Format: Paperback, 448 pages
Release Date: February 13, 2024
Publisher: Orbit
Source: Publisher
Genre: Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology / Fantasy
From New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow comes a thrilling Norse-inspired epic fantasy about ancient myth and magical destiny.
The Black Land is a myth: Centuries have passed since that Great Enemy
was slain. Yet old fears linger, and on the longest night of the year,
people in the South still light ritual bonfires to banish the dark.
In her village, this duty falls to Solveig, a girl favored by the gods
with powerful fire magic. But when her brother kills a Northern lord’s
son during the ritual, it is Sol who faces punishment, by being
weregild—part hostage, part guest—in the North for a year and a day.
As she journeys to her captivity, Sol starts to realize that the Black
Land is no myth. The forests teem with foul beasts. Her travel
companions are not what they seem, and their plans for her magic are
shrouded in secrecy.
With only her loyal shield-maiden and her
own wits to rely upon, Sol must learn to master her powers and wrest
control of her fate. For the Black Land’s army stirs, ready to cover the
world in darkness—unless Sol can find the courage to stop it.
Lilith Saintcrow's A Flame in the North is the first in the authors Black Land's Bane trilogy with the second book releasing in 2025, and the finale in 2026. Norse-inspired worlds are evergreen in fantasy, with a recent resurgence in popularity as seen by the success of Shadow of the Gods and films like The Northman. The quest-like structure of the book and the emphasis on old legends and myths will also appeal to fans of epics like Lord of the Rings.
Female-centered stories are a staple in the genre! A Flame in the North features two smart, capable women--a witch and her shield maiden--who must rely on each other and their own power as they face an unexpected and dangerous destiny. Solveig’s duty to call the flame during the night is her village’s most important duty to stave off the dark. However, after her brother Bjorn kills an emissary from the Northern lands, she ends up being offered as weregild to atone for her brother’s foul deed. She and her shield maiden Arneior must venture north.
As she journeys to her captivity, Sol starts to realize that the Black Land is no myth. The forests are filled with foul beasts. Her travel companions are not what they seem, and their plans for her magic are shrouded in secrecy. The journey north is slow and painful, which reminded me of the Lord of the Rings saga. Every where they went, the Enemy seems to be stalking them, ready to pounce when they least expect it. Sol's companions from the North include a man who could be an Elder, and several others that shift into wolves.
While you are reading this book, note that Solveig is telling you what happened in the past as a recollection of events. She even hints that her journey is one that likely won't see her returning to her home any time soon, or at all. The author also gives you hints along the way at the beginning of each chapter of things to come. The story is filled with Norse mythology references throughout the story like Odin, Freja, Thor, Loki, and Hel. Solveig and Arneior are bound together for life, and Arn's story is even more interesting in that she's similar to a Valkyrie.
Much like Tolkien’s writing, this book is rather heavy handed in some cases when it comes to describing things in great detail or spoken dialog which dragged down my rating. The book also ends on a cliffhanger ending, and I will have to think about whether or not to continue. We still don't know what Solveig's real purpose is for being chosen over her brother Bjorn.
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