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Onyxborn Chronicle #1
Cold from the North
Driven by the promise of an ancient prophecy which will bring the dark ways of an old god back to power and prominence, an army of invaders swarms Ogulf Harlsbane’s homeland slaughtering all those who oppose them.
Along with his people, Ogulf must seek refuge from this savage force. In his search of sanctuary, he is tasked with finding the one person who can put a stop to the onslaught.
Doing so will send him across lands and seas, have him and his closest friend navigate the intricacies of a civil war, and try to win the help of the princess fighting for her throne.
If he fails, darkness will prevail and the reign of the Onyxborn will begin.
Along with his people, Ogulf must seek refuge from this savage force. In his search of sanctuary, he is tasked with finding the one person who can put a stop to the onslaught.
Doing so will send him across lands and seas, have him and his closest friend navigate the intricacies of a civil war, and try to win the help of the princess fighting for her throne.
If he fails, darkness will prevail and the reign of the Onyxborn will begin.
471 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2020
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808 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 24, 2022
* You can find my full video review here: https://youtu.be/N5CdrQ-RYvk *
Cold From the North is the debut fantasy novel by DW Ross, it’s the beginning of the self-published Onyxborn Chronicles that continues with the Darkest Dusk and then book three, The Fury of Fate, which is planned for release in June 2022.
In this opening book, we focus on two friends, Ogulf and Melcun, who live in the cold north of Broadheim in a village called Keltbran. Keltbran wasn’t always so cold, it seems that there’s an endless winter at the point that the story takes place.
Their plans to escape to warmer climes are interrupted by the quite sudden invasion of their lands by a great force intent on finding a chosen one to fulfill a prophecy.
Ogulf and Melcun take on a dangerous quest through another country, this one being torn apart by a civil war, in an attempt to seek help and stop the prophecy from being completed.
I liked both the setting and the magic as far as the worldbuilding goes. The writing did a very good job at making me feel the cold North in particular. For the magic, we saw actual consequences rather than just the usual drain on the magic user, so that was a nice touch.
In terms of the characters, I liked both Ogulf and Melcun, as the main heroes of the story. There were also some interesting new additions to the cast as the book went on, and I can’t wait to see what path they take in book two and perhaps beyond.
Overall, I really enjoyed Cold from the North. I would say that some of the writing itself was perhaps a little rough around the edges in parts, and to a degree you might expect that from a debut novel. I definitely found that the combination of setting, story and characters more than made up for this though.
Cold From the North is the debut fantasy novel by DW Ross, it’s the beginning of the self-published Onyxborn Chronicles that continues with the Darkest Dusk and then book three, The Fury of Fate, which is planned for release in June 2022.
In this opening book, we focus on two friends, Ogulf and Melcun, who live in the cold north of Broadheim in a village called Keltbran. Keltbran wasn’t always so cold, it seems that there’s an endless winter at the point that the story takes place.
Their plans to escape to warmer climes are interrupted by the quite sudden invasion of their lands by a great force intent on finding a chosen one to fulfill a prophecy.
Ogulf and Melcun take on a dangerous quest through another country, this one being torn apart by a civil war, in an attempt to seek help and stop the prophecy from being completed.
I liked both the setting and the magic as far as the worldbuilding goes. The writing did a very good job at making me feel the cold North in particular. For the magic, we saw actual consequences rather than just the usual drain on the magic user, so that was a nice touch.
In terms of the characters, I liked both Ogulf and Melcun, as the main heroes of the story. There were also some interesting new additions to the cast as the book went on, and I can’t wait to see what path they take in book two and perhaps beyond.
Overall, I really enjoyed Cold from the North. I would say that some of the writing itself was perhaps a little rough around the edges in parts, and to a degree you might expect that from a debut novel. I definitely found that the combination of setting, story and characters more than made up for this though.
November 16, 2022
A gripping and engaging Norse fantasy with ancient prophecies a hapless magic user, and two friends doing the best they can to combat the forces of evil!
I loved the found family aspects in this book! There is just so much to praise in the cold from the north. Fantastic pacing, narrative, and characterization with solid world building and nations at war.
The biggest drawback that keeps this book from being 5 stars is the dialogue descriptors. It is clunky. I’m not saying the dialogue is clunky. That’s very engaging but it’s always this person said and though and asked. I wanted it to flow better rather than constantly drawing my attention to an action that the character is making. Other than that this book is fantastic. I will definitely be continuing the series.
I loved the found family aspects in this book! There is just so much to praise in the cold from the north. Fantastic pacing, narrative, and characterization with solid world building and nations at war.
The biggest drawback that keeps this book from being 5 stars is the dialogue descriptors. It is clunky. I’m not saying the dialogue is clunky. That’s very engaging but it’s always this person said and though and asked. I wanted it to flow better rather than constantly drawing my attention to an action that the character is making. Other than that this book is fantastic. I will definitely be continuing the series.
February 15, 2021
Hello Bookish Folk!
Today, I am reviewing the first instalment to a new self-published series by D. W. Ross, and his debut no less. A massive thank you to D. W. Ross for sending me a copy of this book I exchange for an honest review.
As usual this review an be foundHERE.
Here are a few things you can expect from this book:
A solid debut;
A travelling tale that showcases a brilliant nordic/viking’esque world; and
A world rich in lore and an oh so interesting history.
On to the full review…
Cold From the North is a very well written debut, it has a very well built nordic inspired world and it is an enjoyable read.
As I said this is a nordic-inspired story and that made for a great world, Ross has gone to great lengths to build this world and make it feel authentic and real. It is in the little details that you get to see this, and it is woven into the plot quite well. I love nordic tales, it is a time and setting I always have fun reading and never seem to get tired of.
This book is a fairly plot driven book, and you are constantly moving forward within the story though it does lull at times and I personally would have liked more action fitting to this world, but as a first instalment it is somewhat expected. Having said that however, when the action did happen it was very well written, I loved that it felt bloody and battle-like.
I enjoyed the character’s Ross created, they were interesting and each felt worthy of your time but I would have liked more by way of character development and dialogue. I found I could go quite a while and not see a conversation, this is an utterly personal criticism though and really isn’t a huge issue, it is just some I noticed while reading.
While reading this I found myself enjoying the lessons in history of this world, I always like past tales and often think to myself, I could read a story about that!
Overall, this is a great first instalment to a series, Ross does not write like a newb and his writing is elegant and well written.
THE RANKS:
BUY THE HARDBACK | BUY THE PAPERBACK | BUY THE EBOOK | LIBRARY RENTAL OR SALE PURCHASE.
BUY THE EBOOK…Despite enjoying this I had a few personal preference points that meant this would be an eBook purchase for me.
ORDER HERE: Kindle | Paperback
You can also find Book Recaps and Bookish Lists over at my blog The Book in Hand
Today, I am reviewing the first instalment to a new self-published series by D. W. Ross, and his debut no less. A massive thank you to D. W. Ross for sending me a copy of this book I exchange for an honest review.
As usual this review an be foundHERE.
Here are a few things you can expect from this book:
A solid debut;
A travelling tale that showcases a brilliant nordic/viking’esque world; and
A world rich in lore and an oh so interesting history.
On to the full review…
Cold From the North is a very well written debut, it has a very well built nordic inspired world and it is an enjoyable read.
As I said this is a nordic-inspired story and that made for a great world, Ross has gone to great lengths to build this world and make it feel authentic and real. It is in the little details that you get to see this, and it is woven into the plot quite well. I love nordic tales, it is a time and setting I always have fun reading and never seem to get tired of.
This book is a fairly plot driven book, and you are constantly moving forward within the story though it does lull at times and I personally would have liked more action fitting to this world, but as a first instalment it is somewhat expected. Having said that however, when the action did happen it was very well written, I loved that it felt bloody and battle-like.
I enjoyed the character’s Ross created, they were interesting and each felt worthy of your time but I would have liked more by way of character development and dialogue. I found I could go quite a while and not see a conversation, this is an utterly personal criticism though and really isn’t a huge issue, it is just some I noticed while reading.
While reading this I found myself enjoying the lessons in history of this world, I always like past tales and often think to myself, I could read a story about that!
Overall, this is a great first instalment to a series, Ross does not write like a newb and his writing is elegant and well written.
THE RANKS:
BUY THE HARDBACK | BUY THE PAPERBACK | BUY THE EBOOK | LIBRARY RENTAL OR SALE PURCHASE.
BUY THE EBOOK…Despite enjoying this I had a few personal preference points that meant this would be an eBook purchase for me.
ORDER HERE: Kindle | Paperback
You can also find Book Recaps and Bookish Lists over at my blog The Book in Hand
October 29, 2021
Cold From The North encapsulated my attention from the get-go until the very last page. Norse mythology is contained in a ball of frenetic energy waiting to be released at the perfect juncture. D.W. Ross knows how to pull in his reader with his dark narrative, shivers ran down my spine at the spiraling cascade of events. This is Ross’s debut novel and it shook me at how imaginatively beautiful the prose was, the world-building was expansive and straightforward and the characterisation is crafted with precision and care. This is a story that captures the need to be taken far away, it was fantastic and I can’t wait to read book 2.
The opening chapter of Cold From the North gives the reader insight into the world. You are under no illusion of just how cold the area of Keltbran is. It’s the kind of cold that settles into your bones, you can feel the ice travelling through your veins. I love Norse Mythology but I adore any story that is written in the far reaches of the world. Ogulf Harlsbane is the son of the Chief and he is your typical warrior from Norse Mythology. Ross truly displays what is good and right with human nature and can restore my faith in humanity time and time again (even though my heart ached throughout also.)
Ogulf, his father, and the other captains face invasion and they have to make it over the Widows Trail to make it to relative safety. The journey is not without its hardships and death. Imagine climbing Mount Everest and trying to make it over cavernous gorges with inexperienced people…there is going to be death and destruction. An incident happens and Ogulf is now in possession of a golden axe, an axe that he needs to take to a woman to put a stop to a prophecy becoming realised. Melcun, Ogalf’s friend ends up releasing magic that he has been able to keep hidden until now except to Ogalf, ends up having dire consequences.
The lore aspect of Cold From the North completes the magnificence of this story. An undercurrent of unease and worry and Ross was more than happy to keep you guessing. I didn’t want this story to end but at the same time, I couldn’t stop myself from reading more. This is a book that requires no energy at all to be carried away with the storyline. The characterisation is solid from the very start. You’ll keep reading because there is no way you can take your eyes off the vivid picture the author paints with his own life’s blood. A road travelled that left me on the edge but also pushed me to look over the edge.
Cold From the North will undoubtedly insert D.W. Ross into the fantasy landscape with ease. A fantasy book that has reminded me why I love the genre so much. Ross weaves an atmospheric tale of survival and intrigue.
The opening chapter of Cold From the North gives the reader insight into the world. You are under no illusion of just how cold the area of Keltbran is. It’s the kind of cold that settles into your bones, you can feel the ice travelling through your veins. I love Norse Mythology but I adore any story that is written in the far reaches of the world. Ogulf Harlsbane is the son of the Chief and he is your typical warrior from Norse Mythology. Ross truly displays what is good and right with human nature and can restore my faith in humanity time and time again (even though my heart ached throughout also.)
Ogulf, his father, and the other captains face invasion and they have to make it over the Widows Trail to make it to relative safety. The journey is not without its hardships and death. Imagine climbing Mount Everest and trying to make it over cavernous gorges with inexperienced people…there is going to be death and destruction. An incident happens and Ogulf is now in possession of a golden axe, an axe that he needs to take to a woman to put a stop to a prophecy becoming realised. Melcun, Ogalf’s friend ends up releasing magic that he has been able to keep hidden until now except to Ogalf, ends up having dire consequences.
The lore aspect of Cold From the North completes the magnificence of this story. An undercurrent of unease and worry and Ross was more than happy to keep you guessing. I didn’t want this story to end but at the same time, I couldn’t stop myself from reading more. This is a book that requires no energy at all to be carried away with the storyline. The characterisation is solid from the very start. You’ll keep reading because there is no way you can take your eyes off the vivid picture the author paints with his own life’s blood. A road travelled that left me on the edge but also pushed me to look over the edge.
Cold From the North will undoubtedly insert D.W. Ross into the fantasy landscape with ease. A fantasy book that has reminded me why I love the genre so much. Ross weaves an atmospheric tale of survival and intrigue.
November 2, 2023
This author had been on my radar because I thought their covers were awesome. Then they ran a kindle sale where the books were FREE, and then they offered me the audiobook too! Unbelievable! I can’t wait to read more, but I think I would definitely like to stick with audio?
To be honest I started this one the same exact day I finished listening to Ryan Cahill’s Of Darkness and Light and it definitely threw me off. I don’t mean that there is a difference in quality or anything of that nature, but one is a fantasy tome and the other is shorter. With this one’s shortness the author says, “buckled in? No? Too bad.” I was just a little confused to start off with all the names and change in story. And I did find the opening to be a little more light in description than I expected. It is a shorter fantasy though which I really love.
This novel does a lot of exposition and dialogue throughout. The author does a good job with it though, because the characters are really important. The characters shine here. Another thing I enjoyed is the super fantasy names the author used. Ugolf being my absolutely favorite. Both as a name and character.
Just because this is a shorter fantasy at 365 pages, does not mean that the author doesn’t know how to pack a punch with emotion and action. If anything, the length adds urgency and tension to the pacing. This is one of the things I think the author did really well. And I can’t wait to get into it further with the sequel.
Absolutely worth your time, effort, or money to get this story and read!
To be honest I started this one the same exact day I finished listening to Ryan Cahill’s Of Darkness and Light and it definitely threw me off. I don’t mean that there is a difference in quality or anything of that nature, but one is a fantasy tome and the other is shorter. With this one’s shortness the author says, “buckled in? No? Too bad.” I was just a little confused to start off with all the names and change in story. And I did find the opening to be a little more light in description than I expected. It is a shorter fantasy though which I really love.
This novel does a lot of exposition and dialogue throughout. The author does a good job with it though, because the characters are really important. The characters shine here. Another thing I enjoyed is the super fantasy names the author used. Ugolf being my absolutely favorite. Both as a name and character.
Just because this is a shorter fantasy at 365 pages, does not mean that the author doesn’t know how to pack a punch with emotion and action. If anything, the length adds urgency and tension to the pacing. This is one of the things I think the author did really well. And I can’t wait to get into it further with the sequel.
Absolutely worth your time, effort, or money to get this story and read!
July 19, 2022
Buzzwords: viking feels, travelling story, incredible platonic and familial relationships, magical artefacts, high stakes, atmospheric writing, heart-pounding action scenes, soft magic, exploration of various cultures and a good ol’ prophecy.
I am going to have to start this review off with a confession: for some unexplainable reason I had the feeling that this wouldn’t be the book for me… and BOY was I wrong.
Don’t get me wrong, I never go into books expecting not to like them, but there hadn’t been a Viking-esque book that I had adored yet... up to now.
In this book we mainly follow Ogulf Harlsbane, who is living his (not so best) life in the village of Keltbran in the cold north of Broadheim. Together with his best friend Melcun, he has decided that he wants to travel south to warmer climates, since there seems to be an endless winter plaguing his land. And while that might seem like the perfect kick-off for a fun travelling story, there is something much darker that eventually causes the people of Keltbran to leave their homes.
So yes, this story definitely has those Vikingy feels, especially in the beginning, but there is SO much more to love. Now, in most of those Vikingy stories (sorry, really can’t come up with a better term) that I’ve read, there isn’t a whole lot of magic aside from explaining the unexplainable by the people’s belief in the gods. But this story is different and it does have a good dose of magic, which is one of the things that so pleasantly surprised me. And I personally really like how we learned about the magic along with our characters. I would describe this as more of a soft magic system, but the author definitely thought it all out super well and it never feels like the magic is used as a plot convenience.
Another thing that completely hooked me were the characters. I very quickly latched onto our main characters and I was rooting for them the entire way through. Also, can we just talk about the amazing friendships in this book?! No drama, just pure love, loyalty and unwavering support. I need a Melcun in my life, thank you very much.
As for the plot, I was completely engaged from beginning to end. The stakes are high and I was just so enthralled the entire way through. Both the first and last 25% of this book are super explosive and fast-paced, but the relatively slower pace in the middle didn’t feel like a drag to me. It was nice to spend some ‘down time’ with our characters and see them process everything that has happened to them, because wow… their lives were upturned very quickly. And that middle part is also where we learn more about the prophecy and the magic, so I was hooked.
Also, for most of the book we follow only Ogulf’s POV, but there are a handful of chapters from other characters’ POVs (including the antagonist) and I really enjoyed all of them. Especially towards the end we switch more to some of those different POVs, which added to the tension and sense of danger and urgency.
So yeah, I don’t know if this review is even somewhat coherent, but all you really need to know is that I ADORED this book. So much so that I have already started book 2 and I have a feeling that it will be just as good, if not better.
One of my new favourites of the year for sure!!
I am going to have to start this review off with a confession: for some unexplainable reason I had the feeling that this wouldn’t be the book for me… and BOY was I wrong.
Don’t get me wrong, I never go into books expecting not to like them, but there hadn’t been a Viking-esque book that I had adored yet... up to now.
In this book we mainly follow Ogulf Harlsbane, who is living his (not so best) life in the village of Keltbran in the cold north of Broadheim. Together with his best friend Melcun, he has decided that he wants to travel south to warmer climates, since there seems to be an endless winter plaguing his land. And while that might seem like the perfect kick-off for a fun travelling story, there is something much darker that eventually causes the people of Keltbran to leave their homes.
So yes, this story definitely has those Vikingy feels, especially in the beginning, but there is SO much more to love. Now, in most of those Vikingy stories (sorry, really can’t come up with a better term) that I’ve read, there isn’t a whole lot of magic aside from explaining the unexplainable by the people’s belief in the gods. But this story is different and it does have a good dose of magic, which is one of the things that so pleasantly surprised me. And I personally really like how we learned about the magic along with our characters. I would describe this as more of a soft magic system, but the author definitely thought it all out super well and it never feels like the magic is used as a plot convenience.
Another thing that completely hooked me were the characters. I very quickly latched onto our main characters and I was rooting for them the entire way through. Also, can we just talk about the amazing friendships in this book?! No drama, just pure love, loyalty and unwavering support. I need a Melcun in my life, thank you very much.
As for the plot, I was completely engaged from beginning to end. The stakes are high and I was just so enthralled the entire way through. Both the first and last 25% of this book are super explosive and fast-paced, but the relatively slower pace in the middle didn’t feel like a drag to me. It was nice to spend some ‘down time’ with our characters and see them process everything that has happened to them, because wow… their lives were upturned very quickly. And that middle part is also where we learn more about the prophecy and the magic, so I was hooked.
Also, for most of the book we follow only Ogulf’s POV, but there are a handful of chapters from other characters’ POVs (including the antagonist) and I really enjoyed all of them. Especially towards the end we switch more to some of those different POVs, which added to the tension and sense of danger and urgency.
So yeah, I don’t know if this review is even somewhat coherent, but all you really need to know is that I ADORED this book. So much so that I have already started book 2 and I have a feeling that it will be just as good, if not better.
One of my new favourites of the year for sure!!
July 19, 2022
Oh hey, it's me , back with another indie fantasy debut review. This time , it's Cold From The North. A book I've seen pop up on my timeline quite a bit and one I've been eager to check out. Tldr: it lived up to my expectations .
@d.w.ross was graciously able to provide me with an audiobook copy , which I preface was excellently narrated and made for an even more enjoyable experience .
CFTN tells a story focused around our main character Ogulf, his best friend Melcun , and their countries remaining citizens. After their homeland is invaded and destroyed by dark forces looking to fulfil an ancient prophecy, they set off in search of the one person who can stop this invasion and give them the answers they seek, directed only by the final words of a dying man.
I really enjoyed this book, the Norse setting was well structured , the world was rich and intriguing and the shift of locations gave a fresh look on how the world is laid out .
The characters are all well written. The dialogue between them is one of the strongest aspects of this story. While it moves at a relatively slow pace for much, it's carried by some very well written dialogue . We're drip fed elements of the magic that infuses this world and some of its inhabitants. While this story was not rammed to the gills with action , when they came they were , like everything else well executed as one would expect from this kind of story (particularly the finale)
Overall this was a great debut from Ross,nice to have a fantasy book under 500 pages. I eagerly await the audio of book 2 and upcoming release of the finale to see where it all goes
@d.w.ross was graciously able to provide me with an audiobook copy , which I preface was excellently narrated and made for an even more enjoyable experience .
CFTN tells a story focused around our main character Ogulf, his best friend Melcun , and their countries remaining citizens. After their homeland is invaded and destroyed by dark forces looking to fulfil an ancient prophecy, they set off in search of the one person who can stop this invasion and give them the answers they seek, directed only by the final words of a dying man.
I really enjoyed this book, the Norse setting was well structured , the world was rich and intriguing and the shift of locations gave a fresh look on how the world is laid out .
The characters are all well written. The dialogue between them is one of the strongest aspects of this story. While it moves at a relatively slow pace for much, it's carried by some very well written dialogue . We're drip fed elements of the magic that infuses this world and some of its inhabitants. While this story was not rammed to the gills with action , when they came they were , like everything else well executed as one would expect from this kind of story (particularly the finale)
Overall this was a great debut from Ross,nice to have a fantasy book under 500 pages. I eagerly await the audio of book 2 and upcoming release of the finale to see where it all goes
November 19, 2022
4/5 Stars
A chilling start to the Onyxborn Chronicle! Cold from the North by D.W. Ross is a self-published epic fantasy with Viking influences.
An old prophecy returns, an army swarms the North to return their dark god to the world, and one hope to stop them. Olgulf, son of the cheiftan in the Northern village of Keltbran, learns of the army destroying all who stand in their way. Olgulf and his people must make the treacherous journey South to seek refuge and warn of the impending army. Along his travels, he is tasked with finding the one person who can stop the onslaught and prevent the Onyxborn’s return.
Cold From the North pulls you into a bleak and hopeless land. The North has been cast into perpetual winter for years. While the people of the North are hardy, survival in a barren land becomes increasingly difficult for Olgulf and his people. With the setting of the land and characters established quickly, it was easy to become immersed in the world and its people.
Similarly, I found myself quickly invested in the characters and their circumstances. Throughout this multi-POV story, the characters each had distinct voices and while there were likeable and unlikable characters, D.W. Ross made it easy to fall into the nuances of the characters relationships vs their responsibilities.
While there is magic, it is not widely accepted among all those in the world. This creates tension and intriguing developments throughout the story.
There was also a great balance of suspense and pacing within the story. While the pacing was medium to fast, the added layer of suspense or tension made this hard to put down. Typically, when emotional scenes occur in a book, I put it down to process the scene before continuing. I couldn’t do that with Cold from the North because it was such a compelling read, and easy to get lost in.
This is a harsh world that will draw you in from the start and leave you theorizing.
I read this via eBook and listening to the audiobook, narrated by Matt Coles. Matt did a great job at setting the tone and bringing the characters to life.
Featuring great characters, action, emotional scenes, magic, foreshadowing, mystery, lore, a prophecy, and quest.
A great start to the series and one I’d recommend for any Fantasy reader out there.
I look forward to continuing the series and seeing how the authors writing grows.
A chilling start to the Onyxborn Chronicle! Cold from the North by D.W. Ross is a self-published epic fantasy with Viking influences.
An old prophecy returns, an army swarms the North to return their dark god to the world, and one hope to stop them. Olgulf, son of the cheiftan in the Northern village of Keltbran, learns of the army destroying all who stand in their way. Olgulf and his people must make the treacherous journey South to seek refuge and warn of the impending army. Along his travels, he is tasked with finding the one person who can stop the onslaught and prevent the Onyxborn’s return.
Cold From the North pulls you into a bleak and hopeless land. The North has been cast into perpetual winter for years. While the people of the North are hardy, survival in a barren land becomes increasingly difficult for Olgulf and his people. With the setting of the land and characters established quickly, it was easy to become immersed in the world and its people.
Similarly, I found myself quickly invested in the characters and their circumstances. Throughout this multi-POV story, the characters each had distinct voices and while there were likeable and unlikable characters, D.W. Ross made it easy to fall into the nuances of the characters relationships vs their responsibilities.
While there is magic, it is not widely accepted among all those in the world. This creates tension and intriguing developments throughout the story.
There was also a great balance of suspense and pacing within the story. While the pacing was medium to fast, the added layer of suspense or tension made this hard to put down. Typically, when emotional scenes occur in a book, I put it down to process the scene before continuing. I couldn’t do that with Cold from the North because it was such a compelling read, and easy to get lost in.
This is a harsh world that will draw you in from the start and leave you theorizing.
I read this via eBook and listening to the audiobook, narrated by Matt Coles. Matt did a great job at setting the tone and bringing the characters to life.
Featuring great characters, action, emotional scenes, magic, foreshadowing, mystery, lore, a prophecy, and quest.
A great start to the series and one I’d recommend for any Fantasy reader out there.
I look forward to continuing the series and seeing how the authors writing grows.
February 10, 2022
4.5*
what an amazing debut by D.W. Ross!! wow just wow.
Worldbuilding, characters, atmosphere, battle-scenes were all pretty amazing. the pacing was phenomenal. The first 230 pages flew by so quickly, I had to restrain myself to do the story and the words justice and immerse myself even more.
The driving plotforce is an acient prophecy which, if fulfilled brings evil into this world and Ogulf is tryin to stop it from happenin to safe his people. There is family, friendship and a big heart.
All the norse-inspired fantasy elements, which I love, are there and refreshingly light written.
A fantasy to love and a newly discovered author to follow.
Can't wait to read the second book: The Darkest Dusk already waiting on my kindle to devour
what an amazing debut by D.W. Ross!! wow just wow.
Worldbuilding, characters, atmosphere, battle-scenes were all pretty amazing. the pacing was phenomenal. The first 230 pages flew by so quickly, I had to restrain myself to do the story and the words justice and immerse myself even more.
The driving plotforce is an acient prophecy which, if fulfilled brings evil into this world and Ogulf is tryin to stop it from happenin to safe his people. There is family, friendship and a big heart.
All the norse-inspired fantasy elements, which I love, are there and refreshingly light written.
A fantasy to love and a newly discovered author to follow.
Can't wait to read the second book: The Darkest Dusk already waiting on my kindle to devour
May 2, 2021
The worldbuilding was one of my favourite aspects of this book. Ross has built a richly detailed and believable world with a real sense of history and culture, from the practical aspects such as names to the way the settlements and people are set up, to the lore and tales of the world. It was all the little details that I loved, and there was a good balance of not letting the world offset the plot but enhance it. However, it was the history that really caught my imagination, and as much as really enjoyed the plot and narrative, I would love to have more of that history. It was always easy to sink back into this world whenever I picked the book up, and it was fantastic to have such an immersive world, and there is a lovely map to aid with that at the front of the book – which helps as we travel throughout this world with the characters.
The magic in this world is quite mysterious and limited in terms of who is able to use it. Melcun is our main window into this aspect in the beginning, and I have to say that I liked the fact that it was him, rather than Ogulf our main character who had that power. It makes for an interesting dynamic, in a relationship that was already interesting. The magic itself was well established, and it was enjoyable to see Melcun learning more about his abilities and developing them throughout the story, rather than dropping in with instant knowledge, again it’s a nice detail that adds depth to the world and story.
Ogulf and Melcun are our main characters, and I really enjoyed both of them as well as how their relationship was written, as touched on above, it was nice to see that not all the power lay with the main protagonist. Instead, we have a partnership, with both adding more than a little to the table. There is a wide-ranging cast of characters around them, and Ross does an excellent job of creating human characters with real emotion. There were a few places where it did feel as though we could have used a little more development, to give the characters a depth to match the plot and world, however, this is also the first book in the series and there were for the most part enough glimpses to show there is more to come.
Although I’m talking about it last the plot was very much the defining point of Cold from the North, which paired with a writing style that swept you up into the story makes for a fantastic narrative. There were a lot of threads to this story and lots of twists and turns and intrigue, and I enjoyed how they ranged in scale from the personal to nations and the world as a whole – building onto the depth provided by the worldbuilding. Ross brings all these elements together to create a well-crafted story that flows ever forward. The pacing did feel a little rough around the edges in places in that it lulled at times where it could have benefited from a little more action. Lulls are always necessary but given the setting and the situations that the characters and nations are currently in, I would have expected it to lean at least a little more towards the action. That said, the action, when it happened, was beautifully crafted, and those scenes pull you in until it feels as though you are in the centre of the chaos of fighting and emotions. The narrative itself was intriguing with the dark secrets and prophecy, and the tension those brought and that of the war, that even with those lulls it keeps moving forward and keeps you hooked on what is happening.
It's hard to believe that Cold from the North is a debut novel because the writing and the plot are so beautifully done, within such a well-realised world. This is certainly a series that I intend to continue with (and if you have not seen the stunning cover for the next instalment due later this year, check it out below), and I would recommend this one for anyone who is a fan of Norse Fantasy, and plot-driven stories.
September 22, 2023
This book had an excellent opening, incredibly atmospheric and quite the page turner.
However, as the story continued it seemed like we were side questing a good majority of the time with no real focus on the original plot. The atmosphere was abandoned in favor of journeying. My interest continued to wan.
I am a plot driven reader, so this could be a me thing but the writing lost a lot of the qualities I was enjoying at the beginning of the book.
I have heard that the follow up books are much better, so there is a chance I will continue with this series because I do like the characters and I love books that have a Norse vibe to them.
However, as the story continued it seemed like we were side questing a good majority of the time with no real focus on the original plot. The atmosphere was abandoned in favor of journeying. My interest continued to wan.
I am a plot driven reader, so this could be a me thing but the writing lost a lot of the qualities I was enjoying at the beginning of the book.
I have heard that the follow up books are much better, so there is a chance I will continue with this series because I do like the characters and I love books that have a Norse vibe to them.
Want to read
June 13, 2022This book and it’s sequel are free on Kindle right now (6/13/22!). Not sure how much longer, so get them while you can!
September 21, 2023
Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in this book. I had heard some really good things from others and hoped I would be able to add this to the list of my favorite self published novels, but that will not be the case. I do plan on reading book 2 in the series, and hopefully that one will be more to my liking. But for now, let's get on with my review of Cold from the North
The book started off strong. I was intrigued by the unending cold, felt the pressure of an evading army, and experienced the nerves of going on a harrowing trek while being chased by enemies. But about 40% into the book, the plot and pacing came to a screeching halt and didn't really pick back up again until about 80% into the book. It was a huge slog trying to get through that middle 40%. Without an enjoyable plot to keep me focused on the story, my mind naturally started to focus on all the things I didn't like.
I felt the dialog was clunky and didn't seem natural. Often times, I felt the side characters didn't have a personality themselves. Their purpose was nothing more than to fill in the blanks in a way so that the main characters could say what they wanted to say. Like they were following a script with the sole purpose of making the hero come off as a hero. In my opinion, the characters needed to be more fleshed out to determine what they would naturally say. For instance, every general everywhere should be able to see the potential of using a narrow single entrance as a bottleneck to negate an enemies strength in numbers. And likewise, an enemy general should also see that as a risk and be very hesitant of falling into that exact scenario.
But what bothered me more than nothing happening for 40% of the book, and the clunky dialog, and the staged side characters... was the extent that the reader was told what was happening instead of showing what was happening. Example: "The bickering continued for a few more moments before the princess interrupted them with a shout." This could have easily be written with the two actually bickering and the princess actually interrupting them instead of being told that that was what happened.
Overall, this scored out at 51/100.
The book started off strong. I was intrigued by the unending cold, felt the pressure of an evading army, and experienced the nerves of going on a harrowing trek while being chased by enemies. But about 40% into the book, the plot and pacing came to a screeching halt and didn't really pick back up again until about 80% into the book. It was a huge slog trying to get through that middle 40%. Without an enjoyable plot to keep me focused on the story, my mind naturally started to focus on all the things I didn't like.
I felt the dialog was clunky and didn't seem natural. Often times, I felt the side characters didn't have a personality themselves. Their purpose was nothing more than to fill in the blanks in a way so that the main characters could say what they wanted to say. Like they were following a script with the sole purpose of making the hero come off as a hero. In my opinion, the characters needed to be more fleshed out to determine what they would naturally say. For instance, every general everywhere should be able to see the potential of using a narrow single entrance as a bottleneck to negate an enemies strength in numbers. And likewise, an enemy general should also see that as a risk and be very hesitant of falling into that exact scenario.
But what bothered me more than nothing happening for 40% of the book, and the clunky dialog, and the staged side characters... was the extent that the reader was told what was happening instead of showing what was happening. Example: "The bickering continued for a few more moments before the princess interrupted them with a shout." This could have easily be written with the two actually bickering and the princess actually interrupting them instead of being told that that was what happened.
Overall, this scored out at 51/100.
January 6, 2023
6/1/23Just as good on reread!! Now onto the sequel👍🏻
Ok so for a debut book I was very impressed but the excellent writing and world building. From the very first page we have the tone set that this is a bleak landscape which is blighted by winter and I absolutely loved it!
Ross does a great job of introducing the characters and in no time at all I found myself really invested in what they were going through and their connections to each other.
.
My only critics are that as a first book it struggled from the pacing issue of trying to set up a new world which can make it lull a bit in places.
The action scenes were so well done and exciting that I wanted more of them to keep me hooked. I found myself easily able to put down the book for a couple of days and feel no rush to pick it back up.
.
I also feel a bit more tweaking in editing would have benefited for some of the parts that felt kind of long winded and I also did catch a few mistakes. However this is self published and for that I have to give credit for such a triumphant debut novel that this was! I’m excited and will definitely continue this series and I gave this one a 3.75⭐️ which I rounded up to a 4⭐️ on goodreads.
Ok so for a debut book I was very impressed but the excellent writing and world building. From the very first page we have the tone set that this is a bleak landscape which is blighted by winter and I absolutely loved it!
Ross does a great job of introducing the characters and in no time at all I found myself really invested in what they were going through and their connections to each other.
.
My only critics are that as a first book it struggled from the pacing issue of trying to set up a new world which can make it lull a bit in places.
The action scenes were so well done and exciting that I wanted more of them to keep me hooked. I found myself easily able to put down the book for a couple of days and feel no rush to pick it back up.
.
I also feel a bit more tweaking in editing would have benefited for some of the parts that felt kind of long winded and I also did catch a few mistakes. However this is self published and for that I have to give credit for such a triumphant debut novel that this was! I’m excited and will definitely continue this series and I gave this one a 3.75⭐️ which I rounded up to a 4⭐️ on goodreads.
November 6, 2021
An ancient prophecy in the harsh frigid north. A battle for a throne. A Norse inspired tale of action and adventure!
Lots of fun. Recommended!
Lots of fun. Recommended!
February 10, 2022
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you you D W Ross for the book.
This is a solid start to a new epic fantasy series! This book is full of quests, fighting and magic. I really enjoyed the introduction we are getting to the magic system within this book. With one of the main characters beginning their journey on how to harness their powers, we in turn are taken on a journey of discovery alongside them. The ending to this first book has left me with many questions and I am excited to see what happens with the rest of the series. Great start! Now to continue!
This is a solid start to a new epic fantasy series! This book is full of quests, fighting and magic. I really enjoyed the introduction we are getting to the magic system within this book. With one of the main characters beginning their journey on how to harness their powers, we in turn are taken on a journey of discovery alongside them. The ending to this first book has left me with many questions and I am excited to see what happens with the rest of the series. Great start! Now to continue!
May 17, 2022
3.5*
Cold From the North is a solid self-published debut by DW Ross. The initial installment of the Onxyborn Chronicle takes the reader on journeys across a brutal Nordic-inspired setting that brings this story to life.
Fans of the prophecy trope will have a lot to enjoy here. A mysterious army seeking to resurface evil ways based on a dark prophecy conquers and destroys Ogulf Harlsbane’s (if this isn’t the perfect name for a protagonist in this world, I don’t know what is) homeland. Ogulf and his people must leave the only place they’ve ever known or be slaughtered. This journey for refuge finds Ogulf looking for the one person who can put an end to this dark prophecy and the oncoming reign of the Onyxborn.
This book is largely a plot-driven fantasy with impressive worldbuilding. As mentioned, there are quests throughout that consistently keep the plot moving while also showcasing the expansion of the world. This truly is a Nordic-inspired setting that had me shivering with chills while I imagined the frigid temperatures and harsh conditions of this land. I also felt enamored with the lore of this world and couldn’t get enough of it. There isn’t a large focus on the magic system yet. The knowledge slowly develops as characters learn more about their abilities. It seems that magic will be explored more in the sequels. This setting is perfect for the battles that transpire. I also want to mention that there are symbolic and mysterious weapons! This always adds a little something extra for me.
DW Ross had me wondering how all of the pieces would come together for the entirety of this book. I was able to root for the main protagonists and the relationships they formed. There is an especially unique experience that comes along with Ogulf which I don’t want to spoil. I think, overall, I would have liked more character development and to see a few things shown and explored a little more instead of just telling the reader about them.
The first volume of a series should leave you wanting more and this one certainly does. There is a satisfying conclusion that only leads me to believe that The Darkest Dusk will improve on everything this book had to offer.
Cold From the North is a solid self-published debut by DW Ross. The initial installment of the Onxyborn Chronicle takes the reader on journeys across a brutal Nordic-inspired setting that brings this story to life.
Fans of the prophecy trope will have a lot to enjoy here. A mysterious army seeking to resurface evil ways based on a dark prophecy conquers and destroys Ogulf Harlsbane’s (if this isn’t the perfect name for a protagonist in this world, I don’t know what is) homeland. Ogulf and his people must leave the only place they’ve ever known or be slaughtered. This journey for refuge finds Ogulf looking for the one person who can put an end to this dark prophecy and the oncoming reign of the Onyxborn.
This book is largely a plot-driven fantasy with impressive worldbuilding. As mentioned, there are quests throughout that consistently keep the plot moving while also showcasing the expansion of the world. This truly is a Nordic-inspired setting that had me shivering with chills while I imagined the frigid temperatures and harsh conditions of this land. I also felt enamored with the lore of this world and couldn’t get enough of it. There isn’t a large focus on the magic system yet. The knowledge slowly develops as characters learn more about their abilities. It seems that magic will be explored more in the sequels. This setting is perfect for the battles that transpire. I also want to mention that there are symbolic and mysterious weapons! This always adds a little something extra for me.
DW Ross had me wondering how all of the pieces would come together for the entirety of this book. I was able to root for the main protagonists and the relationships they formed. There is an especially unique experience that comes along with Ogulf which I don’t want to spoil. I think, overall, I would have liked more character development and to see a few things shown and explored a little more instead of just telling the reader about them.
The first volume of a series should leave you wanting more and this one certainly does. There is a satisfying conclusion that only leads me to believe that The Darkest Dusk will improve on everything this book had to offer.
August 4, 2022
Please read my review at the link below:
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2022/...
Thank you for taking the time to read my review! As always happy reading and Stay Great!!
https://escapistbookcompany.com/2022/...
Thank you for taking the time to read my review! As always happy reading and Stay Great!!
December 30, 2022
Cold from the North by D.W. Ross is a promising fantasy debut that looks to be shaping up for a great series. This is an epic adventure filled with travels, magic and intrigue that unravels throughout the course of the book. I was fully invested in this book and will jump into book 2 as soon as i can.
Cold from the North is about an ancient prophecy that brings the darkness of an old god to prominence. Invaders have engulfed the homeland, killing the opposition and Ogulf Harlsbane has been tasked in finding the one who can stop the slaughter.
Whilst the premise is a concoction of new and familiar tropes, this book excels in being its own world. The world-building that Ross has introduced has started strong. Whilst this may not be a unique concept, Ross kept me interested and intrigued enough to race through the book taking in all its wonders.
Ogulf is our "main" point of view character but we are treated to a few different engaging perspectives along the way and Ross used this to show the vastness of the story and the world that he has created.
The pace of the book may have one small critique; when it's fast, it's really fast but when it's slow it can take a while to pick back up. Rest assured this didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book as we learned more of the history of the world, the magic used and the prophecy.
Overall, this was a solid debut and i will read Book 2 - The Darkest Dusk as soon as i can. This has the foundations of a great fantasy concept and an incredible adventure that i'm already invested in.
Cold from the North is about an ancient prophecy that brings the darkness of an old god to prominence. Invaders have engulfed the homeland, killing the opposition and Ogulf Harlsbane has been tasked in finding the one who can stop the slaughter.
Whilst the premise is a concoction of new and familiar tropes, this book excels in being its own world. The world-building that Ross has introduced has started strong. Whilst this may not be a unique concept, Ross kept me interested and intrigued enough to race through the book taking in all its wonders.
Ogulf is our "main" point of view character but we are treated to a few different engaging perspectives along the way and Ross used this to show the vastness of the story and the world that he has created.
The pace of the book may have one small critique; when it's fast, it's really fast but when it's slow it can take a while to pick back up. Rest assured this didn't take away from the enjoyment of the book as we learned more of the history of the world, the magic used and the prophecy.
Overall, this was a solid debut and i will read Book 2 - The Darkest Dusk as soon as i can. This has the foundations of a great fantasy concept and an incredible adventure that i'm already invested in.
April 7, 2021
3.5*
More reviews available on our site:
https://theworldsofsff.com/2021/cold-...
REVIEW
Firstly, I’d like to thank D. W Ross for sending me a copy of Cold from the North and also congratulate the cover designer, Cherie Chapman, for producing a very enticing and beautiful cover!
Cold from the North is a Nordic-inspired tale, which is one of my favourite settings in fantasy. I love a good axe, the cold and harsh environments, and Viking style society. The tale follows Ogulf Harlsbane, the son of a chief, as his people are forced to leave their land and seek refuge with neighbours due to an invading force sweeping through their lands.
As they begin their travels an incident happens, Ogulf ends up possessing an axe, which he must get to somebody he doesn’t know in order to prevent the invaders fulfilling a prophecy. It is at this juncture in the story where Melcun—Ogulf’s friend—powers manifest much stronger than they ever have done before—powers he dared not show while growing up as magic was not looked on favourably among his people.
This scene is also the first part of the book where the pace quickens, and we get some action, intensity, and panic. On the subject of pace, I’d have loved to have read more scenes like this in the book. Generally, the pace is quite static (but the story enjoyable) and I would have liked more action scenes throughout the book—the pace quickens near the end where the action scenes are well-written and paint a vivid picture of a bloody battle.
Cold from the North is very plot-driven and is constantly moving forward, which is why there isn’t as much action or change of pace as I would like. Book one is laying the foundation. We learn bits about the prophecy. We get some taste of magic—it’s powerful and we know very little so far so I am very interested to see how it builds in book 2. We learn about the history or the world and key characters. And we learn about some current events, such as a Civil War.
Whereas the plot-driven nature, following the path of the people seeking refuge doesn’t lend itself to much action (in this world), the titbits we learn regrading the history of key characters were missed opportunities. I’m currently making my way through Stormlight, by Brandon Sanderson, and he does an excellent job of using scenes from the past to develop characters, build their history, and change the pace of the story.
We are told about past wars and events in the lives of key characters, and I think Cold from the North would have benefitted from either chapters which told these stories, or conversations among the characters which told these stories. By doing this Ross would be able to treat us to richer history lessons, more action, and have the opportunity to ebb and flow the pace of his storytelling.
There are a few grammatical errors in the book (I bought the Kindle version as well as having the book sent to me), but nothing major, though it is something to be aware of as it can break your flow when reading. And there was one inconsistency that through me where somebody had a greatsword, which was then a broadsword a couple of paragraphs later, and still a broadsword a little later. This may just be in the Kindle version. I have yet to check the hardcopy… I didn’t want to break the beautiful spine!
Overall, Cold from the North is an enjoyable first instalment in the Onyxborn series and a good debut novel. As with anything in life, writing is a journey and I’m sure Ross will learn lessons from feedback and reviews. This is a promising start to a writing career. There was plenty in Cold from the North that interested me, and I am looking forward to reading book two. I want to see where the story leads and how the magic plays out. I’m also looking forward to more action scenes which book two promises!
More reviews available on our site:
https://theworldsofsff.com/2021/cold-...
REVIEW
Firstly, I’d like to thank D. W Ross for sending me a copy of Cold from the North and also congratulate the cover designer, Cherie Chapman, for producing a very enticing and beautiful cover!
Cold from the North is a Nordic-inspired tale, which is one of my favourite settings in fantasy. I love a good axe, the cold and harsh environments, and Viking style society. The tale follows Ogulf Harlsbane, the son of a chief, as his people are forced to leave their land and seek refuge with neighbours due to an invading force sweeping through their lands.
As they begin their travels an incident happens, Ogulf ends up possessing an axe, which he must get to somebody he doesn’t know in order to prevent the invaders fulfilling a prophecy. It is at this juncture in the story where Melcun—Ogulf’s friend—powers manifest much stronger than they ever have done before—powers he dared not show while growing up as magic was not looked on favourably among his people.
This scene is also the first part of the book where the pace quickens, and we get some action, intensity, and panic. On the subject of pace, I’d have loved to have read more scenes like this in the book. Generally, the pace is quite static (but the story enjoyable) and I would have liked more action scenes throughout the book—the pace quickens near the end where the action scenes are well-written and paint a vivid picture of a bloody battle.
Cold from the North is very plot-driven and is constantly moving forward, which is why there isn’t as much action or change of pace as I would like. Book one is laying the foundation. We learn bits about the prophecy. We get some taste of magic—it’s powerful and we know very little so far so I am very interested to see how it builds in book 2. We learn about the history or the world and key characters. And we learn about some current events, such as a Civil War.
Whereas the plot-driven nature, following the path of the people seeking refuge doesn’t lend itself to much action (in this world), the titbits we learn regrading the history of key characters were missed opportunities. I’m currently making my way through Stormlight, by Brandon Sanderson, and he does an excellent job of using scenes from the past to develop characters, build their history, and change the pace of the story.
We are told about past wars and events in the lives of key characters, and I think Cold from the North would have benefitted from either chapters which told these stories, or conversations among the characters which told these stories. By doing this Ross would be able to treat us to richer history lessons, more action, and have the opportunity to ebb and flow the pace of his storytelling.
There are a few grammatical errors in the book (I bought the Kindle version as well as having the book sent to me), but nothing major, though it is something to be aware of as it can break your flow when reading. And there was one inconsistency that through me where somebody had a greatsword, which was then a broadsword a couple of paragraphs later, and still a broadsword a little later. This may just be in the Kindle version. I have yet to check the hardcopy… I didn’t want to break the beautiful spine!
Overall, Cold from the North is an enjoyable first instalment in the Onyxborn series and a good debut novel. As with anything in life, writing is a journey and I’m sure Ross will learn lessons from feedback and reviews. This is a promising start to a writing career. There was plenty in Cold from the North that interested me, and I am looking forward to reading book two. I want to see where the story leads and how the magic plays out. I’m also looking forward to more action scenes which book two promises!
October 3, 2022
4 ⭐️
Cold From the North is the debut entry of D.W. Ross in a self published fantasy series. The story primarily follows the character of Ogulf Harlsbane, a tactical genius, and his friend Melcun, a fledgling mage as they embark on a quest across a rich, Nordic inspired world to stop the fulfilment of a catastrophic prophecy after their homeland is invaded by a destructive and bloodthirsty horde of dark forces.
This is a solid debut. The Nordic, Viking inspired world is rich with world-building, history and flavour. As our characters journey across the world, we come to visit slightly less Nordic inspired regions, adding a more diverse, vibrant look at the world as well as the cultures that inhabit it. It is especially interesting to see how magic and anyone who practices it is shunned in certain parts of the world, but is encouraged elsewhere.
Whilst this is predominantly a plot driven story, Cold From the North truly shines with its characters and dialogue. The character relationships are strong, and I felt empathetic to most of the characters plight due to how well written the dialogue is and how authentic it feels. The camaraderie between Ogulf and Melcun is a strong example of this, with one of the major plot points being Melcun’s borderline ostracisation from their clan, for being a magic wielder.
Admittedly, the pacing is pretty slow and there isn’t a metric ton of action you would come to expect from a story involving Viking inspired warriors, but what action there is in the book is decent. This book very much feels like a setup book for the rest of the series in which we will undoubtedly experience more battles and explore more of the magic system, both of which have clearly been setup with a huge amount of intrigue.
Overall a strong first entry into what I’m sure will turn out to be an explosive fantasy series wrought with badass warriors, Norse inspired mythology and destructive battles. Despite this being a debut, Ross has a very strong writing style. I’m excited to continue with the series and recommend it to any fan of Norse inspired fantasy.
Cold From the North is the debut entry of D.W. Ross in a self published fantasy series. The story primarily follows the character of Ogulf Harlsbane, a tactical genius, and his friend Melcun, a fledgling mage as they embark on a quest across a rich, Nordic inspired world to stop the fulfilment of a catastrophic prophecy after their homeland is invaded by a destructive and bloodthirsty horde of dark forces.
This is a solid debut. The Nordic, Viking inspired world is rich with world-building, history and flavour. As our characters journey across the world, we come to visit slightly less Nordic inspired regions, adding a more diverse, vibrant look at the world as well as the cultures that inhabit it. It is especially interesting to see how magic and anyone who practices it is shunned in certain parts of the world, but is encouraged elsewhere.
Whilst this is predominantly a plot driven story, Cold From the North truly shines with its characters and dialogue. The character relationships are strong, and I felt empathetic to most of the characters plight due to how well written the dialogue is and how authentic it feels. The camaraderie between Ogulf and Melcun is a strong example of this, with one of the major plot points being Melcun’s borderline ostracisation from their clan, for being a magic wielder.
Admittedly, the pacing is pretty slow and there isn’t a metric ton of action you would come to expect from a story involving Viking inspired warriors, but what action there is in the book is decent. This book very much feels like a setup book for the rest of the series in which we will undoubtedly experience more battles and explore more of the magic system, both of which have clearly been setup with a huge amount of intrigue.
Overall a strong first entry into what I’m sure will turn out to be an explosive fantasy series wrought with badass warriors, Norse inspired mythology and destructive battles. Despite this being a debut, Ross has a very strong writing style. I’m excited to continue with the series and recommend it to any fan of Norse inspired fantasy.
March 17, 2021
This is without doubt one of the best debut novels you can read! Incredible world building, character development and an epic plot of a fight for survival against an enemy driven by a cause they believe to be right! What is better is that this is book 1 in a series and I cannot wait for more!
Thank you David for the review copy! A full review will be on the blog soon!
Thank you David for the review copy! A full review will be on the blog soon!
September 13, 2025
2.5
I had high hopes for this story but I’m mixed in my feelings. The beginning and end were strong but the story meandered and got stuck in the middle portion.
The plot is typical for this genre. No surprises there.
I didn’t find the characters engaging. I didn’t pull for anyone really. The best character I think would’ve been Wildar and we lost him early on.
There’s barely any magic and no Norse mythology connection as far as I can see.
But I’d like to see what happens next and will give the second book a try.
April 2, 2023
I cannot believe how quickly this book went by. Large world building, interesting magic system (and linked to a prophecy), terrifying foe.
I think the plot is a bit rushed (and trust is given a bit too easily) but overall I had a very positive experience going through this book!
I think the plot is a bit rushed (and trust is given a bit too easily) but overall I had a very positive experience going through this book!
November 21, 2022
A very good norse tinged throwback to classic fantasy. At times it fell into a few debut author pitfalls, and pacing could've been more consistent, but a good time was always had. The rowsing end showed off DW's clear authorial promise and by trilogies end i am sure he will be a firm fantasy favourite.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
April 17, 2021
Review to come
December 13, 2021
Have you ever felt cold from just reading a book? 🥶 🥶
I’ve been walking in the mountains when sudden hail storms have blown in, when the wind has turned bitter, and the air become icy. There is a very distinct pain to being cold and outside in the elements – but very rarely brought to life for me in literature. By chapter three, I was fully invested in this book. I felt the cold.
To give a bit more of the premise, The Cold From the North is about the awakening of an ancient prophecy which will bring the dark ways of an old god to prominence. Based on this prophecy, an army of invaders engulf Ogulf Harlsbane’s homeland – slaughtering all those who oppose them. Ogulf and the people from his village must flee from this savage force. In doing so, he is tasked with finding the one person who can stop the onslaught.
So there you are – a great concept and a great mix of the familiar and the new. If you were a fan of Game of Thrones and the scenes north of the wall, you will enjoy this book. There are some Norse inspired aspects, but not too much either; this is certainly its own world. In that sense, I found the world building to be strong, not perhaps the most unique, but interesting and distinct enough to be compelling.
D.W. Ross has created a fantastic debut fantasy novel. I felt how painful the severe cold was. I had huge anxiety when Ogulf and the other villagers were crossing over a very dangerous mountain. The final battle was well constructed, and the magical system enjoyable to read.
Another thing that D.W Ross has really excelled at is mixing the action with characterisation. I felt that I knew Ogulf and Melcun really well. For a novel that starts off with the inciting incident quite early on, this was great. Lots of books can fail to paint their characters if the action starts too soon.
Another thing I enjoyed was that Ogulf, our main character, was the warrior, and his friend, Melcun, was the mage. It was a relationship a bit like that of Merlin and Prince Arthur in the BBC TV series – except with the roles reversed. It is Ogulf who is protective of Melcun rather than the other way round. This made for an interesting dynamic.
Whilst the story was mostly told from the perspective of Ogulf, there were occasional chapters told from different perspectives which was another added bonus. These chapters were always engaging.
The only small critique I’d have of the book is that once Ogulf and his friends reach a place of safety, which was about 1/3 of the way through the novel, the pace slows for a bit as some of the prophecy and magic system is explained. For me this section of the novel gave over too much information, at times repeated what we already knew, and slowed the progression of the story. It’s a small point, and the pace promptly picked up again. If any readers reach this part and feel the plot has slowed too much, rest assured it doesn’t last for long.
Overall, I feel this was a very solid debut and I know the second book is on its way. A lot of world-building has been done in Cold From the North and I’m excited to see where the story will go.
I think anyone who likes The Last Kingdom books would like this. It’s got great adventure elements alongside a great fantasy concept. I’d also recommend this for teenagers wanting to read fantasy but who are too young for Game of Thrones and other more adult fantasy. While there is some gore and battle scenes, it doesn’t have anything too graphic and while there are hints of romance, there is nothing explicit here either.
I’ve been walking in the mountains when sudden hail storms have blown in, when the wind has turned bitter, and the air become icy. There is a very distinct pain to being cold and outside in the elements – but very rarely brought to life for me in literature. By chapter three, I was fully invested in this book. I felt the cold.
To give a bit more of the premise, The Cold From the North is about the awakening of an ancient prophecy which will bring the dark ways of an old god to prominence. Based on this prophecy, an army of invaders engulf Ogulf Harlsbane’s homeland – slaughtering all those who oppose them. Ogulf and the people from his village must flee from this savage force. In doing so, he is tasked with finding the one person who can stop the onslaught.
So there you are – a great concept and a great mix of the familiar and the new. If you were a fan of Game of Thrones and the scenes north of the wall, you will enjoy this book. There are some Norse inspired aspects, but not too much either; this is certainly its own world. In that sense, I found the world building to be strong, not perhaps the most unique, but interesting and distinct enough to be compelling.
D.W. Ross has created a fantastic debut fantasy novel. I felt how painful the severe cold was. I had huge anxiety when Ogulf and the other villagers were crossing over a very dangerous mountain. The final battle was well constructed, and the magical system enjoyable to read.
Another thing that D.W Ross has really excelled at is mixing the action with characterisation. I felt that I knew Ogulf and Melcun really well. For a novel that starts off with the inciting incident quite early on, this was great. Lots of books can fail to paint their characters if the action starts too soon.
Another thing I enjoyed was that Ogulf, our main character, was the warrior, and his friend, Melcun, was the mage. It was a relationship a bit like that of Merlin and Prince Arthur in the BBC TV series – except with the roles reversed. It is Ogulf who is protective of Melcun rather than the other way round. This made for an interesting dynamic.
Whilst the story was mostly told from the perspective of Ogulf, there were occasional chapters told from different perspectives which was another added bonus. These chapters were always engaging.
The only small critique I’d have of the book is that once Ogulf and his friends reach a place of safety, which was about 1/3 of the way through the novel, the pace slows for a bit as some of the prophecy and magic system is explained. For me this section of the novel gave over too much information, at times repeated what we already knew, and slowed the progression of the story. It’s a small point, and the pace promptly picked up again. If any readers reach this part and feel the plot has slowed too much, rest assured it doesn’t last for long.
Overall, I feel this was a very solid debut and I know the second book is on its way. A lot of world-building has been done in Cold From the North and I’m excited to see where the story will go.
I think anyone who likes The Last Kingdom books would like this. It’s got great adventure elements alongside a great fantasy concept. I’d also recommend this for teenagers wanting to read fantasy but who are too young for Game of Thrones and other more adult fantasy. While there is some gore and battle scenes, it doesn’t have anything too graphic and while there are hints of romance, there is nothing explicit here either.
January 8, 2021
Cold from the North is author D.W. Ross’ debut novel, and I was really impressed with it. The plot was was multifaceted and really intriguing, and I enjoyed the Nordic-style setting.
Cold from the North is a very plot-driven book, and there is a lot to like about the narrative. There are secret orders and dark secrets, a prophecy that promises to bring dark magic back to the world, magical weapons, a war on two fronts, and loads of family issues. This book certainly enough tension-creating elements to keep the storyline intriguing. The way all of the elements fit together made for a really well-rounded book to me, and it worked out really well in the end, too. The ending was perfect, as it did two things really well: it satisfied some of the points conflict while creating new one to look forward to in the next book. Overall, it was a really well-written plot all the way through.
Another great aspect of Cold from the North is its Nordic-style setting. I was originally attracted to this book by the cool-looking double-sided axe on the cover. From the names of people and cities, to the way the villages and clans are set up, the weapons, everything screams “Viking” to me, and that has always been a culture with which I have been enthralled. To me, the Norse aspect of the book added a layer of coolness to what was already a really interesting story.
I do want to note that, while I did enjoy the plot and how it was written, in my opinion the story could have used a little more ebb and flow. The pace felt plateaued at times, and that could have been helped by building on the already-intriguing storyline with a few more climactic events along the way. I also think there was room for a little more character development, which would have added some depth.
Overall, I really enjoyed Cold from the North. If I did not know this was Ross’ debut novel I would not have guessed by how well-written it is. The plot is the driving force of the story, and the author did a great job of building tension around a very interesting setting. Needless to say, this book gets my recommendation for fantasy readers, and I am very much looking forward to book 2 in the series which is tentatively scheduled for publication in Summer 2021.
Cold from the North is a very plot-driven book, and there is a lot to like about the narrative. There are secret orders and dark secrets, a prophecy that promises to bring dark magic back to the world, magical weapons, a war on two fronts, and loads of family issues. This book certainly enough tension-creating elements to keep the storyline intriguing. The way all of the elements fit together made for a really well-rounded book to me, and it worked out really well in the end, too. The ending was perfect, as it did two things really well: it satisfied some of the points conflict while creating new one to look forward to in the next book. Overall, it was a really well-written plot all the way through.
Another great aspect of Cold from the North is its Nordic-style setting. I was originally attracted to this book by the cool-looking double-sided axe on the cover. From the names of people and cities, to the way the villages and clans are set up, the weapons, everything screams “Viking” to me, and that has always been a culture with which I have been enthralled. To me, the Norse aspect of the book added a layer of coolness to what was already a really interesting story.
I do want to note that, while I did enjoy the plot and how it was written, in my opinion the story could have used a little more ebb and flow. The pace felt plateaued at times, and that could have been helped by building on the already-intriguing storyline with a few more climactic events along the way. I also think there was room for a little more character development, which would have added some depth.
Overall, I really enjoyed Cold from the North. If I did not know this was Ross’ debut novel I would not have guessed by how well-written it is. The plot is the driving force of the story, and the author did a great job of building tension around a very interesting setting. Needless to say, this book gets my recommendation for fantasy readers, and I am very much looking forward to book 2 in the series which is tentatively scheduled for publication in Summer 2021.
August 13, 2021
I enjoyed this debut fantasy novel by D.W. Ross, which I understand is the first book in a trilogy.
The world in the book is well-drawn, with a medieval / Scandinavian feel to it. Most of the story is seen through the eyes of Ogulf, who is forced to flee his home after an invasion of his country by a hostile army. Ogulf is an endearing individual, and both he and his friend Melcun are likeable characters to spend time with.
The book has some strong action scenes both early on, and towards the end of the book (with my favourite scene near the very end). My only very minor issue was a drop in pace in the middle section of the book, but the action at the end compensated for this.
Overall, I think it is a well-written and enjoyable book, and a fine debut novel.
The world in the book is well-drawn, with a medieval / Scandinavian feel to it. Most of the story is seen through the eyes of Ogulf, who is forced to flee his home after an invasion of his country by a hostile army. Ogulf is an endearing individual, and both he and his friend Melcun are likeable characters to spend time with.
The book has some strong action scenes both early on, and towards the end of the book (with my favourite scene near the very end). My only very minor issue was a drop in pace in the middle section of the book, but the action at the end compensated for this.
Overall, I think it is a well-written and enjoyable book, and a fine debut novel.
Want to read
December 28, 2021It was free on UK kindle so I grabbed it while I could 😅
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