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Ormstunga Saga #2
Raid of the Wolves
The only thing that kept him going were the voices of his ancestors, screaming for blood...
Ulf and his shield brothers are sent on a raid against an old enemy — Francia, a mighty kingdom to the south, now ravaged by civil war. During the perilous sea voyage, Ulf can only focus on one thing. He demands closure: to find the man who slaughtered his family — Griml.
A hidden enemy stalks Ulf and his warriors through Francia, striking mercilessly when they least expect it. Soon the hunters become the hunted. The Norse warriors must make the ultimate choice between defying the king or angering the gods. Both could end in fury.
But there is another threat lurking in the shadows. One that Ulf could never anticipate.
Ulf is not the only one who wants vengeance.
Ulf and his shield brothers are sent on a raid against an old enemy — Francia, a mighty kingdom to the south, now ravaged by civil war. During the perilous sea voyage, Ulf can only focus on one thing. He demands closure: to find the man who slaughtered his family — Griml.
A hidden enemy stalks Ulf and his warriors through Francia, striking mercilessly when they least expect it. Soon the hunters become the hunted. The Norse warriors must make the ultimate choice between defying the king or angering the gods. Both could end in fury.
But there is another threat lurking in the shadows. One that Ulf could never anticipate.
Ulf is not the only one who wants vengeance.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2021
248 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 7, 2024
The hunters become the hunted!
The angry young man, Ulf, is now a feared warrior in his own right but, commendable hero he is not. The Norse and Danish warriors are loyal only to their shield wall brothers - everyone else is expendable. These men are brave and fearless but, first and foremost, they are killers. They rape, murder and pillage for the glory of their twisted gods. The second instalment of the series introduced more of a supernatural element to the story as young Ulf finds himself as a plaything of the gods. The battle scenes are as descriptive as ever and the casual violence just as sickening but the story moves on at a rapid and exciting pace. Highly recommended!
The angry young man, Ulf, is now a feared warrior in his own right but, commendable hero he is not. The Norse and Danish warriors are loyal only to their shield wall brothers - everyone else is expendable. These men are brave and fearless but, first and foremost, they are killers. They rape, murder and pillage for the glory of their twisted gods. The second instalment of the series introduced more of a supernatural element to the story as young Ulf finds himself as a plaything of the gods. The battle scenes are as descriptive as ever and the casual violence just as sickening but the story moves on at a rapid and exciting pace. Highly recommended!
April 6, 2022
This volume 2 in the series is quite the page turner. A very exciting story of Viking travels and battles. It follows on from volume 1, with a similar cast.
Initially I thought the story might just potter along with further tales of local tribal rivalries and feuds after the battle at the end of volume 1. But the story eventually expands out geographically, with a raid by a large force of Vikings on relatively defenceless Christian Dark Age Europe (in this case France/Germany), showing why they were so widely feared in that era.
It’s a well told dark story about violent characters. Once again showing how cruel, ruthless and bloodthirsty they were alongside their heroism. Only one of the main characters seems concerned about, but is at least disturbed by, the violence, raping and pillaging they practise in their raids on innocent farming communities and towns, wondering if they’re as much monsters as some enemies they despise. The violence against innocents isn’t graphic but it’s shown as a routine consequence of their raids against those unprepared to resist them.
Again the warriors are shown as superstitious, and fatalistically in the hands of their unpredictable gods. The story continues to float the intriguing possibility that there’s more behind some of their supernatural beliefs than what is just in their minds.
As I found for volume 1 it’s an exciting, easy to read, well written adventure. Don’t expect to find noble sympathetic characters that you’ll like. The story probably gives a more realistic representation of these Dark Age violent warriors who don’t really care about any others aside from their comrades in arms. Something for those looking for gritty realism in their Viking sagas, and understanding the workings of a warrior’s mind in that era. And an exciting, unpredictable plot right through to twists at the end.
Looking forward to volume 3.
Initially I thought the story might just potter along with further tales of local tribal rivalries and feuds after the battle at the end of volume 1. But the story eventually expands out geographically, with a raid by a large force of Vikings on relatively defenceless Christian Dark Age Europe (in this case France/Germany), showing why they were so widely feared in that era.
It’s a well told dark story about violent characters. Once again showing how cruel, ruthless and bloodthirsty they were alongside their heroism. Only one of the main characters seems concerned about, but is at least disturbed by, the violence, raping and pillaging they practise in their raids on innocent farming communities and towns, wondering if they’re as much monsters as some enemies they despise. The violence against innocents isn’t graphic but it’s shown as a routine consequence of their raids against those unprepared to resist them.
Again the warriors are shown as superstitious, and fatalistically in the hands of their unpredictable gods. The story continues to float the intriguing possibility that there’s more behind some of their supernatural beliefs than what is just in their minds.
As I found for volume 1 it’s an exciting, easy to read, well written adventure. Don’t expect to find noble sympathetic characters that you’ll like. The story probably gives a more realistic representation of these Dark Age violent warriors who don’t really care about any others aside from their comrades in arms. Something for those looking for gritty realism in their Viking sagas, and understanding the workings of a warrior’s mind in that era. And an exciting, unpredictable plot right through to twists at the end.
Looking forward to volume 3.
March 24, 2022
I appreciate that the author isn’t affected by the modern foolish fancies of the Viking Age. A great addition! Eager for more! 5⭐️
July 18, 2024
Raid of the Wolves is book two of the Ormstunga Saga and takes off right where the first book ended. It doesn’t suffer from the common lack of direction of many book sequels, and this is because the author almost immediately reveals a new conflict which forces our protagonists to address the transgressions of their past. This one begins fast-paced and continues to keep the reader guessing as it progresses. There are a few new characters introduced throughout and they all add their own dynamic to the storytelling. With new plot points come more thought-provoking moments of self-reflection among our main cast of characters, something this author excels at.
This installment introduces a supernatural aspect to the lore and establishes the notion that the work of the gods may actually be at play, and not just in the heads of the Viking warriors. There’s a theological discussion in chapter 13 that I found to be unequivocally brilliant. The men are compelled to trust one another as they fall upon some less than ethical decisions and the consequential aftermath of such. They are taught that even in warfare, Newton’s third Law applies.
I found that Raid of the Wolves seemed to have a bit more action than its predecessor but doesn’t rely on it in lieu of advancing the narrative. Everything feels deliberately in its intended place which perfectly blends to create the ambience and intrigue of the tale being told. I assumed that this second book would be more of a transitional piece to move the plot along, but was pleasantly surprised when I found that I enjoyed it as much as and possibly even more than the original title. Ulf, our primary protagonist, has matured and come so far from the saga’s opening pages. He seems to have found purpose in his battle and realizes that there is more to his existence than vengeance alone. This one doesn’t end on as much of a cliffhanger as the first, but it does close with a big reveal. This author really knows how to keep the reader engaged. Bravo!
This installment introduces a supernatural aspect to the lore and establishes the notion that the work of the gods may actually be at play, and not just in the heads of the Viking warriors. There’s a theological discussion in chapter 13 that I found to be unequivocally brilliant. The men are compelled to trust one another as they fall upon some less than ethical decisions and the consequential aftermath of such. They are taught that even in warfare, Newton’s third Law applies.
I found that Raid of the Wolves seemed to have a bit more action than its predecessor but doesn’t rely on it in lieu of advancing the narrative. Everything feels deliberately in its intended place which perfectly blends to create the ambience and intrigue of the tale being told. I assumed that this second book would be more of a transitional piece to move the plot along, but was pleasantly surprised when I found that I enjoyed it as much as and possibly even more than the original title. Ulf, our primary protagonist, has matured and come so far from the saga’s opening pages. He seems to have found purpose in his battle and realizes that there is more to his existence than vengeance alone. This one doesn’t end on as much of a cliffhanger as the first, but it does close with a big reveal. This author really knows how to keep the reader engaged. Bravo!
June 5, 2023
Brilliant.
This is book 2 of 3. I started this as soon as I finished the first and I will be starting book 3 as soon as I finish writing this review. That's how good this series is. Fast paced and all action. I haven't been able to put them down. I'm getting depressed knowing I have only one book left to read. I hadn't read Donovan Cook before so don't make the same mistake I did. If you love Viking historical fiction, you'll love this.
An excellent read.
This is book 2 of 3. I started this as soon as I finished the first and I will be starting book 3 as soon as I finish writing this review. That's how good this series is. Fast paced and all action. I haven't been able to put them down. I'm getting depressed knowing I have only one book left to read. I hadn't read Donovan Cook before so don't make the same mistake I did. If you love Viking historical fiction, you'll love this.
An excellent read.
January 4, 2022
Excellent saga continues
An excellent second volume for this series, fast paced and with an engaging storyline. Great characters and dialogue, well written action and well constructed plot, really enjoyed the elements of Norse mysticism. Looking forward to the third, would recommend to any fan of historic fiction, Donovan Cook is becoming one of my favourite authors.
An excellent second volume for this series, fast paced and with an engaging storyline. Great characters and dialogue, well written action and well constructed plot, really enjoyed the elements of Norse mysticism. Looking forward to the third, would recommend to any fan of historic fiction, Donovan Cook is becoming one of my favourite authors.
May 8, 2022
Well done.
Exciting, well written story. Good blend of human heroics and drama, mixed with the work of the Norse gods. Looking forward to Mr. Cook's next episode of the Ormstunga Saga.
Exciting, well written story. Good blend of human heroics and drama, mixed with the work of the Norse gods. Looking forward to Mr. Cook's next episode of the Ormstunga Saga.
June 6, 2023
A VIKING SAGA
A g,ood book about the Vikings as imagined the author. It is about about a bygone era of raids, raping, pillaging, blood and guts with lots of treachery. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
A g,ood book about the Vikings as imagined the author. It is about about a bygone era of raids, raping, pillaging, blood and guts with lots of treachery. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
June 20, 2022
yes indeed
The same sense of cadence, mix of reflection and confusion among the characters that keeps the action from overwhelming depth.
The same sense of cadence, mix of reflection and confusion among the characters that keeps the action from overwhelming depth.
August 11, 2022
great 2nd story
Followed on from the 1st book & maintained the momentum & excitement … great story & well worth the read !
Followed on from the 1st book & maintained the momentum & excitement … great story & well worth the read !
December 26, 2021
Really enjoying this series so far, it's fast paced, angry and exciting. Can't wait for the next part.
April 27, 2022
you will catch the blood lust
Action packed Viking Saga. You will lust for blood when you align with the shield wall in a battle for your life as you pray to Odin for your warriors survival and your own!
Action packed Viking Saga. You will lust for blood when you align with the shield wall in a battle for your life as you pray to Odin for your warriors survival and your own!
June 30, 2022
Ok, this book got me. I was actually engrossed it the plot, that's a very rare event.
There's shades of 'The Bloody Nine' about Ulf, something I have been desperate for. You know he wants to be a good guy, but there's something incredibly dark inside him, something he cannot control. I can't wait to see how this plays out.
Which brings me to the two bad points; 1. It ended. 2. Book Three isn't published...yet.
There's shades of 'The Bloody Nine' about Ulf, something I have been desperate for. You know he wants to be a good guy, but there's something incredibly dark inside him, something he cannot control. I can't wait to see how this plays out.
Which brings me to the two bad points; 1. It ended. 2. Book Three isn't published...yet.
December 12, 2022
Great action
Terrific character development and the action is pretty much non-stop. I didn't want to follow the series but it's easy to get involved with the characters.
Terrific character development and the action is pretty much non-stop. I didn't want to follow the series but it's easy to get involved with the characters.
May 23, 2022
If you liked the first book, you'll enjoy this one too - it felt a little slow at times, but really ramped up in the last quarter of the book and tied a few pieces together that I didn't see coming! Looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing the story unfold, I have questions that need answers!
February 5, 2022
Decent Read
It has good pace, pretty believable storyline for a semi-fantasy . This is a good following to the first volume and prelude to Vol 3…no knowledge of a third book in the series, but there must be by how it ended.
It has good pace, pretty believable storyline for a semi-fantasy . This is a good following to the first volume and prelude to Vol 3…no knowledge of a third book in the series, but there must be by how it ended.
February 22, 2025
Treachery And Deceit
Superbly, exceptionly well written book, it draws you into the story plot and never lets go.. You feel the pain of the sword and axe strokes and the pounding on your shield.if you want and love adventure stories then this Saga is for you
Superbly, exceptionly well written book, it draws you into the story plot and never lets go.. You feel the pain of the sword and axe strokes and the pounding on your shield.if you want and love adventure stories then this Saga is for you
February 26, 2025
The story grows
I am enjoying the human relationships. The growth and death of religions. The politics and intrigue. The surreal and real. Still don't love the battles, but obviously, they are necessary and do not dominate the story entirely.
I am enjoying the human relationships. The growth and death of religions. The politics and intrigue. The surreal and real. Still don't love the battles, but obviously, they are necessary and do not dominate the story entirely.
July 2, 2025
Amazing!
Donovan Cook is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. In the last few weeks I've been tearing through 6 of his books. I didn't think he could improve over the Charlemagne's Cross series. I was wrong. Ormstunga Saga is even better. Well done! On to book 3.
Donovan Cook is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. In the last few weeks I've been tearing through 6 of his books. I didn't think he could improve over the Charlemagne's Cross series. I was wrong. Ormstunga Saga is even better. Well done! On to book 3.
April 7, 2022
Wolf force
I used to read Poul Anderson for this kind of authentic tale. It was refreshing to find a new source for stories of the era.
I used to read Poul Anderson for this kind of authentic tale. It was refreshing to find a new source for stories of the era.
November 6, 2024
Ooooooh Griml
January 22, 2025
For me - The vivid storytelling and dynamic characters made it impossible to put down. I can’t wait to see where the next volume in this series takes me.
May 5, 2025
Action Packed
Great read. Nonstop action. Cook provides great detail and exciting battle scenes. I am looking forward to continuing with the saga.
Great read. Nonstop action. Cook provides great detail and exciting battle scenes. I am looking forward to continuing with the saga.
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December 24, 2025Great read
Good thing Ulf can take a beating cause he sure gets plenty. Mystery upon mystery some solved some not. I would guess they're headed back home
Good thing Ulf can take a beating cause he sure gets plenty. Mystery upon mystery some solved some not. I would guess they're headed back home
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews