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The Army of One #2
Beasts of Jötunheimr
Lost in the wilderness of Jötunheimr, the realm of their mortal enemies, Drake and his two companions struggle against beasts and the elements to find a path back to Asgard.
But surviving packs of giant wolves, blizzards, and hunger is just the first of their priorities. They must warn their brethren of the terrible truth; Loki is back, and his plan is in motion. Ragnarök is at Valhöll's doorstep, and none of them has realized it.
When duty fails to motivate Drake’s next painful step, his thirst for revenge takes over, filling his chest with the fire of hate and his mind with the vision of the traitors whose blood will spill by his hands.
If they can make it out of Ironwood.
But surviving packs of giant wolves, blizzards, and hunger is just the first of their priorities. They must warn their brethren of the terrible truth; Loki is back, and his plan is in motion. Ragnarök is at Valhöll's doorstep, and none of them has realized it.
When duty fails to motivate Drake’s next painful step, his thirst for revenge takes over, filling his chest with the fire of hate and his mind with the vision of the traitors whose blood will spill by his hands.
If they can make it out of Ironwood.
- GenresFantasy
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 15, 2024
Beasts of Jötunheimr by Baptiste Pinson Wu - Second book in The Army of One trilogy
adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense
Fast-paced
Plot or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.25 Stars
I need to ask forgiveness to the author. He was SO kind to send me an eArc, but I got SO busy with all the other eArcs that I got...that I didn't even start this books till the day of his book release. I felt so bad. Ugh.
I had already pre-ordered it, so Yay! We need to support Self-Published and Indie authors...so at least I did that. BUT, I didn't live up to the contract (author providing an eArc, and I...the reader, reading it...and being part of the release of his book). So, forgive me. I broke that contract. It is still ONLY a few days after Nov. 12th, 2024...being Thursday, Nov. 14th, 2024 that I was able to finish this story.
Okay. Locked in. Drake is not the easiest character to like/love, but the rotten predicament that he has been put in...by Loki (the Trickster) had put him in, you felt sorry for him...and began to root for him.
One thing that I was NOT prepared for, was the amount of "spice" in this story. Not that that is a deal breaker, but it was surprising...to say the least. In the author's defense...it was/is part of Drake/Loki's character, so it fit the story...for sure.
The other characters that are in Asgard permeate this story. This is NOT your local Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) versions of these characters...though, I have to say...that I pictured the characters as the actors that play their parts in the movie, and show up in this story.
The story was good, but I liked the first book, Blood of Midgard better (personally), but can see why the author's favourite is this story. There were a lot of great interactions between the characters...and supurb dialogue.
This is the middle book in the trilogy, so I thought it would bridge the introduction and Ragnorok, and that's the case.
This story needed to be told, but the last book is the one that I'm looking forward to the most.
Not sure when it will be published, but I am sure I'll own it by its Book Birthday...to see how this adventure pans out.
adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense
Fast-paced
Plot or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.25 Stars
I need to ask forgiveness to the author. He was SO kind to send me an eArc, but I got SO busy with all the other eArcs that I got...that I didn't even start this books till the day of his book release. I felt so bad. Ugh.
I had already pre-ordered it, so Yay! We need to support Self-Published and Indie authors...so at least I did that. BUT, I didn't live up to the contract (author providing an eArc, and I...the reader, reading it...and being part of the release of his book). So, forgive me. I broke that contract. It is still ONLY a few days after Nov. 12th, 2024...being Thursday, Nov. 14th, 2024 that I was able to finish this story.
Okay. Locked in. Drake is not the easiest character to like/love, but the rotten predicament that he has been put in...by Loki (the Trickster) had put him in, you felt sorry for him...and began to root for him.
One thing that I was NOT prepared for, was the amount of "spice" in this story. Not that that is a deal breaker, but it was surprising...to say the least. In the author's defense...it was/is part of Drake/Loki's character, so it fit the story...for sure.
The other characters that are in Asgard permeate this story. This is NOT your local Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) versions of these characters...though, I have to say...that I pictured the characters as the actors that play their parts in the movie, and show up in this story.
The story was good, but I liked the first book, Blood of Midgard better (personally), but can see why the author's favourite is this story. There were a lot of great interactions between the characters...and supurb dialogue.
This is the middle book in the trilogy, so I thought it would bridge the introduction and Ragnorok, and that's the case.
This story needed to be told, but the last book is the one that I'm looking forward to the most.
Not sure when it will be published, but I am sure I'll own it by its Book Birthday...to see how this adventure pans out.
May 24, 2025
Make ready the defenses and steel your nerves, the horns have been sounded... Ragnarok is upon Asgard! Baptiste Pinson Wu has released the "Beasts of Jötunheimr" and the Gods (along with us readers) will stare destruction in their golden eyes! 🔥
Wu left us at the end of book 1 with our fearless wolf of Odin, our MC and his dragon... Drake chained to his fate after being tricked by the trickster God himself, Loki. Three years and endless days of torment later, we are catapulted into book 2 and Drakes journey for vengeance and retribution through the beasts and wilds of Jötunheimr. 😈
Freed from the chains of Hel, Drake with the help of Ulf and Huginn have to make their way through the Iron Wood of Jötunheimr and find their way back to Asgard. Trapped in the body of Loki...Drake has his work cut out for him, for Loki has made himself many enemies on both fronts. Getting anyone to believe this story of deception will be one of the biggest fights of his long life...not to mention, convincing the Gods themselves. But as the captain of Odin's famed wolves, he will do what he must to see this through and ready the forces of the Gods for the end! 🪓
Tricked by Loki, betrayed by his love Muninn and faced with unimaginable odds, our MC uses everything in his arsenal to face Loki, Fenrir, Ragnarok and possibly every army of Jötunheimr, Múspellsheimr and Hel. Trips across the forgotten bridges of the Bifrost, through the Dwarven halls Nidavellir and back to the land of the Jötnar, Baptiste cuts a bloody and action packed running of the wolves! Is there enough Seidr left in the halls of the Gods to tip the scales to their side...or will the beasts bring the prophecised end to the long halls of Asgard...☠️
Another wild, fresh vision of Norse mythology that just grabs you by the throat and slams you into a world of raw power and awe! Wu, by the Gods you have a gift...please don't stop hitting us with these stories that seem to carry the very might of Mjolnir!⚡
4⭐ lighting bolt of a follow up! Loyalty, sacrifice, love and brutality of the likes we are now expecting from the mind of Baptiste Pinson Wu! Book 3 is sure to be beautiful chaos! 📚🪓🍻
Wu left us at the end of book 1 with our fearless wolf of Odin, our MC and his dragon... Drake chained to his fate after being tricked by the trickster God himself, Loki. Three years and endless days of torment later, we are catapulted into book 2 and Drakes journey for vengeance and retribution through the beasts and wilds of Jötunheimr. 😈
Freed from the chains of Hel, Drake with the help of Ulf and Huginn have to make their way through the Iron Wood of Jötunheimr and find their way back to Asgard. Trapped in the body of Loki...Drake has his work cut out for him, for Loki has made himself many enemies on both fronts. Getting anyone to believe this story of deception will be one of the biggest fights of his long life...not to mention, convincing the Gods themselves. But as the captain of Odin's famed wolves, he will do what he must to see this through and ready the forces of the Gods for the end! 🪓
Tricked by Loki, betrayed by his love Muninn and faced with unimaginable odds, our MC uses everything in his arsenal to face Loki, Fenrir, Ragnarok and possibly every army of Jötunheimr, Múspellsheimr and Hel. Trips across the forgotten bridges of the Bifrost, through the Dwarven halls Nidavellir and back to the land of the Jötnar, Baptiste cuts a bloody and action packed running of the wolves! Is there enough Seidr left in the halls of the Gods to tip the scales to their side...or will the beasts bring the prophecised end to the long halls of Asgard...☠️
Another wild, fresh vision of Norse mythology that just grabs you by the throat and slams you into a world of raw power and awe! Wu, by the Gods you have a gift...please don't stop hitting us with these stories that seem to carry the very might of Mjolnir!⚡
4⭐ lighting bolt of a follow up! Loyalty, sacrifice, love and brutality of the likes we are now expecting from the mind of Baptiste Pinson Wu! Book 3 is sure to be beautiful chaos! 📚🪓🍻
November 16, 2024
Another Baptiste Pinson Wu book, another great read! This is my favorite of his works so far, and I have really enjoyed everything I’ve read by him. To be fair, I’m a sucker for the Norse mythology stuff, so that’s probably why I’m enjoying this series so much!
This book is truly amazing! The fact that Wu is able to pack so much into such a short book, without it feeling rushed at any point, is incredible to me. He’s able to connect the reader with the characters so well. I’m really rooting for Drake, I understand his motivations and what he cares about. It takes most authors at least twice the amount of time it takes Wu to achieve this.
More people need to read Baptiste Pinson Wu! He is so talented, and definitely shows it in this book. I can’t wait to continue reading everything Wu writes in the future, especially the finale of this great trilogy
This book is truly amazing! The fact that Wu is able to pack so much into such a short book, without it feeling rushed at any point, is incredible to me. He’s able to connect the reader with the characters so well. I’m really rooting for Drake, I understand his motivations and what he cares about. It takes most authors at least twice the amount of time it takes Wu to achieve this.
