It has been almost two decades since the events of THE SEA QUEEN by Linnea Hartsuyker, and our beloved heroes have greatly aged; when before cohesion seamlessly united King Harald Tanglehair's Norse Kingdom, cracks have appeared and it is up to their children to either widen the gap or find ways to close it. What will Einar, Freydis, Rolli, and Ivar decide to do? And what will their choices mean for Ragnvald, his independent sister Svanhild and Harald Tanglehair?
Coming in from reading THE HALF-DROWNED KING as well as THE SEA QUEEN, THE GOLDEN WOLF by Linnea Hartsuyker is a beautiful and stunning conclusion to this wonderful series of Norse kingdoms because it has something for everyone: indomitable women, adventure, battles, friendship, romance, coming-of-age, and legacy. The relationship between Harald and Ragvald, a king and his once trusted advisor is especially intriguing. What will Harald do when many men start to claim that Ragnvald is the king, and not him?
There is plenty to love about THE GOLDEN WOLF, such as the impeccable research weaved throughout the pages, the adherence to storyline and details, which means that there is little straying from her previous novels. Additionally, this novel can stand on its own - even though there are two previous novels related to this one, readers do not have to have read them to enjoy and understand the events in this book. The same exciting and well-written storytelling is found within these pages, just as I found it in the earlier books. All three books are strong, either together or on their own, and all are a joy to read.
For a reader who is seeking an adventure in Norway more than a thousand years ago, THE GOLDEN WOLFby Linnea Hartsuyker should be a book that should be read and savored immediately.
The fates of Ragnvald and his sister Svanhild unfold to
their stunning conclusion in this riveting final volume in
The Golden Wolf Saga, a trilogy that conjures the ancient
world with the gripping detail, thrilling action, and vivid
historical elements of Game of Thrones and
Outlander.
Ragnvald has long held to his
vision of King Harald as a golden wolf who will bring peace
to Norway as its conquerorโeven though he knows that
Harald's success will eventually mean his own doom. He is
grateful to have his beloved sister, the fierce and
independent Svanhild, once more at his side to help keep
their kingdom secure. Free from the evil husband who used
her, she is now one of Harald's many wives.
While
Svanhold is happy to be reunited with her beloved brother,
and enjoys more freedom than ever before, she is restless
and lonely. When an old enemy of Ragnvald's kidnaps his
niece, Freydis, his sister follows the daughter she has
neglected to Iceland, where an old love awaits. This strange
new land offers a life far different from what each has left
behind, as well as unexpected challenges and
choices.
Ragnvald, too, must contend with change. His
sonsโthe gifted Einar, the princely Ivar, and the
adventurous Rolliโare no longer children. Harald's heirs
have also grown up. Stepping back from his duties as king,
he watches as his sons pursue their own ambitions. But
Norway may no longer be large enough for so many would-be
kings.
Now in their twilight years, these venerable
men whose lives have been shaped by war must face another
battle that awaits. A growing rebellion pits Ragnvald and
his sons against enemies old and new, and a looming tragedy
threatens to divide the hardened warrior from Harald and all
who care for him. Across the sea, Svanhild, too, wrestles
with a painful decision, risking the dissolution of her
fragile new family as she desperately tries to save
it.
Yet as old heroes fall, new heroes arise. For
years, Ragnvald and Svanhild pursued the destinies bestowed
by their ancient gods. Though the journey has cost them
much, their sacrifices and dreams will be honored by the
generations that follow, beginning with Freydis and Einar.
Emerging from their parents' long shadows, they have begun
to carry on the family's legacy while pursuing their own
glorious fates.
This compelling conclusion to the
Golden Wolf trilogy recreates Viking-age Scandinavia in all
its danger, passion, power, and gloryโa world of brutality
and myth, loyalty and betrayal, where shifting alliances and
vengeance can build kingdoms . . . and can tear them down.
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