8 Reasons You Should Read RORIK by Mary Morgan

Psst, did you hear the good news? Nae? Then let me share a few teasers why you should read RORIK, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 2!

1.  The Vikings had their ancient laws, but you will also learn the Wolves of Clan Sutherland had their own called the Nine Noble Virtues of Wolf Lore.

2.  You’ll get to meet a powerful Seer and wise woman from the Orkneyjar Isles who does not get along with a certain wolf in the elite guard.

3. You learn several ways how Rorik can shift magically into a wolf—from swiftly and quietly, to uttering a chant and transforming into the animal. 

4.  You’ll have a chance to revisit characters from the first book, Magnar.

5.  Find out the other magical gift Rorik possesses. 

6.  Experience a Viking sporting game over a raging river. 

7.  Learn what happens when Rorik surrenders control to his inner wolf. 

8.  Dare to immerse yourself in Norse Mythology within the pages of this story, and Rorik and Ragna’s world.

The Dark Seducer is known throughout Scotland as a man who charms many women into his bed. Pleasure is his motto as he obtains information for his king. Yet Rorik MacNeil harbors one secret buried beneath his heart of steel. An unfulfilled conquest plagues both man and his inner wolf, and Rorik would rather suffer death’s sharp blade than confront his greatest fear.

As the Seer for the Orkneyjar Isles, Ragna Maddadsson confronts an unknown destiny when she travels across the North Sea to Scotland. In her quest to deliver a message from a powerful vision, she fears the warrior will not listen. If Rorik ignores her warning, Ragna must find a way to forestall his impending death. If unsuccessful, she risks having her heart cleaved in two.  

To unravel their true fates, Rorik and Ragna must trust in the power of the wolf.

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A sneak preview from RORIK ~

“Have you been eating the fresh berries in the meadow, Ragna?” asked the male voice behind her. The man rolled her name off his tongue, sending shivers down her back. She knew him well, often staring at him while she traveled into the nearby village of Kirkjuvágr. 

Doing her best to compose herself, she wiped the palms of her hands down the front of her gown and turned around. “I have yet to find any. Why do you ask?” 

Rorik stepped forth from the shadow of a tree. His smile came slowly as he approached her. 

She tried to control the fierce beating of her heart as the man loomed over her with a dark and hungry gaze. 

“Your lips are as red as the berries that grow in abundance in the meadow,” he stated softly.

“’Tis only an apple I have been eating.” Unable to move away, Ragna studied the man’s features—from his deep green eyes to the dimple hidden within the dark facial hair covering his chin. To suppress the urge of twining her fingers into his long ebony hair, she dug her fingers into her gown. She thought the warrior had to be chiseled from the Gods. 

Rorik lifted his hand and gently pressed his thumb against her bottom lip. “Beauty.” 

An ache grew within Ragna. His nearness made her weak and without breath. When his hand slipped around her waist, she collapsed into his embrace, placing her palms against his broad chest. “What are you doing?” 

“I want to taste your lips, Ragna. I have thought of nothing else these long summer days.”

She tried to breathe, finding it difficult within his strong embrace. “Why me?” she blurted out on a gasp.

He lowered his head near her ear. “Why not you?”

 

Meet The Wolves of Clan Sutherland by Mary Morgan

 

I’m excited to share my upcoming new release, Rorik, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Book 2! Before we take a peek at the Dark Seducer’s story, I want to introduce you to the Norse and Scottish men who are rumored to be part wolf. They are the elite guard for King William of Scotland. Their bloodline flows with the magic from both countries, giving them unique and powerful qualities.

 

Meet the Wolves of Clan Sutherland!

Magnar ~ The Barbarian. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, Magnar is a fierce ruler for those under his command. Beware if you should become his enemy, since his motto is to strike first and ask questions later.

 

Rorik ~ The Dark Seducer. His smooth charm and power of persuasion has enticed many women to his bedchamber. Pleasure is his motto as he obtains secrets for the king. Love is simply a weakness. Rorik’s heart is as frozen as the steel of his blade.

 

Steinar ~ The Pirate. Known for his exceptional battles fought at sea, this man seeks the ultimate treasure for Scotland. A prize valued by both—Norse Gods and Kings.  

 

Gunnar ~ The Thief. His highly praised skill in retrieving any object required by the king has left this one believer of Christ seeking penance at every holy shrine he encounters. He is the sole wolf who also refuses to acknowledge the Norse God Odin.

 

Bjorn ~ The Mercenary. As he secretly takes coin from another king to kill this king’s enemy, Bjorn’s ruse is to help those who have fallen under the trap of the King of England and bring them home to Scotland. 

 

Ivar ~ The Rogue. His loyalty is questionable at times. If given a choice between obeying his leader, the king, or his wolf, this rogue would choose his beast.

 

Thorfinn ~ The Traitor. Given away to another family shortly after his birth, he has despised his twin, Magnar most of his life. His enemy is the King of Scotland, and the Wolves of Clan Sutherland. 

The Dark Seducer is known throughout Scotland as a man who charms many women into his bed. Pleasure is his motto as he obtains information for his king. Yet Rorik MacNeil harbors one secret buried beneath his heart of steel. An unfulfilled conquest plagues both man and his inner wolf, and Rorik would rather suffer death’s sharp blade than confront his greatest fear.

As the Seer for the Orkneyjar Isles, Ragna Maddadsson confronts an unknown destiny when she travels across the North Sea to Scotland. In her quest to deliver a message from a powerful vision, she fears the warrior will not listen. If Rorik ignores her warning, Ragna must find a way to forestall his impending death. If unsuccessful, she risks having her heart cleaved in two.  

To unravel their true fates, Rorik and Ragna must trust in the power of the wolf.  

Release Date: 6.30.21

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Viking Research and Sale for MAGNAR by Mary Morgan

As some of you may know, I’m a research geek when it comes to writing my stories. I get giddy when I have to look up anything—from historical herbs, landscape, naming a character, and food. 

Do you ever wonder how a medieval person made cheese? Or what about breads? How did one heal a broken leg? What about medieval weaponry (Sorry, I have a fascination with swords)? There are tons of books and internet sites, but a YouTube video is often times the best for me. I’m able to visualize the process, instead of merely reading about the history of a particular item.

In doing research for Magnar, I fell in love with this particular website and their videos—The Ribe VikingeCenter. Located in Denmark, Ribe is one of their oldest towns. The VikingeCenter gives you a glimpse into an authentic, living Viking experience. It now has been added to my bucket list of places to visit.

Here is their website: https://ribevikingecenter.dk/en/home.aspx

It was customary for the Vikings to eat two meals per day—one in the morning and one in the evening. They ate with their fingers from flat wooden trenchers, or used wooden bowls for porridge, soups, and stews. The Vikings also used antlers and bones that were fashioned into spoons.

In my research, I discovered the Vikings used an interesting leavening agent in their breads. Since they didn’t have baking soda, baking powder, or yeast, they did have another leavening agent—reindeer antler salt. The oil is distilled from the antlers and from there salt was created. 

This bread recipe below is super easy to make and delicious warm from the oven with butter and/or honey spread thickly over a slice.

Skål (Cheers) 

Viking Bread

Ingredients

3 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 cups water

3/4 cup rolled oats

3 tablespoons rolled oats (to sprinkle on top)

Honey and butter

Instructions

Whisk all dry ingredients together and then add the water.

Stir everything with a wooden spoon until it comes partially together.

Knead the dough with damp hands.

Form the dough into a round disk (approximately 8 inches across). Place bread on baking stone or a greased baking sheet.

Lightly brush the top with water and sprinkle the reserved oats on the top. Put into a cold oven.

Turn on oven to 375 degrees for 1 hour.

Cool slightly and then spread with butter and/or honey.

And for the first time, MAGNAR is on sale for 99¢! Grab your copy today or gift one to a friend! 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE 

  

A Writer’s Quirky Habits by Mary Morgan

 

One of the many questions I’ve been asked in interviews is to share any quirky writing habits I have with their readers. I have too many to list here, so I won’t bore you. Yet there are a couple that make me smile and set the mood when I descend into my writing cave. It’s almost like entering another world for me—full of brave, stubborn warriors, and strong, feisty women. In addition, a few magical dragons, an occasional evil druid and or seer, and lots of wolves.

I don’t consider this one a quirky habit, but rather a tradition—a leather journal. It’s one that has to be purchased before the start of each story or series. I have to find the right one that feels right in my hands. This is where I put all the pertinent information for the world of my story. My collection started with my first purchase at a Renaissance Faire years ago. Now, I’m able to find really lovely leather journals at Barnes & Noble.

The photo of the journal below is for my current series The Wolves of Clan Sutherland.

 

Though some might argue it’s odd and suggest any random notepad or writer’s computer program will do the job more easily, I cannot. For this writer, it’s leather journals all the way! Also, I believe each writer is unique and has their own special technique that works for them.

Another quirky habit is to hold one of my crystals in my hand and take three deep cleansing breaths before I start writing. I’ve found when I’m in a hurry to get into the story and don’t do this ritual, I’m not as focused.

So my writer friends, what quirky habits do you have? Do share!  

Available at AMAZON.