Woden's Storm by Donovan Cook
Series: The First Kingdom #2
Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction
A storm is coming.
A storm that will banish the old and deliver the new.
450AD BritainOcta has the spear of Woden, but the redemption he sought is out of his grasp. With his banishment and the death of his father, he can no longer return to his Saxon homelands. His only salvation is to join forces with Hengist and Horsa, and their Jutish army that beaches itself on Brittania’s shores. But can he trust their motivation or are there greater plans afoot?
The Gods have their own plans, though, and Octa’s fate is not his own to control as Friga, the mother of the Saxon gods, battles to avoid a war with the gods of the Britons and Saxons using Octa as her weapon.
Prince Vortimer, the son of High King Vortigern, is angered by his father’s agreement with Hengist and Horsa as they remain unchecked and their numbers swell. He suspects treachery and encouraged by some well-placed words of a stranger, he rebels against his father and gathers his army to attack the unwelcome visitors.War is coming to Britannia and as Octa struggles to understand his role and fate, he knows he has one question to answer. Will he run or will he stand and fight?
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, and while Woden’s Storm is technically the second installment, I found it engaging and easy enough to follow on its own. The story wastes no time in pulling readers into the complex interplay between men and gods, belief and power, and the constantly changing political landscape of early Britain. The gods are far from silent observers—they’re active forces in the chaos, and their presence gives this book an added layer of intensity and unpredictability.
I loved how the story highlights the diversity of gods and beliefs that shaped Britain at the time. It’s a refreshing reminder that the land we now think of as “England” was once a patchwork of peoples, faiths, and traditions. That tension—between unification and division, old gods and new—is what fuels this novel’s energy and sense of purpose.
Our protagonist, Octa, is not your typical heroic warrior. Nicknamed “Octa the Coward,” he’s flawed, conflicted, and far from idealized—and that’s exactly what makes him so compelling. His growth across the story feels earned. Where many historical heroes are all strength and glory, Octa’s strength lies in his endurance, intelligence, and surprising capacity for change. I really enjoyed how his decisions, mistakes, and small victories shaped the larger events unfolding around him.
The supporting characters also shine, particularly Brigid, who grapples with her faith and identity after losing her connection to her goddess Brigantia. Her story adds emotional weight and a touch of spiritual mystery to the plot. I also loved the inclusion of short chapters told from the gods’ perspectives—these glimpses into divine meddling add texture and tension, grounding the mythological elements in a very human struggle for power and survival.
The setting is immersive and well-realized. I appreciated the inclusion of maps and historical context at the start, which helped anchor me in the world. The descriptions of the land, from battlefields to sacred groves, make the story feel tangible and alive. There’s also a sense of movement throughout—travel, conflict, and exploration—that keeps the pacing dynamic and engaging.
If I have one critique, it’s that the plot occasionally feels sprawling, with so many moving parts that it can be tricky to keep track of them all. Still, the scope is ambitious, and the execution strong enough that I never lost interest.
Overall, Woden’s Storm is a bold, immersive, and thoughtful blend of myth and history. It balances grit and grandeur beautifully and offers a protagonist who feels refreshingly human. I’ll definitely be circling back to read Woden’s Spear next.
Meet the Author
About Donovan Cook
Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. He was born in South Africa and currently lives in Lancashire, UK.
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