The Fortunes of Olaf Shorthand by Thomas Owen

Olaf is a Viking.  He's proud of his battles, his riches he's acquired and his family.  But these fortunes are about to come to an end...

Mr. Owen sent me a copy of this book to read for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy in either print or ebook on Amazon.

I've read a few of Mr. Owen's books and I have to say that this one is my favorite so far.  Viking tales appeal to me and this one has the flavor of mythology and vengeance in it.  I was surprised to see it was one of his first published tales.  Some tales are just better than others and this one appealed to me.

Olaf is waiting for his son and his new wife to arrive for the wedding feast.  Instead, one of the wedding party stumbles in the door and says they were attacked by a big bear on the pass.  When the rescue party arrives, everyone is dead.  Instead of joy, Olaf is filled with sorrow and he vows revenge upon the bear.

They head out the next day with death on their minds but the bear wins the battle and leaves few alive.  Olaf will not give up, though.  He's so determined he even brings a witch in to find the bear.  She tells him where it will be and he takes the remaining men with him.  There is no bear.  But when he gets back to his home, he finds where the bear was...

This is a tale of sorrow that grabs your soul.  The ending is very ironic and exactly what was needed to satisfy Viking blood.  You won't forget this one easily, give it a try.