The Doomsong Sword
Davor makes up stories, he is lazy and self-centred. To avoid his chores, Davor runs away to sea with a one-eyed sea captain. The ship is stranded and Davor, who has been bullied, promises to go for help. He runs away again, but into even greater danger. Davor saves himself from a three-headed troll and falls in with a one-eyed Traveller, Master Odo (Odin), whom he believes is taking him home. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Master Odo takes Davor to a wedding feast, where he pushes the fabled Doomsong sword into the Barnstock Oak. The weapon comes into Davor’s hands but, frightened of its power, he drops it. Davor then has to survive alone, confronting appalling situations with only a white wolf for company – until eventually, he is led to the cave of the most terrifying dragon in the cold North . . .
The Doomsong Sword
is a high fantasy coming-of-age story based on part of the ancient
Norse Volsung saga and is the first part of the new Doomsong
series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but at
the beginning, there was a Dwarf-forged sword ......
Reviews
The Doomsong Sword is a treasure. A classic everyone should read. Harlond has done a marvellous job inventing a mythical place full of thick-furred wolves, dwarves, the semi-mortals of Asgard and leather-winged dragons with tongues of flame. The main character is a young man called Davor who, although frequently tricked and trapped, goes from strength-to-strength in his quest. One adventure sees our friend traveling with the light-footed troublemaker Loki, whose element is fire. Davor must beat a path to Andvari’s treasure horde to get much needed gold. With Master Odo who can read thoughts and greedy shapeshifters on the prowl, how can Davor possibly overcome so many obstacles with so many more adventures to come? I gave this book five stars because of the ingenious word pictures that sum up warm fires and good friends. It’s true that one young life can make a huge impact on the world, not because he has power. But because he has the edge. Readers will appreciate the heroism of Davor and enjoy rich words and exciting adventures. It’s truly a compelling read. ‘Bookpreneur’ reviewer, USA
This hugely entertaining tale will appeal to those who enjoy the likes of The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia. Based on Viking legends, Davor is a reluctant young adventurer who embarks on a journey which turns into a quest. Directed by the inscrutable traveller Master Odo, and accompanied by a Wolf, Davor encounters all manner of odd events and dangerous situations. The story is cleverly told and there is great depth to the characters, particularly Davor who, just like the sword in the title, is forged with considerable skill. An exciting adventure in the best tradition with a wonderful cast of princes, dragons, dwarves - and of course treasure! This fabulous story will enchant older children and adults alike. I wholly recommend it. ‘Bookworm’ Amazon reviewer
Exciting adventure. This is an intelligently written, well plotted and exciting adventure (…). Davor loves to spin tall tales – so who is going to believe him when he is taken on a real-life adventure, orchestrated by the inscrutable traveller Master Odo, with a Wolf as his companion and a dragon as his adversary? Davor's quest takes him into many dangerous situations in this smartly related tale which takes its inspiration from Norse legends. A thrilling book which is sure to engage young readers (and their parents and grandparents too). Amazon reviewer