15 Nov Book Review Vengeance of the Damned Eric Schumacher #BookReview #OlafsSaga #VikingAge #HistoricalFiction #Adventure #HistoricalNorseFiction @DarkAgeScribe
INTRODUCTION
I’m delighted to post my 5-star review of his Historical Norse Adventure, Vengeance of the Damned (Book 5 Olaf’s Saga), released by Bodn Books on October 2, 2025. Author Eric Schumacher is a masterful storyteller who immerses you into the tale of the legendary Olaf Tryggvason from his rise from the horrors of slavery to the King of Norway in the five-book Olaf’s Saga. However, Olaf’s impact is told from the point of view of one of his lifelong friends and protector, Torgil. I’ve been immersed in the Viking Age Saga since the release of the first book, Forged by Iron. What makes this series rise above the others are its compelling characters, riveting action scenes, and multi-layered themes of friendship vs. betrayal, vengeance vs. redemption, and religious divisions. The universal themes resonated with me long after I finished each book.
Below are highlights of Vengeance of the Damned, Eric Schumacher’s author bio, and my review of the final book in the gripping tale with themes of vengeance and redemption.
HIGHLIGHTS: VENGEANCE OF THE DAMNED
Vengeance of the Damned
Olaf’s Saga Book 5
By Eric Schumacher
Vengeance of the Damned is the gripping, final novel in the award-winning series chronicling the life and adventures of Olaf Tryggvason, one of Norway’s most controversial kings.
It is AD 995. Driven from his homeland as a lad, the long-wandering King Olaf Tryggvason has finally returned to Norway with an army at his back and vengeance on his mind. But Olaf does not just want to rule the Northern kingdom. He has more ambitious plans for the realm and will put to the sword anyone who stands in his way.
His cruel campaign sets him on a collision course with his former oath-brother turned enemy, Torgil. Unable to escape the coming clash, Torgil and his band of outcasts face the new king and his battle-hardened warriors. From the land of the Swedes, to the islands of the Vik, and finally, to a place called Svold off the coast of Denmark, Olaf and Torgil match their wills and their cunning in this brutal, action-packed conclusion to Olaf’s Saga.
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT1N1K9B/
AUTHOR BIO: ERIC SCHUMACHER
BOOK REVIEW: VENGEANCE OF THE DAMNED
The epic Norse adventure continues in 989 A.D., when Torgil faces a crossroad on how he can move forward with “death’s inevitable claw” tightening around him. He gains support of Signurd’s former fighters and sails to reclaim his homeland, Jel, as its sovereign. Meanwhile, power dynamics shift in the Scandinavian region when Olaf returns to Norway with an army, becomes its king, and threatens to convert other regions to Christianity with brutal force. Torgil allies with other regional rulers and lures Olaf into a final sea battle to stop his brutal campaign.
Author Eric Schumacher is a masterful storyteller that not only vividly describe action scenes but delves into Torgil’s deepest thoughts about how he wants to fulfill rest of his life. Previous challenges shape Torgil into a resilient and respected jarl. He takes control of his destiny and no longer blindly follows other leaders intoxicated with power. He seeks redemption by building a peaceful and prosperous settlement in his homeland.
Although the novel can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire series to appreciate Torgil’s life journey and his evolving relationship with Olaf. Torgil’s development into a just leader is compelling and heartfelt. What makes this series stand out are its complex characters, cinematic battle scenes, and multi-layered themes of political corruption, love vs. duty, vengeance vs. redemption, and friendship vs. betrayal. Olaf’s Saga captures the turmoil of Viking culture and warfare, strife between Christian and pagan religions, and internal and regional divisions. It reminds me of Bernard Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom with the rise and fall of kings and nations during the Viking age. Extra bonuses in the books include regional maps and a glossary of terms used in the narrative.
Vengeance of the Damned is a gripping and satisfying conclusion to the Olaf’s Saga with its memorable characters, riveting action scenes, and thought-provoking themes of vengeance and redemption.
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