Hunting The Sun: 1151 The Whale Road

The Midwinter Dragon #3

by Jean Gill

Praise for the series ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A yarn fit for a Norse saga. Full of action, poetry and heart; a thrilling voyage through the vibrant world of the twelfth century." Matthew Harffy
EDITOR'S CHOICE - The Historical Novel Society
"Stunningly authentic." The Booklife Prize
1151: The Whale Road. Doomed to exile in Sicily, warrior poet Skarfr and wise woman Hlif try to make a home for their found family. But someone in the dangerous court of King Roger II wants to kill them and Skarfr must prove his worth once again—or die trying.
Abandoned by their liege lord, they can trust nobody but each other in this foreign land. They navigate the dangerous courses set by the gods, knowing that Loki always laughs last.
Jean Gill's third book in the award-winning Midwinter Dragon series continues the thrilling saga of Orkney’s last Vikings as they battle enemies on land, by sea, and in the mystic otherworld.
Perfect for fans of Madeline Miller's mythic storytelling, Bernard Cornwell's gritty realism, and Matthew Harffy's visceral medieval sagas. Epic medieval action and adventure with fantasy elements and unforgettable characters.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Made me want to read on... just one more chapter... and then another, and another. Late into the night!" B A Morton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Top quality literary historical fiction; a cracking story with action and adventure based on real events, plus a touch of magic. Highly recommended." J.G. Harlond

Genres: Historical Fiction

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

About the author

Jean Gill is a Welsh writer and photographer living in the south of France with two scruffy dogs, a beehive named 'Endeavour', a Nikon D750 and a man. For many years, she taught English in Wales and was the first woman to be a secondary headteacher in Carmarthenshire. She is mother or stepmother to five children so life was hectic.

Publications are varied, including prize-winning poetry and novels, military history, translated books on dog training, and a cookery book on goat cheese. With Scottish parents, an English birthplace and French residence, she can usually support the winning team on most sporting occasions.

Sign up for Jean's newsletter at www.jeangill.com for updates and a free book. If you review one of Jean's books you can add a dog to Jean's Readers Dogs Hall of Fame on her website. Contact Jean at jean.gill@wanadoo.fr with comments or questions. She loves to hear from readers.

Reviews

[Paul Trembling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book of this series (The Midwinter Dragon), continuing the magnificent Viking saga of Skarfr and Hlif – now living in Sicilia (Sicily) and with the addition of their adopted son, Sea-born.

All the classic elements of excellent historical fiction – as I’ve come to expect from Jean Gill – are present: driven by well developed and authentic characters, vivid backgrounds full of fascinating details that anchor the story to time and place, a deep understanding of the rich cultures and complex politics of the time, powerful descriptions of people and places, journeys and voyages, kindness and cruelty.

Weaving all these things together – and doing it so successfully – would be challenge enough for any author, but Gill does this in two, sometimes three different places. Whilst Skarfr is going into battle on the northern coast of Ifriqiya (Africa), Hlif is working out a complex but profitable trade deal in Sicilia – unaware of the hidden dangers she is exposing herself to. And while all this is happening, back in Orkneyjar (Orkney) other events are occurring, threatening friends they left behind there. Switching between the different places makes for a story that constantly surprises and always engages. You can’t turn a page without the possibility of new characters and unexpected twists embroiling you in another exciting development!

I now face the frustrating wait for the final book of the series to bring all these disparate threads together. I’ve no doubt that it will be done, and done successfully, but I’m eager to see how!

(Read as an advanced reader copy from the author).

[Kat Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For lovers of Vikings, intrigue, and the ultimate soap opera on the high seas.

You ever crack open a book and feel like you just climbed aboard a longship? That’s exactly the vibe Hunting The Sun (1151 The Whale Road) gives. Jean Gill’s latest in the Midwinter Dragon series isn’t just historical fiction—it’s like binge-watching a prestige Viking drama, with a side of Sicilian spice and Byzantine brainpower. Drama? Oh, we've got drama. Rivalries? Check. Political scheming? Absolutely. Forbidden silk trade? You bet your sweet mulberry.

We’re back with Skarfr—warrior, skald, and reluctant foster dad—and Hlif, who honestly deserves her own spinoff as the sharpest trader and most badass wise woman on either side of the Middle Sea. Together with Sea-born (a kid who’s survived more than his share of trauma), they’re trying to make a life in exile under King Roger of Sicily. And let me tell you, this ain’t some lazy island vacation.

Gill plunges us deep into a world where the Vikings are rubbing elbows with scholars, poets, and mercenaries from Byzantium, Constantinople, and beyond. Sicily, 1151, is a cultural mash-up: Muslim scientists inventing hourglasses, silk workers gossiping about passion behind palace walls, and Norsemen trying to figure out what in Odin’s name "Byzantine fire" is—and how not to get roasted by it.

And through it all, Skarfr is just trying to keep his family alive, his honor intact, and his enemies guessing. The man’s juggling battles, book-learning, and fatherhood, all while quietly wondering if he’s too soft on his foster son and too hard on himself. I mean, who can’t relate?

This book works because Gill doesn’t just nail the history (though she does that in spades)—she makes you feel the weight of exile, the tension of alliances, the longing for home that might not exist anymore. It’s raw, earthy, and poetic in all the right places.

A few favorite moments:

✨ Sea-born getting mouthy and earning himself a spot on a "training voyage" that turns into full-on war.
✨ Hlif schooling Sicilian seamstresses in the art of negotiation while low-key plotting to free a silk worker from royal bondage.
✨ Skarfr watching a scientific demonstration of an hourglass like it's actual magic

And just when you think they’ve found some stability? Boom. We’re off to Constantinople, dodging assassins, battling Byzantine warships, and wondering who in this tangled web is about to stab us in the back.

Bottom line: If you want a book that feels like Vikings meets Marco Polo with a sprinkle of The Sopranos and a dash of poetry, Hunting The Sun is it. Come for the shield walls and silk secrets. Stay for the found family feels and the existential dread of whether you’ll ever belong in a world that keeps shifting under your feet.

I’m already sharpening my spear for book four. Well done!

[Grace Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy five stars from me for this page-turning historic fiction tale of a Viking couple (warrior and wise woman) adventuring in the Mediterranean. I've loved all the books in the series so far and this one finds Skarfr and Hlif finding their way as foster parents as well as foreign guests at the royal court of Sicily in the 12th century.

Skarfr has to prove himself as a master navigator while Hlif befriends an enslaved silk worker and risks striking trade-deals and seeking precious gems on an island with sinister early Mafia influences. Meanwhile back on their home of Orkney their friends Fergus and Brigid (former slaves from Ireland) struggle to regain their freedom.

The historic background is carefully researched but never overcomes the story and pace but instead the author made me feel like I knew how to use a sunstone, and wrestle a giant tuna fish. Highly recommended to any lover of histfic or Viking/European history.

I think this would work even if you haven't read the other books, but seriously, treat yourself with the whole series.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in the Midwinter Dragon series with the Vikings set in the 12th century. In this episode we seen Skarfr and Hlif, along with their adopted son, Seaborn, exiled in Sicilia now known as Sicily. Things don’t stay calm for long as Skarfr sets out on a sea voyage to do battle with the Byzantines whilst Hlif gets involved with dodgy trade deals at home and abroad.

Once again I enjoyed revisiting Skarfr and Hlif, our Viking intrepid duo, and joining them on their exciting adventures. These books are very well researched and imaginatively written with some fantastic and colourful characters. I can’t recommend them enough - if you fancy a trip to the Norseman age, you couldn’t do better than this series. There are even some family trees and lists of characters reminding you of who’s who, which I found extremely useful as I did at times lose track. I can’t wait to read the final episode and wish all the best for Skarfr and Hlif!

[J.G. Harlond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Gill's historical novels weave cracking stories into a background of significant research and this book is a thoroughly good read in each respect. Set in Sicily, I learned about silk fabrics and blood oranges, about how old maps were upside down (for us). I feared for the safety of the main characters and loved every minute of their separate challenges and adventures. Highly recommended.

[readingcactuss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly enjoyable book that incorporates several different histories and cultures. The writing was beautiful and I loved reading every POV.

Thank you Jean Gill and Book Sirens for this ARC.

[B.A. Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series!
Hunting the Sun, the third (so far) picks up perfectly from bk 2, with Scarfr and Hlif facing perilous situations in Sicilia and Africa, and Fergus and Brigid enduring their own trials back in Orkney. The individual stories are skilfully entwined allowing each main stage when being told. Each location has its own intrigue and suspense, and the passion injected into all of the characters by the author means that regardless of who's POV we're currently in we're fully invested and rooting for their success - or on the edge of our seat when things look bad.
The research is second to none, and fits seamlessly into the story rather than being an additional historical info dump. I learned so much! I’m amazed by how industrious and independent women were then, despite the restraints of the time and 'ownership' by their menfolk. Amid the religious tensions, misogyny and societal views on slavery, sisterhood was clearly a necessity.
The whole saga from bk one onwards would translate so well to the screen primarily because of the author’s skill for bringing everything to life, bursting from the page - sights, sounds, smells even. And holding every thread together are the amazing characters who grow and gain strength because of and despite of life’s trials…
Scarfr is such a good, honest man – a reluctant hero. And Hlif a fearless warrior in her own right. I love the relationship developing between Scarfr and the young, adopted boy Seaborn, and the delicate prose used to illustrate it… 'The boy's voice was a flute, each note touching the heart...' How wonderful is that?

Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a well plotted adventure with superb storytelling.

[Jannie Meisberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean Gill’s novel, ‘Hunting the Sun’ the third in her award-winning ‘The Midwinter Dragon’ series, continues the story of Skarfr, the warrior poet, Hlif the wise woman, and their adopted son Sea-Born. Now living in exile in Sicily (Sicilia), Skarfr must adjust to the Christian and Muslim cultures surrounding him, all the while being watchful of those wanting to kill him and Hlif, before he heads out to sea with Sea-Born to do battle on the northern coast of Africa (Ifriqiya). At the same time, Hlif uses her bargaining skills to undertake profitable trade deals, which draw her unwittingly into the secretive and dangerous underworld of the Sicilian court. Meanwhile back in Orkneyjar (Orkney) other events are occurring, threatening friends they left behind there.

Having enjoyed her first two novels in this series, I knew I was going to experience much more than enjoying a gripping Viking adventure. In addition to crafting an enthralling narrative, Jean Gill’s dedication to portraying her characters within the actual historical background of the time reveals a fascinating insight into everyday life for the exiled Vikings as they navigate not only Muslim and Christian customs in medieval Sicily, but must also remain alert to intrigue and danger both on land and sea.

Readers will appreciate the depth and breadth of Jean Gill’s research and her captivating prose as she takes them seamlessly back and forth from Sicily, Orkney and northern Africa, along the way weaving intricate details of life, politics and intrigue into this thrilling medieval saga. I am eagerly looking forward to reading book four in this excellent series.

[Jane Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with instalments one and two of the Midwinter Dragon series, Hunting The Sun immerses readers in the vibrant world of 12th-century Sicily and Viking Orkney.

Exiled from their homeland, and warrior poet Skarf and wisewoman Hlif must navigate the language, customs, politics and religion of Sicilia.

Skarfr is serving in the court of King Roger II, where he seems to have found favour. But King Roger means to challenge both Skarf’s skill and his loyalty. Skarf sets sail on what he believes to be a training exercise, only to discover that his destination is Africa. Separated from Hlif once more, he is exposed to dangers he did not anticipate, but now he doesn’t only have his own safety to worry about. Also on board is his adopted son, Sea-born.

Never a stay-at-home wife, Hlif doesn’t spend her time brooding. Having befriended an enslaved silk worker she learns of an opportunity to put her trading skills to work. (I found the detail about silk workers fascinating.) But having hired a ship and crew, Hlif is infuriated by the discovery that she is not the only passenger. An elderly woman known as Mamma Maria is on board, and makes no apologies for her presence.

Meanwhile, back in Orkney, Inge and her husband hatch a plan to reunite Fergus with his wife Brigid – even though success will mean besting Inge’s ex-husband Thorbjorn in a legal challenge. And Thor isn’t a man who likes to lose.

Gill's storytelling brings to life characters who are multifaceted and relatable, making me sympathise with their struggles and cheer for their triumphs. A must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in Viking lore.

[Rachel N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed the excellent Midwinter Dragon series by Jean Gill and was very pleased to read the third instalment, Hunting The Sun, and catch up with Skarfr and Hlif. The last book ended with the pair exiled to Sicily along with Seaborn, their adopted son, and most of this book is taken up with their time there, interspersed with events in the Orkney islands.

Gill has a real talent for creating a sense of time and place and it’s especially evident here. The previous novels were very evocative of life in Viking Orkney and that sense of the environment and hardships there helped to build the main characters and explain their beliefs and behaviours. She now creates Sicily just as well and beautifully demonstrates how alien the place must feel to them, so much busier and warmer and filled with Christian and Muslim believers who hold their faith very differently from the Vikings. Despite the wealth and the scientific progress in Sicily, though, there are just as many challenges and rivalries to face and their struggle to fit in is just as gripping as previous books. Throughout the book we also return frequently to what is happening in Orkney and that makes the contrast all the more dramatic.

For anyone who has an interest in this period, this is excellent historical fiction and the research is well handled, obviously very thorough but also very well integrated into the story. I’m already looking forward to seeing where we head next.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot praise this book highly enough to do it justice, Ms. Gill has once again captivated me with her historic novel which depicts life in Sicily to the finest details, bringing this to life for us her readers. I particularly enjoyed this book as my island home, Malta is mentioned, at the time known as Melita, as is my home town Zurrieq. I also loved this book because though the men think they are most important in their societies it is truly the woman who are the backbone and who through looking out for each other can fool any man as we see so clearly in one of my most favourite parts of the book, the story of Brigid the thrall. I love that Hlif and Skarfr who have been exiled from their home and are trying to make a life for themselves in Sicily, show so clearly what it means to be a foreigner in someone else's land, as they look nostalgically for their return to their own homeland in Orkneyjar. I love the muslim ambience in 12 th century Sicily, as well as the power of people like mamma Maria who is the epitome of power even in today's times on this island. Well done Ms. Gill for giving us such a captivating tale of courage and strength to face even the worst debasement in the case of Skarfr, of love and power in the case of Hlif, Inge, Rachel and all the other women characters who are women after my own heart. I cannot wait to read book 4 and continue the journey with Skarfr and Hlif.

[Lesley Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunting the Sun - The Whale Road by Jean Gill

The third novel of this fascinating Viking saga, The Whale Road, picks up the principle characters, Scarfr and Hlif, where book 2 left them. Out of Rongvald”s favour, they find themselves adjusting to new lives in Sicilia, navigating different customs and forging new alliances.

It is not long before both face perilous adventures, separately this time, with adopted son Sea-Born. And while Hlif embarks on a risky expedition and Skarfr and Sea-Born are proving their worth as warriors in Africa (Ifriqiya), back in Orkney (Orkneyjar), there is a power struggle that, I am sure, we will read more about in the saga’s fourth and final novel.

Fergus and Brigid’s story centres around their plans to escape the tyranny of Thorbjorn and this, too, has mileage to cover in the final novel.

The character development continues and the growing maturity of Hlif and Skarfr is shown particularly in their relationship with Sea-Born. The novel features real historical figures and it is easy to believe that Hlif and Skarfr, too, are very real people.

Historical fiction relies heavily on research and for me, Jean Gill’s strength lies both in her meticulous attention to detail and in the way she seamlessly marries fact and fiction to make her work so compelling. That, and her cleverly structured plot-lines, separate for now but drawing ever closer to what will surely be a magnificent climax in book four. I cant wait!

[Kristin Gleeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

12th century Vikings, adventure, deftly woven plots, and a touch of Norse gods aromance –this book has all the ingredients of a great read and altogether, in the superbly skilled hands of Jean Gill it becomes an amazing read. With perfect pace and attention to historic detail that few can rival this third instalment of the The Midwinter Dragon series is the best yet.

Skafr and Hlif are in exile in Sicily, punished for their love for each other. Trying to adapt to their new situation they attempt to find friends and support themselves. Hlif finds herself drawn into new commercial ventures while Skafr finds he must prove himself once again to an overlord. This time it’s King Roger who sets him seemingly impossible tasks which leaves Skafr wondering if the gods are at play here. Hlif’s ventures draws her into her own speculation on the involvement of the trickster god, Loki after various incidents that put her in danger. It’s a path that test both of them in ways they never imagined as they’re swept up in events on the political stage and personal and makes for a wonderful read.

A perfect pace and richly woven plot set up a story that leaves the reader breathless but also yearning for more. The characters live on the page and draw the reader in so that it’s impossible not to fell every bit of the emotions there on the page. A true Nordic tale and one that any skald would be proud to call his own.

[Ken Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jean Gill has adopted the final road for her characters to travel to for the next book she writes. She's been writing about stuff that people did during the period she writes about which she explains after the book ends. In her note she writes about King Roger II and what he created. The story changes from this by allowing Hilf, Skarfa and Sea-born to go outside the realm doing various things that deviate from the norms. But she has taken the liberty to follow in the realm of how things may have been in the past. Her story is full of people with befits honor to the ruler and many scenarios come from this kind of behavior to the detriment of others. She has many interesting things that happen during the story that I think you will like. I recommend this book for anyone who likes action.

[Sara Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The viking saga continues with warrior poet Skarfr and völva Hilf exiled in Sicily. Both tried to embodied the new culture and religion, but they only waited to return home and face their true fate. Sakarft works with the king helping in the conquest of territories, but his dream still is to go to Jerusalem. Hilf try to keep her family safe, but she will be envolved in the silk trade.
I really like the sea born, especialy the relationship betteween Skarft and his son. He struggle in the beggin to called son, but he builds a very strong connection based on love and respect. Also despite Inge did not must chapters like the previous book, I still love to observe the love betteween Inge and Finn grow. And see the main villian stars to fall, because Brigid and Fregus deserves some happiness too.

[Lexie Conyngham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skarfr and Hlif are still in Sicily and seem to be trapped there in a gilded cage, but soon they are on their travels again, torn apart and trying to get back to each other. In the mean time their two Irish servants are also in two different parts of Orkney, trying to find each other and avoid the powerful men to whose advantage it would be to kill them. Skarfr and Hilf have much to contend with in their marriage and with their adopted son, and it’s interesting to see them deal with foreign customs and the threats they face, but I always enjoy returning to the Orkney side of things where politics and personal lives collide, too, and we’re praying for innocent Fergus to be spared and restored to his poor wife. The settings are beautifully done and the characterisation is well handled over a large and disparate cast. An atmospheric and enjoyable read.

[Gillian Farago · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to The 13th Sign, publishers, and The Book Club Reviewer Group on Facebook for the pre publication digital copy of this book. I have not read the previous two in the series and think it would have been better if I had.
This novel is a compelling read that weaves together elements of mystery, adventure, and rounded character development. The main character, Sian, is a strong willed, independent and determined woman. Her relationship with Dafydd is pivotal to the storyline and their emotional connection is deep but sometimes troubled. The writing style is engaging, with the plot moving at a steady pace, though I found some elements predictable. Overall, this novel was quite enjoyable and I recommend it but would say read the other two first.

[Yari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunting The Sun by Jean Gill

I picked up Hunting The Sun by Jean Gill because this series has everything I love, well researched historical fiction, exquisite world building, complex political structures and intrigue, and well developed characters. This third installment in the Midwinter Dragon series did not disappoint and I cannot wait to see what we get in the next installment.

Thank you to The 13th Sign for the opportunity to read this eARC. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Mar 28 2025

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#HuntingTheSun
#TheMidwinterDragonSeries
#JeanGill
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[Kamini Mehta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 3rd book of the series. It takes you back in time and to another world. Through the eyes of Skarfr and Hilf you experience the strangeness of Sicily when the Christian church and Muslim worlds coexisted there. And yet, this is a familiar saga of power struggles and betrayal and who to trust. A great deal of research is apparent but it never overwhelms the stories interwoven skillfully together. Full of complex characters and fascinating places.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hunting The Sun" reads like a storm of steel, saga and wonder.
Jean Gill blends history and myth into a tale that’s as fierce as it is lyrical. We get and we experience the exile, loyalty, and love on the knife-edge of survival.
12th century historical fiction has never felt so perilous, or so alive.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer I haven’t read the previous novels and historical is not my general read. This didn’t quite work for me and I can see why it gets fave reviews. Thank you to the author. Thank you to # netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[ABrahosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid continuation of this viking age epic. The story keeps rolling with all the action and intrigue of the first installments, with a bit more maturity and complexity.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.