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Spirits of the Norse #1
The Serpent
Oceans of blood have stained Scotland’s shores for a century. Forging peace between the Vikings and Scots seems an impossible task, but Giric MacDomnail is resolute. Giric meets with Gunnar, chieftain of Clan Haraldson on Islay, with a proposal to end the carnage. But there’s more at stake than peace when he meets Gunnar’s sister.
Saga Haraldson is a shield-maiden who fights her clan’s enemies with abandon—backing down from no one. This Scot, come to play them with his pretty words, deserves an axe in his chest. Instead, his reason and his words penetrate her defences.
Giric and Saga must mend the hatred and prejudice between two fiercely proud cultures. Can love be the binding ingredient for a peaceful future?
Saga Haraldson is a shield-maiden who fights her clan’s enemies with abandon—backing down from no one. This Scot, come to play them with his pretty words, deserves an axe in his chest. Instead, his reason and his words penetrate her defences.
Giric and Saga must mend the hatred and prejudice between two fiercely proud cultures. Can love be the binding ingredient for a peaceful future?
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2021
4 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Kate Robbins
39 books141 followersKate Robbins writes historical romance novels out of pure escapism and a love for all things Scottish, not to mention a life-long enjoyment of reading romance.
Kate loves the research process and delving into secondary sources in order to blend authentic historical fact into her stories. She has travelled to Scotland twice and visited the sites described in her Highland Chiefs series.
Her debut award winning novel, Bound to the Highlander, is the first of five books set in the early fifteenth century during the reign of James Stewart, first of his name.
Kate is the pen name of Debbie Robbins who lives in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
Kate loves the research process and delving into secondary sources in order to blend authentic historical fact into her stories. She has travelled to Scotland twice and visited the sites described in her Highland Chiefs series.
Her debut award winning novel, Bound to the Highlander, is the first of five books set in the early fifteenth century during the reign of James Stewart, first of his name.
Kate is the pen name of Debbie Robbins who lives in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 29, 2021
Let me be up front and honest: Historical fiction and historical romance are two genres that I can't always get into. It's hard to find someone who writes historical fiction in a compelling way that pulls me in and keeps me entertained. That's the reason why I don't jump into them too often. But then I was introduced to Kate Robbins. There's something about this incredible Canadian author and her writing style that just vibes with me. It makes me enjoy and want to read more historical fiction, which is such a nice feeling. Now, onto the actual review.
The Serpent by Kate Robbins is the first book in a new series, titled Spirits of the Norse. Scot's and Vikings intertwine in this historical book, dating back to about 900AD. Giric MacDomnail, a Scotsman, comes along to obtain peace from the Vikings. He meets the Chieftain, Gunner, and then ends up meeting his headstrong, powerful leading lady sister Saga. She's a Shieldmaiden who can beat down enemies into a pulp. She's strong, incredible and wickedly smart (but has a wee bit of a temper). The two hit it off fairly early on in the story, despite being two very different people. Giric was prepared to marry a Viking to help bring peace to both clans. Saga, on the other hand, doesn't want a forced marriage and won't do anything that she doesn't want to do. Oh, how her opinion will change once she gets to know our handsome lead...
The two cultures are written in such a perfect, poetic prose by Kate Robbins. The book whisks you away to a far off land with Viking culture and folklore littered throughout. Loki, Odin, Frey, Heimdall, runes and magic- it felt like a magical and folklore filled story that I couldn't put down (literally, I read this whole book in one sitting which has not happened for me in quite a long time). Add in the hot and heavy erotic scenes that makes this one R rated historical romance, and you've got one awesome read.
Treacherous journeys, runes and Seers, intelligent and strong women, suspicious figures and vicious attacks will have you on the edge of your seat.
This book is one fantastic read and I highly recommend it. I definitely want to continue picking up Kate Robbin's historical fiction books as they are just marvellous, intriguing and so compelling. Be transported away with this wonderful read, and let me know what you think too!
Five out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, Kate Robbins, in exchange for an honest review.
The Serpent by Kate Robbins is the first book in a new series, titled Spirits of the Norse. Scot's and Vikings intertwine in this historical book, dating back to about 900AD. Giric MacDomnail, a Scotsman, comes along to obtain peace from the Vikings. He meets the Chieftain, Gunner, and then ends up meeting his headstrong, powerful leading lady sister Saga. She's a Shieldmaiden who can beat down enemies into a pulp. She's strong, incredible and wickedly smart (but has a wee bit of a temper). The two hit it off fairly early on in the story, despite being two very different people. Giric was prepared to marry a Viking to help bring peace to both clans. Saga, on the other hand, doesn't want a forced marriage and won't do anything that she doesn't want to do. Oh, how her opinion will change once she gets to know our handsome lead...
The two cultures are written in such a perfect, poetic prose by Kate Robbins. The book whisks you away to a far off land with Viking culture and folklore littered throughout. Loki, Odin, Frey, Heimdall, runes and magic- it felt like a magical and folklore filled story that I couldn't put down (literally, I read this whole book in one sitting which has not happened for me in quite a long time). Add in the hot and heavy erotic scenes that makes this one R rated historical romance, and you've got one awesome read.
Treacherous journeys, runes and Seers, intelligent and strong women, suspicious figures and vicious attacks will have you on the edge of your seat.
This book is one fantastic read and I highly recommend it. I definitely want to continue picking up Kate Robbin's historical fiction books as they are just marvellous, intriguing and so compelling. Be transported away with this wonderful read, and let me know what you think too!
Five out of five stars.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, Kate Robbins, in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
The story flows at a realistic pace and progresses in a compelling manner. Ms. Robbins has successfully started another popular series!
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The story flows at a realistic pace and progresses in a compelling manner. Ms. Robbins has successfully started another popular series!
Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 15, 2021
Book: The Serpent
Series: Spirits of the Norse, Book #1
Release Date: September 15, 2021
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags
Firth of Clyde, Alba
936 AD
Giric MacDomnail is weary of his people in Scotland being raided and killed by the barbaric Norseman. He feels the only resolution is with peace talks and through a marriage alliance. Even his King is in agreement with this idea and offering his own daughter. Now Giric who is a widow wasn’t planning of taking a wife for himselfof himself. Well that is until he spots the Chieftain Gunnar Haraldson’s sister, the beautiful, feisty, brave, and powerful shieldmaiden, Saga Haraldson who is very much against this alliance, she initially feels her freedom and her way of life would be stripped away from her! As she is a warrior and very different from the Scottish woman Giric has ever known. Saga’s older brother is Gunnar Haraldson, the Norse chieftain of Clan Haraldson, as Saga does not want to be forced into alliance. Yet she must admit this Scot is the most attractive man she has ever laid her eyes on, plus he smell absolutely delicious too and for her this is a major problem!
Now after these peace talks Saga’s Chieftain brother is in complete agreement with the Scots, especially since there are other tribes on Gunnar’s island that want to take over and start a civil war! Gunnar is in desperate need for manpower, which Giric’s army would supply. This would help defend his people as he fears there will be a civil war against his people if he doesn’t act fast. Giric starts to convince Saga of the positive reasons for joining this alliance. Unfortunately Gunnar and Saga Haraldson’s other brother, Magnus comes home after raiding for the past couple years. Magnus despises the Scots and does not want any sister of his marrying a Scot! Of course he can’t exactly go against his Chieftain brothers decision either, but will he start mischief that could endanger his family and start a war?
Now Saga’s younger sister Vigdis is very curious and different from her Shieldmaiden sisters and desire to visit this new new land and wants to visit Scotland very much! It is also very obvious she is very attracted to Giric’s man who is also his closest friend Omar MacAlpin. The Norman’s healer, Fredydis who is a woman that Saga respects and considers a close friend can foresee Saga and Giric in the near furture, who can see them together in a very positive light. However, there are other small minded individuals of both Norman and Scottish decent, who will never accept this Union that could possibly put both their lives in dangers even though this alliance could save both clans! Will Saga and Giric marry to help both their people and countries? Will this help the death and destruction of the Scottish people and help stop a civil war with the Norman own people. There are some filled with jealousy, prejudice’d and hate who don’t think a Scot and a Norman should mix and marry and can forget not move forward with a fresh slate and forgets their past grievances. Can this marriage be more than a marriage of convenience but a marriage of love? Yet there are some who don’t agree which will put their lives in danger. Can two enemies form an alliance that can save them both. Will Giric need to tame this shield maiden or will he be her personal slave and captive obeying to her every command? Read and find out the result from this captivating tale.
Kate Robbins pens a new series that Viking fans will absolutely love. It has all the ingredients that will dazzle and sweep readers off their feet in this delightful story. I have been reading Kate’s books since her debut as a historical romance author and she never disappoints! This is her first book in this phenomenal new series that I absolutely loved iand can’t wait for the next book called The Raven in this extraordinary series.
A riveting book filled with twists, turns, detours and so much more and the passion absolutely blows steam between the pages too. I highly recommend The Serpent which any fan of Viking history and folklore will love. The characters in this novel are brilliantly drawn with Kate Robbin’s intelligent skillful writing…It is definitely and an extraordinary fun read which I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary ARC copy from the author. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.
Amazon Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Serpent-Spirit...
Series: Spirits of the Norse, Book #1
Release Date: September 15, 2021
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Blog Rating: 5 Saltire Flags
Firth of Clyde, Alba
936 AD
Giric MacDomnail is weary of his people in Scotland being raided and killed by the barbaric Norseman. He feels the only resolution is with peace talks and through a marriage alliance. Even his King is in agreement with this idea and offering his own daughter. Now Giric who is a widow wasn’t planning of taking a wife for himselfof himself. Well that is until he spots the Chieftain Gunnar Haraldson’s sister, the beautiful, feisty, brave, and powerful shieldmaiden, Saga Haraldson who is very much against this alliance, she initially feels her freedom and her way of life would be stripped away from her! As she is a warrior and very different from the Scottish woman Giric has ever known. Saga’s older brother is Gunnar Haraldson, the Norse chieftain of Clan Haraldson, as Saga does not want to be forced into alliance. Yet she must admit this Scot is the most attractive man she has ever laid her eyes on, plus he smell absolutely delicious too and for her this is a major problem!
Now after these peace talks Saga’s Chieftain brother is in complete agreement with the Scots, especially since there are other tribes on Gunnar’s island that want to take over and start a civil war! Gunnar is in desperate need for manpower, which Giric’s army would supply. This would help defend his people as he fears there will be a civil war against his people if he doesn’t act fast. Giric starts to convince Saga of the positive reasons for joining this alliance. Unfortunately Gunnar and Saga Haraldson’s other brother, Magnus comes home after raiding for the past couple years. Magnus despises the Scots and does not want any sister of his marrying a Scot! Of course he can’t exactly go against his Chieftain brothers decision either, but will he start mischief that could endanger his family and start a war?
Now Saga’s younger sister Vigdis is very curious and different from her Shieldmaiden sisters and desire to visit this new new land and wants to visit Scotland very much! It is also very obvious she is very attracted to Giric’s man who is also his closest friend Omar MacAlpin. The Norman’s healer, Fredydis who is a woman that Saga respects and considers a close friend can foresee Saga and Giric in the near furture, who can see them together in a very positive light. However, there are other small minded individuals of both Norman and Scottish decent, who will never accept this Union that could possibly put both their lives in dangers even though this alliance could save both clans! Will Saga and Giric marry to help both their people and countries? Will this help the death and destruction of the Scottish people and help stop a civil war with the Norman own people. There are some filled with jealousy, prejudice’d and hate who don’t think a Scot and a Norman should mix and marry and can forget not move forward with a fresh slate and forgets their past grievances. Can this marriage be more than a marriage of convenience but a marriage of love? Yet there are some who don’t agree which will put their lives in danger. Can two enemies form an alliance that can save them both. Will Giric need to tame this shield maiden or will he be her personal slave and captive obeying to her every command? Read and find out the result from this captivating tale.
Kate Robbins pens a new series that Viking fans will absolutely love. It has all the ingredients that will dazzle and sweep readers off their feet in this delightful story. I have been reading Kate’s books since her debut as a historical romance author and she never disappoints! This is her first book in this phenomenal new series that I absolutely loved iand can’t wait for the next book called The Raven in this extraordinary series.
A riveting book filled with twists, turns, detours and so much more and the passion absolutely blows steam between the pages too. I highly recommend The Serpent which any fan of Viking history and folklore will love. The characters in this novel are brilliantly drawn with Kate Robbin’s intelligent skillful writing…It is definitely and an extraordinary fun read which I highly recommend!
I received a complimentary ARC copy from the author. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.
Amazon Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/Serpent-Spirit...
September 15, 2021
10 stars. When it comes to Viking romances, it is very hard to find a really good book. I was so happy I found this brand new series, Sprits of the Norse, by this author. This book is a keeper for me, it will stay in my library and I will reread it!
Giric Mac Domnail, is a Loyal Scottish Chieftain who is a Highland Warrior. He is extremely intelligent and wants to do right by his people. It is time to seek and speak to Jarl Haraldson in order to seek a peace alliance amongst his people and their people. During his visit and to his pleasant surprise, he meets a very beautiful and aggressive Viking Shield Maiden, Saga Haraldson, sister to the Jarl.
Saga has no love lost for their enemy, these Highland Warriors. She is extremely hesitant to give them the benefit of the doubt. She doesn't like where her brother's conversation is going with this Highland Chieftain. Can there finally be peace amongst these two enemies and maybe even something more?
This story will grab you and not let you go!!
This is book one in the series and I can't wait to read book two. I am very selective in my Viking romance reads. I have a select few that I keep in my library to reread because they were that good. This one rates high in that section of my library. Bravo to this author! I definitely want more from her in this series.
Giric Mac Domnail, is a Loyal Scottish Chieftain who is a Highland Warrior. He is extremely intelligent and wants to do right by his people. It is time to seek and speak to Jarl Haraldson in order to seek a peace alliance amongst his people and their people. During his visit and to his pleasant surprise, he meets a very beautiful and aggressive Viking Shield Maiden, Saga Haraldson, sister to the Jarl.
Saga has no love lost for their enemy, these Highland Warriors. She is extremely hesitant to give them the benefit of the doubt. She doesn't like where her brother's conversation is going with this Highland Chieftain. Can there finally be peace amongst these two enemies and maybe even something more?
This story will grab you and not let you go!!
This is book one in the series and I can't wait to read book two. I am very selective in my Viking romance reads. I have a select few that I keep in my library to reread because they were that good. This one rates high in that section of my library. Bravo to this author! I definitely want more from her in this series.
September 21, 2021
The Serpent
Spirits of the Norse #1
Kate Robbins
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If your looking for an impossible task forging peace between the Vikings and the Scots is on the top of the list. Giric MacDomnail is determined to do just that. So he meets with Gunnar, the chieftain of Clan Haraldson on Islay, with a proposal that will hopefully end all the carnage. But there is way more at stake once Giric meets Gunnar's beautiful sister.
Saga Haraldson is definitely a sheild Maiden who fights right beside the men killing her clans enemies with reckless abandon. This Scot who has shown up, playing them up with his pretty words, deserves a good beating, instead to Saga's shock and dismay his reason and his words penetrate her defences in a way no man ever has.
Now it's up to Giric and Saga to helped the hatred between the two fiercely proud cultures. Can their love be strong enough to bind the two clans together for a peaceful future? Or will they fail miserably?
Kate Robbins is a new author to me and one that I will definitely read again. This book is absolutely fabulous and I enjoyed every minute of it. Giric was strong, yet kind and Saga was not a woman to be triffled with. They were absolutely perfect for each other and you could not find a better couple. All in all I would definitely recommend this book. Ms. Robbins you have duly impressed me and I must say this book is well done.
Spirits of the Norse #1
Kate Robbins
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If your looking for an impossible task forging peace between the Vikings and the Scots is on the top of the list. Giric MacDomnail is determined to do just that. So he meets with Gunnar, the chieftain of Clan Haraldson on Islay, with a proposal that will hopefully end all the carnage. But there is way more at stake once Giric meets Gunnar's beautiful sister.
Saga Haraldson is definitely a sheild Maiden who fights right beside the men killing her clans enemies with reckless abandon. This Scot who has shown up, playing them up with his pretty words, deserves a good beating, instead to Saga's shock and dismay his reason and his words penetrate her defences in a way no man ever has.
Now it's up to Giric and Saga to helped the hatred between the two fiercely proud cultures. Can their love be strong enough to bind the two clans together for a peaceful future? Or will they fail miserably?
Kate Robbins is a new author to me and one that I will definitely read again. This book is absolutely fabulous and I enjoyed every minute of it. Giric was strong, yet kind and Saga was not a woman to be triffled with. They were absolutely perfect for each other and you could not find a better couple. All in all I would definitely recommend this book. Ms. Robbins you have duly impressed me and I must say this book is well done.
October 9, 2021
Compromise
This book jumps right in with a complicated relationship between cultures. Immediately you think Saga definitely will not compromise. Several components of interests are introduced that causes readers interest. Things I didn't care for is the extent of compromise including building of a pagan house of worship. I did not connect with the need for this extreme compromise. I look forward to the next addition of the Norse series.
This book jumps right in with a complicated relationship between cultures. Immediately you think Saga definitely will not compromise. Several components of interests are introduced that causes readers interest. Things I didn't care for is the extent of compromise including building of a pagan house of worship. I did not connect with the need for this extreme compromise. I look forward to the next addition of the Norse series.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews