cover image Wings of the Storm

Wings of the Storm

Giles Kristian. Transworld, $14.95 trade paper (432p) ISBN 978-0-552-17133-5

Following Winter’s Fire, Kristian completes his Rise of Sigurd Viking trilogy with this action-packed adventure retelling the saga of Norse hero Sigurd. Concealing his true identity as he ranges in foreign lands with his war band, Sigurd builds his reputation as a fighter by helping warlord Alrik hold a fort full of iron and silver against its former owner, Jarl Guthrum. On the one hand, Sigurd can’t afford to lose his life or those of his followers helping another man fight a blood feud. On the other, he doesn’t yet have the wealth, warriors, or fame required to take on King Gorm, the oathbreaker who killed his father. Sigurd navigates the conflict with daring tricks and witty bravado, even when it seems the gods have shunned him, and finally gains the wealth and skills he needs to acquire Óðin’s spear and raise it against King Gorm. Thanks to the deft rendering of his companions—including Valgerd, a shield maiden who has turned against the gods; Olaf, a wizened warrior with a grim sense of fate; and the battle-eager Floki—new readers can happily drop right into the action and fans of the series will find a satisfying conclusion. Agent: Bill Hamilton, A.M. Heath Literary. (Oct.)