Thor's Wrath: The Viking Gael Saga Book 2 Author J.T.T. Ryder
Book Review
4.5 out of 5 stars!
First and foremost! This series goes in order and ends on cliffhangers! If you haven't read "The Viking Gael" go, do that first otherwise this review will contain spoilers.
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"A smooth sea won't make a good sailor!"
Asgeir is about to face a number of intense storms in succession, not all of them being on the water! After defeating his enemies and gaining a small amount of respect and acknowledgement from those around him the young man still feels empty. Asgeir believes his honor was lost on that fateful battlefield and is hoping to get it back!
However, be in debt to an awful man and one who mocks him at every turn isn't helping matters. . . Asgeir is about to face a challenge he never wanted to be involved with but when the captain does something rash and foolish, he has no choice. Tensions and situations escalate very quickly as Asgeir finds himself in the middle of politics on foreign lands. Will he ever get his revenge? His honor? Can Asgeir just go home to his family?! Or at least find his father?!
"The gods hate the unlucky." - Audun
What draws me to Ryder's books the most is just the accuracy of the history being portrayed. Sorry, Vikings didn't wear those crazy horned helmets into battle. We also get some supernatural aspects with the presence of gods/goddesses and sidhe or fairies. I love the mythology represented and the different gods coming about during the times and changes of the lands. Ryder knows how to keep you submerged in the story until the very last page!
"Don't whine at your fate. Reject your lament. Hold fast against dread." - Eirik
Asgeir's still journeying to become a man, if the poor lad can make it to an older age! His travels have not been the smoothest nor have the feats he's accomplished. Yet, some of the things he's been coerced into doing have made him question on whether or not his honor is still intact. Though this is something he's been struggling to understand since the first book. What really is honor amongst men? Does it look the same for everyone?
I enjoyed watching the character growth of Asgeir as he slowly begins to understand the world around him. Even if that world is proving to be chaotic and going through some major changes. His confidence and resolve in things growing stronger as situations arise that he has to act on immediately. The book was rather quick paced with several action scenes happening after the next.
I so enjoy learning more about history even if it is in a fictional setting! The reason why people spent more time in one area than the other. Much like Asgeir I am not into politics, but it was fascinating to read the descriptions and people's thoughts on what is going on. Asgeir found himself in a sticky situation that one character summed up very crudely but accurately. The depictions of current events made me chuckle.
Our MC has to deal with hardened sea-wolves who don't hold back when it comes to anything! Right down to crude language and depictions. We only have one POV in third person being Asgeir's. He has to deal with some pretty intense scenarios including being a thrall (slave). He's very stubborn and gets physically punished for his attitude. This book contains blood, gore, and violence. There's mention of "grape" and it is implied that it happened, but no graphic details!
This book does end on a cliffhanger, and I am ready for the next part in Asgeir's journey! I love this series very much! I am ashamed to say I haven't fully watched the series all the way through, but if you are a fan of "Vinland Saga" or the show "Vikings" then you will love this series or some of Ryder's other works. Also, Ryder is an archaeologist of this time period!
Enjoy being plunged back into 870 AD where gods/goddesses ignited the souls of men and women for better or for worse! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
Book 1
The Viking Gael by JTT Ryder, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
Book 2
Amazon.com: Thor's Wrath (The Viking Gael Saga Book 2) eBook : Ryder, JTT: Books
Thor's Wrath by JTT Ryder, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)
JTT Ryder (@oldworldheroism) • Instagram photos and videos
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