Zeal of the North — series

Tropes & Themes

How it starts

Elvara Sweengard, the eldest daughter of a chieftain, is thrust into a world of danger and intrigue when her father and brother are killed on their way to the king's elite war academy, the Hird. With her family's rule at stake and magic vanishing from their village, Elvara must take her brother's place at the academy. There, she faces ruthless trials and the challenge of earning a rune from the gods to restore the lost magic. As she navigates the academy's perils, she finds herself unexpectedly bonded to a formidable Viking warrior, complicating her mission and her heart. Enemies lurk at every turn, and Elvara must discern friend from foe to save her people. ⚠️ Content warnings: Gore, bullying, parent and sibling death, betrayals, spice, cursing.