Review: Wolf of the Nordic Seas by Jennifer Ivy Walker

Today, I'm delighted to welcome back the wonderful Jennifer Ivy Walker. I'm sharing my review for her latest riveting release, Wolf of the Nordic Seas. If you love historical romantic stories with a strong touch of fantasy and mythology, this one's for you. Read on!

Wolf of the Nordic Seas is currently on blog tour with Yarde Book Promotions. Find other fascinating tour stops HERE!





Wolf of the nordic seas


Valiant Vikings, Book #2

by Jennifer Ivy Walker



Review:
 
There are some novels that pull you into the deep so fast, you have no choice but to follow the siren's call. Wolf of the Nordic Seas is one such novel.
 
Young Elfi is the heiress to the strategic fortress of Étretat in northern Normandy. She faces a huge dilemma when her father, the lord of Étretat, is taken captive by their family's sworn enemy, the scheming Count Alberic of Soissons.
 
During a previous attack on their home, the nasty Frankish lord killed her beloved brother with a cursed spear and took his magical elven sword, signifying unprecedented power. But the sword doesn't serve him, and he didn't manage to capture Elfi either.
 
So this time, the dark count means business – either Elfi agrees to marry him, giving the Franks unrivalled power in Normandy, or her father dies!
 
Following a desperate call for help to her friends, a daring plan is hatched under the guidance of Richard, Duke of Normandy. If Elfi marries Njörd, the Wolf of the Nordic Seas, she receives the necessary reinforcements from the Vikings in Denmark. Elfi agrees, as she finds marriage to an unknown Nordic stranger more appealing than giving in to the despised Frankish count's unwanted demands.
 
When the Norse arrive, Elfi is surprised at the immediate bond between her and Njörd, and as his men begin to reinforce her fortress, a daring plan is hatched to save her father.
 
But first, both Elfi and Njörd must learn to follow their 'other' calling. Njörd discovers he is part of the famous Úlfhéðnar – a powerful secret group of warrior shape-shifting wolves; meanwhile Elfi uncovers her mother's secret.
 
Will their bond be strong enough to save her father and defeat the darkness? And how does their newfound knowledge fit into all this? Read the novel to find out!
 
 
Wolf of the Nordic Seas is a captivating, exciting historical romantasy adventure that brings all the right pieces together. We have a brave, endearing heroine, a daring, handsome hero, the breathtaking location of Étretat, and a hint of the historical clashes between the Franks and the Viking settlers in Normandy. And then, we find the strong influence of Norse mythology and intriguing fantasy elements, which add an evocative sense of other-worldliness to the plot. There is more between heaven and earth than we know...
 
The characters are well-developed. Elfi and Njörd's attraction feels real, and we watch with great delight as their relationship blossoms against the threat of violence mixed with dark magic lurking from the Franks.
 
The Count of Soissons makes for a credible, unbalanced baddie, portraying well the power-hungry Franks who tried to undermine the Norse influence in Normandy. There were some real clashes at the time, and Ms Walker has cleverly introduced the issues here.
 
The author skilfully uses Norse and French terminology, interspersed in dialogue and narrative alike, and her love for all things French shines through on every page.
 
There are some recurring repetitions of the characters’ assigned attributes and French location names, which has become something of Ms Walker's trademark in her recent novels. It can be distracting at times, but overall, it just re-enforces the characters’ roles and French setting.
 
Wolf of the Nordic Seas is an enthralling romantic adventure that captivates you from beginning to end. Prepare for some late-night reading, as this intriguing plot pulls you in, and doesn't let you go!
 
Highly recommended!

 ~~~
 
Blurb:

Named after the Norse God of the Sea, Njörd grew up sailing, swimming, and fishing the fjords of Norway. Endowed with extraordinary senses, speed, and strength, he became known as Wolf of the Nordic Seas, leading lucrative Viking raids from the Baltic shores to the Black and Caspian Seas. When a Viking völva foretells his future through a seidr vision, Njörd learns that his fate and his mate—the siren with the sea goddess eyes—lie on the alabaster coast of Normandy in the distant Land of the White Chalk Cliffs.

 

Elfi Thorfinnsdóttir is a skilled shieldmaiden who seeks vengeance against the ruthless Frankish count who killed her brother and abducted her father in an attempt to seize her clifftop castle. But rather that submit to the count’s relentless demand for her hand in marriage, Elfi allies with Richard the Fearless—the Viking Duke of Normandy— and the Danish Jarl of Ribe known as the Wolf of the Nordic Seas.

 

As Elfi and Njörd discover startling secrets about their respective pasts, they find that the three Norns have entwined the threads of their fates not just as political allies, but as mates destined to fulfill a divine prophecy.

 

Wolf of the Nordic Seas— book 2 of the Valiant Vikings series set in tenth century Normandy— is a sizzling, scintillating blend of historical fiction, Norse mythology, paranormal fantasy, and steamy Viking romance!


Praise:

This thrilling tale promises to sweep readers off their feet and take them on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Viking lore.

~ Yarde Book Promotions, 5* Editorial Review

 

…Walker's textured history and atmosphere, whether it is a sacred grove or ethereal caves, create a world that feels both mystical and real, pulling readers into another unforgettable journey. Very highly recommended.

~ Readers’ Favorite


Buy Link: Universal Buy Link


This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.


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About the Author:

Jennifer Ivy Walker is an award-winning author of medieval Celtic, Nordic, and paranormal romance, as well as contemporary romance, historical fantasy, and WWII romantic suspense.

 



A former high school teacher and college professor of French with an MA in French literature, her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, including Celtic myths and legends, Norse mythology, Viking sagas, and Nordic lore.


Connect with Jennifer:

Website • TikTok • Facebook • Instagram • Bluesky  BookBub 

Amazon Author Page • Pinterest  Goodreads



List of Books by Jennifer Ivy Walker

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven
The Lady of the Mirrored Lake
The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight
Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle
A Celtic Yuletide Carol
The Witch of the Breton Woods
Flames of Flamenco
Amour in Avignon
Dragon of Denmark
Wolf of the Nordic Seas
Falcon of the Faroe Islands

 

 

 

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