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The Song of the Ash Tree #1-3
The Song of the Ash Tree: The Complete Saga
Box Set Includes:
✵ The Blood-Tainted Winter
✵ The Hills of Home
✵ Already Comes Darkness
Raef Skallagrim wants to take the sea road. His ship is fast and sleek, his crew skilled and eager, and they will seek out new lands and win fame in the eyes of the gods. But Raef’s father refuses to allow the journey and when a stranger brings word that the king is dead and a gathering has been called to choose a successor, Raef must set aside his dream for his duty to his ancestral lands and his father.
When factions split at the gathering to choose a successor, Raef finds himself mired in bloodshed and treachery. Forced to make an uneasy alliance with a man he does not trust, Raef must navigate the tides of a war among three kings while seeking revenge for cold-blooded murder.
But winter has come early to Midgard, and even the gods will feel the cold.
✵ The Blood-Tainted Winter
✵ The Hills of Home
✵ Already Comes Darkness
Raef Skallagrim wants to take the sea road. His ship is fast and sleek, his crew skilled and eager, and they will seek out new lands and win fame in the eyes of the gods. But Raef’s father refuses to allow the journey and when a stranger brings word that the king is dead and a gathering has been called to choose a successor, Raef must set aside his dream for his duty to his ancestral lands and his father.
When factions split at the gathering to choose a successor, Raef finds himself mired in bloodshed and treachery. Forced to make an uneasy alliance with a man he does not trust, Raef must navigate the tides of a war among three kings while seeking revenge for cold-blooded murder.
But winter has come early to Midgard, and even the gods will feel the cold.
- GenresFantasy
788 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2019
485 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Greylock
9 books216 followers
T L Greylock's first series is The Song of the Ash Tree, a Norse saga featuring plenty of axes. She loves wild rice, Rafael Nadal's forehand, and driving on small, twisty roads. She also considers herself a baker of pies, but this is debatable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 2, 2019
Norse-flavored epic fantasy that spans across the nine realms, this series is a story of betrayal, revenge, and finding one's true purpose. Gorgeous poetic prose, bold and vivid worldbuiding, and a cast of beautifully flawed humans and calculating gods, Greylock has created an incredible and alluring tale reminiscent of the sagas of old.
October 2, 2019
Like Norse mythology? Like epic fantasy? Song of the Ash Tree checks both those boxes and more.
November 2, 2019
A Norse inspired epic fantasy trilogy following the trials of Raef Skallagrim, the son of a lord. This collection is the definitive version of the trilogy. It has the familiar faces of the Norse Gods and some riveting action scenes. This is one of the best self-published series I’ve read. Thoroughly recommend.
October 2, 2019
A phenomenal trilogy. The Song of the Ash Tree is Norse fantasy at its finest!
November 3, 2019
Ragnarok is unraveling in front of Raef Skallagrim, and there is not much he can do about it. That is the impression I got from reading this series. Note that I have finished book 1 and will continue to finish book 2 & 3. This book, 900 pages of great writing prose, breathtaking description and snow! Lots of it. For 99p is a steal. Get it NOW! It is long, but if you want a Norse trilogy that has reminiscent themes of LOTR, you need to READ THIS.
If you like music when reading, then play the God of War Youtube unreleased soundtrack and Wardruna. Thoroughly gets you in the mood. If not feel free to skip this part.
This novel focuses on Raef’s journey, and for once I do feel much better about reading a character that is competent from the start when he loses everything dear to him. That said, I felt Raef was always a bit aloof, not using his head as he should have. But he’s a young man. When you’re an older man you have the benefit of maturity to make decisions.
When you’re young, you’re either lazy or you’re really smart or you just don’t care and try to circumnavigate through this political game of thrones that Raef is thrust into. I think he qualifies for the third position.
By becoming too subservient sometimes towards the Hammerling, I felt like Vakre and Siva have his best interests at heart. Sometimes I was like, Raef, listen to them! Raef is a ladies man. Lucky….well that’s all I’ll say.
But Raef I think has not known a true relationship with a woman. It remains to be seen how mature he will become. The Hammerling is one proper bastard that’s like Rollo from Vikings. Cunning and ruthless. The Palesworld is a manifestation of evil. Eira was a great character but I wanted to see more of her in the novel. I sometimes feel Vakre and Siv needed some more scenes, to at least tell Raef what he was doing was a bit of a strategic error.
And Ravens! How I loved the use of Ravens to show the use of Odin’s watchful eye. Odin is very comparable to Zeus in many areas. Odin is keeping watch over the world of mortals. The mythology in this is amazing. There was one moment where one of the characters was going to tell a story and then it didn’t happen (I assume for one of two reasons.
First, probably to save up on the dreaded info dump that authors have to contend with in fantasy novels for that matter, or two, it could have dragged a bit) though for me I was a little underwhelmed at that. There are far more Christian stories/folk tales than there is Norse Mythology. Calling it Mythology could mean its just a bunch of tales, but some people worship the Norse Gods even today, and I would call it a small religion compared to its glorious days. Its a shame not many of the old religions of the Ancient World don’t exist because of history and time, and so many stories written then are lost to us. I would have wanted to see more narration of some tales, but that’s me.
There is so much sword-fighting I am astounded how well Taya kept her watch on it. There isn’t a moment you’ll want to skip. The sword fighting is top-notch. Alright. Top-Notch. That’s how good it is. So much snow I wonder if they’re living in the snow all the time, all the characters in this book.
Even though this is a fantasy world, I would have wanted Taya to do something different. Imagine if we had Medieval Knights. You might think Medieval knights and fantasy Vikings? Sure that works, or maybe not. But hear me out. By the time of the Christianization of Europe, Christian monks went out of their way to convert the Norse Peoples. Now imagine if they had failed. What would temples look like?
What if the Norse people had established their own churches similar to the function of the Christian churches? What would medieval armor look like? I would have wanted to see a Medieval Viking knight with plate armor but with a new design etc.
Much of the setting I got came from the 8th century of the Viking Period. I would have wanted to see more of this.
I’ve only finished book 1 and I cannot tell you how excited I am to go onto the others. This is a fantastic book, full of swordfights, snow, and lots of it. It’s great. 5/5.
If you like music when reading, then play the God of War Youtube unreleased soundtrack and Wardruna. Thoroughly gets you in the mood. If not feel free to skip this part.
This novel focuses on Raef’s journey, and for once I do feel much better about reading a character that is competent from the start when he loses everything dear to him. That said, I felt Raef was always a bit aloof, not using his head as he should have. But he’s a young man. When you’re an older man you have the benefit of maturity to make decisions.
When you’re young, you’re either lazy or you’re really smart or you just don’t care and try to circumnavigate through this political game of thrones that Raef is thrust into. I think he qualifies for the third position.
By becoming too subservient sometimes towards the Hammerling, I felt like Vakre and Siva have his best interests at heart. Sometimes I was like, Raef, listen to them! Raef is a ladies man. Lucky….well that’s all I’ll say.
But Raef I think has not known a true relationship with a woman. It remains to be seen how mature he will become. The Hammerling is one proper bastard that’s like Rollo from Vikings. Cunning and ruthless. The Palesworld is a manifestation of evil. Eira was a great character but I wanted to see more of her in the novel. I sometimes feel Vakre and Siv needed some more scenes, to at least tell Raef what he was doing was a bit of a strategic error.
And Ravens! How I loved the use of Ravens to show the use of Odin’s watchful eye. Odin is very comparable to Zeus in many areas. Odin is keeping watch over the world of mortals. The mythology in this is amazing. There was one moment where one of the characters was going to tell a story and then it didn’t happen (I assume for one of two reasons.
First, probably to save up on the dreaded info dump that authors have to contend with in fantasy novels for that matter, or two, it could have dragged a bit) though for me I was a little underwhelmed at that. There are far more Christian stories/folk tales than there is Norse Mythology. Calling it Mythology could mean its just a bunch of tales, but some people worship the Norse Gods even today, and I would call it a small religion compared to its glorious days. Its a shame not many of the old religions of the Ancient World don’t exist because of history and time, and so many stories written then are lost to us. I would have wanted to see more narration of some tales, but that’s me.
There is so much sword-fighting I am astounded how well Taya kept her watch on it. There isn’t a moment you’ll want to skip. The sword fighting is top-notch. Alright. Top-Notch. That’s how good it is. So much snow I wonder if they’re living in the snow all the time, all the characters in this book.
Even though this is a fantasy world, I would have wanted Taya to do something different. Imagine if we had Medieval Knights. You might think Medieval knights and fantasy Vikings? Sure that works, or maybe not. But hear me out. By the time of the Christianization of Europe, Christian monks went out of their way to convert the Norse Peoples. Now imagine if they had failed. What would temples look like?
What if the Norse people had established their own churches similar to the function of the Christian churches? What would medieval armor look like? I would have wanted to see a Medieval Viking knight with plate armor but with a new design etc.
Much of the setting I got came from the 8th century of the Viking Period. I would have wanted to see more of this.
I’ve only finished book 1 and I cannot tell you how excited I am to go onto the others. This is a fantastic book, full of swordfights, snow, and lots of it. It’s great. 5/5.
November 27, 2019
J K
Great read with depth and detail sufficient for all levels of reading. Well grounded in Norse mythology and plor development.
Great read with depth and detail sufficient for all levels of reading. Well grounded in Norse mythology and plor development.
November 3, 2019
The stories were awesome. I loved this. When I finished I wanted more. I didnt want it to end.
November 19, 2019
Great read!
Great story about the Norse pantheon told from the view of the men of Midgard. Kept you thrilled all of the way to the end.
Great story about the Norse pantheon told from the view of the men of Midgard. Kept you thrilled all of the way to the end.
March 14, 2020
Are you a fan of Viking fantasy with all the mythology typically connected to that genre? That might be a saga for you then. I was hoping for a more playful approach instead of just, you know, using it in the same way as most other books of that genre by just going from "it is believed that" to "hey, watch out, halfgods everywhere!".
I personally thought it was a bit weak on the narrative side. It's mostly "fate throws things at characters" and the chapter in the other worlds were especially weird because they only seemed loosely connected to everything else. They are supposed to give the protagonist some kind of heroic journey, but they have so little impact that it feels redundant.
There were also few characters and I couldn't bring myself to like any of them because they don't have those individual traits, those tiny pieces, that could make them feel alive. Their connections were shallow, often lacked depth.
I personally thought it was a bit weak on the narrative side. It's mostly "fate throws things at characters" and the chapter in the other worlds were especially weird because they only seemed loosely connected to everything else. They are supposed to give the protagonist some kind of heroic journey, but they have so little impact that it feels redundant.
There were also few characters and I couldn't bring myself to like any of them because they don't have those individual traits, those tiny pieces, that could make them feel alive. Their connections were shallow, often lacked depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2020
Wonderful read! Thoroughly engaging.
Strong, meaningful writing. Great plot and characters. I read a lot of fantasy and historical book, most of which have good plots, but many fail at grammar and strong, beautiful prose, and unfortunately, at proofing. This book does not. I fell in love with the characters and grieved when one died or made had choices. I will watch for the author and read what she writes.
Strong, meaningful writing. Great plot and characters. I read a lot of fantasy and historical book, most of which have good plots, but many fail at grammar and strong, beautiful prose, and unfortunately, at proofing. This book does not. I fell in love with the characters and grieved when one died or made had choices. I will watch for the author and read what she writes.
April 21, 2020
Very engaging and well-researched.
Great take on Norse Mythology. There was humor, mystery, deceit, betrayal, and loss, and all with engaging characters. My only critique would be that sometimes the characters felt... a bit too on the nose? I tried to think of an example without giving spoilers and I can’t so I will just encourage you to read it!
Great take on Norse Mythology. There was humor, mystery, deceit, betrayal, and loss, and all with engaging characters. My only critique would be that sometimes the characters felt... a bit too on the nose? I tried to think of an example without giving spoilers and I can’t so I will just encourage you to read it!
May 9, 2020
Very well written.
I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last page. This book is not the type i usually read. If your looking for something that is different but a page turner then read this book. I think it would appeal to all age groups and both male and female. I would recommend it to my children and my friends.
I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last page. This book is not the type i usually read. If your looking for something that is different but a page turner then read this book. I think it would appeal to all age groups and both male and female. I would recommend it to my children and my friends.
July 18, 2020
Really didn’t enjoy these, tbf I didn’t get very far in so perhaps I didn’t give them enough of a chance. I was annoyed when they sailed to a distant land in, like, an afternoon. I’m no expert in sailing but that’s about as far as here to France......I can see France......it’s just not very epic.
August 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this, it's beautifully written and captured the brutality and romance of Norse myth quite well. My only real complaint is that it felt overly long at times, but maybe that's more my fault for reading at 1 or 2 AM and only maybe getting a few pages at a time before falling asleep.
February 2, 2021
A Great Read
I really liked these books! Fantasy mixed with mythology, wandering adventure with a touch of comfy home scenes. Characters you either love or hate. My housework suffered while I was reading these books! You won't be sorry if you pick them up and start reading.
I really liked these books! Fantasy mixed with mythology, wandering adventure with a touch of comfy home scenes. Characters you either love or hate. My housework suffered while I was reading these books! You won't be sorry if you pick them up and start reading.
March 30, 2021
Unrelenting action and adventure
I guess I didn't read the book's blurb very well before purchasing because this is not my favorite genre, but once I started reading I couldn't stop. I'm glad I went on the journey all the way to the end . This is a really good book
I guess I didn't read the book's blurb very well before purchasing because this is not my favorite genre, but once I started reading I couldn't stop. I'm glad I went on the journey all the way to the end . This is a really good book
January 2, 2023
Fun book to read.
Vikings, magic, Thor, Loki, and more. Not the Avengers but old Norse myths. You feel like you are part of the shield wall, fighting to decide the fate of the world. A very fun and fantastic set of books to read. Highly recommended.
Vikings, magic, Thor, Loki, and more. Not the Avengers but old Norse myths. You feel like you are part of the shield wall, fighting to decide the fate of the world. A very fun and fantastic set of books to read. Highly recommended.
May 11, 2020
As one with the world
A cracking read. I'm a fan of all Norse writings and this saga does not disappoint. Fighting, love interests, magical mayhem and snow.....lots ofsnow!
A cracking read. I'm a fan of all Norse writings and this saga does not disappoint. Fighting, love interests, magical mayhem and snow.....lots ofsnow!
May 14, 2020
Great book
I’d highly recommend this book for you Viking and fantasy fans. Takes a bit to get but great readable overall.
I’d highly recommend this book for you Viking and fantasy fans. Takes a bit to get but great readable overall.
August 8, 2020
If you like Northmen history and a bit of fantasy you'll love it, good read
November 19, 2020
Great series
What a wonderful saga, couldn't get enough of it. The story was filled with action, and moments that had me on the edge of my seat.
What a wonderful saga, couldn't get enough of it. The story was filled with action, and moments that had me on the edge of my seat.
May 4, 2021
Very cool series.
I'm quite happy I found this series. It made my hairs stand on end. Made me laugh. I may have cried a bit (don't tell anyone).
I'm quite happy I found this series. It made my hairs stand on end. Made me laugh. I may have cried a bit (don't tell anyone).
September 26, 2023
It's not bad, but it moves at an insane pace. The allies join up like RPG NPC party members. Not a lot of depth, and unfortunately not particularly memorable.
March 6, 2020
Awesome series and can't wait to read more from this Author
February 11, 2022
I've only finished book one. It's a warrior's saga full of combat and treachery by leaders.
February 27, 2020
Great Ending
For those readers who have studied the Viking Age, these volumes have much meaning. The ending provides a suitable explanation for the myths
of Ragnarok and the gods of Vikings.
For those readers who have studied the Viking Age, these volumes have much meaning. The ending provides a suitable explanation for the myths
of Ragnarok and the gods of Vikings.
January 18, 2020
Epic Telling of Norse Mythology
Many years ago, I read the epic poem Beowulf and loved it. As a fan of fantasy I noticed that a great deal of fantasy tropes were based on Celtic, Germanic and British lore.
I hadn't the opportunity to read another epic work which stirred in me a desire to dive back into history and learn of myths and gods--until now.
T.L. Greylock has penned a magnificently heroic saga of sacrifice, honor, betrayal, love and war weaved together with Norse mythology at its core.
Ms. Greylock's ability to draw the reader in with vivid descriptions, engaging plots and fleshed out characters kept me enthralled.
I did feel that some of the battle scenes ended too soon. There were characters which dropped off or had anticlimactic endings after having significant "screen time" or emphasis.
I look forward to more stories from the mind of Ms. Greylock.
Many years ago, I read the epic poem Beowulf and loved it. As a fan of fantasy I noticed that a great deal of fantasy tropes were based on Celtic, Germanic and British lore.
I hadn't the opportunity to read another epic work which stirred in me a desire to dive back into history and learn of myths and gods--until now.
T.L. Greylock has penned a magnificently heroic saga of sacrifice, honor, betrayal, love and war weaved together with Norse mythology at its core.
Ms. Greylock's ability to draw the reader in with vivid descriptions, engaging plots and fleshed out characters kept me enthralled.
I did feel that some of the battle scenes ended too soon. There were characters which dropped off or had anticlimactic endings after having significant "screen time" or emphasis.
I look forward to more stories from the mind of Ms. Greylock.
December 3, 2019
Fascinating
I got nothing done while I was engrossed in this trilogy. The reappearance of Siv not once but twice was a bit unbelievable in a book of fantasy. (Silly reader. Why not?)
I got nothing done while I was engrossed in this trilogy. The reappearance of Siv not once but twice was a bit unbelievable in a book of fantasy. (Silly reader. Why not?)
January 1, 2020
Fabulous!
This story brings to life all the ancient gods of mythology in a very colorful way. Normally, I skip all the “minute details” to get to the juicer bits, but this book was all juicy bits! I hated to miss even a word. Well done!
This story brings to life all the ancient gods of mythology in a very colorful way. Normally, I skip all the “minute details” to get to the juicer bits, but this book was all juicy bits! I hated to miss even a word. Well done!
October 17, 2019
It is a great Norse saga. If it's the type you enjoy, then you're on a fantastic book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews