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Fire Born #2
The Saxon Wolf
Conflict flares once more in Saxony...
March, AD 773. Bjarki Bloodhand is now Fire Born – a legendary berserker inhabited by the ferocious spirit of a bear in battle. Yet he has sworn never again to allow that sacred rage to possess him, lest he for ever lose himself in the madness like his father.
Tor Hildarsdottir yearns to save pagan Saxony from the grip of the Christian Franks, who now occupy half the region. But she also has serious problems closer to home with her fast-growing pet bear cub, Garm, and, worse, she seems to be falling in love.
Widukind, new lord of the Saxons, is on a mission to reconquer the lands of his fathers from the Franks. He will stop at nothing to win the hearts of the men and women of the North, and bind them to his cause. But will they follow the Saxon Wolf in an unwinnable war? And will Bjarki join them?
March, AD 773. Bjarki Bloodhand is now Fire Born – a legendary berserker inhabited by the ferocious spirit of a bear in battle. Yet he has sworn never again to allow that sacred rage to possess him, lest he for ever lose himself in the madness like his father.
Tor Hildarsdottir yearns to save pagan Saxony from the grip of the Christian Franks, who now occupy half the region. But she also has serious problems closer to home with her fast-growing pet bear cub, Garm, and, worse, she seems to be falling in love.
Widukind, new lord of the Saxons, is on a mission to reconquer the lands of his fathers from the Franks. He will stop at nothing to win the hearts of the men and women of the North, and bind them to his cause. But will they follow the Saxon Wolf in an unwinnable war? And will Bjarki join them?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2022
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194 people want to read
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April 20, 2023
‘𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙄 𝙙𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛. 𝙈𝙮 𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙄 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙄 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬, 𝙏𝙤𝙧, 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙄 𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙄 𝙖𝙢 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝, 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙨.’
🐺The book - 2nd in the Fire Born series - set amidst the 8th-century clash of civilizations between Pagan Vikings and Christian Franks, tells the story of the two siblings, Bjarki and Tor.
AD 773. Conflict is again stirring up in Saxony, as Widukind, the new Saxon lord wants to reconquer the lands of his fathers from the Franks, and for that, he wants battle-harden warriors. However, Bjarki Bloodhand, the last Fire Born -- a legendary berserker inhabited by a ferocious spirit of a bear in battle, had sworn never to fight again, in fear of becoming a Galalar, while his sister Tor Hildarsdottir wants to save pagan Saxony from the grip of the Christain Franks. Will they help the Saxon wolf in riding their land free of Franks?
‘𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝘼𝙡𝙡-𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙄 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨, 𝙖 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚, 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚. 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙨.’
🐺Knowledge about this dark age is very scarce, but Angus had spun his terrific yarn, skilfully interweaving the limited historical facts with fiction to deliver this compelling tale. It has everything -- fast-spacing narratives, heart-thumping action sequences, romances, betrayal, and heartbreak -- to make it absolutely unputdownable. It will be wronged to say I wasn't hooked from the 1st page.
🐺The portrayal of Bjarki as a legendary berserker and Tor as a shield-maiden was perfect; the revenge and redemption theme of their character arc makes me instantly connect and care for them. Other characters -Widukind, Bishop Livinus, Yoni, Snorri Hare-Lip, and Valtyr - are also alluring to read. I also like the relationship that Tor shared with her pet bear cub Gram.
🐺The climax was bittersweet, as the Franks may be pushed away for the time being but it will break both the siblings' hearts in the end which ultimately gonna stay in your imagination long after the final page.
Overall, Blood Feud was a wonderful read. I can’t wait for the next book. Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian, and Matthew Harffy will definitely love it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)
🐺The book - 2nd in the Fire Born series - set amidst the 8th-century clash of civilizations between Pagan Vikings and Christian Franks, tells the story of the two siblings, Bjarki and Tor.
AD 773. Conflict is again stirring up in Saxony, as Widukind, the new Saxon lord wants to reconquer the lands of his fathers from the Franks, and for that, he wants battle-harden warriors. However, Bjarki Bloodhand, the last Fire Born -- a legendary berserker inhabited by a ferocious spirit of a bear in battle, had sworn never to fight again, in fear of becoming a Galalar, while his sister Tor Hildarsdottir wants to save pagan Saxony from the grip of the Christain Franks. Will they help the Saxon wolf in riding their land free of Franks?
‘𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙢𝙚, 𝘼𝙡𝙡-𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙄 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨, 𝙖 𝙥𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚, 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚. 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙨.’
🐺Knowledge about this dark age is very scarce, but Angus had spun his terrific yarn, skilfully interweaving the limited historical facts with fiction to deliver this compelling tale. It has everything -- fast-spacing narratives, heart-thumping action sequences, romances, betrayal, and heartbreak -- to make it absolutely unputdownable. It will be wronged to say I wasn't hooked from the 1st page.
🐺The portrayal of Bjarki as a legendary berserker and Tor as a shield-maiden was perfect; the revenge and redemption theme of their character arc makes me instantly connect and care for them. Other characters -Widukind, Bishop Livinus, Yoni, Snorri Hare-Lip, and Valtyr - are also alluring to read. I also like the relationship that Tor shared with her pet bear cub Gram.
🐺The climax was bittersweet, as the Franks may be pushed away for the time being but it will break both the siblings' hearts in the end which ultimately gonna stay in your imagination long after the final page.
Overall, Blood Feud was a wonderful read. I can’t wait for the next book. Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian, and Matthew Harffy will definitely love it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)
August 16, 2022
I give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bjarki himself fears what he will become. The gandr cause the change For him, being able to summon the spirit of a she-bear who speaks to him in a high and chittering voice imploring him to rip apart his enemies is an incredible ability.!
Bjarki himself fears what he will become. The gandr cause the change For him, being able to summon the spirit of a she-bear who speaks to him in a high and chittering voice imploring him to rip apart his enemies is an incredible ability.!
January 25, 2022
The Saxon Wolf is the second cut from a hefty chunk of dark age beef which Angus Donald first served up with The Last Berserker. His reluctant hero, Bjarki Bloodhand, is back, having established his reputation as a fearsome warrior fighting for the Danes, Saxons and assorted other pagan tribes still holding out against the over-bearing might of Charlemagne and his Christian Franks. But while everyone around him respects and lauds his berserker prowess in the battle-fray, Bjarki himself dreads what he becomes. For him, his ability to summon his gandr - in his case the spirit of a she-bear who speaks to him in a high and “chittering voice” imploring him to rip apart whatever hapless “bags of meat” are standing in front of him - is far more curse than blessing. His deepest fear is that one day he will go galálar - unable to come back from the berserker madness. Instead, he wants nothing more than to wander east, find some land, settle down. Lead a quiet life.
Alas, a quiet life will have to wait. Not least because Bjarki’s sister, the fiercely independent shield-maiden, Tor Hildarsdottir, won’t allow him to pursue that fate. There are still great lords to serve, battles to win, traditions to protect - and a talent like Bjarki’s is too rare to go unused. So, together, they head to the court of the Danish King where they encounter the charismatic Saxon war-lord, Widukind - the eponymous “Saxon Wolf” of the title - who is raising an army to strike back at the ever-encroaching Frankish empire. While Charlemagne is away fighting other enemies in the south, now is the time to go to war. The power of Widukind’s personality is enough to bring Bjarki back into the warrior fold and turn the head of the usually impervious Tor. But by joining Widukind, are they swimming against the tide of history? Are the oceans of blood all to be spilled in vain?
Donald has spun another terrific yarn, skillfully interweaving heart-thumping action sequences with a compelling plot, driven by a protagonist who is a one-man maelstrom of carnage one minute and a gentle giant with a deeply human conscience the next. For me, the interplay between Bjarki and Tor is the spine and strength of Donald’s story - she, as acerbic, impetuous and sarcastic as he is thoughtful and kind. That she affectionately calls him “her oaf”, and that he tolerates it, tells you all you need to know. Beyond this though, Donald’s attention to the historical detail is razor-sharp (as always) and where he launches into flights of the imagination - particularly around the spiritual lore of the berserkers and pagan ritual in general - his writing is original and completely convincing.
The Saxon Wolf is another step forward and a step up in the Fire Born series. Compelling, disturbing, entertaining, this is a bloody riot from start to finish. In every good sense.
Alas, a quiet life will have to wait. Not least because Bjarki’s sister, the fiercely independent shield-maiden, Tor Hildarsdottir, won’t allow him to pursue that fate. There are still great lords to serve, battles to win, traditions to protect - and a talent like Bjarki’s is too rare to go unused. So, together, they head to the court of the Danish King where they encounter the charismatic Saxon war-lord, Widukind - the eponymous “Saxon Wolf” of the title - who is raising an army to strike back at the ever-encroaching Frankish empire. While Charlemagne is away fighting other enemies in the south, now is the time to go to war. The power of Widukind’s personality is enough to bring Bjarki back into the warrior fold and turn the head of the usually impervious Tor. But by joining Widukind, are they swimming against the tide of history? Are the oceans of blood all to be spilled in vain?
Donald has spun another terrific yarn, skillfully interweaving heart-thumping action sequences with a compelling plot, driven by a protagonist who is a one-man maelstrom of carnage one minute and a gentle giant with a deeply human conscience the next. For me, the interplay between Bjarki and Tor is the spine and strength of Donald’s story - she, as acerbic, impetuous and sarcastic as he is thoughtful and kind. That she affectionately calls him “her oaf”, and that he tolerates it, tells you all you need to know. Beyond this though, Donald’s attention to the historical detail is razor-sharp (as always) and where he launches into flights of the imagination - particularly around the spiritual lore of the berserkers and pagan ritual in general - his writing is original and completely convincing.
The Saxon Wolf is another step forward and a step up in the Fire Born series. Compelling, disturbing, entertaining, this is a bloody riot from start to finish. In every good sense.
June 18, 2023
An excellent follow up to ‘The Last Berserker’. This continues the adventures of Bjarki and Tor and their fight to rid Saxons of the Franks.
Once again there is plenty of bloodshed and battlefield action along with political intrigue and treachery.
I wonder where the adventure will head now? Can’t wait to find out …
Once again there is plenty of bloodshed and battlefield action along with political intrigue and treachery.
I wonder where the adventure will head now? Can’t wait to find out …
September 10, 2023
The saga of the Fire Born continues, the main characters are growing. The battles are more bloodied, a story of revenge, love and losses. A war is coming for all those who will not bend to the Christian faith. Absolutely loved it and highly recommended.
May 29, 2023
Another cracker in the series. Full of everything. Enjoyed seeing Garm getting involved in it all too. The final fight was great reading about Bjarki tearing it up as a beserker and tor getting the head of snorri.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2022
Great to know that there are more of these wonderful novels to come. Angus Donald is one of the best historical novelists.
January 20, 2022
Brilliant and disturbing. I think this is the best Angus Donald novel so far . . .
January 29, 2022
Short review:
Angus Donald had successfully written something that messed with my head greatly. It’s a beautiful story; it’s an important slice of history, indeed. But I would hope to have my Rekkr, my main character, at least wanting to defend his people from the oncoming army. I know the war will be lost, and I know Widukind will also convert and submit himself under Charlemagne. These are the historical facts that are unchangeable, unavoidable.
By writing Bjarki’s character like this, I don’t see any difference between him and Jarl Ulf or Jarl Hessi, who decided to go AWOL before the battle with their men. For me personally, Bjarki staying but not giving his all to fight for his kins does not make him better than those jarls.
I appreciate the Tony Stank type of joke in Chapter 18 when Bjarki requested an audience with Queen Hildegard. That, I laughed, out loud. Thank you for slipping that in there.
Worry not, my dear author. I don’t hate how you write. I hate Bjarki. I don’t feel I’m articulate or eloquent enough in writing this review. My head is still fuming with anger and confusion. Also, maybe the Barbaren film sets a standard of expectations for me because this is a continuation of that historical period, just a different enemy.
I really hope that if the story continues to when King Gudfred of Dane Mark is in charge of the battles against the Carolingians, Angus Donald will write a better type of warrior. A warrior that wants to fight. Okay, well, those who read history would know this warring period will also end up in fuck-ups and a sad end. But still, I want a better warrior!
Full review here
February 4, 2022
Part history, part fantasy, mostly fiction, the second volume in Angus Donald's adventures involving Bjarki Bloodhand (and how do you pronounce Bjarki?), a berserker (ruthless warrior basically) who becomes part human, part bear (in spirit) when in battle. Yet Bjarki isn't too happy with that state of affairs since he's afraid of becoming insane. This is the story of his attempting to rid himself of that bear's spirit.
Lots of battles which means lots of blood and guts will be spilled as Bjarki and his half-sister Tor join with the Saxon leader Widukind to rid the Saxon lands of those accursed Christian Franks who have taken over much of the land which he feels is rightfully his.
This is one of those times when you'll find yourself cheering for the Saxons, a group you might not be cheering for several hundred years in the future following the conquest of England by William the Conquerer.
Of course the major thrust of the story is Bjarki's attempts to rid himself of that nasty bear's spirit. Does he succeed? For that matter do Widukind and his warriors succeed in ridding themselves of that Christian pestilence (and they were not nice people despite their supposed belief in Christian principles)? The only way to find out is to read the book, obviously, and if you've read the first installment, you'll find yourself quickly immersed deeply in the adventures in this installment. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction and a rip-roarin' adventure.
Lots of battles which means lots of blood and guts will be spilled as Bjarki and his half-sister Tor join with the Saxon leader Widukind to rid the Saxon lands of those accursed Christian Franks who have taken over much of the land which he feels is rightfully his.
This is one of those times when you'll find yourself cheering for the Saxons, a group you might not be cheering for several hundred years in the future following the conquest of England by William the Conquerer.
Of course the major thrust of the story is Bjarki's attempts to rid himself of that nasty bear's spirit. Does he succeed? For that matter do Widukind and his warriors succeed in ridding themselves of that Christian pestilence (and they were not nice people despite their supposed belief in Christian principles)? The only way to find out is to read the book, obviously, and if you've read the first installment, you'll find yourself quickly immersed deeply in the adventures in this installment. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction and a rip-roarin' adventure.
March 22, 2022
The second entry in Angus Donald's Fire Born series (after The Last Berserker: An action-packed Viking adventure) and, for some reason, I'm just not feeling it.
Unlike his eminently more enjoyable (IMO) Robin Hood stories, or even the Holcroft Blood trilogy.
I'm not sure why that is: set during the dark ages in and around the time of Charlemagne (a major recurring character), and featuring a reluctant Viking beserker you would think that this ticks all the boxes, as it were.
And yet, for some reason, it just didn't click for me.
Your mileage, of course may vary!
Unlike his eminently more enjoyable (IMO) Robin Hood stories, or even the Holcroft Blood trilogy.
I'm not sure why that is: set during the dark ages in and around the time of Charlemagne (a major recurring character), and featuring a reluctant Viking beserker you would think that this ticks all the boxes, as it were.
And yet, for some reason, it just didn't click for me.
Your mileage, of course may vary!
November 22, 2022
A thrilling follow up to The Last Beserker, in which the war between the Saxons and Charlemagne's Franks steps up in intensity and brutality.
Bjarki and Tor have left the war behind them, but are soon dragged back into the action thanks to the charismatic Duke Widukind of Westphalia.
The second volume of Donald's Fire Born saga is an improvement on the first, with a growing cast of fascinating characters and more grisly bloodshed.
Painstakingly researched, but never afraid to put good storytelling above verisimilitude, the more fantastic elements are a little more reined in here than in the debut. (There are still a few moments where things get weird, but it feels less jarring here.)
Bjarki Bloodhand struggles to come to terms with his "rekkr" gifts, and finds himself playing an increasingly central role in a war he has no appetite for.
Bjarki and Tor have left the war behind them, but are soon dragged back into the action thanks to the charismatic Duke Widukind of Westphalia.
The second volume of Donald's Fire Born saga is an improvement on the first, with a growing cast of fascinating characters and more grisly bloodshed.
Painstakingly researched, but never afraid to put good storytelling above verisimilitude, the more fantastic elements are a little more reined in here than in the debut. (There are still a few moments where things get weird, but it feels less jarring here.)
Bjarki Bloodhand struggles to come to terms with his "rekkr" gifts, and finds himself playing an increasingly central role in a war he has no appetite for.
April 17, 2022
I recommend any fantasy readers who would like to try a historical fiction/historical fantasy to start with the Fire Born series by Angus Donald. The Last berserker is the first book and you will fall in love with the characters and enjoy their gripping journey as they travel across a historical landscape of Saxony and surrounding areas. The story is filled with myths and beasts and of course the obscure tales of the berserker are brought to life in a vivid way that any fantasy fan could really enjoy.
It is also in third person POV so many fantasy lovers may appreciate that in an historical account.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second instalment, even slightly more so than the first book. Looking forward to book 3!
It is also in third person POV so many fantasy lovers may appreciate that in an historical account.
I thoroughly enjoyed this second instalment, even slightly more so than the first book. Looking forward to book 3!
Read
May 31, 2022Loved this book series, waiting for the third book. Little less violent than the Robin Hood series. have to say I preferred Robin hood series, even with the excessive violence.
As an avid Viking enthusiast I would have preferred more actual descriptive and artistic vocabulary of their lifestyles but, enjoyed these, none the less.
As an avid Viking enthusiast I would have preferred more actual descriptive and artistic vocabulary of their lifestyles but, enjoyed these, none the less.
July 25, 2023
I'd like to have given this 4 1/2 stars as while its not 5 star worthy was still a very enjoyable, readablle page turner.
Angus Donald always creates likable characters and as always the plot is fast paced and exciting.
The setting in Northern Europe and the antagonist (Charlemagne the Great) keeps it feeling fresh and original...not easy in a crowded field of viking books!
Angus Donald always creates likable characters and as always the plot is fast paced and exciting.
The setting in Northern Europe and the antagonist (Charlemagne the Great) keeps it feeling fresh and original...not easy in a crowded field of viking books!
May 1, 2024
Deadly, disturbing and brutal!
Bjarki tried hard to get rid of his gandr but the spirit of wild bear sticked to him close. Tor, his half sister & a shield maiden sought to fight with the Saxon Wolf to free their land from the Franks. They fought hard, they had faith and fought though it was dubious the war could be worn.
Book 2 is indeed masterful and I’m picking Book 3 right away
Bjarki tried hard to get rid of his gandr but the spirit of wild bear sticked to him close. Tor, his half sister & a shield maiden sought to fight with the Saxon Wolf to free their land from the Franks. They fought hard, they had faith and fought though it was dubious the war could be worn.
Book 2 is indeed masterful and I’m picking Book 3 right away
December 14, 2023
Excellent second book of the series and I couldn’t put it down! Definitely had many times where I had chills, like I haven’t had since reading the Saxon Tales by Bernard Cornwell. Yep, it was that good!
September 2, 2025
Another great book from Angus Donald. I still really liked the Robin Hood series best though ;)
This one took a while to get going though which is my only negative. It really didn't pick up until the halfway point in the novel.
This one took a while to get going though which is my only negative. It really didn't pick up until the halfway point in the novel.
January 28, 2022
Great building story to a Brutal battle. Was a little slow to start but it grabs you more and more as the story goes on.
December 6, 2022
Not great or interesting.
February 4, 2023
You can never go wrong with Angus.
August 7, 2023
The continuing adventures of Bjarki, Tor and Garm. I could not put this down. Well done Angus Donald, well done. Can’t wait to read the next….
January 23, 2024
Good one
I have to say solid second book of the series. I'm curious what will happen in next one. What's awaiting for Bjarki and Tor.
I have to say solid second book of the series. I'm curious what will happen in next one. What's awaiting for Bjarki and Tor.
June 17, 2024
More blood and guts - and lots of it - but good characterisation and developing relationships behind the shield wall.
October 20, 2024
Again another epic adventure with Bjarki and Tor I can't recommend this series enough
October 26, 2024
The dark ages in Saxony brought to life. Very enjoyable read.
June 4, 2025
great sequel to the berserker. looking forward to the 3rd book now
December 29, 2025
great plot, the story is building
August 16, 2025
So glad I started this series. It’s a very well written historical fiction. The story is solid and tight with no superfluous passages. The world is solidly manifested and you feel immersed in the era without it being heavy handed or slowing the pacing which is also well done. I love our two main characters; they are well rounded, and allowed to grow steadily throughout the story based on their experiences. I feel like Tor is an excellently written female character. Her angst, frustration, and desperate need to prove herself in the first book. Here she has grown up some and come to terms with some of her disappointments but still stumbles sometimes. The allies and antagonists feel very real too and no one feels like a caricature created to easily capture our feelings. If you appreciate Viking/Saxon medieval settings I think you will like the Fire Born series.
September 12, 2022
The usual high standard by Angus Donald. Why he isn't up there with the most celebrated authors is beyond me.
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