Wolfsangel - M.D.Lachlan

Wolfsangel
by MD Lachlan
Pub: Gollancz
First in a linked series.

A desperate king leads a raid to capture a mother and her baby son, but finds twins when he arrives. One will be raised as a prince, the other left to the witches and raised as a wolf, but this is a world of Danes and Beserks, where the traditions of Odin are still followed and destiny cannot be denied.

The impression I had before starting Wolfsangel was that I would be left with a lasting sense of violence. That hasn't been the case, although violence is definitely a feature and Lachlan is at times graphic and bloody. Ok there is actually quite a lot of brutality and blood lust in the book, but it's used to good effect, only when neccessary and forms a natural part of certain sections of society. There is no sense of Lachlan revelling in gore for the sake of it, which I appreciated and the depiction is less graphic than it might have been. The violence is a product of actions, not an indulgence of the storyteller.

While the violence made an impression during the read, what really stands out in Wolfsangel, what will be my lasting impression and call me back for a re read is the sense of strorytelling. MD Lachlan really knows how to spin a tale. The characters though not often likeable are compelling and not unsympathetic. Vali and his unknown twin Feileg are raised seperately and unknown to them have roles to play in the mythology of Odin, Fenris Wolf and Loki.I am not telling you much more about the story than that. The story has witches, gods, Danes, Beserks, lovers, friends and traitors. Really though it's about the people, falling in love, trying to cope with the situation they are in and drawn inexorably toward their destiny through the choices they make and events beyond their control.

It's an intricate tale too, as complex as the original mythology, weaving a number of deceptions and delusions with everyone trying to push destiny into the shape they want for it with the twin brothers and a farm girl as the key pieces. Of course all Vali, Fieleg and Adisla really want is their lives back, but this is not a fairy tale and when the all-hater Odin is involved can it really be anything other than a tragedy?

Wolfsangel took a little patience to get into, there are neccessary elements to set up before we get to know the boys, but a few chapters in I was hooked and couldn't read quickly enough to find out what happened next. Of course Lachlan makes sure you can't read too quickly, some of the rituals and magic require a little concentration to follow. That's a good thing, made me take a little more time and enjoy it a little more as a result.

The blend of Norse mythology with traditional elements of quest fantasy and a brilliantly original twist on the werewolf mythology combine to provide a story that deserves a dark night, an open fire and a strong ale.