The second book in Simon Turney’s viking series sees Halfdan and the Wolves of Odin journey to Constantinople to join the Varangian guard.

As with all of Turney’s books, this a rollicking page turner of a book. Filled with the authors obvious passion and love of the historical subject matter, mixed with his natural flair for storytelling. Its full of mesmerizing battle scenes, and as ever tempered by dashes of humour.

It’s a great read, and I cant wait for book 3 in this saga.

The Bear of Byzantium is a fabulous book.

From the opening chapter, which focuses on Harald Hardrada, I knew this was my kind of book - if not just because of the occasional - and it is occasional for anyone who doesn't appreciate it quite as much as me - use of a little bit of fruity language.

What follows is a journey through Constantinople at a particularly perilous time for emperors and impresses.

The two characters of Gunnhild and Halfdan, who are the main POV throughout the story, are intriguing and have very eventful stories, and the ending is exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author brought the city of Constantinople to life - something he's extremely good at in his Roman-era books as well - as well as the customs, regulations, and also, all the paperwork (it's much more exciting than it sounds:))

A firm favourite for me now and I look forward to continuing the story of Gunnhild and Halfdan - and I will assume Harald Hardrada at some point in the next few books in the series.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Well researched and written this book is a quality read, atmospheric clever descriptive totally engaging a real page turner. Book two of the series but I hadn't read the first story and this in no way spoilt my enjoyment of this brilliant book. Full of terrific characters according to the Authors notes a mix of fictional and real historical people. Fast paced with plenty of action, some of which is described in gruesome detail.
I am somewhat embarrassed to admit this is the first book I have read by this Author, but it certainly won't be the last, right up there with Bernard Cornwell and Giles Kristian, experts in this genre.
Completely recommended.

I didn't read the first book in this series but I thoroughly enjoyed this one: a gripping, fascinating, and well written story.
It's fast paced, the storytelling is excellent, and the characters are fleshed out.
I loved the well researched and vivid historical background.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Entertaining read. While attempting to hold to naming conventions it does get a little blurry from a story progression. Well written and would read the rest of this story