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The Runewar Saga #2
The Crown of Fire and Fury
Amid the fires of war, kings and queens are crowned...
The frost giant, the Jotun, has conquered Oakharrow. The city is lost — for now. But Aelthena has never given up easily. Fleeing Oakharrow, she goes to the jarls of Baegard, seeking their aid in taking back her home. But with politics at play, and Ha-Sypt on the move, she must make a choice to do what is best for her nation or for herself.
Bjorn, meanwhile, sets his sights on a greater challenge. Knowing too little of the giant who has attacked his home, he and his companions go to the priests who know more. Among them, Bjorn uncovers ancient secrets and develops his newly discovered magic. But both knowledge and power have a price, and Bjorn will pay it in sorrow and blood.
The Runewar has come — monarchs shall rise and fall.
The frost giant, the Jotun, has conquered Oakharrow. The city is lost — for now. But Aelthena has never given up easily. Fleeing Oakharrow, she goes to the jarls of Baegard, seeking their aid in taking back her home. But with politics at play, and Ha-Sypt on the move, she must make a choice to do what is best for her nation or for herself.
Bjorn, meanwhile, sets his sights on a greater challenge. Knowing too little of the giant who has attacked his home, he and his companions go to the priests who know more. Among them, Bjorn uncovers ancient secrets and develops his newly discovered magic. But both knowledge and power have a price, and Bjorn will pay it in sorrow and blood.
The Runewar has come — monarchs shall rise and fall.
- GenresFantasy
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
142 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
J.D.L. Rosell
40 books525 followers***ANNOUNCEMENT: Shadow of Legends, Book 1 in the Dragonforged Saga, is funding now on Kickstarter! Look it up to read more about your favorite characters from Legend of Tal.***
J.D.L. Rosell was swept away on a journey when he stepped foot outside his door and into The Hobbit. He hasn't stopped wandering since.
In his writing, he tries to recapture the wonder, adventure, and poignancy that captivated him as a child. His explorations have taken him to worlds set in over twenty novels and six series, which include Dragonforged, Ranger of the Titan Wilds, Legend of Tal, The Runewar Saga, and The Famine Cycle.
When he's not off on a quest, Rosell enjoys his newfound hobby of archery and older pastimes of hiking and landscape photography. But every hobbit returns home, and if you step softly and mind the potatoes, you may glimpse him curled up with his wife and two cats, Zelda and Abenthy, reading a good book or replaying his favorite video games.
* * * * *
Books by J.D.L. Rosell:
DRAGONFORGED
1. Shadow of Legends (Late 2026 release)
RANGER OF THE TITAN WILDS
1. The Last Ranger
2. The First Ancestor
3. The Hidden Guardian
4. The Wilds Exile
5. The Titan Revenant (March 2026 release)
LEGEND OF TAL
1. A King's Bargain
2. A Queen's Command
3. An Emperor's Gamble
4. A God's Plea
A Battle Between Blood (Novella)
THE RUNEWAR SAGA
1. The Throne of Ice & Ash
2. The Crown of Fire & Fury
3. The Stone of Iron & Omen
Book 4 TBA
THE FAMINE CYCLE - Available as a complete box set
1. Whispers of Ruin
2. Echoes of Chaos
3. Requiem of Silence
Secret Seller (Prequel)
The Phantom Heist (Novella)
GODSLAYER RISING - Available as a complete box set
1. Catalyst
2. Champion
3. Heretic
J.D.L. Rosell was swept away on a journey when he stepped foot outside his door and into The Hobbit. He hasn't stopped wandering since.
In his writing, he tries to recapture the wonder, adventure, and poignancy that captivated him as a child. His explorations have taken him to worlds set in over twenty novels and six series, which include Dragonforged, Ranger of the Titan Wilds, Legend of Tal, The Runewar Saga, and The Famine Cycle.
When he's not off on a quest, Rosell enjoys his newfound hobby of archery and older pastimes of hiking and landscape photography. But every hobbit returns home, and if you step softly and mind the potatoes, you may glimpse him curled up with his wife and two cats, Zelda and Abenthy, reading a good book or replaying his favorite video games.
* * * * *
Books by J.D.L. Rosell:
DRAGONFORGED
1. Shadow of Legends (Late 2026 release)
RANGER OF THE TITAN WILDS
1. The Last Ranger
2. The First Ancestor
3. The Hidden Guardian
4. The Wilds Exile
5. The Titan Revenant (March 2026 release)
LEGEND OF TAL
1. A King's Bargain
2. A Queen's Command
3. An Emperor's Gamble
4. A God's Plea
A Battle Between Blood (Novella)
THE RUNEWAR SAGA
1. The Throne of Ice & Ash
2. The Crown of Fire & Fury
3. The Stone of Iron & Omen
Book 4 TBA
THE FAMINE CYCLE - Available as a complete box set
1. Whispers of Ruin
2. Echoes of Chaos
3. Requiem of Silence
Secret Seller (Prequel)
The Phantom Heist (Novella)
GODSLAYER RISING - Available as a complete box set
1. Catalyst
2. Champion
3. Heretic
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 21, 2023
The Crown of Fire & Fury is out now! Continue the Norse-inspired saga to discover what fates next befall Aelthena and Bjorn, and what new enemies they face...
You can pick up a copy on Amazon in either ebook or print, with the audiobook coming soon. Also available free to members of Kindle Unlimited.
You can pick up a copy on Amazon in either ebook or print, with the audiobook coming soon. Also available free to members of Kindle Unlimited.
August 15, 2023
Book Review - The Crown of Fire and Fury
The Crown of Fire and Fury is the second book in the Runewar Saga by J.D.L Rosell.
After really enjoying the first book from this series, I decided to read the books back to back.
We return the sibling protagonist pretty much straight after the events at the end of the first book.
Bjorn is travelling to the home of the Gothi located in the Yewling town of Eildursprall.
Here we got to see Bjorn grow as a person and develop his magical abilities under the tutelage of a Silver.
Bjorn has grown so much over the space of two books, from a scared young man barely out of childhood, in to a young warrior and magical user.
Aelthena, along side the party she escaped Oakharrow with are now travelling to Petyrsholm.
Here she will try her best to bring the 7 Jarlheims together under one banner and retake Oakharrow from the Jotun.
By no means is this an easy task, made either more difficult by the fact Aelthena is a women. Politics and war are not a women business.
It was great watching Aelthena manoeuvre through the political landscape from the outside rather than the inner circle. This made for some tense scenes.
In this book we got to follow the story from 2 new POVs 1) a returning character from book 1, Bastor, 2) a new character in Sehdra. Sehdra is The Royal Sister to The Karah, leader of the Ha-Sypt.
Bastor was a great side character in book 1 with plenty of hidden secrets. I was happy to find out this book gave me dedicated chapters for him. As a person Bastor is morally grey, we don’t know his full motivations and whether he is actual good. But this is fun to follow and find out.
I always enjoy getting to know new characters and Sehdra was a great introduction to this expanding story.
Of course we have the added dynamics of her being from the “enemy” side. But also the fact that she is a character with hidden strengths and struggles, she goes through a lot at the hands of her brother, this made me get very invested in her.
Where her story will develop in book 3 as she navigates her new status, I do not know but I’m eager to find out.
In The Crown of Fire and Fury we got to see a lot more of the giants than in book 1. The Jotun was only seen a little bit but the main focus was on a newly introduced giant in Oyaoan.
Oyaoan is the leader of the huame, the Surtunar. This character helped add another layer of depth to this story. Adding substance to the giants legend.
The pace of this book was a little slower than book 1 with the first 50% really setting up the characters for what is to come.
Although the pace was slower this didn’t impact the story, I found this slower pace allowed the story to breathe and grow.
However, the pace really picked up in the second half of this book, with political plans being revealed and brutal action.
I’m really liking this series and excited to get to the final book.
Rating 8.5/10 ⭐️
The Crown of Fire and Fury is the second book in the Runewar Saga by J.D.L Rosell.
After really enjoying the first book from this series, I decided to read the books back to back.
We return the sibling protagonist pretty much straight after the events at the end of the first book.
Bjorn is travelling to the home of the Gothi located in the Yewling town of Eildursprall.
Here we got to see Bjorn grow as a person and develop his magical abilities under the tutelage of a Silver.
Bjorn has grown so much over the space of two books, from a scared young man barely out of childhood, in to a young warrior and magical user.
Aelthena, along side the party she escaped Oakharrow with are now travelling to Petyrsholm.
Here she will try her best to bring the 7 Jarlheims together under one banner and retake Oakharrow from the Jotun.
By no means is this an easy task, made either more difficult by the fact Aelthena is a women. Politics and war are not a women business.
It was great watching Aelthena manoeuvre through the political landscape from the outside rather than the inner circle. This made for some tense scenes.
In this book we got to follow the story from 2 new POVs 1) a returning character from book 1, Bastor, 2) a new character in Sehdra. Sehdra is The Royal Sister to The Karah, leader of the Ha-Sypt.
Bastor was a great side character in book 1 with plenty of hidden secrets. I was happy to find out this book gave me dedicated chapters for him. As a person Bastor is morally grey, we don’t know his full motivations and whether he is actual good. But this is fun to follow and find out.
I always enjoy getting to know new characters and Sehdra was a great introduction to this expanding story.
Of course we have the added dynamics of her being from the “enemy” side. But also the fact that she is a character with hidden strengths and struggles, she goes through a lot at the hands of her brother, this made me get very invested in her.
Where her story will develop in book 3 as she navigates her new status, I do not know but I’m eager to find out.
In The Crown of Fire and Fury we got to see a lot more of the giants than in book 1. The Jotun was only seen a little bit but the main focus was on a newly introduced giant in Oyaoan.
Oyaoan is the leader of the huame, the Surtunar. This character helped add another layer of depth to this story. Adding substance to the giants legend.
The pace of this book was a little slower than book 1 with the first 50% really setting up the characters for what is to come.
Although the pace was slower this didn’t impact the story, I found this slower pace allowed the story to breathe and grow.
However, the pace really picked up in the second half of this book, with political plans being revealed and brutal action.
I’m really liking this series and excited to get to the final book.
Rating 8.5/10 ⭐️
February 5, 2022
Rosell doesn't disappoint with the second book in his Runewar Saga series. I like the effect of three storyline threads running throughout the book; given that it is loosely based on Nordic mythos the three concurrent stories made me think of a long, thick Viking braid.
Did I enjoy the story? Yes. Did I enjoy all the battles? Not as much, but given the premise is war, one has to have battles, so the death and destruction must be included. We are introduced to some terrifying new creatures as well as reunited with old friends (and enemies). Rosell shares a story well-told.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Did I enjoy the story? Yes. Did I enjoy all the battles? Not as much, but given the premise is war, one has to have battles, so the death and destruction must be included. We are introduced to some terrifying new creatures as well as reunited with old friends (and enemies). Rosell shares a story well-told.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
February 2, 2022
This was a journey I had to read fast to get to the end, and when I did I thought ,why did you finish it, you have nothing to look forward to what happens next, I want the next book now, I don't want to wait!
I loved this book. I love my husband but he wouldn't leave me alone to let me read, to get in Bjorn's world, to get into the other characters thoughts and see what they saw.
I am not going to tell you about the story, you will need and want to read this series, it is just that good!
I loved this book. I love my husband but he wouldn't leave me alone to let me read, to get in Bjorn's world, to get into the other characters thoughts and see what they saw.
I am not going to tell you about the story, you will need and want to read this series, it is just that good!
February 14, 2022
I really enjoyed The Crown of Fire and Fury more than The Throne of Ice and Ash. It was a continuation of the first book and went into more details and explained more of the story. The imagery was fantastic! Great writing! These were the first books I had read by J. D. L. Rosell and I definitely will read more of his.
You will enjoy reading them too!
You will enjoy reading them too!
January 25, 2022
This is a complex story. It is a continuation of "The Throne of Ice & Ash". You will pick up the characters and references to previous action more quickly if you have read that story. Double check the Appendices as they will help bring you up to speed.
The complexity comes from tracking multiple characters in multiple locales. They are interrelated but due to previous action, now operate independently. The relationship between characters is also complex. The scenes build nicely, the characters build nicely. Some ugliness to the action in the story, but that is typical for this type of fantasy. It certainly is part of seeing who is the real evil in the story. The action can be intense at times, even to the point of putting the book aside to come back later.
The author has used his prose to really paint this story for the reader. If you like to dig deeply into a book and savor an unfolding epic fantasy story give this one a read.
The complexity comes from tracking multiple characters in multiple locales. They are interrelated but due to previous action, now operate independently. The relationship between characters is also complex. The scenes build nicely, the characters build nicely. Some ugliness to the action in the story, but that is typical for this type of fantasy. It certainly is part of seeing who is the real evil in the story. The action can be intense at times, even to the point of putting the book aside to come back later.
The author has used his prose to really paint this story for the reader. If you like to dig deeply into a book and savor an unfolding epic fantasy story give this one a read.
February 14, 2022
This book had everything literally with groups that make you think of ancient Egyptian and Persian to the Norse Vikings and their mythology plus some. Epic battles, fantastic characters, nonstop action and a little romance thrown in. Great read!
I got this book as an advanced reader copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I got this book as an advanced reader copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
January 26, 2022
The Crown of Fire & Fury is the second book of The Runewar Saga, a Norse- and Egyptian-inspired high fantasy series. J.D.L. Rosell does a splendid job intertwining the characters’ personal lives as they face challenges relatable to real life. The characters are well-written and respond in convincing ways to their circumstances. This is a brilliant read! It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author. I received this novel through BookFunnel. This is my true and honest review.
February 22, 2022
This was a great continuation of the series. The author has a knack for telling a good story, and this is no exception. Plenty of action with vivid descriptions really makes the reader “feel” for the plight of the characters in the book. This series doesn’t end here, and I for one am looking forward to the next book already!
January 26, 2022
This saga series is great the World / Character Building is awesome. The mixing of the Ancient Egyptian type people,with the Ancient Norse / Viking type people makes this an extremely creative read . I am an Honest ARC Reviewer the Giants , Magic , and battles excite. The twists and turns, politics with back stabs will keep you enthralled.
January 27, 2022
There’s plenty of magic to entrance you and keep you reading. The characters will draw you in , so you feel as if you’re a part of the story. Well written. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
January 26, 2022
This book is Fanbloodytastic 💖extremely well written and intriguing storyline and the characters are very engaging and well rounded, one of the best books ever
February 23, 2022
An epic fantasy with highly developed characters and a hint of sorcery yet to come. Written like a Viking novel the plots are engaging and intertwined. There are two main plots, one of political intrigue and a second of sorcery. Both tell a story. It is a fast read and minor details do not slow it down.
March 12, 2022
Quite Entertaining
What an enjoyable entertaining read. If you are looking for a good fantasy Norse adventure. The Runewar Saga is definitely one for you.
Book 2 seamlessly picks up where Book 1 ended. I found this book(much like the first one) hard to put down. If it wasn’t for life’s interruptions I would have read it front to back in one sitting.
Aelthena’s part of the story isn’t turning out like I thought it would, but I am enjoying her journey and can’t wait to see how it concludes. Now Bjorn, I was hoping his story would kind of go the way that it is. As he learns more about his power I am hoping to see that he will become quite powerful.
Book 2 brings out another character that has my interest, Sehdra. I am really curious on how her story is going to play out.
Definitely can’t wait to read Book 3.
What an enjoyable entertaining read. If you are looking for a good fantasy Norse adventure. The Runewar Saga is definitely one for you.
Book 2 seamlessly picks up where Book 1 ended. I found this book(much like the first one) hard to put down. If it wasn’t for life’s interruptions I would have read it front to back in one sitting.
Aelthena’s part of the story isn’t turning out like I thought it would, but I am enjoying her journey and can’t wait to see how it concludes. Now Bjorn, I was hoping his story would kind of go the way that it is. As he learns more about his power I am hoping to see that he will become quite powerful.
Book 2 brings out another character that has my interest, Sehdra. I am really curious on how her story is going to play out.
Definitely can’t wait to read Book 3.
March 14, 2022
The Crown of Fire and Fury (Book 2 of The Runewar Saga, An Epic Fantasy Series), my second read from author J.D.L. Rosell , an author I'd wanted to read for since I got The Throne of Ice and Ash (Book 1 of The Runewar Saga, An Epic Fantasy Series) back in October of 2021. Well written & enjoyable, George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones influence is obvious. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
March 19, 2022
This is the second book in the Runewar Saga series, a definitely Norse based fantasy saga that is exceptional from the first word to the last. This book starts a little more slowly than the first book as it has to introduce the reader to new characters and lands before it weaves their stories into the ongoing narrative.
Once that is done, the action quickly ramps up. There are many twists and turns, and the heroes and villains walk the line between success and disaster in a manner that keeps you wanting to know what comes next.
Even better, the excitement continues right up to the end of the book. This is truly wonderful stuff, well written with gripping descriptions of the lands and their peoples and animals that turn almost real in your mind's eye.
The only negative I can offer on this book is that it ended too soon. I can't wait for the third instalment to arrive.
I have purchased a lot of JDL Rosell books in recent times, but I was lucky enough to get hold of an ARC edition in order to prepare for this objective review.
Once that is done, the action quickly ramps up. There are many twists and turns, and the heroes and villains walk the line between success and disaster in a manner that keeps you wanting to know what comes next.
Even better, the excitement continues right up to the end of the book. This is truly wonderful stuff, well written with gripping descriptions of the lands and their peoples and animals that turn almost real in your mind's eye.
The only negative I can offer on this book is that it ended too soon. I can't wait for the third instalment to arrive.
I have purchased a lot of JDL Rosell books in recent times, but I was lucky enough to get hold of an ARC edition in order to prepare for this objective review.
March 9, 2022
good read
The characters in this book are quite diverse and in their own ways very interesting . It’s quite unusual to have a woman as part of the main characters in this type of story and a very strong one as well- kudos to the author. The other characters are so different also. I am quite intrigued by these books and look forward to reading more
The characters in this book are quite diverse and in their own ways very interesting . It’s quite unusual to have a woman as part of the main characters in this type of story and a very strong one as well- kudos to the author. The other characters are so different also. I am quite intrigued by these books and look forward to reading more
May 21, 2023
This book was everything the first one was not. Deep plots, strange magic, giants, firesand and more. I am so grateful I acknowledged the setup and kept going or I would have missed out on this masterpiece!! Highly recommended!
February 5, 2024
[Short review - Its v. good, go buy it.]
[Longer rambling review]
Here we have book two of The Runewar Saga. Think I started reading the series after a review from Mark Lawrence. Anyway, book 2 continues to build on the action from the first book, introducing a few more characters and expanding the action. It has I would say rather a nordic myth type of feel to it.
We have characters on heroic quests, we have nations battling nations, and it all flows along well, the relaying of the separate threads is spread out through the book, and I think all the threads were pretty interesting. My favourite two characters were probably Bjorn, who is the one most strongly involved with the Runes that the series takes its title from. He is off learning about his powers and how to harness the power of the runes.
The other one I liked was Sehdra. Her brother is the God Emperor Hephysus, who has been causing all the conflict throughout the lands. She is also trying to cope with him in her way. She is not such a major character, but I thought she was interesting.
The action of the book ends at a point of calm, waiting for the mayhem to kick off again in book3.
[Longer rambling review]
Here we have book two of The Runewar Saga. Think I started reading the series after a review from Mark Lawrence. Anyway, book 2 continues to build on the action from the first book, introducing a few more characters and expanding the action. It has I would say rather a nordic myth type of feel to it.
We have characters on heroic quests, we have nations battling nations, and it all flows along well, the relaying of the separate threads is spread out through the book, and I think all the threads were pretty interesting. My favourite two characters were probably Bjorn, who is the one most strongly involved with the Runes that the series takes its title from. He is off learning about his powers and how to harness the power of the runes.
The other one I liked was Sehdra. Her brother is the God Emperor Hephysus, who has been causing all the conflict throughout the lands. She is also trying to cope with him in her way. She is not such a major character, but I thought she was interesting.
The action of the book ends at a point of calm, waiting for the mayhem to kick off again in book3.
August 12, 2023
The Crown of Fire and Fury picks up where The Throne of Ice and Ash left off. Overall, I enjoyed book two a little more.
I love the historical aspects. We get a new point of view from Ha-Sypt, the enemies of Baegard, which added some complexity to the story. Sehdra was perhaps my favourite point of view, even if the plot line was a little telegraphed.
I liked the idea of Aelthena working with the women of Baegard, but she didn’t get very far, which left her as a bit of an observer in this book. Bjorn’s arc was also lacking in action for my tastes. It certainly leaves a lot to happen in the final book of the series!
Overall, this series feels like a mini-epic fantasy to me – easy to read and well written, quite short and without the depth of some series.
I love the historical aspects. We get a new point of view from Ha-Sypt, the enemies of Baegard, which added some complexity to the story. Sehdra was perhaps my favourite point of view, even if the plot line was a little telegraphed.
I liked the idea of Aelthena working with the women of Baegard, but she didn’t get very far, which left her as a bit of an observer in this book. Bjorn’s arc was also lacking in action for my tastes. It certainly leaves a lot to happen in the final book of the series!
Overall, this series feels like a mini-epic fantasy to me – easy to read and well written, quite short and without the depth of some series.
September 27, 2022
The second book was going well until; like many other authors and writers of late, they feel the need to be all inclusive and spring gay and lesbian characters on you somewhere in the middle of a series. Also asserting that “the gods” approve was a sure fire way to get me to stop and uninstall. Look, I don’t hate anyone, I just don’t agree with certain things based on my biblical views. They have a choice and so do I. How about a heads up in description.
March 2, 2024
This is a well-crafted book that intertwines different characters and settings and their plot lines to portray a brutal world of war, intrigue, magic, and deceit. A Nordic-inspired world comes into conflict with an Egyptian-inspired one. This book is dark and brutal portraying graphic violence, racism, and slavery. The Baegardians must find a way to fight against the southern giants and the vast army of Ha-Sypt that they lead. men must find a suitable weapon and a way to deal with the fire that the giants possess. Power ebbs and flows, and new skills are learned as the different factions are inexorably drawn together
August 4, 2024
Excellent reading
The first two books have been superb , I can't wait for tbd third one. The characters are great , enduring the journey, discovering the strengths and weaknesses that enhance their believability! An enthralling story
The first two books have been superb , I can't wait for tbd third one. The characters are great , enduring the journey, discovering the strengths and weaknesses that enhance their believability! An enthralling story
August 23, 2023
Backstabbing political agendas abound. Mixed equally with magic and mysticism that few understand.
Different races, different creatures, different adventures. Oh my!
Different races, different creatures, different adventures. Oh my!
March 16, 2024
I collect rocks
August 16, 2024
Awesome story
This is a great story. Strong characters in a awesome story. A vividly told World in a unique Magic system.
This is a great story. Strong characters in a awesome story. A vividly told World in a unique Magic system.
March 10, 2025
What a great saga.
As with many Norse stories this is filled with myths, magic and battles.
As with many Norse stories this is filled with myths, magic and battles.
November 3, 2025
this series is a lot of fun. if you enjoy Norse religion this a fun take. the characters are fun to read about. and Rosell keeps it interesting.
February 13, 2022
Epic book to read lots of intense moments with wars, creatures. The characters in the book are great. Some good some bad. Alethena is very determined and don’t back down to much. With Her guardian Frey by her side to protect her at all times. Bjorn having to embrace his magic and use it when needed and all the obstacle that he has to overcome in order to help get back the lands that were destroyed. With the help of his companions only time will tell. The book is a great addition to this series and looking forward to the next to see where the adventures lead. Also to find out the outcome of Bastor and his father.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews