Thilde Kold Holdt

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Slaughtered Gods by Thilde Kold Holdt is the final book in the Hanged God Viking mythology trilogy. Ms. Holdt’s is a fantasy writer, this is her first series.

Hilda, fighting with the gods, finds herself on opposite sides of Einar, which is fighting with the giants. Along the way all the beloved characters return to fight to either prevent Ragnarök, or let it happen.

Once again, Ms. Holdt does a fantastic job retelling Norse mythology to the masses. Northern Wrath set the stage, Shackled Fates set Ragnarök, and in Slaughtered Gods author Thilde Kold Holdt finished up the storyline in a very satisfactory manner.

This book takes place three winters after the second. All our beloved characters are in preparation for war; however, they’re taking different paths, and even different religions in order to advance their agenda. The world has changed but I never got confused which is a credit to the author’s great skill at weaving a narrative.

The final battle was chaotic, as most big battles are. But the reader is already aware of the motivations and why Ragnarök must take place. All three books are immersive and well-written, the different plot points come together naturally without them being forced.

On this point, though I have to mention that it’s better to read the three books in order. In fact, the author numbers her chapters accordingly. This book, for example, starts at chapter 168 which is just a summary of the previous books, but you get my point. Usually, books in a series are meant to be enjoyed separately, and while this is certainly the case, I can’t imagine reading them out of order.

I have enjoyed the Hanged God series very much, even though it’s certainly not the usual genre I read. I’m glad I read the series, I learned a lot about Norse mythology and found a new author.… (lisätietoja)

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Northern Wrath by Thilde Kold Holdt is Norse mythology story, taking place in this world and the worlds between. This is Ms. Holdt’s debut novel, part one of the Hanged God Trilogy.

Hilda’s father, Ragnar, is about to die – and not a good death according to his daughter. Ragnar is dying in bed and will be permitted to enter Valhalla. When Ragnar dies, he predictably goes to Helheim, the Norse underworld which is horrible even if you’re dead.

Hilda and her childhood friend, the Chief’s son, Einer find their world and Norse way of life is under threat by invading Christians. Additionally, even the Norse Gods are threatened by Christianity.

After a bloody attack on their village, the Vikings seek revenge. But the Norse Gods, afraid of Ragnarök, have other plans to benefit themselves on the backs of their believers.

I didn’t know what to expect from this book. I’ve read other books bout Norse mythology, several were good, others were so-so, but not too many were simply excellent.

Northern Wrath by Thilde Kold Holdt falls squarely into the latter category. A long book, which is easily read, entertaining, as well as having kept my interest throughout.

The book follows several characters, and juxtaposes between them each chapter. We follow along, and see the world, underworld, and other worlds through their eyes. Their stories are personal, riveting, and yet very relatable and approachable.

There is no need to have any knowledge of Norse mythology to enjoy this book, however it will enhance your experience. That is true for almost every book, however, or even movie. The underworld is a violent and lonely place, blood binding, as well as other aspects of the mythology are touched up (no giant goats, I’m glad to say).

The characters are well written, especially the women. They are mothers and wives, daughters and sisters, heroic and compassionate, as well as fierce warriors on par with their male counterparts.

I actually enjoyed the fight scenes, not one of my favorite aspects of these type of books. They are grim, violent, and dark. However, they are also beautifully written and engaging.

The author juggles the multiple worlds and multiple viewpoints with style and elegance. I was never confused about which story-line I am following, which is a testament to her competency. The world-building is fantastic and easily immersible.

I enjoyed this book so much, that I went ahead and already bought book 2 of the Hanged God Trilogy, Shackled Fates. Frankly, I didn’t even know the second book was out, but I’m glad I didn’t have a long wait to read it.… (lisätietoja)

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Shackled Fates by Thilde Kold Holdt is the second novel in the North Mythology series The Hanged God Trilogy. Ms. Holdt’s is a fantasy writer, this is her first series.

In this second installment of the trilogy, Loki breaks loose from his prison to bring about Ragnarock. All the while, Ragnar who let him loose, is willing to do anything to save his gods.

Meanwhile, Einer is looking for Hilda all over the nine worlds, but Hilda is walking among the gods and is difficult to find. Siv, on the other hand, protects her daughter and makes the ultimate sacrifice.

I enjoyed the first book in the trilogy so much, I went ahead and bought the second book. Shackled Fates by Thilde Kold Holdt did not disappoint as, I hate to say it, so many books in the middle of a series do.

The story takes place in between worlds, where mortals walk among the gods. Each character is well-written and shows growth throughout their individual journeys. As in many mythology stories, there is very rarely “true death”, however that comes with a tremendous twist at the end which certainly brought the story to another level.

One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is because it reads like historical fiction, not mythology. The characters live their lives, and their deaths, while their fates have already been spun. We all know the end game, but the side quests are the intriguing part.

The writing is clear and to the point. We know just as much as the characters, sometimes a bit more, but never lost within the book. Ms. Holdt doesn’t make it difficult for her readers to figure out what’s going on. Even though a rudimentary knowledge of mythology might make the books better, it certainly isn’t necessary.

I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, Northern Wrath, before picking this one up. You’d have a difficult time figuring out the plot, the author continues directly from where she left off, with the characters as well as the chapter numbers.

The ending was, at least for me, not what the book was building up to. However, I found it surprising and even though it probably not what most readers were wanting or expecting, it certainly made me want to grab the last installment of the book.… (lisätietoja)

Another fine edition to the Norse style saga started in [b:Northern Wrath|50891086|Northern Wrath (The Hanged God Trilogy, #1)|Thilde Kold Holdt|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580650821l/50891086._SY75_.jpg|75786035]; picking up the story at the previous tragic ending (even death does not stop the Hero's Journey). This is not a stand alone sequel ... so if you enjoyed the previous book with it's pseudo-archaic prose, you will do just fine with this one. Welcome to Fimbulvetr (The Long Winter) ... Ragnarok (The End) is coming.

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#ShackledFates #NetGalley… (lisätietoja)