What do you think?
Rate this book
Raven #3
Odinovi vukovi
Samo slava vječna jest…
Gavran i njegovo vikinško bratstvo mnogo su propatili, izgubili su teško stečeno blago, a izginuli su i neki od ponajboljih ratnika. Ipak, ti Nordijci čeznu za nagradom dragocjenijom od zlata – za slavom, jer samo ona nadživljuje junaka nakon njegove posljednje bitke. S tim ciljem njihovi se brodovi otiskuju prema Konstantinopolu, gradu koji nazivaju Miklagard, Veliki Grad, u nadi se da će upravo ondje steći vječnu slavu.
No Veliki Grad je daleko, a putovanje će vučje bratstvo odvesti u nepoznate vode, gdje će se sukobiti s novim neprijateljima. Gavran, mladi ratnik s okrvavljenim okom, morat će se boriti žešće no ikada s moćnim suparnicima, od Maura ili blaumana sa zakrivljenim mačevima na obalama Iberskog poluotoka do gladijatorskih boraca rimskog Koloseja. Dokazat će svima da je pravi borac, no usto će morati paziti na opasnost koja mu vreba s leđa jer stari neprijatelj brusi izdajničke pandže…
Gavran i njegovo vikinško bratstvo mnogo su propatili, izgubili su teško stečeno blago, a izginuli su i neki od ponajboljih ratnika. Ipak, ti Nordijci čeznu za nagradom dragocjenijom od zlata – za slavom, jer samo ona nadživljuje junaka nakon njegove posljednje bitke. S tim ciljem njihovi se brodovi otiskuju prema Konstantinopolu, gradu koji nazivaju Miklagard, Veliki Grad, u nadi se da će upravo ondje steći vječnu slavu.
No Veliki Grad je daleko, a putovanje će vučje bratstvo odvesti u nepoznate vode, gdje će se sukobiti s novim neprijateljima. Gavran, mladi ratnik s okrvavljenim okom, morat će se boriti žešće no ikada s moćnim suparnicima, od Maura ili blaumana sa zakrivljenim mačevima na obalama Iberskog poluotoka do gladijatorskih boraca rimskog Koloseja. Dokazat će svima da je pravi borac, no usto će morati paziti na opasnost koja mu vreba s leđa jer stari neprijatelj brusi izdajničke pandže…
385 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2011
144 people are currently reading
1816 people want to read
About the author
Giles Kristian
18 books1,603 followersGiles Kristian's first historical novels were the acclaimed and bestselling RAVEN Viking trilogy – Blood Eye, Sons of Thunder and Odin’s Wolves. For his next series, he drew on a long-held fascination with the English Civil War to chart the fortunes of a family divided by this brutal conflict in The Bleeding Land and Brothers’ Fury. Giles also co-wrote Wilbur Smith’s No.1 bestseller, Golden Lion. In God of Vengeance (a TIMES Book of the Year), Winter’s Fire, and the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown shortlisted Wings of the Storm, he returned to the world of the Vikings to tell the story of Sigurd and his celebrated fictional fellowship. Lancelot was published to great acclaim and hit The Times bestseller charts at No. 3. It was also a Sunday Times bestseller. He followed Lancelot with Camelot, and his next novel, a thriller called Where Blood Runs Cold, was the Times' Thriller of the Month, and won the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2022. His next novel, Arthur, will be the final book in his Arthurian Tales. It will be published June 6th. Pre-order links here: https://linktr.ee/arthur_by_giles_kri...
To find out more about Giles: www.gileskristian.com
Follow Giles on Facebook and Twitter: @GilesKristian
To find out more about Giles: www.gileskristian.com
Follow Giles on Facebook and Twitter: @GilesKristian
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
March 18, 2020
RTC. AWESOME.
FULL REVIEW - STILL AWESOME.
Check out my review for Odin's Wolves by Giles Kristian on Grimdark Magazine here: Grimdark Magazine
Odin’s Wolves is superb and Giles Kristian has crafted one of the best historical fiction trilogies of … well, ever. I know I rave about them, but it is totally warranted. I adore the world that Osric Blood Eye is a part of. Even though it is grim and gritty and terrifying, there is something about the band of warriors sailing the seas that gives me a warm feeling, and finishing this book left me feeling like I was desperate for more.
‘The blade gets dull if we don't use it.’
It is rare to find a trilogy with such supreme pacing that leaves you begging for more. Raven is a trio of books that definitely makes you crave after more of the tale, and leaves an opening for more. The sheer variety of set-pieces and content of each of these books covers nearly every aspect of dark-ages adventure that you could hope for. And Giles Kristian does it so well.
Odin’s Wolves pushes Osric into territories he has never been before. The adventure leads him through the seas escaping from Frankia. After meeting the iconic character Charlemagne, Kristian then writes the iconic places of Rome and Mikligard i.e Constantinople. The beauty and wonder of these places told through Osric’s eyes (or his non-blood eye) was written in an astounding way, making me wish I was shoulder-to-shoulder with Sigurd’s crew, experiencing the amphitheater and the duels, the Greek churches and the dragon-ships.
‘A wise guest knows when to leave the table.’
The crew added so much to Odin’s Wolves. The development of their relationships with Osric felt real and pure, some that bonded with him like brothers and others that thought of him as the bad luck of their Jarl. There are rivalries and bonds that are tested, strengthened, destroyed throughout this and you feel every emotion with Raven.
The realism is one of my favourite aspects of Odin’s Wolves. From the differences of cultures between the characters, to the detail put into the ships, equipment and mythologies, this was a Norse book through and through. I enjoyed it so much that I have been on a rowing machine in my Viking re-enactment kit. (It feels amazing. Toggle-boots, Thor’s hammer, hand-axe, I recommend this.) I can’t wait to dive into the books focused on Sigurd. He is a remarkable character, much akin to Bernard Cornwell’s Arthur, only with a longer beard and less prayer.
‘Glory is the prize that can never be burned, stolen by anyone or lost.’
5/5 - Beautiful, violent, intense and real. Odin’s Wolves is the final tale in a trilogy that will cement itself into your top 5 - easily. A masterclass in pacing, character development and dark-ages realism, Odin’s Wolves is historical fiction at it’s finest. Skål to Giles Kristian!
FULL REVIEW - STILL AWESOME.
Check out my review for Odin's Wolves by Giles Kristian on Grimdark Magazine here: Grimdark Magazine
Odin’s Wolves is superb and Giles Kristian has crafted one of the best historical fiction trilogies of … well, ever. I know I rave about them, but it is totally warranted. I adore the world that Osric Blood Eye is a part of. Even though it is grim and gritty and terrifying, there is something about the band of warriors sailing the seas that gives me a warm feeling, and finishing this book left me feeling like I was desperate for more.
‘The blade gets dull if we don't use it.’
It is rare to find a trilogy with such supreme pacing that leaves you begging for more. Raven is a trio of books that definitely makes you crave after more of the tale, and leaves an opening for more. The sheer variety of set-pieces and content of each of these books covers nearly every aspect of dark-ages adventure that you could hope for. And Giles Kristian does it so well.
Odin’s Wolves pushes Osric into territories he has never been before. The adventure leads him through the seas escaping from Frankia. After meeting the iconic character Charlemagne, Kristian then writes the iconic places of Rome and Mikligard i.e Constantinople. The beauty and wonder of these places told through Osric’s eyes (or his non-blood eye) was written in an astounding way, making me wish I was shoulder-to-shoulder with Sigurd’s crew, experiencing the amphitheater and the duels, the Greek churches and the dragon-ships.
‘A wise guest knows when to leave the table.’
The crew added so much to Odin’s Wolves. The development of their relationships with Osric felt real and pure, some that bonded with him like brothers and others that thought of him as the bad luck of their Jarl. There are rivalries and bonds that are tested, strengthened, destroyed throughout this and you feel every emotion with Raven.
The realism is one of my favourite aspects of Odin’s Wolves. From the differences of cultures between the characters, to the detail put into the ships, equipment and mythologies, this was a Norse book through and through. I enjoyed it so much that I have been on a rowing machine in my Viking re-enactment kit. (It feels amazing. Toggle-boots, Thor’s hammer, hand-axe, I recommend this.) I can’t wait to dive into the books focused on Sigurd. He is a remarkable character, much akin to Bernard Cornwell’s Arthur, only with a longer beard and less prayer.
‘Glory is the prize that can never be burned, stolen by anyone or lost.’
5/5 - Beautiful, violent, intense and real. Odin’s Wolves is the final tale in a trilogy that will cement itself into your top 5 - easily. A masterclass in pacing, character development and dark-ages realism, Odin’s Wolves is historical fiction at it’s finest. Skål to Giles Kristian!
July 20, 2022
This final installment of Raven's Viking adventures has some of the best fight scenes I've ever read. One in particular had me sweating and staggering myself, but I wouldn't want to spoil it for you so have a go yourself.
In this book we travel from Frankia to Miklagard in search of, as you can imagine, rich plunder! with a side helping of skald weavings. We encounter plenty of trouble along the way, tangling with both Christians and Muslims in different parts of the Iberian peninsula, a mix of everyone amongst ruins in Rome and finally the richest city in the world, Constantinople, in the Eastern Romans' lands.
Blood drips, bits of bone and brains fly and limbs turn green. But skald fame and fortune are indubitably also achieved. However, the ending. While a good place to end a book, was it a good place to end a series? It felt distinctly like he had hopes of writing more. Did he change his mind or did he just want to leave it open-ended for us to pick our own adventure? I am satisfied enough, but I would have loved it had he continued the saga.
In this book we travel from Frankia to Miklagard in search of, as you can imagine, rich plunder! with a side helping of skald weavings. We encounter plenty of trouble along the way, tangling with both Christians and Muslims in different parts of the Iberian peninsula, a mix of everyone amongst ruins in Rome and finally the richest city in the world, Constantinople, in the Eastern Romans' lands.
Blood drips, bits of bone and brains fly and limbs turn green. But skald fame and fortune are indubitably also achieved. However, the ending. While a good place to end a book, was it a good place to end a series? It felt distinctly like he had hopes of writing more. Did he change his mind or did he just want to leave it open-ended for us to pick our own adventure? I am satisfied enough, but I would have loved it had he continued the saga.
June 26, 2020
Full review is now on BookNest - BookNest - Odin's Wolves
Odin’s Wolves marks the conclusion to the Raven series that I have so loved and enjoyed. And wow, was this an amazing ending!
“Glory is the prize that can never be burned, stolen by anyone or lost”
Odin’s Wolves somehow upstaged Blood Eye and Sons of Thunder in terms of tension, emotion, fear and purely epic action sequences!
Giles Kristian’s prose was the same as ever. Efficient, fluid, enchanting. His writing style just so perfectly summarises Raven’s personality, and depicts it in such a wonderful manner.
Odin’s Wolves managed to further the characterisation of this awesome band of warriors once again. From Sven the Red, to Jarl Sigurd and of course, the young Raven, the one whose story I have followed. Through the highs and lows. Trials and tribulations. His character had developed so much and has now been cemented as one of the best written characters I’ve had the pleasure to read.
Kristian’s skill at writing action sequences is unquestionable, as always. From duels to the large scale conflicts, and I promise you, there are some CRAZY battles. All are written differently with their own unique and new perspective, completely immersing me into the conflict every single time. I just cannot get enough of this!
An element that made Odin’s Wolves and the Raven series on the whole incredible is Kristian’s obvious supreme knowledge in the historical subject. With subtle mentions of gods and traditions, it is impossible not to become a part of this story.
