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Norseman #1
Norse Warrior
Through chaos, a warrior finds his path.
When Charlemagne the Holy Roman Emperor declares war on the pagans of Denmark, Pomerania and the Baltic lands, he is unaware of the true might of the storm he is about to unleash.
Meanwhile, in a small fjord in the north of Norway, a young Norseman is about to make his first kill. As Leif Longstride slays a fierce wolf, little does he know that in committing that single, fateful act of bravery his life is irrevocably altered. With a sword gifted in thanks and a sacred wolf skin as a trophy, Leif the Wolf Killer now has the makings of a warrior and will soon embark on a raid that will take him far to the south, to the treacherous landscapes of unknown peril.
Join Leif on a sweeping epic filled with adventure, emotion, and the quest for belonging. As he navigates the treacherous waters of fate, readers will be compelled to reflect on the meaning of courage, the ties that bind, and the indelible mark that every choice leaves upon the soul. Prepare to be transported to a world where the heart of a Viking warrior beats fiercely against the tides of history.
The first book in the thrilling Norseman series by Griff Hosker. Perfect for fans of Peter Gibbons, Matthew Harffy and Bernard Cornwell.
"I was hooked from the very first page. This is a well-researched, believable, and gripping tale!" Steven A McKay
When Charlemagne the Holy Roman Emperor declares war on the pagans of Denmark, Pomerania and the Baltic lands, he is unaware of the true might of the storm he is about to unleash.
Meanwhile, in a small fjord in the north of Norway, a young Norseman is about to make his first kill. As Leif Longstride slays a fierce wolf, little does he know that in committing that single, fateful act of bravery his life is irrevocably altered. With a sword gifted in thanks and a sacred wolf skin as a trophy, Leif the Wolf Killer now has the makings of a warrior and will soon embark on a raid that will take him far to the south, to the treacherous landscapes of unknown peril.
Join Leif on a sweeping epic filled with adventure, emotion, and the quest for belonging. As he navigates the treacherous waters of fate, readers will be compelled to reflect on the meaning of courage, the ties that bind, and the indelible mark that every choice leaves upon the soul. Prepare to be transported to a world where the heart of a Viking warrior beats fiercely against the tides of history.
The first book in the thrilling Norseman series by Griff Hosker. Perfect for fans of Peter Gibbons, Matthew Harffy and Bernard Cornwell.
"I was hooked from the very first page. This is a well-researched, believable, and gripping tale!" Steven A McKay
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2024
425 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Griff Hosker
310 books433 followersI was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 25, 2025
This book gives us an interesting perspective of Norse raiders from their own point of view, rather than the victim’s. It strikes me as a “coming of age” story of a young man eager to prove himself—and doing a good job of it. Early on, he managed to kill a wolf which already set him apart from the rest of his peers. Nonetheless, he still had a long way to go. Interestingly, the youths started out with pitiful weapons, some borrowed from their father, others with almost nothing at all. A good sword and hauberk had to be gained in a raid or battle:
With a good breakfast inside me, I hefted the shield over my back and rested my spear on my shoulder. Mikkel awaited me outside his house. His shield was his father’s. It showed the signs of wear and war. The boss was dented and there were cut marks in it. His spear was also his father’s, as was his helmet. Mikkel’s head still had some growing and the helmet was looser than it should have been. He looked at my shield and said, “You have done a fine job, Leif. When we return from this raid I will make my own. Would you help me?”
The youths of the village needed to prove themselves and were taken on their first raid; no heavy fighting was intended. In fact, they raided a monastery. The plunder was good and they all gained experience rowing. We, the reader, are taken one step at a time in Leif’s journey into manhood. Going on raids was a necessary part of proving one’s self. This was just how it was done. Any incidental villages along the way were taken, hopefully with the least amount of risk to the raiders. If fighting was necessary, it was seen as an opportunity to pick up a sword or a piece of armor from the loser. Although Leif didn’t have much interest in killing an unarmed man—like a monk—he had no compunction dispatching any opponent, young or old. All raiding was done with the perspective of protecting each other, and the occasional death of a friend was sincerely mourned. But that was the order of things. I found the point of view very interesting, and it really changed the image of a Viking raider into something more than just a brutish ogre.
With a good breakfast inside me, I hefted the shield over my back and rested my spear on my shoulder. Mikkel awaited me outside his house. His shield was his father’s. It showed the signs of wear and war. The boss was dented and there were cut marks in it. His spear was also his father’s, as was his helmet. Mikkel’s head still had some growing and the helmet was looser than it should have been. He looked at my shield and said, “You have done a fine job, Leif. When we return from this raid I will make my own. Would you help me?”
The youths of the village needed to prove themselves and were taken on their first raid; no heavy fighting was intended. In fact, they raided a monastery. The plunder was good and they all gained experience rowing. We, the reader, are taken one step at a time in Leif’s journey into manhood. Going on raids was a necessary part of proving one’s self. This was just how it was done. Any incidental villages along the way were taken, hopefully with the least amount of risk to the raiders. If fighting was necessary, it was seen as an opportunity to pick up a sword or a piece of armor from the loser. Although Leif didn’t have much interest in killing an unarmed man—like a monk—he had no compunction dispatching any opponent, young or old. All raiding was done with the perspective of protecting each other, and the occasional death of a friend was sincerely mourned. But that was the order of things. I found the point of view very interesting, and it really changed the image of a Viking raider into something more than just a brutish ogre.
March 30, 2025
Damn Great!
Wow, what a great read couldn't of ask for better. I have just about read most of Griff Hosker books and this ranks in the top five for me. The young man is this story wants to be a fighter likes his father and uncle. He gets his wish and its not all what he expected. He becomes a strong worrier and the boys in his village fallow him. What will become of them? What will happen next? Can I wait for the read to come out?
Wow, what a great read couldn't of ask for better. I have just about read most of Griff Hosker books and this ranks in the top five for me. The young man is this story wants to be a fighter likes his father and uncle. He gets his wish and its not all what he expected. He becomes a strong worrier and the boys in his village fallow him. What will become of them? What will happen next? Can I wait for the read to come out?
January 25, 2026
The main character in this book is such a Gary Stu. He's great at everything he puts his hand to, even though most of it is totally new to him, and everyone immediately likes him (even his captured Jewish slave). There is no real conflict in the characters or the narrative. The book ends up feeling like a collection of events rather than a story.
The Norse cultural stuff is interesting, but the author inserts much of it by way of unnatural exposition.
And I've never read a book where characters pee so much. Seriously, it seemed like no more than a few pages could go by without characters "making water."
The action sequences should have been engaging, but they weren't because I didn't care about any of the characters.
This is not the type of book I would typically give two stars, but three stars suggests it was actually good, and that's going a bit too far. This feels like an author's first novel, but Hosker has actually written close to 200 novels before this, so I can't cut him any slack.
The Norse cultural stuff is interesting, but the author inserts much of it by way of unnatural exposition.
And I've never read a book where characters pee so much. Seriously, it seemed like no more than a few pages could go by without characters "making water."
The action sequences should have been engaging, but they weren't because I didn't care about any of the characters.
This is not the type of book I would typically give two stars, but three stars suggests it was actually good, and that's going a bit too far. This feels like an author's first novel, but Hosker has actually written close to 200 novels before this, so I can't cut him any slack.
October 26, 2024
I'd never read one of Griff Hosker's books before but I'd been amazed by how incredibly prolific he is. The man writes so many books, and they're all highly rated and sell loads! When I was sent an advance review copy of Norse Warrior I was really looking forward to seeing what all the fuss was about. I didn't think his writing could be as good as reviews suggest but I was quickly enthralled by Leif Longstride's tale. It drew me in from the first page and had me gripped right until the end. What I really liked was how the author shows his research without it ever being dry or boring - it's an exciting story but you really smell the iron and leather, and feel every strike of the axe or sword as we learn how this young warrior's life progresses.
Tightly plotted and wonderfully told, Griff Hosker shows us with NORSE WARRIOR why his books are loved by so many and I can't wait for the next instalment in the series.
Tightly plotted and wonderfully told, Griff Hosker shows us with NORSE WARRIOR why his books are loved by so many and I can't wait for the next instalment in the series.
September 20, 2025
Griff Hosker is a great historical novelist. He has the ability to capture the look and feel of the places and times he is writing about. Norse Warrior is no exception. It tells the tale of Leif Longstride as he grows from a youth in Ninth Century Scandinavia to a warrior leading men on raids all across Brittania and Frankia.
I especially liked the detailed descriptions of what it meant to go a-Viking. There e were months away from home and family and hunger was common. Death was always a possibility as well. The characters here were likable even if ruthless.
I found this an easy read that flowed well. Some of the Norse words were difficult to pronounce but the author provides a glossary at the end of the book.
I have the second book in this series, Dragon Rock, and am anxious to begin that one.
I especially liked the detailed descriptions of what it meant to go a-Viking. There e were months away from home and family and hunger was common. Death was always a possibility as well. The characters here were likable even if ruthless.
I found this an easy read that flowed well. Some of the Norse words were difficult to pronounce but the author provides a glossary at the end of the book.
I have the second book in this series, Dragon Rock, and am anxious to begin that one.
November 15, 2024
This was sort of an OK novel. That constitutes relatively high praise from me. There was too much repetition as is usual in thEmptor. As a sailor of many decades, I took exception too Griff's description of lowering a mast on a sail boat as "stepping the mast". No, this is wrong; you install a mast by Stepping it, and you unstep it to take in down. Griff is a great author but he is not a sailor.
November 23, 2024
Enjoyable as usual & way too short
Mr. Holder develops characters so well that you almost know what they*re thinking and can enjoy their wins and suffer their losses. But about when you think you have things figured the sisters spin. I like the action but he doesn't lean on it heavily. If you're a fan you'll enjoy greatly and if you aren't this is a great book to start with. Good stuff.
Mr. Holder develops characters so well that you almost know what they*re thinking and can enjoy their wins and suffer their losses. But about when you think you have things figured the sisters spin. I like the action but he doesn't lean on it heavily. If you're a fan you'll enjoy greatly and if you aren't this is a great book to start with. Good stuff.
August 13, 2025
in the past, or is it
This story is about what took place with the raiding population of these northern men. It glorifies however stealing and killing. Something there should be no glory in. Thank someone this type of behavior; in our society, we no longer have to see. This is true unless you look to the east and maybe to the west. It has been my conviction that if you start reading a book you should then finish it. In this book, I wish I did not have that conviction.
This story is about what took place with the raiding population of these northern men. It glorifies however stealing and killing. Something there should be no glory in. Thank someone this type of behavior; in our society, we no longer have to see. This is true unless you look to the east and maybe to the west. It has been my conviction that if you start reading a book you should then finish it. In this book, I wish I did not have that conviction.
November 13, 2024
I loved it. Another hit by the number 1 storyteller in the historical fiction genre, in my opinion.
Griff Hosker’s books just draw me in and leave me wanting more as I become so attached to the characters and invested in their story. The same is true of this book, which I finished in two days. Long may there be more Leif!
Griff Hosker’s books just draw me in and leave me wanting more as I become so attached to the characters and invested in their story. The same is true of this book, which I finished in two days. Long may there be more Leif!
January 1, 2025
I actually meant to give this 3. Not G H's usual standard. I found the constant praise of the budding warrior repetitive and tedious...would have been more realistic to show some initial mistakes.
It was a 'painting--by-numbers' attempt to introduce a new character. I won't be pursuing further books in this series. Disappointing.
It was a 'painting--by-numbers' attempt to introduce a new character. I won't be pursuing further books in this series. Disappointing.
July 22, 2025
The real deal for life of a Viking raider.
This book is well written and does not coddle. He gives it to you straight just like people in the eighth and ninth century would have been thinking. It’s interesting to read a book from the Viking raider perspective. It grabs you from the go and it’s a five star read.
This book is well written and does not coddle. He gives it to you straight just like people in the eighth and ninth century would have been thinking. It’s interesting to read a book from the Viking raider perspective. It grabs you from the go and it’s a five star read.
August 3, 2025
Prolific Author
Hosker tells an action tale while teaching a history lesson. I was glad to see a map in some passages but I wish he might have also included a modern map along with the ancient one. The glossary was an added gift, and it was wise not to delay the story with interruptions to explain the terms. When I want a swashbuckling story, Hosker is the author I turn to.
Hosker tells an action tale while teaching a history lesson. I was glad to see a map in some passages but I wish he might have also included a modern map along with the ancient one. The glossary was an added gift, and it was wise not to delay the story with interruptions to explain the terms. When I want a swashbuckling story, Hosker is the author I turn to.
November 21, 2025
whale of a tale
Great novel pack not only with action but good day in a life of Norse people. Author gives interesting history lessons woven in with adventure.
A bit scary how we root for Viking protagonists who kill maimed and rape innocents for money and glory but thats homo sapiens.
Great novel pack not only with action but good day in a life of Norse people. Author gives interesting history lessons woven in with adventure.
A bit scary how we root for Viking protagonists who kill maimed and rape innocents for money and glory but thats homo sapiens.
December 30, 2024
A Vikings Story
Griff has the way with Viking stories that creates a wonderful backdrop for a venture into Nordic journeys. This book is the beginning of such a journey. A good read.
Griff has the way with Viking stories that creates a wonderful backdrop for a venture into Nordic journeys. This book is the beginning of such a journey. A good read.
January 26, 2025
Griff, the Norse Warrior
This book is definitely one of those that once started, you don't want to put down, this warrior must have had the backing of the Norse gods , enjoyed the storyline, going from boy to man and then leader of the wolf pack, bring on the next book
This book is definitely one of those that once started, you don't want to put down, this warrior must have had the backing of the Norse gods , enjoyed the storyline, going from boy to man and then leader of the wolf pack, bring on the next book
February 23, 2025
Another Gripping Yarn From Griff Hosker
Very good start for what promises to become a great series. Filled with interesting and well researched historical detail. Looking forward to the development of the main character’s story line.
Very good start for what promises to become a great series. Filled with interesting and well researched historical detail. Looking forward to the development of the main character’s story line.
April 30, 2025
Early Viking raids in in Frankish territory becomes increasingly hazardous.
No rapes or unnecessary deaths as our band of Vikings raid and pillage unsuspecting coastal villages. Shown from Norwegian youths coming of age in eighth century Norway!
No rapes or unnecessary deaths as our band of Vikings raid and pillage unsuspecting coastal villages. Shown from Norwegian youths coming of age in eighth century Norway!
June 25, 2025
Enjoyable and detailed Viking adventure
This is a masterfully written and enjoyable Viking story. Leif is a likeable character and a great way for us to experience this historical setting and learn about the Viking people. A detailed and enjoyable story.
This is a masterfully written and enjoyable Viking story. Leif is a likeable character and a great way for us to experience this historical setting and learn about the Viking people. A detailed and enjoyable story.
November 19, 2024
Griff Hosker does it Again
Having read most of the books written by the author this is again a thrilling read that develops the characters and the storyline well.
Having read most of the books written by the author this is again a thrilling read that develops the characters and the storyline well.
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November 20, 2024Leif
Looking forward for this adventure with Leif. Great start for hopefully a long series like the Dragonhaert wich I also recommend
Looking forward for this adventure with Leif. Great start for hopefully a long series like the Dragonhaert wich I also recommend
November 21, 2024
Great characters good storyline, with plenty of action. Looks like there will be a few twists and turns to come. Looking forward to the next book.
November 23, 2024
Great book
Enjoyed this book all the way through a really great page turner looking forward to reading the next book in the series
Enjoyed this book all the way through a really great page turner looking forward to reading the next book in the series
December 7, 2024
great storytelling
I was engrossed from the first paragraph. That enthusiasm carried right through to the end. So now on to the next book in the series
I was engrossed from the first paragraph. That enthusiasm carried right through to the end. So now on to the next book in the series
December 8, 2024
nice starter
Good book really enjoyed this tale so far and look forward to the next read as soon as I find it 😀
Good book really enjoyed this tale so far and look forward to the next read as soon as I find it 😀
December 27, 2024
outstanding
The story was well written with deep insights on how a Viking ship was able to do all that was written in history
The story was well written with deep insights on how a Viking ship was able to do all that was written in history
January 5, 2025
Blue water Raiders
Navigation, raiding, killing, stealing created wealth, with no remorse . They ruled the sea. Vikings! this is a must read .
Navigation, raiding, killing, stealing created wealth, with no remorse . They ruled the sea. Vikings! this is a must read .
January 6, 2025
Another excellent tale from a top auth.or
January 28, 2025
Outstanding
Just when you think it's going one way then it twists in a different direction. Couldn't put.it down.such a great story.
Just when you think it's going one way then it twists in a different direction. Couldn't put.it down.such a great story.
January 28, 2025
Writing good as usual but far too short.
July 20, 2025
adventure
Great adventure and historical fiction which I enjoyed nearly as much as the author’s East India book series. Well done.
Great adventure and historical fiction which I enjoyed nearly as much as the author’s East India book series. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews