The Shattered Sea

After purchasing, but before reading these books I read several comments stating they weren't as good as the First Law books, however, having read the first two so far, I can say that isn't the case, these are equally as good.

This has a Vikingesk-type setting, with the main character, at least in book one, Prince Yarvi, being born with only one finger and a thumb on his left hand, who is  thrown into a role he never expected when his father and older brother are killed. The first book follows Yarvi's ordeals from first learning of their deaths, to his oath of revenge being fulfilled, which takes many twists and turns along the way. 

The second books focus of attention moves away from Yarvi, though he still has a prominent role, to Thorn, and to a lesser extent Brand. Thorn is a young girl who wishes to become a warrior like her father was, and to that end has been training with the young men of the city, but due to the prejudice and resentment of her instructor to her becoming a warrior, events take her in a different direction and sees her saved from certain death by Father Yarvi, who she then becomes oath bound to.

These are fast-paced, entertaining and engaging books which have well crafted events written in a believable and intelligent manner that allows you to feel for, and sympathise with, the characters through the various challenges they encounter.

I enjoyed the first novel, but this one is even better, and I am hoping the third will be better yet.