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An Unexpectedly Tender Heart
Wolf of the Nordic Seas follows a fierce shield maiden and heir to the coastal Viking stronghold of Étretat, who, after her father is captured by a ruthless Frankish count who demands her hand in marriage, finds herself caught between political alliances and personal vengeance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In Wolf of the Nordic Seas (book 2 of the Valiant Vikings trilogy), I wanted to have the story take place within the same setting that I introduced in Dragon of Denmark– the alabaster coast of Normandy known as the Pays de Caux (the Land of the White Chalk Cliffs). I wanted to continue the political tension between the Franks and the Vikings of Normandy, by creating a shield maiden who seeks to avenge her brother’s death through powerful alliances with Richard the Fearless (the Viking Duke of Normandy in the tenth century) and my fictional character–the Danish Jarl of Ribe known as the Wolf of the Nordic Seas.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
Political alliances between Viking rulers were often secured through arranged marriages, so I used that historical premise as the basis for the interaction between my main characters. Since Richard the Fearless was a political ally of Harald Bluetooth (the Viking King of Denmark and Norway), I created an arranged marriage between the daughter of the Norman Count of Étretat and the powerful Danish Jarl of Ribe to solidify Viking power in Normandy against the Franks.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It was essential that for me to create a fiery, rebellious Viking shield maiden for a strong female lead character. I also wanted to create a fierce Danish warlord with an unexpectedly tender heart beneath his brutal exterior.
In Dragon of Denmark (book 1 of the Valiant Vikings trilogy), I introduced some intriguing characters and plot developments based on Viking myths and legends. For Wolf of the Nordic Seas, I wanted to delve much more deeply into Norse mythology by creating such characters as the Úlfhéðnar wolf warriors, a Viking völva with malevolent seiðr magic, and the magical realm of Álfheim.
I also chose to incorporate Celtic and Nordic legends, such as the Druid priestesses of the Gallizenae– the shape-shifting mermaids who transform into mammoth sea dragon warriors of the Norse Goddess Rán.
When will book three be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I am currently writing book 3, Falcon of the Faroe Islands, the thrilling conclusion of the Valiant Vikings trilogy, which I expect to be published in late summer of 2025.
It will take readers into the mystical realm of the Lofoten Islands in the wild, rugged north of Norway, where we meet the prophesied Son of the Dragon. We’ll venture into the fiery, frosty world of medieval Iceland, and to the remote Faroe Islands, home of Haldor Falk– the shape-shifting vitki who transforms into a falcon, first introduced in Dragon of Denmark.
I hope my readers will enjoy the sizzling blend of historical fiction, paranormal fantasy, Norse mythology, and the steamy Viking romance between the völva Úlvhild and the Falcon of the Faroe Islands, Haldor Falk!
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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!
Wolf of the Nordic Seas
Wolf of the Nordic Seas is a high-stakes romantic fantasy steeped in Norse mythology, Viking lore, and a smoldering enemies-to-lovers storyline. It follows Elfi Thorfinnsdóttir, a fierce shield maiden and heir to the coastal Viking stronghold of Étretat. After her father is captured by a ruthless Frankish count who demands her hand in marriage, Elfi finds herself caught between political alliances and personal vengeance. Enter Njörd Ívarrsson, the massive and mysterious Viking jarl sent by King Harald Bluetooth as a potential suitor and military savior, known ominously as the “Wolf of the Nordic Seas.”
I went in expecting a standard historical romance with Viking window-dressing, but Walker does not play it safe. She throws you straight into Elfi’s blood-soaked world with battle cries echoing off castle walls and an emotional punch that hits early. The writing is raw and cinematic, and the grief Elfi feels over her brother’s death is gutting, and her frustration at being locked away during a siege really sets the tone. I could almost feel the chill of the tower stones under her hands. That kind of visceral writing pulls you in fast and deep.
What stood out most for me, though, was the sharp contrast between Elfi’s strength and the emotional vulnerability Walker lets slip through the cracks. She’s not your typical damsel or stoic heroine; she’s fiery and flawed. When she meets Njörd, there’s this magnetic tension that you feel before either of them says a word. That scene where she sees him from her tower window with white wolfskin, wild hair, and hulking presence is pure electricity. Walker’s prose here is lush and full of heat, and I was hooked. The way Njörd calls her “mine” during their first dance is swoon material.
The pacing occasionally bordered on indulgent. Certain passages adopted a highly poetic tone, which, while contributing to the rich world-building, at times hindered narrative momentum. The skaldic verse battle midway through the novel, though an engaging cultural element, felt somewhat tangential to the central tension. I admire Walker’s willingness to dwell in the details; her descriptions of feasts, sea cliffs, and silk wedding gowns are rendered with a vividness that nearly lifts them off the page.
Wolf of the Nordic Seas is a sweeping, sensual tale of love and loyalty that wears its heart (and sword) on its sleeve. If you’re into Viking mythology, strong heroines, brooding warrior-lovers, and a story soaked in lore and longing, you’ll have a blast with this one. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves historical fantasy with romance turned all the way up. I’m already craving the next book in the Valiant Vikings series.
Pages: 357 | ASIN : B0F22JS3CM
Becoming the Villain
Wrath of the Storm Lord follows an outcast turned warrior-myth, rising from condemned slave to challenging the empire that destroyed his people. What inspired this setup?
Well, originally Jerith was supposed to be the villain in another series of mine called Chronicles of the Bard King. Coming from a comics background, I’ve always been inspired by writers like Rick Remender, Jonathan Hickman, and Ed Brubaker. These guys create incredible morally gray characters and anti-heroes, and one thing they always nail is making villains relatable. So, that was my goal—I wanted to explore Jerith’s journey, find out what pushed him down this dark path, and why he became the most feared man in Eodarrin. But honestly, I didn’t expect to become so attached to him. Pretty soon, it was clear a simple prologue just wouldn’t do his story justice.
The world you’ve created feels so alive and full of possibilities. Where did your inspiration come from, and did the setting change as you wrote?
Ah, the frozen land of Ver’Sut! This place has been living in my head for nearly thirty years. As a kid, I was fascinated by Viking and Norse culture, especially this idea of people shaped by their harsh environment and struggles. Growing up in the Deep South, snow was rare and almost magical to me. Dog sledding and snowy landscapes always grabbed my imagination—thanks partly to Jack London’s books like The Call of the Wild and White Fang. The concept of an eternal winter just has this mystic charm I couldn’t resist.
Jerith Al’Sut faces deep inner conflict, fighting not to become the monster he battles against. What inspired his character’s journey?
My initial idea for the Sutian people combined elements of Norse culture and Indigenous heritage—reflecting my own background. Both cultures have powerful myths about inner struggle. One is the tale of two wolves inside us, constantly battling for our souls. Another is the Norse myth of Freki and Geri—Odin’s wolves representing greed and hunger. I wanted to dive into this question: if you could save everyone you love by becoming the villain, could you do it? That’s really at the core of Jerith’s struggle, this intense battle within himself.
Can you tease what’s next for the story and where you see it heading in the future?
The heart of the story revolves around the Axe of Eldran—the artifact granting Jerith the power of the Storm God, Eldran. But here’s the twist: during an ancient battle with an evil Arch Fey, the Fey’s defeated spirit attached itself to the axe, slowly corrupting Jerith. In Wrath, we see the beginning of this corruption as he struggles to control his rage. Moving forward, we’ll watch Jerith spiral deeper into obsession as he’s plagued by dark visions convincing him only he can stop an approaching evil—no matter how devastating his actions become. It’s all about exploring how far he’ll go, and whether he can find redemption or lose himself entirely.
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The mines were supposed to kill him. Instead, they unleashed something far worse.
Jerith Al’Sut was sentenced to die nameless, broken, and forgotten. Instead, he rose from the depths with lightning in his veins and vengeance burning in his heart. Now, the condemned slave is the Storm Lord—a force of nature who can shatter armies and tear fortresses apart with a single strike, determined to break the chains of an empire built on blood.
But power without control is a blade that cuts both ways. As rebellion ignites against King Ulthean’s ruthless reign, Jerith’s fury threatens to consume everything—including himself. Every battle pushes him closer to victory—and closer to becoming the tyrant he swore to destroy.
Yet the Storm Lord does not stand alone.
At his side is Valeria—exiled princess, master strategist, and the only person Jerith would die for. She once had everything: nobility, status, a future. Then she betrayed her father, King Ulthean, for the love of a branded Unsought—lower than a slave, unworthy even of a name. Her defiance cost her a crown, her family, and her homeland. Now, she fights not for a throne, but for the heart of the man she refuses to lose, no matter the cost.
Yet King Ulthean’s armies close in, ruthless and relentless. War is merciless, and love alone does not shield against fate. As Jerith’s storm grows, so do the whispers: Not all tyrants wear crowns. Not all monsters can be stopped. And if the price of vengeance is his soul, will anyone be strong enough to save Jerith from himself?
Lightning exposes the darkest truths:
Sometimes, the greatest battle isn’t against our enemies—but the monster we risk becoming.
And always, his fallen brother’s final, blood-stained words haunt his every choice:
“Remember Who You Are!”
Skull’s Vengeance (Audiobook)
Skull’s Vengeance, the fourth installment in Linnea Tanner’s Curse of Clansmen and Kings series, unfolds against the dramatic backdrop of the Roman Empire. This gripping tale follows Catrin as she embraces her destiny to become the fierce Celtic warrior queen her people desperately need, fulfilling the prophecy her father foresaw. Facing overwhelming grief and betrayal, Catrin must confront her half-brother, King Marrock, in a battle for survival. To prevail, she seeks alliances from unlikely places, including a cunning druidess who once deceived her and her Roman husband, Marcellus. Yet Marcellus is ensnared in a perilous political web, where one wrong move could doom them both. Their love stands on the brink, will they find a way to stand united, or must they part to survive?
The novel’s opening chapters moved slowly for me. While some elements intrigued me, the pace didn’t fully engage until the story hit its stride around chapter six. One contributing factor may have been the male narrator’s delivery, which progressively improved throughout the audiobook. The female narrator’s voice consistently shone.
Despite the gradual start, the plot is masterfully crafted. Action pulses through the narrative, weaving a complex tapestry of events that held my attention. Linnea Tanner skillfully navigates multiple perspectives, all while centering Catrin and Marcellus as the heart of the writing. The balance between their viewpoints enriches the depth of the tale.
Catrin herself is a powerhouse of resilience and determination. Her journey from mourning the loss of her stillborn daughter to leading her people with unwavering resolve was profoundly moving. She stands as a testament to the fact that fictional characters can inspire as deeply as real ones. Marcellus, too, captured my imagination. Trapped in a treacherous political arena, his every action demanded precision and cunning. I found myself holding my breath, fearing for him as much as for Catrin.
In Skull’s Vengeance, Tanner delivers a stirring blend of action, intrigue, and emotion. The characters feel vividly real, their struggles and triumphs resonating long after the final page. The story’s rewards make the audiobook’s journey worthwhile. I recommend this book to fans of historical fantasy who will find much to admire in this immersive and powerful tale.
Pages: 402 | ASIN : B0BC2GCFGG
Valkyrie
In Valkyrie, Harry Hutchins takes readers on an exciting journey that blends Norse mythology with modern-day life through the character of Christine, a seemingly ordinary young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her biological father is none other than Odin—the All-Father, god of war and death. As mythology often teaches us, being the child of a god comes with a heavy burden, and Christine’s life is no exception. She finds herself entangled in her father’s affairs, which thrusts her into encounters with a wide array of beings—both human and otherworldly—that challenge her understanding of reality.
For fans of mythology, this book is a treasure trove of familiar and surprising mythical figures. Hutchins skillfully weaves together elements of Norse and Germanic mythology, adding a fresh twist by combining these ancient tales with modern technology and settings. Christine is forced to balance the mundane aspects of her life—college, friendships, her boyfriend—with her new identity as a Valkyrie, daughter of Odin. The tension between these two worlds is a constant source of intrigue as she navigates adventures that are as extraordinary as they are perilous. The narrative is fast-paced, driven by its concise length of around 150 pages. While the book moves quickly, Hutchins ensures that the various plot threads are neatly tied up by the end. This rapid pacing sometimes comes at the expense of depth, with answers to key questions being delivered a bit too swiftly. A little more mystery and room for exploration could have enhanced the overall experience, allowing readers to savor the revelations rather than being hurried through them.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its integration of mythology into a contemporary setting. Hutchins effectively balances the fantastical with the familiar, grounding Christine’s supernatural adventures in a world of smartphones, college exams, and everyday relationships. This fusion creates a unique backdrop that keeps the story feeling fresh and relevant. The portrayal of Christine as a young woman occasionally stumbles. There are moments in the narrative that feel out of place or jarring, such as unnecessary comments about her appearance—”an inch more here, an inch less there—of which men would approve”—or the villain’s crude remarks like “sexy virgin” and “busty leggy cold fish.” These moments detract from the story and sometimes feel more like distractions than meaningful additions.
Valkyrie succeeds in delivering an engaging and imaginative tale. Its fast pace and focus on mythology make it particularly appealing to young adult readers or anyone fascinated by Norse legends. Christine’s dual struggle between her old life and her newfound role as Odin’s daughter offers plenty of excitement and adventure, making this book a worthwhile read for mythology enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a quick, mythologically rich escape, Valkyrie should be right up your alley.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0CW1FSFX6
I Wrote the Book I Always Wanted to Read
Tears of the Aeon: The Gothic War blends fantasy with meticulously researched historical detail, convincingly portraying the era while integrating divine intervention into human conflict. What inspired the fantastic journey your characters take?
There were several inspirations that pushed me into writing this book. For example, my first main inspiration was “Homer’s the Odyssey.” In “the Odyssey,” after the Trojan War ended, the main character, Odysseus, goes through trials and tribulations in order to go back to his home, his wife Penelope, and his son Telemachus. And Just like Odysseus, “in Tears of the Aeon: The Gothic War” Ahediel is a skillful warrior who goes through his own entire odyssey, wishing to go back and reunite with his beloved Amia, sacrificing his own kind, his training, and his world in the process. Knowing that Amia is a forbidden love, he searches for her everywhere but can’t find her, fearing the worst. And just like Odysseus who arrives on the island of the Phaeacians nearly losing his life, Ahediel crashes into earth and remains in a place where he does not belong or desires to be. He’d rather be with the love of his life than to fight in a war. Also, I took some inspiration from “the Iliad,” “the Prose Edda,” and “the Epic of Gilgamesh,” to give shape to a grandiose tale.
As a fan of Greco-Roman and Norse Mythologies, I always wanted to read or watch a movie combining both, making them take part in ancient times, like in the movie “Clash of the Titans,” for instance. But unlike like “Clash of the Titans,” I wanted to write a story that takes both mythoi into the same universe and makes them coincide in a fluid and cohesive narrative.
I can say now that I finally wrote the book I always wanted to read…simple as that.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I saw a TV documentary back in 2004 or 2005 (I can’t recall the exact date). This TV documentary was the one that ignited my desire to start writing this novel. Something inside me wanted me to write this book, torturing me every time I tried to sit down and watch Television. It created some sort of anxiety in me that would not allow me to live my life in peace. I had to let it out. When I found out that the TV documentary did not have enough historical details for me to begin writing the story I wanted to tell, I decided to buy four historical books back in the summer of 2011, about the Gothic War. I immersed myself within this ancient world and started to imagine myself walking on the streets of Roman Pannonia, running scared in the mysterious Germanic forests, and stand on the marble floor inside Emperor Valens’ throne room, listening to his council speak about the politics of the time. I was overwhelmed during that early phase of my book. I had to read a lot, do a lot of research, because I wanted to write this book and make it as truthful to the era as I could make it.
One of the themes I wanted to tap into the overall storyline was the concept of “family” and “bloodline”. In ancient Greek mythology, it was a tremendous sin in the eyes of the gods for a family member to harm or kill another family member. This was very frowned upon by their gods and their society; it was the ultimate sin. It was definite that the gods would curse the aggressor for such transgression. You could count on that. To give you an idea, for example, this concept of “blood and family” is used in the story of “the Iliad,” when King Agamemnon tricks his daughter Iphigeneia in thinking that she is going to marry the hero Achilles. Then her father sacrifices her to the goddess Artemis. Because of this forbidden blood sacrifice, the goddess listens to Agamemnon’s wishes and makes the wind guide his battle ships into Troy, to unleash war on the city. Iphigeneia’s death by the hand of her father brings unfortunate events to Agamemnon’s house.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The theme of “family” was very important for me to explore in this book. As you well know, the title of each chapter begins with “The Son of…” or the “Daughter of…” and then the name of their father’s follows after. Back in those ancient times, it was very important for a father to leave a good track record within society if he wanted his bloodline to continue. Their children could suffer bad treatment in the society where they lived if their fathers were not well received or left a bad reputation behind. It was a very patriarchal culture, indeed, which I did not want to exclude as part of that culture.
The other themes I had fun including in the story were the concepts of “choices and consequences,” “power,” “true love versus lust,” “trust and betrayal,” and “vengeance.”
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, it is the first book in the series I’ve been planning out for a long time. Right now, the manuscript for book two is nearly completed. Book two could be out by the beginning of 2026. At the beginning of next year, I’m planning to launch book one in Spain. Since I was a child, it has always been a dream of mine to publish a book in both English and Spanish. Book two will be longer than book one because there were a lot of loose ends at the end of “the Gothic War” that needed to be addressed. You could expect a massive resolution with the main character as he interacts with other Goths of the tribe. Also, expect more from Liecia and Chieftain Vidumavi, more of Chieftain Fritigern, the Warlord Humphrey and his children, more characters, action, horror, suspense, and the supernatural.
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Tears of the Aeon : The Gothic War
Set against the backdrop of 376 AD, Tears of the Aeon: The Gothic War by R.F. Pina masterfully melds historical fiction with mythological intrigue. This novel plunges readers into the epic clash between the formidable Roman Empire and the resilient Visigoths, led by the enigmatic Chieftain Fritigern. In an unexpected twist, Fritigern seeks assistance from Emperor Valens, igniting a chain of events destined to reshape history. Amidst this upheaval, a powerful Roman warrior falls for a Gothic woman from the Taifali tribe, triggering a series of events that capture the gods’ attention. As cosmic deities intervene, the ensuing drama sets the stage for a world-altering saga.
Tears of the Aeon: The Gothic War evokes the grandiosity of films like “Clash of the Titans” and the intricate mythos of “American Gods.” Pina seamlessly blends fantasy with meticulously researched historical detail, convincingly portraying the era while integrating divine intervention into human conflict. This fusion of reality and fantasy is executed so deftly that readers readily accept the gods as pivotal characters in the narrative. The novel is rich with epic battles that enthrall the reader, but it is the intricate human and celestial entanglements that truly captivate. Pina’s evocative prose brings the settings and dialogues vividly to life, with the fantasy elements standing strong alongside the works of Tolkien and George R.R. Martin. Pina’s profound knowledge of the historical period adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Tears of the Aeon: The Gothic War is a sprawling, imaginative work that intertwines historical events with the legends of the time. Pina’s skillful blend of fact and fantasy results in a mesmerizing tale that will captivate readers from beginning to end.
Pages: 637 | ASIN : B0CTFT6PLR
LITERARY TITAN 