Due to life, career change, pandemic alongside pregnancy and then learning the ropes of parenthood - I've not had much time to read my type of books -Due to life, career change, pandemic alongside pregnancy and then learning the ropes of parenthood - I've not had much time to read my type of books - mostly it's been my daughter's books at bedtime. But earlier this autumn I made a dedicated effort to FINALLY start the third volume in the ongoing trials and tribulations of Erlan the Wanderer. Especially as I'd had it since it was first published on my shelf and I was keenly aware it's sibling sequel has recently been released into the world.
I must confess - my memory is not what it was (which wasn't good anyway) since having a child so I could really only remember Erlan, and a one eyed dog - Lilla's character was a ghost to me. As were a lot of the events of the previous book, A Sacred Storm - mainly only recalling events of A Mighty Dawn.
However, by the time I had reached the point in the book that best reflects the striking cover design I was FULLY invested back with both these protagonists as their separate lives, misfortunes, pursuit of means or abilities to change said fortunes, and indeed their unfinished love for each other, leads the pair with various accomplices, travelling companions and allies (temporary or firm) as far from their native Northlands as a Norse person could get (although historically they did go much further BUT) - to the city of the Holy Roman Empire, Byzantium otherwise known as Constantinople, otherwise known as Miklagard and is today known as Istanbul.
They both find themselves within reach of their goal and ambition, but between them is a city of Christians under siege from Muslim Arabs, an Emperor who is juggling the very real threats within and outside of the walls, a system of politics and power that is unlike anything either Lilla or Erlan has experienced and if the city falls, so does their chance of success, along with their freedom and lives. Finding new allies and making new enemies, the environment that surrounds them is turbulent and unstable and it make yet shake their love to the core, for secret agendas and sacrifices do not make a good foundation.
The world in which Theo has placed us as readers is akin to the intrigue and drama of the Tudors times 100! There are so many fascinating new characters, both minor and major that really add to the flavour of this remarkable context. Each chapter has the most beautiful twists, turns, rises and falls - it is the most magical of roller coasters for one's emotions reading this. Readers are guaranteed to still love the traditional core cast and equally boo and hiss at the new antagonists, both obvious and traitorous. It really is a superb piece of storytelling, in an era of history and geography that may be unfamiliar to many when they think "Vikings" and I really like how Theo ALMOST sets up Erlan as the founding member of the Varangian Guards (if you read the Notes at the end you will learn how he nods to that most famous band of Scandinavians).
I truly got hooked into this book once I, and the characters, first witnessed Greek Fire in all it's awe and terror. And after that I couldn't stop reading - finishing the rest of the book in 3 hours and ending up in bed at 1am!
I am so glad I finally picked it up and opened its pages to rediscover the world within. Highly recommend for readers of A Sacred Storm and A Mighty Dawn. The fourth book in Erlan's tale, A Savage Moon, is out now! And I will endeavor to not leave it so long to read it as I have it's predecessor....more
An absolutely magnificent telling of a much-forgotten but equally magnificent woman.
I hope all who have read and enjoyed this series go onto look intoAn absolutely magnificent telling of a much-forgotten but equally magnificent woman.
I hope all who have read and enjoyed this series go onto look into the factual history about Emma of Normandy to learn all the many ways she shaped English History....more
A subtle yet swift ending. A dramatic and well deserved battle of battles. Felt so sad but also felt right for Uhtred to finally get to rest his sword A subtle yet swift ending. A dramatic and well deserved battle of battles. Felt so sad but also felt right for Uhtred to finally get to rest his sword and Bernard to rest his fingers from typing so much history. Thank you for the most special legacy of books....more
This sequel starts off not long after where the first ended. Young Ava is yet again seeking adventure, breaking the rules, and is now bolder than everThis sequel starts off not long after where the first ended. Young Ava is yet again seeking adventure, breaking the rules, and is now bolder than ever before. Smuggling herself aboard her father's ship as he sails to Saxon England. She ends up on a mission between the Saxons and the invading Danes, and follows a danger filled path to meet Athelflead, the Lady of the Mercians.
