Review: Woden's Spear by Donovan Cook

Today, I welcome back historical fiction author, Donovan Cook. I'm sharing my review of his brand-new release, Woden's Spear, the first in what promises to be an exciting new series set in the Dark Ages.

Woden's Spear is currently on blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. My thanks to Rachel, and to Boldwood Books, for a copy of the novel.

 

 

Woden’s Spear

Donovan Cook

 

Woden's Spear takes us back to the era generally (still) known as the Dark Ages, but as we learn more about the centuries between the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the emergence of Frankia and Anglo-Saxon England, we find more and more novels set in that much-overlooked era. This is one of them, the beginning of a fascinating new series.

We are in Old Saxony, where brave warlords wield great power. But not all is well, as the Thuringians lead regular excursion into Saxon territory, as they themselves are pushed westward by eastern marauders.

When Saxon warlord Witta announces an attack on a recce group of Thuringians, he decides that the settlement's younger warriors can see of such a small cohort. Led by his son, Uhtric, and accompanied only by a handful of more experienced warriors, the group will no doubt come away with a great victory, giving the youngsters an important boost in self-confidence. 

When young Octa's father, a cousin of their leader Witta, and himself a seasoned warrior, suggest Octa as Uhtric's shield bearer, it causes a stir. The role is usually reserved to experienced fighters, and Octa, though full of the bluster of his youth and training, has not seen any action yet. But Witta and Uhtric agree.

But the Thuringians are fierce, and as battle ensues, Octa freezes in fear. It is a disaster, and soon, he finds himself fleeing from the fearsome attackers.

Aware of having failed his father, and let down his people, Octa goes into hiding. He eventually sneaks into his home, where his mother tells him to go and redeem himself.

Octa heads north into the land of the Jutes, uncertain of where to go and what to do. But when he meets an old man he's spotted at Witta's hall, the man suggests he go in search of Woden's Spear, which the god apparently lost. This quest takes Octa to Britannia, recently abandoned by the Romans.

A chance encounter – and bout of bravery – sees Octa heading across the sea in the company of Hengist and Horsa – the men who led the Jutes and Angles to England.

Will his quest succeed? Well, read the novel!

 

 

Woden's Spear is a fast-paced adventure that takes us into distant times. The author provides us with a close-up glimpse at a world we know little about, and we learn about warlords, enemy tribes, and expectations on young men like Octa.

Octa is not a likeable lad. He is over-confident, cocky. His inflated opinion of himself (thanks to his parents) is annoying at times, as he expects things to fall into his hands, and he sulks when that doesn't happen. In some ways, he's a typical teenager, with maybe a hint of a more modern attitude. He did not expect to feel shocked as he did, in battle, and he's keen to avoid trouble where possible.

This doesn't make him weak, from a 21st century POV, but in an era of warlords and warriors, where men constantly fight to defend or expand their territory, it's unusual. However, it makes Octa human. Just a boy. And now, one with a mission.

Arriving in Britannia, we witness an island ravaged by attacks from all sides in the wake of the Roman departure. Briton and Celtic cultures come alive again, but often at odds with each other. It's a fascinating combination of elements that provides a thriving backdrop. And in the middle of this, we have a young man on a doubtful quest.

Woden's Spear is a thrilling tale of coming-of-age, and of massive change and upheaval, both on a personal level and across the isle of Britannia. And whilst I just couldn't warm to Orca, his sheer determination to find redemption, is gripping.

Fans of historical fiction set in lesser known eras will enjoy this novel. It shines a much-needed light into dying days of the Roman Empire, and an emerging new force.

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Blurb:

Banished by those he loved; how far would he go for redemption?

449AD Old Saxony

Octa, the son of a mighty Saxon warlord, stands in the shield wall for the first time, eager to make a name for himself. But instead of the promised battle glory, fear overpowers him and he flees the battle, causing the death of his cousin and bringing shame to his family.

Disowned by his father, and hunted by his own people, Octa is spurred on by his mother’s vision for his future, a promise of greatness to come.

A chance encounter with a wiry traveller offers Octa a chance of redemption with a quest to retrieve a sacred weapon. To do this, Octa must travel to Britannia, a nation abandoned by the Roman Empire and unable to defend itself from its many enemies who smell weakness and riches.

Joining the famous warlords, Hengist and Horsa, Octa travels west to forge his future and redeem his past. He must succeed where others have failed. He must find the lost spear of Woden.

An epic adventure of turmoil, coming of age and survival set against a time when Britannia was on its knees and fighting for its very existence.
Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy.

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/WodensSpear

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About the Author:

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series and the Charlemagne's Cross series, both of which combine fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world and are inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. 

Donovan was born in South Africa but raised in England, where his fascination with Medieval History, especially the Vikings and Norse Mythology, took root. 

In his free time, Donovan loves to read, watch rugby, and go for walks with his wife and their French Bulldog, Joey.

Connect with Donovan: 

Facebook: @DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter: @DonovanCook20

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews