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Charlemagne's Cross #1
Odin's Betrayal
Francia AD853
After a failed Viking raid on the Frankish coast over 20-years-ago, Jarl Sven the Boar is forced to leave his only son, Torkel, as a hostage and warned never to raid Francia again or his son will die.
In Hügelburg, a small town in East Francia, Torkel and his 9-year-old son Charles are ambushed at home.
Before dying, Torkel thrusts a package into young Charles’s hands and tells him to flee Francia for Denmark in search of his grandfather Sven the Boar’s protection.
But the man Charles eventually finds is not who he expects, and Charles must put his fate in the hands of a man betrayed by Odin.
Together they must uncover the significance of the package and why the Kings of Francia want Charles dead.
After a failed Viking raid on the Frankish coast over 20-years-ago, Jarl Sven the Boar is forced to leave his only son, Torkel, as a hostage and warned never to raid Francia again or his son will die.
In Hügelburg, a small town in East Francia, Torkel and his 9-year-old son Charles are ambushed at home.
Before dying, Torkel thrusts a package into young Charles’s hands and tells him to flee Francia for Denmark in search of his grandfather Sven the Boar’s protection.
But the man Charles eventually finds is not who he expects, and Charles must put his fate in the hands of a man betrayed by Odin.
Together they must uncover the significance of the package and why the Kings of Francia want Charles dead.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2023
455 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 10, 2023
In whom can you place your trust?
This wasn't the best Viking story I have read but, it was still gripping. It was the story of a family, riven by jealousy and religious differences. Broken oaths, arrogance, murder and treachery, your every day family grievances. A mighty Jarl, broken by the death of his wife and loss of his only son is reduced to a drink sodden wretch. However, redemption is at hand through the discovery of his previously unknown grandson. All he has to do is keep him alive and out of the hands of the king of the Franks. I await the sequel with anticipation.
This wasn't the best Viking story I have read but, it was still gripping. It was the story of a family, riven by jealousy and religious differences. Broken oaths, arrogance, murder and treachery, your every day family grievances. A mighty Jarl, broken by the death of his wife and loss of his only son is reduced to a drink sodden wretch. However, redemption is at hand through the discovery of his previously unknown grandson. All he has to do is keep him alive and out of the hands of the king of the Franks. I await the sequel with anticipation.
March 24, 2023
When we first need spin the boar it is on the beach of France and him and his Danish crew are about to make haste a and head back to Denmark with all his kidnapped slaves in his loop but unfortunately King Louie has been waiting for their return this is the first trip that Sphin has brought his nine-year-old son torque and when he sees the prince and all his men he knows this is a losing battle but worse than that the prince has young torque and he tells Sphin if you ever come back I will kill your son myself. After a fierce battle Sphin knows he is beaten and leaves without his son but promises him he will come back for him. This is something he doesn’t do and torque grows up as a warrior and has a son of a zone and this is how the book is focused on. Young Charles is bullied and taunted because he is half danish because someone is a traitor to prince Louis they come to kidnap torque and his son Charles they want to kill torque but kidnap Charles because he is important to the kingdom but his dad is a mighty warrior in fights the guards off and kills all of them and gives Charles a satchel and tells him take this to Denmark find your grandfather and he will take care of you. He tell them you must leave the Franks and remember you can trust no one but little Charles loves the church and Bishop Bernard but when he finds out the best of his also double crossed him he doesn’t know where to turn. Lucky for Charles he meets a slave named Gerald and he looks out for him so much so he becomes his protector and gets them all the way to Denmark but this is just the beginning of Little Charles battle he must contend with a drunk grandpa who made an oath to Odin never to raise his hand to anyone because it cost him to lose his only son. The new warriors in Denmark love to push old drunk Sphin around he never fights back but when they mess with Charles it’s going to be a whole different story. I really enjoyed this book I enjoyed the mystery of his mom I loved Charles and Gerald‘s friendship I wished sin could’ve been someone for Charles to be proud of but I didn’t like that Charles was so hesitant and so scared of everything I mean I get it some people are like that it just started to get on my nerves how he was so hesitant but in the end it worked out great I can’t believe I’m almost done with this review and haven’t mentioned Thora she is bad ass and my favorite character. This isn’t the best Viking book when it comes to battle scenes although they do have some good ones they’re just kind of predictable but having said that I do recommend this book I totally enjoyed it loved the religious aspects and all the drama. I received this book from NetGalley and BoldWoodBooks but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.g
March 22, 2023
I'm afraid this really wasn't my thing at all. I've been interested in Norse mythology for quite a few years but this didn't really enlighten me in any way.
The story of Charles, his father and grandfather sounded interesting but I'm afraid that, for me, it just took too many circuitous turns to get from Francia to Denmark. I'd worked out who were the spies and betrayers long before the story let us in on the secret. I'm afraid that I skim read a lot of the fight scenes because they were so similar to one another and the main character, Charles, got on my nerves quite a lot too.
This story just wasn't to my taste. But this is just my opinion and if you like a rambling saga then it'll be right up your street.
The story of Charles, his father and grandfather sounded interesting but I'm afraid that, for me, it just took too many circuitous turns to get from Francia to Denmark. I'd worked out who were the spies and betrayers long before the story let us in on the secret. I'm afraid that I skim read a lot of the fight scenes because they were so similar to one another and the main character, Charles, got on my nerves quite a lot too.
This story just wasn't to my taste. But this is just my opinion and if you like a rambling saga then it'll be right up your street.
March 9, 2023
Donovan Cook seem to take a tale of Sven the Boar and make it seem that it revolved around his grandson Charles, who was the son of Torkel. They were Danes and were in France when Sven the Boar was surrounded by the Franks with his 9 year old son (Torkel) in the Franks hand, and told he had to leave France and his son was to be held as ransom. We enter the story when Charles was 9 years old and his father (Torkel) was a guard in France when for some reason he was to be sent to the King. We then go to his grandfather who was a drunk and the story goes on from there. Many fights and many deaths are told. Charles gets to Denmark where he is taken to his grandfather by a Shield maiden (Thora). We have many more battles to come and Charles friend Gerold, will let you makeup your mind. It was an interesting story to say the least and you keep reading because you want to know what happens.
April 15, 2023
We begin the story with Sven forced to leave his son Torkel on the shores of Frankia, he vows to return.
In the future we meet a grown Torkel and his son Charles. Charles, unfortunately has found himself the target of bullies, sadly due to his Dane heritage. Torkel is now a renowned warrior but remains wary of those around them. When Torkel is attacked, Charles has no choice but to run.
A large part of the story is his journey to Denmark. Along the way he faces danger from men as well as beast but trusts his new friend to help him reach destination.
Meanwhile we are introduced to Sven, he is no longer the renowned warrior he once was but not all have given up him.
Something shifts in Sven when he meets his grandson and he will do anything to protect him. The pair face threats together with a couple of old and new friends. One of which is Thora, a shieldmaiden and the daughter of a warrior well known to Sven. But who can they trust and why is Charles in so much danger?
This is the first book of Cook's I've read and I was engrossed.
The characters, especially Sven develop very well through the story, really enjoyed how his story is told through flashbacks and his memories.
Thora is a brilliant character, bringing humour and an alternative viewpoint to the story.
I did find Charles a little annoying at times but I'm looking forward to see how he matures in the next book.
This is fast paced and I read it in two sittings, I just had to know what was going to happen although I had to put it down a couple of times for a breather, because I almost didn't want to know!
If a book can make me hold my breath, laugh and almost cry then I've definitely enjoyed it.
There are alot of twists and turns and just when you think the group are safe, another threat appears.
I cannot wait to read more about Sven and Thora and hope to see characters like Rollo and Oda develop in the next book
In the future we meet a grown Torkel and his son Charles. Charles, unfortunately has found himself the target of bullies, sadly due to his Dane heritage. Torkel is now a renowned warrior but remains wary of those around them. When Torkel is attacked, Charles has no choice but to run.
A large part of the story is his journey to Denmark. Along the way he faces danger from men as well as beast but trusts his new friend to help him reach destination.
Meanwhile we are introduced to Sven, he is no longer the renowned warrior he once was but not all have given up him.
Something shifts in Sven when he meets his grandson and he will do anything to protect him. The pair face threats together with a couple of old and new friends. One of which is Thora, a shieldmaiden and the daughter of a warrior well known to Sven. But who can they trust and why is Charles in so much danger?
This is the first book of Cook's I've read and I was engrossed.
The characters, especially Sven develop very well through the story, really enjoyed how his story is told through flashbacks and his memories.
Thora is a brilliant character, bringing humour and an alternative viewpoint to the story.
