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The United States of Vinland #2
Red Winter
Over a thousand years ago the Norse reached the Americas, but never stayed.
What if they had?
Following on from The United States Of Vinland: The Landing comes Red Winter.
Eskil's dream of settling the newly discovered lands of the west to honour the Gods is under way. Godsland and Lakeland are no longer alone, as new villages grow and prosper in a world of fjords, valleys, forests and mountains, all of it claimed in the name of Odin.
For over twenty years factional rivalries have remained, but the Hall of Wolves and the Hall of Ravens must face a challenge that comes heralded by crying war horns and a horizon stained with smoke.
Can the young settlements survive the challenge?
But this is not the only trial the Norse of Markland will face. Back across the sea in their peoples ancient homelands there are those who are jealous of the prosperity they see in the west.
War is coming to Markland.
What if they had?
Following on from The United States Of Vinland: The Landing comes Red Winter.
Eskil's dream of settling the newly discovered lands of the west to honour the Gods is under way. Godsland and Lakeland are no longer alone, as new villages grow and prosper in a world of fjords, valleys, forests and mountains, all of it claimed in the name of Odin.
For over twenty years factional rivalries have remained, but the Hall of Wolves and the Hall of Ravens must face a challenge that comes heralded by crying war horns and a horizon stained with smoke.
Can the young settlements survive the challenge?
But this is not the only trial the Norse of Markland will face. Back across the sea in their peoples ancient homelands there are those who are jealous of the prosperity they see in the west.
War is coming to Markland.
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2014
29 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Colin Taber
32 books112 followersColin Taber lives in Sydney, Australia. He's done many things over the years, from working in banking, to retail, dish-pigging, publishing, landscape design, and even tree farming. All he really wants to do, though, is to be left to write. Thankfully that day is now here..
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 21, 2020
Twenty years after the events of the first book in the series, the House of Ravens hear war horns and see multiple columns of smoke in the land of House of Wolves.
The warriors of the Ravens sail to the aid of the Wolves, finding they're in the middle of a slave uprising, led by Dore who'd helped some Ravens in the first book. The two factions put down the rebellion, but this leads to new trouble.
A typical second book in a trilogy, more concerned with leading into the third book,than creating something to truly stand by itself.
The warriors of the Ravens sail to the aid of the Wolves, finding they're in the middle of a slave uprising, led by Dore who'd helped some Ravens in the first book. The two factions put down the rebellion, but this leads to new trouble.
A typical second book in a trilogy, more concerned with leading into the third book,than creating something to truly stand by itself.
December 17, 2014
Red Winter is a brilliant addition to what is proving to be an original and in-depth alternate history series.
The story has exploded with a huge cast of characters, all with competing interests in the new land. With the use of omniscient point of view and multiple unique characters, we are able to closely follow numerous plot lines and viewpoints from many perspectives as they each converge towards inevitable bloody clashes.
The story has introduced or developed some standout characters. As examples, Trion, a leader with a bloodthirsty, psychotic appetite, is a recipe for unpredictable chaos. Ineke is someone to sympathise with, who eventually finds her strength, with a promise of greater endeavours.
Tension is strong where it is needed throughout the book. The scenes switch between the competing camps at a well-sequenced and timed rate that the book becomes a page-turner.
The tension during the lead-up and opening scenes of the battle at Akrvan makes it one of the best battles I have ever read.
There are some fantastically described settings in this new world, all delicately woven into the story to draw out deep emotions. The opening paragraph of the scene with Gylla waiting outside the Hall of Ravens is to me the benchmark in linking setting with mood.
Whilst I wouldn’t have waited for the trilogy to be completed, I would have preferred to read the series straight through, as with the break I found some difficulty in following the various people and differing locations.
Similar to the first book, the cliffhanger ending reinforces that this book is not just one story, but an integral part of a large series.
I recommend this series for the original alternate history concept, the huge cast of characters and the well-crafted writing.
The story has exploded with a huge cast of characters, all with competing interests in the new land. With the use of omniscient point of view and multiple unique characters, we are able to closely follow numerous plot lines and viewpoints from many perspectives as they each converge towards inevitable bloody clashes.
The story has introduced or developed some standout characters. As examples, Trion, a leader with a bloodthirsty, psychotic appetite, is a recipe for unpredictable chaos. Ineke is someone to sympathise with, who eventually finds her strength, with a promise of greater endeavours.
Tension is strong where it is needed throughout the book. The scenes switch between the competing camps at a well-sequenced and timed rate that the book becomes a page-turner.
The tension during the lead-up and opening scenes of the battle at Akrvan makes it one of the best battles I have ever read.
There are some fantastically described settings in this new world, all delicately woven into the story to draw out deep emotions. The opening paragraph of the scene with Gylla waiting outside the Hall of Ravens is to me the benchmark in linking setting with mood.
Whilst I wouldn’t have waited for the trilogy to be completed, I would have preferred to read the series straight through, as with the break I found some difficulty in following the various people and differing locations.
Similar to the first book, the cliffhanger ending reinforces that this book is not just one story, but an integral part of a large series.
I recommend this series for the original alternate history concept, the huge cast of characters and the well-crafted writing.
December 15, 2014
A follow up to book 1 that I couldn't put down.
First book deals with the establishment of a colony - split into two by fundamental differences in values. However when one settlement is threatened to be undone by the sins of the past, the second settlement steps up to assist. Across the seas, there is unease as others who made deals to send settlers to the new colony, become restless and wish for more.
First book deals with the establishment of a colony - split into two by fundamental differences in values. However when one settlement is threatened to be undone by the sins of the past, the second settlement steps up to assist. Across the seas, there is unease as others who made deals to send settlers to the new colony, become restless and wish for more.
March 9, 2016
Honestly? Although a good read, it did drag a bit. Maybe I am impatient for a future Norse America, and the founding and birthing pains of the nation is taking longer than i expected.
But it is a good read, with the story evolving into an allegory for the North v South USA.
But definitely turn to p385 and read the "Young Ravens and Hidden blades" short story first.
The happenings there are referenced throughout the WHOLE book, and it would have driven me mad if i didn't read it first.
But it is a good read, with the story evolving into an allegory for the North v South USA.
But definitely turn to p385 and read the "Young Ravens and Hidden blades" short story first.
The happenings there are referenced throughout the WHOLE book, and it would have driven me mad if i didn't read it first.
January 1, 2015
Better than the 1st novel. Though we are still in the beginning stages of Norse colonization of the Americas. Curious to know how many books the author is planning on writing. Will they be only about the beginning? Or will there be books on a later period? Definitely want to find out.
August 27, 2018
Mid-trilogy book, kinda ok.
This second volume puts the lie to the series title: there won't be any "united states" since the whole trilogy is all about the founding and starting Norse colony in the americas that might have been. It's set a generation after the initial book, deals mostly with the Raven-Wolf opposition, and introduces more plot threads... but as often, does not resolve any, leaving us waiting for the last book.
This is a trend that I tend to hate, and that is trilogies that are one book, then two halves of the next book.
The series remain interesting because it deals with a different culture than we're used to, and a good "what if?", very grounded foundation. I suspect the reason the original Norse outposts in Vinland failed was that they did not set up a pipeline of colonists early, leaving them too fragile and collapsing at the first major problem. This book makes it clear this is not going to be the case in the alternate history.
PS: I still wanted the United States of..., not the New England of Vinland.
This second volume puts the lie to the series title: there won't be any "united states" since the whole trilogy is all about the founding and starting Norse colony in the americas that might have been. It's set a generation after the initial book, deals mostly with the Raven-Wolf opposition, and introduces more plot threads... but as often, does not resolve any, leaving us waiting for the last book.
This is a trend that I tend to hate, and that is trilogies that are one book, then two halves of the next book.
The series remain interesting because it deals with a different culture than we're used to, and a good "what if?", very grounded foundation. I suspect the reason the original Norse outposts in Vinland failed was that they did not set up a pipeline of colonists early, leaving them too fragile and collapsing at the first major problem. This book makes it clear this is not going to be the case in the alternate history.
PS: I still wanted the United States of..., not the New England of Vinland.
March 5, 2020
In this one the slave Indians and half breeds rise up against the Lakelanders for their cruel treatment. The Godlanders see and hear their fires and horns calling for held so so over to offer assistance. They help kill off the Indians not knowing whether it is good or not, but not willing to get into Lakelanders laws. The Lakelanders start to struggle between their jarl who is starting to see the way of “ let’s talk things out” and his cousin that wants to kill whoever disagrees. The Godlanders take in and accept everyone and flourish but everyone is getting Older. How much longer will the jarl be there? In Iceland leaving on their own and claiming land comes to a head. The jarl and his son are killed by The girls dogs for harassing her and she steps up to lead the group to Marksland.
February 19, 2020
Second in the series. One generation in after first contact/settlement, and the different strategies of the Raven Clan and the Wolf Clan when it comes to relations with the indigenous people and self governance are sharpening contrasts and historical hostilities. An uprising of enslaved thralls in Lakeland occurs, and Norse presence in the New World is threatened again. And at the end of the book, a new threat, born out of family feuds and secrets, is organizing, back in Iceland.
August 28, 2017
The second book in a series always wants me wanting more. This did the same but not in a The Two Towers way... It dragged on and on with a lot of battles but not enough character development. Still interesting and I will probably continue the series.
November 22, 2017
I Like This Series
This is a fun alternate history of the European settlement of North America. I'm looking forward to the following installments.
This is a fun alternate history of the European settlement of North America. I'm looking forward to the following installments.
Read
January 4, 2022Great imagination. Norse names are a bit tough to "swallow". I am looking forward to Book III.
March 28, 2023
good storytelling
An interesting take on the alternate history of Vikings in America. The interrelationships amongst the Viking clans and the native is plausible and quite new.
An interesting take on the alternate history of Vikings in America. The interrelationships amongst the Viking clans and the native is plausible and quite new.
July 13, 2016
To be completely honest I had eagerly anticipated this book and devoured the first third of it as soon as it downloaded to my Kindle. Unfortunately the viewpoint then shifted to the second main location of the book and I got bogged down in the political intrigue going on in far off Iceland. I ended up putting the book down unfinished meaning to get back to it when I had more mental energy to spend on the intricate machinations of the newly introduced characters. Unfortunately I kind of forgot about the book for over a year, until I got a notice from amazon that the sequel would be published in July 2016, so I dug it out and finished it. Looking back at it now with fresh eyes I enjoyed it and think it is a good addition to the series, but for my taste more focus on Markland is what I am hoping for in the third novel.
May 9, 2015
Another interesting tales of Norse settlements in North America. the fledgling young colony is forced to face an important issue much sooner that we of theUSA did... that of slavery. When the slaves staged an uprising, many of the Viking families were killed, and the harsh conditions worsened.
But theses are tough people, and it turns out that the biggest threat is yet to come...
Very recommended!
But theses are tough people, and it turns out that the biggest threat is yet to come...
Very recommended!
October 6, 2015
I've been waiting for this, and while not what expected, well done nonetheless. What if the Norse colonies grew and prospered? After the first novel, I expected the next to take place further in the future, but it takes place but 20 years after the first. It follows the two groups as they establish their lands. Fascinating, and unlike most alternate histories, it does not just regurgitate old history with new characters. Now I must wait for the next.
July 12, 2015
I enjoyed this book a bit more than the previous one, The Landing, and look forward to further installments in this series. Am hoping we do get to see what Norse America looks like in 1492, and after. (I can't be the only one who spent nearly as much time trying to guess who is represented on the Norse Mt. Rushmore on the cover (besides Thoromr One-Eye, that was easy!) as reading the book, am I?)
February 25, 2015
Intrigue and treason prevail.
I had hoped it would jump generation to generation in stories leading to a modern era in a score of books, but he is still fleshing out the birthplace of a new nation under Asgardian Faith. The character's and story follow the North and South civil war about slavery in a broad example but very intriguing. Can't wait for next book.
I had hoped it would jump generation to generation in stories leading to a modern era in a score of books, but he is still fleshing out the birthplace of a new nation under Asgardian Faith. The character's and story follow the North and South civil war about slavery in a broad example but very intriguing. Can't wait for next book.
March 17, 2015
At this pace, this series is a lifetime project. I'm good with that to look forward to. Liked the ending. It also is a reminder that the way we get to live now was never true before. So many people would just die for so many reasons, and you just went on.
Read
November 7, 2015Great book
The narrative holds the reader waiting for each new chapter to show itself. The characters and the fighting scenes are well described. Everyone should read this book!
The narrative holds the reader waiting for each new chapter to show itself. The characters and the fighting scenes are well described. Everyone should read this book!
June 27, 2017
This one was more brutal. Narrative was tighter and foreshadowing massive...can't wait for book 3. Thought it was supposed to be out by now?
January 23, 2018
Carries the story forward with excitement and tension, weaving in new storylines en route. I was glad that the characters from book 1 ('The Landing') had not yet been abandoned, though they were clearly in the process of being replaced by the next generation.
February 5, 2019
Interesting premise, well-written,.too "red" for me, as in the Red Wedding in Game of.Thrones.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews