Chaos reigns in the wake of the Vala of Asgard’s betrayal. Innocent descendants of the Bloodlines, once thought lost forever, have been brutally captured in the Soul Stone. Among them is Faron’s younger brother — the one he couldn’t save.
Now, tortured by this knowledge, Faron clings to sanity by a thread.
Forced into hiding, Emissary Kara is determined to end the Vala’s murderous schemes. To further her cause, she forms an unlikely alliance with The Angel of Death; so called for her cold-blooded assassinations. And it is her alone who can bring Markus back to Asgard...
With the shadows of his previous incarnation on his heels, Markus finds himself embroiled in an ancient feud — one that may strip him of all power. Meanwhile, amidst the black waves of the Arctic Ocean, Faron’s quest for the Soul Stone nears its end, one painful sacrifice at a time.
As their hearts dance perilously close to annihilation, can Markus and Faron lay past demons to rest for the sake of their future?
The battle for Ragnörak continues in The Strings of Destiny, the second volume in the Viking Bloodlines Saga.
Lover of Gay Romance, Norse Mythology, and Urban Fantasy
Sam creates captivating stories that transport readers to enchanting realms inspired by Norse mythology and explore the magic of urban fantasies. Enjoy an unforgettable journey filled with romance, mythical creatures, and thrilling adventures that touch readers' hearts.
Another amazing book. These series just keep getting better and better. I am obsessed with their love. They would do literally anything for the other and their protectiveness is everything. Faron showed how strong he can be with or without Markus. Together they are a force to be reckoned with but individually they are amazing too. More things happen and other are umcovered. The story flows naturally and I just love it. I need the next one ASAP, the way it ended, I'm dying for more
The Strings of Destiny was a great book! After establishing the world building in the first book of the Viking Bloodlines Saga, this second book was really able to focus on the story and character development. I love the bond between Faron and Markus. And with that super sweet ending, I’m excited, but nervous, for what’s to come next.
The book starts off with a fantastic reveal of what was just supposition in book 1, with a twist that hints at generations of cruelty and I was completely hooked, invested now in comeuppance and justice. What a wild adventure Sam Northman takes us on, this story moves at a fast clip and Faron and Markus have to adapt quickly as do their allies. There are also other factions working towards discovering the same secret but we don’t know whether that will be enough to stop the force of evil that’s been slowly building over centuries threatening the nine realms (can’t say who or what even if you’ve read book one - keeping this spoiler free) .
I loved how intrinsically connected Faron and Markus are now, very swoony, bringing a smile to my face that they have each other as they navigate their new (and old) reality, together even when apart, facing challenges head on. I loved the found family aspect in this book again as they fight to defeat evil and free innocents. It’s spectacular how the author keeps us guessing, the twists and reveals are truly gasp worthy and the backstories are intricate.
This book really kept me invested I could not put it down, this saga is truly epic, spellbinding storytelling, the language rich and divine.
The world building, the complex layered characters and multi POV, the action and adventure, the swoon, the emotions, the friendships, the family, the life and death and beyond situations - all of it will make this saga an iconic series and I can’t wait for the next one. Start with A Kingdom Of Dreams and go on this epic adventure, you won’t regret it.
"Can reincarnation give you a second chance at love?" would be a tagline I'd use for Sam Northman's Viking Bloodlines Saga. 1000 years ago, Modi & Fjolnir's relationship had a tragic end but now Markus runs into Faron in a coffee shop. An accidental touch leaves them both reeling from a vision and sets things in motion that will lead to an epic conflict.
I think the romance between Markus and Faron is the strongest part of these books. Sparks are flying between these guys (literally!). I really liked seeing the dual timelines and the visions really grounded why they fell for each other so fast.
Norse Mythology nerds will also have a field day with this series. Northman admittedly took a few liberties when the story needed it but the books are full of references and you can tell that a lot of worldbuilding went into them.
To me, the first book felt more focused on the romance, and the second more on the adventure. Like in every mythology-based story, there are secret plots, factions, and backstabbing. Things definitely don't stop happening in these books. You're in for a ride (dragons may be involved)!
Thank you to the author for the ARCs! All opinions are mine.
I'm writing this through tears because that ending broke me and put me back together at the same time.
I don't have the words to express how much I love this series, this book, these characters. I don't want to reveal too much and spoil anything but I'm still hung up on that one character's fate and I'm not sure I'll get over it anytime soon 😭
The Strings of Destiny was an epic tale full of action, tension, love, hope, and some unexpected twists that will keep you captivated from beginning to end. We get to travel to Asgard this time, where a lot of sh!t goes down and some people get the comeuppance they deserve 🙌🏼 That moment when Faron walks in like an avenging angel to rescue Markus brought me chills, it was 🤌🏼🤌🏼
“Does your dragon remember how to get to the Bifröst?” A single nod. “Take me there. Asgard has something of mine.”
*Squeal* 🤭
I can't wait to see what's coming next and get more of these amazing characters ❤️
This book picks up where book one left off, and wow! Make sure you’ve read book one first. Then prepare for an intense adventure that will keep you guessing. I absolutely adore Markus and Faron, and how they are together. The world building and plot are just as epic as book one, ramping up as the story goes. I especially love the characters (primary and secondary) and focus on found family. I’m on the edge of my seat awaiting the next book!!
Sam Northman's The Strings of Destiny is a masterful blend of Norse mythology, epic fantasy, and intense emotional drama. Northman crafts a world where destiny is not just a path but a tangled web of choices, sacrifices, and deep-seated bonds. This novel is a compelling exploration of power, redemption, and the enduring strength of familial and forged ties.
The narrative follows Faron, haunted by his inability to save his younger brother, now a prisoner within the mysterious Soul Stone. Faron's journey is both heart-wrenching and heroic, drawing the reader into his tortured psyche as he nears the brink of madness. His quest is not just a mission to save his brother but a battle for his own soul, making him a profoundly relatable and tragic figure.
Emissary Kara, another central character, is a beacon of hope and determination amidst the chaos. Her alliance with the enigmatic Angel of Death, a legendary assassin with a chilling reputation, adds a thrilling dynamic to the plot. Kara's leadership and strategic mind are brilliantly portrayed, showcasing Northman’s ability to write strong, competent female characters who drive the action rather than simply participate in it.
Markus' storyline provides a rich counterpoint to the physical quests of Faron and Kara. His struggle with the legacies of his past incarnations adds a complex layer of internal conflict to the external tumult. His journey is as much about understanding his own power and place in the world as it is about confronting the ancient feud that threatens to strip him of everything.
Northman's prose is lush and evocative, with descriptions that bring the stark, mythical landscapes of Asgard and the icy waves of the Arctic Ocean vividly to life. The pacing is perfect, with each chapter building upon the last to escalate the stakes and deepen the emotional impact. The intertwining destinies of the characters are handled with finesse, each revelation and twist expertly timed to keep readers enthralled.
The thematic depth of the novel is one of its most impressive aspects. Northman delves into the notion of destiny not as a fixed path but as a series of interlacing strings that the characters must navigate and sometimes endure. The exploration of themes such as sacrifice, loyalty, and the possibility of redemption is poignant and thought-provoking, resonating deeply with the reader.
The Strings of Destiny is a triumph, a novel that not only entertains but also challenges and moves its audience. Sam Northman has woven a tale that feels both timeless and immediate, with characters that linger in the mind long after the last page is turned. This book earns a resounding five stars for its intricate plotting, rich character development, and its bold, heart-stirring conclusion. It is a must-read for fans of fantasy who crave stories that blend mythic grandeur with raw human emotion.
As a fan of urban fantasy and unconventional combinations of mythology, paranormal, and modern settings, I love unorthodox, bold, daring, and engaging solutions that merge the three elements, creating something unique and compelling in one storyline. The Strings of Destiny provides an exquisite example of how elements of Norse myth can be used in a thriller-like modern retelling of the concept of finding your soulmate in the vast expanse of the nine realms. Yes, the whole nine! Not just one. Overcoming all the obstacles, isn't an easy task, when Markus and Faron don't even know, they're fighting against the forces of the universe, that have already been set up in a way, that limits the successful chance of them being together. Our main characters get a brand new chance to rewrite the tragic history of their bloodlines, but first there is so much that have to be accomplished, so much pain to be endured and so many lies and illusions to be uncovered. Markus and Faron have found each other in the first book, Kingdom of Dreams, their lives colliding and uprooting the comfortable, sleepy routine of what they have built so far. The strings of what is destined to be, continue their downward spiral of unraveling in this second installment, seamlessly combining the explosively intense grand finale of the first book with the expansion of the plot we have here. I found myself deeply immersed in the orbit of a fast-paced, violently unpredictable, action-packed adventure that challenged and reshaped the very fabric of everything Faron and Markus knew about themselves, their present, their past, and their future, adding into the already complex mix the Awakening of their newly acquired, frighteningly strong powers. The second thing that made a very good impression to me were the secondary characters like the Vala of Asgard, Kara, Ursa, Life, Noah and so many more. They weren't just fillers for a richer background but carried their own sub plot lines that complemented the main one beautifully. As a summary, I have to say, that I have a new author amongst my favorites and can't wait to see the continuation.
Another fantastic novel from Sam Northman. Five big and magical stars!
This novel drops you right where the last one left us, the action kicks off, and it barely lets up. That's a wonderful thing.
Our two main characters are deeply in love, adoring, steadfast, but reeling from the events in book one. This was a great setup, as you can see from the first page how strong Markus and Faron's bond has become and how beautiful their respect for one another is, the way their fears and insecurities war with their care and desires.
It soon becomes clear in this story that the two have separate battles they need to fight, and the decision is made to part. And, well, Markus and Faron do this in the most unexpected, fiery, and hot way imaginable. But you'll have to read it to experience that. No spoilers.
From there, Northman masterfully interweaves their two stories, bringing in a supporting cast of well-fleshed out side characters with their own motivations and rich histories. Gotta say, I adore Noah and never saw all those twists coming. He's one to keep an eye on...
I could never say enough about Northman's beautiful prose. They use an intensely rich and descriptive turn of phrase, and I felt so deeply immersed in the settings. Asgard, an arctic tundra, a ball - all of it so beautifully realised. Their words are an absolute pleasure, and while the plot is action packed and plotting away, it's also easy to sink into the beauty of the sentences.
This book closes a lot of open threads from book one, and it does so in the most cathartic and sometimes incredibly violent ways. And I love that. Northman doesn't shy away from blood or battles or pain, and I can tell you, they write some of the best spicy scenes out there.
I'm so happy I had the opportunity to read this book, and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next part of the Vikings Bloodline Saga. I'll be reading any and all things Northman writes.
Sam Northman delivers AGAIN! This was an electrifying continuation of the Viking Bloodlines Saga. The stakes are higher, the battles fiercer, and the emotional depth unparalleled as Faron and Markus navigate a world teetering on the edge of destruction.
From the first page, this book moves at breakneck speed, pulling readers into a relentless adventure where every twist is more shocking than the last. The connection between Faron and Markus is breathtaking and inescapable, binding them across time, space, and fate itself. Their journey is not just one of survival but of defiance against destiny, proving that love and loyalty can challenge even the most impossible odds.
Northman’s intricate weaving of Norse mythology into a modern epic is masterful. The nine realms come alive in a way that is both thrilling and immersive, making every setting, battle, and revelation feel cinematic. The found family dynamic adds a layer of warmth and emotional resonance, balancing the high-stakes action with moments of tenderness and camaraderie.
But what truly sets The Strings of Destiny apart is its ability to surprise. Just when you think you have it figured out, Northman delivers a twist that makes you gasp. The intricate backstories, the shocking betrayals, and the undeniable chemistry between characters make this a book you won’t be able to put down.
If you love Norse mythology, high-stakes fantasy, and soul-stirring romance, The Strings of Destiny is an absolute must-read. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions—you'll laugh, you'll cry, and by the end, you’ll be desperate for the next installment.
**I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest review**
Absolutely great continuation of the Vikings Bloodline Saga series! We pick off right where we ended in book 1. This book gave me the feels. Faron and Markus spend a lot of this book apart on their own journeys and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about that but man, it made them really come into their own, find their paths, come to terms with their pasts (Faron seriously read my mind for every hero vs. villain stand off and I feel so validated), and when they are finally reunited? FERAL. Faron coming to get Markus in Asgard was one of my favorite scenes. Do not mess with one of them or you will regret it, haha! These guys are so powerful on their own, but together? Unstoppable. Their story is so romantic, truly one for the ages. Pure and utter devotion to one another. Totally swoon worthy. Sam has weaved such a great story, I could not put it down. The plot is intricate and so interesting with Faron and Markus past lives, the Norse mythology, the side characters who play such big roles (I loved that!). I really can’t believe that Sam is a new author. Their writing is very good and I could feel the passion they have for their characters shine through. I cannot wait for book 3. The set up for it was amazing and heartbreaking and I can’t wait for Hayden’s journey.
I myself do not read a lot of fantasy and this series is perfect for me. Urban fantasy dipped in Norse mythology. 100% recommend for anyone who may want to dip their toe into fantasy or even into MM or both. *chef’s kiss* Sam! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
"My review cannot do justice to this book, I could gush about the plot lines, the lore, the twists, the new players on the board of this fast-paced fantasy thriller. What I can say without spoilers is that we are reunited with Markus and Faron and the story picks up in the aftermath of the attack on Embla Industries. A vision of the Soul Stone and the arrival of The Angel of Death set the heirs on two separate paths. Faron to Nordenskjöld (off the coast of Siberia) to search for information on the Soul Stone and Markus returns to Asgard to prove his birthright. Both journeys are fraught with danger, betrayals, justice, and love. The May have an illusion of choice but Fates have deemed preventing Ragnarok is their Destiny
The author takes us on a rollercoaster ride where one minute I was swooning and the next crying. It's beautifully written and the plot is seamlessly entwined with Norse Mythology.
Marcus and Faron's bond deepens after the events on Asgard, building upon the instant connection established in book one, and those moments of past life memories. Witnessing the memories of the love, betrayal, and fallout of the events between Modi and Fjolnir, really gave depth to the world building and characters.
The epilogue was absolutely beautiful, and I really cannot wait for the next installment."
I was gifted an ARC by the author but this does not influence my review in any way. Please read my KOD review to see how obsessed I was in book 1
So much changed when the Vala of Asgard’s betrayal was revealed. It was her actions that led to many members of the precious Bloodlines being captured in the Soul Stone. Among those was Noah, Faron’s little brother. Noah’s death has haunted Faron and now he knows he must do something for him and others who have been confined in the Soul Stone. Emissary Kara is determined to put an end to the murderous Vala but she has escaped. At the same time, Markus finds himself embroiled in an ancient feud while Faron is working on the Soul Stone.
Many of the individuals in The Strings of Destiny are playing out roles as destiny dictates. In many ways, history does repeat itself. Faron, Markus, and others are determined to see that whatever damage the Vala caused is addressed to the best of their abilities. The emotional toll is unspeakable. They are having to deal with things that no one should have to handle. At the same time, they are coming into powers that will, hopefully, help them succeed in the future.
Sam Northman has penned an incredible tale so far. Using mythology and old beliefs, he spins an incredible story for our reading pleasure. The story builds in intensity and you will be up all night unable to put it down. Kudos for an excellently written story and more to come. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I liked this book more than the first! It feels like a great sequel to the first book. It definitely CANNOT be read as a standalone. I made sure to remember that there was a Glossary of Terms in the back but I didn’t really need it this time. The story picks up right where The Kingdom of Dreams leaves off. While Markus and Faron’s original goal is to find and help Faron’s brother, it quickly becomes significantly bigger than that. The two, much to their dislike, figure out that they have to split up in order to help solve all of the challenges that they need to face. This journey is a great juxtaposition to the first book. They spend a majority of the book separated struggling with various aspects of their past. Intermixed with their journey’s and perspectives, there are some chapters from other perspectives that add a nice insight into the other sides of these problems and how they affect the others that were around during the past when most of the problems started. While this book doesn’t have as many snippets from their past lives, it does still give context to how the current relates to their previous lives. The beginning of the book does take a bit of time to really get going but once it does, the story pacing is really great without sacrificing any parts of the plot. If you like fantasy, Norse mythology, and some good storytelling, this series is great. Just be warned, you have to read the first one first!
⚔️Strings Of Destiny by Sam Northam⚔️ Available NOW on KU!
A compelling Norse mythology MM romantasy story! See Amazon for full blurb.
Book 2 in the Viking Bloodlines Saga is perfect for any lovers of fantasy & epic queer love stories. Markus and Faron hit the ground running and sweep you away for another perilous adventure. A story of fated love, sacrifice, and the meddling of gods. We see the MMCs taking ownership of their true selves and the power they hold, facing their greatest fears head-on and creating new heartstopping, familiar bonds.
Sam has created a seamless mixture of Norse mythology and current times that will leave you wanting more. And I seriously can't wait for book 3 to see where this story takes us!
The Strings Of Destiny is the second book in the Viking Bloodlines Saga series and it is indeed a saga in the truest sense of the word, meaning it must be read in order. The story arc picks up where it left off in book one, confirming the whereabouts of Faron's brother and further embroiling Markus and Faron in the intrigues surrounding the Vala’s nefarious actions and the high-stakes risk of fulfilling their destinies…or not.
There are epic journeys that test their ever growing bond to the limits as well as the trials and wonders of family, both filial and chosen. No plot spoilers, but it's fantastic storytelling with plenty of action and jeopardy. I really like the author's writing style, apart from the one thing I picked up on in the first book, which is an entirely personal thing, but I'm not a fan of written dialect. Otherwise, the descriptive style really works for me and I really felt transported to the locations depicted.
There's so much to recommend this story - the continued world-building, the character and relationship development and the brilliantly imaginative interpretation of Norse mythology. I'm already on the edge of my seat for the next in the series. 4.5* rounded up.
An e-copy was provided by GRR. These are my honest thoughts.
The open action jumps right in where the last book left off. The Embla company building has blown up, Leif is in a coma, and the Vala is addicted to soul energy. There is a lot of court intrigue in Asgard all focused on Markus and Faron being the rightful heirs to their families. Leif gives them a message about the location of the soul stone and who all is trapped inside. While Faron goes to Norway in search of the stone, Markus goes to Asgard to try and stop the Vala. That leads there to be quite a chunk of the book where they are apart, which is not my favorite but it didn't last too long. There are some exciting battles and Markus finally gets some revenge for the murder of Fjolnir. There is a lot of referencing of Norse mythology, and you definitely need to read the first book to enjoy this one. It's got great world building and the set ups for future stories look really good too. I recommend this series.
The Strings of Destiny is the second book of Viking Bloodlines Saga.
It starts exactly where the first one ended, following a plot line that was left unresolved in the first book.
I loved how the author mixes Nordic mythology, giving it a twist and mixing it with the real world. We have Faron and Markus following two separate plot lines but they blend together at the end to give the book a unique touch, also resolving something that was left open in the prequel. If you haven't read it, nothing happens, because everything is explained in the book, but I recommend reading it because it is a wonderful complement to the saga.
I don't want to talk about the ending, but ohhhhhh, I love it. It's everything I was expecting and more from this saga. There's a third book left, which I don't know how I'm going to hold out until it's published.
The Strings of Destiny is the highly anticipated book 2 in the Viking Bloodlines Saga by Sam Northman. The story takes off running and doesn't pause until the end. This sequel is a sizzling adventure that leaves readers hungry for the next installment.
From the threads of each character's storyline the author has woven a captivating tale in a fantastic world. Marcus and Faron are back and their chemistry is combustible. There is so much to do and so many obstacles to overcome, but their bond and love for each other remains strong. Sam has continued the fantastic queer and mental health representation in this story, giving readers that solid foundation of acceptance, love, and care.
If you are ready to continue on the amazing journey along the Viking Bloodlines with these men destined to save the realms, get this book!
This is the second installment in this series and this book picks up right where the last one left off. Faron is still on a quest to free his brother and his relationship with Markus is growing. They find themselves on a much more complex journey than they started out on in the first book. As their love grows they grow individually stronger and stronger as a unit. The action and adventure, and the romance between this pair, in addition to the battle against evil and to rescue the innocents made for a compelling reading experience. Now I want more. I am looking forward to the next book. I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
WTF!? How can you do this to me...... seriously??? How can I only give 5 stars for this book?
DO NOT start the series with this book... if you can read or reread book one... its needed. But OMG, I adored this book, yes we got a few more glimpses into Faron and Markus' past life. It was certainly needed. My heart was broke for Lief and Noah.... what happened certainly brought some peace to Faron, but had to be difficult for the dragons. I WANT to gush, but I dont want to spoil it for anyone
No sophomore slump here, this book is even better than the first one. We have the love between Faron and Markus clearly shown, but the plot of this one necessitates a separation and the author handles that superbly from the interesting parting to their separate adventures and the characters they meet along the way. There's plenty of action and I've noticed very happily that many writers of Viking/Norse stories are ruthless when it comes to necessary violence and hardship for their chracters. The world building is amazing here and I can't wait for more by this author in this world.
The Strings of Destiny by Sam Northman is the second book in the Viking Bloodlines Saga, a gripping MM fantasy romance infused with Norse mythology. As ancient powers awaken and personal struggles intensify, Markus and Faron must navigate destiny, love, and the dangers that threaten their world. With a blend of myth, adventure, and deep emotional stakes, this sequel promises an epic journey of sacrifice, resilience, and passion. Fans of Viking lore and heartfelt romance won’t want to miss it!
Wow! Amazing! This is book two in this remarkable series! I recommend both books! You will not be disappointed! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review! I can't wait for book three!
Wow this is book two of this brilliant series and this is another fantastic read, I highly recommend both books, the story will grab your attention and keep it right until the end, I can’t wait for book three from this wonderful series.
A superb follow on to the excellent first book in this series. I was completely captivated throughout with everything from the characters to the well written storyline. Don't want to give away any spoilers and I highly recommend this series. I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
The story was well written and so much tighter from the first book in the series. Of course, the details were impeccable, considering it is a Sam Northman book, but their work always blows me away. Wonderful read. Beautiful character development.
The second book in the Viking Bloodlines Saga picks up right where A Kingdom of Dreams ends. I enjoyed the found family of Markus & Faron and their friends.
I LOVED this book so much. The first was good, this was great! It had me in floods of tears, the spicy scenes were done with perfection and I honestly couldn't fault it if I tried! Can't wait for #3!