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Sword of the Raven
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June 15, 2019
“The Honor of the Standard Bearer”
From approximately 900-1100 AD bold and enterprising Norsemen embarked on a determined quest to sail eastward—discovering Iceland, Greenland and eventually the New World. The youth, Halli, falls under the questing spell of a sea captain named Karlsefni, whose dream is to rediscover (and possibly colonize) the fabled? Wineland of heroic Eric the Red. Halli’s prized possession is his sword, with its mystic runes, with which he will never part.
At a time when Christianity, the new religion, was struggling to stamp out stubborn pagan rituals and belief in ancient Norse gods families were locked for generations of blood-feuds. Torn between his conscience’s demand to avenge his father’s death and loyalty to Raven, his cousin and friend, Halli struggles with opposing emotions and schemes. The word, Raven, has two meanings; both the name of his kinsman and the name of the ship on which he sails to seek Wineland. Ah, but is not blood also the color of wine…?
Re the style: it was educational to learn the role of versifying—even in battle. Readers observe the battle for Dublin and the inevitable culture clash between white men and Native Americans from the Viking viewpoint. Many free-verse lays are incorporated, reminiscent of the famed Anglo-Saxon poetry of the Dark Ages. The Epilogue—unusual because it comprises several chapters--takes place a decade after the voyage to the New World; almost a novella tacked on to the tale. We learn of Halli’s dedication to duty and his mist-shrouded fate. I found the denouement a disappointment, but enjoyed the personal and tribal conflicts which made most of this YA novel a page-turner. The illustrations prove mesmerizing—full of lusty life and hovering death! For high school students anyone interested in Norse culture.
June 15, 2019
From approximately 900-1100 AD bold and enterprising Norsemen embarked on a determined quest to sail eastward—discovering Iceland, Greenland and eventually the New World. The youth, Halli, falls under the questing spell of a sea captain named Karlsefni, whose dream is to rediscover (and possibly colonize) the fabled? Wineland of heroic Eric the Red. Halli’s prized possession is his sword, with its mystic runes, with which he will never part.
At a time when Christianity, the new religion, was struggling to stamp out stubborn pagan rituals and belief in ancient Norse gods families were locked for generations of blood-feuds. Torn between his conscience’s demand to avenge his father’s death and loyalty to Raven, his cousin and friend, Halli struggles with opposing emotions and schemes. The word, Raven, has two meanings; both the name of his kinsman and the name of the ship on which he sails to seek Wineland. Ah, but is not blood also the color of wine…?
Re the style: it was educational to learn the role of versifying—even in battle. Readers observe the battle for Dublin and the inevitable culture clash between white men and Native Americans from the Viking viewpoint. Many free-verse lays are incorporated, reminiscent of the famed Anglo-Saxon poetry of the Dark Ages. The Epilogue—unusual because it comprises several chapters--takes place a decade after the voyage to the New World; almost a novella tacked on to the tale. We learn of Halli’s dedication to duty and his mist-shrouded fate. I found the denouement a disappointment, but enjoyed the personal and tribal conflicts which made most of this YA novel a page-turner. The illustrations prove mesmerizing—full of lusty life and hovering death! For high school students anyone interested in Norse culture.
June 15, 2019
Displaying 1 of 1 review