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 WOLF by Linnea Hartsuyker should be a book that should be read and savored immediately.