This book follows Solveig's journey immediately post-book 1. A good chunk of the book takes place in Waterstone and I loved the little bits we got of it. The descriptions, as always, were vivid and engaging. The Hobbit-vibes were really off the charts here, in a totally good way. While the pacing might be a bit slow for some, especially for a good chunk of the book, it was fine for me and when it picks up, by god does it pick up. I'm so thoroughly invested in Solveig and her journey and I'm so, so curious as to what the 3rd book will entail.

If you really liked the first book, definitely check out the second. Especially if you were, like me, at all curious about the Elder and their cities.

The sequel to the wonderful Lord of the Rings-like Nordic saga that was A Flame in the North just exceeded my expectations and blew my mind. 🤯

The story continues a few days after the elemental witch (a volva in this world) Solveig, her shieldmaid Arneior, some Elder and the wolves of Naras arrive in the Elder city of Waterstone. While half the story takes place in this beautiful Rivendell-esque city, I loved the evolved dynamics of Solveig’s relationships with Aeredh and Eol. I do think there’s a wonderful romantic like attachment happening between Sol and Aeredh but I like that Saintcrow isn’t pushing it to the point where it feels rushed or unreasonable. Eol has grown to be a wonderful friend and ally to the women and I like this newfound loyalty in him. 🐺

I loved the new characters introduced in this book, and I’m super excited to see these relationship evolve alongside the others that Sol and Arn already have. That and I’m super excited to see a deeper look into Sol’s newfound powers in the next installment in the series. 👀

As the title suggests, the fall of the city was epic. I won’t go into details about it in case of spoilers, but man was the whole thing engrossing for me. The battle scenes reminded me of (again) of those in the Lord of the Ring series, and it’s honestly making me want to pick up the series again . . . Or at least watch the movies due to my already bursting TBR. 😅

All in all, I loved this sequel and can’t wait for the third book! . . . *psst Orbit Books, is it coming out later this year too? 🫶🏼

Big thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for accepting my excited request to read this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review, and to the author for crafting yet another incredible Nordic saga like tale! ❄️

Publication date: June 11!

Overall: 4.75/5 ⭐️

A brilliant and Epic story that contains a rich world of Norse themes. This series keeps getting richer and richer as it continues. The characters are deep and well written and the world is fascinating. Magic works in an interesting manner and the main character is a volva with unique gifts. She is kidnapped basically by a group of wolf shifting warriors and an ancient pointy eared Elder. There is a great evil in the north and apparently only Sol can help stop it. This story continues where the first one left off in the city of Waterstone. It really is an addicting book with some fast paced action and a great story that has hints of Lord of the Rings in it. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to write an honest review on this book.

An elemental witch and her shieldmaiden navigate a dangerous world of forgotten myth and deep magic in the second volume of New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow’s sweeping Norse-inspired epic fantasy series.

Solveig and her shieldmaiden have finally made it to Waterstone, a fabled city hidden in a world of frost by ancient magic. Shrouded from the Enemy’s gaze, they are safe to rest and regroup—or so they think.

Sol suspects their hosts are not as benevolent as they seem. Whispers race through the halls, hinting at self-serving agendas and secret plots. So, as Sol attempts to harness her awakened magic, she must fight for her voice to be heard or risk being used like a pawn in the greater game.

But the Enemy always watching and nowhere is truly safe. Before the darkness finds a way in, Sol must decide if she will take up the mantle of power to save not just the home she’s left behind, but the future of the world.

I was a bit divided on book one A Flame in the North, but this installment improves on it in almost every way:)

Black Land's Bane continues as Solveig, her shieldmaiden, and their escorts arrive at Waterstone. Here she will learn more of why these Northerners desired her. Here she will meet the father of the man her brother has slain. Here she will learn of a weapon only she can wield and decide if she will attempt to employ it. The prose continues in the rough manner of the first book and the adventure is somewhat similarly paced, with peaks of action coming between slower narrative all told from Sol's point of view. The descriptions of the world, the peoples, and the magic is compelling and the story ends with a hook to stimulate interest in the next part of the saga. This book should appeal to anyone who enjoyed A Flame in the North and anyone who hasn't read the first book but enjoys books based on myths, Vikings, Celtic or Norse mythology should give it a try. (3.5/5 rounding up)
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Orbit Books) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.