Welcome back! Today, I am a little late with my post for Loki’s Deceit by Donovan Cook, but I’m here now. Thanks and apologies to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.
A king, old and frail.
A challenger filled with vengeance. A kingdom’s fate at stake.
Sven the Boar is Jarl of Ribe once more. He and Charles try to settle into their new lives, but trouble and treachery are never too far away.
Tormented by recent events, Charles struggles to adapt to life amongst the heathens that mock his Christian God and the arrival of a priest from the south only makes things worse.
Meanwhile, Sven is burdened with the responsibilities of being Jarl again and protecting his grandson from those hunting him.
When forced into an alliance with King Horik’s nephew who is raising an army to challenge his uncle for the throne of Denmark, Sven makes an important decision.
As the threat of war becomes real, Sven rides to fight a battle that will change the destiny of Denmark.
But whilst he fights, will Charles remain safe or are other games in play that threaten him?
Norse mythology is, along with Greek mythology, my favourite. Donovan Cook made himself a new fan when he released the first book in this series, Odin’s Betrayal.
This is the second one, and I was plunged back into the world of Jarls, violence, and as always conspiracy. I do look forward to reading Donovan Cook’s books. Whichever one I pick up, I always know I will be entertained to such a high standard alongside the rich and detailed history he is so excellent at interweaving.
Loki’s Deceit picks up from the devastating ending of the last book. Although, I will say that even if you haven’t read the first one, you can easily read this on its own, too. There is enough detail to not be over your head and confused. Charles and his grandfather Sven are not happy to be in Ribe. Both of them would rather be elsewhere. Charles because Ribe isn’t his home and he is missing his Christian friends. While Sven really doesn’t want to take up his Jarl place again.
The storytelling is mesmerising. The action is pulse pounding, and the characters are all strong and so unique. Each one could have been real in my eyes. The erosion of the old Norse gods by the Christian ways. Even the Frankish empire pushing against the Danes. All of these details are so cleverly connected to bring a gripping story full of intrigue and surprise.
Charles stole the show for me. He is a young boy whose bravery shines through constantly. I felt for him all the way, and I found myself heavily investing in this character who has led the way for me.
Loki’s Deceit is another successful chapter in a historical fiction series I would highly recommend to any historical fiction reader.
Purchase Link https://mybook.to/LokisDeceitSocial
Author Bio
Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology
Social Media Links
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DonovanCookAuthor
Twitter https://twitter.com/DonovanCook20
Newsletter Sign Up https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 