by Anonymous
First published 1230
The kings of Norway sweep down upon the Orkney Islands in the ninth century, establishing an earldom that will spawn generations of bloodshed. Sigurd the Powerful carves out his domain through conquest and cunning, but his legacy becomes a curse upon his descendants. The earls who follow must navigate treacherous family rivalries, where brothers turn against brothers and murder lurks behind every feast. St Magnus the Martyr seeks a different path, embracing Christianity in a world still ruled by the old gods and their violent ways. Meanwhile, ambitious men like Hrolf set their sights beyond Orkney's shores, sailing to conquer distant Normandy. Sorcery mingles with steel as these Norse warriors fight to hold their island kingdom against enemies both foreign and familiar. At its heart, this saga captures the brutal cost of power and the fierce bonds that tie men to their homeland.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, epic
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, family-drama
Setting: Norway, Orkney Islands, Normandy
Period: 9th Century
251 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books
Content warnings: violence