Publishers Weekly
08/05/2019
This satisfying final volume in Hartsuyker’s Golden Wolf Saga (after The Half-Drowned King and The Sea Queen), drawn from Norse sagas, follows the children of Ragnvald, Svanhild, and Norway’s aging King Harald through tragic accidents, battles, and betrayals. Though this is the third in a trilogy, Hartsuyker’s opening map, list of places and characters, and seamless inclusion of backstory make it easy enough to follow the action, even for readers unfamiliar with the first two novels. The novel begins with the mistaken killing of Kolbrand Aldufson by Rolli Ragnvaldsson because Rolli and his shipmates believed Kolbrand’s ship to be that of raiders. Rolli’s cruel companion, Hallbjorn Olafson, takes hostage Freydis Solvisdatter, Svanhild’s child, then all three flee to the Orkneys, where Hallbjorn forces himself upon Freydis. In Norway, Ragnvald’s sons, Einar and Ivar, are sent to bring Gyda Eiriksdatter to her wedding to Harald, but Einar and Gyda begin a physical relationship. Meanwhile, Harald’s son, Halfdan, plots against both Ragnvald and his father. As in the medieval sagas that provide Hartsuyker with her source material, these characters cannot escape the fates that lay in store for them. This quality tale will appeal to fans of Viking fiction and could cross over to those who enjoy epic fantasy as well. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
A masterful epic… A political whirlwind with adventure galore.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A satisfying finale to Hartsuyker’s Golden Wolf trilogy…Hartsuyker again displays skill at evoking the complexities of human relationships and the different facets of masculine and feminine strength…Her smart storytelling takes over as the threads come together in a fitting conclusion.” — Booklist
“A satisfying final volume in Hartsuyker’s Golden Wolf saga…This quality tale will appeal to fans of Viking fiction and should cross over to those who enjoy epic fantasy as well.” — Publishers Weekly
“Hartsuyker tells an outstanding tale that is so much more than the Viking ships that roam through her books. The family bonds and oaths that tie everyone in this story together are the real threads here.” — BookReporter.com
“An historical epic that transports readers to the ancient world of legendary Vikings with vivid storytelling. The multiple characters are fully developed and engaging, particularly the young teen mother Freydis, who courageously rises from tragic events to profoundly impact the lives of her family. Each of the characters’ stories seamlessly weave together to create a rich narrative culminating in a heartfelt and poignant ending. The masterfully written epic tale has elements of political intrigue, romance, sacrifice, betrayal, and adventure…The Golden Wolf is a compelling conclusion to the trilogy which captures the mystique and heart of Norse and Icelandic legends.” — Historical Novel Society
“As a novelist, Hartsuyker is a natural…The complexity and depth with which she presents not only character and personality, but also interpersonal relationships, politics, intrigue, and family dynamics are breathtaking. Honestly, to make readers care deeply about even The Golden Wolf’s villains and characters who deserve harsh outcomes is the mark of a good writer and a good storyteller. The Golden Wolf is the intimate, heartfelt end to a great trilogy.” — Comic Book Bin
“The fates of Ragnvald and his sister Svanhild unfold to their stunning conclusion in this riveting final volume in The Golden Wolf Saga, a trilogy that conjures the ancient world with the gripping detail, thrilling action, and vivid historical elements of “Game of Thrones” and “Outlander.” — Bookpeople.com
“Lovers of epic rejoice! Hartsuyker illuminates these old stories with authority and visceral detail, bringing to life the adventure, bleak beauty, and human struggle that lie at their heart.” — Madeline Miller, author of Circe and Song of Achilles
“Linnea Hartsuyker brings myth and legend roaring to life in this superbly good page-turning saga of Viking-era Norway…Hers is an exciting, original voice in historical fiction.” — Paula McLain, author of The Paris Wife and Circling the Sun
“This concluding volume in Linnea Hartsuyker’s fantastic Viking-era series brings to a multifaceted end the stories of Ragnvald and his sister Svanhild and likewise ends an absolutely first-rate trilogy.” — Open Letters Review “Best Books of 2019”
Bookpeople.com
The fates of Ragnvald and his sister Svanhild unfold to their stunning conclusion in this riveting final volume in The Golden Wolf Saga, a trilogy that conjures the ancient world with the gripping detail, thrilling action, and vivid historical elements of “Game of Thrones” and “Outlander.
Comic Book Bin
As a novelist, Hartsuyker is a natural…The complexity and depth with which she presents not only character and personality, but also interpersonal relationships, politics, intrigue, and family dynamics are breathtaking. Honestly, to make readers care deeply about even The Golden Wolf’s villains and characters who deserve harsh outcomes is the mark of a good writer and a good storyteller. The Golden Wolf is the intimate, heartfelt end to a great trilogy.
BookReporter.com
Hartsuyker tells an outstanding tale that is so much more than the Viking ships that roam through her books. The family bonds and oaths that tie everyone in this story together are the real threads here.
Historical Novel Society
An historical epic that transports readers to the ancient world of legendary Vikings with vivid storytelling. The multiple characters are fully developed and engaging, particularly the young teen mother Freydis, who courageously rises from tragic events to profoundly impact the lives of her family. Each of the characters’ stories seamlessly weave together to create a rich narrative culminating in a heartfelt and poignant ending. The masterfully written epic tale has elements of political intrigue, romance, sacrifice, betrayal, and adventure…The Golden Wolf is a compelling conclusion to the trilogy which captures the mystique and heart of Norse and Icelandic legends.
Booklist
A satisfying finale to Hartsuyker’s Golden Wolf trilogy…Hartsuyker again displays skill at evoking the complexities of human relationships and the different facets of masculine and feminine strength…Her smart storytelling takes over as the threads come together in a fitting conclusion.
Open Letters Review “Best Books of 2019”
This concluding volume in Linnea Hartsuyker’s fantastic Viking-era series brings to a multifaceted end the stories of Ragnvald and his sister Svanhild and likewise ends an absolutely first-rate trilogy.
Paula McLain
Linnea Hartsuyker brings myth and legend roaring to life in this superbly good page-turning saga of Viking-era Norway…Hers is an exciting, original voice in historical fiction.
Madeline Miller
Lovers of epic rejoice! Hartsuyker illuminates these old stories with authority and visceral detail, bringing to life the adventure, bleak beauty, and human struggle that lie at their heart.
Booklist
A satisfying finale to Hartsuyker’s Golden Wolf trilogy…Hartsuyker again displays skill at evoking the complexities of human relationships and the different facets of masculine and feminine strength…Her smart storytelling takes over as the threads come together in a fitting conclusion.
BookReporter.com
Hartsuyker tells an outstanding tale that is so much more than the Viking ships that roam through her books. The family bonds and oaths that tie everyone in this story together are the real threads here.
Booklist
A satisfying finale to Hartsuyker’s Golden Wolf trilogy…Hartsuyker again displays skill at evoking the complexities of human relationships and the different facets of masculine and feminine strength…Her smart storytelling takes over as the threads come together in a fitting conclusion.
Open Letters Review “Best Books of 2019”
This concluding volume in Linnea Hartsuyker’s fantastic Viking-era series brings to a multifaceted end the stories of Ragnvald and his sister Svanhild and likewise ends an absolutely first-rate trilogy.
Bookpeople.com
The fates of Ragnvald and his sister Svanhild unfold to their stunning conclusion in this riveting final volume in The Golden Wolf Saga, a trilogy that conjures the ancient world with the gripping detail, thrilling action, and vivid historical elements of “Game of Thrones” and “Outlander.
Historical Novel Society
An historical epic that transports readers to the ancient world of legendary Vikings with vivid storytelling. The multiple characters are fully developed and engaging, particularly the young teen mother Freydis, who courageously rises from tragic events to profoundly impact the lives of her family. Each of the characters’ stories seamlessly weave together to create a rich narrative culminating in a heartfelt and poignant ending. The masterfully written epic tale has elements of political intrigue, romance, sacrifice, betrayal, and adventure…The Golden Wolf is a compelling conclusion to the trilogy which captures the mystique and heart of Norse and Icelandic legends.
Comic Book Bin
As a novelist, Hartsuyker is a natural…The complexity and depth with which she presents not only character and personality, but also interpersonal relationships, politics, intrigue, and family dynamics are breathtaking. Honestly, to make readers care deeply about even The Golden Wolf’s villains and characters who deserve harsh outcomes is the mark of a good writer and a good storyteller. The Golden Wolf is the intimate, heartfelt end to a great trilogy.
Kirkus Reviews
2019-05-27
The final installment of Hartsuyker's epic trilogy (The Sea Queen, 2018, etc.) brings together old friends and foes with a new generation of characters to follow, admire, and cheer.
When we last saw Ragnvald, he was the captive of Solvi, his sister Svanhild's seafaring first husband, and in bad need of rescue. Years later, the venerated warrior feels the effects of old age and constant battle. As King Harald's best friend and most trusted warrior, Ragnvald manages the king's ever expanding holdings while Harald is distracted by a beautiful new wife. To make matters worse, Ragnvald's visibility throughout the kingdom marks him as a suspected usurper of Harald's power. But it's Harald's scheming son, Halfdan, who presents the real problem. Tired of waiting his turn, Halfdan mounts a rebellion by gathering allies from Denmark, Scotland, Ireland, and Sweden. Meanwhile, Svanhild has become disenchanted with her husband, Harald, despite having an unusual amount of freedom and power as his queen. So when she suddenly has the chance to return to Solvi, exiled in Iceland, she takes it. As Hartsuyker weaves the conclusion to her masterful epic, she artfully passes Ragnvald and Svanhild's story on to a new generation of characters. How have Svanhild and Ragnvald's complicated web of decisions affected their children? And what kind of world will they inherit once their parents are gone? Freydis, Svanhild and Solvi's teenage daughter, is a compelling new character, and she transforms from a scared young girl into a leader who wields soft power and political influence with a just hand. Ragnvald's sons, Ivar, Einar, and Rolli, each become, in their own ways, casualties to the constraints of Viking masculinity, steeped in both honor and vengeance. As the book races toward its conclusion, Ragnvald senses the fulfillment of an old prophecy and must decide whether to sacrifice himself for those he loves—or feed his family to the wolves.
A political whirlwind with adventure galore; Hartsuyker bows out on a high note.
