Second book in the series just as good if not better than the first. A new adventure featuring Harald Hardrada (yes that Harald) before he became a King serving among the Varangian Guard. This time he goes back to the roots of the Varangians, serving the Byzantine royal family, and goes on an adventure across Byzantium and the Holy Land in the service of an Empress.

Raven Lord was a very enjoyable historical novel. (Language warning for some readers). Thanks to the publisher for approving my request for this novel on Netgalley. All opinions are freely given and my own.

I loved this story. #2 in the series. I love the writing style and I simply cannot get enough historical fiction. All combined, it was excellent.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

One of the things I loved about the previous book in the series was the style of the writing . I love history but I always found text books hard to wrap my head around.. I need it presented in a different way and that’s exactly what JC Duncan does..he adds the excitement and makes it come to life, and that buzz is what makes you want to learn more.

Raven Lord picks up after the events of the previous book Warrior Prince and I loved the preface added by the author. There’s a lot to take in when it comes to history so it was great to have a rundown before starting the next instalment, this allows for a quick refresh if you read the previous book but would also allow someone to read this as a standalone as it sets the scene perfectly for new readers.

Harald’s tale is an amazing one but I feel what makes it more amazing is how the author presents it.. we all know Harald must have been a strong and influential man to become the legend he is but it’s the ensemble cast in Raven Lord that brings life to that.. it’s the way his men act.. the awe they have when talking about him, it really makes you understand what kind of man Harald must have been to garner the respect of the men who fought with him.

With any book like this it’s all in the detail..What JC Duncan shows is his time and commitment to that detail.. the setting.. the changing landscape of the world..locations, people, small details like food, clothes.. even down to the lines on their faces… everything is designed to put you right there on the bench next to these men.

I’m a fan of history but what I love about the way it’s presented in such a book like this is the added excitement and I loved reading the historical note where you get down to some real nitty gritty and it was fascinating to learn that Harald’s adventures were even documented in some Byzantine works. I never learnt about the The Byzantine Empire in school.. never even heard of them until I started reading books myself and the more I do the more I’m in awe of them.

I’m not going to spoil the events of the book but what I will say is that sometimes the real interesting bits of history are glossed over.. well that’s how I feel anyway… I never had any Idea Harald’s life spanned so much.. how much that man did in his life… You can really start you understand how imposing this man must have been. Harald is known for 1066.. but there’s so much more to the man.. I had an indifference to the man prior to reading this series… but now I think even I would have followed such a man.. wow.

Plot wise I think Harald clearly steals the show.. it’s his tale but credit really does need to go to the author for bringing events to life, to give the reader something they’ve not had before. Throughout I could help but feel the love the author must have for the subject themselves and the time commitment they must have but it in write such a details tale.

JC Duncan stimulates the readers mind.. opens you up to learning and reminds us how fascinating history is!

Raven Lord begins where the first book in the series, Warrior Prince, ended, with Harald and his group of men seeking new adventures. The narrative style remains the same, so we can hear about Harald's exploits through Eric, his trusted man.

Harald and his men head for the famed city of Miklagard, commonly known as Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, to offer their services in the Varangian guard (a guard made up of Norse mercenaries protecting the imperial family). But if Harald thought politics in the Kyivan Rus were tiring, the imperial household in Constantinople could beat any of his expectations.

As Emperor Michael and Empress Zoe manage to endanger their fragile empire with their conflicting plots, Harald and his men – told through the eyes of his trusty sidekick, Eric (like in Warrior Prince), must do their utmost to defend the vast territory against enemies. But he can do little to defend himself from the guiles of a Byzantine noblewoman, Maria, and this proves to be his weak spot that leads him, and others, into danger.

Still a young man of barely 20, Harald is already a seasoned warrior and mercenary, and his actions and attitude reflect this. His isn't an easy life in a safe castle, but rather full of dangers, intrigues, and fighting. He's not a 'nice' man as such, yet he does have a sense of personal loyalty and fairness. But he hides it well...

Set in the world of medieval political plots and with a constant, underlying sense of lurking danger, Raven Lord shows us how empires could continue to prosper – or threaten to fall – in the blink of an eye.

The background and setting are extremely well-researched, and the political 'games of thrones' are thoroughly explored. The author portrays Harald Hardrada as a hardened warrior that he obviously was, and there is little in terms of subtlety in the story. But that suits the plot well, for those political movers and shakers don't hold back.

I found this a fascinating glimpse into an area not often enough featured in historical fiction. The Byzantine Empire was remarkable, both in its vast lands, and in its squabbling imperial families, where no one thinks twice about murder to further their own cause. It makes for highly entertaining, and utterly gripping, reading.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book about Harald's adventures before he meets his end at Stamford Bridge in 1066.

Plot

Raven Lord picks up after the events of Warrior Prince and spans Harald’s next three years of adventures. 
With an intriguing, action-led plot with political motives underpinning the action, there is plenty for readers to dive into. Whether you enjoy detailed battle scenes or digging into the machinations of those in power, both are in abundance in this book. I enjoy both of these elements, and they were perfectly balanced in this narrative. Whether you are a fan of one, the other, or both, there is something for all readers. 
Harald and the crew are out to make a name for themselves and secure a fortune to go and win the throne back from the usurpers back in the North. It’s a long, epic quest and not one without its hardships. With danger around every corner, we readers are kept on a blade’s edge wondering if those we have come to love in the narrative will see it through, or pay the ultimate price. 
 


Characters

The series is made up of a handful of main protagonists, together with a fantastic supporting cast. Naturally, our narrator Eric, as well as Harald Sigurdsson (aka Harald Hardrada), feature heavily in the narrative. I enjoy both their character arcs and the development we see of both individuals in this second book of the series. That the tale concerns Harald and his journey to becoming a strong leader is undisputed; we see this growth throughout. 
Admittedly, Harald wouldn’t be the man he was without his followers. There are characters we have come to know and love from the previous book, as well as new faces. The familiarity is comforting whilst new characters add a fresh flavour to the narrative and help build upon what has gone before.
 


Setting

Something I talked about in my review of Warrior Prince, and I will talk about again here, is the Eastern European setting. It’s quite common to find fiction of this time period and genre set in Britain. However, I really enjoyed this alternate setting. There is far more scope for travel, and it’s a pleasant break from reading the same narrative over again. Don’t get me wrong, I read a lot of the genre and I don’t get tired of it, but I do appreciate when something different like Raven Lord comes around.
This change gives us more of an idea of the people as well as the chance to look at some European history. There is some travel that takes place in the book, but it easy to follow what is going on when. 
I especially enjoyed this as it gives us the chance to explore more of a multi-cultural narrative. In this second narrative, we build upon the characters and cultures already introduced and add Muslim representation as well. I really enjoyed how each of these cultures is featured and how they interact with each other. Naturally, some of the conflict in the book centres around this, and it was exciting to read! 
 


Narrative Style

The narrative is told by Eric, who was Harald’s right hand man on campaign. This storyteller format is one I have read and loved time and again in books (I’m incidentally reading another one already). It lends a casual and conversational style to a narrative. It’s easy to read and imagine that you are sat around the fire and listening to the story for yourself. 
What I also like about the style is that it lends some intimacy to the tale. We get hints about how characters are feel about events, not just the pure fact of what happens.
Naturally, the majority of the narrative is the retailing itself. However, I enjoy the brief flashbacks to present day that break up the narrative, and give Eric opportunities to look back in hindsight at what has happened in the course of his and Harald’s life. It is a unique perspective, and one I will not tire of!
 


Summary
If you enjoy Viking era historical fiction, and are looking for a slightly different premise and setting, The Last Viking series is one I would strongly recommend picking up. Full of both action and intrigue, this unique narrative has plenty to offer any historical fiction fan!

A historical fiction novel that yet again allows me to be transported right back to Harald Sigurdsson's world. Following from the first book we return to 1034AD and we follow Sigurdsson's journey that will fulfill his thrist for fame and fortune. One which sees him travelling to the lands of the Eastern Roman empire. But will he survive the things he finds there?

A retelling of the Last Vikings life and one that is so well told! I couldnt tell fact from fiction. Set in Constantinople and taking us on an epic journey through to Edessa and Jerusalem, I was enthralled with this novel.

This is a series that should be read from the start in chronological order, that's my opinion anyway! We see Harald, first and foremost a warrior, realise that himself and his men need to create a libing from their new surroundings. Harald is a man who has such skill on the battlefield but is a flawed and complex character. I prefer this to a perfect character as it brings him to vivid life in my mind.

I was engrossed in this instalment. It is just as well written and the plot is just as original and fresh as Warrior Prince. Again, J.C. Duncan's storytelling skills weaves an intricate a story as before. I wasnt disappointed in anyway with The Raven Lord. If you enjoy M.J. Porter's books or any historical fiction based on the Vikings, be sure to pick up this series! It's a fabulous read.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the gifted ebook to write my honest review.

Continuing on from the first book we follow Haralds quest for fame and fortune with some epic battles along the way. The author has done some impeccable research to give this story the edge that I have come to love in the viking world. It's vibrant and blood thirty battles are woven expertly by the author as the story of Haralds journey came to life. I relished each and every chapter. The intricate story of a viking becoming a legend. I recommend reading the series in order as you get a much fuller picture and a better experience.

In the book raven lord which is the second book about the exiled Harold and his band of Brothers Eric is still in the hall telling his tails of achievement and even of embarrassment we hear about prince Harrells fight with a Unick, his disillusionment with a woman and his disbelief after almost being over run in Jerusalem while defending the Emperor‘s sister Theodora. At first glance it seems the main story is Harrell and what he did while trying to gain gold in the ability to go back and become king and his best friend and right hand man Eric telling the story is just an aside but we learn not everyone thinks Eric is just a congenial old man telling the woes of his day, oneGerald in attendance think he may have ulterior motives. When reading these warrior stories I get so excited during the battle scenes but in this book what I enjoyed the most is seeing how Harold is going to get his band of warriors out of a no-win situation because I do believe emperor Michael was right he has an uncanny knack for survival. I suck at riding reviews so trust me when I say there is way more happening in this book and I will once again say I have never read a book by JC Duncan before this series but I am definitely going to dive headfirst into their other books. If you Love authentic Nordic warrior books the you definitely love raven Lord by JC Duncan it is a great book about the exiled group of warriors the dream of the day they can return and make Harold the new king. I want to thank Boldwood Books and Net Galley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for providing me the e-ARC

This is a continuation of retelling of Harald Hardrada's life. I must admit, I have not read book 1, however it was written so well and with tiny bits of recaps from book 1 that I did not have any problem by reading the second book at first. Of course I would know the characters better, but it was not a problem at all.
Our narrator is Eric, who is telling the story from his perspective, so we are following actually two plot lines. One in the past and one in present day. I liked the both characters and was suprised by the political intriguing in the palace near the end of the book (leaving it a bit vague because of spoilers)
Overall it was nice and quick read, I was not bored at all. Some things I wish we get described more, for example the training at the beginning. However I quite enjoyed myself so 4 stars for sure.

Raven Lord is book two in JC Duncan's epic retelling of Harald Hardrada's life. I have read book 1.

Harald has found his way to Constantinople with his band of brothers. Now he must learn the ways of politics, elevated to a whole new art in the Eastern Roman Empire, where the new emperor, Michael, and his wife, Zoe, the empress, are a far cry from allies working together to protect their vast empire. And Harald, a man more at home with a blade to hand, must discover how he and his men can not only survive but thrive in this new environment.

Raven Lord is a thrilling tale that takes readers from Constantinople to Edessa and then Jerusalem in the 1030s. It is narrated by Harald's trusty friend, Eric, who regales his audience with tales of daring deeds as well as his own failures and faults. As Harald's friend, Eric is often marginalised in the story of Harald's life, but in recounting the story to a new audience, he achieves something different. I very much enjoyed this minor but important element of the story. I think we can all see where Eric's leaning!

Harald, still as arrogant and hard-hearted as in book 1, is also shown to be a man with a weakness for a certain woman, and this facet of the story is also very well crafted. For all his battle prowess and willingness to speak his mind and to hell with the consequences, he still has his foibles.

A fabulously entertaining and well-paced tale. A real delight. It is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.

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

The amazing story of Harald Hardrada in Byzantium, meeting the Empress Zoe and being enchanted into helping the last Empress if the Macedonian Dynasty keep her throne. I can’t wait for the next book, and I hope it’s not the last! Harald still has a long way to go before he meets Harald Godwinson.