Three Swords by C. L. Werner is the fifth novel in the Legends of Asgard series from Aconyte books. This series expands the Marvel universe by exploring epic tales of the Asgardian people throughout their history. Three Swords is a fast-paced adventure that features The Warriors Three, Fandral, Volstagg, and Hogun, saving all of Asgard from the threat of the three most powerful enchanters possibly ever seen there.
Their powers even rival Odin’s. In fact, combined, they are most likely stronger than him! The trio has to battle against seemingly impossible odds over and over to save Asgard, but ultimately their skills and friendship prevail. The warriors’ adventures make an extremely enjoyable story that I highly recommend for both dedicated and casual fans of Marvel comics or films.
[Note: While I am reviewing this book independently and honestly, it should be noted that it has been provided to me by Aconyte for the purpose of this review.]
[Warning: Spoilers from Three Swords by C.L. Werner are below!]
An exciting buddy romp with great chemistry in Three Swords
C. L. Werner starts his Asgardian tale with a struggling rebellion that needs some help. Cue our heroes, The Warriors Three. They are enlisted to help train and guide the rebellion. However, everything goes sideways when the rebel headquarters is discovered and stormed.
Fandral, Volstagg, and Hogun barely escape. Indeed they wouldn’t have without the help of a seer who, surprise, surprise, needs their help. He sends them off across time and space to defeat three powerful enchanters before they can invade Asgard and dethrone Odin.
The Warriors Three are a perfect example of friendship. They have been through so much together that they know everything about each other. At least they know how each other thinks and feels. They fight perfectly together and they relax perfectly together! The chemistry between the three is wonderful.
Each Asgardian has a very distinct personality, Fandral is a dashing ladies’ man, Volstagg is big in every sense of the world and brags that he is even bigger, and Hogun is the quiet, observant one. They have a great repertoire, there is a constant back and forth that is hilarious to read. They love picking at each other but it is reminiscent of brotherly bickering. Their love for each other clearly comes through, which makes it all the more entertaining.
Amazing locations, friends, and foes
Great characters are just the beginning of Werner’s magic in this Legends of Asgard novel. Once these hearty fighters are established as fully formed characters, they have to go somewhere and meet someone, and boy, do they. From futuristic cities filled with age-old problems to prehistoric swamps to medieval forests where the past is closer than you think, these three Asgardian warriors venture all over. Through Werner’s prose, the worlds and settings these three visit are easily built in my head, making reading this novel even easier and more enjoyable.
And everywhere they went there were enemies and allies to hinder and help them. The warriors were never able to fully help their newfound friends escape from their oppressors but they always left each place better than they found it, like dimension-hopping Asgardian boy scouts.
In a neat bit of plotting, overthrowing the evil sorcerers helped their allies in each place they went. This made it easier for them to be drawn away to the next battle without feeling guilty about the mess they left behind. As the reader, I found myself growing more and more attached to these three characters, because of the positive impact they had on the many worlds and realms they visited throughout the novel.
Twist upon twist in Legends of Asgard’s Three Swords
The really fun thing about this story was how it twisted and twisted, again and again, to keep surprising me. Which can be quite difficult for someone who reads so many novels. In the beginning, it seemed like the novel was about overthrowing a tyrant king, but it wasn’t. That was simply a device to allow the warriors to meet the seer. Then each time you think you know friends from the foes it gets all shook up and turned around. And just when you think you have victory it is snatched away. These twists kept me on the edge of my seat and with a desire to read another chapter after another.
Three Swords delivers a wonderfully good time, exploring another story from the corner of the Marvel universe. Anyone who enjoys a good buddy story will love to watch these three best friends laugh, love, and fight together. If you need a good battle scene, this book has plenty as they bounce from fight to fight. Sometimes literally landing in the middle of them! If unexpected turns are what get you going this story has more than a few. Werner mixes it all together with a healthy amount of humor and what you get is a story that I didn’t want to put down and characters I can’t wait to read about again. I highly recommend this book to everyone!
Rating: 9/10
Three Swords: A Marvel Legends of Asgard Novel by C.L. Werner and Aconyte Books is currently available at most booksellers.
Have you read Three Swords? What did you think of the novel? Let us know in the comments or over on Twitter!
If you haven’t already, check out my latest review from Aconyte’s Marvel line, She-Hulk Goes to Murderworld, a Marvel Multiverse Missions Adventure by Tim Dedopulos!
Book review: She-Hulk Goes to Murderworld by Tim Dedopulos
