The Throne of Ice & Ash

The Runewar Saga, Book 1

By: J.D.L. Rosell

Narrated by: John Banks

A throne in peril, a tragic betrayal, two heirs struggling to save their land, and a prophesied war threatening to engulf the world....

Bjorn, youngest heir to the Mad Jarl of Oakharrow, has always felt more at ease with a quill than a sword. Yet when calamity strikes his family, he must draw a blade and lead a company of warriors into the cold, deadly mountains in pursuit of a mysterious foe. Though he seeks vengeance, an ancient power stirs within him, and the whispers of prophecy beckon him toward an ominous destiny....

Aelthena, Bjorn’s sister, was born with the aptitude to lead, and she’s eager to prove it. But her society’s rules for women, and her love for her brother, restrain her efforts to command. As she walks the fine line between ambition and virtue, enemies of both mankind and myth rally against Oakharrow, and even her allies question her right to rule....

The Runewar is rising and it begins with the fall of a throne.

A harrowing tale of the struggle for power and the dawning heroes who rise above it, The Throne of Ice & Ash is book one of the Norse high fantasy series The Runewar Saga.

©2021 J.D.L. Rosell (P)2021 Podium Audio

Loved it

Bjorn was suppose to be the Heir to Oakharrow but he wasn't very confident with a sword in his hand. He considered himself of a coward. He was much happier with a quill in his hand. When circumstances require him to pick up his sword he does. He leads a group of soldiers into the mountains after an ancient foe. Meanwhile his sister Althena his sister was born to lead & very anxious to do so. Her society had different rules for woman and she knew many would fight her. Bjorn has his work cut out for him. He has an unknown enemy to find that had burned his village. A very ambitious sister and a prophecy that calls for the end of the world. An epic battle for power. A story full of prophecy, ambition & faith. An absolute must read.

Loved it!!!

A couple of strong women with two posable lovers, a young brother coming of age and discovering his strength. loved the story and looking forward to the next one.

A bit rushed...

The story feels rushed and hard to follow to me; in all fairness, I prefer the pace of Tad Williams and Brandon Sanderson, so take my opinion with that in mind. There seem to be big revelations or shifts in a character's thinking that don't seem to have much groundwork or buildup, so they fall a bit flat. All in all, the story isn't bad, and the author has some interesting ideas.
The characters seem lacking in development; while my interest was piqued by some of the fight scenes and some of the creatures they encounter, those sorts of things aren't that interesting to me if I don't care much about the people involved. Perhaps that's also a product of (in my opinion) the brevity of the book.
I really appreciate that there's no smut in this book, even though there are adult situations. They are left undescribed by and large.
I did struggle to get through it; I'm going to try something else next, and perhaps come back to this series later.
The performance by John Banks is outstanding; some of the best I have heard in audio books.

thought provoking and enlightening

loved it quick read. interesting cat characters, excellent storyline and a foreshadowing that makes you want to read the next book.

An Epic of Norse Proportions!

The Throne of Ice and Ash is a must-read for fans of Norse fantasy. This is only the beginning of the epic, but it sets the stage for a truly spellbinding tale.

Rosell does an excellent job illustrating relatable issues of self-doubt, demons of the present, and demons of the past.

Bjorn suffers weight of familial pressure to be a brave warrior, and feels unworthy of his title. He is not brave, at least not like that. However, we do learn that he is not without courage of a different sort. His struggles are relatable and I was able to sympathize with his desire to prove to himself, and others, that he is worthy to bear the mantle of heir of Oakharrow. He grows throughout the story and have some moments of triumph before the story concludes.

The other main protagonist, Bjorn’s sister Aelthena, is a victim of gender expectations. She is a strong woman with the capacity to rule, but comes to power in the midst of an unwinnable battle against conspiracy, backstabbing, and outside forces beyond anyone’s comprehension. She is essentially given command of a sinking ship and can only steer it toward the course of least destruction. She deals with her own demons too. She wishes to rule, knows she is best suited, but does not want to undermine her kin along the way. Her storyline also includes a bit of forbidden romance. It’s a minor aspect but is done with tact and grace.

All in all this story hints at some major events to come, but this story is more about getting to know the characters and building a foundation for the rest of the epic. We get clues from both storylines at a great war brewing, awakened powers thought long gone by most. Some readers may find the pacing a little slow at times, or will wish for more monsters and magic, but I believe the series will reveal these things in due time. He places some especially well-devised nougats toward the end, building anticipation for the next book in the series, The Crown of Fire and Fury (January 1, 2022), and The Stone of Iron and Omen (forthcoming in January, 2023).

great opening story I can't wait to read the next

I have been loving JDL Rosell his writing and style and his creativity is amazing.

Confusing and annoying

I loved the adventures of Tal- but this book is a failure. It is very confusing to understand the different names and tribes. The two main characters are unlikable and annoying.