The fight for Ireland intensifies, and the stakes are higher than ever. The Viking armies that plundered Ireland sit safely in their winter camps. Already controlling Dublin, the Northmen are planning to expand their reach and increase their riches. Ulv is alone in the wilderness, outlawed by his own, and condemned to a life behind enemy lines. Cold and afraid, he must fight for shelter, warmth and food. Only by handing Marcus over to the Jarl can he regain his freedom and honour. But first, he has to still his thirst for revenge. Marcus has been given another chance and has no desire to be anyone's slave. The heathens stand between himself and Julia, and he makes the Irish struggle his own. Soon, any companionship he felt with the Vikings is gone, and he prepares to face them in battle. This time he will be ready. Across the sea, Julia tries to make a living for herself. The world is a dangerous place for a young woman, and she soon discovers that mistakes seldom go unpunished. Follow Ulv, Marcus, Julia and the whole band of Viking misfits as they change the course of history. In the epic story of ‘Two Kings’, you meet real historical figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and Charles the Bald. Witness the foundation of Dublin and the siege of Paris. Visit Hedeby and Rouen, and take part in battles, sieges and duels. The Two Kings trilogy is fast-paced Viking fiction in the spirit of The Norsemen Saga by James L. Nelson, Odin's Game by Tim Hodkinson, God of Vengeance by Giles Christian and The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell.
With another dose of high action, ninth century Norse drama book two in the Viking series does not disappoint. The authors provide an authentic feel for the culture surrounding the story as none but Norwegians natives could do. The story alternates between the perspectives of three key characters: Ulv, Marcus, and Julia. Female readers will empathize with Julia who has found herself alone and must attempt to survive the brutal whims of evil men in power. As the story progressed, I found myself drawn to Marcus who makes the best of his captivity in a monastery by pouring over historical manuscripts. True to his ancestral roots he rises to a leadership position, even among his captors. When an impending invasion looms near, he draws from his studies to help the Irish prepare to defend the monastery. Amidst navigating minefields of enemies throughout the story, the protagonists have formed a few unlikely friendships. Exercising humanitarian behavior amongst attacks, battles, and the final siege has the potential to save lives or may cost them everything. Alas, the reader is left to wait for the release of book three (Dec, 2021) to discover the exciting conclusion. Although more violent than the novels I typically enjoy, I found the story intriguing. If you’re searching for fast paced action and engaging characters immersed in realistic Viking culture, you need look no further than this exciting series.
An excellent continuation of the trilogy. The story has multiple characters and some interesting twists to their individual events. The tension mounts as each clash moves them forward. Looking forward to the final instalment.
I absolutely loved this second book in the series. What is Ulv to do, all by himself, outlawed from everyone. How will he survive. Fast paced action to keep your interest.
In the epic story of ‘Viking Ventures’, you meet real historical figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and Charles the Bald. Witness the foundation of Dublin and the siege of Paris. Visit Hedeby and Rouen, and take part in battles, sieges and duels. The Two Kings trilogy is fast-paced Viking fiction in the spirit of The Northmen Saga by James L. Nelson, Odin's Game by Tim Hodkinson, God of Vengeance by Giles Christian and The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell. You are in for a real ride! Ole Åsli is a gifted author. He has a way of crafting his story, masterfully interwoven with progressive world building, action, and delving deeply into his characters persona without overdoing one thing or another. I highly recommend this novel. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation.
My anticipation of the second book in the Outlaw-Viking Adventures did not disappointment me! I was able to continue the story of Ulv, Marcus and Julia, whose personas are inspirational with a raw and survivalist element. Being of Irish decent, I was drawn to this historical fiction storyline. I found myself rooting for Julia's every triumph and Marcus's mission to be free and yet can he ever be? Ulv has tough decisions to make and is the Outlaw....his focus of gaining revenge and driven by that. I was fully engaged in this gripping adventure from beginning to the 'to be continued'.....The authors nailed it again...now to seek answers in book 3! Fantastic!
I was provided a review copy of this book in advance of it’s release and have provided an honest perspective.
Ulv has survived his wounds and is looking for Browntooth and his band so Ulv can exact revenge. Once Ulv finds the Browntooth camp, he shoots Browntooth with an arrow, then has to kill one of his band. That leaves three. When Ulv is down by the river, he comes across Marcus and Bjarn who tell Ulv they are at the Abbey of Kells. Ulv, wanting to be with his countrymen, tells Geir Galne the Berserker what he himself had been told. And so it begins. This story has much angst, many short battles, a murder because of a lie, and ends in a cliffhanger. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the second book in the trilogy as much as the first. This tale picked up where the first book ended, and it was fascinating to follow the twists and turns that Marcus' and Ulv's lives experienced. I was pleased that more of Julia's story was included. The action was intense, and the fight scenes were exciting. I am looking forward to the third book in the series. Nick Denton's narration was good and enhanced this entertaining tale. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
I got this book for free thru an Advanced Review Copy, ARC with an honest review freely given. I thought this was a very good book and I enjoyed it very much as I read it from the very beginning to the very end. I thought the character built up was very well done and this reader thought they could be friends in my opinon. I thought the story line was so well done I would love to read more from this author.
Vass the young Viking warrior, now a reckless first line attacker storms into the life of Marcus, the Northumbrian thrall. Marcus has chosen to stay with the monks at Kells and using his experience as a Viking slave to help the monks defend their Abbey against the Vikings. Ulv, has returned to the Vikings in hopes of having his outlaw status removed. All three meet the others and choose the final path.
I got this book for free a while back, but it took forever for it to get to the top of my TBR. I enjoyed book 1, so I was looking forward to book 2. The story is engaging, and ai learned more about the Vikings and the Irish. The authors are good writers, though there are some grammatical mistakes, which can be forgiven, as this is a translation. The grammar does not take away from the adventure the authors take the reader on.
Expecting a more coherent plot line would be a benefit for a pessimist. Reality prevails in this life and makes you understand things just …happen. ..as it does in this novel.
This is almost a holding from the first book in the series, a filler with things just happening haphazardly. I almost wonder if it’s necessary to read this before starting #3.
Best read of the year exciting suspenseful and thrilling. I will be reading the entire series. You easily become vested in the lives of those involved in the story. Excellent story line couldn't put the book down.
This series has been well researched. It has the impact of a historical novel that transports the reader into the period covered. I particularly like the detailed coverage of everyday items from clothing to habitats. The characters come to life.
as good as the Vikings with more about the characters.
Great continuation to the Vikings. More about characters’ lives, and basically turning Vikings into a multi-volume series. Liked the characters. Always a disappointment when the book ends, sometimes abruptly. In this case I knew the next one would continue the saga. Nicely done!
I felt like I was right there with the characters as the story continued to unfold. Ulv, Marcus and Julia have been separated and must deal with their current situations. It was interesting hearing thoughts and plans from each of their points of view as they tried to do what they thought was right. I also liked that characters Vass, Finn, Bjorn, Galne and Kjetil surface again in this novel with prominent roles to fill. So many details of battle to conquer mix with religion and greed swirl together bringing most of the characters together in a siege of a monastery. With the cliffhanger ending I can’t wait to see how things turn out. I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.