser which I still consider the best of historical fiction.
I studied English Literature and History at UEA.
I have written all my life and had my first success with another story about 5th November, 'The Guy Fawkes Contest.' This was broadcast on radio and I spent more than my fee on celebrating my success.
Then one morning; revelation. I love writing and I love history. I decided to combine the two and wrote a novel about the Elizabethan spy network. There was some interest in this from publishers but not enough and it languishes still in a drawer.
I had a bad accident and could no longer drive nor turn over a paper-back book without dropping it and having to ask my wife to pick it up. My wife bought me an e-reader and shortly afterwards I discovered that I could self-publish my novels.
That was it. My life-long ambition was about to take off.
I have a series of novels set in the years following the Norman Invasion of England: The Flame of Resistance, Triumph and Catastrophe, Blood of Ironside and In Search of Glory.
I have also written four novels about the Viking Invasions of England: Wolves of War, To the Death, Land of Blood and Water and Blood Enemy.
Outcasts is about the fall of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Third Crusade.
ALove Most Dangerous and the sequel Very Like a Queen tell the tale of Alice Petherton, a mistress of King Henry VIII.
I have four World War Two novels: Cry of the Heart and Ties of the Heart and Brave, Bold Spirit and The Turn of the Tide.
You can find my blog at martinlakewriting.wordpress.com
Twitter @martinlake14.
Email: martinlake14@gmail.com
My favourite authors when I was young were historical novelists like Rosemary Sutcliff and Henry Treece and a galaxy of science fiction writers. Later on I discovered the Flashman novels by George McDonald Fraser which I still consider the best of historical fiction.
I studied English Literature and History at UEA.
I have written all my life and had my first success with another story about 5th November, 'The Guy Fawkes Contest.' This was broadcast on radio and I spent more than my fee on celebrating my success.
Then one morning; revelation. I love writing and I love history. I decided to combine the two and wrote a novel about the Elizabethan spy network. There was some interest in this from publishers but not enough and it languishes still in a drawer.
I had a bad accident and could no longer drive nor turn over a paper-back book without dropping it and having to ask my wife to pick it up. My wife bought me an e-reader and shortly afterwards I discovered that I could self-publish my novels.
That was it. My life-long ambition was about to take off.
I have a series of novels set in the years following the Norman Invasion of England: The Flame of Resistance, Triumph and Catastrophe, Blood of Ironside and In Search of Glory.
I have also written four novels about the Viking Invasions of England: Wolves of War, To the Death, Land of Blood and Water and Blood Enemy.
Outcasts is about the fall of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Third Crusade.
ALove Most Dangerous and the sequel Very Like a Queen tell the tale of Alice Petherton, a mistress of King Henry VIII.
I have four World War Two novels: Cry of the Heart and Ties of the Heart and Brave, Bold Spirit and The Turn of the Tide.
You can find my blog at martinlakewriting.wordpress.com
Twitter @martinlake14.
Email: martinlake14@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 14, 2020
Protagonist Leif Ormson, and his brother, Sigurd, are captured by the Vikings. Leif becomes skald (the equivalent of a bard) to Viking chieftain Ivar the Boneless. He and his brother are assimilated into the Viking throng and participate in the invasion of Angle Land (England). As would be expected in a novel about Vikings, they wreak havoc wherever they go – killing, raping, and pillaging with abandon. This book mixes fictional characters with real people. For example, Ivar the Boneless, son of Danish king Ragnar Lothbrok, was a real leader of Vikings in the 9th century. The English rulers were also actual people of history.
The story is fast-paced and filled with adventures on land and sea. Leif is an atypical Viking – he is not a natural fighter and prefers negotiation to battle. He falls in love with the woman given to him as a slave. Descriptions of their family life serve to offset some of the violence of the battles. Though rape is often mentioned, those scenes are not described in detail. I would not call the ending a cliffhanger, but it is definitely set up to be the first book in a series, so do not expect closure. It will appeal to those that enjoy books with lots of action and can handle the many gruesome scenes.
The story is fast-paced and filled with adventures on land and sea. Leif is an atypical Viking – he is not a natural fighter and prefers negotiation to battle. He falls in love with the woman given to him as a slave. Descriptions of their family life serve to offset some of the violence of the battles. Though rape is often mentioned, those scenes are not described in detail. I would not call the ending a cliffhanger, but it is definitely set up to be the first book in a series, so do not expect closure. It will appeal to those that enjoy books with lots of action and can handle the many gruesome scenes.
May 16, 2021
Go Team Ivarr (mycel here)!!
May 22, 2018
In Wolves of War, Mr. Lake has once again given us a tale of an intriguing time in Britain's history. The Danes, under the leadership of Ivar the Boneless have come to Britain's shores; this time it's not a raid and run endeavor, this time they've come to stay. The story revolves around the quick witted brother of a renowned blacksmith; not your typical Viking warrior, and his unexpected rise in Ivar's retinue of advisers. Buoyed by a host of wonderful characters, both fictional (Leif,Thorvald, Aebbe) and historical (Ivar, Guthrum, the Kings of Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, and East Anglia), the reader is taken on an emotionally charged voyage as Leif embarks on an unexpected journey; one that will see him find love, and happiness, as well as a full slate of unwanted, dangerous troubles. One of the historical aspects I really enjoyed is the appearance of a younger Alfred, before he became 'The Great'. The author has written about him in prior books, but this time it provides insight to his character; his piety, his lustful nature, his politically sagacious mind. All in all an enjoyable, entertaining read of a pivotal era in Britain's long history. 4 stars
May 3, 2018
This is a great book with a tight, riveting story that charges relentlessly from beginning to end.
I like a book that gets into it straight away and this author knows it is important to gain momentum without delay.
This is great historical fiction with interesting narrative and clearly defined characters. I really enjoyed reading it and I hope there's going to be more.
I love a good series and this author has proven he can crank out a consistently good story over a number of books.
It’s got some ugly violence and scenes of horror but you can’t tell a story about Ragnar's sons without some of that. Rest assured there is much more to the overall book than that.
If you like this kind of story you will love this book. I recommend it.
I like a book that gets into it straight away and this author knows it is important to gain momentum without delay.
This is great historical fiction with interesting narrative and clearly defined characters. I really enjoyed reading it and I hope there's going to be more.
I love a good series and this author has proven he can crank out a consistently good story over a number of books.
It’s got some ugly violence and scenes of horror but you can’t tell a story about Ragnar's sons without some of that. Rest assured there is much more to the overall book than that.
If you like this kind of story you will love this book. I recommend it.
August 15, 2019
Lightweight but enjoyable.
This is a fast paced read with plenty of action.
Leif is very childish in his thoughts and reactions making the book not very dark even when dealing with very brutal events.
The events themselves are interesting, it has inspired me to do some reading on the history behind it. The military tactics seem too simple but that is often the case in history.
The characters never really feel genuine, Lief in particular seems to modern in his way of thinking, and that stops the book from being really good but it is a fun read.
This is a fast paced read with plenty of action.
Leif is very childish in his thoughts and reactions making the book not very dark even when dealing with very brutal events.
The events themselves are interesting, it has inspired me to do some reading on the history behind it. The military tactics seem too simple but that is often the case in history.
The characters never really feel genuine, Lief in particular seems to modern in his way of thinking, and that stops the book from being really good but it is a fun read.
May 18, 2018
Excellent read as always from Martin Lake
Like all the other books from this author the storyline is so good that it keeps the reader captured not wanting to put the book down until finished. Looking forward to reading the next chapter in this story.
If you haven't read any of Martin Lakes other books I recommend that you do.
Like all the other books from this author the storyline is so good that it keeps the reader captured not wanting to put the book down until finished. Looking forward to reading the next chapter in this story.
If you haven't read any of Martin Lakes other books I recommend that you do.
February 21, 2019
Great read
Despite a large group of characters, he does a nice job of developing his key characters. There is a great deal of action. It is a tad gruesome. The story is well thought out. It was good that the author did not over do his heroes. Their actions fit the story. Most of all. Was a well good story that moved quickly. If there is a sequel i will buy it.
Despite a large group of characters, he does a nice job of developing his key characters. There is a great deal of action. It is a tad gruesome. The story is well thought out. It was good that the author did not over do his heroes. Their actions fit the story. Most of all. Was a well good story that moved quickly. If there is a sequel i will buy it.
August 10, 2018
Loved this!
Martin Lake does not disappoint. I didn’t want to put this book down. I enjoyed all of the characters, fictional and real. Thank you for another great read. I hope you’ll write another book about Lied and his adventures!
Martin Lake does not disappoint. I didn’t want to put this book down. I enjoyed all of the characters, fictional and real. Thank you for another great read. I hope you’ll write another book about Lied and his adventures!
March 9, 2022
In Wolves of War we have an engaging protagonist, Leif Ormson, who was carried away—along with his blacksmith brother Sigurd—by Ivar the Boneless and his brothers Ulf and Halfdan (sons of Ragnar Lothbrok). Because of his quick wit, Leif was made Ivar’s skald. This was a mixed blessing, for he was neither slave nor free, valued by the leader of this Viking brood and hated by others. His skills saved his skin but made him a high-profile captive. As it turned out, he discovered he had a knack for making up stories, getting people to believe his tales, and even negotiating for Ivar, which made him even more valuable. Maybe this life wasn’t so bad after all:
Ivar clapped his hands with pleasure and thumped Leif on the shoulder.
‘You did well, Leif.’ He pulled a thick gold ring from off his arm and handed it to Leif. ‘This may prove the first of many. You have earned it. And I name you Spokesman to the sons of Ragnar. This shall be proclaimed amongst the men.’
Leif grinned with delight. He saw ahead of him a path as glittering as Bifrost, the rainbow bridge which led to the Gods.
As usual, the Vikings were looking to conquer and plunder. They found Northumbria fairly easy prey, but the ultimate prize, the Kingdom of Wessex, was beyond their grasp… at least for this book. But there was still East Anglia and Mercia to keep them busy. By then, Leif had hit his stride and was doing pretty well for himself. Of course, no good story would be complete without a vicious arch-enemy, and the nasty Eohric fit the bill, doing his best to ruin Leif without destroying himself in the process. Martin Lake gives us a lively story with just the right amount of violence, humor, and even romance to spice things up. I found it to be an enjoyable read, and I even forgot I was on the treadmill a couple of times!
Ivar clapped his hands with pleasure and thumped Leif on the shoulder.
‘You did well, Leif.’ He pulled a thick gold ring from off his arm and handed it to Leif. ‘This may prove the first of many. You have earned it. And I name you Spokesman to the sons of Ragnar. This shall be proclaimed amongst the men.’
Leif grinned with delight. He saw ahead of him a path as glittering as Bifrost, the rainbow bridge which led to the Gods.
As usual, the Vikings were looking to conquer and plunder. They found Northumbria fairly easy prey, but the ultimate prize, the Kingdom of Wessex, was beyond their grasp… at least for this book. But there was still East Anglia and Mercia to keep them busy. By then, Leif had hit his stride and was doing pretty well for himself. Of course, no good story would be complete without a vicious arch-enemy, and the nasty Eohric fit the bill, doing his best to ruin Leif without destroying himself in the process. Martin Lake gives us a lively story with just the right amount of violence, humor, and even romance to spice things up. I found it to be an enjoyable read, and I even forgot I was on the treadmill a couple of times!
March 5, 2019
Good Story
This story provides some insight to the brutality and motivation of the people who settled Great Britain. It was an age of unwarranted cruelty and yet, many men had also a wealth of courage. The historic parts were of great interest.
This story provides some insight to the brutality and motivation of the people who settled Great Britain. It was an age of unwarranted cruelty and yet, many men had also a wealth of courage. The historic parts were of great interest.
April 7, 2019
Martin Lake weaves a wondrous Viking tale. If you like tv show Viking you will enjoy this book.
Lake weaves a wondrous tale. If you like tv Vikings you will enjoy Ragor's sons in their fight to conquer England.
Lake weaves a wondrous tale. If you like tv Vikings you will enjoy Ragor's sons in their fight to conquer England.
September 5, 2024
You'll enjoy this book
This is a very well written book. He writes great characters and there is intrigue as well as action. I would've liked some more depth to the battle scenes: but since Leif isn't a warrior it makes sense. Overall this is an excellent book.
This is a very well written book. He writes great characters and there is intrigue as well as action. I would've liked some more depth to the battle scenes: but since Leif isn't a warrior it makes sense. Overall this is an excellent book.
March 22, 2020
Good
Enjoyed this book a lot about vickings and the way of life that they lived and traveled in the time they lived
Enjoyed this book a lot about vickings and the way of life that they lived and traveled in the time they lived
June 29, 2020
Viking saga
Excellent book with plenty of action high drama and good old fashioned Viking saga. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves action
Excellent book with plenty of action high drama and good old fashioned Viking saga. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves action
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews