Under the Black Sand was published on 29 May 2013. It was completely re-edited in 2022. The work included two scenes being deleted and one added, as long as the cover redesigned. The new and current version was published on 11 November 2022.
Pétur lives in the post-banking collapse Iceland where businessmen try to benefit and politicians pretend to be honest. He loves the thrill of money and power and he will not let anything get in his way. Not even the prime minister intimidates him.
The nightmares featuring that one woman are an annoying nuisance that he tries to ignore. When he receives a photo of himself with her, he wonders how anyone could have known about her existence.
The boundaries between reality and insanity blur as a man is murdered in his office. The nightmares take over and become more real than the physical world around him.
The eBook is available in ePub format in the Kobo store and in Mobi format in the following Amazon stores:
USA – UK – Germany – France – Spain – Italy – Netherlands – Japan – Brasil – Canada – Mexico – Australia – India
It is also available directly from the author as a signed paperback (€15) and hardcover (€25). The physical books are available elsewhere as well, but are a bit too expensive for my taste (and unsigned).
Reviews:
Amazon UK, 28 May 2014 – 5 out of 5 stars
Unusual fast moving story
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I bought this book as I like stories based in Iceland. It sat in my ‘wish list’ for ages as I was unsure whether or not to buy. There were no reviews to guide me. However I am so happy that I did in the end purchase it.
This fast moving story is about a forceful businessman, set in todays post 2008 bank collapse Iceland, trying to get a large project passed a political and environmental restistance to his plan. As the story develops you get flashbacks to the past, his past, which eventually consumes his time. It is a story of love over the centuries, of struggle against hard times and also of murder. I cannot give to much away as this will ruin your enjoyment. If you like a slightly supernatural story this is for you. Very good.
Amazon NL, 21 January 2015 – 5 out of 5 stars
A unique story in a unique environment.
A story unlike other love stories. Contains all the aspects that makes you want to keep on reading (power, lust, love and well described feelings and sceneries). Movie material.
Amazon USA, 6 February 2015 – 4 out of 5 stars
Gripping story – needs an editor
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Very good story; starts a bit slow, but if you keep going it will eventually grip you. It made me want to watch the short movie in which the book is based. I very much enjoyed the way the history of Iceland is used as a backdrop for the story, that works very well. The pronunciation guide was a nice touch, by the way.
Minor nitpick: this book would benefit from being looked over by an editor. There are a few repeated errors that look like translation mistakes (like using “ore” where it should be “oar”, or “clique” for “cliché” – both of these several times), and at least once a character’s name is replaced with what looks like an English version of the name (Halla is referred to as Heather in one of the final scenes).
((The issues here have since been corrected and are not found in the version currently on offer – Villi))
Amazon USA, 10 May 2015 – 4 out of 5 stars
Nordic spirits and a Nordic Tiger.
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This crime novel swings from standard mystery to very different mythology. Very pleasing story that is tied up well. Most of the characters are very real but not sympathetic. No sweethearts traipsing through this tundra. Great melding of ancient and contemporary conflict.
Two trailers were created for Under the Black Sand:
A second novel, Blood and Rain, is expectedon 3 March 2017. It is not a sequel to Under the Black Sand.