Title: The Chronicle of the Ostmen: Maelstrom
Author: Ian McKay Nunn
Publisher: Xlibris AU
ISBN: 1664103481
Pages: 250
Genre: Historical
Reviewed by: Liz Konkel

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The story takes place in the year 869 during a time when clan lords have control and monks spread the word of the Lord to all people. A young noble named Mael rebels against these ideas but the circumstances of war soon takes him away from the privileged life following the Ostmens arrival at the monastery which draws him directly into the heart of the Danish invasion. As battle is waged all around him over the remaining Saxon kingdom, Mael is an outsider in a strange new world and strives within the chaos of his new reality for ways to survive.

The historical setting is captured well through details through significant moments such as the raid on the monastery (when Mael is captured) the onset of winter that comes with a depletion of resources to several depictions of battle. The rich background details help establish a historical visual that draws you into this world through poignant details that are perfect examples such as the Danes loading captives, gold, and silver onto a ship, a camp located at the catchment of three rivers, the beautiful manuscripts tossed aside, and a monk transcribing a text. The subtle details of the scenery truly capture the feeling and tone of the time while also fully embracing the frosty season of winter through imagery such as chilled land that hibernates, leaf litter replenishing the soil, and a horse determined to go to war on a frost-covered morning. The battle moments are even stunning in the beauty of the writing such as a moment before battle depicted with swords honed with whetstones.

The preface depicts a portrait of a peaceful and curious people through details about the men that came with tools and stories from the Mediterranean. This beginning offers a sense of hope these people had as they truly wanted to believe in these stories for the wonders they told about a better life. This peaceful opening introduces Mael, who serves as an important character as his life shifts from a noble to a captive. The use of this young noble creates an outlook on the historical setting through the eyes of someone whose biggest worry was getting out of his father’s critical eye. The story then shifts into a fight for a kingdom when Ostmen appear, serving as a catalyst to the battles that follow their raid of the monastery. The plot revolves around the battle for the last Saxon kingdom which is told through differing perspectives that shift between Mael, Prince Alfred, and various Dane and Saxon characters. The well-rounded approach to the storytelling weaves between various characters, including Mael, Prince Alfred, commander Ottar, and overlord Halfdan. The variety of characters allows shifts between Saxons and Danes which shows both sides of the battle.

The gray-scale illustrations have a sketch-like quality to their appearance depicting a tone that fits with the historical setting. The images are vividly detailed to provide characters with expressions and depict them among cattle and elements of scenery. These details add a poignancy that pairs well with the writing style to create a historical aesthetic while delivering visuals to various important moments throughout the story. Historical fiction comes to life in The Chronicle of the Ostmen, taking you directly into the fight for a Saxon kingdom through poignant writing, different perspectives, and a well-crafted escapade of battle.