I did find Charles a little annoying at times but I'm looking forward to see how he matures in the next book.
This is fast paced and I read it in two sittings, I just had to know what was going to happen although I had to put it down a couple of times for a breather, because I almost didn't want to know!
If a book can make me hold my breath, laugh and almost cry then I've definitely enjoyed it.
There are alot of twists and turns and just when you think the group are safe, another threat appears.
I cannot wait to read more about Sven and Thora and hope to see characters like Rollo and Oda develop in the next book
March 22, 2023
Such an exciting story! Heading in, I was uncertain because I knew this historical setting is one of rampant war, violence, and intentional gore, but despite that [yes, there is a significant amount of war and violence and Betrayal] I found this novel fascinating. It's so fast-paced that there's hardly a moment to catch breath; there's quite a number of sneaky underhanded individuals [regardless of class], and the author cleverly delineates the ethnic and religious push-me-pull-you constant between the Norse Danes and the Christianized Franks of Francia. There's also conflict and Betrayal between brothers and other kin. Stereotyping is not a product solely of the 20th-21st century. It's clearly prevalent here, in 9th century AD Denmark and Francia, near the beginning of the Viking Age. Empathy for these various characters and comprehension of their all-too-human frailties and foibles was easily elicited.
April 11, 2023
Odin’s Betrayal by Donovan Cook is a fabulous Norse tale of family, betrayal and the conflict between Christianity and the Norse Gods, played out between our two main characters, young Charles, born in Francia, and his grandfather, the disgraced Jarl Sven the Boar of Denmark.
The two characters of Charles and Sven are well portrayed – Charles, young and fearful; his grandfather, old and twisted by his failures and betrayals, with Thora acting as a sort of emissary between the pair of them who are from such different cultures. I thoroughly enjoyed the interplay between the two religions – something that often frustrates me – but which the author handles magnificently. And between the two generations. Charles and Sven, both unable to truly understand the other. Charles is young and firm in his Christianity. Sven is old and believes he’s been tricked by his Norse Gods.
The secret Charles carries and his father entrusted to him on his death is intriguing. We get little hints, and yes, we might work out what it all means, but that doesn’t matter because our characters don’t know, and their journey to discovery is well constructed.
There’s plenty of hand-to-hand fighting in this novel and no end of betrayals right up until the last page, as the ‘big reveals’ occur, and it makes for a thoroughly enjoyable, well-crafted Norse tale. I loved it:) I can’t wait for book 2.
The two characters of Charles and Sven are well portrayed – Charles, young and fearful; his grandfather, old and twisted by his failures and betrayals, with Thora acting as a sort of emissary between the pair of them who are from such different cultures. I thoroughly enjoyed the interplay between the two religions – something that often frustrates me – but which the author handles magnificently. And between the two generations. Charles and Sven, both unable to truly understand the other. Charles is young and firm in his Christianity. Sven is old and believes he’s been tricked by his Norse Gods.
The secret Charles carries and his father entrusted to him on his death is intriguing. We get little hints, and yes, we might work out what it all means, but that doesn’t matter because our characters don’t know, and their journey to discovery is well constructed.
There’s plenty of hand-to-hand fighting in this novel and no end of betrayals right up until the last page, as the ‘big reveals’ occur, and it makes for a thoroughly enjoyable, well-crafted Norse tale. I loved it:) I can’t wait for book 2.
September 12, 2023
If you want a fast and a extremely interesting historical fiction, then please select this book. It is full of action packed sequences and engaging narration. One of Donovan’s best
April 13, 2023
After a second to process what just happened I know a few things. First, a book set in a time where Europe faced Vikings is always nice. I still don’t understand religion. And I need more of this story right the f*ck now.
I cant way no to historical fiction, or Norseman. And this was it. The characters were incredible. It had been a while since Ive read an epic tale where characters weren’t standardized as fit and strong warriors. I loved how the book centres around a child and his grandfather. How the two couldn’t be more different but still stick together. Life sedated them years ago, they’ve never met until the grandson, Charles, needed to run for his life. The grandfather, Sven, long ago a great jarl lost everything. Charles wanted protection and family, he found an old fat drunk. Separated by fate and believes they embark on a journey, with enemies everywhere they look.
Honestly, the story is addictive. The flaws of the characters are the focus of the story. It is imposible not to fall for how the Dina is work. How trauma affected them. How they don’t seem to fit into the classic society of the time. The narration is incredibly well done. It is easy to see from the perspectives of both of them. The author manages to get inside the mind of really different characters.
The world they live in is incredibly interesting. How their movement affects the places they go doesn’t isn’t forced. The obstacles are everywhere, each of them organically put. An epic west about family, fraternity, safety, facing the pats, self discovery and strong characters with great dynamics.
I cant way no to historical fiction, or Norseman. And this was it. The characters were incredible. It had been a while since Ive read an epic tale where characters weren’t standardized as fit and strong warriors. I loved how the book centres around a child and his grandfather. How the two couldn’t be more different but still stick together. Life sedated them years ago, they’ve never met until the grandson, Charles, needed to run for his life. The grandfather, Sven, long ago a great jarl lost everything. Charles wanted protection and family, he found an old fat drunk. Separated by fate and believes they embark on a journey, with enemies everywhere they look.
Honestly, the story is addictive. The flaws of the characters are the focus of the story. It is imposible not to fall for how the Dina is work. How trauma affected them. How they don’t seem to fit into the classic society of the time. The narration is incredibly well done. It is easy to see from the perspectives of both of them. The author manages to get inside the mind of really different characters.
The world they live in is incredibly interesting. How their movement affects the places they go doesn’t isn’t forced. The obstacles are everywhere, each of them organically put. An epic west about family, fraternity, safety, facing the pats, self discovery and strong characters with great dynamics.
April 28, 2023
Read this book now
This is one of the best books that I have ever read. I read it in two days. I would have read it in one if I didn't have to work. The character development is strong, but the story itself is absolutely amazing. This is the start of a series that is going to be mind-blowing. His other books are excellent, but this one is on a level of its own.
This is one of the best books that I have ever read. I read it in two days. I would have read it in one if I didn't have to work. The character development is strong, but the story itself is absolutely amazing. This is the start of a series that is going to be mind-blowing. His other books are excellent, but this one is on a level of its own.
May 7, 2023
A Gripping Brutal Adventure
Well, read it in 2 days, so I think that says a lot about it. Its a non-stop action-packed adventure and the start of something much bigger, can't wait for the next instalment in the series.
Well, read it in 2 days, so I think that says a lot about it. Its a non-stop action-packed adventure and the start of something much bigger, can't wait for the next instalment in the series.
July 1, 2023
This was a real page turner, I could not put this book down.grrat story line,great characters loads of action.everything a fantasy book needs, which kept me well entertained. If you haven't read this, you are missing out.
May 4, 2023
Another great book
Another great book from a good writer. It was a real page turner and I didn't want to stop reading, I'll look.forward to the next in another good series
Another great book from a good writer. It was a real page turner and I didn't want to stop reading, I'll look.forward to the next in another good series
April 23, 2023
Fantastic
Great story, great characters, great twists in this tale! Cannot wait for book 2, hurry up Donovan Cook!
Highly recommend!
Great story, great characters, great twists in this tale! Cannot wait for book 2, hurry up Donovan Cook!
Highly recommend!
July 22, 2023
Viking Romp
I enjoyed this book as it’s a mystery that keeps you trying to unravel it. The characters were well written with interesting back stories. The journey from Frankia to Denmark bringing danger on the way.
I enjoyed this book as it’s a mystery that keeps you trying to unravel it. The characters were well written with interesting back stories. The journey from Frankia to Denmark bringing danger on the way.
August 13, 2023
A wonderful tale of love and redemption
Odin's Betrayal is a tale of betrayal, loss, love and redemption. Donovan Cook vests his characters with his readers and, in this tale, makes religion and belief so important to the characters the reader empathizes with both religions and them believers.
Donovan Cook is an important historical novelist. We need such writers in these days.
Odin's Betrayal is a tale of betrayal, loss, love and redemption. Donovan Cook vests his characters with his readers and, in this tale, makes religion and belief so important to the characters the reader empathizes with both religions and them believers.
Donovan Cook is an important historical novelist. We need such writers in these days.
July 31, 2023
thrilling!
I really can’t wait for the next book in the series, I thought it a riveting read. I’m so tired now, I couldn’t put it down until about 4am. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.
I really can’t wait for the next book in the series, I thought it a riveting read. I’m so tired now, I couldn’t put it down until about 4am. Read it, you won’t be disappointed.
April 25, 2023
What an absolute rock star of a story, blood and guts, vikings, redemption and revenge, Donovan Cook gives you it all in a smashing biking adventure. The worst part? Waiting for the sequel!
June 29, 2023
Really enjoyed this book
I am really enjoying reading Viking stories right now and I look forward to the second installment of this series.
I am really enjoying reading Viking stories right now and I look forward to the second installment of this series.
August 7, 2023
Unusual storyline.
Plenty of plot twists, great characters, thoroughly enjoyable.
Worth a few hours of anyone's time.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Plenty of plot twists, great characters, thoroughly enjoyable.
Worth a few hours of anyone's time.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
September 19, 2025
A well crafted tale of red retribution. 5⭐️
July 25, 2023
good read with a riveting story!
I enjoyed the book. Lots of fighting and gory fight details; I suppose what you would expect from a book of this genre. Looking forward to reading Book 2.
I enjoyed the book. Lots of fighting and gory fight details; I suppose what you would expect from a book of this genre. Looking forward to reading Book 2.
April 11, 2023
Brilliant
Absolutely first class. Exciting storyline. Action packed throughout. Could not put this book down. Impatiently awaiting book two. Thank you.
Absolutely first class. Exciting storyline. Action packed throughout. Could not put this book down. Impatiently awaiting book two. Thank you.
September 6, 2024
interesting read
A good book but in no way comparable to to the writing of Bernard Cornwell… I will continue the series with the expectation that the story will become more detailed and less predictable. Worth the reading but lower your expectations based on the comparison of this author with others of the Viking genre…
A good book but in no way comparable to to the writing of Bernard Cornwell… I will continue the series with the expectation that the story will become more detailed and less predictable. Worth the reading but lower your expectations based on the comparison of this author with others of the Viking genre…
December 21, 2023
decent read. enjoyable but not noteworthy.
Decent read. Enjoyable but not noteworthy. Fairly predictable but still fun. Hoping sequels are better, yes, I would read more of the books. Not terrible.
Decent read. Enjoyable but not noteworthy. Fairly predictable but still fun. Hoping sequels are better, yes, I would read more of the books. Not terrible.
April 21, 2023
I’ve heard good things about Donovan Cook so I was very eager to jump on this series from the start.
As soon as the first page hits the scene is set, a failed Viking raid.. a young boy taken as hostage to ensure the Vikings behave.
Many years pass and Torkel is now a man with his own child, Charles. He’s still young and hasn’t yet learned how harsh life can be so when his farther is murdered he holds himself to blame… little does he know there’s a lot more history behind this murder and there’s people out there who have yet to rear their ugly heads.
Charles, under his fathers dying request flees in search of his Grandfather. Along the way he makes friends with a slave who aids his escape. There’s a nice bond growing between the two.
We soon meet Sven the Boar..but times have been hard.. he’s not the man he was. Interestingly as the story flows we learn more about his downfall.. and it all stems from the loss of Torkel all those years ago.
The pace of the story flows well and there’s a lot of action as we see Sven warm to Charles and we see the Boar return..and with good reason.. there’s things even Sven didn’t see all those years ago.. hidden secrets.. hidden betrayal. At times you wonder can anyone actually be trusted… those twists are just immense!
Plot wise I can’t fault this, hooked in from the first page. Perfect pace and a great mix of plot versus character development. Sometimes I find not enough time is given to mix the development just right so it doesn’t feel forced but now I know why I’ve been hearing good things about Donovan Cook. It felt like a tapestry, expertly woven.
For fans of historic fiction you’ll love this, action packed with perfect mix of development to suit any type of reader.
Resounding 5*
As soon as the first page hits the scene is set, a failed Viking raid.. a young boy taken as hostage to ensure the Vikings behave.
Many years pass and Torkel is now a man with his own child, Charles. He’s still young and hasn’t yet learned how harsh life can be so when his farther is murdered he holds himself to blame… little does he know there’s a lot more history behind this murder and there’s people out there who have yet to rear their ugly heads.
Charles, under his fathers dying request flees in search of his Grandfather. Along the way he makes friends with a slave who aids his escape. There’s a nice bond growing between the two.
We soon meet Sven the Boar..but times have been hard.. he’s not the man he was. Interestingly as the story flows we learn more about his downfall.. and it all stems from the loss of Torkel all those years ago.
The pace of the story flows well and there’s a lot of action as we see Sven warm to Charles and we see the Boar return..and with good reason.. there’s things even Sven didn’t see all those years ago.. hidden secrets.. hidden betrayal. At times you wonder can anyone actually be trusted… those twists are just immense!
Plot wise I can’t fault this, hooked in from the first page. Perfect pace and a great mix of plot versus character development. Sometimes I find not enough time is given to mix the development just right so it doesn’t feel forced but now I know why I’ve been hearing good things about Donovan Cook. It felt like a tapestry, expertly woven.
For fans of historic fiction you’ll love this, action packed with perfect mix of development to suit any type of reader.
Resounding 5*
March 17, 2023
Jarl Sven was forced to leave his young son behind, after a failed raid on the Frankish coast. Torkel was taken as a hostage and if Sven ever raided again, he would die.
Now Torkel has a young son, Charles. They live in a small town in East Francia. Torkel is every bit as dangerous as his father, but Charles is quite the opposite.
One night they are ambushed in their home. Torkel sacrifices himself so that Charles can run away. He tells him to go back to Denmark and find his grandfather.
But Charles is afraid and seeks protection in town. That is when he realises just how things have changed, but then it's almost too late to escape. His path to the north is anything but straightforward. And when he finally arrives, what he finds is far from expected.
It's a treat to read a historical novel, where the historical setting and facts are part of the story and we discover it through the character's eyes, throughout the story, and not all piled in a huge infodump.
The story has a fast pace, it's filled with twists and turns and betrayal, and it kept me flipping pages to see what is really going on and who is behind it all.
I got the ARC, all thoughts are my own
Now Torkel has a young son, Charles. They live in a small town in East Francia. Torkel is every bit as dangerous as his father, but Charles is quite the opposite.
One night they are ambushed in their home. Torkel sacrifices himself so that Charles can run away. He tells him to go back to Denmark and find his grandfather.
But Charles is afraid and seeks protection in town. That is when he realises just how things have changed, but then it's almost too late to escape. His path to the north is anything but straightforward. And when he finally arrives, what he finds is far from expected.
It's a treat to read a historical novel, where the historical setting and facts are part of the story and we discover it through the character's eyes, throughout the story, and not all piled in a huge infodump.
The story has a fast pace, it's filled with twists and turns and betrayal, and it kept me flipping pages to see what is really going on and who is behind it all.
I got the ARC, all thoughts are my own
April 16, 2023
Sven is forced to a raid where his son Torkel is taken as hostage. Torkel then has his own son Charles who when they are invaded at their home. Torkel hands Charles a package and tells him to find his grandfather Sven and give him the package. Sven is no longer the man he once was and together they must find the significance of the package while trying to stay alive. The difference between the two religions Christian faith and Norse mythology was interesting to read about. As someone who doesn't normally read this type of book, I very quickly have become a fan. The action starts from the very beginning and doesn't stop until the end. My heart was pounding the whole way through so much so that I feel like I ran a marathon while reading and it feels exciting. The characters are superbly crafted and you don't know who to trust. Now I really am shaking to get my hands on the next book, no pressure Donovan Cook! 😀
December 14, 2024
I like how this is accessible for newcomers to the genre (like myself). A lot of similar books scare off new readers by overcomplicating things and I found the flow and the actual writing to be easy to follow. That said, I'd need to turn a blind eye to an awful lot - It's one of those books which finds a way to stretch out very little actual content. I skim-read the last bit because I didn't feel like my loyalty was being paid off with an exciting ending. I wonder if the focus was given to the wrong character because Charles, the main character, never really became a main character. He was like a small part surrounded by bigger and better characters. Plus the whole thing felt like one-level, neither rising or falling and going over much of the same ground over and over again. I admire how "easy" it was to read but does that really make up for how boring it turns out? I'm not sure it does.
January 28, 2025
When I read the summary I thought this might be just in my field of interest as I enjoyed the saxon stories by Bernard Cornwell, the saxon warrior series by Peter Gibbons and the last viking series by J.C. Duncan but I was rather disappointed. The four books would easily fit in one book if all the endless repetitions would be removed. It really is unbelievable how often the exact same frases are repeated over and over again. Furthermore it is as if Cook was trying to imitate the saxon stories by trying to make figures from the time arround AD 850 part of the story. Unfortunately Cooks story falls short, if nothing else because of the boy Charles being a pain in the ass and causing a lot of suffering with his stupid and stubborn actions. If you like intelligent and fascinating stories I doubt that this series will be to your liking.
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