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Wolves of Odin #2
The Bear of Byzantium
The wolves of Odin sail to the centre of the world: Constantinople.
AD 1041. After successfully avenging the death of his father, Halfdan and the crew of the Sea Wolf seek adventure in strange new lands, far from their Scandinavian home.
They join the fleet of Harald Hardrada, the legendary Viking commander, sailing back to Constantinople from the battlefields of Georgia. There they join the Varangians, the personal bodyguard of the Byzantine Emperors populated almost exclusively by Viking warriors. But Constantinople has changed during Hardrada’s long absence.
The Emperor, Michael IV, is ailing visibly, and powerful factions in his court are setting their plans in motion ahead of his inevitable demise. While courtiers scheme, elements even within the Varangian Guard are picking sides.
Gunnhild, the seer among the Sea Wolf crew, has struck out on her own in the big city. Unable to join the all-male Guard alongside her friends, she establishes herself in a small side-street near the port as a healer and soothsayer, offering cures to the sick and glimpses of the future to the desperate, or the conspiratorial. But in all her visions she sees a wolf, a boar and a golden bear fighting together to support the Byzantine throne. The Norns aren’t finished with them yet…
The epic second instalment in the Wolves of Odin series, taking us to the heart of power in Constantinople and the desperate machinations of the Byzantine emperors. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian and Angus Donald.
AD 1041. After successfully avenging the death of his father, Halfdan and the crew of the Sea Wolf seek adventure in strange new lands, far from their Scandinavian home.
They join the fleet of Harald Hardrada, the legendary Viking commander, sailing back to Constantinople from the battlefields of Georgia. There they join the Varangians, the personal bodyguard of the Byzantine Emperors populated almost exclusively by Viking warriors. But Constantinople has changed during Hardrada’s long absence.
The Emperor, Michael IV, is ailing visibly, and powerful factions in his court are setting their plans in motion ahead of his inevitable demise. While courtiers scheme, elements even within the Varangian Guard are picking sides.
Gunnhild, the seer among the Sea Wolf crew, has struck out on her own in the big city. Unable to join the all-male Guard alongside her friends, she establishes herself in a small side-street near the port as a healer and soothsayer, offering cures to the sick and glimpses of the future to the desperate, or the conspiratorial. But in all her visions she sees a wolf, a boar and a golden bear fighting together to support the Byzantine throne. The Norns aren’t finished with them yet…
The epic second instalment in the Wolves of Odin series, taking us to the heart of power in Constantinople and the desperate machinations of the Byzantine emperors. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian and Angus Donald.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2022
105 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
93 books498 followersSimon lives with his wife and children and a menagerie of animals in rural North Yorkshire, where he sits in an office, wired on coffee and digestive biscuits, and attempts to spin engrossing tales out of strands of imagination while his children drive toys across his desk and two dogs howl as they try to share a brain cell.
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 8, 2025
Always loved The Hard Ruler. 4⭐️
February 28, 2022
Harald Hardrada's legendary life from his time in Constantinople/Byzantium, especially in the tumultuous year 1042, is brought vividly to life in this novel. Harald, a Norse prince, had ventured south to win the gold he needed to retake the throne, ultimately becoming the akolouthos, or leader, of the storied Varangian Guard.
Turney's depth of knowledge about Norse history, traditions and mythology fills the novel with authentic characters besides Harald such as Leif, the Rus, and Halfdan (who left his mark in the Hagia Sophia), as well as the wise woman/volva, Gunnhilde. He clearly knows much about the Byzantine history of this period, skillfully telling the story of Empress Zoe and her many marital (mis)adventures.
The author's ability to describe battle scenes does justice to the story of the rioting in that great city in that year as one emperor follows another in a true to life game of thrones. This fast-paced novel is one that those interested in the history of this period won't want to miss.
Turney's depth of knowledge about Norse history, traditions and mythology fills the novel with authentic characters besides Harald such as Leif, the Rus, and Halfdan (who left his mark in the Hagia Sophia), as well as the wise woman/volva, Gunnhilde. He clearly knows much about the Byzantine history of this period, skillfully telling the story of Empress Zoe and her many marital (mis)adventures.
The author's ability to describe battle scenes does justice to the story of the rioting in that great city in that year as one emperor follows another in a true to life game of thrones. This fast-paced novel is one that those interested in the history of this period won't want to miss.
December 5, 2023
Another amazing unputdownable tale. Waiting with baited breath for the next one
May 25, 2022
1041. Harðráði (Harald ‘Hardrada’ Sigurdsson), his second-in-command Valgarðr and the Varangian Guard, the Byzantine emperor’s personal guard, defeat the Bulgars at the Battle of Ostrovo. 6000 strong, the Varangians comprise men from the northern Baltic and Rus, their Viking warrior skills hardened by battle.
Halfdan, and his crew on the Sea Wolf, shadow Harðráði’s journey back to Constantinople, and the men eventually meet. Halfdan’s seer Gunnhild negotiates for the crew to join Harðráði’s Varangians, for which role they must feign allegiance to ‘the nailed god’ and swear an oath to the imperial throne.
Constantinople is a new world for these men, and they have to navigate the new pecking order. Gunnhild takes a house in the city, and soon people are coming to her for healing. Her fame grows, and she is called to service the Empress Zoe herself.
The emperor is ill, and Halfdan’s crew become embroiled in imperial intrigue. They find their oath of allegiance put to the test as a struggle for the throne ensues. Which thread in the weaving of the Norns is Gunnhild’s destiny?
Leaping straight into the personal drama between various commanders, this story is well written and full of fascinating characters with an exciting, complex plot. It's a bit uncomfortable that there’s no clear protagonist; Harðráði is the eponymous ‘bear’, but the hero of the series is Halfdan, and Gunnhild seems to direct most of the action.
Attention to the detail of these 11th century mercenaries’ lives really makes the story come to life. The details of Gunnhild’s Seiðr (Nordic magic) practice are fascinating. The battle scenes are choreographed and gory.
All of the main characters here are taken from real history. Turney seems not just to know the period, but to understand it.
This is Book 2 in the Wolves of Odin Series.
This review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.
Halfdan, and his crew on the Sea Wolf, shadow Harðráði’s journey back to Constantinople, and the men eventually meet. Halfdan’s seer Gunnhild negotiates for the crew to join Harðráði’s Varangians, for which role they must feign allegiance to ‘the nailed god’ and swear an oath to the imperial throne.
Constantinople is a new world for these men, and they have to navigate the new pecking order. Gunnhild takes a house in the city, and soon people are coming to her for healing. Her fame grows, and she is called to service the Empress Zoe herself.
The emperor is ill, and Halfdan’s crew become embroiled in imperial intrigue. They find their oath of allegiance put to the test as a struggle for the throne ensues. Which thread in the weaving of the Norns is Gunnhild’s destiny?
Leaping straight into the personal drama between various commanders, this story is well written and full of fascinating characters with an exciting, complex plot. It's a bit uncomfortable that there’s no clear protagonist; Harðráði is the eponymous ‘bear’, but the hero of the series is Halfdan, and Gunnhild seems to direct most of the action.
Attention to the detail of these 11th century mercenaries’ lives really makes the story come to life. The details of Gunnhild’s Seiðr (Nordic magic) practice are fascinating. The battle scenes are choreographed and gory.
All of the main characters here are taken from real history. Turney seems not just to know the period, but to understand it.
This is Book 2 in the Wolves of Odin Series.
This review first appeared in Historical Novels Review.
March 4, 2022
The Bear of Byzantium is a fabulous book.
From the opening chapter, which focuses on Harald Hardrada, I knew this was my kind of book - if not just because of the occasional - and it is occasional for anyone who doesn't appreciate it quite as much as me - use of a little bit of fruity language.
What follows is a journey through Constantinople at a particularly perilous time for emperors and empresses.
The two characters of Gunnhild and Halfdan, who are the main POV throughout the story, are intriguing and have very eventful stories, and the ending is exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author brought the city of Constantinople to life - something he's extremely good at in his Roman-era books as well - as well as the customs, regulations, and also, all the paperwork (it's much more exciting than it sounds:))
A firm favourite for me now and I look forward to continuing the story of Gunnhild and Halfdan - and I will assume Harald Hardrada at some point in the next few books in the series.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.
From the opening chapter, which focuses on Harald Hardrada, I knew this was my kind of book - if not just because of the occasional - and it is occasional for anyone who doesn't appreciate it quite as much as me - use of a little bit of fruity language.
What follows is a journey through Constantinople at a particularly perilous time for emperors and empresses.
The two characters of Gunnhild and Halfdan, who are the main POV throughout the story, are intriguing and have very eventful stories, and the ending is exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author brought the city of Constantinople to life - something he's extremely good at in his Roman-era books as well - as well as the customs, regulations, and also, all the paperwork (it's much more exciting than it sounds:))
A firm favourite for me now and I look forward to continuing the story of Gunnhild and Halfdan - and I will assume Harald Hardrada at some point in the next few books in the series.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.
February 8, 2022
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Well researched and written this book is a quality read, atmospheric clever descriptive totally engaging a real page turner. Book two of the series but I hadn't read the first story and this in no way spoilt my enjoyment of this brilliant book. Full of terrific characters according to the Authors notes a mix of fictional and real historical people. Fast paced with plenty of action, some of which is described in gruesome detail.
I am somewhat embarrassed to admit this is the first book I have read by this Author, but it certainly won't be the last, right up there with Bernard Cornwell and Giles Kristian, experts in this genre.
Completely recommended.
Well researched and written this book is a quality read, atmospheric clever descriptive totally engaging a real page turner. Book two of the series but I hadn't read the first story and this in no way spoilt my enjoyment of this brilliant book. Full of terrific characters according to the Authors notes a mix of fictional and real historical people. Fast paced with plenty of action, some of which is described in gruesome detail.
I am somewhat embarrassed to admit this is the first book I have read by this Author, but it certainly won't be the last, right up there with Bernard Cornwell and Giles Kristian, experts in this genre.
Completely recommended.
July 15, 2025
Turney (he also writes as Simon Turney) is possibly my current favourite historical writer. He does all the things I like in this sort of historical work: a lot of research, great action that doesn't shy away from the endemic violence but also doesn't revel in it, builds interesting characters and develops them over time, adds historical notes that make it clear what is based on historical fact, what is based on rather more romantic sagas (in these Viking books) and what he has taken fictional liberties with (generally not that much!). I think there are another four books in this series (this is the second) after which I'll probably look at his take on the Knights Templar.
April 28, 2022
Really liking this series, well written and great characters, my one criticism is that I like to read a whole series in one go.
I'm very impatient when it comes to reading a great saga and I try to wait till the whole series is available before I start, as I dislike waiting for the next book to come out, I started this series thinking it was just 2 books, now have to wait for the next one of a further 4 🤦♀️
I can only hope that you will get the next 4 into publication really quickly 😁🤞
I'm very impatient when it comes to reading a great saga and I try to wait till the whole series is available before I start, as I dislike waiting for the next book to come out, I started this series thinking it was just 2 books, now have to wait for the next one of a further 4 🤦♀️
I can only hope that you will get the next 4 into publication really quickly 😁🤞
February 8, 2022
I didn't read the first book in this series but I thoroughly enjoyed this one: a gripping, fascinating, and well written story.
It's fast paced, the storytelling is excellent, and the characters are fleshed out.
I loved the well researched and vivid historical background.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's fast paced, the storytelling is excellent, and the characters are fleshed out.
I loved the well researched and vivid historical background.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 25, 2022
Excellent.
Every book I have read by Mr. Turney has been excellent and this is no different. I love historical fiction and Simon is one of the best authors out there. This is book 2 of a new series and I can't wait for the next. Combine superb story telling with real history and you have a roller coaster of a ride. Enjoy.
Every book I have read by Mr. Turney has been excellent and this is no different. I love historical fiction and Simon is one of the best authors out there. This is book 2 of a new series and I can't wait for the next. Combine superb story telling with real history and you have a roller coaster of a ride. Enjoy.
January 29, 2023
A Great Well Written Story
If you like history - if you exciting well written stories full of action, twists and turns and interesting and likable characters - This Series is for YOU !!!!
Read all 3 books in this in order as your interest and involvement in the story will continue to grow with each page read.
If you like history - if you exciting well written stories full of action, twists and turns and interesting and likable characters - This Series is for YOU !!!!
Read all 3 books in this in order as your interest and involvement in the story will continue to grow with each page read.
March 13, 2022
Wolves of Odin Book 2
Enjoyable read directly after book 1, the characters and thread of the story still fresh in my mind.
It almost felt like two stories in one book but plenty to keep the readers interested
Enjoyable read directly after book 1, the characters and thread of the story still fresh in my mind.
It almost felt like two stories in one book but plenty to keep the readers interested
November 14, 2022
Loved reading this book. Didn't want it to end. Can't wait for the next chapters.
Wonderful exciting read. The author has entertained again. From Romans to Vikings. Loved it. More please. Off to acquire the next read.
Wonderful exciting read. The author has entertained again. From Romans to Vikings. Loved it. More please. Off to acquire the next read.
July 25, 2023
Cracking read as always. The pace of the book flowed really well, with some surprising moments. Can’t wait to see what happens in Sicily for the group. It’s been awhile since I’ve found a good Viking book
December 1, 2023
Very good read
The momentum from the first book continues and then picks up a gear and holds it all the way through. It's an epic action adventure and is written so well you can nearly feel the betrayal in the city as your reading it. Can't wait to start the next book.
The momentum from the first book continues and then picks up a gear and holds it all the way through. It's an epic action adventure and is written so well you can nearly feel the betrayal in the city as your reading it. Can't wait to start the next book.
June 12, 2025
an excellent story!!
I truly enjoyed this book. It had me riveted to my seat, and I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this book for all historical fiction, fantasy and thriller fans.
I truly enjoyed this book. It had me riveted to my seat, and I couldn't put the book down. I highly recommend this book for all historical fiction, fantasy and thriller fans.
April 13, 2022
Turney is a master of accuracy based historical fiction. This is the best way to learn history and certainly the most enjoyable.
Read
April 25, 2022Fantastic
Fast pace and never dull. A great insight to Constantinople and the workings of the imperial Court. Can't wait for the next book.
Fast pace and never dull. A great insight to Constantinople and the workings of the imperial Court. Can't wait for the next book.
August 27, 2022
Full review soon
November 7, 2022
Great read
Another enjoyable book to follow the crew of vagabonds on their quest for game and fortune . Politically intriguing with battles and great characters .
Another enjoyable book to follow the crew of vagabonds on their quest for game and fortune . Politically intriguing with battles and great characters .
December 4, 2022
Two Down
Enjoying reading this series of books, looking forward to starting number 3 to follow the story of The Wolves of Odin.
Enjoying reading this series of books, looking forward to starting number 3 to follow the story of The Wolves of Odin.
December 9, 2022
Very good
I Really enjoyed this book, am looking forward To reading the next ones as well. Thank you very much. Excellent.
I Really enjoyed this book, am looking forward To reading the next ones as well. Thank you very much. Excellent.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews