a review by Steve Cameron
Fenrir begins the cycle again. Three souls reborn into mortal bodies once again face each other. The gods are mad, the Vikings are violent and the wolf is at the door.
Lachlan’s second book in the series is stunning. Set around a hundred years later than Wolfsangel, it is, in fact, stronger than the first. The writing is sharp and descriptive, darker, more menacing and more bloody then before. It’s easy to see why this amazing, original story is the reason why Lachlan is quickly making a solid name for himself in the fantasy world.
It is almost vital that these novels be read in order, as this one refers to specific events from the first. And it appears as though there are enough loose story arcs for the next in the series to reference.
Paris is under siege. Buildings burn, and the Vikings have made an ultimatum. If they are delivered the Count’s sister, the siege will be lifted and the rest of the city will be saved. Can the Count keep the faith of his people and save his sister? And how could he do this anyway? The sister, Lady Aelis, is asked to give herself up voluntarily, but she refuses. And so an old monk is chosen to convince her to sacrifice herself so Paris may survive. And so she flees.
This book is about love and faith, prophecy and fate. But ultimately it’s an adventure story, steeped in mythology, both Christian and Norse. Thoroughly enjoyable, and brilliantly unforgettable, I’ll be returning to it as soon as I re-read Wolfsangel.
Originally published in Dark Matter issue 5, September 2011. This post has been pre-dated to reflect the original publication date.