More people need to read Baptiste Pinson Wu! He is so talented, and definitely shows it in this book. I can’t wait to continue reading everything Wu writes in the future, especially the finale of this great trilogy
November 1, 2024
Beasts of Jotunheimr
This book brings us back to Drake, Huginn, and Ulf, who are still trapped in Jotunheimr after the escape from Loki’s prison, where Drake had been chained for three years. He is still inhabiting the body of Loki, which is problematic as you’ll soon find out.
Drake’s focus is on returning to Asgard to seek vengeance upon Muninn, who betrayed him, and Loki who stole his identity and place at the head of The Wolves.
Beasts brings many more players to the story who had thus far been in the background, namely Freyja and her Valkyries. Freyja has her own vengeance to exact upon Loki, so concocts a plan, once Drake’s identity is confirmed as not being the real Loki.
The disparate band of Einheri, a Vanir, and Valkyries work in the shadows to overthrow Loki and his brutish false Wolves. The pace never slows, with tension, hope, fear, and the worry that their efforts won’t be enough to cleanse the scourge of the false Drake from Asgard.
All the while, the threat of Ragnarok hangs over Asgard, and with the disappearance of Odin, it seems a sure bet to manifest. Strange alliances, betrayals, and epic battles await you in this reimagining of Norse mythology. Grab a copy for yourself. You will be glad you did!
This book brings us back to Drake, Huginn, and Ulf, who are still trapped in Jotunheimr after the escape from Loki’s prison, where Drake had been chained for three years. He is still inhabiting the body of Loki, which is problematic as you’ll soon find out.
Drake’s focus is on returning to Asgard to seek vengeance upon Muninn, who betrayed him, and Loki who stole his identity and place at the head of The Wolves.
Beasts brings many more players to the story who had thus far been in the background, namely Freyja and her Valkyries. Freyja has her own vengeance to exact upon Loki, so concocts a plan, once Drake’s identity is confirmed as not being the real Loki.
The disparate band of Einheri, a Vanir, and Valkyries work in the shadows to overthrow Loki and his brutish false Wolves. The pace never slows, with tension, hope, fear, and the worry that their efforts won’t be enough to cleanse the scourge of the false Drake from Asgard.
All the while, the threat of Ragnarok hangs over Asgard, and with the disappearance of Odin, it seems a sure bet to manifest. Strange alliances, betrayals, and epic battles await you in this reimagining of Norse mythology. Grab a copy for yourself. You will be glad you did!
November 24, 2024
I was extremely lucky to get an ARC of the first book in this trilogy, Blood of Midgard, and I quickly became nothing short of obsessed. So much so I ordered the ebook right away and preordered this one. I was even luckier to get an ARC of this book but unfortunately real life got very much in the way of my reviewing it. Needless to say after finishing the book I’m extremely angry I can’t read 24/7.
I thought the first book was brilliant. I love all things Norse Mythology and ‘Viking’ history so it was almost a given but the way Pinson Wu brings the world and their characters to life is nothing short of enchanting (if not a little violent). You are sucked into the world where gods and mortals interact and best of all the characterisation of these gods and monsters is spot on to what we have in the saga’s that survive.
Beyond this though the story itself is so thrilling. There’s action, battles, warming moments and even funny moments. It’s got everything you would expect from a fantasy and so much more. I love the comradery between characters particularly Drake, Huginn and Ulf. But we get introduced to a lot more characters throughout.
I won’t spoil much of the actual story line but I will say you are in for a treat of epic battles, meeting new characters and fantastic storytelling. You truly feel like you are in the action and maelstrom with the writing. If you love Norse Mythology, epic fantasy and fantastic fighting this is for you.
As always thank you to Baptiste Pinson Wu for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
I thought the first book was brilliant. I love all things Norse Mythology and ‘Viking’ history so it was almost a given but the way Pinson Wu brings the world and their characters to life is nothing short of enchanting (if not a little violent). You are sucked into the world where gods and mortals interact and best of all the characterisation of these gods and monsters is spot on to what we have in the saga’s that survive.
Beyond this though the story itself is so thrilling. There’s action, battles, warming moments and even funny moments. It’s got everything you would expect from a fantasy and so much more. I love the comradery between characters particularly Drake, Huginn and Ulf. But we get introduced to a lot more characters throughout.
I won’t spoil much of the actual story line but I will say you are in for a treat of epic battles, meeting new characters and fantastic storytelling. You truly feel like you are in the action and maelstrom with the writing. If you love Norse Mythology, epic fantasy and fantastic fighting this is for you.
As always thank you to Baptiste Pinson Wu for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
January 1, 2025
PLEASE note, this is the second book in a series, this review might contain some spoilers for you if you have not read 'Blood of Midgard'.
If you like Norse Mythology, I recommend you do start with the first book first.😉
I would have read it all last night; I just started a little late and had to put it down to go to bed. I can not stay up longer than a certain time, then the probability of sleep goes from ‘maybe’ to ‘By Odins beard, this should not be possible!'.
So, I started again at around 0600 this morning, I just had to finish reading to know how it all went.
Talking about Odins beard, a few years has passed since our Drake was captured in the trickster, Loki.
He has been found, and they are now trying to find their way back to Asgard.
I have come to adore this story. That started already in the first book. They have become one my favorite families now, beasts, Einherjar and Æsir alike. With characters as flawed as they are brave, you know this makes for a great book.
During fighting scenes, I find myself leaning forward. If it is to get a better ‘look’ or if it is to help, I do not know. Can he accomplish something stuck in Loki’s body? Can he outsmart the trickster and get his body back?
Skål!
If you like Norse Mythology, I recommend you do start with the first book first.😉
I would have read it all last night; I just started a little late and had to put it down to go to bed. I can not stay up longer than a certain time, then the probability of sleep goes from ‘maybe’ to ‘By Odins beard, this should not be possible!'.
So, I started again at around 0600 this morning, I just had to finish reading to know how it all went.
Talking about Odins beard, a few years has passed since our Drake was captured in the trickster, Loki.
He has been found, and they are now trying to find their way back to Asgard.
I have come to adore this story. That started already in the first book. They have become one my favorite families now, beasts, Einherjar and Æsir alike. With characters as flawed as they are brave, you know this makes for a great book.
During fighting scenes, I find myself leaning forward. If it is to get a better ‘look’ or if it is to help, I do not know. Can he accomplish something stuck in Loki’s body? Can he outsmart the trickster and get his body back?
Skål!
December 22, 2024
Originally posted on my blog
This is the sequel to Blood of Midgard and it did not disappoint! We still follow Drake's POV; as I mentioned in my review of book 1, I really find the "human perspective" refreshing among all these versions we have of Ragnarok. And we still get the author's unique spins on the myths, from the depiction of Ironwood and other key places to what the gods are like and how Ragnarok begins. Not once did I think "oh I've already read/seen this before" — which is saying something as I've consumed a lot of Norse and Ragnarok related media (the most recent being Twilight of the Gods on Netflix).
I did miss the rest of the Wolves, but it was nice to see new characters, especially several female ones!
Looking forward to the final book, Vengeance of Asgard, which will be out soon.
This is the sequel to Blood of Midgard and it did not disappoint! We still follow Drake's POV; as I mentioned in my review of book 1, I really find the "human perspective" refreshing among all these versions we have of Ragnarok. And we still get the author's unique spins on the myths, from the depiction of Ironwood and other key places to what the gods are like and how Ragnarok begins. Not once did I think "oh I've already read/seen this before" — which is saying something as I've consumed a lot of Norse and Ragnarok related media (the most recent being Twilight of the Gods on Netflix).
I did miss the rest of the Wolves, but it was nice to see new characters, especially several female ones!
Looking forward to the final book, Vengeance of Asgard, which will be out soon.
November 12, 2024
I received an ARC of Beasts of Jötunheimr (The Army of One Book 2) by Baptiste Pinson Wu and found it an absolute joy to read. This book continues from where we left off in Book 1, Blood of Midgard. Once again, the author has successfully taken established Norse mythology and fused it with his own creations.
This second book finds Drake separated from most of his Wolves while he tries to return to Asgard to reclaim his body and exact vengeance.
The women play a larger role in this story.We not only see their prowess in battle, but also learn what motivates them, for good or bad. The enigmatic Muninn, one of Odin's Ravens, in particular, broke my heart.
With Ragnarok looming, Drake and his companions journey through Ironwood, the Jötunheimr forest, and home to the wolf children of Fenrir. Along the way, we are introduced to the Jötunn, Eggther, a character I instantly fell in love with and hope to see more in the future. The author's depiction of Fenrir, the imprisoned son of Loki, was outstanding. Wu manages to make this character both fearsome and tragic.
This story has the fierce battles and dark humor of the first book, but also love, familial connections, and even loss, which fills this tale out even more.
I highly recommend this book and eagerly await the third installment.
This second book finds Drake separated from most of his Wolves while he tries to return to Asgard to reclaim his body and exact vengeance.
The women play a larger role in this story.We not only see their prowess in battle, but also learn what motivates them, for good or bad. The enigmatic Muninn, one of Odin's Ravens, in particular, broke my heart.
With Ragnarok looming, Drake and his companions journey through Ironwood, the Jötunheimr forest, and home to the wolf children of Fenrir. Along the way, we are introduced to the Jötunn, Eggther, a character I instantly fell in love with and hope to see more in the future. The author's depiction of Fenrir, the imprisoned son of Loki, was outstanding. Wu manages to make this character both fearsome and tragic.
This story has the fierce battles and dark humor of the first book, but also love, familial connections, and even loss, which fills this tale out even more.
I highly recommend this book and eagerly await the third installment.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews