What do you think?
Rate this book
Wolves of Odin #1
Blood Feud
The wolves of Odin have been unleashed: the hunt has begun.
Anno Domini 1040. Christianity has swept unstoppably across Scandinavia, leaving few enclaves of the old ways clinging on to their fading world as King Olof of Sweden works to convert his people.
A young warrior, Halfdan, has witnessed the ‘mercy’ of the Christian lords, watched his people attacked, his village burned and the Odin stone toppled as heretical. Watched his father cut down by an ambitious Christian jarl and his zealous priest. Among the ashes of his world he vowed an oath of vengeance before all the gods.
That oath will bring together an unlikely band of allies and carry them to the very edge of the world, fighting giants, dragons and wraiths, in pursuit of his father’s killer: Yngvar. The jarl is powerful, and the weaving of Fate difficult, but the blood price must be paid.
Anno Domini 1040. Christianity has swept unstoppably across Scandinavia, leaving few enclaves of the old ways clinging on to their fading world as King Olof of Sweden works to convert his people.
A young warrior, Halfdan, has witnessed the ‘mercy’ of the Christian lords, watched his people attacked, his village burned and the Odin stone toppled as heretical. Watched his father cut down by an ambitious Christian jarl and his zealous priest. Among the ashes of his world he vowed an oath of vengeance before all the gods.
That oath will bring together an unlikely band of allies and carry them to the very edge of the world, fighting giants, dragons and wraiths, in pursuit of his father’s killer: Yngvar. The jarl is powerful, and the weaving of Fate difficult, but the blood price must be paid.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2021
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
78 books511 followersSimon lives with his wife and children and a menagerie of animals in rural North Yorkshire, where he sits in an office, wired on coffee and digestive biscuits, and attempts to spin engrossing tales out of strands of imagination while his children drive toys across his desk and two dogs howl as they try to share a brain cell.
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 7, 2025
Always excited to read anything set in the dark ages, with it being one of my fave historical periods. Blood Feud didn’t disappoint.
Turney nails the gritty feel of the era. If you’ve read Giles Kristian’s Raven series, you’ll get similar vibes here, that same raw energy, brotherhood, and blood-soaked adventure although I didn’t find it quite as gripping overall.
You've got the usual band of hardened warriors, each with their own quirks and edges, and they come through strong on the page. Nothing wildly original in the plot but kind of what you'd expect from something called Blood Feud. It still delivered well enough to keep me turning the pages.
Halfdan is a solid lead. Not just your standard sword-swinging hero, there’s a bit more to him, and Turney brings him to life nicely. And as with all of Turney’s stuff, the historical detail is spot on.
Not a game changer for the genre, but if you like your historical fiction raw, bloody, and well researched, this one’s worth your time. Bring on the next!
Turney nails the gritty feel of the era. If you’ve read Giles Kristian’s Raven series, you’ll get similar vibes here, that same raw energy, brotherhood, and blood-soaked adventure although I didn’t find it quite as gripping overall.
You've got the usual band of hardened warriors, each with their own quirks and edges, and they come through strong on the page. Nothing wildly original in the plot but kind of what you'd expect from something called Blood Feud. It still delivered well enough to keep me turning the pages.
Halfdan is a solid lead. Not just your standard sword-swinging hero, there’s a bit more to him, and Turney brings him to life nicely. And as with all of Turney’s stuff, the historical detail is spot on.
Not a game changer for the genre, but if you like your historical fiction raw, bloody, and well researched, this one’s worth your time. Bring on the next!
August 29, 2021
Blood Feud
(Wolves of Odin #1)
by S.J.A. Turney
BLURB
The wolves of Odin have been unleashed: the hunt has begun.
Anno Domini 1040. Christianity has swept unstoppably across Scandinavia, leaving few enclaves of the old ways clinging on to their fading world as King Olof of Sweden works to convert his people.
A young warrior, Halfdan, has witnessed the ‘mercy’ of the Christian lords, watched his people attacked, his village burned and the Odin stone toppled as heretical. Watched his father cut down by an ambitious Christian jarl and his zealous priest. Among the ashes of his world he vowed an oath of vengeance before all the gods.
That oath will bring together an unlikely band of allies and carry them to the very edge of the world, fighting giants, dragons and wraiths, in pursuit of his father’s killer: Yngvar. The jarl is powerful, and the weaving of Fate difficult, but the blood price must be paid.
REVIEW
One of my favorite authors, for some unknown reason, has left his comfort zones of Roman and Byzantine fiction. You won't find me complaining though. I reckon he's pretty comfortable with Odin One-Eye and The Norns if this book is any indication. As the title says, it is a tale of seeking vengeance, and this forms the core of the tale; Hafdan's plan for revenge. But, it is also a tale of steadfastness in the face of a most dangerous foe; religious zealotry.
In typical Turney fashion, the story is rich in historical detail, and it is that detail which is molded into a believable tale. The cast of characters gives the reader a glimpse into the various mindsets of Dark Age warriors, nobles, and spiritual guides. It is a struggle to survive in a world coming to grips with the 'old ways' disappearing, yet The Norns still have their say while Odin's ravens keep watch. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
(Wolves of Odin #1)
by S.J.A. Turney
BLURB
The wolves of Odin have been unleashed: the hunt has begun.
Anno Domini 1040. Christianity has swept unstoppably across Scandinavia, leaving few enclaves of the old ways clinging on to their fading world as King Olof of Sweden works to convert his people.
A young warrior, Halfdan, has witnessed the ‘mercy’ of the Christian lords, watched his people attacked, his village burned and the Odin stone toppled as heretical. Watched his father cut down by an ambitious Christian jarl and his zealous priest. Among the ashes of his world he vowed an oath of vengeance before all the gods.
That oath will bring together an unlikely band of allies and carry them to the very edge of the world, fighting giants, dragons and wraiths, in pursuit of his father’s killer: Yngvar. The jarl is powerful, and the weaving of Fate difficult, but the blood price must be paid.
REVIEW
One of my favorite authors, for some unknown reason, has left his comfort zones of Roman and Byzantine fiction. You won't find me complaining though. I reckon he's pretty comfortable with Odin One-Eye and The Norns if this book is any indication. As the title says, it is a tale of seeking vengeance, and this forms the core of the tale; Hafdan's plan for revenge. But, it is also a tale of steadfastness in the face of a most dangerous foe; religious zealotry.
In typical Turney fashion, the story is rich in historical detail, and it is that detail which is molded into a believable tale. The cast of characters gives the reader a glimpse into the various mindsets of Dark Age warriors, nobles, and spiritual guides. It is a struggle to survive in a world coming to grips with the 'old ways' disappearing, yet The Norns still have their say while Odin's ravens keep watch. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 8, 2022
In Blood Feud we see the infamously prolific Simon Turney tackle a new historical era. Unsurprisingly, he absolutely nails it!
Blood Feud follows the story of Halfdan, who as a mere youth, had to watch on powerless as his Odin worshipping father was murdered by an unforgiving Christian lord. The book is set in the time that Christianity was finding its way among the people of Scandinavia, and starting to become the default religion. I find books set in this era fascinating. A real ‘old gods v the new’ underlying theme runs beneath the action, and it adds an extra layer to the story.
Halfdan is pagan, a worshipper of Odin and Thor. He is a likeable character. A young man, he builds himself a crew of warriors from different backgrounds, worshipping different gods, and manages to bind them together, to make them his. He is kind, tolerant, funny and charismatic. But underneath that there is a burning desire, an oath that remains unfulfilled. He must kill the man that murdered his father.
We follow Halfdan through medieval Europe, as he sails with his new found ship and crew in search of the man that has caused him so much pain. When he finds him, he is the commander of a fleet, surrounded by an army so large Halfdan cannot touch him. So he joins his company, sails under his banner, and sets off for Georgia, where his new lord seeks to carve himself a kingdom.
Halfdan fights for his new lord, puts up with the bile thrown his way from the unlikeable priest that stands always at his master’s shoulder. He excels, earns the respect he is due, and waits for the right moment to strike….
In all it’s a brilliant first instalment to a new series, full of action and quick-witted dialogue. I steamed through it, I’m sure you will too.
Blood Feud follows the story of Halfdan, who as a mere youth, had to watch on powerless as his Odin worshipping father was murdered by an unforgiving Christian lord. The book is set in the time that Christianity was finding its way among the people of Scandinavia, and starting to become the default religion. I find books set in this era fascinating. A real ‘old gods v the new’ underlying theme runs beneath the action, and it adds an extra layer to the story.
Halfdan is pagan, a worshipper of Odin and Thor. He is a likeable character. A young man, he builds himself a crew of warriors from different backgrounds, worshipping different gods, and manages to bind them together, to make them his. He is kind, tolerant, funny and charismatic. But underneath that there is a burning desire, an oath that remains unfulfilled. He must kill the man that murdered his father.
We follow Halfdan through medieval Europe, as he sails with his new found ship and crew in search of the man that has caused him so much pain. When he finds him, he is the commander of a fleet, surrounded by an army so large Halfdan cannot touch him. So he joins his company, sails under his banner, and sets off for Georgia, where his new lord seeks to carve himself a kingdom.
Halfdan fights for his new lord, puts up with the bile thrown his way from the unlikeable priest that stands always at his master’s shoulder. He excels, earns the respect he is due, and waits for the right moment to strike….
In all it’s a brilliant first instalment to a new series, full of action and quick-witted dialogue. I steamed through it, I’m sure you will too.
August 28, 2022
The wolves of Odin (1) Simon says he was outside his comfort zone writing about the dark ages, but reading this I would never have thought it .
An epic Norse saga worthy of the Skálds, it's an action-packed adventure set far to the east in foreign lands. (that follows closely to what Odd the monk wrote). I am not adding any spoilers, apart from( what drives people to do what they do)
It's a tale full of historical details, and interesting facts like the ship portage across the land, something i never came across before except in the film Fitzcarraldo,
there are believable portrayals of giants and dragons but not in the usual mythical sense. an ongoing clash between the Nailed god and the pagans.
Simon has given great detail and depth of character to all his leading protagonists., the friendships and rivalries, and of cause his bloody gory battles. He has crafted a very enjoyable book
Now if you appreciate historical fiction in the Viking age, I cannot recommend this book enough. Highly entertaining,a great book, now i have to wait for the next one
An epic Norse saga worthy of the Skálds, it's an action-packed adventure set far to the east in foreign lands. (that follows closely to what Odd the monk wrote). I am not adding any spoilers, apart from( what drives people to do what they do)
It's a tale full of historical details, and interesting facts like the ship portage across the land, something i never came across before except in the film Fitzcarraldo,
there are believable portrayals of giants and dragons but not in the usual mythical sense. an ongoing clash between the Nailed god and the pagans.
Simon has given great detail and depth of character to all his leading protagonists., the friendships and rivalries, and of cause his bloody gory battles. He has crafted a very enjoyable book
Now if you appreciate historical fiction in the Viking age, I cannot recommend this book enough. Highly entertaining,a great book, now i have to wait for the next one
December 10, 2024
I first started reading Turney’s historical, mainly Roman, self-published novels sometime ago and, unusually, found them well edited, well written and well researched. He has since become traditionally published, and this is his first book set in the ‘dark ages.’ However, it is not the usual Saxons and Vikings beating each other up but instead is based upon an Icelandic saga about a group of Vikings travelling by river from the Baltic to Kiev and on to the Black Sea and eventually the Caspian Sea with the main protagonist, Halfdan, being a young captain of one of the longships. Inevitably brutal in places but also interesting, especially with his fairly extensive historical notes at the end. Halfdan’s acquisition of his longship and his crew at the start was a little too facile but otherwise the main characters and (plenty of) action are largely believable with Halfdan and his crew being some of the last Vikings still holding to the old beliefs. A well-paced, absorbing and interesting read.
August 29, 2024
Blood Feud (Odin's Wolves)
By Simon James Atkinson Turney
Blood Feud follows the adventures of Halfdan, a young follower of Odin in a village of people who follows the old ways.
After witnessing the death of his father and the destruction of all he holds dear at the hands of a Christian Jarl he swears a Blood Feud and sets about taking his revenge.
After the Roman inspired stories of Marius Mules this is a new story set in a completely different time, but the author nails it perfectly... A clash of cultures, religious beliefs and the consequences are explored, with a sensitivity to all sides. There is a wonderful sense of being there as the author does an expert job of drawing you into the story, not just for the action but for the everyday as well. This is a hard hitting book, filled with bone crushing action that is handled perfectly, but also in places really quite humourous, as Halfdan puts together an oddball but lethal crew. I am genuinely looking forward to book two!
By Simon James Atkinson Turney
Blood Feud follows the adventures of Halfdan, a young follower of Odin in a village of people who follows the old ways.
After witnessing the death of his father and the destruction of all he holds dear at the hands of a Christian Jarl he swears a Blood Feud and sets about taking his revenge.
After the Roman inspired stories of Marius Mules this is a new story set in a completely different time, but the author nails it perfectly... A clash of cultures, religious beliefs and the consequences are explored, with a sensitivity to all sides. There is a wonderful sense of being there as the author does an expert job of drawing you into the story, not just for the action but for the everyday as well. This is a hard hitting book, filled with bone crushing action that is handled perfectly, but also in places really quite humourous, as Halfdan puts together an oddball but lethal crew. I am genuinely looking forward to book two!
October 9, 2023
I'm always cautious of historical fiction, especially of a period in which I studied at university, but this book had me very pleasantly surprised!
I had the pleasure of meeting Turney at a book signing, and from both reading and listening to him talk, it is very clear that an immense amount of research has been done to make this as historically accurate as possible, whilst still creating an enjoyable storyline. My only minor flaw is that sometimes the way Gunnhild is described relates only to how beautiful she is - despite being a powerful seiđr and shieldmaiden who at one point literally decapitated a man. Luckily, this seems to resolve itself as the book progresses.
Altogether, a very good interpretation and story about the vikings Eastern adventures, which was refreshing to read rather than another book on English viking excursions. Definitely recommend!
I had the pleasure of meeting Turney at a book signing, and from both reading and listening to him talk, it is very clear that an immense amount of research has been done to make this as historically accurate as possible, whilst still creating an enjoyable storyline. My only minor flaw is that sometimes the way Gunnhild is described relates only to how beautiful she is - despite being a powerful seiđr and shieldmaiden who at one point literally decapitated a man. Luckily, this seems to resolve itself as the book progresses.
Altogether, a very good interpretation and story about the vikings Eastern adventures, which was refreshing to read rather than another book on English viking excursions. Definitely recommend!
January 18, 2023
A terrific read of a Viking saga
The novel takes us on an adventure of Viking exploration and hopeful conquest in a direction that I did not know about - to the south and east into the heart of eastern Europe! Although there are actions that might test our acceptance of reality the author carefully avoids using the supernatural in the various episodes thus allowing for plausibility of the story line which somewhat follows ancient sagas. At best the novel provides historic insight into the norsemen travels and adventuresome spirit and at worst provides an excellent fictional tale.
The novel takes us on an adventure of Viking exploration and hopeful conquest in a direction that I did not know about - to the south and east into the heart of eastern Europe! Although there are actions that might test our acceptance of reality the author carefully avoids using the supernatural in the various episodes thus allowing for plausibility of the story line which somewhat follows ancient sagas. At best the novel provides historic insight into the norsemen travels and adventuresome spirit and at worst provides an excellent fictional tale.
May 20, 2023
Gripping characters, eternal conflict, smoothly written.
Strong book one in a fascinating historical tale, SJA Turney delivers. Immediately captured my attention, hard to put down, engaging, thoughtful and well timed. Enjoyed book one immensely! Onto book two immediately. Well done Turney, well done.
Strong book one in a fascinating historical tale, SJA Turney delivers. Immediately captured my attention, hard to put down, engaging, thoughtful and well timed. Enjoyed book one immensely! Onto book two immediately. Well done Turney, well done.
November 22, 2023
Viking story that's a little different
This is a great adventure action story that is interesting the entire way through. I have just finished reading a great swag of 'Viking' or northman stories so was a little hesitant and going for another one but this was different right from the word go and to add is an epic adventure.
This is a great adventure action story that is interesting the entire way through. I have just finished reading a great swag of 'Viking' or northman stories so was a little hesitant and going for another one but this was different right from the word go and to add is an epic adventure.
October 8, 2021
Another winner methinks.
A great new series from Simon Turney. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and the real history notes at the end. Halfdan is a new Viking hero to follow. A great start.
A great new series from Simon Turney. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and the real history notes at the end. Halfdan is a new Viking hero to follow. A great start.
November 9, 2021
A direction change fro Mr Turney, from Rome to The Vikings. A great read and the commencement of a new saga. Bring on Book 2 of the adventures of Halfdan. can't wait for him to carve his name in stone!
I have read all of Mr Turney's novels and all are indeed a great read.
I have read all of Mr Turney's novels and all are indeed a great read.
January 16, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. 1st time reading this author, easy to read & follow the story.....having it on kindle I missed some maps to follow, though Google Earth worked well.
Looking forward to the next installment
Looking forward to the next installment
August 5, 2023
Excellent saga
Great story line and develops the characters really well throughout the book. Looking forward to the next instalment as the wolves of Odin seek new adventure in Byzantium
Great story line and develops the characters really well throughout the book. Looking forward to the next instalment as the wolves of Odin seek new adventure in Byzantium
December 8, 2023
A great start too the Wolves of Odin series
After finishing the excellent Marius mules series this is a great opening book too the wolves of Odin series, it looks as though S.J.A. Turney has another great series of books for us too read.
After finishing the excellent Marius mules series this is a great opening book too the wolves of Odin series, it looks as though S.J.A. Turney has another great series of books for us too read.
October 18, 2024
Great read !
Very pleased to have started this series . If subsequent books are as good as this in storytelling , as well as east style of writing … prob my best find of author in the last 12 months !
Very pleased to have started this series . If subsequent books are as good as this in storytelling , as well as east style of writing … prob my best find of author in the last 12 months !
November 30, 2021
Up to the authors usual standard, a good readable yarn and very interesting historical notes (as usual).
Would definitely recommend.
Would definitely recommend.
February 1, 2022
Brilliant, amazing, a fantastic page turner from start to finish. Blending in history and fiction in the way only a fabulous writer can!
March 22, 2023
Interesting but found the end a little anticlimactic. I probably will continue with the series though.
September 3, 2024
Well read
Great book! I could hardly put it down. I'll probably start the next one tomorrow. I feel like this series will only get better.
Great book! I could hardly put it down. I'll probably start the next one tomorrow. I feel like this series will only get better.
May 26, 2025
Been looking for a new Viking series since Giles Kristian ended his a few years ago. And now I have found one. Full of history and action. This is a great start to a series.
October 8, 2025
Great read!!!
The book just finished too soon! Great start for a new series. Hope no 2 is as good as number 1.
The book just finished too soon! Great start for a new series. Hope no 2 is as good as number 1.
December 6, 2025
A decent introduction to a series that I’m confident will get better. 3.5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews