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Beowulf: Sword of Woden #3
Monsters
BEOWULF - EVERY LEGEND HAS A BEGINNINGAs the cataclysmic events unfold at Ravenswood, Beowulf is left fighting his own very personal war against the forces of Hel. Finally cured with the help of the wizard Asgrim, Beowulf and the men of his comitatus gather their forces and travel to Heorot to finally confront the monster, Grendel. In a journey which sweeps across the north, from the depths of the great Swedish forests and the marshes of Frisland to the gentle hills surrounding Sutton Hoo, Beowulf finally discovers that killing Grendel was not his sternest test after all. Woden has one more, even more powerful fiend to confront as the Gods vie for ascendancy over middle earth. Sword of Woden, Monsters, is the conclusion of a trilogy of novels which seek to tell the early life story of Beowulf and his clan, the Swertings.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
376 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 12, 2019
“A reputation which would ring down through the ages for as long as men gathered together, regaling each other with tales of monsters and heroes.”
Monsters - and the whole of the Sword of Woden series - is a fully successful, convincing and thrilling blending of myth and legend into totally believable reality. Much more so than other recent efforts I've read - for instance, James Wilde's recent Pendragon. And this one can be filed under Historical Fiction.
The tale of the maybe mythical Anglo-Saxon, Anglo-Scandinavian warrior hero Beowulf, has been told as entertainment probably since since around the sixth century - when the events of the poem are set. The peoples of northern Germany and southern Denmark - maybe in so far as Sweden - had begun their migration to Britain in the wake of the collapse of the Roman administration of Britannia and, I'd say, brought the tales with them, as a reminder of who they were, where they came from, and that they could be like Beowulf and conquer the unknown lands, not matter how frightful the obstacles might be. Many of the events concern the area attributed to the Geatish tribes, and may have originated there, or with people who themselves originated there, as there are suggestions that Beowulf was actually composed in the 600s, in East Anglia. The poem, the story, the legend is steeped in history and mystery and there is no obvious separation of mythical and historical events. I think that the people hearing the tale, for the first or last time, would maybe hear it as an accurate story of actual events back home. Though there is historical and archaeological evidence that many figures in the poem actually existed, there is, unfortunately, no historical evidence - the poem apart - that Beowulf actually existed.
But if he did exist, it surely would have been like this. What C.R. May has done is expand on what the original poem suggests, to shine a modern understanding light into this ‘dark’ age and in my opinion, create something equally as powerful for us now, as the original was for its audiences 1400 and more years ago.
All in all, it's a big reputation to live up to, to create an equally vibrant, colourful, living breathing background and 21st Century interpretation of the legendary warrior's story. So we are lucky to have one of our best Historical Fiction authors taking it on, and succeeding in such glorious style. Beowulf has been taken out of the dark ages, new light has been shone on him and his world and an incredible, magical, enriching journey back to birth of legends has been created. If there was a Beowulf, and if he did all the things the poem says he did, he did them like this.
He began, two books ago, as a young man, a warrior in the making, starting out and feeling his way into the role that would become his life. Here, he has achieved the maturity he promised earlier and become the Beowulf that inspired the legend. What C.R. May has done in Monsters, is brought his Beowulf tale around to the events that anyone who knows anything about Beowulf will know about - the battle with Grendel and the monster's mother. Beowulf himself, in C.R. May's hands has developed tremendously well, the character we meet here, is strong, kingly, a warrior and most of all, a man. He is someone to inspire his won men, someone to take on the dark forces of a new land and someone we would all like to have either beside us in dark times, or at our side in a shield-wall. Just as the poem is half myth and half truth, so is Monsters. The battle with Grendel, may be as pointed out earlier a memory of an ancient conflict between modern humans and Neanderthals - obviously embroidered somewhat by poets down the ages leading to the seventh century - then the battle with Grendel's mother is written in a way that mimics the style of the poem, blending supernatural, mystical, magical elements into a tale of a battle between - I think - the old, pre-Viking gods, and the even older forces of what was to the peoples of the Dark Ages, their ancient history. The new gods, striving to triumph against the old gods. (Go with me here) Conquering Grendel is conquering their world, Grendel's mother is both the Earth Goddess of old and death. By defeating her, Beowulf makes himself an immortal hero. And in doing so, C.R. May makes his Beowulf Sword of Woden series absolutely essential Historical Fiction reading.
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Monsters - and the whole of the Sword of Woden series - is a fully successful, convincing and thrilling blending of myth and legend into totally believable reality. Much more so than other recent efforts I've read - for instance, James Wilde's recent Pendragon. And this one can be filed under Historical Fiction.
The tale of the maybe mythical Anglo-Saxon, Anglo-Scandinavian warrior hero Beowulf, has been told as entertainment probably since since around the sixth century - when the events of the poem are set. The peoples of northern Germany and southern Denmark - maybe in so far as Sweden - had begun their migration to Britain in the wake of the collapse of the Roman administration of Britannia and, I'd say, brought the tales with them, as a reminder of who they were, where they came from, and that they could be like Beowulf and conquer the unknown lands, not matter how frightful the obstacles might be. Many of the events concern the area attributed to the Geatish tribes, and may have originated there, or with people who themselves originated there, as there are suggestions that Beowulf was actually composed in the 600s, in East Anglia. The poem, the story, the legend is steeped in history and mystery and there is no obvious separation of mythical and historical events. I think that the people hearing the tale, for the first or last time, would maybe hear it as an accurate story of actual events back home. Though there is historical and archaeological evidence that many figures in the poem actually existed, there is, unfortunately, no historical evidence - the poem apart - that Beowulf actually existed.
But if he did exist, it surely would have been like this. What C.R. May has done is expand on what the original poem suggests, to shine a modern understanding light into this ‘dark’ age and in my opinion, create something equally as powerful for us now, as the original was for its audiences 1400 and more years ago.
All in all, it's a big reputation to live up to, to create an equally vibrant, colourful, living breathing background and 21st Century interpretation of the legendary warrior's story. So we are lucky to have one of our best Historical Fiction authors taking it on, and succeeding in such glorious style. Beowulf has been taken out of the dark ages, new light has been shone on him and his world and an incredible, magical, enriching journey back to birth of legends has been created. If there was a Beowulf, and if he did all the things the poem says he did, he did them like this.
He began, two books ago, as a young man, a warrior in the making, starting out and feeling his way into the role that would become his life. Here, he has achieved the maturity he promised earlier and become the Beowulf that inspired the legend. What C.R. May has done in Monsters, is brought his Beowulf tale around to the events that anyone who knows anything about Beowulf will know about - the battle with Grendel and the monster's mother. Beowulf himself, in C.R. May's hands has developed tremendously well, the character we meet here, is strong, kingly, a warrior and most of all, a man. He is someone to inspire his won men, someone to take on the dark forces of a new land and someone we would all like to have either beside us in dark times, or at our side in a shield-wall. Just as the poem is half myth and half truth, so is Monsters. The battle with Grendel, may be as pointed out earlier a memory of an ancient conflict between modern humans and Neanderthals - obviously embroidered somewhat by poets down the ages leading to the seventh century - then the battle with Grendel's mother is written in a way that mimics the style of the poem, blending supernatural, mystical, magical elements into a tale of a battle between - I think - the old, pre-Viking gods, and the even older forces of what was to the peoples of the Dark Ages, their ancient history. The new gods, striving to triumph against the old gods. (Go with me here) Conquering Grendel is conquering their world, Grendel's mother is both the Earth Goddess of old and death. By defeating her, Beowulf makes himself an immortal hero. And in doing so, C.R. May makes his Beowulf Sword of Woden series absolutely essential Historical Fiction reading.
Blog: Speesh Reads
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November 26, 2019Enjoyed
I enjoy reading historical fiction adventures that are mostly realistic and possible. This book edges further into the realms of the unnatural. However I enjoyed the book to the end.
I enjoy reading historical fiction adventures that are mostly realistic and possible. This book edges further into the realms of the unnatural. However I enjoyed the book to the end.
January 3, 2017
Beowulf from Lord to Legend
Being temporary incapacitated after rescuing the Swedes' cwen, Alfhelm and his father, Beowulf gets assistance from the gods. The godi Asgrim appears to bring him back from the depths of Hel. As the mighty Geat warlord recovers, he will find shocking news about the Ravenswood battle between the Swedes and a mysterious forces.
As he learns the truth on those events, he realizes that it is time now for return home, fulfill promises and walk the path that Fate has for him.
By fighting the Grendel, a monstrous and unknown creature, Beowulf will transform himself from a mere Geat Lord into a living Legend.
*****COMMENTARY MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*****
Again, C.R. May has delivered another great book with gripping moments, those retells the adventures of Beowulf and his hearth warriors on his quest to defeat the Grendel.
I have divided the plot in four major arcs. The first one is the recovering of Beowulf. In previous books we saw Beowulf getting sudden attacks of numbness but this time, this one is an important one. In this first part, we assist to a tense and thrilling event on which brute force or wits are not enough. "Magic" is the only option for the Geat Lord. I was surprised by the detailed account about what happened and feel thrilled by the outcome of the ritual. Needless to say, that I also felt powerless as none of the warriors could have done anything until Beowulf gets on his feet and recited the enchantment. This added another flavor to the story and makes Beowulf vulnerable and aware on his Fate and he has no further chances but defeat Grendel.
The second Arc is basically understanding what happened in Ravenswood and the journey back to Geatland. I was expecting Beowulf recover before a full out war began between Swedes and Geats, but he could not make it on time (even so, he may not prevent it by being there). I found the conflict between the 2 army a case of misunderstanding and feel sad about Ecgtheow's and Alfheim's deaths. Not so sad as they torment and Finn's death in previous book, because I knew from the beginning (without reading it beforehand) that Ecgtheow and Alfheim will die. That's because what else can do a prideful pair of warlords whom have lost their sight? Just put them on the front line and they will die with honor. In any case, I felt very moved on the returning of the Ecgtheow's ashes.
The third part is the search of the Black Shucca. This was handled very well because we learn later what intentions has Beowulf after the argument with his uncle/king. I added another feeling to the story and it was the perfect moment in the plot, as Beowulf also uses this to improve his reputation.
The fourth and final is the Grendel fight. This is what we were waiting for! The moment on which Beowulf will become a legend. I found that things were pretty straight forward, except for the Woden's posession of the body of Beowulf. I could not predict that the same Woden will use Beowulf's body to defeat Grendel's mother, the very old god of the Earth, Nerthuz. That was amazing, it gave the whole trilogy a major turn and a sense of greatness. Woden intended this for our hero from the beginning!
As always, the plot and setting won't disappoint to any whom has read previous book. The only thing that I did not like, was the ending. Beowulf going into the surface and being greeted by his hearth-warriors after defeating Nerthuz was epic, but i felt an immense void when he said "It is over". Then, the Author's note on the next page.
I was eager to understand what happened, fortunately the explanation was on the Author's note. Normally, I like the historical or author's notes and they provided a valid or historical or personal sense behind the plot. Sometimes they are very useful, but on this time I found the one featuring this book mandatory and unavoidable. This book made wonder about many things contained on the plot and the Author's note came to save the day. Every thing from the title of the book to Beowulf illness is explained, so it is very important to read it. If I had some time with the author we can debate and talk for hours!
About the characters I can say that I keep feeling the same: Good cast. For Beowulf himself, I felt happy because I really care for him and wanted him to succeed. Well done, chap!
As for the writing, I have read two books of C.R. May before this and still he surprises me. He sometime starts some chapters with some linearity, but there are others that he will begin telling what happened from the middle, getting back to account what the did previously and then revealing what they will do, getting you engaged and thrilled along the way. Amazing.
Bottom line, this book is a exciting and thrilling journey into the last part of the Beowulf adventure and will deliver the long awaited fight with Grendel with an important turn on the plot. It is a must for the readers who had been traveling along Beowulf in Sorrow Hill and Wraecca. For those, who had not read it yet, pick your copies of the Sword of Woden. You won't regret it at all. This series has nothing to envy to others more commercial best sellers.
Being temporary incapacitated after rescuing the Swedes' cwen, Alfhelm and his father, Beowulf gets assistance from the gods. The godi Asgrim appears to bring him back from the depths of Hel. As the mighty Geat warlord recovers, he will find shocking news about the Ravenswood battle between the Swedes and a mysterious forces.
As he learns the truth on those events, he realizes that it is time now for return home, fulfill promises and walk the path that Fate has for him.
By fighting the Grendel, a monstrous and unknown creature, Beowulf will transform himself from a mere Geat Lord into a living Legend.
*****COMMENTARY MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*****
Again, C.R. May has delivered another great book with gripping moments, those retells the adventures of Beowulf and his hearth warriors on his quest to defeat the Grendel.
I have divided the plot in four major arcs. The first one is the recovering of Beowulf. In previous books we saw Beowulf getting sudden attacks of numbness but this time, this one is an important one. In this first part, we assist to a tense and thrilling event on which brute force or wits are not enough. "Magic" is the only option for the Geat Lord. I was surprised by the detailed account about what happened and feel thrilled by the outcome of the ritual. Needless to say, that I also felt powerless as none of the warriors could have done anything until Beowulf gets on his feet and recited the enchantment. This added another flavor to the story and makes Beowulf vulnerable and aware on his Fate and he has no further chances but defeat Grendel.
The second Arc is basically understanding what happened in Ravenswood and the journey back to Geatland. I was expecting Beowulf recover before a full out war began between Swedes and Geats, but he could not make it on time (even so, he may not prevent it by being there). I found the conflict between the 2 army a case of misunderstanding and feel sad about Ecgtheow's and Alfheim's deaths. Not so sad as they torment and Finn's death in previous book, because I knew from the beginning (without reading it beforehand) that Ecgtheow and Alfheim will die. That's because what else can do a prideful pair of warlords whom have lost their sight? Just put them on the front line and they will die with honor. In any case, I felt very moved on the returning of the Ecgtheow's ashes.
The third part is the search of the Black Shucca. This was handled very well because we learn later what intentions has Beowulf after the argument with his uncle/king. I added another feeling to the story and it was the perfect moment in the plot, as Beowulf also uses this to improve his reputation.
The fourth and final is the Grendel fight. This is what we were waiting for! The moment on which Beowulf will become a legend. I found that things were pretty straight forward, except for the Woden's posession of the body of Beowulf. I could not predict that the same Woden will use Beowulf's body to defeat Grendel's mother, the very old god of the Earth, Nerthuz. That was amazing, it gave the whole trilogy a major turn and a sense of greatness. Woden intended this for our hero from the beginning!
As always, the plot and setting won't disappoint to any whom has read previous book. The only thing that I did not like, was the ending. Beowulf going into the surface and being greeted by his hearth-warriors after defeating Nerthuz was epic, but i felt an immense void when he said "It is over". Then, the Author's note on the next page.
I was eager to understand what happened, fortunately the explanation was on the Author's note. Normally, I like the historical or author's notes and they provided a valid or historical or personal sense behind the plot. Sometimes they are very useful, but on this time I found the one featuring this book mandatory and unavoidable. This book made wonder about many things contained on the plot and the Author's note came to save the day. Every thing from the title of the book to Beowulf illness is explained, so it is very important to read it. If I had some time with the author we can debate and talk for hours!
About the characters I can say that I keep feeling the same: Good cast. For Beowulf himself, I felt happy because I really care for him and wanted him to succeed. Well done, chap!
As for the writing, I have read two books of C.R. May before this and still he surprises me. He sometime starts some chapters with some linearity, but there are others that he will begin telling what happened from the middle, getting back to account what the did previously and then revealing what they will do, getting you engaged and thrilled along the way. Amazing.
Bottom line, this book is a exciting and thrilling journey into the last part of the Beowulf adventure and will deliver the long awaited fight with Grendel with an important turn on the plot. It is a must for the readers who had been traveling along Beowulf in Sorrow Hill and Wraecca. For those, who had not read it yet, pick your copies of the Sword of Woden. You won't regret it at all. This series has nothing to envy to others more commercial best sellers.
December 18, 2022
the Geats
A very interesting story of the early English but some bad grammar otherwise I would have given 5 stars. Your story of Grendel was only part true but interesting.
A very interesting story of the early English but some bad grammar otherwise I would have given 5 stars. Your story of Grendel was only part true but interesting.
September 28, 2016
I'm sure that somewhere during my school years I was subjected to the Beowulf poem; I think I even remember a comic book version, however, back in those days I wasn't too interested in poetic writings, so my knowledge of the story is, or I should say was, limited basically to knowing it existed. Then along comes this prose version of the story; a historical fiction/fantasy that has filled the Beowulf void in my literary adventures. In this, the third volume of the series Beowulf continues his quest to be a well renowned and remembered Geatish warrior. The author has done a fantastic job in taking the tale to a very entertaining level. The fights with Grendel and then with the Mother are the focal points of this volume but certainly not the only ones. Plenty of action, lots of warrior camaraderie, and a poignant look at the Dark Age civilizations of northern Europe. One of the particulars that I really enjoyed is the influence and meddling of the gods, most especially Woden. Incorporating the beliefs of the time into the telling of this tale is a definite plus and puts the reader into the mindset of Beowulf and his crew. The descriptive talent of the author is on display throughout whether it be on land or aboard ship. All in all, another job well done by Mr. May and I look forward to the conclusion in book four, Dayraven. 4.3 stars.
May 13, 2014
“Monsters (Sword of Woden 3)” by C.R.May was a fascinating and insightful read for me. Based on the infamous ‘Beowulf’ poem, which is dated between the 800s-1100s, the trilogy combines historical credibility with mythology, legend and fantasy.
I was initially suspicious about such a combination, preferring my historical fiction to stay as close to the facts as it can, but the fantasy elements fitted in with the belief systems of those times and, for me, contributed immensely to the authentic feeling of the novel.
The use of language, of place names and the descriptive details seemed well researched and the battle descriptions, the locations and the action were treated with care and attention. All of this makes the book more than just a Tolkien-esque legend. It is a genre blend but one that deserves its place in historical fiction. The glossaries were helpful, a small map might have been useful, too.
The characters are particularly well drawn and the story is entertaining and historically informative.
“Reviewed for the Historical Novel Association Indie Reviews”
I was initially suspicious about such a combination, preferring my historical fiction to stay as close to the facts as it can, but the fantasy elements fitted in with the belief systems of those times and, for me, contributed immensely to the authentic feeling of the novel.
The use of language, of place names and the descriptive details seemed well researched and the battle descriptions, the locations and the action were treated with care and attention. All of this makes the book more than just a Tolkien-esque legend. It is a genre blend but one that deserves its place in historical fiction. The glossaries were helpful, a small map might have been useful, too.
The characters are particularly well drawn and the story is entertaining and historically informative.
“Reviewed for the Historical Novel Association Indie Reviews”
December 7, 2016
A well conceived sequel.
A really good interpretation of the classic saga making the story more understandable to a contemporary readership.Far better than recent films.
A really good interpretation of the classic saga making the story more understandable to a contemporary readership.Far better than recent films.
January 24, 2017
If you like the Anglo-Saxons, you'll love this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews