Viking Slave

Dragon Heart #1

by Griff Hosker

A novel set in England in 790 AD A young Saxon boy and his mother are captured by Viking raiders and taken to a new home. Thanks to an old one armed warrior he finds his true destiny. He wins his freedom and becomes a Viking himself. Forced to sail the seas for a new home they have to fight to establish their own kingdom on the Isle of Man. A tale full of battles set in the early years of the ninth century.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, Adventure, Medieval

211 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2013

About the author

I was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.

When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.

My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.

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Reviews

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good start to a new series and definitely looking forward to the next one. Not my favorite narration on the audiobook but it wasn't to bad. Not sure if I want to see if I can find the physical version or if I want to stick with the audiobook. Probably will stick with the audiobook

[Cristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! Poor editing on Kindle edition.

[Daniel A. Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fictional history!

What a great tale, I could not put it down, read it in five days. This is truly from a very gifted writer to give us such a great Saga! Am starting book number two in a few minutes, am hooked, lol.

[Howard Culley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story which held my interest all the way through but editing was not good - there were several typos, spelling mistakes and repetition of the same word in one paragraph. That aside, I plan to carry on reading the rest of the series.

[neil fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring on more

Have just started reading this author and I am very pleased I have. It is fascinating period of our history. If this is the start I am really going to enjoy it.

[David Manevich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had previously read the Norman series and Dragon Heart was mentioned many times. So now that ive read the first book in the series I had a hard time putting it down. A fast flowing story there is always something going on throughout the book. I read it in a day and a half if that gives an example. I wont give any spoilers but read along as Dragon Heart becomes a man and starts to earn his name again and again. I also forgot to mention the connection with the wolf brethren series also. I wish now i wouldve read the books i have by Griff Hosker in the order of the timeline. But theyre all great books. I hand it to Mr. Hosker for all his hard work researching all these places and timelines. Again a great story.

[Alex Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* rounded up to 4*.

Fun, rollicking first story in the Dragonheart Series.

Told in the first person by the main protagonist, a Welsh-Saxon outsider who is looked down upon by the culture he is born into and is taken as a slave by Vikings as a boy. He realises that he is happier as a slave to the Vikings than he had ever been in his previous life.

Through diligence, luck and personal qualities like bravery and imagination, he is adopted by a Viking Yarl and eventually becomes a great warrior.

Marston York does a solid job of narrating the book, pulling off a variety of voice characterisation, making a large contribution to the reader’s enjoyment .

[Studebhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Viking Tale
In this new series, the author introduces a young "to-be" Viking and sets the stage for his journey of discovery. The series covers everything the young man experiences during his journey. I gained a newfound appreciation for the role of Viking raiders in spreading their culture, religion, and warrior-like ways to neighboring countries. This spread also facilitated the growth and economic expansion of Baltic nations while passing on their genes and culture. Despite some editing and historical errors, this promising series is still worth checking out.

[brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent could not leave.it down there was excitement on every page areall hero cannot wait to readtatje next book inthe series on

What a great read I could not put it down there was excitement on every page cannot wait to rread the next book in the series would highly reend

[Stephanie Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the story (4-5 stars)...but there were so many errors towards the end of the book, that I started getting distracted (2 stars). I really hope the next in the series has better editing.

[Robert J. Rustic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Well written and exciting. Keeps moving and keeps you engaged. I can’t wait to follow on to the next book in the series.

[Cor Markhart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some neat ideas but far to simplistic for my tastes.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book takes you back to a time of violence and pain which defined us as a country. The writing provides a good balance of history and adventure. Well worth a read.

[John Slatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

did not disappoint!

A fascinating story of the making of a Viking warrior! From outcast to slave to hero, Garreth Dragon Heart’s story is fantastically entertaining!

[Raqual Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! I listened to the audible version and the Narrator did a fabulous job!

[Kevin Burnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book introducing " Dragon Heart " who is mentioned in the " Norman Genesis " series. Norse leave to set up on the Isle of Man.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to the series.

[Darren F. Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and I’m interested in starting the next! Everything is going great, until it is not…

[pierre bovington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it.
Vikings slashing and plundering, a staple of the trilogy.
This introduces our hero, Saxon, turned Viking.

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very pleasant surprise and semi-cliffhanger ending!! Will read this whole series for sure which should keep me busy for a while

[Leila Mirza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to it on Audible. It was interesting to the end and finished it quickly.

[David Hughes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Griffin does it again DR H enjoyed G riff Viking series (I res the 2nd Viking book immediately).

I enjoyed the first in the Viking series (DR H) has read nine novelala far. Liked the development of the CROW thrall and his mother does write well. Truly DR H

[Erika Altensee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read...lots of battling (with brave and noble heros) :)

[Riobhcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for a well-told Viking tale, however..in the kindle edition, the editing and proofreading was terrible.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fast entertaining read

[Geohueb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast moving

Fast moving and a joy to read. Also Griff keeps it clean! How great is that? Second book is already loaded on Kindle.

[Nancy McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great action

I hated to put this book down. Believable characters shining light on a long ago period of time. Obviously well researched.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook Rating
Marston York ★★★☆☆