“The blade gets dull, if we don't use it”
I know I have not done justice in this review. But I hope I have managed to convey some of my love for this series. If Norse history intrigues you or fascinates you, please do read this! Just an amazing ending, marking the series as being consistently brilliant.
5/5 STARS
Odin’s Wolves marks the conclusion to the Raven series that I have so loved and enjoyed. And wow, was this an amazing ending!
“Glory is the prize that can never be burned, stolen by anyone or lost”
Odin’s Wolves somehow upstaged Blood Eye and Sons of Thunder in terms of tension, emotion, fear and purely epic action sequences!
Giles Kristian’s prose was the same as ever. Efficient, fluid, enchanting. His writing style just so perfectly summarises Raven’s personality, and depicts it in such a wonderful manner.
Odin’s Wolves managed to further the characterisation of this awesome band of warriors once again. From Sven the Red, to Jarl Sigurd and of course, the young Raven, the one whose story I have followed. Through the highs and lows. Trials and tribulations. His character had developed so much and has now been cemented as one of the best written characters I’ve had the pleasure to read.
Kristian’s skill at writing action sequences is unquestionable, as always. From duels to the large scale conflicts, and I promise you, there are some CRAZY battles. All are written differently with their own unique and new perspective, completely immersing me into the conflict every single time. I just cannot get enough of this!
An element that made Odin’s Wolves and the Raven series on the whole incredible is Kristian’s obvious supreme knowledge in the historical subject. With subtle mentions of gods and traditions, it is impossible not to become a part of this story.
“The blade gets dull, if we don't use it”
I know I have not done justice in this review. But I hope I have managed to convey some of my love for this series. If Norse history intrigues you or fascinates you, please do read this! Just an amazing ending, marking the series as being consistently brilliant.
5/5 STARS
October 18, 2016
So I just finished the final book of the Raven trilogy. I found myself staring at the book, unable to believe it's over.
It's been a while since a story has sucked me in like this one. Fantastically written! If these books are on your TBR list, move them up -- NOW!!
Giles Kristian took me into this world in a visceral way. Didn't overdo the world-building; yet, I could see it vividly. Didn't drone on-and-on about the characters; yet, I knew them intimately. Didn't gratuitously describe the violence of battle; yet, I felt every wound.
I'm not a huge fan of long book series. But I honestly didn't want this one to end.
Great end to a great trilogy!
It's been a while since a story has sucked me in like this one. Fantastically written! If these books are on your TBR list, move them up -- NOW!!
Giles Kristian took me into this world in a visceral way. Didn't overdo the world-building; yet, I could see it vividly. Didn't drone on-and-on about the characters; yet, I knew them intimately. Didn't gratuitously describe the violence of battle; yet, I felt every wound.
I'm not a huge fan of long book series. But I honestly didn't want this one to end.
Great end to a great trilogy!
June 17, 2025
My rating 4.6
The third part of the series "Odin's Wolves (Raven # 3)" by Giles Kristian is a very good ending to the story of the young warrior Raven.
After escaping from France, where they barely pulled out a living head and lost silver, Sigurd and his Wolf Company decide to embark on a new adventure. This time, their goal is the golden city of Constantinople. For the first time, their journey will bring them into the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean. The fast pace of the story doesn't stop for a moment, and the main characters will find themselves in numerous adventures and fights that will take their toll on the Wolf Brotherhood. Like the first two parts, this book is easy to read and draws you to read late into the night.
Lovers of books about the Vikings will surely enjoy the third sequel about the Raven, who will become a real experienced warrior.
The third part of the series "Odin's Wolves (Raven # 3)" by Giles Kristian is a very good ending to the story of the young warrior Raven.
After escaping from France, where they barely pulled out a living head and lost silver, Sigurd and his Wolf Company decide to embark on a new adventure. This time, their goal is the golden city of Constantinople. For the first time, their journey will bring them into the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean. The fast pace of the story doesn't stop for a moment, and the main characters will find themselves in numerous adventures and fights that will take their toll on the Wolf Brotherhood. Like the first two parts, this book is easy to read and draws you to read late into the night.
Lovers of books about the Vikings will surely enjoy the third sequel about the Raven, who will become a real experienced warrior.
July 25, 2022
3.5 stars
Despite being a fun read, I was expecting so much more from this book, especially given that it is the final installment of the Raven saga. This is why I believe it is the weakest in this Saga.
While I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions, I felt like there was something missing that got me so hooked on the other two books. The narrative arc was not strong or very engaging - the character motivations felt weak. The bold, interesting antagonists that were present in the other two books, who I thought brilliantly propelled the narrative, were also absent from this book, which is a shame. While the settings, especially Constantinople, and the uncountable battle scenes were brilliantly detailed, I found myself skimming over these towards the end as they became tedious, dry and repetitive.
Finally, even though the character development was superb across this saga, I felt like this was let down in this book. The exception to this was, in my opinion, Cynethryth's development and I thought her role in the book's ending was brilliant. She, for this reason, became the highlight of this book for me. However, overall, the ending to the entire saga was just not satisfying and left me wanting more.
Despite being a fun read, I was expecting so much more from this book, especially given that it is the final installment of the Raven saga. This is why I believe it is the weakest in this Saga.
While I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions, I felt like there was something missing that got me so hooked on the other two books. The narrative arc was not strong or very engaging - the character motivations felt weak. The bold, interesting antagonists that were present in the other two books, who I thought brilliantly propelled the narrative, were also absent from this book, which is a shame. While the settings, especially Constantinople, and the uncountable battle scenes were brilliantly detailed, I found myself skimming over these towards the end as they became tedious, dry and repetitive.
Finally, even though the character development was superb across this saga, I felt like this was let down in this book. The exception to this was, in my opinion, Cynethryth's development and I thought her role in the book's ending was brilliant. She, for this reason, became the highlight of this book for me. However, overall, the ending to the entire saga was just not satisfying and left me wanting more.
November 29, 2021
Read this book in 2014, and its the 3rd volume of the brilliant "Raven" trilogy, by the author, Giles Kristian.
In this tale Raven and the Wolfpack will turn their attention towards the place the Vikings call Miklagard, Constantinople, but not before men and losses have been mourned and counted.
The only thing left for Norsemen is not only riches but more importantly fame, and by going on this adventure towards Miklagard they hope to seek those riches and glory.
Before they will reach their final destination, they will have to face dangerous and deadly actions, in the form of hand to hand combat to treachery and betrayal, in the marshes of the Carmargue as well as the crumbling walls in Rome.
In Miklagard Raven and his Fellowship, with the sound of axe, spear and sword echoing throughout the place, they will finally have to pay a high price for their seek of fame and riches.
What will follow is a tremendous Norsemen adventure in which the Viking way is brilliantly told in a most splendid fashion by the author, and that adventure will take you along towards places where battles are fought out in a most thrilling fashion
Highly recommended, for this is a tremendous final addition to this excellent trilogy, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Superb Raven Conclusion"!
In this tale Raven and the Wolfpack will turn their attention towards the place the Vikings call Miklagard, Constantinople, but not before men and losses have been mourned and counted.
The only thing left for Norsemen is not only riches but more importantly fame, and by going on this adventure towards Miklagard they hope to seek those riches and glory.
Before they will reach their final destination, they will have to face dangerous and deadly actions, in the form of hand to hand combat to treachery and betrayal, in the marshes of the Carmargue as well as the crumbling walls in Rome.
In Miklagard Raven and his Fellowship, with the sound of axe, spear and sword echoing throughout the place, they will finally have to pay a high price for their seek of fame and riches.
What will follow is a tremendous Norsemen adventure in which the Viking way is brilliantly told in a most splendid fashion by the author, and that adventure will take you along towards places where battles are fought out in a most thrilling fashion
Highly recommended, for this is a tremendous final addition to this excellent trilogy, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Superb Raven Conclusion"!
February 17, 2018
What a series! Fantastic! Spell binding and tonnes of fun.
March 14, 2014
I have said it before and I will say it again. I truly do love these kinds of Viking historical fiction. They are books that mingle the sagas with excellent penmanship and colourful adventure. I could read them every week for the rest of the year and be every bit the contented reader.
My journey with this series has not been without its own twists and turns and literary adventures. From the hiccup that was my first attempt with the series a couple years back, to the rediscovering of the series in 2013.
To think that I nearly missed out on all this Raven fun by not giving the first book the time it needed to grow on me.
Luckily, I gave it that time at a later date. With a reread. And it was that reread of book one, Blood Eye, that brought me the long way around to this book, book three in the Raven series, Odin's Wolves. (of course, I must not forget that I got there via the 5 star stepping stone between them: Sons of Thunder).
For most of this book I was infatuated. The writing, the adventure, the characters. The delightful balance of all three had my heart racing and my mind flying.
Giles Kristian's vivid scenery and zesty stories have stirred my imagination over and over. At times, his studious pictorialisation has even surprised me. Me, a deliberately and willingly jaded reader of Viking fiction and Viking non fiction. Yes, I still can be surprised. I love it when authors keep it fresh. Adding their own ingredients to the well traversed literary landscape of Viking historical fiction.
Nothing worse than feeling an author got his or her knowledge from Wikipedia. And I can promise, you will never get that feeling from these Giles Kristian Viking books. This author's inspiration comes direct from his own imagination, and not indirectly through the imagination and research of others.
One of those surprises came in his description of Yggdrasil. He gave me a whole new way to imagine the tree of life and - in the same breath - gives explanation of how it may have been imagined by these early travellers and raiders. I even marked the passage to quote here in this review and then I went and put the book aside for a couple months (I was that far behind in my reviews). In the process I lost my marks and so too did I then lose the page where Yggdrasil - and the birds flying amoung its branches in the sky - had been described.
You will just have to take my word for it. It was beautifully described and wondrously fetching to the mind's eye.
As you may have guessed by my words in the last paragraph, for 'most' of the book I was infatuated. Disappointingly, it was not all a source of infatuation for me. This, I am happy to say, has nothing to do with the author's story nor his writing. The fault lays with me and my deeply ingrained disinterest in Romans.
I cannot say too much on that without giving away plot lines. Fear of spoiling the book for others leaves me with little room to manoeuvre when giving my personal opinion of the second half of the book.
Let me just say that, through no fault of the author's, I found myself at an impasse. My favourite culture of history mingling with my least favourite. Viking meets Roman. To others that would sound wildly exciting, but for me, when that happened, to the lengths that it did, the book and I suddenly became incompatible. But it is still a terrific book and I still give it 4 stars out of 5. Majority of people will not have any problem continuing to enjoy the book passed the point where I stopped enjoying it.
I would recommend nobody be put off reading the book by me confessing that I did not enjoy the last half as much as the first. As you all know, sometimes, no matter how good the book is or how well it is written, if the subject matter it not compatible with a reader's personal tastes, there is nothing one can do. Try as you might.
Now that I have finished this trilogy, I am even more excited to read the latest instalment which is due out this year. God of Vengeance is a prequel to this Raven series. I have read the blurb and I am thrilled to my boots by the premise. Bring it on!!
My journey with this series has not been without its own twists and turns and literary adventures. From the hiccup that was my first attempt with the series a couple years back, to the rediscovering of the series in 2013.
To think that I nearly missed out on all this Raven fun by not giving the first book the time it needed to grow on me.
