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Oathsworn #5
[ Crowbone ] [ CROWBONE ] BY Low, Robert ( AUTHOR ) Jun-06-2013 Paperback
The long awaited return to Robert Low's Oathsworn series Island of Mann, 979AD. A man lies dying with a message he cannot take to his grave, a sworn secret that must be passed on only to Olaf Tryggvasson, kin of Harald Fairhair of the Yngling line and true prince of Norway, also known as Crowbone. When the message finally arrives, so begins a quest to discover its meaning, and for Crowbone to gain what is rightfully the crown of Norway. With a band of Chosen Men, Crowbone begins an unforgiving journey that will see him face the challenge of new enemies and confront his suspicions of treachery from old friends. Looming over all is his ultimate rival; Gunnhild, the Witch Mother of Kings, Crowbone's arch-enemy who will stop at nothing to prevent him from knowing what and where this secret is. In the fifth installment of his Oathsworn series, Robert Low is back to his full-blooded Viking best, this time visiting the harsh terrain of the North Sea coast, in a tale about one man's quest for survival and the unexpected alliances that emerge, as the very bonds that tie the Oathsworn together are put to the test.
Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
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751 people want to read
About the author
Robert Low
62 books284 followersRobert Low is a Scottish journalist and historical novelist, with novels based on the Viking Age. He was war correspondent in Vietnam and also several other locations, including Sarajevo, Romania and Kosovo, until "common-sense, age and the concerns of my wife and daughter prevailed". Now he writes novels full time. He's also a historical reenactor performing with the Scotland-based group, the Vikings.
Series:
* Oathsworn
* Kingdom
Series:
* Oathsworn
* Kingdom
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 29, 2020
A very entertaining book in the Oathsworn, though slightly different to the rest. There is room for a lot more, hopefully one day Rob Low will go back to this series.
December 3, 2021
Read this book in 2012, and its the 5th, and so far the last of the formidable "Oathsworn" series.
The story starts off in the year AD 979, on the Island of Mann, where a man who lies dying must reveal his secret, but that sworn secret must only be revealed to Olaf Tryggvasson.
In this tale the main character is Olaf Tryggvasson, nickname Crowbone, kin to Harald Fairhair of the Yngling line and true Prince of Norway.
Orm and his band of men, the Oathsworn", are playing now a secondary part to this Crowbone and his quest, being the Crown of Norway.
In this quest Crowbone is thwarted by his ultimate rival and-arch enemy, Gunnhild, the witch-mother of Kings, who will stop at nothing to prevent Crowbone from knowing what and where the secret is.
What is to follow is an action-packed Viking adventure where Crowbone, with Orm, his Oathsworn, and others at his side, will have to go many lengths to obtain that secret, and before they will reach that secret some battles will take place and deaths will follow in the wake of this bloody Viking encounter.
Highly recommended, for this is another wonderful Viking addition to this brilliant series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Excellent Viking Adventure"!
The story starts off in the year AD 979, on the Island of Mann, where a man who lies dying must reveal his secret, but that sworn secret must only be revealed to Olaf Tryggvasson.
In this tale the main character is Olaf Tryggvasson, nickname Crowbone, kin to Harald Fairhair of the Yngling line and true Prince of Norway.
Orm and his band of men, the Oathsworn", are playing now a secondary part to this Crowbone and his quest, being the Crown of Norway.
In this quest Crowbone is thwarted by his ultimate rival and-arch enemy, Gunnhild, the witch-mother of Kings, who will stop at nothing to prevent Crowbone from knowing what and where the secret is.
What is to follow is an action-packed Viking adventure where Crowbone, with Orm, his Oathsworn, and others at his side, will have to go many lengths to obtain that secret, and before they will reach that secret some battles will take place and deaths will follow in the wake of this bloody Viking encounter.
Highly recommended, for this is another wonderful Viking addition to this brilliant series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Excellent Viking Adventure"!
December 9, 2012
I won't pretend Robert Low did not throw me when I first found out #5 in the series was not going to be in the voice of his creation Orm Bearslayer. In fact thrown is an understatement. I had spent four previous books of this series inside his head - Orm's, not Robert Low's - and naturally there was some disappointment to discover Orm was not narrating Crowbone.
All was not lost though. There came a little thrill the closer I got to reading the latest instalment in the Oathsworn Series. Here would be a book that may spice the series up. Give the reader something new to chew on for a few years. A literary version of being slapped then kissed.
I am not averse to spicing things up in a series and I believe it worked with Crowbone.
Having now read it I have to admit that I can see exactly why Low did it. I can see that the author could have easily stopped writing the Oathsworn Series and gone off and started a whole new series. An author must go where his inspiration and creativity leads him, but there are the readers and fans to consider aren't there?
With Crowbone, Low found the middle ground. He found a way to please the fans and please himself at the same time. Another Oathsworn series that included Orm, but not in the first person. A book based on a character, but also not in the first person, that we met in child form in the previous books. I am of course speaking of Olaf Tryggvasson. To those who know him, Crowbone.
And here we find ourselves well placed to deliberate on Little Crowbone. Our protaganist. Our impudent scamp who sat on our purview in the first 4 books entertaining us from time to time with his stories and his distinctly cryptic and watchful bicoloured gaze.
In this instalment Crowbone is no longer the peculiar boy with a penchant for an axe kill. He has grown in attitude as well as stature and has become more unpredictable and erratic in his choices. But what more should you expect from an Orm and Finn child prodigy.
We all knew it was coming didn't we?
I had a borderline profound moment while reading the book. In the beginning Orm steps from the shadow, no longer the narrator, but for the first time ever, only a figure in the scene.
Seeing Orm through Crowbone's eyes was quite the experience for a fan of the series. Scarred, haggard, neither a youth nor a young man (by Medieval standards). I don't think that I would have seen Orm like that if it were not for Robert Low's change of tack from first person.
I will not reveal any of the story. I feel you must seek that out yourself through the pages of the book. Besides, the back of the book can give you the base if you want it. The rest will be better enjoyed if you unravel it slowly on your own.
All was not lost though. There came a little thrill the closer I got to reading the latest instalment in the Oathsworn Series. Here would be a book that may spice the series up. Give the reader something new to chew on for a few years. A literary version of being slapped then kissed.
I am not averse to spicing things up in a series and I believe it worked with Crowbone.
Having now read it I have to admit that I can see exactly why Low did it. I can see that the author could have easily stopped writing the Oathsworn Series and gone off and started a whole new series. An author must go where his inspiration and creativity leads him, but there are the readers and fans to consider aren't there?
With Crowbone, Low found the middle ground. He found a way to please the fans and please himself at the same time. Another Oathsworn series that included Orm, but not in the first person. A book based on a character, but also not in the first person, that we met in child form in the previous books. I am of course speaking of Olaf Tryggvasson. To those who know him, Crowbone.
And here we find ourselves well placed to deliberate on Little Crowbone. Our protaganist. Our impudent scamp who sat on our purview in the first 4 books entertaining us from time to time with his stories and his distinctly cryptic and watchful bicoloured gaze.
In this instalment Crowbone is no longer the peculiar boy with a penchant for an axe kill. He has grown in attitude as well as stature and has become more unpredictable and erratic in his choices. But what more should you expect from an Orm and Finn child prodigy.
We all knew it was coming didn't we?
I had a borderline profound moment while reading the book. In the beginning Orm steps from the shadow, no longer the narrator, but for the first time ever, only a figure in the scene.
Seeing Orm through Crowbone's eyes was quite the experience for a fan of the series. Scarred, haggard, neither a youth nor a young man (by Medieval standards). I don't think that I would have seen Orm like that if it were not for Robert Low's change of tack from first person.
I will not reveal any of the story. I feel you must seek that out yourself through the pages of the book. Besides, the back of the book can give you the base if you want it. The rest will be better enjoyed if you unravel it slowly on your own.
December 29, 2012
I haven’t read any of the previous books in Robert Low’s ‘Oathsworn’ series, and so I had no idea what to expect. Although I think that starting with the first book would have helped a bit with keeping the characters straight, Low does a fine job of bringing the reader into the story and filling in the background, so it’s not absolutely necessary to have read the previous four books. However, after reading this one, I want to read them all.
The 10th century world that Low creates in this book is harsh and unforgiving – as are the men who inhabit it. Even the women of that world, and there are very few of them in this book, have little in the way of softness or warmth. Witches and women warriors are the order of the day, and this is not a book for anyone looking for romance. The hero is a young warrior named Olaf Tryggvasson, and as anyone who has studied 10th century history knows, Olaf was not a gentle man by any stretch of the imagination. The author nicknames him Crowbone, and creates a character who is compelling to the reader, and at the same time as true to the rapacious nature of the real Olaf as one could wish (or bear).
What struck and impressed me the most about this book, though, was the language. Robert Low writes like a modern day skald, mimicking in English something akin to the kennings that were so popular with the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse. Dogs are ‘fur bundles with a mouthful of filthy blades’, a frightened face is ‘a great rune of terror’, a red tunic and breeks are ‘so faded they held only a distant laugh of colour’, a man’s mind is his ‘thought cage’ and he locks memories in a ‘black sea-chest he kept in his head’. It is like nothing I’ve ever read before, except in Anglo-Saxon poetry. I found something to surprise and delight me, word-wise, on nearly every page.
This is a Viking tale, and so it is filled with adventure, war and bloody murder, not unlike the ancient sagas. It is also a quest tale, and in its pages you will find treasure, holy men, devils, witches and warriors. No gilded halls here, so if that’s what you want, this is not the book for you. But if you want a fierce ride with the Viking crew of a snake-boat, ‘Crowbone’ will please.
The 10th century world that Low creates in this book is harsh and unforgiving – as are the men who inhabit it. Even the women of that world, and there are very few of them in this book, have little in the way of softness or warmth. Witches and women warriors are the order of the day, and this is not a book for anyone looking for romance. The hero is a young warrior named Olaf Tryggvasson, and as anyone who has studied 10th century history knows, Olaf was not a gentle man by any stretch of the imagination. The author nicknames him Crowbone, and creates a character who is compelling to the reader, and at the same time as true to the rapacious nature of the real Olaf as one could wish (or bear).
What struck and impressed me the most about this book, though, was the language. Robert Low writes like a modern day skald, mimicking in English something akin to the kennings that were so popular with the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse. Dogs are ‘fur bundles with a mouthful of filthy blades’, a frightened face is ‘a great rune of terror’, a red tunic and breeks are ‘so faded they held only a distant laugh of colour’, a man’s mind is his ‘thought cage’ and he locks memories in a ‘black sea-chest he kept in his head’. It is like nothing I’ve ever read before, except in Anglo-Saxon poetry. I found something to surprise and delight me, word-wise, on nearly every page.
This is a Viking tale, and so it is filled with adventure, war and bloody murder, not unlike the ancient sagas. It is also a quest tale, and in its pages you will find treasure, holy men, devils, witches and warriors. No gilded halls here, so if that’s what you want, this is not the book for you. But if you want a fierce ride with the Viking crew of a snake-boat, ‘Crowbone’ will please.
March 20, 2016
‘Crapbone.’ A complete load of cliched old cobblers.
What a disappointment. What a big fat, arrogant, bloated disappointment this was. I couldn’t quite put my finger is on why has it taken me so long to start reading this one but as soon as I got about 100 pages in, I managed it. A memory came back to me from the end of ‘The Prow Beast’ (#4 in the ‘Oathsworn’ series) that it seemed like things were going astray. That this Crowbone imbecile was the wrong character to develop. And I was right. Crowbone does nothing to endear himself to us in, erm…’Crowbone,’ for all his odd-coloured eyes supposedly signifying Deep Meaning. He comes over as nothing more than a petulant boy, stamping his little foot saying “I am king of Norway. I AM!" and missing his mother's skirts to hide in. And the constant, meaningless story-telling. Enough with that! Does nothing. Show me someone who diesn’t skip those bits.
And then show me someone who isn’t stopped dead by stuff like this: “There was silence, profound as snow; the bleeding men dripped quietly.” Or who isn’t irritated by his having a character think things through, but end the paragraph on “…and he said as much.” Again and again. And again. I lost count of how many times he used that. Clearly, Robert Low’s answer to Anthony Riches’ ‘raised an ~eyebrow’ Tourette. And if they’re not doing that, they’re scowling at each other. It’s on almost every scowling page. Sometimes receiving a scowl in return. Or a group scowl. Or an eyes to heaven…O wait, that’s from me.
Whilst writing, he’s clearly had the 'Great Viking Story Writer’s Book Of Cliches - Revised and Updated’ open at his side. Page one of that states: “In Viking Times, it rained non-stop. And blew a gale. All the time. Rain - authentic Viking story. Sunshine - Hollywood nonsense. Nothing says ‘Evil Deeds Being Done or Planned, in Viking Times,’ better than bad weather.” So, as “the wind hissed out of the dark, thick with sea salt and fear…” we pretty much get a something that for much of its interminable length, resembles the start of Macbeth - all the way through. “Ooh, looks like clearing-up weather, help me get the washing on the line, Ragnar” just isn’t gonna cut it in Real Viking Circles.
So, he’s covered the story with so much superfluous crap it’s hard to get through to what is actually trying to write about. It’s obvious that when he’s written some of this bloated nonsense that he’s sat back, hugged himself, picked crumbs from his beard, stroked the cat and thought “That’s great. They’ll never understand that!” “‘They are Oathsworn,’ he reminded them and saw the cat and dog chase of that across faces until they worked out the power of the oath they had sworn.” Come again?
So, apart from being set in Viking Times, in the rain (obviously), where exactly is all this taking place? They wander aimlessly around Great Britain and may even end up in Lapland, it’s hard to tell. Though wait, I think at some point they’ve washed up, as the result of storm most likely, in Ireland. I’m not too sure as I kind of lost track of where they were several times. Let’s see if the book can give any clues…”’Dómnall Claen mac Lorcán,’ the High King declared blearily. ‘Sure, it is good to have you back among us, so it is.’" Yup, they are in modern day, I mean Viking Time, Ireland.
And “plootering”? Is that authentic Viking-speak? Anywhere?
Is there anything to justify Harry Sidebottom’s lofty claim on the front that ’no modern novelist knows more about the Vikings than Robert Low’? A little. He, like Harry Sidebotton does in Latin, includes a few Norse Words You Don’t Understand, with helpful translation…that make you wonder why he’s putting them in if he’s gonna translate them anyway. Most are right. How do I know? Because I speak Danish. He gets the ‘eyeblink’ one right, as in Danish, we use ‘øjeblik’ to signify a very shory period, a moment. Some are close to their modern usage. One was wrong, but I nodded off and forgot to write it down. Oh and, he really wants us to know he can play ‘Hnefatafl.’ The last ‘Viking’ book I read, ’The Sea Road’ by Margaret Elphinstone was effortlessly better in every way. Mood, nuance, interest, Norse knowledge, every way possible. I suggest Harry Sidebottom read ‘The Sea Road' and reconsider his rather rash comments.
Whether it’s based on actual history, as he hints at at the end, it’s hard to say. It’s hard to care. It’s hard to summon up any feelings really. Apart from irritation. That’s two weeks I’M not getting back. All the superfluous over-elaborate verbal nonsense, is just that, nonsense. Does absolutely nothing to get the story across and ends up getting in the way of whatever the story might have been. “In the name of Odin! Are there NO good points?!” you say. Well, as if he knows he is proving my starting point, the best bits are at the end. Not the fact that I’ve reached the end (in itself a good thing), but the reappearance of Orm, the main character of the first three ‘Oathsworn’ tales. Suddenly, the whole thing is transformed, has meaning, stops meandering, has interest and I care about what is happening for the all too few pages Orm and Finn are present. THIS proves that Crowbone was the wrong way to go. If he ever carries on with Crowbone, I’m off. If Orm came back, I’d come back.
More world-class reviews on Speesh Reads
What a disappointment. What a big fat, arrogant, bloated disappointment this was. I couldn’t quite put my finger is on why has it taken me so long to start reading this one but as soon as I got about 100 pages in, I managed it. A memory came back to me from the end of ‘The Prow Beast’ (#4 in the ‘Oathsworn’ series) that it seemed like things were going astray. That this Crowbone imbecile was the wrong character to develop. And I was right. Crowbone does nothing to endear himself to us in, erm…’Crowbone,’ for all his odd-coloured eyes supposedly signifying Deep Meaning. He comes over as nothing more than a petulant boy, stamping his little foot saying “I am king of Norway. I AM!" and missing his mother's skirts to hide in. And the constant, meaningless story-telling. Enough with that! Does nothing. Show me someone who diesn’t skip those bits.
And then show me someone who isn’t stopped dead by stuff like this: “There was silence, profound as snow; the bleeding men dripped quietly.” Or who isn’t irritated by his having a character think things through, but end the paragraph on “…and he said as much.” Again and again. And again. I lost count of how many times he used that. Clearly, Robert Low’s answer to Anthony Riches’ ‘raised an ~eyebrow’ Tourette. And if they’re not doing that, they’re scowling at each other. It’s on almost every scowling page. Sometimes receiving a scowl in return. Or a group scowl. Or an eyes to heaven…O wait, that’s from me.
Whilst writing, he’s clearly had the 'Great Viking Story Writer’s Book Of Cliches - Revised and Updated’ open at his side. Page one of that states: “In Viking Times, it rained non-stop. And blew a gale. All the time. Rain - authentic Viking story. Sunshine - Hollywood nonsense. Nothing says ‘Evil Deeds Being Done or Planned, in Viking Times,’ better than bad weather.” So, as “the wind hissed out of the dark, thick with sea salt and fear…” we pretty much get a something that for much of its interminable length, resembles the start of Macbeth - all the way through. “Ooh, looks like clearing-up weather, help me get the washing on the line, Ragnar” just isn’t gonna cut it in Real Viking Circles.
So, he’s covered the story with so much superfluous crap it’s hard to get through to what is actually trying to write about. It’s obvious that when he’s written some of this bloated nonsense that he’s sat back, hugged himself, picked crumbs from his beard, stroked the cat and thought “That’s great. They’ll never understand that!” “‘They are Oathsworn,’ he reminded them and saw the cat and dog chase of that across faces until they worked out the power of the oath they had sworn.” Come again?
So, apart from being set in Viking Times, in the rain (obviously), where exactly is all this taking place? They wander aimlessly around Great Britain and may even end up in Lapland, it’s hard to tell. Though wait, I think at some point they’ve washed up, as the result of storm most likely, in Ireland. I’m not too sure as I kind of lost track of where they were several times. Let’s see if the book can give any clues…”’Dómnall Claen mac Lorcán,’ the High King declared blearily. ‘Sure, it is good to have you back among us, so it is.’" Yup, they are in modern day, I mean Viking Time, Ireland.
And “plootering”? Is that authentic Viking-speak? Anywhere?
Is there anything to justify Harry Sidebottom’s lofty claim on the front that ’no modern novelist knows more about the Vikings than Robert Low’? A little. He, like Harry Sidebotton does in Latin, includes a few Norse Words You Don’t Understand, with helpful translation…that make you wonder why he’s putting them in if he’s gonna translate them anyway. Most are right. How do I know? Because I speak Danish. He gets the ‘eyeblink’ one right, as in Danish, we use ‘øjeblik’ to signify a very shory period, a moment. Some are close to their modern usage. One was wrong, but I nodded off and forgot to write it down. Oh and, he really wants us to know he can play ‘Hnefatafl.’ The last ‘Viking’ book I read, ’The Sea Road’ by Margaret Elphinstone was effortlessly better in every way. Mood, nuance, interest, Norse knowledge, every way possible. I suggest Harry Sidebottom read ‘The Sea Road' and reconsider his rather rash comments.
Whether it’s based on actual history, as he hints at at the end, it’s hard to say. It’s hard to care. It’s hard to summon up any feelings really. Apart from irritation. That’s two weeks I’M not getting back. All the superfluous over-elaborate verbal nonsense, is just that, nonsense. Does absolutely nothing to get the story across and ends up getting in the way of whatever the story might have been. “In the name of Odin! Are there NO good points?!” you say. Well, as if he knows he is proving my starting point, the best bits are at the end. Not the fact that I’ve reached the end (in itself a good thing), but the reappearance of Orm, the main character of the first three ‘Oathsworn’ tales. Suddenly, the whole thing is transformed, has meaning, stops meandering, has interest and I care about what is happening for the all too few pages Orm and Finn are present. THIS proves that Crowbone was the wrong way to go. If he ever carries on with Crowbone, I’m off. If Orm came back, I’d come back.
More world-class reviews on Speesh Reads
November 17, 2013
I think there were other of Low's books that had Crowbone in them I liked better. However, I think 'Crowbone' had its full dose of action, adventure, drama, and vivid scenery. All the things Low's readers have come to expect.
April 15, 2018
Another great tale of high adventure. Not much of Orm Bear Slayer in this one, which was a shame, but Crowbone is enough of a character to keep the show rolling at breakneck speed anyway. And Orm was great when he was around. As usual we travel to many lands and meet many different folk. A few storylines close but some are left open. Will there be more?
November 1, 2012
Review:
A new Oathsworn book, Fantastic, i had eagerly awaited this for sometime. Only it wasn't really. I found after starting the book that they had been relegated to the bench while Young Olaf AKA Crowbone ran the show. I have to say that while the writing style, pace and research is as excellent as ever and just as you would expect from Rob. Crowbone as a character wasn't as real for me as Orm, i think it was because he wasn't as venerable and introspective as Orm. He has his fears from his past and they form who he will become, they drive his ambition and his ultimate cruelty, but then so do the times in which he lives.
The plot though, excellent, the style as usual blood filled but this time with a new ultimate objective that the main protagonist wants (a throne) unlike the bitter sweet search for a cursed treasure.
It was this difference that takes this to a 4 not a 5 for me. But for many this would easily be a 5 star book.
Highly recommended
(Parm)
Book Description
The long awaited return to Robert Low's Oathsworn series
Island of Mann, 979AD. A man lies dying with a message he cannot take to his grave, a sworn secret that must be passed on only to Olaf Tryggvasson, kin of Harald Fairhair of the Yngling line and true prince of Norway, also known as Crowbone. When the message finally arrives, so begins a quest to discover its meaning, and for Crowbone to gain what is rightfully his: the crown of Norway.
With a band of Chosen Men, Crowbone begins an unforgiving journey that will see him face the challenge of new enemies and confront his suspicions of treachery from old friends. Looming over all is his ultimate rival; Gunnhild, the Witch Mother of Kings, Crowbone's arch-enemy who will stop at nothing to prevent him from knowing what and where this secret is.
In the fifth installment of his Oathsworn series, Robert Low is back to his full-blooded Viking best, this time visiting the harsh terrain of the North Sea coast, in a tale about one man's quest for survival and the unexpected alliances that emerge, as the very bonds that tie the Oathsworn together are put to the test.
A new Oathsworn book, Fantastic, i had eagerly awaited this for sometime. Only it wasn't really. I found after starting the book that they had been relegated to the bench while Young Olaf AKA Crowbone ran the show. I have to say that while the writing style, pace and research is as excellent as ever and just as you would expect from Rob. Crowbone as a character wasn't as real for me as Orm, i think it was because he wasn't as venerable and introspective as Orm. He has his fears from his past and they form who he will become, they drive his ambition and his ultimate cruelty, but then so do the times in which he lives.
The plot though, excellent, the style as usual blood filled but this time with a new ultimate objective that the main protagonist wants (a throne) unlike the bitter sweet search for a cursed treasure.
It was this difference that takes this to a 4 not a 5 for me. But for many this would easily be a 5 star book.
Highly recommended
(Parm)
Book Description
The long awaited return to Robert Low's Oathsworn series
Island of Mann, 979AD. A man lies dying with a message he cannot take to his grave, a sworn secret that must be passed on only to Olaf Tryggvasson, kin of Harald Fairhair of the Yngling line and true prince of Norway, also known as Crowbone. When the message finally arrives, so begins a quest to discover its meaning, and for Crowbone to gain what is rightfully his: the crown of Norway.
With a band of Chosen Men, Crowbone begins an unforgiving journey that will see him face the challenge of new enemies and confront his suspicions of treachery from old friends. Looming over all is his ultimate rival; Gunnhild, the Witch Mother of Kings, Crowbone's arch-enemy who will stop at nothing to prevent him from knowing what and where this secret is.
In the fifth installment of his Oathsworn series, Robert Low is back to his full-blooded Viking best, this time visiting the harsh terrain of the North Sea coast, in a tale about one man's quest for survival and the unexpected alliances that emerge, as the very bonds that tie the Oathsworn together are put to the test.
October 14, 2014
Already being a fan of Crowbone, I was pretty happy to see that the fifth Oathsworn book was going to feature him.
Crowbone is quite the little shit in general and in this book he's even worse. I'm not sure if I wanted him to succeed or fail in his quest. The supporting cast , both old and new, were fantastic, though as per usual some of my favorite characters die and there are some I wished would die but don't.
I am glad that the series didn't end with book four and am happy that Low has managed to keep the series interesting and compelling.
Crowbone is quite the little shit in general and in this book he's even worse. I'm not sure if I wanted him to succeed or fail in his quest. The supporting cast , both old and new, were fantastic, though as per usual some of my favorite characters die and there are some I wished would die but don't.
I am glad that the series didn't end with book four and am happy that Low has managed to keep the series interesting and compelling.
April 3, 2018
I love Robert Low's writing. The Oathsworn series is brilliant. Loved this book.
Update: on the second reading I loved it as much or more. I'm really looking forward to the next one in the series
Update: on the second reading I loved it as much or more. I'm really looking forward to the next one in the series
December 14, 2018
I enjoyed this book for the further insight in to some different areas other than Orm's Oathsworn . It was a great book to see the perspective through someone other than Orm , I have to say though that when Crowbone was introduced in the previous books he irritated me as a bratty kid, that even though he had a traumatic past was still perched on his high horse looking down on you.
This book further reinforced that for me . Crowbone was not my favorite character in this but it was interesting to see how he had grown and see through his eyes , and hear his thoughts. On a side note it was interesting also to see other lands that had not been touched upon before by the author. Ireland and i believe briefly Scotland was very interesting ! The game of kings lets say plays a huge part in this tale decisions are not always made based on sound judgment or moral standing, more on where and what it gets you ! Which Crowbone being the brat he is played expertly !
To summarise this was a brilliant book to further flesh out the oathsworn series. Whereas in my opinion Crowbone was a bit of a dick throughout, it still was a good tale and with the guest appearances of some of the original oathsworn stepping out of the shadows once more, made this a great read !
This book further reinforced that for me . Crowbone was not my favorite character in this but it was interesting to see how he had grown and see through his eyes , and hear his thoughts. On a side note it was interesting also to see other lands that had not been touched upon before by the author. Ireland and i believe briefly Scotland was very interesting ! The game of kings lets say plays a huge part in this tale decisions are not always made based on sound judgment or moral standing, more on where and what it gets you ! Which Crowbone being the brat he is played expertly !
To summarise this was a brilliant book to further flesh out the oathsworn series. Whereas in my opinion Crowbone was a bit of a dick throughout, it still was a good tale and with the guest appearances of some of the original oathsworn stepping out of the shadows once more, made this a great read !
November 10, 2022
Finished reading this one I think partially out of stubbornness.
In part, it had the unfortunate timing of being something I read when I was also reading more recent histories of Vikings. In light of that, much of Crowbone felt too simplified.
There was an aura that it might branch into the fantastical, but it kept within the realms of historical fiction. As historical fiction, I think it felt a bit flat.
In part, it had the unfortunate timing of being something I read when I was also reading more recent histories of Vikings. In light of that, much of Crowbone felt too simplified.
There was an aura that it might branch into the fantastical, but it kept within the realms of historical fiction. As historical fiction, I think it felt a bit flat.
October 24, 2017
Pátý díl mě trošku zklamal, přece jen, Olaf Vraní Kost není taková osobnost jako Orm nebo Finn. Oba tam dost chybí, je to jakési ploché a bez humoru, tentokrát jsem se jaksi nedokázal pořádně začíst.
March 28, 2019
It was good but I prefer the earlier stories told from Orm's point of view.
November 6, 2012
c2012. FWFTB: message, quest, treachery, destiny, Kings. I was eager to get my hands on this book - but then I kept overlooking it on purpose as I felt that I was betraying Orm. Wowee, this book was so enjoyable. The plotting, pace and characters all seemed so much tighter than in the earlier books whilst keeping up the same wonderful momentum and atmosphere. I still don't like Crowbone much and I was relieved when Orm came riding to the rescue. But, whilst remaining firmly on the side of Orm and the wonderful Finn, the depiction of the maturing Crowbone was excellent. In the acknowledgements, Mr Low mentiones that he hopes that Crowbone carries on the Oathsworn saga in the direction that the firm band of fans wanted to travel. I, on the otherhand, would prefer to continue the journey with Orm and Finn and I definitely do not want anything to happen to them at all. I was apprehensive at the final scene in Gudrod's Hall as I thought perhaps Orm or Finn would have to be "sacrificed". This is the kind of book that you have to read every single word of and sometimes even say the lines aloud - they are so beautifully written. Well done, Mr Low. A most excellent book.Highly recommended. FCN: Orm (the best of men), Finn (the best of compadres), Crowbone (the main character in this book - a dangerous person - a maturing teenager with sharp instruments!), Bergliot (a bit one dimensional but serves to illustrate Crowbones real mean streak- what a fate,) Martin (yes - Orm's nemesis surfaces again a lot worse for wear) "'I did not use you at all. I turned you loose and gave you what I could, so that you might make your own wyrd. I hoped you were more of a man and less of a prince. I was wrong everywhere, it seems.'"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2016
Zgodnie z obietnicą autora, wrócił z kolejnym tomem - tym razem V. Początkowo "Zaprzysiężeni" mieli być trylogią. Ale przy dużym zainteresowaniu fanów, Robert Low postanowił poszerzyć cykl o nowe przygody.
Low, jak sam podkreśla w nocie historycznej, skupił się na wybrzeżu Morza Północnego nie bez powodu. W poprzednich tomach pomijał te rejony, ponieważ uznaje je za wyjątkowo ciekawe, a historie rozgrywające się tam stają się wyjątkowo emocjonujące pod koniec X wieku. To właśnie wtedy organizują się ludy Irlandii, z którymi przyszło skrzyżować topory wikingom. To wtedy swoją karierę budował Krucza Kość, czyli Olaf Tryggvasson - słynny król Norwegii panujący jednak tylko 5 lat, ale za to historia jego dojścia do władzy wywoływała gęsią skórkę i właśnie w tym kierunku zaczął iść Robert Low.
Sam natomiast chciałem podkreślić jak bardzo podoba mi się seria. Low nieustannie rozwija swój warsztat. Od samego początku było widać, że facet zna się na rzeczy, ale z każdym tomem stawał się jeszcze lepszy. Najwyraźniej sam był tego całkowicie świadom - dlatego wejście do wojny o sukcesję norweską poprzedził kilkoma latami badań i doskonalenia pisarskich umiejętności. To my, czytelnicy, byliśmy testerami tego nad wyraz udanego eksperymentu.
Czytając kolejne tomy przeżywam, przygody bohaterów z niemniejszą przyjemnością niż autor podczas pisania. Niesamowite przygody, wędrówki, zagadki i mity połączone z fantastyką to tylko niektóre elementy świata z którymi musieli się spotkać bohaterowie, a które naprawdę pobudzają wyobraźnię. Nie trudno dać się pochłonąć w całości tym przygodom, bowiem Low dołożył wszelkich starań, aby czytało się to niezwykle przyjemnie, ale i z dreszczem emocji.
Low, jak sam podkreśla w nocie historycznej, skupił się na wybrzeżu Morza Północnego nie bez powodu. W poprzednich tomach pomijał te rejony, ponieważ uznaje je za wyjątkowo ciekawe, a historie rozgrywające się tam stają się wyjątkowo emocjonujące pod koniec X wieku. To właśnie wtedy organizują się ludy Irlandii, z którymi przyszło skrzyżować topory wikingom. To wtedy swoją karierę budował Krucza Kość, czyli Olaf Tryggvasson - słynny król Norwegii panujący jednak tylko 5 lat, ale za to historia jego dojścia do władzy wywoływała gęsią skórkę i właśnie w tym kierunku zaczął iść Robert Low.
Sam natomiast chciałem podkreślić jak bardzo podoba mi się seria. Low nieustannie rozwija swój warsztat. Od samego początku było widać, że facet zna się na rzeczy, ale z każdym tomem stawał się jeszcze lepszy. Najwyraźniej sam był tego całkowicie świadom - dlatego wejście do wojny o sukcesję norweską poprzedził kilkoma latami badań i doskonalenia pisarskich umiejętności. To my, czytelnicy, byliśmy testerami tego nad wyraz udanego eksperymentu.
Czytając kolejne tomy przeżywam, przygody bohaterów z niemniejszą przyjemnością niż autor podczas pisania. Niesamowite przygody, wędrówki, zagadki i mity połączone z fantastyką to tylko niektóre elementy świata z którymi musieli się spotkać bohaterowie, a które naprawdę pobudzają wyobraźnię. Nie trudno dać się pochłonąć w całości tym przygodom, bowiem Low dołożył wszelkich starań, aby czytało się to niezwykle przyjemnie, ale i z dreszczem emocji.
January 4, 2013
Robert Low demonstrates within this quite seperate adventure featuring the Oathsworn characters but primarily focusing on Olaf Tyggverson aka Crowbone, how well he knows the era and loves his characters. Just like Orm releasing Crowbone to craft his own fame wyrd Robert had to trust this character to lead the way entirely without forcing the plot or dialogue.
The plot is complex as it involves a wide cast of characters across various parts of the medieval world but thankfully each character jump or location jump is signposted literally in the book and a sense of time is added by mention of days and activities in parallel with other characters. But once the reader has settled in for what seems a bumpy and potentially confusing ride everything proves worth it. For secrets, intrigue and danger are rife throughout and tug you all the way through the book to its epic end.
It is a definitely a worthwhile read for any Oathsworn fans who won't be disappointed.
The plot is complex as it involves a wide cast of characters across various parts of the medieval world but thankfully each character jump or location jump is signposted literally in the book and a sense of time is added by mention of days and activities in parallel with other characters. But once the reader has settled in for what seems a bumpy and potentially confusing ride everything proves worth it. For secrets, intrigue and danger are rife throughout and tug you all the way through the book to its epic end.
It is a definitely a worthwhile read for any Oathsworn fans who won't be disappointed.
December 1, 2020
Not for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach, this full on bloody tale is of the early days of Crowbone, Olaf Tryggvasson, Prince of Norway, later King of Norway and finally Saint Olaf. This book carries on from the four books of Orm Bearslayer of the Oathsworn, in the last of which Crowbone makes his first appearance.
The hunt for the iconic, but cursed Bloodaxe is a four way race between various groups of Norse with blood on almost every page of the book as they seek it's resting place.
Of all those who write stories of the Norse and Vikings I feel Robert Low is the one who has their ethos and mind set best understood: I also love his way with words which makes reading his Oathsworn tales just like reading an original Norse Saga.
This is a re-read as Low had gone off on another tangent that does not interest me and what I had hoped was an ongoing series plotting Crowbone's rise to kingship and his use of Christianity to unite Norway turned out to be just a one off.
The hunt for the iconic, but cursed Bloodaxe is a four way race between various groups of Norse with blood on almost every page of the book as they seek it's resting place.
Of all those who write stories of the Norse and Vikings I feel Robert Low is the one who has their ethos and mind set best understood: I also love his way with words which makes reading his Oathsworn tales just like reading an original Norse Saga.
This is a re-read as Low had gone off on another tangent that does not interest me and what I had hoped was an ongoing series plotting Crowbone's rise to kingship and his use of Christianity to unite Norway turned out to be just a one off.
March 20, 2014
I really wanted to love this book, but I just couldn't bring myself to actually like Crowbone. He had so few redeeming qualities that I couldn't even have mixed feelings... I just plain don't even care, and what made it even worse is how awesome Orm is and how terribly Crowbone treats him. Everything else about the book was exactly what I've come to expect from Robert Low, however, which is why I still give it three stars. If there are more Oathsworn books, I hope it goes back to Orm, I missed him. And Finn!
December 31, 2014
Honestly, after reading the earlier books of this series and really getting to love the Character, Crowbone, I expected a better book. All the historical accuracy and some of the gritty high adventure are there. However, much of what made the main character so interesting disappeared in this installment. I'll wait for the next book and hope for the best.
October 13, 2015
Low has a way of capturing the brutality and magic of the 'Viking' period, and this book is no exception to that. A departure from the earlier books in that the protagonist is not Orm bear slayer but Crowbone. A little jarring in the beginning, this book quickly picks up pace and measures up to the other Oathsworn books excellently.
Well done rob, I'll now read anything you write.
Well done rob, I'll now read anything you write.
November 8, 2012
Crowbone was a solid addition to the Oathsworn saga. While I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the previous 3 books, it was still very entertaining. I personally would have liked to see a bit more Finn and Orm.
October 11, 2016
I have really enjoyed all the Robert Low books I've read--a wide range of characters, many well-developed and interesting. Enough twists and turns with good references to historic events as well as completely fictional ones. The Vikings and other ethnicities are believable.
October 22, 2012
I'm sorry to say this book wasnt as good as the rest in this series. I found that I was in no great rush to get back to it.
October 25, 2012
excellent book always enjoy robert low.a very colourful and entertaining writer with an outstanding knowledge of vikings. cant wait for the next
April 10, 2013
A brilliant switch around! Such epic storytelling!
July 18, 2013
I have preferred the other books in the Oathsworn series, but this was quite an interesting departure, concentrating on Crowbone rather than Orm.
January 21, 2014
Enjoyed reading this - sad to see where Crowbone seems to be going. Hoping to see Low return to Orm in the next full novel.
May 14, 2015
Not bad, but Crowbone, as a character, has so much less charisma than Orm. Much preferred the Oathsworn adventures, but enjoyed this all the same.
February 8, 2015
I was disappointed in this book. Orm is barely in it. It's all about Crowbone. Crowbone was an interesting peripheral character but a little bit of him goes a long way.
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