The story is filled with the same wonderful descriptions, beautiful drawings, well-woven history and genuine drama of the first. A worthy sequel and it is such a heart breaking shame Dr Janina wasn't not enabled to complete Ava's story with a third....more
Now I have read a LOT of Viking historical fiction. Some of it aimed at children but the majority for teenagers and adults. Most such books involve lonNow I have read a LOT of Viking historical fiction. Some of it aimed at children but the majority for teenagers and adults. Most such books involve lone warriors or longship crews, exploring new lands, battles and wars, slaves and treasure hoards. A few and only a few feature women or girls.
This story features 2... A daughter and mother.
This story involves a pair of strangers from a foreign land, a talking raven, a pet wolf and a set of runes that only certain people can read the meaning behind. Also kidnapping, a small fight, religious sacrifices, fear, family history and memories.
It is a brilliant unique down to earth insight into the Viking world the way the Vikings saw themselves without the tint of Christianity or Anglo-Saxon heritage.
It shows the pride they had for themselves in apparance, possessions, wealth, status, success in exploration and raiding and trading and craftsmanship...
It has a real sense of danger, drama, fear but also of bravery, love, trust and gutsyness.
The illustrations that accompany the story are superb and really bring the whole adventure to life and a lot of the objects, including the key piece of the rune puzzle are in fact real life artefacts found during excavations and can be seen in various local or national museums.
It is an excellent book for children (age 10+) especially if parents read it to them for some scenes amongst the family are great at helping children understand the protectiveness of parents but equally help parents understand the children's need to do things, within reason, for themselves.
I think the theme of family is what really won the book a place on my favourites shelf. Many Vikingy stories involve family usually revolving around revenge or the desire to improve a families reputation and often through the means of earning fame and glory away from home. This book really shines a light on the family of those who go a-Viking and most significantly that there is adventure to be had without crossing the seas.
I adored every chapter and illustration and Alva is now my favourite Viking girl and I am delighted that we will get to follow at least two more of her adventures in new books.
A stellar debut from my favourite TV historian. Bravo Janina Bravo!...more
A historical novel written in the very narrative style of Icelandic Sagas and is one hell of a long saga... It is in a style very unlike that of conteA historical novel written in the very narrative style of Icelandic Sagas and is one hell of a long saga... It is in a style very unlike that of contemporary historical fiction. There is no fast pace, there is no immediate drama and build up. It's one long telling of one man's life and journeys from Scandinavia and back again, and is very much in the same almost trudging tone as the Icelandic Sagas. Not for the fainthearted if you want to read it but is a unique Norse experience and point of view....more
What can I say about a book where so much happens or worse yet doesn't happen (cue intrigue), with a seat-gripping, page-turning, heart-stopping cliffWhat can I say about a book where so much happens or worse yet doesn't happen (cue intrigue), with a seat-gripping, page-turning, heart-stopping cliff hanger within each chapter. What can I say about a book that will keep you reading well past your usual bed time, a book that you won't be able to put down, a book that might even make you forget to eat... What can I say about a book that weighs as much as the helmet on the cover. And just like a helmet completely absorbs you in the world it contains. About a book that has more court intrigue, secret plots, hidden agendas and double-crossing than The Tudors and any Shakespearean Tragedy. About a book that introduces old friends, new allies, and hidden enemies both near and far and some you don't see coming at all. About a book that involves challenges, conflict, torture and war in both the mind, soul and body of our heroes. About a book that weaves so eloquently old magic between the historical backdrop that it seems natural, captivating, alluring and still possess an air of danger, of the unknown. About a book which will make you laugh out loud, gasp in shock, wince in empathetic pain and cry in sadness and relief and shout and cheer in triumph. About a book that continues where it's series began, to shine light on a little known era of Viking/Scandinavian history and showing that sword wielding warriors can have JUST AS MUCH if not more adventure and bloodshed within their home realms, than those who went aboard across the seas. About a book which has not only surpassed it's prequel but is a dazzling display of storytelling talent. Reaffirming Theodore as a bright new spark that shines as brightly as Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian or Justin Hill. About a book that left me genuinely breathless, mind-blown and reeling from the truly epic climax of an ending and the lure of a new adventure to come in it's now greatly anticipated sequel...
