Blurb
Sworn to serve the empire, cursed to decide its fate.
1041 AD, Constantinople
The Byzantine empire is fading. Sick with corruption and complacency that paralyses its once mighty people, assailed from within and without by those who seek to feast upon its riches.
The emperor is dying, the empress is ageing, and rebellion threatens in the heart of their homelands. The last hope of the eternal empire might lie with a disgraced foreign mercenary.
Harald Hardrada fears nothing but failure or dishonour. For eight years he has faithfully served the heirs of Caesar, but has failed in his goal to earn the riches and reputation he needs to reclaim the throne of Norway.
Empress Zoe makes Harald one final offer to save both of their ambitions: He can have all the riches and glory that he desires, if he breaks his oaths and delivers the empire into her grasp. Is Harald the man of his word or will he bend to the empress’s ruthless demands?
My Review
This is the best book yet! I find it amazing that not only can Duncan sustain such a complicated narrative, but he just keeps getting better. By now, we are not surprised at the depths of deceit our heroes have to face in the empire, and Harald seems capable of anticipating it—mostly. Unfortunately, our narrator Eric sees his leader—and hero—exhibit more and more ruthless tendencies in order to succeed. He’s not happy about it; in fact, many times he pulls away from Harald in disgust, only to come bouncing back:
“Go and be with your men, (Eric), and don’t ruin that healthy streak of resentment they have for me. As long as they respect me and follow my orders, a little anger and a desire to prove themselves can be a good thing.”
“You’re a bastard, Harald,” I said, but I hung my head and laughed.
Harald chuckled. “I know, and you’re a good man. But all true leaders are bastards. It’s just part of what we have to do.”
So ultimately, all that matters is Harald’s grand strategy to gain enough renown and gold to support his return to Norway and gain the kingship. Everything else is secondary, even his loyal companions. At the same time, his personal honour is paramount, and he will bend over backwards to keep his oaths to the Emperor and Empress, even though they often conflict. None of the authorities appreciate the Northern “barbarians”, but the emperor recognizes their prowess, their courage and unpredictable, successful risk taking. Harald is used, abused, and pushed aside, but he always finds a way to rise above his adversities. He wades through a series of obstacles and even betrayals, losing men along the way until his followers are greatly reduced in number. But nothing stops him, and Eric ultimately comes to accept that with all his faults, Harald is the only man he can follow.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wolves-Empire-Last-Viking-Book-ebook/dp/B0DNS314DL/
