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The Norsemen Saga #9
Kings and Pawns: A Novel of Viking Age England
With their longships storm-blown to the southern coast of Engla-land, Thorgrim Night Wolf and his men find themselves rich with plunder and safely ensconced in a priory called Christchurch. But that cannot last. Thorgrim, in a wolf dream, has seen the enemy armies closing in, and he knows that their peace will soon be at an end. The gods do not go so easy on him and his men. He has learned that through experience and hard use. Nor are the gods the only threat they face. As Nothwulf, brother of the murdered ealdorman of Dorset, and Cynewise, his sister-in-law, fight for rule of the shire, each seeks to make the raiders unwitting pawns in their game, maneuvering toward a final battle that each hopes will spell the end of the other and crush the Norse strangers who have invaded their shores.
364 pages, Paperback
Published May 21, 2019
237 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
James L. Nelson
61 books362 followersJames L. Nelson (1962-) is an American historical nautical novelist. He was born in Lewiston, Maine. In 1980, Nelson graduated from Lewiston High School. Nelson attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst for two years, and then transferred to UCLA, with the ambition of becoming a film director. Nelson, his wife, Lisa, and their daughter Betsy lived for two years in Steubenville, Ohio, while Lisa attended Franciscan University. They also have two boys, Nate and Jack. They now live in Harpswell, Maine, where Nelson continues to write full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 20, 2020
A three sided affair
After being blown from Ireland to England by a great storm,
Thorgrim and his men capture a wealthy monastery and find themselves in the midst of an English struggle for local power. Each of the factions uses the presence of the Northmen as an excuse to field troops. After gathering plunder and collecting Danegeld, Thorgrim and his men are ready to leave. However, leaving is not as easy as arriving.
Meanwhile, back in Norway, things are not going at all well for Thorgrim's son Odd and his family and friends. The book then begins to alternate the story between England and Norway.
After being blown from Ireland to England by a great storm,
Thorgrim and his men capture a wealthy monastery and find themselves in the midst of an English struggle for local power. Each of the factions uses the presence of the Northmen as an excuse to field troops. After gathering plunder and collecting Danegeld, Thorgrim and his men are ready to leave. However, leaving is not as easy as arriving.
Meanwhile, back in Norway, things are not going at all well for Thorgrim's son Odd and his family and friends. The book then begins to alternate the story between England and Norway.
June 5, 2019
Best one yet
This might just be the best book yet in the series! Could hardly put it down. I can't wait for the next.
This might just be the best book yet in the series! Could hardly put it down. I can't wait for the next.
June 7, 2019
An excellent adventure with Thorgrim Night Wolf!
This latest installment of the Thorgrim Kveldulf saga does not disappoint. Not only are we treated to the events of Thorgrim's fleet after surviving a devastating sea storm, but we learn about his eldest child...Odd. Odd felt a great deal of ambivalence about the fact that he had become a 'farmer" rather than going a-viking with his father Thorgrim and his younger brother Harold. And yes, Starry Deathless, Louis and Failend all add to this great of a Viking tale. Cannot wait for the next installment!
This latest installment of the Thorgrim Kveldulf saga does not disappoint. Not only are we treated to the events of Thorgrim's fleet after surviving a devastating sea storm, but we learn about his eldest child...Odd. Odd felt a great deal of ambivalence about the fact that he had become a 'farmer" rather than going a-viking with his father Thorgrim and his younger brother Harold. And yes, Starry Deathless, Louis and Failend all add to this great of a Viking tale. Cannot wait for the next installment!
June 7, 2019
Another winner
Another great edition to the already great series. And now a new twist and a new story line. It looks like there are more adventures to come for Thorgrim. When is the next one coming out?
Another great edition to the already great series. And now a new twist and a new story line. It looks like there are more adventures to come for Thorgrim. When is the next one coming out?
June 12, 2019
By Odin Mr. Nelson weaves another great tale of the Vikings and Night Wolf.
August 3, 2022
The 9th novel in this “Viking Age Ireland” series has now morphed into “Viking Age England” as Thorgrim Night Wolf and company continue to try and make there way back home to Norway. They find themselves flush with plunder and safe in a priory at Christchurch. But of course not all will stay that way. This time two rival local English leaders work together to rid their shores of the Nothmen, leading to strategic skirmishes and battles and ultimately a three-way conflict.
Meanwhile, back in Norway we get to finally see what’s been happening with Thorgrim’s older son, Odd, who has become a well-liked and well-off farmer. It’s really nice to see this part of the novel and to see just what kind of man he is as he is unfairly treated by their king. The wielding of political power by a narcissistic king using lies and deceit and who requires loyalty tests…hmmm…maybe things haven’t changed so much over the millennia after all.
This has been a great series from the very beginning, and I continue to believe that James L. Nelson remains one of the most under-appreciated writers of historical fiction (especially historical nautical fiction) in existence. He is slowly getting better known but I'll still be doing my part to bring his works to readers' attention. His books are always historically accurate while remaining immensely fun to read. I sure hope this series continues for quite a while.
Meanwhile, back in Norway we get to finally see what’s been happening with Thorgrim’s older son, Odd, who has become a well-liked and well-off farmer. It’s really nice to see this part of the novel and to see just what kind of man he is as he is unfairly treated by their king. The wielding of political power by a narcissistic king using lies and deceit and who requires loyalty tests…hmmm…maybe things haven’t changed so much over the millennia after all.
This has been a great series from the very beginning, and I continue to believe that James L. Nelson remains one of the most under-appreciated writers of historical fiction (especially historical nautical fiction) in existence. He is slowly getting better known but I'll still be doing my part to bring his works to readers' attention. His books are always historically accurate while remaining immensely fun to read. I sure hope this series continues for quite a while.
June 21, 2020
No matter how hard he tries, the gods refuse to allow Thorgrim “Night Wolf” Ulfsson to return home to Norway. He and his men, numbering between three and four hundred, as well as their seven ships, are now in Engla-land, where they have captured a rich monastery and many English soldiers. Night Wolf prefers to ransom them and be on his way, but the conniving machinations of two locals vying to be proclaimed ealdorman interfere his plans. Cynwise, who would pay the Danegeld and secure her claim to the title, must contend with a father who would usurp her rights and her brother-in-law who feels he should inherit his brother’s position. Nothwulf, allied with the influential and wealthy thegn Leofric, has no intention of paying the ransom. He plans to decimate the Norsemen through slyness and trickery, thus proving he is the best candidate for ealdorman.
Night Wolf has two sons: Harold Broadarm, who accompanies him on this long raiding journey, and Odd Thorgrimson, who remains at home taking care of both his own farm and his father’s. In spite of being clever and good at what he does, a small part of Odd also resents being left behind, unable to prove himself as a true Norse warrior. But news of unexpected visitors to Night Wolf’s farm and King Halfdan’s insistence that Night Wolf owes back taxes, even though Odd has diligently paid them, stir unwanted trouble that finally provide him with the chance to prove his mettle to both himself and the other hauldar, prosperous landowners like himself. They are reluctant allies until they realize that what Halfdan proposes for Odd could well be their own fates as well.
Kings and Pawns is the ninth book in The Norsemen Saga and has all the hallmarks of the previous titles – intrigue, betrayal, courage and bravery, cleverness and brawn, and fickle nemeses – to guarantee that readers find themselves on a whirlwind adventure where expectations and actualities don’t necessarily coincide. Starri Deathless epitomizes the berserker of history in a way that illuminates how these warriors must have appeared as they fought their enemies. Failend’s soul-searching seems an important component at the beginning of this tale, but as it unfolds, both she and her struggle fade away unresolved. The introduction of Odd and his conflict with the power-hungry and jealous Halfdan promises a new and compelling dynamic to the saga. Odd’s surprise attack makes for interesting comparisons to those that his father endures.
Nelson’s expertise lies in his portrayal of battles, whether they take place on land or water – and this tale incorporates both. Nothwulf’s snare and Halfdan’s ambush are equally harrowing but in different ways. Nelson interweaves the various threads of this epic tapestry of nail-biting drama in a way that leaves readers clamoring for more tales of Night Wolf and his family.
Night Wolf has two sons: Harold Broadarm, who accompanies him on this long raiding journey, and Odd Thorgrimson, who remains at home taking care of both his own farm and his father’s. In spite of being clever and good at what he does, a small part of Odd also resents being left behind, unable to prove himself as a true Norse warrior. But news of unexpected visitors to Night Wolf’s farm and King Halfdan’s insistence that Night Wolf owes back taxes, even though Odd has diligently paid them, stir unwanted trouble that finally provide him with the chance to prove his mettle to both himself and the other hauldar, prosperous landowners like himself. They are reluctant allies until they realize that what Halfdan proposes for Odd could well be their own fates as well.
Kings and Pawns is the ninth book in The Norsemen Saga and has all the hallmarks of the previous titles – intrigue, betrayal, courage and bravery, cleverness and brawn, and fickle nemeses – to guarantee that readers find themselves on a whirlwind adventure where expectations and actualities don’t necessarily coincide. Starri Deathless epitomizes the berserker of history in a way that illuminates how these warriors must have appeared as they fought their enemies. Failend’s soul-searching seems an important component at the beginning of this tale, but as it unfolds, both she and her struggle fade away unresolved. The introduction of Odd and his conflict with the power-hungry and jealous Halfdan promises a new and compelling dynamic to the saga. Odd’s surprise attack makes for interesting comparisons to those that his father endures.
Nelson’s expertise lies in his portrayal of battles, whether they take place on land or water – and this tale incorporates both. Nothwulf’s snare and Halfdan’s ambush are equally harrowing but in different ways. Nelson interweaves the various threads of this epic tapestry of nail-biting drama in a way that leaves readers clamoring for more tales of Night Wolf and his family.
June 12, 2023
Ok, I am burning right through Mr. Nelson's Norsemen Saga's, on Book #10 now.
I literally cannot put these books down. I was in the hospital for several days and would of lost my mind if I didn't have the Norseman Saga book series to read and keep my mind occupied.
I will literally be sad when I finish this series, will probably go back and reread them again.
Have never read a prose such as James L. Nelson's stories, that so perfectly tie together actual historical events and put you there; you literally feel like you are in the bow of 1 of Thorgrim's ships, feeling the rolling of the ocean and knowing the different components of the terrifying Viking ships and the anxious feelings of him, his crew, his fleet as they explore unknown lands and waters and encounter local fractions of people and their leaders.
#9 puts you on the farm of Night Wolf's eldest, Odd, his family and his neighbors farms and off we go on another adventure. 1 of my favorite books of the Norsemen Saga series.
I literally cannot put these books down. I was in the hospital for several days and would of lost my mind if I didn't have the Norseman Saga book series to read and keep my mind occupied.
I will literally be sad when I finish this series, will probably go back and reread them again.
Have never read a prose such as James L. Nelson's stories, that so perfectly tie together actual historical events and put you there; you literally feel like you are in the bow of 1 of Thorgrim's ships, feeling the rolling of the ocean and knowing the different components of the terrifying Viking ships and the anxious feelings of him, his crew, his fleet as they explore unknown lands and waters and encounter local fractions of people and their leaders.
#9 puts you on the farm of Night Wolf's eldest, Odd, his family and his neighbors farms and off we go on another adventure. 1 of my favorite books of the Norsemen Saga series.
June 11, 2019
Another great book in this series. Once again a page turner. We are seeing an aging Thorgrim with many battle wounds and ready to hang up his shield, but circumstances of going a-Viking won’t let him either return to his native Norway or back to his longhorn of Viklo.
This book introduces us to Odd, Thorgrims oldest son who is suddenly thrust into a disagreement with the king who wants to seize Thorgrims farm. I love that we are meeting more of the Norway family and hope the next book finally brings our beloved Vikings back home but, alas to more conflict.
I love this series and can hardly wait for the next book to arrive.
This book introduces us to Odd, Thorgrims oldest son who is suddenly thrust into a disagreement with the king who wants to seize Thorgrims farm. I love that we are meeting more of the Norway family and hope the next book finally brings our beloved Vikings back home but, alas to more conflict.
I love this series and can hardly wait for the next book to arrive.
February 9, 2020
Aw the ending left me Exasperated! !!
I truly love these books and the adventures the twisted fate and struggles they overcome and start again. This #9 Kings and Pawns added extra scheming and a large cast of new characters making it another huge success. However there is too much uncertainty between Thorgrim and Failend. Thorgrim is thinking he is doing the right thing and yet I hope in the next series he truly steps forward and admits his true feelings to Failend. The ending was definitely not an end to this saga and I am ready for #10 hopefully it will be soon!
I truly love these books and the adventures the twisted fate and struggles they overcome and start again. This #9 Kings and Pawns added extra scheming and a large cast of new characters making it another huge success. However there is too much uncertainty between Thorgrim and Failend. Thorgrim is thinking he is doing the right thing and yet I hope in the next series he truly steps forward and admits his true feelings to Failend. The ending was definitely not an end to this saga and I am ready for #10 hopefully it will be soon!
August 16, 2019
Best of the series (so far)
I really enjoyed Nelson's latest addition to the Night Wolf series. The characters seemed to gain more depth and both story lines moved along at the same fast pace to which we have come to expect. I also.enjoyed the new characters added in this book--they carried believable human motives and frailties. Overall very satisfying.
I really enjoyed Nelson's latest addition to the Night Wolf series. The characters seemed to gain more depth and both story lines moved along at the same fast pace to which we have come to expect. I also.enjoyed the new characters added in this book--they carried believable human motives and frailties. Overall very satisfying.
January 10, 2022
And again…
There’s a repetitive nature in the novel that isn’t different from others. T doesn’t take the situation and works to his desired end.
Didn’t like three plots working at the same time.
Many word errors: ‘if for it,’ ‘thought for through’…
Great storyline, very good action when it comes.
Unlikable characters.
There’s a repetitive nature in the novel that isn’t different from others. T doesn’t take the situation and works to his desired end.
Didn’t like three plots working at the same time.
Many word errors: ‘if for it,’ ‘thought for through’…
Great storyline, very good action when it comes.
Unlikable characters.
June 2, 2019
An excellent continuation of the series, with some changes in scenery featuring alternating perspectives from England and Norway - which was refreshing. The ships certainly face a number of nautical trials that would seem familiar to those who've read The Odyssey.
September 18, 2019
Enjoyable as always
I enjoy the ongoing story of Thorgrim and his men. Nelson's writing style follows easily while being very descriptive. The characters are very real; both likeable and frustrating.
I enjoy the ongoing story of Thorgrim and his men. Nelson's writing style follows easily while being very descriptive. The characters are very real; both likeable and frustrating.
December 1, 2019
Believable characters and storyline
Always with good grasp of the historical Time period and sailing technology. I find myself comparing his terms of sailing and seeing the action of each shop involved playing in my head as if watching a movie . The same as the battles
Always with good grasp of the historical Time period and sailing technology. I find myself comparing his terms of sailing and seeing the action of each shop involved playing in my head as if watching a movie . The same as the battles
June 17, 2019
Another exciting and hilarious instalment in the adventures of Thorgrim Nightwolf.
June 19, 2019
Excellent story
What an excellent book. Fast moving storyline with twists here and there to keep you gripped. Look forward and hope there will be a third book.
What an excellent book. Fast moving storyline with twists here and there to keep you gripped. Look forward and hope there will be a third book.
June 25, 2019
Another excellent book in the saga of Thorgrim Night Wolf, I love reading about him, his family, friends and crew.
July 2, 2019
Great story line
A must read. Savage yet likeable characters. Loads of adventure and a better understanding of the Age of Vikings
Great story.
A must read. Savage yet likeable characters. Loads of adventure and a better understanding of the Age of Vikings
Great story.
July 10, 2019
Enjoyed
Very much enjoyed this series of books
Just hope that there is a follow on gothic last one
As there is so much of the tale left unsaid
Very much enjoyed this series of books
Just hope that there is a follow on gothic last one
As there is so much of the tale left unsaid
Read
August 10, 2019I had meant to read just one of these Viking tales but I became fond of Thorgrim and ended up reading the lot. Cracking good yarns the lot of them!
February 18, 2020
The Saga continues in excellent fashion. More character storylines and epic predicaments that only Thorgrim can navigate.
November 10, 2020
Good not great
Good but not great. Sticks to the basic formula. Enjoyed the introduction and development of Odd, the elder son back in Norway.
Good but not great. Sticks to the basic formula. Enjoyed the introduction and development of Odd, the elder son back in Norway.
January 18, 2021
The introduction of Odd was a solid add to the series.
December 25, 2022
Love the series
This is a great series, one more to go.I I add James Nelson as one of my favorite authors of historical novels.
This is a great series, one more to go.I I add James Nelson as one of my favorite authors of historical novels.
March 8, 2024
Exciting!!!
Like all of the books in this series, the storyline is exciting from start to finish. Keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Like all of the books in this series, the storyline is exciting from start to finish. Keeps you on the edge of your seat.
April 20, 2024
- Conflict finished, they are heading east from England.
May 4, 2024
will Thorgrimm ever get home ?
Great yarn …. Thirgrimm’s “bad luck “ just won’t let go of him !
He needs just one thing to go right for him once !
Great yarn …. Thirgrimm’s “bad luck “ just won’t let go of him !
He needs just one thing to go right for him once !
November 1, 2025
Fast paced
Well Thorgrim topped off the wrecks of 3 ships in this one. Right up till the end he was being treated dishonestly by the English.
Well Thorgrim topped off the wrecks of 3 ships in this one. Right up till the end he was being treated dishonestly by the English.
January 19, 2026
Thorgrim nightwolf is a great hero
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews