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Frostworld #2
Honor & Iron
To weather the coming storm, you cannot stand alone...
Jarl Beckström has done the impossible. He has changed his class, leveled up, and joined the most elite warband in Norvaask. But in the aftermath of the battle with the draugr, chaos reigns. The Clan Lord has been usurped by his own brother, and the clanhold's armies have been all but devastated.
Leadership is needed now more than ever.
A change in fortune places Jarl in a position of power, and he struggles beneath the weight of his newfound responsibly. Freya, on the other hand, now finds herself enslaved to the Spear Maiden, the infamous war leader from Jotungard, and wrestles with the fact that she may never be a fireborn again.
Meanwhile, darkness continues to spread. The legions of the undead are growing, and if left unchecked, they will consume the whole of Njordrassil like a plague.
Blood feuds must be ended. Alliances must be forged. The people must fight together or die alone. But can a mud farmer-turned-battleborn unite them?
Only time will tell.
Jarl Beckström has done the impossible. He has changed his class, leveled up, and joined the most elite warband in Norvaask. But in the aftermath of the battle with the draugr, chaos reigns. The Clan Lord has been usurped by his own brother, and the clanhold's armies have been all but devastated.
Leadership is needed now more than ever.
A change in fortune places Jarl in a position of power, and he struggles beneath the weight of his newfound responsibly. Freya, on the other hand, now finds herself enslaved to the Spear Maiden, the infamous war leader from Jotungard, and wrestles with the fact that she may never be a fireborn again.
Meanwhile, darkness continues to spread. The legions of the undead are growing, and if left unchecked, they will consume the whole of Njordrassil like a plague.
Blood feuds must be ended. Alliances must be forged. The people must fight together or die alone. But can a mud farmer-turned-battleborn unite them?
Only time will tell.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2021
31 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Blake Arthur Peel
21 books76 followersBlake Arthur Peel has been coming up with stories ever since he was a kid. He inflicted his scribblings on family members and friends throughout his youth, always drawing maps in the back of notebooks and daydreaming when he probably should have been paying attention. It wasn’t until he was out of college that he finally decided to get serious about pursuing his career as a fantasy author.
His favorite stories have always been about good conquering evil, about fantastic worlds and wondrous magic systems. The works that have most inspired him are The Lord of the Rings, The Dragonlance Chronicles, The Riftwar Saga, The Stormlight Archive, and The Wheel of Time, among many others.
Blake was born and raised in Hemet, California. He loves playing games, being outside, and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Follow him at facebook.com/blakearthurpeel
His favorite stories have always been about good conquering evil, about fantastic worlds and wondrous magic systems. The works that have most inspired him are The Lord of the Rings, The Dragonlance Chronicles, The Riftwar Saga, The Stormlight Archive, and The Wheel of Time, among many others.
Blake was born and raised in Hemet, California. He loves playing games, being outside, and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Follow him at facebook.com/blakearthurpeel
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 14, 2021
Book 1 of this series took me by surprise, but I was ready for book 2 when it came out.
Jarl returns from the battle against the undead draugr along with his war party to battle the usurper who stole the clan from his brother. The war chief is to battle him one on one, but the fight isn't going the war chief's way.
Without thinking, Jarl steps into the gap and kills the clan leader, thus taking on the mantle of clan leader himself. As a new battleborne, that's a tough things to take on, and while the other battleborne don't gainsay him his title, they also don't give him the respect due because of his low level.
You'd think that would be enough for a second book in and of itself, but that's just the beginning. Since Jarl is young and low in levels, he is sent away to their hated enemies to barter for resources so the clan can survive the winter.
Things don't go to plan. Jarl is tested time and again, and while not everything goes his way, he tends to come out on top.
I don't know if it is because of the Viking theme, but I get the feeling that this series isn't for everyone. Personally, I'm loving it. The writing is tight, the characters are well drawn, and it reads closer to a traditionally published novel than an indie. The editing is superb.
There are a few subplots, one of which concerns Jarl's sister who was turned into a slave after the big battle against the draugr.
This is still LitRPG as Jarl continues to level up. There's a good balance between stamina and health that makes each battle challenging. No one is OP, although some enemies come close.
Recommended. 5/5*, and I'm looking forward to book 3.
Jarl returns from the battle against the undead draugr along with his war party to battle the usurper who stole the clan from his brother. The war chief is to battle him one on one, but the fight isn't going the war chief's way.
Without thinking, Jarl steps into the gap and kills the clan leader, thus taking on the mantle of clan leader himself. As a new battleborne, that's a tough things to take on, and while the other battleborne don't gainsay him his title, they also don't give him the respect due because of his low level.
You'd think that would be enough for a second book in and of itself, but that's just the beginning. Since Jarl is young and low in levels, he is sent away to their hated enemies to barter for resources so the clan can survive the winter.
Things don't go to plan. Jarl is tested time and again, and while not everything goes his way, he tends to come out on top.
I don't know if it is because of the Viking theme, but I get the feeling that this series isn't for everyone. Personally, I'm loving it. The writing is tight, the characters are well drawn, and it reads closer to a traditionally published novel than an indie. The editing is superb.
There are a few subplots, one of which concerns Jarl's sister who was turned into a slave after the big battle against the draugr.
This is still LitRPG as Jarl continues to level up. There's a good balance between stamina and health that makes each battle challenging. No one is OP, although some enemies come close.
Recommended. 5/5*, and I'm looking forward to book 3.
September 10, 2023
Honor and Iron while still lacking in LitRPG aspects delivers a solidly enjoyable middle chapter that isn't afraid to take time to set up pieces for a final act in book three.
As the undead draugr continue their march across the land; Jarl finds himself in position of clan chief and has to establish new alliances. One action he takes is to travel to a neighboring clan to enlist their help. His sister, Freya, has been captured by one of their highest jomsvikings, the Spearmaiden. Freya's storyline is attempting to overcome her slave life while the spearmaiden tackles lack of faith in her ability to someday lead the clan.
I will once again complement Blake Peel's writing. It's a well paced story that doesn't make everything happen NOW NOW NOW (a problem plaguing many other books in this subgenre). Peel's characters also feel multidimensional and you can tell he has plans for these characters and he is executing those plans. The politics in this trilogy are admittedly simplistic; but I don't expect litrpg to be in-depth about such things.
I also will need to gripe about the game system in this book. While better executed than in the first book; the gaming aspect such as dice rolls, stats, and experience still feels a bit haphazard. This isn't one of the books in the subgenre that has a widely thought out game world; which is fine as Peel's characters and unique Viking inspired setting make up for it. While I do have my complaints about Honor and Iron, I am still glad to have given it a chance. If you are itching for a Norse-esque litrpg, look no further. 3.5 stars.
As the undead draugr continue their march across the land; Jarl finds himself in position of clan chief and has to establish new alliances. One action he takes is to travel to a neighboring clan to enlist their help. His sister, Freya, has been captured by one of their highest jomsvikings, the Spearmaiden. Freya's storyline is attempting to overcome her slave life while the spearmaiden tackles lack of faith in her ability to someday lead the clan.
I will once again complement Blake Peel's writing. It's a well paced story that doesn't make everything happen NOW NOW NOW (a problem plaguing many other books in this subgenre). Peel's characters also feel multidimensional and you can tell he has plans for these characters and he is executing those plans. The politics in this trilogy are admittedly simplistic; but I don't expect litrpg to be in-depth about such things.
I also will need to gripe about the game system in this book. While better executed than in the first book; the gaming aspect such as dice rolls, stats, and experience still feels a bit haphazard. This isn't one of the books in the subgenre that has a widely thought out game world; which is fine as Peel's characters and unique Viking inspired setting make up for it. While I do have my complaints about Honor and Iron, I am still glad to have given it a chance. If you are itching for a Norse-esque litrpg, look no further. 3.5 stars.
February 11, 2023
Honor & Iron picks up almost immediately after the end of book #1, after the intense battle with the Draugr and clan Norvaask, that saw Freya captured by the Spear Maiden. At the start of this book we see the follow-up to the power struggle that was brewing in book #1, with Sten Haig taking control of the Clan from his brother in rather brutal fashion (I’ll let you read how).
However, this does not sit well with a lot of the Battleborn of the Norvaask clan, and Halvard, Asger, and the others in this Warband, along with Jarl (we see this mainly from Jarl’s point of view), decide that Sten is not fit to lead the Clan as he is without honor, and is therefore not a worthy Clan Lord.
The start of this book is intense, with some amazing battle sequences as the Battleborn try and bring control of the leadership of the Norvaask Clan under control. It is fascinating though, as a lot of it is seen from Jarl’s perspective, and given that he has previously been a low born, he is not only interested in the combat aspects and the succession, but he also cares about the outcomes and the survival of the low born, something that the other Battleborn do not take into consideration all that much. This story is set with a strong caste system, with the Battleborn and Fireborn at the top, then the workers (or low born), followed by the servants (or thralls), who do not have any rights, and are not protected by any laws. Anyone can do anything to a thrall, as long as they don’t die from it (and even then, no one really cares all that much).
As Norvaask struggles with who is going to lead them, far away, Freya Beckstrom, former Fireborn of the Norvaask Clan is now one of the thrall, having had her ears clipped, and living amongst the Jotungard as a slave. Initially, she is defiant, but her fiery will does not last long, and Peel does an incredible job of creating this character that was once a powerful, arrogant and exceedingly confident figure, but after several weeks as a thrall, and having had a tough lesson at the hands of the Spear Maiden, is now not only learning what it is to be lower than a low born, but is gaining some valuable experience in what humility is. Freya gets to truly understand what it is to be a slave, to be hungry, thirsty, exhausted, etc, and her point of view on the thrall, on people and the caste system in general, changes drastically as her journey plays out in this story. Those she once treated with such disgust and disdain, are now her equals, and she is one of them. It is a remarkable journey, but one in which she makes a stunning discovery which will change her life forever.
The other major character in this book is the Spear Maiden of the Jotungard Clan, Ingrid Olsen, whose father is Clan Lord, but is gravely ill, and because she is a woman, she will not be able to inherit the title of Clan Lord as a man would due to Clan custom. I don’t want to give anything away, because her part in this book is just outstanding, we get to see a range of different aspects of the Spear Maiden, her exceptional fighting skills, (in fact we get to see these on a couple of occasions, and the descriptions of these combat scenes are just spectacular!!), as well as herself, the softer, caring side, in which she actually really cares for her people. Ingrid Olsen is someone that respects the lower class for who they are, without them, the Clan can’t survive, there would be no food or water, to her, they are people. This of course does not sit well with the other High Born or Battleborn.
The character portrayal in this book is just masterful, it is so real, so gritty and intense. Peel has gone to great lengths to portray his characters from a range of different aspects, from the Clan Lords of different Clans, the Battleborn and Fireborn, to the workers and their families, and of course, the slaves and thralls that serve them. Each is described with such incredible detail, really bringing these characters and each of their individual stories to life, so that at times, you feel like you are sitting across from them, listening to them tell their tales.
The LITRPG aspect of the story only enhances the character development, and the depth of their personalities, and provides a very realistic edge to each of the characters. Jarl, Freya and Ingrid are all highly intelligent individuals, with very clever and comprehensive dialogue that really engages the reader and brings the story to life in a very genuine way so that it is incredibly life-like.
This is a story that also has a lot of intrigue, and political power play, as different characters each try and out manoeuvre the other for positions of leadership and power within the Clans. This is not only true for their own Clans, but for power across other Clans as well, meaning that those in power are having to think like a game of chess, looking for attacks from those not only within, but also without. Added to this is the threat of the Draugr, making for a story that is full of not only multiple battles, but fascinating and interesting political interplay within multiple Clans.
Peel has created a unique and stunning world, one that is both beautiful and harsh, with a creative caste system and 9 different Clans, all fighting for power, none realising that the greatest danger comes from without.
At the centre of all of this, is a young man, who through the simple act of trying to change his caste, is becoming a something of legend, although doing it through unorthodox ways. This is one of those stories that once you start, you find yourself transfixed by the masterful writing, and the portrayal of not just Jarl, but his sister Freya, and in this second book, the story of the Spear Maiden. Peels Characters are just extraordinary, and not to be missed. If you love EPIC Fantasy, LitRPG, Brilliant Character Writing, or just an Exceptional Story – Read This Series!!!
However, this does not sit well with a lot of the Battleborn of the Norvaask clan, and Halvard, Asger, and the others in this Warband, along with Jarl (we see this mainly from Jarl’s point of view), decide that Sten is not fit to lead the Clan as he is without honor, and is therefore not a worthy Clan Lord.
The start of this book is intense, with some amazing battle sequences as the Battleborn try and bring control of the leadership of the Norvaask Clan under control. It is fascinating though, as a lot of it is seen from Jarl’s perspective, and given that he has previously been a low born, he is not only interested in the combat aspects and the succession, but he also cares about the outcomes and the survival of the low born, something that the other Battleborn do not take into consideration all that much. This story is set with a strong caste system, with the Battleborn and Fireborn at the top, then the workers (or low born), followed by the servants (or thralls), who do not have any rights, and are not protected by any laws. Anyone can do anything to a thrall, as long as they don’t die from it (and even then, no one really cares all that much).
As Norvaask struggles with who is going to lead them, far away, Freya Beckstrom, former Fireborn of the Norvaask Clan is now one of the thrall, having had her ears clipped, and living amongst the Jotungard as a slave. Initially, she is defiant, but her fiery will does not last long, and Peel does an incredible job of creating this character that was once a powerful, arrogant and exceedingly confident figure, but after several weeks as a thrall, and having had a tough lesson at the hands of the Spear Maiden, is now not only learning what it is to be lower than a low born, but is gaining some valuable experience in what humility is. Freya gets to truly understand what it is to be a slave, to be hungry, thirsty, exhausted, etc, and her point of view on the thrall, on people and the caste system in general, changes drastically as her journey plays out in this story. Those she once treated with such disgust and disdain, are now her equals, and she is one of them. It is a remarkable journey, but one in which she makes a stunning discovery which will change her life forever.
The other major character in this book is the Spear Maiden of the Jotungard Clan, Ingrid Olsen, whose father is Clan Lord, but is gravely ill, and because she is a woman, she will not be able to inherit the title of Clan Lord as a man would due to Clan custom. I don’t want to give anything away, because her part in this book is just outstanding, we get to see a range of different aspects of the Spear Maiden, her exceptional fighting skills, (in fact we get to see these on a couple of occasions, and the descriptions of these combat scenes are just spectacular!!), as well as herself, the softer, caring side, in which she actually really cares for her people. Ingrid Olsen is someone that respects the lower class for who they are, without them, the Clan can’t survive, there would be no food or water, to her, they are people. This of course does not sit well with the other High Born or Battleborn.
The character portrayal in this book is just masterful, it is so real, so gritty and intense. Peel has gone to great lengths to portray his characters from a range of different aspects, from the Clan Lords of different Clans, the Battleborn and Fireborn, to the workers and their families, and of course, the slaves and thralls that serve them. Each is described with such incredible detail, really bringing these characters and each of their individual stories to life, so that at times, you feel like you are sitting across from them, listening to them tell their tales.
The LITRPG aspect of the story only enhances the character development, and the depth of their personalities, and provides a very realistic edge to each of the characters. Jarl, Freya and Ingrid are all highly intelligent individuals, with very clever and comprehensive dialogue that really engages the reader and brings the story to life in a very genuine way so that it is incredibly life-like.
This is a story that also has a lot of intrigue, and political power play, as different characters each try and out manoeuvre the other for positions of leadership and power within the Clans. This is not only true for their own Clans, but for power across other Clans as well, meaning that those in power are having to think like a game of chess, looking for attacks from those not only within, but also without. Added to this is the threat of the Draugr, making for a story that is full of not only multiple battles, but fascinating and interesting political interplay within multiple Clans.
Peel has created a unique and stunning world, one that is both beautiful and harsh, with a creative caste system and 9 different Clans, all fighting for power, none realising that the greatest danger comes from without.
At the centre of all of this, is a young man, who through the simple act of trying to change his caste, is becoming a something of legend, although doing it through unorthodox ways. This is one of those stories that once you start, you find yourself transfixed by the masterful writing, and the portrayal of not just Jarl, but his sister Freya, and in this second book, the story of the Spear Maiden. Peels Characters are just extraordinary, and not to be missed. If you love EPIC Fantasy, LitRPG, Brilliant Character Writing, or just an Exceptional Story – Read This Series!!!
October 2, 2021
Book two
While book one was really good, I personally disliked this book. The politics are cartoonish and thuggishly silly. Nobody bothered to tell the MC his sister is alive, even though the woman he beds is the one to take her prisoner. The Spear Maiden who is of a higher level than the MC can't break his grip and decides to sleep with him??? This is just silly. It means that the stats mean nothing. This reads like scifantasy from the late 70's early 80's.
Oh you big strong man! You've beaten me, now take me!
The Fire Maiden is upset why? Because he slept with someone other than her? She's spying on him for her Order!
This book tried to do to much and ended up doing all of them poorly.
2/10
While book one was really good, I personally disliked this book. The politics are cartoonish and thuggishly silly. Nobody bothered to tell the MC his sister is alive, even though the woman he beds is the one to take her prisoner. The Spear Maiden who is of a higher level than the MC can't break his grip and decides to sleep with him??? This is just silly. It means that the stats mean nothing. This reads like scifantasy from the late 70's early 80's.
Oh you big strong man! You've beaten me, now take me!
The Fire Maiden is upset why? Because he slept with someone other than her? She's spying on him for her Order!
This book tried to do to much and ended up doing all of them poorly.
2/10
September 20, 2021
Bloody awesome book
I listened to the 1st book on audible and found it bloody brilliant and couldn't stop myself devouring this one. Such great character arcs, from Jarl's understanding of his undiscovered leadership to his sister's own trials.
It was light on litrpg but that allowed the story to blossom.
Highly recommended this series.
I listened to the 1st book on audible and found it bloody brilliant and couldn't stop myself devouring this one. Such great character arcs, from Jarl's understanding of his undiscovered leadership to his sister's own trials.
It was light on litrpg but that allowed the story to blossom.
Highly recommended this series.
September 30, 2021
The heroes have taken charge even though the enemies still have much to say.
The heroes from the first story have made a good start at becoming the leaders as their enemies start planning to win the coming battles.
The heroes from the first story have made a good start at becoming the leaders as their enemies start planning to win the coming battles.
July 28, 2022
Vikings!
Love this book and would recommend to everyone. Great story. Very light in LitRPG and few it had is DnD roll base, not the greatest, but story makes up for it.
Love this book and would recommend to everyone. Great story. Very light in LitRPG and few it had is DnD roll base, not the greatest, but story makes up for it.
March 15, 2023
Lit RPG not really my genre. Interested in the whole world
October 28, 2024
Avenge thy father
I liked this book more than the first one. Our hero from the first book met another crusader on her own quest. I love the final battle.
I liked this book more than the first one. Our hero from the first book met another crusader on her own quest. I love the final battle.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews