Riddle of the Gods: A Viking Age Novel

Olaf's Saga

by Eric Schumacher

Riddle of the Gods is the riveting fourth novel in the best-selling series chronicling the life and adventures of one of Norway’s most controversial kings, Olaf Tryggvason.

It is AD 976. Olaf Tryggvason, the renegade prince of Norway, has lost his beloved wife to a tragedy that turns the lords of the land he rules against him. With his family gone and his future uncertain, Olaf leaves his realm and embarks on a decades-long quest to discover his course in life. Though his journey brings him power and wealth, it is not until he encounters the strange man in the streets of Dublin that his path to fame unfolds. And in that moment, he is forced to make a choice as the gods look on – one that could either destroy him or ensure his name lives on forever.

Praise for Riddle of the
"If you want to experience the Viking Age as it really must have felt, then read this book. I know of few novelists who can transport you there with greater skill and accuracy than Eric Schumacher. A gripping, intelligent novel of the Viking world." – Theodore Brun, historical fiction author

"Full of rousing battles and journeys over land and sea, Riddle of the Gods sees the protagonists strained and broken in ways not encountered in the earlier volumes." – Rowdy Geirsson, Viking author

"A truly well-written book which has the reader gripped and yearning for more." – Stacy Townend, historical fiction author

Genres: Historical Fiction

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2024

About the author

Eric Schumacher (1968 - ) is the author of multiple bestselling historical fiction novels and one novella, all set in the Viking Age.

Schumacher discovered his love for writing and medieval European history at a very early age, as well as authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Bernard Cornwell, Jack Whyte, and Wilbur Smith. Those discoveries fueled his imagination and continue to influence the stories he tells. His first novel, God's Hammer, was published in 2005.

Schumacher now resides in Santa Barbara with his wife and two children.

You can follow Eric Schumacher on Amazon or by joining his newsletter at https://www.ericschumacher.net/reader....

Reviews

[M.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riddle of the Gods is the fourth book in the Olaf's Saga series of novels detailing the life of the famous Olaf Tryggvason (the man whose name I can never spell correctly). Riddle of the Gods begins in Wagaria, where Olaf is married and expecting his first child, only for tragedy to strike. Deciding to jump ship rather than being forced out, Olaf leaves Wagaria and determines to change his future by taking up raiding.

Fast forward about six years, and Olaf and his warriors arrive in Ireland to continue their pursuit of wealth. While we hear little of Olaf's life for the preceding six years, our narrator, Torgil, offers some insights into just how they've been growing their wealth. With it, we begin to realise that Olaf is perhaps not the hero we might expect him to be, taking part in enslaving people who fall foul of his blades, even though he was once enslaved himself.

Torgil is our narrator for Olaf's tale, having once sworn an oath to Olaf's father to protect a man he considers as his friend. But this friendship is tested as Olaf casts aside any belief that stands in his way of growing wealthy and powerful, and earning himself an enemy in the form of Torgil.

While Torgil returns to Dublin on Olaf's remarriage, seemingly cast out by his powerful friend, Olaf continues to grow richer and more influential in northern England, although we only hear about this from Torgil's old ship brothers. Olaf, it transpires, has no problem being less than honest with his fellow warriors, casting Torgil as a traitor when he's not. The book's final act follows Torgil as he understands just how far Olaf has fallen in his estimations but also how Olaf isn't the only one to have put ambition above all else. There will be more to follow in continuing books.

Torgil is an engaging character, and his part in Olaf's tale is that of an honourable friend pushed to the limits of his endurance. While the two don't meet again in the final act of the book, it's to be assumed that they will once more come into conflict with one another in subsequent stories. Olaf himself is a slippery character - knowing full well what lies in Olaf's future - it's intriguing to encounter him as a younger warrior, hellbent on achieving as much as he can no matter what.

Riddle of the Gods is sure to appeal to readers of the era and genre—and yes, it might be book 4 in a series—but like me, readers could pick up the tale here quite easily. It is an engaging and confident story that takes the reader from Wagaria to Norway to Ireland and England at the advent of the Second Viking Age.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intrepid and fierce Vikings live again within the pages of the latest book in the Olaf Saga, Riddle of the Gods. Eric Schumacher is a new to me author and I have rarely ventured into books featuring a Viking protagonist or the Viking world of the early medieval age, but I can be open to the exception when the mood hits me.

Riddle of the Gods is the fourth book in the Olaf Saga following the life and adventures of notorious real life Viking, Olaf Tryggvason in a well-crafted historical fiction filling in where detail is scarce in a way that felt plausible and authentic to the character and times. Riddle of the Gods is not the best place to start for following the human story going on, but I didn’t feel lost, either, jumping in here with Olaf and Torvil, his longtime loyal friend’s story.

So, this is book four and a lot has gone down in Olaf’s life up to this point. This saga is narrated from Torvil’s perspective. Torvil swore to Olaf’s father to take care of him and they’ve been through thick and thin together, I gather. Olaf seemed to have settled in with the Wagarians and had a wife, but that falls apart when Olaf’s wife dies. Olaf goes a-Viking. He becomes a mercenary hiring out to an Irishman against other Irish. At this point, the title of the book comes into play when Olaf is faced with Christian or Pagan? Can a pagan give his sword-arm to a Christian? And other moral concerns related to who he hires out to and what he does. Olaf has no scruples about it if the money’s right. He’s going for the money and power now.

And, here in lies the rub, poor Torvil does have scruples about who he fights for and against. A friendship is torn asunder and they part ways though both remain at distant locations within what will be the British Isles. There is even dangerous reference of traitor about Torvil within Olaf’s band. In my mind, that all depends on some factors of who was being traitorous and Olaf wasn’t exactly truthful when he talks of what split the two. Yes, I was more drawn to Torvil than Olaf, but Olaf is a big move and shaker who captivated my attention. I found it easy to see how such a character could rise and dominate in a ruthless world, knowing exactly what was at stake if he was seen as weak or vulnerable.

Riddle of the Gods didn’t stint on the fighting (and, yes, those who are familiar with my reading habits can count on me rushing quickly past the details when reading the squicky bits), but was also layered with an eye for character development, build of plot, and historical backdrop so it was a fully-fledged out historical saga keeping me in the story. Obviously, Olaf’s saga is nowhere near completion, but I appreciated how this segment of the saga felt resolved to an extent.

In summary, I was impressed with my first venture into Eric Schumacher’s writing and delving into his Olaf’s Saga Viking world. This is historical fiction for those who like the bark on it when it comes to the dark and gritty medieval ages and I definitely recommend it to Viking era fans.

I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer 5.5.24.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riddle of the Gods: A Viking Age Novel
Eric Schumacher

BLURB
Riddle of the Gods is the riveting fourth novel in the best-selling series chronicling the life and adventures of one of Norway’s most controversial kings, Olaf Tryggvason. It is AD 976. Olaf Tryggvason, the renegade prince of Norway, has lost his beloved wife to a tragedy that turns the lords of the land he rules against him. With his family gone and his future uncertain, Olaf leaves his realm and embarks on a decades-long quest to discover his course in life. Though his journey brings him power and wealth, it is not until he encounters the strange man in the streets of Dublin that his path to fame unfolds. And in that moment, he is forced to make a choice as the gods look on – a choice that could, at worst, destroy him and at best, ensure his name lives on forever.Praise for Riddle of the "If you want to experience the Viking Age as it really must have felt, then read this book. I know of few novelists who can transport you there with greater skill and accuracy than Eric Schumacher. A gripping, intelligent novel of the Viking world." – Theodore Brun, historical fiction author"Full of rousing battles and journeys over land and sea, Riddle of the Gods sees the protagonists strained and broken in ways not encountered in the earlier volumes." – Rowdy Geirsson, Viking author"A truly well-written book which has the reader gripped and yearning for more." – Stacy Townend, historical fiction author
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 25, 2024
REVIEW
A riveting tale from start to finish. The battle between the Old Gods and the New Christianity takes the protagonists on unexpected paths. An emotional roller coaster, especially for Torgil, the reader is immersed in the attitudes and customs of the time. Changes that fuel the author’s plotline keep the reader glued to the pages. Having enjoyed the previous books in the series, I was even more impressed with this evocative tale. Kudos to the author. 5 Stars

[Rowdy Geirsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riddle of the Gods is another fantastic historical fiction novel set in the world of the vikings by Eric Schumacher. The fourth in his series about Olaf Tryggvason, it picks up where Wolves of Wagria left off and proceeds at break-neck speed into darker territory. Full of rousing battles and journeys over land and sea, Riddle of the Gods sees the protagonists strained and broken in ways not encountered in the earlier volumes. In this book their youthful exuberance dissipates as they enter middle-age and adjust to the world around them (namely in Ireland and northern England, with some sequences in Norway) in more calculated, premeditated ways. Because Olaf is a historically known individual, the series hits the required, pivotal moments of his life all while leading towards the eventual conclusion. While that conclusion can only have one overall outcome, Riddle of the Gods leaves you wanting to find out what happens next, and that’s always a great sign.

[Mercedes Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our story of Olaf and Torgil takes a darker and sad turn. Told from Torgil’s point of view, we see that Olaf makes many decisions that stretch their friendship to the breaking point. For Olaf to grow into the warlord he wants to become, he grows harder, less cooperative, and more demanding. He expects Torgil to stay by his side, regardless of the fact that his friend sacrifices all that is most dear to him. Our growing band of Vikings sign up to help protect the vulnerable Dyflin (Dublin) from other Vestmenn (Irish) who want to control trade—even though nobody in the town wants anything to do with Northmen:

“Tell me, Olaf. Are you a Christian?”
“No.”
“But you would offer aid to a Christian king?”
Olaf smirked. “Silver is silver. I care not if it comes from the hand of one who follows the Christ God or the old gods. So long as the lord I serve knows how to handle a blade.”
“An opportunist then,” remarked Iron Knee.
“Are we not all opportunists?” Olaf countered. “You have Danes in Dyflin. Are they not also here for opportunity?”
“Aye, but they are Christians. I worry more about pagans.”
Olaf shrugged again. “Why? Do you think religion keeps one man from killing another? I have seen Christians kill plenty of other Christians. Likewise, pagans.”

So far, so good. Just what we’d expect from Olaf. Though it’s an interesting exchange, considering where this adventure leads them. There’s no getting away from the Christian vs. Pagan ideology, which becomes more and more intractable. Olaf thinks he can equivocate. Torgil cannot. Inevitably, these conflicts lead to betrayal. But who is betraying who? Lots of twists that will keep you turning pages until the end.

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

IMO the best book in Olaf's saga. I really enjoy the way that Eric spins the tale through the eyes of Torgil (The "Un"Lucky??) and how we see Olaf's true nature come out finally in this book. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series (or potentially the first book in the continuing saga of Torgill). In this book, we feel the struggle between the New God and the Old Gods, and we receive a glimpse into the internal fight between fame/fortune and honor. We see this struggle play out in many forms during this saga, and I feel that it's brilliantly presented.

Well Done Mr. Schumacher!

[Stacy Townend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Eric. The action & adventure sees the main characters Olaf & Torgil heading north. Success in the seas brings wealth & warriors. The action moves to Ireland bitter fighting, then plans & plots change as the well written story unfolds . Loyalties & warrior brotherhood stretched. The story moved on different paths . Then life catches our characters up leading to more turmoil. A truly well
Written book which has the reader gripped and yearning for more. Strong characters help make this a great book

[Theodore Brun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to receive an ARC of Riddle of the Gods and, boy, I'm glad I did. If speed of reading a book is any indication of quality and enjoyment, this challenges for book of the year so far for me.

In it, Schumacher continues with his re-telling of the saga of Olaf Tryggvason, the fourth such instalment. Olaf's was a life more than worthy of such an effort (and with a quick glance at Wikipedia, I see we are nowhere near its conclusion). But really this is a novel about the life of the man who stood by Olaf's side, for better or worse, his friend and sword-brother, Torgil the Lucky.

Although, as Schumacher notes more than a couple of times, in this volume of their escapades, Torgil the Unlucky would be a more appropriate by-name. It's a hard task to make a novel out of the often disparate scraps of known history about a particular personality. And for this period of Olaf's life, Schumacher has relatively little to go on (so he tells us in his note). But perhaps this is to the book's advantage, because (whether by intention or default) in a way this becomes a much more fascinating read, zeroing in on the life and experience of Torgil himself - nothing if not a man of his Age. It is a brilliant dive into the hard (often brutal) realities of what a man must do to survive in that period of history; and the conflicts inexorably arising around a man who is trying to be loyal to his lord, but also to himself.

Olaf Tryggvason is no easy man to follow. No easy man to call "friend" - judging from Torgil's experience. And this is the real test of a man almost defined by his sense of loyalty and his judgement of where it lies. When loyalty to his lord and loyalty to his gods are set in opposition, what is he to do?

Well, you can read the novel to find out. But I can only applaud Schumacher for a wonderfully visceral descent into the inner turmoils and external dangers a man must face who has cut himself out of the life he always imagined would be his forever. Torgil feels like a man pushing on into his middle years, where too much alcohol, too many women, too much disappointment, too much anger become burdens that are almost impossible to carry.

That said, there are moments of hope in Torgil's journey through this volume - as a reader one is desperate for him to find solace and happiness in the arms of a brilliantly-drawn love interest whom he encounters in Dyflinn (Dublin). But for Torgil, nothing seems to last. And by the final page, while there is the promise of much more to come in his personal saga, one feels almost as if he's been stripped to his bare bones, stripped of everything he understood and held dear.

Some sort of renewal must come. But what? And how?

I guess that is the tantalising promise of Schumacher's saga for other volumes to come.

Riddle of the Gods is a stunning depiction of a friendship in freefall, of an age where loyalty is precious, but as double-edged as the blades all men must carry. If you want to experience the Viking Age as it really must have felt, then read this book. I know of few novelists who can transport you there with greater skill and accuracy than Eric Schumacher.

A gripping, intelligent novel of the Viking world.

[Lynn E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the last one

I like this one better than the last. It starts off with a death. One which I am glad made the story. Torgil finally comes to his senses and stops sacrificing his life for Olaf, that I was glad of. His luck and life seem to be taking a better turn by the end of the book.

[Mike Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riddle of the Gods

Another great read, I have really enjoyed all four of these books and am destroyed that there isn’t another for me to go to. The story of Torgil The Lucky has been wonderful with the authors clever description and thoughts of our hero binding us to the story. I have really enjoyed these four books and hope you all do as well.

[Susan]

Loved it

WOW didn't see that coming. I wonder where he's going from here. Even though I'm a Christian I'm well aware of the horrors the early days of Christianity imposed upon pagans. It's a wonder Christianity survived the early years

[Linnea Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The clash between Christian religion and the Norse pagan beliefs adds another layer of conflict in the epic Norse adventure and action Riddle of the Gods—the fourth book in the Olaf's Saga series. The Viking-age series is based on the legendary Olaf Tryggvason, King of Norway. The story is told from the first-person perspective of Torgil, Olaf’s companion. In the previous three books of the series, Torgil has sacrificed almost everything to fulfill his vow to protect his king.

The tale continues in 976 A.D. when Olaf tragically loses his pregnant wife, Queen Geira, in Wagria and nobles turn against him. Torgil follows Olaf on his decades-long quest to seek fortune and fame elsewhere. Olaf’s destiny dramatically changes when he encounters a disheveled priest in the streets of Dublin who declares: “Unlike the others who have come before you, you will become a renowned king and do celebrated deeds. Many men will you bring to the new faith through baptism … but before you possess those riches, you will be wounded almost to death by your own men and carried upon a shield to safety.” The prophecy comes true. Olaf miraculously heals in seven days from his wounds and converts to Christianity. He demands the same conversion from his warriors. Torgil, a strong believer in the Norse pagan gods, risks losing Olaf’s patronage if he doesn’t adopt the Christian religion.

Author Eric Schumacher has masterfully woven another conflict into the Viking saga: Christian dogma challenging traditional Nordic beliefs. The riveting battle scenes vividly play out in your mind like the previous books in the series. Yet, Torgil’s internal struggle to choose between his core values and duty to his king is as heart-wrenching as the combats. To truly understand the essence of Olaf and Torgil up to this point, I suggest you read the previous books in the series that explore universal themes of political corruption, love vs. duty, betrayal, and friendship. The books in Olaf's Saga capture the turmoil of the Viking culture collapsing under the threats of warfare, Christian religion, and internal divisions. It is an addictive series akin to Bernard Cromwell’s The Last Kingdom, conveying the rise of kings and nations during the medieval period. Extra bonuses in the books include regional maps and a glossary of Viking terms used in the narrative.

Riddle of the Gods continues the epic saga of King Olaf and his closest companions searching for their destinies in the brutal Middle Ages world steeped with warfare, political intrigue, and betrayal. I highly recommend this multi-layered Norse adventure and action for its memorable characters, riveting battle scenes, and thought-provoking themes that will resonate in your mind long after you have finished reading the book.

[Vern Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

why Olaf’s Saga?

It seemed more of a story of Thorgil’s life!
Regardless, I was enthralled through all 4 books. I just wish there were 4 more.

[Christy Lené · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storytelling at its finest, Schumacher’s series “Olaf’s Saga” continues to impress with each new edition.