Kindle
$9.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Paperback
$16.99
Buy new:
-15% $16.99
FREE delivery Monday, May 20 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$16.99 with 15 percent savings
List Price: $19.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Monday, May 20 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 16. Order within 10 hrs 24 mins
In Stock
$$16.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$16.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$12.04
Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! See less
$3.99 delivery May 21 - 28. Details
Or fastest delivery May 17 - 22. Details
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$16.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$16.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by HPB Inc..
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Lilith Saintcrow
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

A Flame in the North (Black Land's Bane, 1) Paperback – February 13, 2024

by Lilith Saintcrow (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 71 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$16.99","priceAmount":16.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"16","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"%2BnCCIF422%2B5ne6E0Bo2xiRWGoujyUKrIgzlMdhEMwkXjRvXQAb9WdIEbxMCprscAU5I8QnfhsFYRW8Kj%2BmXBJaCrOxPnBm9cwHqx7HxwxKE02yDyqwMU%2BEf19wrzYtrBnKkjdR3JI6gvWrzJX7y%2FQw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$12.04","priceAmount":12.04,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"12","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"04","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"%2BnCCIF422%2B5ne6E0Bo2xiRWGoujyUKrI6%2F9XMoPcpyyThbRcOJJjwcmSFQgeNpwEyfjXLatj7ce2fsoEsriaBhvRWUblx2RxQt4MFqE6KVV%2BRVCHY3Dp5TDZeds7l%2FSjZkNumOje9pcCNo3NfIEw10BEHpatVJDtRQUQUJj%2BH64U4J1GR5Q1xA%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

From New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow comes the first book in a thrilling Norse-inspired epic trilogy about ancient myth and magical destiny.
 
The Black Land is a myth: Centuries have passed since that Great Enemy was slain. Yet old fears linger, and on the longest night of the year, people in the South still light ritual bonfires to banish the dark.
 
In her village, this duty falls to Solveig, a girl favored by the gods with powerful fire magic. But when her brother kills a Northern lord’s son during the ritual, it is Sol who faces punishment, by being weregild—part hostage, part guest—in the North for a year and a day.
 
As she journeys to her captivity, Sol starts to realize that the Black Land is no myth. The forests teem with foul beasts. Her travel companions are not what they seem, and their plans for her magic are shrouded in secrecy.
 
With only her loyal shieldmaiden and her own wits to rely upon, Sol must learn to master her powers and wrest control of her fate. For the Black Land’s army stirs, ready to cover the world in darkness—unless Sol can find the courage to stop it.

The story continues in THE FALL OF WATERSTONE, available July 2024, and in the incredible conclusion DOOM OF THE ELDER, coming soon. 

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 2
    Black Land's Bane
  2. Print length
    448 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Orbit
  5. Publication date
    February 13, 2024
  6. Dimensions
    6 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0316440337
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0316440332
  9. See all details
Next page
All the Little Raindrops: A Novel
"All the Little Raindrops: A Novel" by Mia Sheridan for $10.39
The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Lilith Saintcrow: 

"Saintcrow's rough, rawboned prose paints a world not on the edge, but already over it, revealing an alternate history of America that is achingly relevant to the America in which we live. Simply put, Saintcrow doesn't f*** around." —Chuck Wendig, author of Wanderers on Afterwar

"Incredibly timely, well written and important.... A testament to Saintcrow's skill." —Los Angeles Times on Afterwar

"A true faery story, creepy and heroic by turns. Love and hope and a touch of Midsummer Night's Dream. I could not put it down." —Patricia Briggs, author of the Mercy Thompson series on Trailer Park Fae

"Painfully honest, beautifully strange, and absolutely worth your time. Lilith Saintcrow is at the top of her game. Don't miss this." —Seanan McGuire, author of the Wayward Children series on Trailer Park Fae

About the Author

Lilith Saintcrow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as an Air Force brat, and fell in love with writing when she was ten years old. She currently lives in Vancouver, WA.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Orbit (February 13, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316440337
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316440332
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.02 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.25 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 71 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Lilith Saintcrow

Lilith Saintcrow

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Lilith Saintcrow lives in Vancouver, Washington, with a library for wayward texts.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
71 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

iamgrewt
5.0 out of 5 stars Vast; Could not put down
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2024
Verified Purchase
Epic quest seems a dull, inadequate description for this work by Lilith Saintcrow. Other reviews have compared this to Tolkien, and where both have a great evil rising, threatening all living beings, the mythology is far different. Where Tolkien’s writing is reserved; this is a lived experience, in color and palpable. Races include elder, human, and wolf shifter, and quite a variety of foul creatures. The story is told from the POV of Solvieg, a young woman with elemental magic skill and power quite beyond healer and wise woman, who is shackled by a questioning confidence at times and demands of magic perhaps innate, but yet untaught or uncalled; the potential at least seems enough to mark her as a key figure in the impending war against a giant evil foe. As she joins a small group on their journey, the story explodes with imagery so alive and immersive it is hard not to share the sense of danger and tension as the group is pursued relentlessly by creatures and magic with a malignant focus. Almost the best character, however, is Arneior, the shield maid, Sol’s companion and protector since childhood. Her fierce courage and being blindingly fast with spear and awareness serves them well in their travels. A shared wit between the two keeps even the bleakest of times a bit brighter. Incredible storytelling, with flavors of magic and courage and faithfulness throughout; vast worldbuilding with touches of humor to keep the reader grounded, or simply amused. Brilliant writing. Next book already preordered.
Helpful
 Report
ljl1992
5.0 out of 5 stars Hints of Tolkien like vanilla in a cake
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is the first book of an epic fantasy series (I'm not sure how many books there will be), which has flavors of other epic fantasies as well as Viking and Scandanavian cultures but is also original and lyrical. I really love the culture of riddles and snaps, the scenery and atmosphere of this world, and the story of the journey. I know the second book is coming in just a few months, but I wish I didn't have to wait. I'll be re-reading Book1 before Book2, in order to re-immerse in the story, and be ready to join Sol, Arn, and everyone else on their next adventure!
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Tiffany Adams
4.0 out of 5 stars Vikings are in right now
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2024
A captivating Norse-inspired fantasy where ancient myths intertwine with unforeseen destinies. Our FMC Solveig is an elemental witch with the power to summon fire, along with her loyal shieldmaiden embarks on a perilous journey, navigating through a world haunted by old fears and hidden agendas.

Saintcrow's distinctive writing style immerses readers in a richly imagined world where every village's ritual fire serves as a reminder of past struggles. As Solveig grapples with newfound responsibilities and uncovers the truth about the Black Land, the narrative unfolds with gripping action scenes and unconventional combat tactics.

Classic fantasy tropes like the reluctant hero, mythical creatures, and a looming evil are expertly woven into the story, adding depth and suspense. Despite slower pacing initially, Saintcrow's storytelling keeps readers engaged with its blend of familiar tropes and unexpected twists.
Helpful
 Report
Jen
3.0 out of 5 stars Norse LotR - Writing style included
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2024
2.75 stars. Ooof this was hard to get through. I was so excited for a Norse and Lord of the Rings inspired story but there were way too many parallels to LotR for me and the writing was also very reminiscent of Tolkien's - which is fine if you like that writing style, I would recommend the book for you in that case, but I find it dry and hard to get through.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Flemingo121
5.0 out of 5 stars A Mesmerizing high fantasy
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
This may be Ms. Saintcrow’s best novel yet, a classic high fantasy saga full of complexity and carefully woven imagery. An absolute delight to read. I love all of her novels but this one is truly special.
Helpful
 Report
SMS
5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVED this. It is difficult to read, but I think it’s 100% worth it.
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2024
Verified Purchase
TL;DR - I LOVED this. It is difficult to read, but I think it’s 100% worth it. Lord of the Rings, with a Viking flavor, and a female Gandalf as the lead is my best comp for this. Love, love, love it.

A Flame in the North tells the story of Solveig who, after her brother kills a man, is traded to another clan for a year and a day. This clan of takes her North, to where she believes is their home, but it is instead the beginning of an epic journey. She and her sworn Shieldmaiden face threats straight from the old ballads as they travel, finding themselves nearly lost in the cold north.

This is a journey book, in the purest most basic form. So if you don’t enjoy journey’s definitely pass this one up. It’s also dense and difficult to read. Lilith Saintcrow takes a very classic style with her writing. It’s meaty and she introduces and uses quite a few new world specific words and terms, and more archaic language and sentence structure at times.

Is all that worth moving through to get to the end? Yes, hard yes. I adored this. It took me so long to read and when I did I almost pre-ordered the audio AND the physical. I wanted the book for my shelf and I wanted to hear it again in my ears. This is a journey of cold you can feel, political maneuvering that will leave you furious and intrigued, and a few moments of heartbreak.

6 out of 5 little squat man rune statues. This is going to be a best book of the year. Pick this up if you are interested.
Helpful
 Report
Kelly
5.0 out of 5 stars Love epic fantasy!
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
I loved the worldbuilding and descriptive narrative. Having read many an epic fantasy, I know the first book of any trilogy involves background, history and action (always hoped for). This book provides all of the above. I became engaged with the characters and finished the book in record time. Cannot wait for the next!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Michaelina Nowicki
5.0 out of 5 stars love her descriptions
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
she is a fantastic writer. love her metaphors, they are unusual and memorable and thought provoking
Helpful
 Report