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Gerin the Fox #4
King of the North
A sequel to "Werenight" and "Prince of the North". Just when he thought he could settle down to enjoy peace, Gerin the Fox is called upon to face a new enemy, the Gradi, who bring with them their cold, fierce gods, bent on the destruction of all who do not worship them.
442 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1996
3 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Harry Turtledove
350 books1,977 followersDr Harry Norman Turtledove is an American novelist, who has produced a sizeable number of works in several genres including alternate history, historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction.
Harry Turtledove attended UCLA, where he received a Ph.D. in Byzantine history in 1977.
Turtledove has been dubbed "The Master of Alternate History". Within this genre he is known both for creating original scenarios: such as survival of the Byzantine Empire; an alien invasion in the middle of the World War II; and for giving a fresh and original treatment to themes previously dealt with by other authors, such as the victory of the South in the American Civil War; and of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
His novels have been credited with bringing alternate history into the mainstream. His style of alternate history has a strong military theme.
Harry Turtledove attended UCLA, where he received a Ph.D. in Byzantine history in 1977.
Turtledove has been dubbed "The Master of Alternate History". Within this genre he is known both for creating original scenarios: such as survival of the Byzantine Empire; an alien invasion in the middle of the World War II; and for giving a fresh and original treatment to themes previously dealt with by other authors, such as the victory of the South in the American Civil War; and of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
His novels have been credited with bringing alternate history into the mainstream. His style of alternate history has a strong military theme.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 14, 2015
I really like the pagan kingdoms. It reminds me of the courageous tales of Beowulf. The names are a great reminder that even the best readers need to sound things out or run a word past another reader every once in awhile. Also you got to love a loyal King.
January 22, 2016
Gerin the Fox thought he was done solving problems, but in this excellent book continuing his tale, he finds that the gods have more work for him to do.
December 27, 2013
A fun series that got better with each book. I like how Gerin grows into his role. I enjoyed the series.
May 2, 2025
“King of the North” continues the saga of Gerin the Fox as he works to consolidate his power over his territory in the far north of the Kingdom of Elabon, using his considerable diplomatic skill to keep his subjects safe and happy and balance the interests of many restive and often mutually antagonistic vassals as they compete for power and influence—often by trying to chip away at the power of Gerin himself. At the same time Gerin must fend off the incursions of a new foe—the Gradi—and their gods, enlisting the help of the gods of his own realm as he does so. All this is more than sufficient to keep the action going in an entertaining fashion over the entire 400+ pages.
Gerin’s world is a sort of quasi-8th-9th century feudal western Europe (England and northern France) with the fantasy elements added. The Gradi are of course modeled on the Vikings who terrorized and pillaged this area for over two centuries; Gerin himself is probably inspired by Alfred of Wessex, who kept the Northmen out of western and southern England (Wessex and Sussex) as both fighter and diplomat and was the first who could be truly called “king of England” as a unified realm.
Perhaps the most entertaining sections are those featuring the gods—Gerin’s allies Biton and Mavrix, and the exotic, sensual Voldar and her minions on the side of the Gradi. They are childish and almost comical in the size of their bloated egos and their vanity as they interact with each other and the mortals they love to disdain. Gerin, of course, uses his uncanny ability to assess the character of both gods and mortals to maneuver them into obsessively trying to destroy each other, to the degree that they forget almost entirely about the conflicts between the mortals they were supposed to aid—much to the consternation of the Gradi, who, without Voldar’s help, are forced to fall back upon their own resources and end up much the worse for wear.
Perhaps Gerin’s talents as warrior and diplomat between gods and men are a bit overdone to the degree that one never really doubts that he will figure out a way to win; but this lessens not at all the anticipation of discovering what for or obstacle he will next be called upon to vanquish. In the final volume of the series, “Fox and Empire”, readers can presumably look forward to an extension of his power over the entire Kingdom of Elabon—but will he truly be able to accomplish it? Stay tuned!
***** review by Chuck Graham *****
Gerin’s world is a sort of quasi-8th-9th century feudal western Europe (England and northern France) with the fantasy elements added. The Gradi are of course modeled on the Vikings who terrorized and pillaged this area for over two centuries; Gerin himself is probably inspired by Alfred of Wessex, who kept the Northmen out of western and southern England (Wessex and Sussex) as both fighter and diplomat and was the first who could be truly called “king of England” as a unified realm.
Perhaps the most entertaining sections are those featuring the gods—Gerin’s allies Biton and Mavrix, and the exotic, sensual Voldar and her minions on the side of the Gradi. They are childish and almost comical in the size of their bloated egos and their vanity as they interact with each other and the mortals they love to disdain. Gerin, of course, uses his uncanny ability to assess the character of both gods and mortals to maneuver them into obsessively trying to destroy each other, to the degree that they forget almost entirely about the conflicts between the mortals they were supposed to aid—much to the consternation of the Gradi, who, without Voldar’s help, are forced to fall back upon their own resources and end up much the worse for wear.
Perhaps Gerin’s talents as warrior and diplomat between gods and men are a bit overdone to the degree that one never really doubts that he will figure out a way to win; but this lessens not at all the anticipation of discovering what for or obstacle he will next be called upon to vanquish. In the final volume of the series, “Fox and Empire”, readers can presumably look forward to an extension of his power over the entire Kingdom of Elabon—but will he truly be able to accomplish it? Stay tuned!
***** review by Chuck Graham *****
August 25, 2021
Story in pretty much same vein as previous ones. Same people, same setting, same style of writing but different adventures.
After a gap of couple of years Gerin is faced with another problem he needs to unravel. Using his guile, wits and military at his disposal he needs to fend of invasion of Norse-like people and their gods. Shenanigans follow, gods get involved, wars are waged in usual fashion.
Assuming you read the series so far you'll know what to expect and you get it.
After a gap of couple of years Gerin is faced with another problem he needs to unravel. Using his guile, wits and military at his disposal he needs to fend of invasion of Norse-like people and their gods. Shenanigans follow, gods get involved, wars are waged in usual fashion.
Assuming you read the series so far you'll know what to expect and you get it.
September 15, 2008
Trashy but engaging.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews