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Conquest Trilogy #2
Viking Fire
In 1035, a young fifteen year old Viking is dragged wounded from the battle. Left for dead, for the next twenty years his adventures lead him over mountains, down the length of Russia and ultimately to Constantinople and the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Drawn into political intrigue he will be the lover of Empresses, the murderer of an emperor; he will hold the balance of power in the Byzantine Empire in his hands, and then give it all up for a Russian princess and the chance to return home and lead his own people, where he must fight the demons of his past, his family and his countrymen in a long and bitter war for revenge and power.
Told in his own voice, this is the astonishing true story of the most famous warrior in all Christendom: Harald Hardrada, the last Viking.
Drawn into political intrigue he will be the lover of Empresses, the murderer of an emperor; he will hold the balance of power in the Byzantine Empire in his hands, and then give it all up for a Russian princess and the chance to return home and lead his own people, where he must fight the demons of his past, his family and his countrymen in a long and bitter war for revenge and power.
Told in his own voice, this is the astonishing true story of the most famous warrior in all Christendom: Harald Hardrada, the last Viking.
379 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2016
18 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Justin Hill
10 books109 followers Justin is an English novelist whose work has twice been nominated for the Man Booker Prize. He was born in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island in 1971 and was brought up in York. He was educated at St Peter's School, York, and was a member of St Cuthbert's Society, Durham University.
He worked for seven years as a volunteer with VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) in rural China and Africa, before returning home to Yorkshire in 1999. His internationally acclaimed first novel, The Drink and Dream Teahouse, won the 2003 Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize and a 2002 Betty Trask Award, and banned by the government in China. It was also picked by the Washington Post as one of the Top Novels of 2001.
His second novel, Passing Under Heaven, won the 2005 Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Encore Award. The Independent on Sunday and Sunday Telegraph both picked it for their Christmas Recommended Reads in 2005.
Ciao Asmara, a factual account of his time in Eritrea, was shortlisted for the 2003 Thomas Cook Travel Book Award.
In December 2009, he signed a two-book deal with Little, Brown, to publish his Conquest Series.
His work has been translated into fifteen languages.
He worked for seven years as a volunteer with VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) in rural China and Africa, before returning home to Yorkshire in 1999. His internationally acclaimed first novel, The Drink and Dream Teahouse, won the 2003 Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize and a 2002 Betty Trask Award, and banned by the government in China. It was also picked by the Washington Post as one of the Top Novels of 2001.
His second novel, Passing Under Heaven, won the 2005 Somerset Maugham Award and was shortlisted for the Encore Award. The Independent on Sunday and Sunday Telegraph both picked it for their Christmas Recommended Reads in 2005.
Ciao Asmara, a factual account of his time in Eritrea, was shortlisted for the 2003 Thomas Cook Travel Book Award.
In December 2009, he signed a two-book deal with Little, Brown, to publish his Conquest Series.
His work has been translated into fifteen languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 2, 2016
Harald Hardrada is one of my FAVOURITE Viking Kings EVER! I have read both fictional & non-fiction books on his epic journey from zero to hero but I will confess Justin Hill's 2nd novel which focuses on this giant of Norse history, is the first that has made me fall deeply in love with him. Almost as much as I fell in love with King Cnut in Helen Hollick's Hollow Crown.
Harald's is a story that involves him facing and overcoming challenge after challenge and shaping him to be the great Norwegian King, as great as the tales tell him to be.
My favourite part of the entire book has to be when Harald reaches Miklagard, the Great City, Constantinople (Istanbul) - the city, society, landscapes, people and of course the very treacherous politics was superbly captured and brought alive on the page. There is one particular and relatively minor conflict Harald gets embroiled in as he serves amongst the Emperor's armies, involving one of the men of the many crews he now commands, and the choices he makes in that event is the strongest indicator of the kind of leader and ultimately King Harald will mature to be. I won't give away too much detail about the situation but it is a clear & firm demonstration that Harald is a man worthy of following and more evidence of why so many did.
There are of course lots of more everyday scenes involving Harald that better define his character and personality, be it with his crew, his mistress or wives, with his children or even when he is talking to a General or an Emperor. Each of these scenes is distinctive and sometimes emotionally touching. I have laughed with Harald, cried with Harald, cheered with Harald, even yelled in anger or shock with Harald. You really do get under the skin, into the blood and dive in his soul as you read each chapter.
Within each chapter I found there was at least 1 line I read that would stick in my head for hours after I had put the book down (which was only ever when I was working I must admit). I found so many literary gems amongst the prose that I started adding them to my own personal list of favourites and it grew and grew as I read the book. I won't list them all as they might hint at spoilers for new readers but I will mention the first line that I was struck by. It was when Harald was with his brother, King Olaf's army, waiting to face the rebellion forces. Harald remarked to himself that Death is like going to sleep, it's living that hurts. If you hurt you know you are alive. Or something like that, to that affect at least. Having recently, in the past year, encountered death through my father, and having had morbid thoughts about what dying is actually like, this one line made a lot of sense to me and I could see how that would bring some comfort & strength to a young warrior facing his first fierce battle. It also showed that this was a Viking who due to his Christian upbringing at least, was considering more than just what kind of afterlife he might have in heaven, he was actually contemplating how he transforms from earth to heaven through death. It is a small yet significant way of reminding the reader that at the end of the day, despite his momentous life & impact on history forever, Harald was still a human being, like ourselves, who will consider his own existence and the sad and often scary fact that we all die in the end. Albeit in Harald's time death & dying was more common and more visible than it is in the 21st century.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's beautiful and masterful telling of Harald's life. Highly recommend to fans of Vikings, 1066, or just Historical Fiction in general.
Harald's is a story that involves him facing and overcoming challenge after challenge and shaping him to be the great Norwegian King, as great as the tales tell him to be.
My favourite part of the entire book has to be when Harald reaches Miklagard, the Great City, Constantinople (Istanbul) - the city, society, landscapes, people and of course the very treacherous politics was superbly captured and brought alive on the page. There is one particular and relatively minor conflict Harald gets embroiled in as he serves amongst the Emperor's armies, involving one of the men of the many crews he now commands, and the choices he makes in that event is the strongest indicator of the kind of leader and ultimately King Harald will mature to be. I won't give away too much detail about the situation but it is a clear & firm demonstration that Harald is a man worthy of following and more evidence of why so many did.
There are of course lots of more everyday scenes involving Harald that better define his character and personality, be it with his crew, his mistress or wives, with his children or even when he is talking to a General or an Emperor. Each of these scenes is distinctive and sometimes emotionally touching. I have laughed with Harald, cried with Harald, cheered with Harald, even yelled in anger or shock with Harald. You really do get under the skin, into the blood and dive in his soul as you read each chapter.
Within each chapter I found there was at least 1 line I read that would stick in my head for hours after I had put the book down (which was only ever when I was working I must admit). I found so many literary gems amongst the prose that I started adding them to my own personal list of favourites and it grew and grew as I read the book. I won't list them all as they might hint at spoilers for new readers but I will mention the first line that I was struck by. It was when Harald was with his brother, King Olaf's army, waiting to face the rebellion forces. Harald remarked to himself that Death is like going to sleep, it's living that hurts. If you hurt you know you are alive. Or something like that, to that affect at least. Having recently, in the past year, encountered death through my father, and having had morbid thoughts about what dying is actually like, this one line made a lot of sense to me and I could see how that would bring some comfort & strength to a young warrior facing his first fierce battle. It also showed that this was a Viking who due to his Christian upbringing at least, was considering more than just what kind of afterlife he might have in heaven, he was actually contemplating how he transforms from earth to heaven through death. It is a small yet significant way of reminding the reader that at the end of the day, despite his momentous life & impact on history forever, Harald was still a human being, like ourselves, who will consider his own existence and the sad and often scary fact that we all die in the end. Albeit in Harald's time death & dying was more common and more visible than it is in the 21st century.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's beautiful and masterful telling of Harald's life. Highly recommend to fans of Vikings, 1066, or just Historical Fiction in general.
February 20, 2018
Enjoyed this book portraying the last viking who died at stamford bridge in 1066 and his life in norway and the middle east
January 27, 2022
Some great details and refreshingly set for some part in the East rather than the usual 'Viking West', but it was too rushed and the characters not grounded enough to really enjoy it. Hill's prose is very smooth though.
November 1, 2016
6 stars
I had been waiting for this for a long time.....well, it seemed a long time! Finally, last night I had it in one hot little hand but.....in the other was my Budgeting Course homework and there's just no competition, is there? What burgeoning Budget Advisory Person is going to pass up writing a cash flow for a mere novel? Well, I was always the most unlikely Budget Advisor anyone could ever have imagined (for so very many reasons!) so I chose the novel.
Justin Hill writes the story, the very colourful, epic and mythical-level story of Harold Hardrada. A heroic and legendary figure; an immortal, almost. By the end of it, you will be so convinced of his superhuman ability that you would conceive of him as indomitable, unconquerable.
Justin Hill writes in the exactly right cadence for his time and period. His writing is more poetry than prose. He is not merely storytelling; I would say he is primarily a listener and a see-er who absorbs what goes on around him and is absorbed by it and then listens to the thoughts in his head and the rhythms of them and only then writes. There are passages that brought Dylan Thomas and Edith Pargeter to mind, both of whom write with a rhythm singular to themselves. I am not saying JH's writing is like either of these writers' work but his ability to construct his own voice is.
For me, he is one of the most visual novelists I have read - he appears to have a complete multi-sensory picture of whatever scene he is writing and can convey it to the reader in almost minimalist writing. I rarely 'see' the scene so vividly on the author's terms; usually, my very vivid imagination provides most of the pictures and the colours. In this book I just had to sit back and enjoy the ride.
I also get the impression that JH trusts his reader. It is amazing how many writers do not do so and attempt to control the reader's experience for fear s/he will fail to perceive - or perhaps to agree with - the writer's own pet points of view. Viking Fire is magnificently unconcerned with my viewpoint. There is no wasting my time (or his own) by explaining what I could work out for myself, nor was I instructed via contrived dialogue in background information or historical details that may show off his own knowledge. (A particularly irritating habit of some HF writers). Anyone who wants to create anything has to recognise at some point that they cannot control how their work is seen; either they can suffer over this (one's own work is very much one's child, I think) or they can send that work out into the world to develop as it will, in trust.
Finally, my one complaint: there is no Author's note, which is the very place for telling me interesting stuff and the writer's thought processes about why and how and what his theories were etc. Tsk! I love a good Author's note - I often read them several times in the course of a book.
I wish yet again that I did not read so fast. However, I will re-read this and its predecessor Shieldwall which was the delightful surprise of the year for me. These two books - plus The White Cross - are my top 3 for this year and I will be very surprised if anything else intervenes in the remainder of 2016.
I had been waiting for this for a long time.....well, it seemed a long time! Finally, last night I had it in one hot little hand but.....in the other was my Budgeting Course homework and there's just no competition, is there? What burgeoning Budget Advisory Person is going to pass up writing a cash flow for a mere novel? Well, I was always the most unlikely Budget Advisor anyone could ever have imagined (for so very many reasons!) so I chose the novel.
Justin Hill writes the story, the very colourful, epic and mythical-level story of Harold Hardrada. A heroic and legendary figure; an immortal, almost. By the end of it, you will be so convinced of his superhuman ability that you would conceive of him as indomitable, unconquerable.
Justin Hill writes in the exactly right cadence for his time and period. His writing is more poetry than prose. He is not merely storytelling; I would say he is primarily a listener and a see-er who absorbs what goes on around him and is absorbed by it and then listens to the thoughts in his head and the rhythms of them and only then writes. There are passages that brought Dylan Thomas and Edith Pargeter to mind, both of whom write with a rhythm singular to themselves. I am not saying JH's writing is like either of these writers' work but his ability to construct his own voice is.
For me, he is one of the most visual novelists I have read - he appears to have a complete multi-sensory picture of whatever scene he is writing and can convey it to the reader in almost minimalist writing. I rarely 'see' the scene so vividly on the author's terms; usually, my very vivid imagination provides most of the pictures and the colours. In this book I just had to sit back and enjoy the ride.
I also get the impression that JH trusts his reader. It is amazing how many writers do not do so and attempt to control the reader's experience for fear s/he will fail to perceive - or perhaps to agree with - the writer's own pet points of view. Viking Fire is magnificently unconcerned with my viewpoint. There is no wasting my time (or his own) by explaining what I could work out for myself, nor was I instructed via contrived dialogue in background information or historical details that may show off his own knowledge. (A particularly irritating habit of some HF writers). Anyone who wants to create anything has to recognise at some point that they cannot control how their work is seen; either they can suffer over this (one's own work is very much one's child, I think) or they can send that work out into the world to develop as it will, in trust.
Finally, my one complaint: there is no Author's note, which is the very place for telling me interesting stuff and the writer's thought processes about why and how and what his theories were etc. Tsk! I love a good Author's note - I often read them several times in the course of a book.
I wish yet again that I did not read so fast. However, I will re-read this and its predecessor Shieldwall which was the delightful surprise of the year for me. These two books - plus The White Cross - are my top 3 for this year and I will be very surprised if anything else intervenes in the remainder of 2016.
October 17, 2016
Justin Hill is a terrific writer. His prose oozes poetry and a real sense of the time and place of his novels. In Harald Hardrada's saga, Viking Fire, Hill gives us a flawed and likable character, told in the Norwegian warrior-king's own words (as recounted to a priest in Britain before his death). This is the second of Hill's novels set during the build up of the Battle of Hastings. The first is Shieldwall, which is told from multiple viewpoints in third person. In Viking Fire, Hill has decided to tell the story from the perspective of the protagonist, which lends it an added immediacy and intimacy.
The first half of Viking Fire, that focuses on Harald's youth and his formative years, is the highlight of the book for me. The great warrior's character leaps from the page and Hill manages to make him deep and wholly believable. If there was one thing that disappointed me about Viking Fire, it is that it glosses over years of campaigns and exciting adventures when Harald was building up his power and great wealth in the service of the Emperors and Empresses of Constantinople. There are several wonderful chapters set during this period, but I couldn't help feeling there were dozens of stories hinted at, but not shown. I would have happily read more of Harald's escapades.
It is a real pity that the historical note was omitted from the hardback version I read. I recommend anyone who reads Viking Fire book to check it out on Justin Hill's website: http://justinhillauthor.blogspot.co.u... It really added a lot for me to see why Hill had taken some of the decisions, and focused on some things more than others.
I loved Justin Hill's first 11th century novel, Shieldwall, and had been awaiting the sequel for years. Viking Fire was worth the wait. Hill brings to life the icy vastness of Nordic mountain ranges and fjords, the freezing, often deadly wastes of the Baltic, the bejeweled and heady riches of Constantinople, the ancient temples of the Holy Land, and the savage intrigues, alliances and huge battles of great nations, all in the life-saga of one truly magnificent man. A man whose name Justin Hill will not allow to be forgotten: Harald Sigurdson, known as Hardrada, King of the North, the Last Viking.
The first half of Viking Fire, that focuses on Harald's youth and his formative years, is the highlight of the book for me. The great warrior's character leaps from the page and Hill manages to make him deep and wholly believable. If there was one thing that disappointed me about Viking Fire, it is that it glosses over years of campaigns and exciting adventures when Harald was building up his power and great wealth in the service of the Emperors and Empresses of Constantinople. There are several wonderful chapters set during this period, but I couldn't help feeling there were dozens of stories hinted at, but not shown. I would have happily read more of Harald's escapades.
It is a real pity that the historical note was omitted from the hardback version I read. I recommend anyone who reads Viking Fire book to check it out on Justin Hill's website: http://justinhillauthor.blogspot.co.u... It really added a lot for me to see why Hill had taken some of the decisions, and focused on some things more than others.
I loved Justin Hill's first 11th century novel, Shieldwall, and had been awaiting the sequel for years. Viking Fire was worth the wait. Hill brings to life the icy vastness of Nordic mountain ranges and fjords, the freezing, often deadly wastes of the Baltic, the bejeweled and heady riches of Constantinople, the ancient temples of the Holy Land, and the savage intrigues, alliances and huge battles of great nations, all in the life-saga of one truly magnificent man. A man whose name Justin Hill will not allow to be forgotten: Harald Sigurdson, known as Hardrada, King of the North, the Last Viking.
November 15, 2018
‘A book of the year.’ - The Times
That’s not just a fancy sales pitch on the wonderful cover.
You better fucking believe it! 5+
That’s not just a fancy sales pitch on the wonderful cover.
You better fucking believe it! 5+
September 7, 2017
It seems to be a truth pretty much universally accepted, that the death of Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, brought an end both to his attempted invasion of England and the Viking Age. And his life.
He is also pretty much universally acclaimed as if not the greatest Viking, then certainly the last great Viking. He has, in my reading experience, despite the above accolades, missed out somewhat in terms of fame amongst the general reading public. His battles of Fulford (which he won) and then at Stamford Bridge (which he lost and lost his life), are -in my experience, remember - often sidelined almost as hiccups in the English history of 1066, on the way to Hastings and William The Conqueror. As if this Viking with the strange name, pops up out of nowhere all opportunistically like, gets beaten and is never heard of again. That Harald has a back story and an incredible one at that, does come as a bit of a surprise to me, as I only knew the absolute bare bones of it prior to reading Viking Fire.
What I really didn't expect, even after having read Justin Hill's previous foray into all things 1066, Shieldwall, was to be so completely bowled over by this magnificent retelling of (what subsequent poking about here and there has revealed) what is known of Harald's story. No one leaving this book, can fail to be impressed both by Harald's life, and Justin's incredibly evocative re-telling of it.
It is so superbly well written, that most of the time, you don't so much read it, as absorb it. It seeps in, gathers you up, carries you along, takes you back, puts you either at Harald's side, or inside his thoughts. We are with Harald from his first memories as a child and a teenager in Norway, to his exile in the east, in Kievan Rus and later roaming round the Mediterranean in the service of Byzantium Empire, as leader of the famed Varangian Guard. Character changes as he moves through his life. From wide-eyed youth struggling to survive and find his way, but showing sparks of his later character, to amassing experience and wealth in the east, to 'did I really do all that?' in older age. The progression and development of his character by Justin, is, perhaps only really noticeable when you think back on the book, because it is so beautifully and naturally written.
Under way, I was reminded of the incredible The Sea Road. Justin, like Margaret Elphinstone, has captured a feeling of that longing for a time gone, of their youth, that is surely not just that of their character's, but ours' as well. Me, anyway. The past has gone but something might be found to take its place. As with Paul Watkins' Thunder God, it could be a commentary on the creep of Christianity into Viking territory that has been brought to use by many writers in the field. But, as here, Justin has Harald as being, if not totally Christian, at least 'well disposed' towards Christianity. To be honest, I didn't realise that Harald might have been so Christian, throughout his life. I'd thought maybe, as in G. K. Holloway's 1066 What Fates Impose, that “The old Viking warrior never felt comfortable in churches unless he was robbing them.'
In Viking Fire, he is portrayed as being religiously pragmatic, he is a Viking through and through, but takes the best from both sides. As I feel a lot of Vikings were at least willing to do when they first met Christianity. They couldn't see why anyone should unquestioningly worship what to them was a weak god, but they were prepared to allow that some might want to. It was Christianity that decided there should/could be no living side by side, and Viking leaders, looking to the future and the need for political alliances, took on Christianity as a way of gaining what they wanted. Then the old ways faded withered and died from neglect. Maybe not quite, as there is still a following here in Scandinavia, but it was never seen as a 'threat' again.
Harald's dream while travelling in something of a self-imposed exile, was always to return to Norway with enough money and men, and if not, with enough money to get enough men - and seek vengeance. It seemed that when he did return, he was a giant amongst little Norwegians. Not just in stature (sagas have him as being six or even seven foot tall), but in presence and thinking. He becomes king, settles down, builds churches and while at that point, his life is already saga worthy, with his background, you know it's not enough to contain him.
Vikings seem always to have been concerned about reputation they leave behind. Hardrada is no difference. He has all he wanted, a place at the high table in Valhalla is assured, but when tempted by Tostig Godwinsson and English emissaries trying to enlist Harald's help to regain the English throne from Harold Godwinsson, he finds he just can't resist one last Viking adventure. He knows he shouldn't, but in keeping with the rest of his life, when did that mean he wouldn't? So, for one last moment in the limelight, the old Viking can't say no. And when his end comes, he dies, I felt, if not happy, then satisfied. That he had done his absolute best, done what he could with his life, and seen where it could take him. We should all be so content on our last day.
These later chapters - especially around the death of his wife - affected me very much indeed. They were reminiscent of the feelings that very nearly overwhelmed me reading the end of Angus Donald's The Death of Robin Hood. Justin brings a grizzled old Viking semi-Pagan out of the Saga pages and history, and into fully rounded, living breathing, loving, hoping, dreaming life. Still deserving of the Hardrada name, but maybe with some more nuanced chamfered edges. I guarantee you'll look out of your window and the scene will be very slightly misted.
'The Last Viking' epithet applied to Harald says a lot. They didn't know it at the time, so there may well have been people who went a-Viking after 1066, but to our modern eyes, the ideal and the age ended with him. The Norse were more politically expedient after that. Might be the last, but in many ways he is the finest, the peak, the culmination and embodiment - the most Viking of Vikings. He is looking down on us from the mead benches in Vallhalla, that's certain, and he couldn't have wished for a more sublime, subtle, powerful and fitting tribute than Justin Hill's Viking Fire.
*By the way, I'm going with the 'Hard Counsel' explanation of his name. As Hård-Råd' would be the Danish equivalent now.
My book blog: Speesh Reads
Promise to send me an arc, and I'll read your book.
He is also pretty much universally acclaimed as if not the greatest Viking, then certainly the last great Viking. He has, in my reading experience, despite the above accolades, missed out somewhat in terms of fame amongst the general reading public. His battles of Fulford (which he won) and then at Stamford Bridge (which he lost and lost his life), are -in my experience, remember - often sidelined almost as hiccups in the English history of 1066, on the way to Hastings and William The Conqueror. As if this Viking with the strange name, pops up out of nowhere all opportunistically like, gets beaten and is never heard of again. That Harald has a back story and an incredible one at that, does come as a bit of a surprise to me, as I only knew the absolute bare bones of it prior to reading Viking Fire.
What I really didn't expect, even after having read Justin Hill's previous foray into all things 1066, Shieldwall, was to be so completely bowled over by this magnificent retelling of (what subsequent poking about here and there has revealed) what is known of Harald's story. No one leaving this book, can fail to be impressed both by Harald's life, and Justin's incredibly evocative re-telling of it.
It is so superbly well written, that most of the time, you don't so much read it, as absorb it. It seeps in, gathers you up, carries you along, takes you back, puts you either at Harald's side, or inside his thoughts. We are with Harald from his first memories as a child and a teenager in Norway, to his exile in the east, in Kievan Rus and later roaming round the Mediterranean in the service of Byzantium Empire, as leader of the famed Varangian Guard. Character changes as he moves through his life. From wide-eyed youth struggling to survive and find his way, but showing sparks of his later character, to amassing experience and wealth in the east, to 'did I really do all that?' in older age. The progression and development of his character by Justin, is, perhaps only really noticeable when you think back on the book, because it is so beautifully and naturally written.
Under way, I was reminded of the incredible The Sea Road. Justin, like Margaret Elphinstone, has captured a feeling of that longing for a time gone, of their youth, that is surely not just that of their character's, but ours' as well. Me, anyway. The past has gone but something might be found to take its place. As with Paul Watkins' Thunder God, it could be a commentary on the creep of Christianity into Viking territory that has been brought to use by many writers in the field. But, as here, Justin has Harald as being, if not totally Christian, at least 'well disposed' towards Christianity. To be honest, I didn't realise that Harald might have been so Christian, throughout his life. I'd thought maybe, as in G. K. Holloway's 1066 What Fates Impose, that “The old Viking warrior never felt comfortable in churches unless he was robbing them.'
In Viking Fire, he is portrayed as being religiously pragmatic, he is a Viking through and through, but takes the best from both sides. As I feel a lot of Vikings were at least willing to do when they first met Christianity. They couldn't see why anyone should unquestioningly worship what to them was a weak god, but they were prepared to allow that some might want to. It was Christianity that decided there should/could be no living side by side, and Viking leaders, looking to the future and the need for political alliances, took on Christianity as a way of gaining what they wanted. Then the old ways faded withered and died from neglect. Maybe not quite, as there is still a following here in Scandinavia, but it was never seen as a 'threat' again.
Harald's dream while travelling in something of a self-imposed exile, was always to return to Norway with enough money and men, and if not, with enough money to get enough men - and seek vengeance. It seemed that when he did return, he was a giant amongst little Norwegians. Not just in stature (sagas have him as being six or even seven foot tall), but in presence and thinking. He becomes king, settles down, builds churches and while at that point, his life is already saga worthy, with his background, you know it's not enough to contain him.
Vikings seem always to have been concerned about reputation they leave behind. Hardrada is no difference. He has all he wanted, a place at the high table in Valhalla is assured, but when tempted by Tostig Godwinsson and English emissaries trying to enlist Harald's help to regain the English throne from Harold Godwinsson, he finds he just can't resist one last Viking adventure. He knows he shouldn't, but in keeping with the rest of his life, when did that mean he wouldn't? So, for one last moment in the limelight, the old Viking can't say no. And when his end comes, he dies, I felt, if not happy, then satisfied. That he had done his absolute best, done what he could with his life, and seen where it could take him. We should all be so content on our last day.
These later chapters - especially around the death of his wife - affected me very much indeed. They were reminiscent of the feelings that very nearly overwhelmed me reading the end of Angus Donald's The Death of Robin Hood. Justin brings a grizzled old Viking semi-Pagan out of the Saga pages and history, and into fully rounded, living breathing, loving, hoping, dreaming life. Still deserving of the Hardrada name, but maybe with some more nuanced chamfered edges. I guarantee you'll look out of your window and the scene will be very slightly misted.
'The Last Viking' epithet applied to Harald says a lot. They didn't know it at the time, so there may well have been people who went a-Viking after 1066, but to our modern eyes, the ideal and the age ended with him. The Norse were more politically expedient after that. Might be the last, but in many ways he is the finest, the peak, the culmination and embodiment - the most Viking of Vikings. He is looking down on us from the mead benches in Vallhalla, that's certain, and he couldn't have wished for a more sublime, subtle, powerful and fitting tribute than Justin Hill's Viking Fire.
*By the way, I'm going with the 'Hard Counsel' explanation of his name. As Hård-Råd' would be the Danish equivalent now.
My book blog: Speesh Reads
Promise to send me an arc, and I'll read your book.
September 22, 2016
Review
Its been 5 years since Shieldwall, the immensely impressive first book in the Conquest Trilogy. I personally have been waiting for this book with bated breath (and i may have nagged him a few times), Justin Hill is a hugely talented writer, so when my advance copy landed i dived right in.
This book follows the life of Harald Hardrada, aka King Haraldr Sigurðarson given the epithet Hardrada (harðráði, roughly translated as “stern counsel” or “hard ruler”. Justin Hill takes his life story from the boy in his fathers house, the hero worship of his brother (King Olaf, later St Olaf), through his battles and growth to manhood, his battle with enemies and elements, his journey across the known world to the wonders of Miklagard (Constantinople) the heart of the Byzantine Empire. The main part of the book concentrates on Haralds rise in the center of the worlds power and his gaining of wealth, wealth enough to return home to lay his claim to the title King of Norway, and aspired to do the same with Denmark. He brought home some of the civilization of Greeks to the nordic world, a sense of permanence to their history. Ultimately we know the ending, a step to far, a kingdom beyond reach, England.
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Its been 5 years since Shieldwall, the immensely impressive first book in the Conquest Trilogy. I personally have been waiting for this book with bated breath (and i may have nagged him a few times), Justin Hill is a hugely talented writer, so when my advance copy landed i dived right in.
This book follows the life of Harald Hardrada, aka King Haraldr Sigurðarson given the epithet Hardrada (harðráði, roughly translated as “stern counsel” or “hard ruler”. Justin Hill takes his life story from the boy in his fathers house, the hero worship of his brother (King Olaf, later St Olaf), through his battles and growth to manhood, his battle with enemies and elements, his journey across the known world to the wonders of Miklagard (Constantinople) the heart of the Byzantine Empire. The main part of the book concentrates on Haralds rise in the center of the worlds power and his gaining of wealth, wealth enough to return home to lay his claim to the title King of Norway, and aspired to do the same with Denmark. He brought home some of the civilization of Greeks to the nordic world, a sense of permanence to their history. Ultimately we know the ending, a step to far, a kingdom beyond reach, England.
follow link for full review
https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
October 30, 2019
There is a quality about this book at times, a poetic quality that resonates deeply in a yearning, nostalgic way. It has the quality of a Saga. There is hardship and there is courage. There is fierce and bloody battle, and there are moments of peace in the warmth of the sun and of those you love.
It is, after all, the life of a man who has fought hard and struggled and, on the surface, won.
But this is Harald Hardrada, the man defeated at Stamford Bridge, and for many of us he is the man that gambled and lost.
A great deal of this book has an almost epic quality to it and my one disappointment was that somewhere in the middle, amidst the politics of Byzantium, it just momentarily became just like so many other historical novels... just for a moment.
It is, after all, the life of a man who has fought hard and struggled and, on the surface, won.
But this is Harald Hardrada, the man defeated at Stamford Bridge, and for many of us he is the man that gambled and lost.
A great deal of this book has an almost epic quality to it and my one disappointment was that somewhere in the middle, amidst the politics of Byzantium, it just momentarily became just like so many other historical novels... just for a moment.
January 3, 2018
Thoroughly entertaining saga of the last great Viking, perhaps the greatest of them all, Harald Hardrada.
August 21, 2020
OUTSTANDING! This is the best fictional novel I think I've ever read, and what a joy it was to read too. The story flowed beautifully, and although the end was ultimately known, it was still a great journey getting there. A must read for anyone.
September 6, 2017
Viking Fire is the second in the Conquest Series about the events leading up to the battles of 1066. In this book the focus is on Harald Hardrada, who won the first battle, at Fulford. He was then defeated, by Harold Godwinson, at Stanford Bridge. I must admit that I knew little more than that he was King of Norway. Why was he involved in this conflict?
Harald Sigurdson (Hardrada was a later nickname) had a long life - and what a life. The story starts, after a brief chapter at Fulford, when Harald is a boy. He idolizes his brother, King Olaf and when he is fifteen is allowed to stand beside him in battle. Unfortunately Olaf is killed and Harald is badly injured. He vows revenge on those responsible for his brother's death - King Cnut, who takes the throne and his family. Harald must flee, grow strong enough to challenge for the throne.
Still recovering from his injuries, he has to navigate the mountains, in winter. Some offer help, others are enemies. When he reaches the coast, he must make a decision - catch a ship, but where? He heads east, into the frozen lands of the Rus. After years of fighting and trading in furs, he arrives in the Black Sea, captain of his own ship, to deliver a cargo of furs to the Emperor of the Greeks at Micklegard (Byzantium). He joins the Varangian Guard and rises to become one of their leaders, fighting battles at sea and in Greece and Sicily. He visits Jerusalem and becomes friendly with the Empress.
Having accumulated great riches he decides to return to the North to claim the throne of Norway. Not for the power, but for the good he can do, for Harald is an intelligent man. He sees the benefits that civilisation can bring to his homeland. He returns and briefly shares the throne with his nephew, Magnus, Olaf's son. Magnus dies before they have time to come to blows, and Harald rules Norway for twenty years, building churches, founding Oslo, having children. By 1066 he is just over 50, growing old, why should he want to invade England? This book suggests one answer.
How is this long and exciting life packed into one average length book? Mainly because the author uses Harald himself to tell the story. Looking back on his life, he remembers the highlights, covering the journeys with a throwaway "I was with Jarl Eilief two years" or "Time and days seemed to merge into one long dream. I would wake to see thunderheads over Olympus or lookout towers over the burnt ruins of a pirate camp, and a few times dolphins raced the boat..." and their breath reminds him of an incident in Norway.
But when time stops, for a battle, the perils of the snow, an ordinary day on a Norwegian farm or the first walk through the streets of Byzantium, the writing is so clear that you are there, living Harald's life with him, seeing each tiny detail; the heat, the taste of the wine, the excitement of the shieldwall and the pain of losing friends.
The book is full of "what ifs": Harald could have stayed in Norway, become a farmer. He might have become Emperor of Byzantium. Or he might have beaten Harold Godwinson, and then William of Normandy, and changed history.
I loved the book, and look forward to reading more of the series.
I recently read King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett. I said that it was the best book I had ever read. Viking Fire by Justin Hill runs a close second.
Harald Sigurdson (Hardrada was a later nickname) had a long life - and what a life. The story starts, after a brief chapter at Fulford, when Harald is a boy. He idolizes his brother, King Olaf and when he is fifteen is allowed to stand beside him in battle. Unfortunately Olaf is killed and Harald is badly injured. He vows revenge on those responsible for his brother's death - King Cnut, who takes the throne and his family. Harald must flee, grow strong enough to challenge for the throne.
Still recovering from his injuries, he has to navigate the mountains, in winter. Some offer help, others are enemies. When he reaches the coast, he must make a decision - catch a ship, but where? He heads east, into the frozen lands of the Rus. After years of fighting and trading in furs, he arrives in the Black Sea, captain of his own ship, to deliver a cargo of furs to the Emperor of the Greeks at Micklegard (Byzantium). He joins the Varangian Guard and rises to become one of their leaders, fighting battles at sea and in Greece and Sicily. He visits Jerusalem and becomes friendly with the Empress.
Having accumulated great riches he decides to return to the North to claim the throne of Norway. Not for the power, but for the good he can do, for Harald is an intelligent man. He sees the benefits that civilisation can bring to his homeland. He returns and briefly shares the throne with his nephew, Magnus, Olaf's son. Magnus dies before they have time to come to blows, and Harald rules Norway for twenty years, building churches, founding Oslo, having children. By 1066 he is just over 50, growing old, why should he want to invade England? This book suggests one answer.
How is this long and exciting life packed into one average length book? Mainly because the author uses Harald himself to tell the story. Looking back on his life, he remembers the highlights, covering the journeys with a throwaway "I was with Jarl Eilief two years" or "Time and days seemed to merge into one long dream. I would wake to see thunderheads over Olympus or lookout towers over the burnt ruins of a pirate camp, and a few times dolphins raced the boat..." and their breath reminds him of an incident in Norway.
But when time stops, for a battle, the perils of the snow, an ordinary day on a Norwegian farm or the first walk through the streets of Byzantium, the writing is so clear that you are there, living Harald's life with him, seeing each tiny detail; the heat, the taste of the wine, the excitement of the shieldwall and the pain of losing friends.
The book is full of "what ifs": Harald could have stayed in Norway, become a farmer. He might have become Emperor of Byzantium. Or he might have beaten Harold Godwinson, and then William of Normandy, and changed history.
I loved the book, and look forward to reading more of the series.
I recently read King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett. I said that it was the best book I had ever read. Viking Fire by Justin Hill runs a close second.
July 8, 2018
When I read Shieldwall I suspected it. Now, having finished Viking Fire, the second in Justin Hill's Conquest trilogy, I know it: he's the best of us. Darn it. In Viking Fire, it's not just that he reveals a complete mastery of narrative devices (Shieldwall is third person with multiple points of view), for Viking Fire is, mostly, told in the first-person of Harald Hardrada, nor that he tells an extraordinarily rich and involving story (Harald's life is such that it would require incompetence on the level of genius to make it uninteresting). No, the key facet of Hill's writing that sets him over and above the usual hack-n-slash merchant of Dark Age historical fiction is his mastery of language. I took four months over the reading of this story not because it was uninvolving and uninteresting, but because I wanted to linger over it.
Shieldwall, set in England during the reign of Aethelred the Unready, is written with the beat of Old English poetry running through its rhythms: the lines lengthening and shortening in keeping with the pace of the story, but all held to together by the alliterative beat and the four-stress pattern of Old English verse. Not only that, but the word choice is careful and precise, eschewing later imported loan words for those words in modern English that can be traced back to Old English. So, unlike most historical fiction, the language Hill used in Shieldwall underscores, underlies and deepens the story, rather than being, albeit unconsciously, at odds with it (as often happens with writers less sensitive to these linguistic echoes).
Now, with Viking Fire, Hill's hero is a Viking, a Norwegian, whose life takes him from the fjords of the north, through Rus, to the great city, Constantinople, and the warm sea at the world's heart. In keeping with the protagonist and the time and places in which he lives, the language Hill uses has changed: the rhythm is different, matching that of the prose sagas that have come down to us from the northlands, and with echoes of the hugely complex, percussive rhythms of the skalds, the court poets and PR men of the Viking kingdoms. But when Harald takes employment under the Emperors and sails, with his crew of Northmen, the Mediterranean, then there enters the story hints of the rhythmic phrasing of Homer and even, in the more languorous passages where these northern warriors settle down under the southern sun with wine and good food and women, something of the ease and flow of Ovid. There's not many writers who can manage this precision of language, and no one else working in this genre today.
Darn it, he really is the best of us.
Shieldwall, set in England during the reign of Aethelred the Unready, is written with the beat of Old English poetry running through its rhythms: the lines lengthening and shortening in keeping with the pace of the story, but all held to together by the alliterative beat and the four-stress pattern of Old English verse. Not only that, but the word choice is careful and precise, eschewing later imported loan words for those words in modern English that can be traced back to Old English. So, unlike most historical fiction, the language Hill used in Shieldwall underscores, underlies and deepens the story, rather than being, albeit unconsciously, at odds with it (as often happens with writers less sensitive to these linguistic echoes).
Now, with Viking Fire, Hill's hero is a Viking, a Norwegian, whose life takes him from the fjords of the north, through Rus, to the great city, Constantinople, and the warm sea at the world's heart. In keeping with the protagonist and the time and places in which he lives, the language Hill uses has changed: the rhythm is different, matching that of the prose sagas that have come down to us from the northlands, and with echoes of the hugely complex, percussive rhythms of the skalds, the court poets and PR men of the Viking kingdoms. But when Harald takes employment under the Emperors and sails, with his crew of Northmen, the Mediterranean, then there enters the story hints of the rhythmic phrasing of Homer and even, in the more languorous passages where these northern warriors settle down under the southern sun with wine and good food and women, something of the ease and flow of Ovid. There's not many writers who can manage this precision of language, and no one else working in this genre today.
Darn it, he really is the best of us.
February 3, 2017
Finally got around finishing this simply brilliant book.
Not being the biggest fan of the first person narrative as there is no real sense of peril, this is surprisingly different.As it starts off with the acknowledgement that Harald Hardrada is dead. So that sets the tone for the book, that all the following adventures will be leading up to that point.
So with that stumbling block out of the way Justin Hill uses his considerable talents to tell an engrossing tale of the last great (and arguably the greatest) Viking Harald Hardrada. He who lost the other battle of 1066.
Starting with Harald's early life and moving to his introduction of battle at the Battle Of Stiklestad, where his brother is killed. Being forced to flee as a fugitive. Over time Harald gathers men to his banner and seeks service in the courts of the Rus (Russian rulers) notably in Keiv. Before travelling onward towards the Byzantine Empire and finding employment as a (not so simple) mercenary in the Varangian guard. I personally think this is the best part of the book as while it is known the vikings went as far as what was known as Byzantium/Constantinople. After many years and adventures the call of his home beckons and he returns to Norway a much richer and wiser man than the youth who fled for his life so long ago. Then one last voyage to either win everlasting fame and glory or for a more simple reason, treasure. Which ends at the encounter at Stamford Bridge.. Who knows had he won that battle, maybe I would be writing this in Norwegian, As on a personal note I think if Harald Hardrada had fought William rather than Harold Godwinson. The result would of been very different.
In short a stunning book that just needs to be read...
Not being the biggest fan of the first person narrative as there is no real sense of peril, this is surprisingly different.As it starts off with the acknowledgement that Harald Hardrada is dead. So that sets the tone for the book, that all the following adventures will be leading up to that point.
So with that stumbling block out of the way Justin Hill uses his considerable talents to tell an engrossing tale of the last great (and arguably the greatest) Viking Harald Hardrada. He who lost the other battle of 1066.
Starting with Harald's early life and moving to his introduction of battle at the Battle Of Stiklestad, where his brother is killed. Being forced to flee as a fugitive. Over time Harald gathers men to his banner and seeks service in the courts of the Rus (Russian rulers) notably in Keiv. Before travelling onward towards the Byzantine Empire and finding employment as a (not so simple) mercenary in the Varangian guard. I personally think this is the best part of the book as while it is known the vikings went as far as what was known as Byzantium/Constantinople. After many years and adventures the call of his home beckons and he returns to Norway a much richer and wiser man than the youth who fled for his life so long ago. Then one last voyage to either win everlasting fame and glory or for a more simple reason, treasure. Which ends at the encounter at Stamford Bridge.. Who knows had he won that battle, maybe I would be writing this in Norwegian, As on a personal note I think if Harald Hardrada had fought William rather than Harold Godwinson. The result would of been very different.
In short a stunning book that just needs to be read...
October 10, 2016
Following on from Shieldwall, this books centres on the life of Harold Hardrada and follows the story of a young boy who turns into a king and who ultimately ends his life at the battle of Stamford Bridge, yes we all know the ending but the story leading up to this is both fascinating and informative for me the height of great historical fiction, the writing is rich in descriptive passages of hard times, harsh landscapes and bloody battles, the characters brought beautifully to life on the pages, credit to the author as you feel and live the life of Harold. You may not necessarily read works of historical fiction, however that shouldn't stop you from reading and appreciating what is a first class novel, more than just a book about battles this is a story of a man and his journey through life. Historical fiction at its best
September 10, 2019
Like Shieldwall, I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars.
I liked this book a ton; although the first-person POV was difficult to adjust to at first.
The writing style was quite a bit different from the first book in the series.
"Series"? I guess so. At least it's sold that way. But the truth is, this book didn't have much to do with the first one, until the very end; other than the events were happening at the same time, I guess.
Overall, I loved the story. Great read. Some editorial issues and date inconsistencies, but nothing that detracted too much from the book.
I liked this book a ton; although the first-person POV was difficult to adjust to at first.
The writing style was quite a bit different from the first book in the series.
"Series"? I guess so. At least it's sold that way. But the truth is, this book didn't have much to do with the first one, until the very end; other than the events were happening at the same time, I guess.
Overall, I loved the story. Great read. Some editorial issues and date inconsistencies, but nothing that detracted too much from the book.
October 8, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this novelised account of Harald's life. Beautifully written it covers this mans journeys around the then known world. Many years ago it was assumed medieval people stayed close to home in their villages. Not so. We follow Harald's journeys around his world and towards his kingship. Lovely renditions of the world of 1020 onwards Scandinavia to Byzantine to Jerusalem and Sicily. It shows the widening influence of Christianity and clashes with Islam. But mainly it draws the story of an extraordinary man who learnt from his journey and applied it in a strong and positive Kingship. Great writing with fabulous pictures of the worlds Harald moved through. A brilliant story and I will be looking out for more writing by Justin Hill.
October 7, 2016
Story of Harald Hardrada from his life as the youngest son of a Norwegian lord, following his brother to war which ends up in his exile from his home land travelling through modern Russia to the service of the Eastern Roman Empire, where upon he becomes one of the most feared war leaders of the Middle Ages.
Spans a number of major battles as well as small skirmishes each of which is wonderfully written, and a period of 50 years living as a trader, traditional Viking through to lord and eventually king.
Fantastic story well written with knowledge of a wide range of civilisations highly recommended
Spans a number of major battles as well as small skirmishes each of which is wonderfully written, and a period of 50 years living as a trader, traditional Viking through to lord and eventually king.
Fantastic story well written with knowledge of a wide range of civilisations highly recommended
August 11, 2017
The second in the series is possibly even better than his 2011 effort, Sheildwall, which already rose the bar high. Fast paced, fully fleshed out characters, well placed broad strokes.
Only complaint, and so minor it's barely worth mentioning, is the title and the cover.
The Mjolnir on the cover, why? Deference to the gods of his heathen forefathers? Didn't seem to gel with the book which shows him consistently as a devout Christian warrior.
Also, I'd expect a tale this good to have a better title, perhaps something as simple as 'Hardrada', or maybe, 'The Hard Ruler'.
Only complaint, and so minor it's barely worth mentioning, is the title and the cover.
The Mjolnir on the cover, why? Deference to the gods of his heathen forefathers? Didn't seem to gel with the book which shows him consistently as a devout Christian warrior.
Also, I'd expect a tale this good to have a better title, perhaps something as simple as 'Hardrada', or maybe, 'The Hard Ruler'.
February 28, 2019
A truly excellent read. It started off a little slow, and I was initially put off with the first person narrative, but the author makes it work. After about 15%, I was well into the story. I have a pretty good understanding of the history involved, and I know Harald’s story already, but the author still pulled me into the book with great writing and some truly moving moments. Plenty of action and adventure to be found here, and even though I know how it ends, it still hit me harder than I would have believed. Very good book, recommended.
May 3, 2019
I've had missed feelings throughout most of this book.
I found it lacklustre and a bit lazy. (At times)
Sure, some of the passages flow like beautiful poetry. But I felt a lot of the big details were rushed and overlooked.
It was cruising to a 3 stars.
In the last 50 or so pages, my opinion changed considerably.
I really felt the last parts (no spoilers)
We all know what happened to the fair giant...
I found it lacklustre and a bit lazy. (At times)
Sure, some of the passages flow like beautiful poetry. But I felt a lot of the big details were rushed and overlooked.
It was cruising to a 3 stars.
In the last 50 or so pages, my opinion changed considerably.
I really felt the last parts (no spoilers)
We all know what happened to the fair giant...
November 4, 2018
Good historical fiction, well told. The book is set up to be the retelling of the tale of Harald Hardrada by an English priest, yet the priest tells it in the first-person of Harald. It feels a bit weird. Other than that, the author does an excellent job of fleshing out a story within the historical context, presumably drawing upon legends and records about the real historical figure.
February 12, 2020
This is a splendid read. The characters are alive and some stride from the page, Harald most of all. The landscape and natural elements are described beautifully. The fights are brutal but not gratuitous. There is a real sense of the passage of years and their toll. I read it as a library book but I will buy a copy. This is a keeper.
April 10, 2019
I've never read the build up to 1066 from the Vikings view but now I have I've been left wanting more. Fantastic from start to finish. The only question now is what other stories will justin hill produce because I for one want more
June 4, 2019
When other authors write in black and white (and maybe one or two others) I find reading these books like reading in full colour. The writing flows easily, and I find I can picture so clearly the events being described. More please!
August 26, 2020
A beaut modern take on the Viking Saga, complete with battles, adventure, honor & kingship. If you liked classic saga The Long Ships then this will not disappoint!
August 15, 2022
Viking Fire, the second book in the Conquest series. Set some 50 years after the events of Shieldwall - by the time we get to the end. A historical fiction (more fact than fiction) set in the earl 11th Century. More of an adventure with this one - Norway, Rus, the Byzantine Empire and England.
This book follows the life of Harald Hardrada. Where Shieldwall was told from a third person perspective, Viking Fire really benefits from its first person focused narrative. We really get into the mind of Harald as we follow his struggles and triumphs. It makes for a more emotional experience. It also feels like an autobiography in its approach.
Viking history interests me a lot, but I am no expert. So Harald’s adventure was quite eye opening. Time to get the history books out to see how accurate it is!
Like Shieldwall, this is also a coming of age story and self discovery. Personally I ended up liking Harald in this story more than Godwin from Shieldwall.
The battles are plenty but don’t overwhelm the story. Again the first person perspective helps as you feel part of the chaos.
You could jump into this book without having read the first book. Highly recommend this book if you are intrigued by Viking history.
This series is meant to be a trilogy, so I’m looking forward to seeing which historical figure the author tackles next.
This book follows the life of Harald Hardrada. Where Shieldwall was told from a third person perspective, Viking Fire really benefits from its first person focused narrative. We really get into the mind of Harald as we follow his struggles and triumphs. It makes for a more emotional experience. It also feels like an autobiography in its approach.
Viking history interests me a lot, but I am no expert. So Harald’s adventure was quite eye opening. Time to get the history books out to see how accurate it is!
Like Shieldwall, this is also a coming of age story and self discovery. Personally I ended up liking Harald in this story more than Godwin from Shieldwall.
The battles are plenty but don’t overwhelm the story. Again the first person perspective helps as you feel part of the chaos.
You could jump into this book without having read the first book. Highly recommend this book if you are intrigued by Viking history.
This series is meant to be a trilogy, so I’m looking forward to seeing which historical figure the author tackles next.
March 25, 2024
I expected a lot of things in this book and I should have gave this a 5 stars but it did not, so it's only a 4 for me. I love the way Hill writes his battle scenes but some of the battle scenes in this book are very short for me. I am a big fan when it comes to battles or fight scenes and that's one of my favorite scenes when it comes to books. I want to talk about the scene where Pardus took Svarni's eyes. I felt upset and sad about what happened to him and I was inspired of his bravery when he charge into the enemy and shouted Harald's name. I love the characters and Harald's friendship with Halldor. Harald was the man who gambled and lost. I had fun reading this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2020
I wasn’t as keen on this book as I was the first one but I’m not sure why. It was well written and had a good plot but I just didn’t get into it as much. There were a couple of the more violent scenes to do with eyes that made me really squeamish and it felt like huge sections of the story were skimmed over. I still liked it though and I would recommend it but not as much as the first. Still going to read the third though!
May 11, 2021
Having read Shieldwall several years ago (to me the best Viking tale ever written) I have waited patiently for the follow-up. At last it arrived and I wasn't completely disappointed, (again Shieldwall will take some matching) but a fantastic story nevertheless and for those of us who know very little or nothing about Harold Hardrada, a valuable insight into this amazing person. Hopefully the last in this trilogy will not be too long in the making.
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