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Pillagers Of The North #1
Viking Thrall
With one word, he sealed her fate. “Mine.”
Esme is left behind when the Viking marauders appear in their sleepy village. She hopes to bargain with them, a cask of fine wine for the safety of the orphans she helps to watch over. But once the fierce Viking Headsman sets eyes on her, his intentions are plain.
Magnus cannot believe his sight. The Saxon woman is the fairest creature he has ever seen. He resolves to have then, then and there, claiming her as his own.
He doesn’t realize that convincing the stubborn thrall of her new place will be another matter altogether. He carries her across the sea, though she argues with him incessantly. Once alone, he finds that the rare beauty in his arms gentles him.
Magnus vows to protect her from the harsh realities of life in a strange land.
Viking Thrall is the first book in the Pillagers Of The North series.
Viking Thrall was previously released under the same title. It has been extensively expanded and rewritten in a new collaboration between Calyope Adams and Joanna Davis.
We hope you enjoy it!
Calyope and Joanna
Esme is left behind when the Viking marauders appear in their sleepy village. She hopes to bargain with them, a cask of fine wine for the safety of the orphans she helps to watch over. But once the fierce Viking Headsman sets eyes on her, his intentions are plain.
Magnus cannot believe his sight. The Saxon woman is the fairest creature he has ever seen. He resolves to have then, then and there, claiming her as his own.
He doesn’t realize that convincing the stubborn thrall of her new place will be another matter altogether. He carries her across the sea, though she argues with him incessantly. Once alone, he finds that the rare beauty in his arms gentles him.
Magnus vows to protect her from the harsh realities of life in a strange land.
Viking Thrall is the first book in the Pillagers Of The North series.
Viking Thrall was previously released under the same title. It has been extensively expanded and rewritten in a new collaboration between Calyope Adams and Joanna Davis.
We hope you enjoy it!
Calyope and Joanna
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2015
134 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 6, 2015
I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about reading this one. It is a little shorter than what I normally read so I wasn't sure how developed the story would be.
Esme is a young woman who was orphaned at a very young age. She works in the orphanage as she has no other options available to her. Magnus is a Viking who raids villages for anything of any value. He takes one look at Esme and feels an undeniable attraction to her. Thus he immediately claims her as his. She attempts to refute his claim but it doesn't exactly work out in her favor. Magnus does grow in this novel. He sees that she means more to him than just as his thrall.
I did like this one and would rate it a 3.5.
Esme is a young woman who was orphaned at a very young age. She works in the orphanage as she has no other options available to her. Magnus is a Viking who raids villages for anything of any value. He takes one look at Esme and feels an undeniable attraction to her. Thus he immediately claims her as his. She attempts to refute his claim but it doesn't exactly work out in her favor. Magnus does grow in this novel. He sees that she means more to him than just as his thrall.
I did like this one and would rate it a 3.5.
March 10, 2021
I didn’t like this one as much as I like the second book in this series. But it was still good, I just didn’t love it as much.
Magnus is bored with life and is hoping to find whatever his restless self is searching for during their next raid.
He does.
In the form of an inquisitive, naive and proud woman named Esme.
He barely has to lift a finger to capture her, she basically hands herself over to him.
The thing that was sort of a miss for me in this book was actually the same thing that I loved about the second book. He is super bossy and controlling, but I’m almost always on the side of the heroine. So depending on how she responds determines how I feel about the Hero. Usually, not alway. So when he makes her cry and makes her feel like nothing but an animal, and then doesn’t show much remorse except that he made her a little sore... that wasn’t really enough for me. Also, I never saw a turning point from when she was angry with him to when she was accepting of him. Just all the sudden she fell into her role and became his slave even though she was unhappy about it.
I don’t know it’s not a huge thing, he was never really cruel to her. He was a likable character but I found myself feeling irritated with him and I never found satisfaction in that he ever felt remorse. I guess he wouldn’t because it was just the way of the Vikings. But the only reason he wanted to marry her was because he wanted his children to be born free. He realized he loved her AFTER he had already decided to wed her.
Again I’m complaining about dumb little things. Magnus was torn up whenever he thought she was gone or ran away. He was super possessive of her from the moment he saw her and he was gentle. There was no Dub-con, he was sweet to her in that regard. He hated to crush her spirit, so he walked a fine line of trying to put her in her place but keep her spirit alive.
Magnus is bored with life and is hoping to find whatever his restless self is searching for during their next raid.
He does.
In the form of an inquisitive, naive and proud woman named Esme.
He barely has to lift a finger to capture her, she basically hands herself over to him.
The thing that was sort of a miss for me in this book was actually the same thing that I loved about the second book. He is super bossy and controlling, but I’m almost always on the side of the heroine. So depending on how she responds determines how I feel about the Hero. Usually, not alway. So when he makes her cry and makes her feel like nothing but an animal, and then doesn’t show much remorse except that he made her a little sore... that wasn’t really enough for me. Also, I never saw a turning point from when she was angry with him to when she was accepting of him. Just all the sudden she fell into her role and became his slave even though she was unhappy about it.
I don’t know it’s not a huge thing, he was never really cruel to her. He was a likable character but I found myself feeling irritated with him and I never found satisfaction in that he ever felt remorse. I guess he wouldn’t because it was just the way of the Vikings. But the only reason he wanted to marry her was because he wanted his children to be born free. He realized he loved her AFTER he had already decided to wed her.
Again I’m complaining about dumb little things. Magnus was torn up whenever he thought she was gone or ran away. He was super possessive of her from the moment he saw her and he was gentle. There was no Dub-con, he was sweet to her in that regard. He hated to crush her spirit, so he walked a fine line of trying to put her in her place but keep her spirit alive.
January 10, 2022
Sometimes you just need a Viking romance to fill in the spaces.
March 6, 2019
Her Viking Lord🐺🍆⛲🔪💕
Alpha Viking🐺🔪 Male Adult Erotic Romance💘with BDSM👋👋 Elements.
Lots of good sexy stuff in this historical Viking abduction and Alpha Warrior🐺🔪 Male Romance! This is a novella with an intriguing story that drew me in quickly and really delivered the fantasy love affair I was looking for!
Big, baaaad, blond, and handsome Viking Warrior, Magnus🐺🍆⛲🔪 is the ultimate naaasssty lover!
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book with KU.
It is what it is.....
Alpha Viking🐺🔪 Male Adult Erotic Romance💘with BDSM👋👋 Elements.
Lots of good sexy stuff in this historical Viking abduction and Alpha Warrior🐺🔪 Male Romance! This is a novella with an intriguing story that drew me in quickly and really delivered the fantasy love affair I was looking for!
Big, baaaad, blond, and handsome Viking Warrior, Magnus🐺🍆⛲🔪 is the ultimate naaasssty lover!
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book with KU.
It is what it is.....
August 4, 2023
"Wish I could get my time back.."
I'm not sure what to think about this. Very simple short story which would have been ok (I wasn't really expecting anything else), except the writing felt a bit childish as if it was written as such - which it obviously wasn't given the content. Both characters POV yet all told in third person so doesn't really draw you in. The characters felt a bit simple minded. Overuse of what are now considered mostly archaic words would have been ok to help build the atmosphere, except they were not used correctly, and the read was riddled with grammatical errors. Appreciate this was meant to be a simple entertainment but all of the mentioned made me feel more irritated rather than anything else. Thankfully, it is a very short read for just a few hours, otherwise I would not have stuck with it until the end. I have read fun fiction constructed better than this and don't really understand all the good reviews. Are my expectations really that high?
I'm not sure what to think about this. Very simple short story which would have been ok (I wasn't really expecting anything else), except the writing felt a bit childish as if it was written as such - which it obviously wasn't given the content. Both characters POV yet all told in third person so doesn't really draw you in. The characters felt a bit simple minded. Overuse of what are now considered mostly archaic words would have been ok to help build the atmosphere, except they were not used correctly, and the read was riddled with grammatical errors. Appreciate this was meant to be a simple entertainment but all of the mentioned made me feel more irritated rather than anything else. Thankfully, it is a very short read for just a few hours, otherwise I would not have stuck with it until the end. I have read fun fiction constructed better than this and don't really understand all the good reviews. Are my expectations really that high?
January 21, 2015
Beautiful romance. Go Vickings!
January 30, 2015
Short novella available with Kindle Unlimited. Basic Viking romance with the usual theme.
February 28, 2019
A Viking Leader Meets His Match
Esme is living in an orphanage in Anglo-Saxon Britain when she is taken by a Viking raider. Magnus is an important man in his tribe, and he claims her for his own personal slave. Viewpoint shift between Esme and Magnus chapter by chapter, and the author does a good job showing how both of them have conflicting emotions about what is going on between them. They are drawn to each other right away, but Esme does not appreciate the way that he treats her as his property, which under their law--of course--she is. Esme is feisty and unwilling to simply accept her new lot in life, and Magnus doesn’t always respond well to her fierce streak. Often, though, he reflects on the times he has been harsh with her and determines that he will treat her more respectfully; the reader gets the sense of a man who is struggling with how to properly treat a woman he is falling in love with who also happens to be his slave. Tension builds well and various parts of the plot. Magnus at a certain point figures out that he wants more than a thrall-master relationship with her, particularly when he ponders the fact that he wouldn't want their children to ever be tainted with the title of slave.
The book has the common issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage. Commas seem particularly problematic. There were a few glaring errors, and it was at times distracting. I felt, too, that the book needed more character development and better integration of the Arne plot, which felt a little like it was tacked on at the end.
This is a highly sensual, for-mature-readers-only book. There are definitely some rougher elements that some readers may not want to be exposed to. I would probably call this erotica with a plot. Those kinds of stories don't always have plots, you know! This book does have a happy ending after some turmoil, and the future looks bright.
Esme is living in an orphanage in Anglo-Saxon Britain when she is taken by a Viking raider. Magnus is an important man in his tribe, and he claims her for his own personal slave. Viewpoint shift between Esme and Magnus chapter by chapter, and the author does a good job showing how both of them have conflicting emotions about what is going on between them. They are drawn to each other right away, but Esme does not appreciate the way that he treats her as his property, which under their law--of course--she is. Esme is feisty and unwilling to simply accept her new lot in life, and Magnus doesn’t always respond well to her fierce streak. Often, though, he reflects on the times he has been harsh with her and determines that he will treat her more respectfully; the reader gets the sense of a man who is struggling with how to properly treat a woman he is falling in love with who also happens to be his slave. Tension builds well and various parts of the plot. Magnus at a certain point figures out that he wants more than a thrall-master relationship with her, particularly when he ponders the fact that he wouldn't want their children to ever be tainted with the title of slave.
The book has the common issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage. Commas seem particularly problematic. There were a few glaring errors, and it was at times distracting. I felt, too, that the book needed more character development and better integration of the Arne plot, which felt a little like it was tacked on at the end.
This is a highly sensual, for-mature-readers-only book. There are definitely some rougher elements that some readers may not want to be exposed to. I would probably call this erotica with a plot. Those kinds of stories don't always have plots, you know! This book does have a happy ending after some turmoil, and the future looks bright.
March 22, 2019
The word that comes to mind for Viking Thrall is “charming.” This is a short and surprisingly sweet romance between a Viking warrior and his claimed thrall, a Saxon orphan who’s now old enough to be tending others at the orphanage that Magnus comes to raid. Esme is naïve and unaware, and one of the better aspects of Viking Thrall is her slow realization that her initial dreams of escape and returning to the life she knows are just that, dreams. But she’s also willing to stand up to Magnus, who finds that enchanting.
There’s a fair amount of suspension of disbelief that you have to use when reading this book. Magnus and Esme can speak easily for example, even though they don’t share a common language. Magnus’ gang of raiders is seemingly satisfied just with taking both a vat of wine and Esme when they raid the orphanage—why they wouldn’t check to see if there were other orphans of Esme’s age or other goods at the orphanage didn’t make sense to me. Magnus, supposedly the leader of his Viking group, never seems to need to work and can spend literally weeks with Esme doing nothing but having great sex. And there’s a fine line between being spirited and lacking common sense in a dangerous situation, and Esme skirts very close to that.
Despite these issues, Viking Thrall is an enjoyable read. It’s what I’d call Viking-lite—a fun way to look at this culture without painting many of its harsh realities. If you’re looking for some escapist historical romance, Viking Thrall is a good choice.
There’s a fair amount of suspension of disbelief that you have to use when reading this book. Magnus and Esme can speak easily for example, even though they don’t share a common language. Magnus’ gang of raiders is seemingly satisfied just with taking both a vat of wine and Esme when they raid the orphanage—why they wouldn’t check to see if there were other orphans of Esme’s age or other goods at the orphanage didn’t make sense to me. Magnus, supposedly the leader of his Viking group, never seems to need to work and can spend literally weeks with Esme doing nothing but having great sex. And there’s a fine line between being spirited and lacking common sense in a dangerous situation, and Esme skirts very close to that.
Despite these issues, Viking Thrall is an enjoyable read. It’s what I’d call Viking-lite—a fun way to look at this culture without painting many of its harsh realities. If you’re looking for some escapist historical romance, Viking Thrall is a good choice.
March 6, 2019
Esme has been left in her village with nothing but orphans and old women there being invaded by Vikings she hopes if she offers them wine the will leave but the Headsman Magnus has other ideas she will become his thrall (slave). Magnus is bored and restless until he sees the young Saxon women she will be his women and serve only him but he didn't know she would become so important to him but when he leaves to deal with a threat to his people he makes a mistake and Esme is taken he will fight to get her back and make her his wife but it may be too late to confess his love for her. I liked how the story started out and ended it was fast paced. It had humorous moments there was conflict between the two characters some fight scenes. Magnus character is hard but he is also well rounded and likable he is very dominant but men of this era would have been so. Esme is very naive but she has had no contact with men and the things they want she was also strong even though she didn't want to be a slave and leave everything behind. Esme wanted to escape but eventually relized that it was impossible and decided to make the best of her circumstances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2019
This is a quick story of Magnus, the head warrior of the Viking clan and Esme, a Saxon orphan. Esme was taken from her home as a spoil of war for Magnus alone. Esme is an industrious, caring and loving individual. When she came of age she stayed at the orphanage and cared for the younger ones. When Magnus abducted her, she fought to escape. But she was unable to. They crossed the sea and Esme was living in the Longhouse with Magnus as her master. Magnus, an overly large Viking warrior, had empathy for Esme. He knew she was a maiden and was fearful of him. He decided to be patient and teach her how to please him as he pleased her without taking her maidenhead. He was possessive but because he cared deeply for her. He knew there were dangers around her if he did not protect her. She came to want him and when they joined it was heaven for them both. The chemistry between Magnus and Esme was off the charts. Then the unthinkable happened. Esme was abducted again by another raiding Viking group. These men were Magnus’ enemies. What was to happen to Esme now? Would Magnus get over the loss of her? I really enjoyed reading this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2019
I have not read a Viking romance in a while and I thought this was a very good one. I particularly enjoyed the emotional depth of this romance. I found it very easy to connect with what both Magnus and Esme were feeling. This helped to understand the characters and form a bond with them. I liked the pull between these characters and thought their chemistry was steamy. The storyline was fun and engaging and it held my attention very well. Manus was what you would expect. Strong, demanding and swoon worthy. I loved that he fell so hard for Esme, embraced what he wanted and that Esme brought out a softer, gentler side to him. I found Esme to be strong, feisty and caring. I found the clashes between these two highly entertaining! I'm really looking forward to book two. This is my frank, freely posted review.
April 8, 2019
This is a story where the male assumes, he’s going to easily claim the woman of his dreams only to find out it’s not that easy and she’s not a push over! Magnus and Esme have a relationship that is one sided, at least at first and it’s one that they have to work on and build, it’s not instant love and roses! There romance is one where there is a lot of emotion and steam but also a lot of self-reflection on how one person views another and the effects if has on future generations. This is an interesting read and an enjoyable plot. If you enjoy Viking romances, then give this a shot it may just surprise you as it did me, having never read anything by these authors before this was an enjoyable introduction to them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
April 3, 2019
Viking Thrall was a really fun Viking novella. Esme was taken by Viking Magnus making her his thrall. She, of course, tried to fight him and struggled with her new station in his life. Sticklers for historical accuracy won't be happy with some of the leniency on details - this novella was much more a Viking fantasy with semi-modern characters than a true to life Viking tale. This certainly didn't diminish my enjoyment of the novella.
Chemistry between Esme and Magnus sizzled and I was rooting for them as a couple. Lots of super steamy scenes!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Chemistry between Esme and Magnus sizzled and I was rooting for them as a couple. Lots of super steamy scenes!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2019
” Viking Thrall (Pillagers Of The North Book 1)” by Calyope Adams and 1 more is a tale of one Magnus...a
Viking Headsman...who spies the lovely Saxon wench amid her orphan charges ...and claims the girl as his thrall. Esme...unsure in an untamed and harsh new land is forced to depend upon a harsh and unforgiving Viking Master...Magnus is a fierce dominate male...in keeping with his Norseman era...and Esme is a beautiful but naive young thrall ...as such both have much to learn about each other and their entwining hearts. Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book
Viking Headsman...who spies the lovely Saxon wench amid her orphan charges ...and claims the girl as his thrall. Esme...unsure in an untamed and harsh new land is forced to depend upon a harsh and unforgiving Viking Master...Magnus is a fierce dominate male...in keeping with his Norseman era...and Esme is a beautiful but naive young thrall ...as such both have much to learn about each other and their entwining hearts. Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book
April 15, 2020
Either You Like It Or You Don’t
This is one of those books where you have to take the time to get to know the author and the genre. I enjoy love stories. I do not mind books with sexual themes. This book is heavy on the sex theme. It does have a love story that embraces pillaging and raiding and just the base theme of viking romances.
The hero is truly an alpha kind of hero. So expect arrogance and dominance. The heroine of course has to complement this. She can speak up for herself but she is not the stubborn headstrong heroine. It is a guaranteed happy ever after with an epilogue.
This is one of those books where you have to take the time to get to know the author and the genre. I enjoy love stories. I do not mind books with sexual themes. This book is heavy on the sex theme. It does have a love story that embraces pillaging and raiding and just the base theme of viking romances.
The hero is truly an alpha kind of hero. So expect arrogance and dominance. The heroine of course has to complement this. She can speak up for herself but she is not the stubborn headstrong heroine. It is a guaranteed happy ever after with an epilogue.
April 1, 2019
Magnus is the headman of his viking tribe and when they are raiding in Anglo Saxon England they capture an orphan from a village, the moment he sees Esme he wants her and he claims her as his own spoils of war. Esme is determined not to be a cowed thrall to this Viking and fights him every inch of the way As Magnus starts to fall for this fiery slave he will have to decide whether to keep her as a slave or give her the freedom she desires especially if he decides to make her his wife and the mother of his sons. This story is written in alternating POV which makes it a deeply emotional read
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August 13, 2021I’m not going to give this a rating because it’s just not my type of book. It was literally smut. No plot, no character development, no world building, no logical reasoning for her to fall in love with her captor after like a day. She legit capitulates one day in after being kidnapped. All he thinks about is his 🍆 in her 🌮. Some people may like this. I did not. I suppose if I ever want just absolute p*rn, I’ll give another one of the books a go but this is not for me or anyone who wants even some semblance of plot.
April 1, 2019
Viking Thrall is the first book in the Pillagers Of The North series and I want to read the next book. Magnus is the Viking Headsman of a group that pillages Saxon woman Esme's village. These two will have a lot to overcome before they get their happy ending. This is the first book by this Author that I have read.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2019
Who doesn't love a Viking hunk. Esme is left behind in the village with the orphans and and old women. She hopes that if she offers them wine that the head Viking Magnus will leave. Magnus sees her and takes her as his slave/thrall. (that's what Vikings do) Great sweet short story with lots of heat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2019
Complete Eye Roll
You can’t even enjoy the smuttiness of this story because it’s so ridiculous. At least it was free, Just a waste of time. One I finally gave up on at 75%. Someone might be able to take the bones of the often repeated theme and actually make a romance. But this nonsense isn’t it.
You can’t even enjoy the smuttiness of this story because it’s so ridiculous. At least it was free, Just a waste of time. One I finally gave up on at 75%. Someone might be able to take the bones of the often repeated theme and actually make a romance. But this nonsense isn’t it.
January 1, 2025
Viking and his capture
Esme sacrifices herself to save her village from Viking raiders. In doing so she becomes his personal property. And she's expected to serve him. I don't know much about Viking relationships or history but theres a lot of 'ruttin' mentioned in this story. Not a lot of plot growth but if you like spice you'll like this story
It's short and to the point.
Esme sacrifices herself to save her village from Viking raiders. In doing so she becomes his personal property. And she's expected to serve him. I don't know much about Viking relationships or history but theres a lot of 'ruttin' mentioned in this story. Not a lot of plot growth but if you like spice you'll like this story
It's short and to the point.
April 23, 2019
She has been left alone with the orphans when the Vikings attacked. As soon as he sees her he wants her. She is a spirited and he needs to keep her safe. Will she give into him? See what will happen
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2020
Disappointing
I read the description of the book and it sounded like it would be a good but when I got it and started to read it I soon became very disappointed it really does not have a good story line and was just pretty much porn I would not recommend
I read the description of the book and it sounded like it would be a good but when I got it and started to read it I soon became very disappointed it really does not have a good story line and was just pretty much porn I would not recommend
August 27, 2020
Not good! No story developments. The whole book the viking wants her as a bed thrall and treats her badly. That is the entire story. No other characters. The h and hr fall in love by having sex not having any conversation.
So it's a very bad erotica!!
So it's a very bad erotica!!
March 15, 2025
It’s a novella
MMC is obsessed yes. But kinda in a gross way? Like constantly grabbing his crotch in front of the FMC (it’s creepy) and then loudly announcing to his people that he plans on fucking her.
MMC is obsessed yes. But kinda in a gross way? Like constantly grabbing his crotch in front of the FMC (it’s creepy) and then loudly announcing to his people that he plans on fucking her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2019
Viking.
A good historical read. Fast and steamy. Had a lot going on to keep you wanting to find out. Overall a good read with a happy ending.
A good historical read. Fast and steamy. Had a lot going on to keep you wanting to find out. Overall a good read with a happy ending.
March 13, 2019
Not great, no substance, no history and annoyingly written.
March 14, 2019
Such a good book. Amazingly written
March 23, 2019
Light hearted read!
This light hearted read was entertaining and amusing. Viking Thrall is a fast paced read filled with sizzling romance and drama that is sure to please.
This light hearted read was entertaining and amusing. Viking Thrall is a fast paced read filled with sizzling romance and drama that is sure to please.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews