The cover got my attention along with the title, then I thought the premise of this book sounded very interesting and it was. Asulf is a viking raised by his demanding father. Taught to be a warrior and while young allowed to pick his weapon. Asulf chooses a sword he feels drawn to and that sword helps him to become the greatest warrior and called Eyes of Steel. Now that the viking king is stepping down Asulf's father wants him to become the next king.

Asulf loves to fight and is great at it but he isn't sure he wants to rule, seeing his family new slave Asulf falls in love. However she is hiding secrets that will change Asulf's life forever. Now Asulf is determined to find the truth and get his revenge.

This book was really good, and I loved the story, Asulf is a great character and I love learning about his sword and him, the history and how Asulf came to be who he was. I love the characters and that we get multiple points of view including the villains point of view(which I don't think I have ever seen like this). We get several peoples point of view which normally might be overwhelming but at the beginning of each chapter the author put a picture of who the character was and that actually really helped me keep the story and charters in order.

I will say the book is marked as Historical Fiction | Romance | Sci Fi & Fantasy on Netgalley(I couldn't find it on Goodreads) and I wouldn't consider this book a romance. Is there romance in this book yes. I'm wondering if this is marked romance because the series will be romance and this is a set up but in my opinion (and I don't want to spoil it) this specific book isn't a romance. However this book is very good and kept me hooked and very entertained. I really enjoyed the characters and story. This story isn't finished and the story is no where4 near resolved but thats normal with a series. I'm not sure how this will end and there are some twists I did not see coming. I will also not the author makes mention of triggers which I appreciate. I'm really glad I read this book it was different and I was very engrossed in the story and really want to see how this all ends.


*Thank you Netgalley and Lea Novels for this ARC

This book had such an interesting premise and honestly kept me hooked the whole time. I really liked the Viking-inspired world, the multiple POVs, and especially the whole storyline with the sword and the Valkyrie/demon trapped inside it. Asulf was a strong main character and I liked watching his story slowly unravel as more secrets and betrayals came out.

The book definitely feels more dark fantasy than romance, even though there are romantic elements throughout. The world building and Viking culture were probably my favorite parts, and there were a few twists I genuinely didn’t see coming.

My only complaint was that at times the pacing felt a little slow and the writing/dialogue could feel clunky, which I think may have been from the translation. Overall though, I was still really invested in the story and curious to see where the series goes next.

I received this book courtesy of NetGallery and really loved it. This is a 4 book Viking Saga series. I had just finished binging the TV series Vikings on Netflix and was looking for something in the same genre. I normally do not read books that end in a cliff hangers and/or in which the entire series has not been published yet but I kept reading cause I wanted to see what happens next.
A Game of Thrones/Vikings vibe with plenty of fighting, magic, fantasy and romance. The plot slowly develops over the length of the book (keep with it- well worth it) and the many twist and turns are each an AHA moment. The story centers around the MMC Asulf trying to find out who he is, what the Gods expect of him and how to accomplish it. Each of the secondary players (Bjorn, Karl, Sigurd and Eldrid) are integral to the story and could in their own right become their own book. Told from each one’s POV- it helps you understand what drives them, what motivates each other and what roles they will play. Asulf is just trying to live a normal life, while gaining his father approval and marry the love of his life. However, nothing is as clear and/or quite what it seems. Don’t what to do any spoilers alerts as the reveals are what kept me wanting to continue to read. (You won’t see them coming)
Can’t believe I have to wait until June 2026 for the 2nd installment.

4.5/5 ☆
4/5🔥


I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for review.
I was excited that my request for this book was granted because Léa Novels is a new author for me. It took me a little bit for me to get into, but once I felt like I got my footing in the story, I was hooked! I didn’t realize that it was a first book in the series so I was unprepared for matters to be unsolved at the end. I am looking forward to the next book to see what Asulf does next, and I am especially curious about the other characters and their storylines. I can understand why people wouldn’t like it, but I devoured this!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Eyes of Steel: Rise bursts onto the English-speaking fantasy scene with all the bravado and intensity that made it a bestseller in France. This is a story for readers who crave complex, multi-POV epics full of forbidden love, morally gray choices, and the tight bonds of found family.

The story follows Asulf, a young warrior feared and revered throughout the North. Raised for greatness, Asulf’s world unravels when he discovers his father’s lifelong betrayal and the painful loss of his beloved. With his enemies closing in, he’s forced to flee—accompanied by two unexpected companions: a broken ex-rival and the indomitable Eldrid, a warrior carving out her own legend.

The world-building here is both brutal and intricate. The influence of meddling gods, ancient curses, and a soul-hungry magical sword add layers of tension and stakes reminiscent of both Game of Thrones and Fourth Wing. The battles are visceral, the stakes deeply personal, and every character—main or supporting—feels alive, complicated, and real.

What sets this saga apart is its tragic romance and the emotional toll paid by its characters. Asulf’s journey is as much about inner demons as external foes, and the loyalty and complicated love within his small circle will haunt you long after turning the final page. The forbidden romance is heartbreaking, with love standing as both a shield and a risk—one that might save him or tip him over the edge.

If you’re looking for a completed fantasy series that doesn’t shy away from tragedy, tough choices, and unforgettable characters, Eyes of Steel: Rise is a must-read. Prepare to be gripped from the first page, led through a gauntlet of heartbreak and hope, and left changed by the end. Highly recommended for fans of epic sagas, morally complicated heroes, and tales that linger long after “The End.”

Loved this one and could not put it down! This was really engaging from start to finish. I would absolutely check out more from this author. I would recommend this one to my followers.

A really enjoyable fantasy! Which includes:
Demons
Valkyries
Gods
A magical sword

Whilst the book is told from a multiple pov our main character is Asulf a viking warrior who weirds a magical sword. His skills in battle and the magic that flows through him has earnt him the name Eyes of Steel, he is feared across the viking lands.

Asulf is content being a warrior but his father has bigger ambitions for him, but is is father what he seems?

I will definitely be reading the others in the series!

This is out in the UK on 19th May!

A Norse fantasy soaked in mud, blood, and political backstabbing.

Set in a grim, unforgiving version of Jutland, this story leans heavily into political intrigue, shifting loyalties, and a gritty and dark world. The multiple POV structure was to me occasionally distracting, but it did give every faction and player a clear motivation, which made the power struggles clearer.

The mystical elements worked especially well for me: a sword inhabited by a Valkyrie and a demon is simply fascinating.. Betrayal and vengeance drive the story, while the darker atmosphere keeps the tension simmering throughout.

I was a bit surprised by the pacing, though. After the very detailed opening sections, the story suddenly skips across weeks and months, which felt abrupt at times.

Very little is actually resolved by the end, but this clearly feels like the beginning of a larger saga, and I will definitely continue the series.

3.5 stars rounded up

This felt like a blend of fantasy, mythology, heartbreak, and chaos stitched together with gorgeous writing. I loved how layered the characters were because nobody felt entirely good or evil. The stakes kept escalating, the action scenes were vivid, and the emotional moments hit surprisingly hard. By the end, I was already desperate for the next installment because this story grabs hold of you and refuses to let go. Definitely one of those books that leaves your brain spinning long after you finish the final chapter.

Wonderfully written Viking story. When Asulf chooses the sword, he becomes unstoppable Eyes of Steel, but when he finds out the man he thought was his father and killed the woman he loved, he leaves to discover the truth.

Having grown up a Superman fan, the title caught my eye first. Then the cover art. Then the description. I've been getting into Viking novels lately, and this one definitely hit the mark. It is a dark romance, so read the trigger warnings before reading. The most sensitive scenes are clearly marked, and skipping wouldn't detract from the overall story.

We follow the tale of Asulf the warrior, and those around him - family, friends, enemies, and his blade (within which is trapped a valkyrie and a demon). The opening had me hooked instantly, and the art included of the characters helped me envision the scenes more clearly in my head as I read. I loved the multiple POVs and jumping timeline, helping piece together the present from the past as events unfolded. The author gives you breadcrumbs as you need them, and it was done masterfully.

I was surprised at how smooth the translation was from French, although I felt like I could tell the prose was off just a tad from what I assume the flow of the original must have been. The storyline was interesting and surprising, and I found myself alternating between swooning, gasping, being horrified, and cheering. I've already recommended this book to friends, and I can't wait to continue the adventure in the rest of the series!

Thank you to Léa Novels and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book!

Eyes of Steel by Lea Novels is an epic start to what promises to be an incredible series! I was completely hooked from the very first page and honestly couldn’t put it down. The Viking setting was so immersive and atmospheric, and the multiple POVs worked brilliantly - each character brought something unique to the story and kept me invested the whole way through.

The plot constantly keeps you hanging on, with just the right amount of tension, intrigue, and action to make “just one more chapter” impossible to resist. And those pictures? They genuinely elevated the whole reading experience and made the world feel even more vivid and alive.

I cannot wait to read more from this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy in return for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 🌶️

Léa Novels, you had me absolutely tearing through the pages of this book!

Eyes of Steel is a Viking dark romantasy. Vikings. Big, strong sexy men, and plenty of beautiful pictures to give an idea of what the characters look like. Thank you very much. 🥰

I am not one to usually favor multiple POV’s, but the way the characters perspectives flow in beautifully had me falling for these characters stories. I won’t spoil anything, but I will say the story does contain some trigger warnings so please be cautious and read at your own discretion, but Léa Novels does say it can be skipped without impacting the plot.

I will also mention that the men are chefs' kiss, but the women in the story can hold their own and are complete bada**es. 😉

I hope that if you do decide to give this book a chance, you love it as much as I did!

★ 4 stars ★

“Eyes of Steel” feels massive in scope — brutal, cinematic, and drenched in blood, prophecy, betrayal, and Viking mythology. It reads like the beginning of an epic saga rather than a single contained story, and there’s something incredibly addictive about the atmosphere Léa Novels creates.

The world itself was what pulled me in most. Between the Norse-inspired setting, the political tension, the gods, the cursed sword, and the constant undercurrent of violence and fate, the story feels immersive from the beginning. There’s a heaviness to everything — every choice, every battle, every betrayal feels like it matters.

Asulf was also such an interesting protagonist to follow. Beneath the warrior reputation and expectations placed upon him is someone still trying to understand who he truly is outside of what others demand from him. His journey feels layered with both ambition and vulnerability, which made him easy to stay invested in.

I also really appreciated how ambitious the story was. The mythology, shifting loyalties, hidden truths, and darker fantasy elements all created a world that felt alive and unpredictable. And visually, the illustrations throughout the book genuinely added to the experience and helped make the story feel even more cinematic.

However, the multiple POVs did lessen the emotional connection for me at times.

While I understood why they were necessary for the larger political and narrative scope, constantly shifting perspectives made it harder to stay deeply attached to any one character for long periods of time. Just as I would begin emotionally settling into one storyline, the narrative would move elsewhere. Because of that, some of the emotional moments didn’t hit quite as strongly as they could have for me personally.

The pacing could also feel uneven occasionally, especially with the transitions between timelines and perspectives, but overall the story still held my attention consistently because the world itself was so compelling.

Even with those issues, I genuinely enjoyed this book.

It feels dark, ambitious, and full of potential for where the series could go next. Definitely a strong start for readers who enjoy sprawling fantasy worlds, morally complicated characters, Norse mythology, and stories that feel larger than life.

I received an ARC from Net Galley. Thank you!

This is a Norse based read for fans of A Fate Inked in Blood and Vikings. It has multiple POV's.

Morally gray MMC's. Tragic/Dark Romance.

This story mostly follows Asulf, a young warrior who is ultimately betrayed. With multiple POV's, stories that merge, it was hard to put down. The world-building that does not detract or slow the story down.

Definitely a recommended read.

This book is really well written and translated, I loved the cameo profile-like photos of each of the characters because that meant less work for my imagination, and I can understand why this is such a big hit in France. With that said, I first requested this because I thought the cover model was that guy from the life-action beauty and the beast, Dan Stevens, but I got into it because of the story-building and writing.

This is a Viking/Norse Gods inspired story.

We start the book with a greeting from Asulf, the Warrior. Learning that his life has been mingled with all things dark and downright murderous. A man imprisoned. A burdened man. A man, still fighting.

In the beginning, we jump back 20 years. A summoning, that Markvart the Mage begins, Sigrun, a Valkyrie watches and makes a silly move to show off, and... did a Demon cross over from Helheim? Only time will tell...

From there on, we are greeted by teenage Asulf and Björn. Thrown into a bloody war, so young, so gruesome, but emerge victorious!! Whoop whoop!!
But Asulf has changed. Ascended. And Björn gets left in the dust. There begins the dissolution of friendship through jealousy and fear.

Then comes Holda. The new house Maiden with whom Asulf quickly falls for. We get treated to some spicy scenes between the two. But we learn that there are a few affected by her beauty and charm, and some were not worthy of her.

We meet some other characters throughout the early chapters which you'll either love or hate whilst their presence is noted. The last thing I expected though, was a multiple POV from several characters that wouldn't typically have had a voice in a book. It makes it all the more interesting and insightful to know what they're thinking! From Chapter 14 though, you'll hate a character SO HARD!! Nothing they do will earn your forgiveness.

The pace of the book is fairly quick to begin with. Introducing those who are integral to the storyline and focusing on the areas needed when describing relationships and how things go uphill, or downhill. But as Asulf grows into manhood, it slows and we see how he transforms into the Man with Eyes of Steel.

There's laughs through characters sarcasm, tears for deaths and hatred for others. A good grasp of characters and small world building but it's honestly not needed to add anything to the story as its enticing enough itself.

The ending was surprising.. a cliffhanger and the promise of 3 more books to continue this enchanting story of magic, rituals, love/hate relationships and war; I for one, can't wait to see Asulf and his new found family again within The Arena...

Eyes of Steel was a great, epic fantasy read. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters. The pacing of the plot was good and the worldbuilding was solid. You got to know the main character in a way that made you want to get to know him and root for his success.

If you like Norse-inspired tales like A Fate Inked in Blood, definitely give Eyes of Steel a place on your tbr.

Lea Novels delivers an atmospheric and pulse pounding start to her new series with Eyes of Steel. Set against a meticulously researched Viking backdrop, the narrative succeeds in grounding the reader in a harsh, unforgiving world while masterfully introducing subtle, high stakes fantasy elements that elevate the story beyond a standard historical drama.

Trigger warning beware for explicit scenes of a tender nature.

Can not wait for the next book!

Epic. Viking. Fantasy. Romance.


“They called me the man with the Eyes of Steel.
My allies celebrated my victories.
My enemies feared my blade.
And the Gods— they foresaw my downfall”

I absolutely loved this book and if the next books in the series are like this, then I will be rating the whole series 5 stars.

This is multiple POV with the main viewpoint from the male main character, Asulf. Asulf is the son of the King’s right hand man and is a feared and respected warrior. But he soon finds out his life is not what it seems.( you have to read it to find out more!!)

The writing and the plot will get you hooked from the beginning.

I can’t wait for book 2, I have a feeling this series will be in my top series to recommend.

There are some dark themes, but the book labels them in the trigger warnings.

What a wonderful dark surprising book which I really enjoyed and thought was well written.

The POVs worked perfectly and the Viking setting was inspired.

Loved this book and look forward to the next one!

Eyes of Steel is an engaging blend of action, suspense, and emotional storytelling. From the opening chapters, the story establishes compelling stakes while gradually revealing a larger world full of secrets and difficult choices.

The protagonist is easy to root for, and the supporting cast adds plenty of personality to the journey. The pacing keeps the story moving while allowing enough breathing room for character development and world-building. I especially appreciated the balance between action sequences and quieter emotional moments.

Overall, this is an entertaining read with strong characters and an intriguing premise that kept me invested until the end.

I really enjoyed this book. It pulled me in right from the beginning, and I had a hard time putting it down. The characters were interesting, there was plenty of action, and the story kept me wanting to know what would happen next. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Eyes of Steel pulled me in quickly and kept me invested throughout the story. I loved the intensity of the characters and the emotional tension between them.

The romance had plenty of chemistry, while the more dramatic elements kept the story moving at a great pace. I especially enjoyed watching the characters’ relationship develop and seeing the different layers of their personalities revealed.

An emotional and addictive read that kept me turning the pages. Five stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.