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Wolf of the North #3
The Blood Debt
A blade fit for a hero.
An army for a tyrant.
A reckoning long awaited, and a tale reaching its end.
The riveting conclusion to the Wolf of the North trilogy by Duncan M. Hamilton
An army for a tyrant.
A reckoning long awaited, and a tale reaching its end.
The riveting conclusion to the Wolf of the North trilogy by Duncan M. Hamilton
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2017
1104 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
Duncan M. Hamilton
26 books1,094 followersHi, thanks for visiting my page. I’m Duncan, a fantasy and science fiction author from Ireland. I love to blend my passion for Medieval and Renaissance history with the freedom of fantasy environments to create fast paced heroic fantasy adventures with compelling characters and high stakes—exactly the types of stories that I love to read, so I hope you’ll like them too.
You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!
I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!
Society of the Sword
The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!
In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.
Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.
Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.
Wolf of the North
It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!
You can find more of my online hangouts and my work at the links below. Don’t forget to sign up for my news letter if you want to keep up to date on all my news and new releases!
I’m delighted to announce my most recent trilogy with Tor, Dragonslayer - a heroic fantasy tale about redemption, revenge, and megalomania. Oh, and dragons. Plenty of dragons! The entire trilogy - Dragonslayer, Knight of the Silver Circle, and Servant of the Crown - is now out in the wild, and available to purchase. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
My next trilogy is already well under way, and I've a couple of new projects that occur in different worlds (and genres!) that I'm very excited about, and hope to start releasing this coming Spring 2021.If that’s too long to wait, then please check out my other books, all of which are currently available!
Society of the Sword
The Tattered Banner was one of Buzzfeed's 12 Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013!
In a world where magic is outlawed, ability with a sword is prized above all else. For Soren this means the chance to live out his dreams.
Plucked from a life of poverty, he is given a coveted place at Ostenheim's Academy of Swordsmanship, an opportunity beyond belief.
Opportunity is not always what it seems however, and gifts rarely come without conditions. Soren becomes an unwitting pawn in a game of intrigue and treachery that could cost him not just his dreams, but also his life.
Wolf of the North
It has been generations since the Northlands have seen a hero worthy of the title. Many have made the claim, but few have lived to defend it. Timid, weak, and bullied, Wulfric is as unlikely a candidate as there could be.
A chance encounter with an ancient and mysterious object awakens a latent gift, and Wulfric’s life changes course. Against a backdrop of war, tragedy, and an enemy whose hatred for him knows no bounds, Wulfric will be forged from a young boy, into the Wolf of the North. This is his tale.
If that’s not enough, I’ve a standalone novel, and some shorter work to give you a taste of what I write. You can get a free digital copy of the Marcher Lord if you sign up for my news letter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
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January 16, 2018This isn't a review - just a placeholder where I can post some updates to keep folks informed of how things are progressing!
16-1-18
Happy New Year - just wanted to let you know that The Blood Debt is now available in audio!
16-1-18
Happy New Year - just wanted to let you know that The Blood Debt is now available in audio!
October 9, 2017
This was worst of the three in the series and it gave a series with an interesting setting a completely unsatisfying ending. Series had such potential that was frankly wasted.
On its own this novel is a mess, almost no character growth, a lot of unexplained elements and situations and major plots resolved in a silly and too fast manner. Many important side characters were discarded or were dealt with in a silly way. Side plots that had a lot of potential were just brushed over. Many topics and events were introduced without sufficient explanation and some events were completely inconsistent.
I won't go into more detail but I'm really dissapointed.
On its own this novel is a mess, almost no character growth, a lot of unexplained elements and situations and major plots resolved in a silly and too fast manner. Many important side characters were discarded or were dealt with in a silly way. Side plots that had a lot of potential were just brushed over. Many topics and events were introduced without sufficient explanation and some events were completely inconsistent.
I won't go into more detail but I'm really dissapointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2018
3.75⭐️ Adventurous!
A violent, star-crossed tale about a warrior’s revenge, pride and a homeland lost. The world building was strong and wonderful. The plot was a little stretched, but everything came full circle for a sad, but satisfying end.
A violent, star-crossed tale about a warrior’s revenge, pride and a homeland lost. The world building was strong and wonderful. The plot was a little stretched, but everything came full circle for a sad, but satisfying end.
December 20, 2017
3.5 stars
Blood Debt is the conclusion of the Wolf of theNorth trilogy. The final book of a series can be sometimes a mixed bag. For me, Blood Debt falls into that category. Bittersweet.
I have totally enjoyed this series up to this book. Blood Debt is a good book but not quite in the way that I had hoped. Much of the book is about Rodulf, the villian of the story. He is an interesting character though not a character that particularly like. Adalhaid's character gets bogged down in things that really stifles her character. She's kind of gets painted into a corner. Similarly, Wulfric is limited in his role in the story. He has one breakout part. Even the author says through Wulfric's character says, "...is a foolish quest."
The whole saga is told in the context of a master storyteller reciting the story in a tavern with a rapt audience. We meet this storyteller in the context of the story itself. The storyteller is one who fought with Wulfric across the sea in the South. He recounts these adventures with some embellishments to fellow warrors and to taverns and such that they visit. Anyway, by the time Wulfric returns to the mainland, he is famous. So there is recursive aspect to the story that is a little weird but clever way to wrap up the story.
I give the series as a whole 4 stars. The magic of the first two books, I thought, is diminished somewhat in the last book.
Blood Debt is the conclusion of the Wolf of theNorth trilogy. The final book of a series can be sometimes a mixed bag. For me, Blood Debt falls into that category. Bittersweet.
I have totally enjoyed this series up to this book. Blood Debt is a good book but not quite in the way that I had hoped. Much of the book is about Rodulf, the villian of the story. He is an interesting character though not a character that particularly like. Adalhaid's character gets bogged down in things that really stifles her character. She's kind of gets painted into a corner. Similarly, Wulfric is limited in his role in the story. He has one breakout part. Even the author says through Wulfric's character says, "...is a foolish quest."
The whole saga is told in the context of a master storyteller reciting the story in a tavern with a rapt audience. We meet this storyteller in the context of the story itself. The storyteller is one who fought with Wulfric across the sea in the South. He recounts these adventures with some embellishments to fellow warrors and to taverns and such that they visit. Anyway, by the time Wulfric returns to the mainland, he is famous. So there is recursive aspect to the story that is a little weird but clever way to wrap up the story.
I give the series as a whole 4 stars. The magic of the first two books, I thought, is diminished somewhat in the last book.
October 20, 2017
Felt rushed at the end.
I felt like it was rushed through to the end. The first two books told good stories with details and then the third book was just ind of vague and harried.
I felt like it was rushed through to the end. The first two books told good stories with details and then the third book was just ind of vague and harried.
January 16, 2020
Focused, determined, book three delivers a strong, thrilling, unpredictable ending to a classic epic story of incredible determination, heart and inspiration to end a strong, well written epic tale. Duncan Hamilton delivers in this book three, with an evenly paced story, rich in intrigue and betrayal, flush with intense battle and fight scenes, discovery and tragic loss. A longtime fan, who was pleased with this great fantasy read, thank you Duncan M. Hamilton, work well done.
November 4, 2017
A superb conclusion to the tale. Duncan Hamilton masterfully measures the impact of various events on his readers, as the tale draws to an ending which I thought verged on perfection. Wulfric's court adventures in the South and especially in Brixen were entertaining, while his journey into the mountains was exciting, tense, scary and hugely satisfying - notably, the encounter at the forge.
The strands come together as Wulfric, Adalhaid and Rodulf's voices each take their turn, thankfully at a more measured pace than the middle volume, while Hamilton clips the scenes in such a way as to keep the tension ratcheted tight and the pages turning. Hamilton also has a nice sense for feudal politics, and Grenville is a very nice (well-drawn) character. Occasionally one feels that the author has used a heavy hand with some individuals, making them larger than life (not to say stereotyped, although I'm sure some readers will take that view). I felt that this simply contributed to the pleasure of a great fantasy read which is, after all, by its nature not supposed to be too realistic. Great and fairly original fantasy trilogy with a lot of depth, I recommend this very highly.
The strands come together as Wulfric, Adalhaid and Rodulf's voices each take their turn, thankfully at a more measured pace than the middle volume, while Hamilton clips the scenes in such a way as to keep the tension ratcheted tight and the pages turning. Hamilton also has a nice sense for feudal politics, and Grenville is a very nice (well-drawn) character. Occasionally one feels that the author has used a heavy hand with some individuals, making them larger than life (not to say stereotyped, although I'm sure some readers will take that view). I felt that this simply contributed to the pleasure of a great fantasy read which is, after all, by its nature not supposed to be too realistic. Great and fairly original fantasy trilogy with a lot of depth, I recommend this very highly.
December 3, 2017
I haven’t completely got through it yet so this could very well change... But I am already irritated by all the story lines, the cover and synopsis of these books make it seem like they’re based around Wulfric and he is the one I care to read about... If you want to very briefly touch on the side characters fine but to have so many chapters devoted to their boring story lines I just don’t care for that aspect, if it was solely based on Wulfric I’d be giving this 5 stars...
December 19, 2017
Disappointed
The first book was the best book of the series. I almost gave up after the second but my curiosity wouldn’t let me abandon the series without completing it. I must say this is one of the most dissatisfying endings. None of the characters were able to reach the potential the author made them capable of and the ending seemed rushed with a cliche tragedy ending.
The first book was the best book of the series. I almost gave up after the second but my curiosity wouldn’t let me abandon the series without completing it. I must say this is one of the most dissatisfying endings. None of the characters were able to reach the potential the author made them capable of and the ending seemed rushed with a cliche tragedy ending.
October 22, 2017
A compelling end to a great trilogy!
I finished the second book of this series - Jorundyr's Path - thinking where were a lot of parts of the story that could not possibly be concluded in one book alone; I was worried that the last book would be a hurried - and unsatisfying - conclusion. I was wrong.
The Blood Debt is an absolutely compelling read, and an excellent finale that had me gripped from page 1. The ultimate ending to the book was incredibly satisfying, and looking back I can't think of any other way I'd have liked it to end. The way the different narratives converge towards the end was great, and as I grew closer to the conclusion I found myself less and less able to put the book down. I had thought that this series was great from the start - and The Blood Debt has not only held up the rest of the series, but also surpassed all expectations. It's a great book in and of itself, and is a great conclusion to the series. I look forward to reading more of Hamilton's work, and hope there are more series like The Wolf of the North out there.
I finished the second book of this series - Jorundyr's Path - thinking where were a lot of parts of the story that could not possibly be concluded in one book alone; I was worried that the last book would be a hurried - and unsatisfying - conclusion. I was wrong.
The Blood Debt is an absolutely compelling read, and an excellent finale that had me gripped from page 1. The ultimate ending to the book was incredibly satisfying, and looking back I can't think of any other way I'd have liked it to end. The way the different narratives converge towards the end was great, and as I grew closer to the conclusion I found myself less and less able to put the book down. I had thought that this series was great from the start - and The Blood Debt has not only held up the rest of the series, but also surpassed all expectations. It's a great book in and of itself, and is a great conclusion to the series. I look forward to reading more of Hamilton's work, and hope there are more series like The Wolf of the North out there.
March 14, 2018
Average
I think like a lot of people have stated this book and series had the potential to be amazing but ended up being somewhat of a let down. But the writer clearly didn't care about going into things at a deeper level. Examples include topics such as the old gods, why Wulfric was chosen or how one of the blood blades was able to match him in strength after he went berserk remained unanswered. There are a few more examples but I don't want to go into spoilers.
The final few scenes of the book very clearly rushed and seemed like the writer was basically ready to get it over it as soon as possible.
As for the ending itself, it let a lot of open items unanswered. Overall it kind of felt like a TV show that was told it wouldn't be renewed so the writers rushed to try and conclude it mid season.
I think like a lot of people have stated this book and series had the potential to be amazing but ended up being somewhat of a let down. But the writer clearly didn't care about going into things at a deeper level. Examples include topics such as the old gods, why Wulfric was chosen or how one of the blood blades was able to match him in strength after he went berserk remained unanswered. There are a few more examples but I don't want to go into spoilers.
The final few scenes of the book very clearly rushed and seemed like the writer was basically ready to get it over it as soon as possible.
As for the ending itself, it let a lot of open items unanswered. Overall it kind of felt like a TV show that was told it wouldn't be renewed so the writers rushed to try and conclude it mid season.
January 14, 2018
Suffice to say that this is not a review but my personal opinion of my enjoyment of this book. You can have tragic ends that truly make books or series STICK out, but this one didn't work for me, at all.... I honestly laughed when collage girl got stabbed, like, really, after all this time.. HAHAHA!! I don't believe that was the intended reaction but bless my soul that ending was horrendous. Some will enjoy it and that's wonderful! Personally this series has me never reading this particular author again and I really don't like saying that but hey, live and learn right!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2024
Man, this was a tragedy. You come to love the characters, the story, everything. This book grabs your heart in so many ways. Truly an epic tale, one I'm glad I read. Lots of action, lots of revenge and hate. But, honestly the characters are deep and interesting. The world is rich. I got the trilogy on audible, and really do recommend it.
October 10, 2017
A wonderfully gripping series finale following Ulfyr's return from foreign lands determined to wreak revenge on his arch-enemy. A kind of Beowulf turns Revenant - but with plenty of plot-twists and scene changes to keep the reader guessing till the end. A great action story with a few wry comments on the embellishments dedicated storytellers love to add to their tales - also manages to raise interesting questions about using revenge as a life-motivation.
November 30, 2017
Tragedy continues to the end, November 29, 2017
This review is from: The Blood Debt: Wolf of the North Book 3 (Kindle Edition)
I did not enjoy this volume as much as the two previous ones. There is repetition in the descriptions, particularly in the battle scenes and in Wufric's shallow introspective moments. The ending is anticlimatic and a bit weak. It read to me as if the author had lost interest in the story or, for some reason, rushed through the writing.
This review is from: The Blood Debt: Wolf of the North Book 3 (Kindle Edition)
I did not enjoy this volume as much as the two previous ones. There is repetition in the descriptions, particularly in the battle scenes and in Wufric's shallow introspective moments. The ending is anticlimatic and a bit weak. It read to me as if the author had lost interest in the story or, for some reason, rushed through the writing.
October 11, 2017
Worth the wait!
Loved it. A great wrap up. The story kept moving and was hard to put down. I love everything written by Hamilton and I have more yet to read. I can highly recommend this book and any others he's written. Gbash
Loved it. A great wrap up. The story kept moving and was hard to put down. I love everything written by Hamilton and I have more yet to read. I can highly recommend this book and any others he's written. Gbash
January 22, 2018
A once promising series, which for me, ended in a whimper that devalued all three books. To be clear the writing is still good, but the plot cheapens, continually teases and the denies gratification. Sure sometimes life does not give us a satisfying conclusion, but to an extent I feel a three book series ought to deliver something more than this. When my reaction to the last book in a promising series is, "Well that was a pointless waste of time," I cannot help being deeply disappointed.
October 11, 2017
A great ending
I couldn't keep myself away from this book for long. This wraps up the story of Wulfric in style though I felt it was a bit too sudden and rushed in the end. Look forward to more from Duncan.
I couldn't keep myself away from this book for long. This wraps up the story of Wulfric in style though I felt it was a bit too sudden and rushed in the end. Look forward to more from Duncan.
October 22, 2017
Beautiful ending
I loved it. I was thoroughly absorbed in the book. I will tell you I cried. I can’t tell you about his other books, this is the only series I’ve read. But it’s fantastic.
I loved it. I was thoroughly absorbed in the book. I will tell you I cried. I can’t tell you about his other books, this is the only series I’ve read. But it’s fantastic.
November 4, 2017
Robert Howasrd Reborn
I truly believe that this is one of the Best Sword and Sorcery books I've read in along time. It was so Gripping and full of Intrigue and Great Action. I really Really hope that Duncan fills in the years of all of Wulfrc's merry band and their adventures.
I truly believe that this is one of the Best Sword and Sorcery books I've read in along time. It was so Gripping and full of Intrigue and Great Action. I really Really hope that Duncan fills in the years of all of Wulfrc's merry band and their adventures.
November 28, 2017
Loved all the books, but hated the ending
I have read all the three books in the series in short order and I loved them. Hated the ending, though. Wish there was a happy ending for my favorite characters.
I have read all the three books in the series in short order and I loved them. Hated the ending, though. Wish there was a happy ending for my favorite characters.
October 10, 2017
All three books Great read!!
October 12, 2017
Ripping good yarn
A good set of tales very well written and highly enjoyable. You will enjoy this journey from humble beginnings to greatness with plenty of blood along the way
A good set of tales very well written and highly enjoyable. You will enjoy this journey from humble beginnings to greatness with plenty of blood along the way
October 19, 2017
Great Finish
There were parts of the story I would like to change, but I think it's a great series. I love a writer that can write complete and well structured sentences.
There were parts of the story I would like to change, but I think it's a great series. I love a writer that can write complete and well structured sentences.
October 27, 2017
Excellent ending to the series. This book didn't suffer from excessive povs like the last.
February 2, 2018
The epic that wasn't
February 16, 2018
Now THAT is how you end a series.
January 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this trilogy.
It has the same feel of more known authors, such as Cromwell's The Saxon Chronicles, actually most of Cromwell's stories, and at least another author I can think of, David Gemmel. It's a classical hero's path but written to its strengths and in a very entertaining, likeable way. There's the bard/storyteller at the inn, a protagonist that fantasy readers should easily embrace, quests involving magical places and items, huge action sequences e combats, one to one, one to several and of course armies clashing. Oh, can't leave out the villain we love to hate, scheming all the time and making you hate him more with every move he makes.
If you like some of this elements, you'll feel right at home with this trilogy.
It has the same feel of more known authors, such as Cromwell's The Saxon Chronicles, actually most of Cromwell's stories, and at least another author I can think of, David Gemmel. It's a classical hero's path but written to its strengths and in a very entertaining, likeable way. There's the bard/storyteller at the inn, a protagonist that fantasy readers should easily embrace, quests involving magical places and items, huge action sequences e combats, one to one, one to several and of course armies clashing. Oh, can't leave out the villain we love to hate, scheming all the time and making you hate him more with every move he makes.
If you like some of this elements, you'll feel right at home with this trilogy.
May 26, 2023
The last installment of the Wolf of the North Trilogy, brings the events to a dramatic conclusion and a very satisfying end.
I really enjoyed that the author stepped away from trying to tell his story from too many points of view, and narrows his story telling a bit more, allowing those characters to really shine. Rodolph (no idea on the spelling I listened to the audio book) is like all the best villains the hero of his own story, making it so much more enjoyable to hate him.
Overall I think the whole trilogy is a very well told story, even if the second part is a bit weaker.
I really enjoyed that the author stepped away from trying to tell his story from too many points of view, and narrows his story telling a bit more, allowing those characters to really shine. Rodolph (no idea on the spelling I listened to the audio book) is like all the best villains the hero of his own story, making it so much more enjoyable to hate him.
Overall I think the whole trilogy is a very well told story, even if the second part is a bit weaker.
January 15, 2026
Just finished the book. This was a great end to the story! Mr Duncan really knows how to tell a story, and he does a great job with this one! In the final book, we see the main plot and all the subplots wrapped up, and it is quite exceptional in its ending. Love, grief, sorrow, betrayal, and courage prevalent in the last book, as well as the two before it! Mr. Duncan really knows how to tug on your heart strings with this one, and those who like battles, drama, and romance will love this book! In my opinion, this is the best one out of the series.
10/10 would recommend!
10/10 would recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews