Skadi's Saga (A Norse-Inspired Progression Fantasy)
Self-Published
Community Rating
Description
An obscure jarl’s daughter will rise to wield the power of the gods.
The old order is collapsing. The Archean Empire devours all in its path, toppling kings, razing cities, and massacring any that oppose it. Sweeping into the north, a land of brutal cold, ragged mountains, and dark myths, they believe their infamous discipline will crush the white-hot rage of its sea reavers and dreaded berserkers.
And at first they are right.
But their invasion dislodges a pebble that is destined to become an avalanche. When Skadi Styrbjörnsdóttir is forced into exile to escape the Archeans, she begins a journey that will bring her to the attention of the gods, arm her with legendary weapons, and set her against immortal foes.
Wielding the power of her ever-growing wyrd, Skadi seeks to avenge her people, and in doing so defy the world-devouring Archean Empire—and one day destroy it.
Content Warnings are selected to give me artistic freedom down the road.Release Schedule: 5 chapters per week, Mon-Fri.This web novel is only posted on Royal Road.Seemy Amazon author pagefor other works of epic and progression fantasy.
World Map
Information
- Status
- Ongoing
- Year
- 2024
- Author
- pwtucker
Tags
Royal Road Stats
- Rating
- 4.7/ 5.0
- Followers
- 1,276
- Views
- 7,635
Chapters(3 total)
Reviews
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Community Reviews(10)
- BentSporkRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0I weathered many low sleep nights from the evening I found this story till I got to the end. The Mythology and way the world worked, the strength of and ability to leverage fate was a fascinating concept that I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope that one day the next arc in Skadi's saga is written, but even if it never comes this is a story worth reading.
- ChristieRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Enjoying it, alright ! How not ? Vikings meet Fantasy. I am all in. Hoping for some magic somewhere on the line.
But please please please use numbers in your chapters. It helps as a reader to see where you are and where you are going to. Specially when binging. - GuurzakRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0There is a lot of good amateur fiction on Royal Road. There isn't very much that that make you think "this would have been a best seller if published before the Internet." This is one of those few: great characters, great plotting, great pacing, great world building, and just generally great artistry and craftsmanship.
- MateuszRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Whatever your opinion of Skadi's Saga, it can't be denied that the story stands out on this site. The Norse inspiration, the writing quality, the clear research the author put into the world-building, and the unique magic system all make for a compelling action story. That being said, by Royal Road standards, this isn't as much of a popcorn read as many other stories, so I wouldn't advise going in with that expectation.
If I had to describe how the story seems to be unfolding so far, it'd probably be, "If Assassin's Creed Valhalla had Ghost of Tsushima's plot, with more fantastical elements." Which is good mix. The action in the story kicks off immediately -- giving us our immense and implacable foe in the form of the Archean Empire -- and promises future dramatic showdowns on battlefields across the map. The stakes are there, as is a hint that there's something mysterious going on with the Archean's world conquest. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.
The cast is likable. Skadi isn't the kind of protagonist that gets such a degree of favoritism that she feels like she's there to break the world instead of exist as part of it, but the story never descends into making her the target of misery porn either. There isn't a ton of dimension to her yet, but I'm not expecting it at this point in the story. My favorite is Damian -- a young priest far, far from home sent on a mission to warn other lands of impending Archean invasions rather than convert them. Unfortunately, skepticism is all he gets for his efforts. He's doubly interesting because he demonstrates a different aspect of the magic system than Skadi.
And that magic system is 100% worth mentioning, because it's one of the highlights of the story. One of the reasons I mentioned Assassin's Creed earlier is because this magic system is essentially designed around creating the scenarios you'd see in an AC trailer -- by manipulating the threads of fate, Skadi (and others) can flawlessly kill tons of foes w - RevschmidtRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Reviewed after reading the whole story. Well crafted story, great concept, great characters, MC never feels OP, but each step is hard won. Great companions, who develop in their own way. Be aware it is dark in places, as it says in the tags, taking place in a violent world.
- TwinStarsRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Love the story so far, really hope it will be successful. Need more progfantasy stories by professional authors who knoe how to craft a well put together story!
If anyone doesn't know, the author also has a book series called Bastion which is really cool as well!
The future of progression fantasy is gonna be bright! - gv27Royal Road★★★★★ 5.0I really loved this story. I was surprised to read to the end of arc one where the author notes that they thought the story might not be a fit for Royal Road. I think I understand, a little, which is a shame for the site, since this story is by far one of the most well-written and thoughtful stories I've read on this site. I think the way web fiction is read and written often lead to certain expectations, mostly regarding length and engagement with certain genre conventions. As someone who reads web fiction for fun, I can see the appeal here, but if that means that an incredible story with genre-defining world-building isn't finding a space to thrive, I think that's a shame.
I don't really have any real notes for this story; I think it was fantastic. The Norse myths and religion are handled really well, and I really welcome this story as part of a recent trend in books and films that genuinely engage with this complex and often alien society. - moredreadRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0A fantastic story. Norse Gods and their champions. It has a very original system. Each hero has golden threads of fate. When they are in battle, everytime they would recieve a mortal wound. They lose a thread. Kinda like an extra life. So a battle between powerful warriors can be whoever can out last the other.
The thing is, no one can see either their threads or any others. Except for Skaldi. She is blessed to see them.
In battle if you win, or perform some other great deed. You can gain more threads.
Fantastic writing, the story flows so well. The conversations are perfect. Original and addicting. Very much recommend - reil-rhiilRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0A true breath of fresh air. I look forward to seeing this interesting world and the conflicts and characters therein play out.
As Skadi strides through the world, a young lady sure to be a legend, I can only wait with eager anticipation to find put what, exactly, her legend (or saga) will be. - xSolomonRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0This is a great attempt at a modern day epic. It's like a Norse Odyssey. Heroes, Gods, great battles, and mythical foes make up this story. The protagonist does not always win, nor does any problem ever get deus ex machina'd. There's wonderful character development, and vivid world building throughout.
Read the first chapter, then you'll see there's nothing else to be done but to binge the whole story!