Wings of the Storm

The Rise of Sigurd #3

by Giles Kristian

Fighting in Sweden for an ambitious warlord, Sigurd Haraldarson and his small but loyal band of oathsworn warriors are winning fame and reputation. But Sigurd knows that to take on his hated enemy, the oath-breaker King Gorm—the man who betrayed his father, a man Sigurd has vowed to kill—he must earn riches enough to build an army.
Many believe Sigurd to be Óðin-favored, but his exploits have drawn the eye of another god, too: Loki the Trickster, and when a daring assassination attempt goes wrong, Sigurd finds himself a prisoner of the powerful Jarl Guthrum. Bound like a slave, his luck having seemingly deserted him, Sigurd is taken to the sacred temple at Ubsola, a place where the blood of human sacrifice flows to appease the gods. It is at Ubsola that Sigurd will face the sacrificial knife. And it is here that he will find a powerful relic, the great spear that was said to have once belonged to Óðin himself. With such a spear in his possession Sigurd might now assemble a host strong enough to challenge King Gorm and wreak the revenge he craves. For, like Óðin, Sigurd will be the Wild Huntsman tearing through the sky on his fearsome steed, and the rage of his passing will be the sound of wings of the storm.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, Adventure, Action

432 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2016

About the author

Giles Kristian's first historical novels were the acclaimed and bestselling RAVEN Viking trilogy – Blood Eye, Sons of Thunder and Odin’s Wolves. For his next series, he drew on a long-held fascination with the English Civil War to chart the fortunes of a family divided by this brutal conflict in The Bleeding Land and Brothers’ Fury. Giles also co-wrote Wilbur Smith’s No.1 bestseller, Golden Lion. In God of Vengeance (a TIMES Book of the Year), Winter’s Fire, and the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown shortlisted Wings of the Storm, he returned to the world of the Vikings to tell the story of Sigurd and his celebrated fictional fellowship. Lancelot was published to great acclaim and hit The Times bestseller charts at No. 3. It was also a Sunday Times bestseller. He followed Lancelot with Camelot, and his next novel, a thriller called Where Blood Runs Cold, was the Times' Thriller of the Month, and won the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2022. His next novel, Arthur, will be the final book in his Arthurian Tales. It will be published June 6th. Pre-order links here: https://linktr.ee/arthur_by_giles_kri...
To find out more about Giles: www.gileskristian.com
Follow Giles on Facebook and Twitter: @GilesKristian

Reviews

[Edward Gwynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Re-read - I adore this book so much. The final battle is saga-worthy. Kristian is a legend.*

Wings of the Storm is the finale of Kristian’s viking stories, the last instalment of the tale of Sigurd and it is one of the best books I have ever read.

“...every man with a bit of a brain in his head would choose a trade, instead of a fight”

If you follow my reviews you’ll know I’m a massive fan of Giles Kristian, alongside his narrater Philip Stevens. Kristian’s writing is phenomenal and authentic and Steven’s delivery is pitch perfect. You should also know that I love viking books, as a viking re-enactor I adore what this world brings to my mind and makes me feel, and these types of books inspire my learning, research and enjoyment of re-enactment. If you’re a reader of Christian Cameron then you’ll know his books are seeping with re-enactor experiences, and a level of details that can only been written by doing these things. Kristian’s writing includes details of the language, history, culture and personalities of Scandinavians in the 8th Century. I love these details.

The 3rd and final book in the Rise of Sigurd trilogy is an absolute masterpiece. It has everything you want to read in a great historical fiction tale. Sigurd is pursuing his quest of vengeance upon the man and king who betrayed and killed his father Harald and his family. We have followed Sigurd through hardships, tragedy, heartbreak and many brutal and bloody encounters. Wings of the Storm does not let up, increasing the pace, providing more warships and tragedy and one of the greatest bloody encounters I have ever read. The final battle is wonderfully told, I could not bare to take a break from it, each moment blending into one. The brutal action is filled with tense and anxious moments and it was so easy to get swept up into the shield-walls and duels and forget about everything else.

“Fire was the new god in that temple.”

Sigurd has amassed around him a crew of characters that I felt attached to and was left with wanting more. They have moments to make you laugh, to shine, some have moments to die, and this all added to the emotional and mental quest of Sigurd to avenge his father and family. I personally loved Olaf and Valgerd who’s personalities were completely believable and unique.

Another aspect of Wings of the Storm I loved was the immense pacing. There is hardly a pause for breath, but when there were they were done brilliantly allowing for character development and growing attachment to Sigurd, his band of followers and Runa. I also loved the numerous twists and turns that seemed to have been conjured by Loki himself, as well as some chapters being told from King Gorm’s point of view.

“...if you're telling a good story, you must never spoil it with a truth”

5/5 - One of the best historical fictions books I’ve ever read. Wings of the Storm is an incredible read that offers all that a sea-chest of golden arm rings could offer and more. Sigurd’s tale wraps up in magnificent fashion. Read this and ride the wave, you will not regret it!

[Stjepan Cobets · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating 4.8

The third part of the Viking Sigurd series, Wings of the Storm (The Rise of Sigurd # 3) by Giles Kristian, is the best of all three books. The showdown with the lying King Gorm is one of the better battles I have read in the books, bloody uncertain to the very end. Although he proved to be a top fighter with his group of warriors due to his recklessness, he will find himself in captivity with the Swedish Jarl Guthrum. Guthrum, who captured him, Floki, and the Valkyrie warrior Valgerd, wants to sacrifice them to the gods to please the gods because his efforts to conquer the fortress have failed. Sigurd is angry with himself, but he doesn’t want to be a scapegoat for slaughter because he is Odin’s favorite. But will he get out of this dangerous trap in which he finds himself with his friends because the gods have set before him a dangerous task by questioning his strength? The book is very well written, the fights are great, and there is no lack of deception and intrigue throughout the story.

If you liked the first two parts, then this book is the icing on the cake.

[William Gwynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings of the Storm is a fantastic conclusion to a great historical fiction series in what is probably the most epic battle I have ever read from this genre. Giles Kristian is a master of his craft, and this finale to the trilogy proves so once again

Sigurd is one of my favourite characters of all time, and the surrounding cast are just so well done. a superbly crafted story that had it all. I recommend to lovers of historical fiction!

5/5 STARS

[Tosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Enjoyed the world and the action, but by the end still could care less what happened to the characters.

[John McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic ending to what's been an excellent trilogy. Wings of the Storm was the best of the three with a truly epic battle at the end .
I'll certainly be reading more from this talented author , who deserves to be at the top table of historical fiction along with Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden , etc.
Highly recommended, and now I'm off to catch up on Vikings of Valhalla.

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect end!
Well written especially the battle scenes.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so the saga concludes - and it is done in spectacular fashion.

[Dom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great read to finish off the series. Historical fiction isn't my usual thing, so maybe I don't find the series as amazing as I might, but as someone who doesn't read the genre, I still really enjoyed all three books. I did find myself just following along with the last few chapters which was a shame - I wanted to be on the edge of my seat during those final climactic scenes of this journey, but I just wasn't.

There were some great characters here though, and I liked that they all had their time to shine. The writing was really good, and I loved some of the humour that was included - largely through the boasts, threats, and general banter of the Norsemen. The action was mostly suspenseful and exciting (that slight drop-off at the end excluded), and it was a fast-flowing read overall.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed the rise of Sigurd and thus Giles Kristian since 2009. His first Viking trilogy was full of historical action, drama and battles. A truly groundbreak debut that stood proud besides the other greats like Cornwell, Severin and Ludlow.
This being alas his final Viking trilogy, is not just an epic coming of age story of a Viking warlord from the previous trilogy but it also represents and demonstrates an astounding maturity and refinement of Gile's talent.
The landscapes, emotions, dialogue, all are now more potent with skaldic craftsmanship that the narrative voice is much like a seidr enchantment than that which is featured. You can not help but read on, turn one more page, finish one more chapter. Truly unputdownable and edge of seat reading.
The ending is worth the wait for the final battle to settle this boiling blood feud between King Gorm and Sigurd does not begin until the final quarter. Sooo many other challenges, dramas, adventures and dangers must be overcome for both Sigurd and Runa. As much as it is Sigurd leading the war cry, I am pleased to see Giles gave Runa a chance for glory and thus her brother doesnt entirely hog the gaze of the gods.
Epic Storytelling is the best way to describe the entire trilogy as a whole and this final book is an amazing testemant for the love Giles must have for the character of Sigurd to have effectively written 6 books about him. It is a fitting tribute and telling of the life and glory-fame of Sigurd and an amazing eternal dedication of Giles's nordic roots.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm just so disappointed with this book and series. Viking Historical Fiction is my first literary love. I haven't read it all but feel I'm well versed in this sub-genre. One of my first forays into VHF was the Raven's Saga series, which I loved despite Giles Kristian slightly odd writing style. So I was psyched when I learned that Kristian was working a prequel staring Raven's jarl, Sigurd.

After foaming at the mouth for the series to be released in the US I sunk my teeth into it and it was a bit sour. The confident, charismatic Sigurd I'd come to love was replaced by his younger, hesitant, slightly unhinged self which just wasn't that great. That paired with a meandering plot left me feeling hollow but I forged on and though I was never fulfilled I was entertained... until now.

This book took meandering to a new limit and broke me under the weight of confusion and side plots. Where Raven's Saga was high adventure which spanned the known western world The Rise of Sigurd reads like a Ben Stiller movie in which one misfortune follows another but without laughs. Just fulfill your damn vengeance already and go find Raven! Fuck.

Not Recommend.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost gave this one only four stars, because early on there is a minor plot string that just didn't do anything for me because of the (chronologically) later trilogy (Raven series).
But lord, the final battle to close this trilogy was EPIC!! One of the best I've ever read. Seriously.

[RG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great conclusion to a great series. Kristian seems to write amazing stories and characters. I highly recommend this

[Nick_britten · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a belter of a book to finish this amazing journey Siguard and Kristian have taken us on and captures all the best things about Kristian’s writing. Nobody else, In my humble opinion captures the savagery, the brutality, the bloodthirstiness of the Viking age as well as Kristian but he also captures the joy, the camaraderie and the sheer fun of a crew with an open ocean and the world at their feet.

Kristian’s prose is as usual superb and you can feel his love of the Norse sagas and all things Viking in every word he writes and when he is describing the rituals and whims of the Old Gods you can almost physically feel them in the room with you such is the beauty and power of the prose.

I think I once described Kristian’s ability to write a battle scene as almost 3D like and he doesn’t disappoint in the final climactic battle of this book. He manages to cram into a paragraph the ferocity, the viciousness and gruesome bloodiness of battle and such is the power of the descriptive narrative that as Kristian builds layer upon layer of noise, blood, terror and brutality you feel yourself drawn into the heart of the scene.

I don’t think I can recommend this book (and the Series) enough and if you are looking for a book that captures why we are still fascinated by the Viking age, 1000 years after it ended then you have just found it.

Wings of the Storm is the fabulous final book in the Rise of Siguard series and the author once again brings to life the savage and brutal world of the Vikings in a way only he can.

[Kulturna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kakav završetak! Napeto i lagano nepredvidljivo do samoga kraja! Jedino što zamjeram (a lot!) je loš prijevod. Izmijenjena su neka imena i to je malo predstavljalo problem jer sam naučila na one verzije iz prijašnjih nastavaka. U jednom trenutku se činilo kao da se prevoditelju i nije više dalo prevoditi već da je to odradio eto, da odradi. Ipaaaak, ocjena 5 iskljucivo zbog gosp. Kristiana i njegove sjajne sage!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW TO COME.. (the best GK book yet!)

[Speesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we got the book we knew Giles K was capable of. Exciting, action-packed, tense, nicely plotted (though it's simple enough really), with relatively few cliches - of the Hist Fic Klub-type or of Kristian's own - and with an ending battle the like of which I'm fast becoming to think only Giles K can write. I'm not saying you should avoid the first two and go straight to this - though you could. Maybe to fully 'get' this one, you need to wade through one and two. Personally, I would have liked to have avoided number one entirely, but there you go. I've seen enough other comments around and about to know that not everyone thinks like me, and I'm just fine with that. But if Giles would like to run things by me first in future, he knows where he can find me.

So, what I'm left with is the feeling that there surely is no one better at the rolling, rumbling, not over yet, tense, chase, omg battle scene than our Giles. The end of this book with have you gasping for air, biting your nails, with everything crossed for the 'right' outcome, but not yet, then there's this, now? No, there's more. I can't take any more. You have to! I like that, as I liked the end of the second Civil War book. That was a masterclass, this is the equal of it.

See, when he sits down and takes this writing lark seriously, he can do some of the best, freshest, most compelling and invigorating story-telling there is. Unfortunately though it's not all the time - he still hasn't got over his beard fixation (I don't know if he's ever worn a thigh-tickler himself, all the pictures of him I've seen have been clean-shaven. There sure is something about a beard he can't resist. A beard fixation. They’re combed, growing with the grass, singed, braided, you name it. And there are all sorts of things in those beards too, though mostly small nestling families of smiles. And teeth. His alter-ego can’t refrain from one too many, ridiculous, “teeth flashed in his beard,” to try and ruin the good work. Unfortunately, this fixation that beards can signify every feeling, small or large, hide 'wolfish grins' probably, gives a completely wrong, negative, effect, undoing previous good work.

- What he thinks: "Unique, compelling, period and character detail."

- What I think: "Cut-Throat Jake."

If you, like me, been waiting for the good one, this is it. The wait was more than worth it, this is what Giles K can do when he concentrates. It’s only short, just 298 pages, it's distilled down to the essence of the story, the ending, the ending and the ending and the reckoning the series has been saying was coming all along.

You know I'm right: Speesh Reads
And I'm right here too: Speesh Reads

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exciting Viking adventure is the 3rd and final volume of "The Rise of Sigurd" trilogy.
At the beginning of the book you'll find a very well-drawn map of the West of Norway in AD 785 of Sigurd Haraldarson's world, while at the end the book contains a superb glossary of Norse Terms to make the story so much more understandable.
Story-telling is of a wonderful superb quality, because the author has the ability to bring the Viking world come alive with real feeling, so much so that it gets you gripped from start to finish.
The story is once again set in AD 785, and it follows the adventures of its predecessor "Winter's Fire" in the same fantastic fashion where all his Viking characters come vividly to life within this thrilling Viking saga of the life of Sigurd Haraldarson.
The story itself is about Sigurd Haraldarson and his Oathsworn band, who after fighting and winning fame in Sweden are desperate to head back to Norway and defeat the oath-breaker and betrayer King Gorm.
At first it all goes wrong when Loki the Trickster plays his part and a raid collapses, and Sigurd is taken prisoner by the powerful Jarl Guthrum and is taken to the sacred temple at Ubsola, but there Sigurd discovers a famous relic, Gungrir the great spear, which was once carried, people say, by the Allfather himself.
What will follow is an eventful saga where Sigurd and his Oathsworn band, with that famous relic in tow and the roar of Odin in the air, will assemble many a strong host and with Viking trickery and skill he will challenge King Gorm and avenge the death of his father and the murder of his family, and thus finally will he become a famous man among the Viking world.
Very much recommended, for this is truly "A Fitting Flying & Stormy Conclusion"!

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tad too much rehash in the beginning of this third of the series to bring a reader up to speed, but I got over it.

Battles, battles, blood, gore, spears, arrows, swords, knives, honor, Norse gods.... A shoot 'em up, blow 'em up action adventure without gun powder. 785 AD Norway. If you are going to break an oath and kill a family, make damn sure you don't leave any off spring alive. Vengeance! Oh, least I forget, Norsemen require vast quantities of mead and ale.

Entertaining.

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess that's it, then...😭We did it, Joe.

Three things we need to discuss:
1. The way Sigurd is in love with Ms. Valka...✨Hey God, it's me.✨ I thought Bridgerton was all lies; was I wrong??

2. Where did Alba go?? Can somebody tell me bc I even relistened to the end of Winter's Fire and can't find him. Will I listen to the whole thing again to golden retrieve this man?? Maybe.

3. Was Rune's plotline rushed to you because, to me...I know there are time skips, but we literally ran.

This was an amazing series finale! Giles keeps proving he's in my top 5. Mans is a genius.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow what an ending!
exquisite writing; atmosphere, humour, battles, characters all kept me in their grip till the last page.
I can't praise this Trilogy enough. I fell in love with Sigurd and his band of swordbrothers and shielmaiden from page 1 of book 1 and never let go.

[Beatrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kicsit véresre sikerűlt, végülis mit várhatunk a vikingektől, de izgalmas volt.

[Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final chapter in this amazing trilogy is everything an epic work should have.The great conclusion culminating in a climatic confrontation between two sides.One seeking power,the other retribution. Each one with their own allies and subjects.Who will come out victorious? Who will see another day? Who is going to give up all to protect those he cares about? Some characters will seek redemption,some power,some glory and riches. You will find all of that in this final book of another excellent trilogy.Sure,it took some time to get to it,but it was worth all the waiting,build up and settings. Of course,when comparing it to the other works within this saga,this would take a number 3 place (behind Blood eye and Odin's wolves),giving the fact that it needs full understanding of the situation. I'm glad the author took it's time,so he could deliver us another awesome work within this great saga and I,also,hope he would return with a new work,regarding the great viking history and it's historical figures.Perhaps someone like Ragnar Lothbrook, his sons or Harald Hardrada? Who knows? Only the time will tell. Until that,enjoy in this great saga or seek another great works (like Bernard Cromwell and his Anglo-Saxon stories) set in this period. For the time,I'm going to put aside new trilogy,until I finish reviewing the best known novels of Ernest Hemingway. As always,I'm opened for discussions regarding the works I've already read and giving or receiving new recommendations. I wish you all wonderful and pleasant evening.

[Paula Lofting · Rating 4 out of 5]

A a novel, i would rate it at 4 stars, but as the audio book, i would have rated it as 3. This is mainly because the narrator's one voice fits all.
ITs an enjoyable Viking romp, and having read the first 2 audio books in this series, i knew what was going on, however, having got to the third, i realised it never really took my breath away.
the plot was somewhat ruined for me by the whole island of shieldmaidens - I'm sorry I'm not a believer. I don't mind the idea of the odd shield maiden now and then, but its pushes the theory too far when there is a training school for them on an island and no man is allowed there except for the blacksmith and his son who has to fight them off!
What i did like about the story were the characters, Sigurd the mc was likeable and his band of brothers as they go about trying to recruit more to their cause, even drawing men from the enemy to Sigurd's banners as his main aim in life is to kill the man who killed his father and brothers, and mother, leaving him the only man to carry on Jarl Haraldason's name and look after his sister, who wants to become, yes you guessed it - a shield maiden.
All this culminates in a great battle which has its moments of excitement and nail-biting anticipation. I was a little annoyed at the sudden arrival of a small army of shield maidens, who, I am glad to say, proved my point, hand to hand fighting against an army of strong men, you're not going to come out of it unscathed. To say anymore would be a spoiler.
All that said, its an enjoyable read, there are some great humorous lines and some interesting characters. The end is done well, and as far as i know its a trilogy, but if Sigurd's saga carries on, I would definitely read the next one. Just please - enough with the shield maidens. Women can be interesting and fascinating to read about without turning them into warriors.

[Tien · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third and final book in this trilogy, Sigurd found himself a prisoner but being Odin-blessed, he instead got together a war band to finally challenged the Oathbreaker and take his revenge.

I started watching American Gods on Amazon Prime last week and had to turn that off after the first 10 minutes because of the violence. These first few minutes told the story of the arrival of old gods at a new land and featured vikings... It was gory with limbs and heads flying about unattached. I just couldn't! And yet, I did enjoyed this book despite it being just as violent, if not more. I think I probably wouldn't be able to watch it if it was adapted onto screen but listening to this on audiobook, I got as excited as the narrator.

Wings of the Storm brought to close Sigurd's quest to avenge his father and brothers. While it was an interesting and exciting adventure in gathering his war band and then the battles themselves, I did find the ending rather anti-climatic.

PS: I did continue on with watching American Gods after I sped forward a bit through the vikings...

[Rhonda Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ - An interesting end to the trilogy. The battle scenes were well-written and I especially enjoyed Runa's story. Once again the banter was a bit much for my liking. Not sure how I feel about the ending yet.

After thinking on it overnight, I've settled on 3.5⭐️. I really enjoyed his battle scenes when it was a small group, but I felt like the characters got lost in the big battle. It also felt like the final battle dragged on too long (Gorm should have been killed by Sigurd on the battlefield in front of everyone for a more satisfying revenge), and then the ending was too short. I should have felt something with the death at the end, but it was kind of like, "Well, that happened. And now we're done." I really did enjoy Runa's character arc though, and Floki was my favourite warrior.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tend to be very stingy with five stars. It takes a lot to impress me to that degree but Giles Kristin’s trilogy, the Rise of Sigurd, well, all I can say is I have loved every line of all three books. Yes it is blood thirsty. Yes there is very crude language. But the story and the storyteller are so impressive you becoming immersed in this Viking tale. I’m sorry to see it end.

[Matt Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing final book in the Viking trilogy, I simply couldn’t put this book down as it drew me further & further into the fray. It’s sparked an absolute love of Norse mythology and the ways of the wolf pack warriors.

[Simon Ackroyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably a 4-star book, rounding off the trilogy well. It was certainly very entertaining, if a little predictable. This isn't on a par with Lancelot, which is an exceptional read.

[Johanna Wittenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satisfying conclusion to an excellent series in which the youthful main characters grow and develop into adults.

[Jordi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 starts

Pleasant ending and great saga tale. If you are looking for a Viking tale you can’t go wrong with this one.