Luckily, I gave it that time at a later date. With a reread. And it was that reread of book one, Blood Eye, that brought me the long way around to this book, book three in the Raven series, Odin's Wolves. (of course, I must not forget that I got there via the 5 star stepping stone between them: Sons of Thunder).
For most of this book I was infatuated. The writing, the adventure, the characters. The delightful balance of all three had my heart racing and my mind flying.
Giles Kristian's vivid scenery and zesty stories have stirred my imagination over and over. At times, his studious pictorialisation has even surprised me. Me, a deliberately and willingly jaded reader of Viking fiction and Viking non fiction. Yes, I still can be surprised. I love it when authors keep it fresh. Adding their own ingredients to the well traversed literary landscape of Viking historical fiction.
Nothing worse than feeling an author got his or her knowledge from Wikipedia. And I can promise, you will never get that feeling from these Giles Kristian Viking books. This author's inspiration comes direct from his own imagination, and not indirectly through the imagination and research of others.
One of those surprises came in his description of Yggdrasil. He gave me a whole new way to imagine the tree of life and - in the same breath - gives explanation of how it may have been imagined by these early travellers and raiders. I even marked the passage to quote here in this review and then I went and put the book aside for a couple months (I was that far behind in my reviews). In the process I lost my marks and so too did I then lose the page where Yggdrasil - and the birds flying amoung its branches in the sky - had been described.
You will just have to take my word for it. It was beautifully described and wondrously fetching to the mind's eye.
As you may have guessed by my words in the last paragraph, for 'most' of the book I was infatuated. Disappointingly, it was not all a source of infatuation for me. This, I am happy to say, has nothing to do with the author's story nor his writing. The fault lays with me and my deeply ingrained disinterest in Romans.
I cannot say too much on that without giving away plot lines. Fear of spoiling the book for others leaves me with little room to manoeuvre when giving my personal opinion of the second half of the book.
Let me just say that, through no fault of the author's, I found myself at an impasse. My favourite culture of history mingling with my least favourite. Viking meets Roman. To others that would sound wildly exciting, but for me, when that happened, to the lengths that it did, the book and I suddenly became incompatible. But it is still a terrific book and I still give it 4 stars out of 5. Majority of people will not have any problem continuing to enjoy the book passed the point where I stopped enjoying it.
I would recommend nobody be put off reading the book by me confessing that I did not enjoy the last half as much as the first. As you all know, sometimes, no matter how good the book is or how well it is written, if the subject matter it not compatible with a reader's personal tastes, there is nothing one can do. Try as you might.
Now that I have finished this trilogy, I am even more excited to read the latest instalment which is due out this year. God of Vengeance is a prequel to this Raven series. I have read the blurb and I am thrilled to my boots by the premise. Bring it on!!
August 29, 2022
If you like Bernard Cornwell’s writing style, then you will also love this. The characters and dialogue are so vivid and real. Sigurd says: “You are my brothers. We are oath-tied. Bound by chains no man can break. This night may be your last, but the hero that enters Odin’s dwelling place does not bemoan his death.” He gives a rousing speech to encourage his men to fight. He is a true leader. Although this is Raven’s story, you know the jarl, Sigurd, is special.
There are more spectacular battle scenes and vibrant descriptions of 9th century Spain, Rome, and Constantinople. It’s so amazing to see these sights through the Norsemen’s eyes. These civilizations were way ahead of their times. GK really knows have to weave a tale. His dialogue is so descriptive and funny at times. So Raven’s tale comes to an end: “…We were rich. Gods, we were rich. We had a glittering fame hoard too and we’re known far and wide as hard men. We’d forged a reputation as a war band without equal, but the iron of that reputation had been quenched in the blood of our brothers, whose loss was as keen as a slender blade between the ribs…. When the Norns Rob you of friends like those, you come to learn the hardest truth of all, a truth that is anchor-heavy and dark as storm clouds. And that is that all the silver and fame you can think of is cold comfort if those who did the most to win it all are not around to boast of it.”
I will definitely read more by this author.
There are more spectacular battle scenes and vibrant descriptions of 9th century Spain, Rome, and Constantinople. It’s so amazing to see these sights through the Norsemen’s eyes. These civilizations were way ahead of their times. GK really knows have to weave a tale. His dialogue is so descriptive and funny at times. So Raven’s tale comes to an end: “…We were rich. Gods, we were rich. We had a glittering fame hoard too and we’re known far and wide as hard men. We’d forged a reputation as a war band without equal, but the iron of that reputation had been quenched in the blood of our brothers, whose loss was as keen as a slender blade between the ribs…. When the Norns Rob you of friends like those, you come to learn the hardest truth of all, a truth that is anchor-heavy and dark as storm clouds. And that is that all the silver and fame you can think of is cold comfort if those who did the most to win it all are not around to boast of it.”
I will definitely read more by this author.
May 26, 2022
Some great fart jokes
August 19, 2013
Come and join Sigurd, Raven and the rest on the Sword-Norse cruise line as they journey to new lands and exciting adventures. Go a viking and see the world.
And what a journey it is! At the end of book two, Sons of Thunder, Sigurd and his flotilla of four ships have escaped the wrath of the Franks and Karolus. They head southwest skirting the coast of northern Frankia, around the Iberian Peninsula, with a short stop for a raid, and into the Mediterranean. One more profitable raid, a layover for the winter and then they're sailing up the Tiber for a visit to Rome. At this point I am going to have to be careful...don't want to spoil anything. Suffice to stay that their stay in Rome is full of adventure and surprises; not only in what they do but in who they meet. Eventually they arrive at Miklagard(Constantinople) where the action really heats up. The climatic scenes that brings their quest to fruition are tense filled page turners. But wait, there's more after that. The ending chapters tie up a loose end that has been with us since book 1 and the author does not disappoint in the telling.
As in the first two books of the Raven series, I was mightily impressed with the authors descriptive powers and I'm not just talking about the battle scenes which are well done indeed. One example: "White sails were everywhere, and it was a hard thing not to wriggle into brynjas, put men and axes at the prows, and see what we could pilfer. Bothvar said it was like laying a slab of meat before a hound and telling it not to lick its lips, and he was right, for patience in a raiding man is as rare as a happy marriage. Even if he tries to cling to it, it almost always proves as fleeting as a belch." Over and over again the author draws word pictures that kindle the readers imagination and breathes life into the many tales this story has to tell. I was impressed with book 1, enthralled with book 2 and mesmerized by book 3. So as Raven tells his listeners in the prologue, " Take the whale’s road and see something of the world. Stand at the prow and feel the salt spray on your faces. I am telling you, it is the best feeling you will ever have." 5 of 5 stars for this wonderful end to an amazing series.
And what a journey it is! At the end of book two, Sons of Thunder, Sigurd and his flotilla of four ships have escaped the wrath of the Franks and Karolus. They head southwest skirting the coast of northern Frankia, around the Iberian Peninsula, with a short stop for a raid, and into the Mediterranean. One more profitable raid, a layover for the winter and then they're sailing up the Tiber for a visit to Rome. At this point I am going to have to be careful...don't want to spoil anything. Suffice to stay that their stay in Rome is full of adventure and surprises; not only in what they do but in who they meet. Eventually they arrive at Miklagard(Constantinople) where the action really heats up. The climatic scenes that brings their quest to fruition are tense filled page turners. But wait, there's more after that. The ending chapters tie up a loose end that has been with us since book 1 and the author does not disappoint in the telling.
As in the first two books of the Raven series, I was mightily impressed with the authors descriptive powers and I'm not just talking about the battle scenes which are well done indeed. One example: "White sails were everywhere, and it was a hard thing not to wriggle into brynjas, put men and axes at the prows, and see what we could pilfer. Bothvar said it was like laying a slab of meat before a hound and telling it not to lick its lips, and he was right, for patience in a raiding man is as rare as a happy marriage. Even if he tries to cling to it, it almost always proves as fleeting as a belch." Over and over again the author draws word pictures that kindle the readers imagination and breathes life into the many tales this story has to tell. I was impressed with book 1, enthralled with book 2 and mesmerized by book 3. So as Raven tells his listeners in the prologue, " Take the whale’s road and see something of the world. Stand at the prow and feel the salt spray on your faces. I am telling you, it is the best feeling you will ever have." 5 of 5 stars for this wonderful end to an amazing series.
May 12, 2012
So now I have come to the end of the Raven saga and it leaves me feeling a little sad. Perhaps some time, after his new series has been fully aired, Giles might return and write another Raven story. I hope so.
Each of the Raven books has followed beautifully from its previous bedfellow and has progressed the general tale and the growth of Raven himself, but also each of the books has a very individual character and addresses different themes, issues and emotions.
Odin's Wolves opens with the wolfpack already off the coast of Portugal on their way to the great city of Constantinople. The first third-to half of the books is to some extent a fascinating travellogue of the western Mediterranean as seen through a baffled Norseman's eyes.
Indeed, approaching half way through the book, I wondered whether that was the form the book would take.
But then they reached Rome and the real plot truly kicked in and picked up pace. I won't ruin the plot for you, but where the second Raven novel fitted all the action and adventure of the first into just the latter half of the second, this does the same, but even better, with a tight, well-defined, clever and believable plot, foreshadowing the creation one day of the infamous Varangian Guard.
As a Roman/Byzantine nut, it fascinated me and I couldn't spot a thing out of place.
But despite everything: the 'Das-Boot' tension of the run through the Hellespont, the crumbling glory of Rome, the beauty of the Bucoleon palace (one of my favourite places I have ever walked), the fights, the tricks and the glory... the thing that strikes me most about Odin's Wolves was the growth and changes in the characters, which were subtle, clever, and helped weave the plot. It was this that led me to conclude that Giles hit his perfect stride in this book. Given that, I cannot wait to read The Bleeding Land.
Bravo again. Odin's Wolves is a masterpiece
Each of the Raven books has followed beautifully from its previous bedfellow and has progressed the general tale and the growth of Raven himself, but also each of the books has a very individual character and addresses different themes, issues and emotions.
Odin's Wolves opens with the wolfpack already off the coast of Portugal on their way to the great city of Constantinople. The first third-to half of the books is to some extent a fascinating travellogue of the western Mediterranean as seen through a baffled Norseman's eyes.
Indeed, approaching half way through the book, I wondered whether that was the form the book would take.
But then they reached Rome and the real plot truly kicked in and picked up pace. I won't ruin the plot for you, but where the second Raven novel fitted all the action and adventure of the first into just the latter half of the second, this does the same, but even better, with a tight, well-defined, clever and believable plot, foreshadowing the creation one day of the infamous Varangian Guard.
As a Roman/Byzantine nut, it fascinated me and I couldn't spot a thing out of place.
But despite everything: the 'Das-Boot' tension of the run through the Hellespont, the crumbling glory of Rome, the beauty of the Bucoleon palace (one of my favourite places I have ever walked), the fights, the tricks and the glory... the thing that strikes me most about Odin's Wolves was the growth and changes in the characters, which were subtle, clever, and helped weave the plot. It was this that led me to conclude that Giles hit his perfect stride in this book. Given that, I cannot wait to read The Bleeding Land.
Bravo again. Odin's Wolves is a masterpiece
December 10, 2013
Odin's Wolves continues the story of Raven, Sigurd, Cynethryth, and the rest of the Fellowship. It really begins right where the second book in the series ends - the silver stolen from Charlemagne is lost and the company is at a pivotal moment. Do they return to Norway and Denmark and admit failure, or do they follow the Whale Road and seek new adventures. (It's the beginning of the book so it is no surprise when they decide to seek new adventures. But that is okay.)
The story of the Fellowship takes the reader around an Islamic Iberia and into the Mediterranean. There they encounter Moorish raiders, hapless Christians in Rome, and finally, mighty Byzantium. The story is lots of fun with plenty of blood, swiving and actions.
There are really two parts of the story that stand out to me. First, the Vikings time in Rome. The feel of decay and degeneration lies thick over the city. I have to commend the author for really nailing this. Rome is a shadow of its former glory. The people know it. The Vikings know it. The reader can feel it. I think at one point the Raven even described the whole effect something along the lines of "maggots burrowing in the corpse of a giant." Well done and that description nails the historic position of Rome at that time. The once mighty imperial city a shell of its former self with Moorish raiders sailing up the Tiber itself. The arena duel that takes place is a nice plus. Second, the tension between Asgot and Raven finally comes to a head. This has been a simmering tension through all three books and I was not surprised at the final explosion. It was well done.
My question is what is next for Raven, Sugurd and etc. The Fellowship has been showered with gold for helping restore the Emperor in Constantinople. I'm curious to see how the author handles this.
A solid three and a half stars. Rounding up to four because, well, it's about Vikings. And Vikings are never boring.
The story of the Fellowship takes the reader around an Islamic Iberia and into the Mediterranean. There they encounter Moorish raiders, hapless Christians in Rome, and finally, mighty Byzantium. The story is lots of fun with plenty of blood, swiving and actions.
There are really two parts of the story that stand out to me. First, the Vikings time in Rome. The feel of decay and degeneration lies thick over the city. I have to commend the author for really nailing this. Rome is a shadow of its former glory. The people know it. The Vikings know it. The reader can feel it. I think at one point the Raven even described the whole effect something along the lines of "maggots burrowing in the corpse of a giant." Well done and that description nails the historic position of Rome at that time. The once mighty imperial city a shell of its former self with Moorish raiders sailing up the Tiber itself. The arena duel that takes place is a nice plus. Second, the tension between Asgot and Raven finally comes to a head. This has been a simmering tension through all three books and I was not surprised at the final explosion. It was well done.
My question is what is next for Raven, Sugurd and etc. The Fellowship has been showered with gold for helping restore the Emperor in Constantinople. I'm curious to see how the author handles this.
A solid three and a half stars. Rounding up to four because, well, it's about Vikings. And Vikings are never boring.
November 29, 2013
Now this was a Book! I have to say that I liked the earlier books in the series, but there still was something that did not exactly fit. But this book had everything that my heart desires, and the whole time I was really apprehensive seeing how I have less and less to read. One of the best books I read this year.
July 24, 2013
After, for the most part, thoroughly enjoying the previous book in this series I had relatively high hopes for this book.
Sadly those hopes were pretty swiftly dashed.
For a book telling the tale of a band of roaming warriors of some reknown relatively little happens for such long periods that the prevailing effect is of generally being underwhelmed at almost all times.
Hardly anything happens for most of the first three hundred pages and when it does, it's quickly over and replaced by tiresome wistful musings all over again.
From what I've seen of the remaining 150 or so pages the action and intrigue FINALLY kicks in but frankly I'm far too bored as it is swimming through this turgid gloop to have the masochist wish to see it through.
Disappointing, woefully devoid of virtually any action/battles and suffering from just as low levels of intrigue.
Stop reading the series after Sons Of Thunder and you'll appreciate it far more than wading through this stale murk.
Sadly those hopes were pretty swiftly dashed.
For a book telling the tale of a band of roaming warriors of some reknown relatively little happens for such long periods that the prevailing effect is of generally being underwhelmed at almost all times.
Hardly anything happens for most of the first three hundred pages and when it does, it's quickly over and replaced by tiresome wistful musings all over again.
From what I've seen of the remaining 150 or so pages the action and intrigue FINALLY kicks in but frankly I'm far too bored as it is swimming through this turgid gloop to have the masochist wish to see it through.
Disappointing, woefully devoid of virtually any action/battles and suffering from just as low levels of intrigue.
Stop reading the series after Sons Of Thunder and you'll appreciate it far more than wading through this stale murk.
January 18, 2013
I love this trilogy. I just wish there were more :(
I'm going to look for more books like this. Any suggestions would be lovely!
I'm going to look for more books like this. Any suggestions would be lovely!
December 19, 2017
Treći deo sage je najdinamičniji što se putovanja tiče, ali nije ostavio na mene onakav utisak kao prethodna dva. Da nije Gilesove umešnosti dobrog pripovedanja, taj utisak bi bio još slabiji. Pripovedanje o junačkim zakletvama i vernosti i upornosti svakog člana bratstva u nastojanju da se one po svaku cenu ispoštuju čak i po cenu života me uvek oduševe.
December 5, 2024
This is probably a 5-star book and an excellent way to wrap up the trilogy. It lacks the fantastical element of the second book, and there's a superb battle in it. Overall, the standard is not as high as Cornwell's Last Kingdom series, but this book takes us to new lands, and it's both intriguing and thoroughly researched.
May 29, 2019
Wow!!! What an amazing trilogy! If this is on your to-read list, move it up immediately. Giles Kristian is a truly amazing author, providing intimate details so you feel like you know the characters and are right there with them without overwhelming you with the mundane.
April 24, 2021
A lot going on here. Too much?
Our fellowship, chased from Frankia sails to the Mediterranean, vacations in Rome, and takes Constantinople.
Raids, gladiator matches, Loki tricks, and lots of death. All of Kristian’s Raven books have been torridly paced but his one seemed over the top.
Still fun.
Our fellowship, chased from Frankia sails to the Mediterranean, vacations in Rome, and takes Constantinople.
Raids, gladiator matches, Loki tricks, and lots of death. All of Kristian’s Raven books have been torridly paced but his one seemed over the top.
Still fun.
June 21, 2017
An epic Norse saga. Full of good fighting, Loki tricks
and rough men humor.
and rough men humor.
August 22, 2025
a fun saga of swords and adventures. I was hoping to get an answer to the question of Raven's origin, but that thread was left hanging, and I'm not sure its absence is any problem at all. The research that went into this series is impressive. great fun.
March 23, 2025
Not mad at the ending. Will form actual thoughts soon.
August 10, 2024
I loved this series so much, it's reinvigorated my love for fantasy, I now can't get enough
February 4, 2022
Kitabın bir kısmı Anadolu'da geçiyor, as bayrakları aaasssss! asjlkdas
September 10, 2016
This is top notch Viking adventure!
I'm always on the lookout for exciting new historical fiction about soldiers or warriors, and was therefore very excited about two years ago to see Giles Kristian's name appear on an Amazon recommended read list. I read his first two books in the summer of 2010 in about three days. To be honest, I tore through them! I was very pleased therefore, to be able last spring to buy Odin's Wolves. It takes up the story of Raven Blood Eye where it left off in Sons of Thunder. Other reviewers have detailed the plot, so I won't go into it here. I was thrilled, however, that Raven reached not just Rome, but Miklagard (Constantinople/Istanbul). I hadn't seen Vikings there since reading Henry Treece's wonderful book The Road to Miklagard when I was a kid.
In my opinion, a good Viking novel should be exciting, low down and dirty, and full of blood and guts. All of Kristian's books definitely meet those criteria. Yet they do far more than that. These are no hack and slash novels. Kristian can really write. His words have a lyrical quality, and simply flow across the pages. These are thrilling stories filled with realistic, gutsy characters whom the reader comes to care about greatly. Kristian weaves in rich historical detail with a light touch, which is not easy to do. His battle scenes are bone crunchingly good, his descriptions of the Viking world bright and evocative. In my mind, this makes Giles Kristian a great storyteller. I look forward to reading his books for many years to come.
PS I can confirm that his new book, The Bleeding Land, first of a trilogy about the English Civil War, is excellent!
I'm always on the lookout for exciting new historical fiction about soldiers or warriors, and was therefore very excited about two years ago to see Giles Kristian's name appear on an Amazon recommended read list. I read his first two books in the summer of 2010 in about three days. To be honest, I tore through them! I was very pleased therefore, to be able last spring to buy Odin's Wolves. It takes up the story of Raven Blood Eye where it left off in Sons of Thunder. Other reviewers have detailed the plot, so I won't go into it here. I was thrilled, however, that Raven reached not just Rome, but Miklagard (Constantinople/Istanbul). I hadn't seen Vikings there since reading Henry Treece's wonderful book The Road to Miklagard when I was a kid.
In my opinion, a good Viking novel should be exciting, low down and dirty, and full of blood and guts. All of Kristian's books definitely meet those criteria. Yet they do far more than that. These are no hack and slash novels. Kristian can really write. His words have a lyrical quality, and simply flow across the pages. These are thrilling stories filled with realistic, gutsy characters whom the reader comes to care about greatly. Kristian weaves in rich historical detail with a light touch, which is not easy to do. His battle scenes are bone crunchingly good, his descriptions of the Viking world bright and evocative. In my mind, this makes Giles Kristian a great storyteller. I look forward to reading his books for many years to come.
PS I can confirm that his new book, The Bleeding Land, first of a trilogy about the English Civil War, is excellent!
August 14, 2014
The third and final book of the Raven trilogy - done. And what a book it was! Did not bore me one bit. Where every chapter ended, a new adventure began in the following chapter (except when you reach the final chapter, obviously). It was a fantastic book, and a breathtakingly fast-paced one! I had to force myself to put it down a few times so I can gather my thoughts and allow some space for me to breathe.
Everything I like about a story in one, 500-paged book: vikings, blood, loss, friendship, shield walls, and Norse mythology -- all beautifully worded and wonderfully put together to make an unforgettable viking saga. I especially loved the battles and the shield walls.
Now, to the characters. From the very beginning, Raven, the protagonist, wasn't really my favourite of all characters. Other than that, most of the other characters were interesting to read about. My favourites being Jarl Sigurd, Svein the Red, and Black Floki. I enjoyed reading about them more than about anyone else.
Even though my expectations for this book were met, and rightly so, I still think there could have been more to have happened - especially towards the end. I kind of wanted to see what happens to Sigurd and the Fellowship afterwards. Maybe it's for the better to end it there and keep it the way it is without ruining the series. I don't know. Maybe I am being too curious about Sigurd and what remains of the original Fellowship -- thankfully, God of Vengeance is out, so this should fulfill my thirst for more.
Anyway, this is a great book and a must-read for those who appreciate vikings and Norse mythology. That's all I'm going to say for the conclusion. Happy reading! :)
Everything I like about a story in one, 500-paged book: vikings, blood, loss, friendship, shield walls, and Norse mythology -- all beautifully worded and wonderfully put together to make an unforgettable viking saga. I especially loved the battles and the shield walls.
Now, to the characters. From the very beginning, Raven, the protagonist, wasn't really my favourite of all characters. Other than that, most of the other characters were interesting to read about. My favourites being Jarl Sigurd, Svein the Red, and Black Floki. I enjoyed reading about them more than about anyone else.
Even though my expectations for this book were met, and rightly so, I still think there could have been more to have happened - especially towards the end. I kind of wanted to see what happens to Sigurd and the Fellowship afterwards. Maybe it's for the better to end it there and keep it the way it is without ruining the series. I don't know. Maybe I am being too curious about Sigurd and what remains of the original Fellowship -- thankfully, God of Vengeance is out, so this should fulfill my thirst for more.
Anyway, this is a great book and a must-read for those who appreciate vikings and Norse mythology. That's all I'm going to say for the conclusion. Happy reading! :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews