Hello there,
I am so thrilled to be able to share this unique book series recap for author Bjorn Leesson’s “Outside the Thalsparr” series. The series is a fantastic historical fiction meets fantasy series that transcends time and space itself. Below you will find a synopsis of each book in the series thus far, as well as my initial thoughts of the books and links to my full reviews of each book, as well as a preview of the latest book in the series. I hope you will take the time to read these books and enjoy the sprawling adventure they created the way they did for me. Please enjoy.
Runes of Dokkrsdottir (Book One)
The Synopsis
The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.
RUNES OF THE DOKKRSDOTTIR (Book 1)
The story of Myrgjol the Dokkrsdottir begins with her birth in 800s Scandinavia where it becomes immediately obvious that she is very different in so many ways.
After adventures abroad and continuously making friends and loyal allies, and after suffering many losses and setbacks, she bravely travels the many winding paths of her destiny – facing and defeating a dark foe she never expected to face.
My Impression
This was such a compelling and gripping read. The rich blend of historical fiction meets fantasy and the immersive way the author uses imagery draws the reader into the sea-faring settings of this novel, making the world-building feel larger than life on the page. The author’s use of mythology and detail in the narrative allows the reader to feel transported back to the Viking age, keeping the reader invested in the story.
Yet, it was the dynamic development of the protagonist that fueled this story. The rich and thoughtful detail that went into the protagonist’s backstory, from the tragic circumstances that brought her father over to live amongst the Norse people as a child to the tragedies she faces and the supernatural prophecy that hung over her head as she spent her life struggling to balance the light and darkness within her, made her character arc and journey so much more impactful and engaging.
RUNE OF RENEWAL (BOOK TWO)
THE SYNOPSIS
The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.
RUNE OF RENEWAL (Book 2)
The story of the Dokkrsdottir continues in a strange new time and place finding her out of her familiar world, but the pressure on her to continue as one of the greatest warriors ever increases as the stakes are now world wide and on a grander scale than she could ever have imagined.
However, through the foresight and dedication of many of her descendants, she has the diehard support of friends and family to see her through to her destiny of thwarting the plans of the Dark.
MY IMPRESSION
The world-building and mythos that the author establishes in this series are amplified greatly in this sequel. The exploration of the time travel element is also amplified in this book, bringing the protagonist into one of human history’s darkest times, WWII. The development of the Dark and its forces and the suspense that forms with each step that Dokkrsdottir takes on her journey makes this a compelling story.
This story’s character development and action were the true highlights of the narrative. The rich development of the protagonist as she continues to engage with new allies and descendants and the out-of-this-world action, including one major battle that changes the entire landscape of the series, create a rich and dynamic story that will instantly draw the reader in.
RUNE OF DESTINY (BOOK THREE)
THE SYNOPSIS
The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.
Rune of Destiny Summary:
The final chapter of the main story of the Dokkrsdottir’s destiny that finds the continuation of the living world in the hands of Myrgjol, her descendants, and the choices they all must make.
With battles of the “greatest warrrior” transpiring on both sides of the veil, it is a series of desperate and grueling battles to the very end before she can enjoy her reward with the knowledge that the living world will continue in the loving embrace of the Light and not in ruin by the Dark.
MY IMPRESSION
The scale and engaging setting stood out in this story. The author did an incredible job of bringing both the physical and spiritual worlds to life on the page, showcasing the imagery in the author’s writing as they shifted between the jumps in periods and showcased Dokkrsdottir’s life on the other side of the veil. The balance of threats that the protagonists faced was excellent as well, as the human threats perfectly paralleled the different forces of darkness that pursued them, especially the Thule Society and their hunt for gateways around the world.
While the series has become known for some great action, this novel added more depth to the spiritual nature of the narrative os well. The world knows the protagonist in this story as a proud and strong warrior. Still, the novel takes the time to reveal those vulnerable moments that the protagonist experiences, from being reunited with lost loved ones to making peace with being separated from others she loves in her family, and much more. The mythos and culture of Viking history were well represented here. The protagonist’s connection to her family, loved ones, and people allowed the reader to connect to the story on a much grander scale.
RUNE OF REVENGE (BOOK FOUR)
THE SYNOPSIS
The legendary saga of Ingrid Stone-Splitter, the most loyal and greatest friend of the Dokkrsdottir, after returning home amid strife and loss.
A powerful woman of many destinies, Ingrid embarks on journey after journey to fulfill the peaceful promises of her father
Harald, to help set the stage for the Dokkrsdottir to fulfill her destiny, and to be a hammer which smashes the Dark.
MY IMPRESSION
Another compelling and exhilarating historical fiction meets supernatural thriller. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the tone and the atmosphere of life in the Viking Age, especially during an age when Vikings expanded into Saxon territory and blended this with Norse mythology perfectly, making the supernatural and fantasy elements feel natural to the world around the characters.
The heart of the narrative was in the new protagonist, exploring a strong supporting character in the series and giving a free perspective to the legend and destiny of the Dokkrsdottir overall. The personal nature of Ingrid’s journey and how it ties into the cliffhanger finale from the last book will keep longtime fans of this series invested and thrilled to be in the thick of the action.
RUNE OF WHISPERS (BOOK FIVE)
THE SYNOPSIS
Myrgjol the Dokkrsdottir’s path may be fraught with physical dangers and battle, but some wars are fought with whispered words and deceitful lies. While in Saxon lands, she must learn to maneuver the battlefield as well as her position on the board in the game of Saxon politics. Will she be successful?
And though she is blind to all the pieces in The Game, a Saxon gamemaster plays on her behalf as well as his own against many others, and the enormity of the risk spirals out of control for everyone.
MY IMPRESSION
This was a welcome addition to the historical fiction and dark fantasy series! The author found a way to keep the series fresh and showcased the depth of the world this series inhabits, giving readers a fresh new perspective by exploring the politics of Saxon life and Myrgjol’s impact on that world. The way the action takes a backseat to the atmosphere and the tension politics played at that time made the overall narrative feel elevated for readers.
The mystery and intrigue this turn of events took in the story was evenly matched by the rich historical context and fantasy mythos the series has brought to life so vividly. The more emotional context of the protagonist’s story felt fully realized in this narrative, and the evolution of her allies and how life in Saxon lands evolved among some of the Norse settlers at that time was an intriguing subplot that readers will instantly get lost in.
PREVIEW (RUNE OF SPIRITS: OUTSIDE THE THALSPARR BOOK SIX)
THE SYNOPSIS
OUTSIDETHETHALSPARR
The Dokkrisdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age.One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny ,one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.
RUNEOFSPIRITS
Every road to an ultimate good is paved with monstrous deed…by a monster. Sometimes the monsters are all that stands between the living world and annihilation. In the struggle to survive her own life ,Josephine Peele becomes the monster in service of the Light, but it takes all her torments to ready her for her own purpose that only she can accomplish.
OVERALL SERIES IMPRESSION
A perfect balance of historical fiction and fantasy thriller, the author delves deep into Norse mythology and the concepts of life after death with strong conviction. The series not only explores Norse mythology, but the impact that a legacy can have on generations to come and history itself. The infusion of strong supporting characters that can lead their own books and bringing the protagonist not only into different timelines but different worlds altogether establishes a sense of legendary status and adds new depth to the theme of the hero’s journey that has become so ingrained into the fabric of our culture throughout human history. Filled with action, heart, and destiny, this is a rich historical fiction fantasy series that reader will not be able to get enough of.