What can I say about this book? Four words really. Buy It. Read it. You really don't want to miss this off your bookshelf if you have read A Mighty Dawn - and if you haven't read that Order Both, Read Both. Simple....more
From the various films over the centuries most people will be vaguely familiar with the Authruian story of Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, MeFrom the various films over the centuries most people will be vaguely familiar with the Authruian story of Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, Merlin the wizard, and the often forgotten love tragedy that is Guinevere betraying Arthur for Lancelot.
Now Giles Kristian is mostly known for his epic Viking novels Sigurd trilogy and Raven Blood Eye trilogy.
Well I am pleased to say that the story, setting, characters and style is 100% different but the levels of epicness page-turning heart-stopping drama and action is still as good as if not maybe a tad better than the previous books.
Giles has clearly done enough research to not just establish Lancelot as a character but as a person by giving him a whole life before the knight-to-be meets the Once and Future King which really helps the connection with the reader. Plus it also helps those who aren't familiar with the legend and the historical era that it is set in - being post-Roman century with the invasion and settlement of the Saxons much to the frustration and anger of the Anglish.
The world Giles has created from language to landscape to weather and even the essence of magic that is sprinkled throughout the story is genuine captivating and is a superb blend of war and romance.
I was particularly impressed with the way Giles retold the anticipated betrayal which is not just based on love but also circumstance and the agendas of others.
The ending was a real masterpiece.
It is Giles's 10th novel and is setting his talent bar and storytelling skill at new heights that surpass his previous books....more
Well... Mr Butler has done it again! He has written another epic and probably relatively unknown (outside of Ireland) invasion and battle of incrediblWell... Mr Butler has done it again! He has written another epic and probably relatively unknown (outside of Ireland) invasion and battle of incredible odds. Firstly he gives us a taste of the chaos of the English Court between Old King Henry and the Young King Harry (think I have got that right)... and the political struggle and financial downfall as well as procarious status Strongbow is in and really enlightens the reader as to why he at least seeks not just fame and fortune but a chance to earn back honour and renown and maybe establish a better future for himself. Into this enters Raymond the Fat, a Miles and Conroi Captain who is quite an amazing strategist at using anything and everything at his disposal to win as well as survive. The reader witnesses his quick thinking at the start and at the end of the book. Raymond is also surprisingly a hopeless romantic. He not only admires the great songs and even sings one in front of a lady he secretly loves. But he is also happy enough to charge to the rescue of a damsel (and her brother) in distress, siblings from Abervavenny, who are disputed inheritors and are thus pursued by the current claimant. In this complicated situation Raymond tries to kill two birds with one stone - saving the siblings and giving his Lord Strongbow a chance to regain status by agreeing to lead the Bridgehead of Strongbows invasion of Ireland. Yet Raymonds troubles just keep on multiplying... Another hugely enjoyable read with plenty of battles big and small, plot twists and turns and an ending that is breath-takingly gripping in drama and tension....more
This is an extremely well written murder mystery with echoes to Poirot and Sherlock but set within the Viking era. For one who is not usually patient eThis is an extremely well written murder mystery with echoes to Poirot and Sherlock but set within the Viking era. For one who is not usually patient enough for crime mysteries I was instantly gripped. The dynamic and variety of characters that make up this extended family reunion, both men, women and children, are so 3D, realistic and exhibit personalities that we may all recognise in ourselves and our own families. Yet the tensions and drama are wrapped around a mystery not just who will be murdered but the cause of death but literal and motive, who did it and who knows... and with a fanastic cast of suspects and so many clues or misleading clues... it really does keep the reader and the inquisitive character of Helga, guessing until the final pages. I am extremely impressed in how superbly enjoyable this Viking Noir was to read and I am delighted that there will be another one....more
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