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The Norsemen Saga #1
Vikingos. Una saga nórdica en Irlanda
Año 852 a. C. Los vikingos llevan años haciéndose a la mar, y han alcanzado en su afán saqueador las costas de Inglaterra e Irlanda, donde pocos son los que pueden hacer frente al violento ataque de los fieros escandinavos.
Al principio estas expediciones tenían como objeto únicamente satisfacer la sed de botín de los nórdicos, pero ahora estos han terminado por establecerse en las tierras atacadas, a pesar de encontrar una feroz resistencia en cualquier enclave al que arriban. Tal es el caso de las tierras de Irlanda.
De camino a un longphort vikingo conocido como Dubh-Linn, los noruegos Thorgrim Lobo Nocturno y Ornolf el Incansable se topan con un barco irlandés que transporta un preciado objeto: una corona. Los atacantes vikingos se hacen con ella en un violento combate, ignorantes de su significado para el pueblo de Irlanda y del poder que otorga al rey que la ciña.
Los noruegos se verán sumidos en una espiral de intriga y violencia en plena Irlanda medieval, donde los reyes locales luchan unos contra otros y contra los invasores del norte para hacerse con el poder. Thorgrim, acosado por sus enemigos tanto irlandeses como daneses, liderará a sus hombres, los «invasores blancos», los fin gall, en la batalla de sus vidas.
Al principio estas expediciones tenían como objeto únicamente satisfacer la sed de botín de los nórdicos, pero ahora estos han terminado por establecerse en las tierras atacadas, a pesar de encontrar una feroz resistencia en cualquier enclave al que arriban. Tal es el caso de las tierras de Irlanda.
De camino a un longphort vikingo conocido como Dubh-Linn, los noruegos Thorgrim Lobo Nocturno y Ornolf el Incansable se topan con un barco irlandés que transporta un preciado objeto: una corona. Los atacantes vikingos se hacen con ella en un violento combate, ignorantes de su significado para el pueblo de Irlanda y del poder que otorga al rey que la ciña.
Los noruegos se verán sumidos en una espiral de intriga y violencia en plena Irlanda medieval, donde los reyes locales luchan unos contra otros y contra los invasores del norte para hacerse con el poder. Thorgrim, acosado por sus enemigos tanto irlandeses como daneses, liderará a sus hombres, los «invasores blancos», los fin gall, en la batalla de sus vidas.
366 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2013
997 people are currently reading
2492 people want to read
About the author
James L. Nelson
61 books362 followersJames L. Nelson (1962-) is an American historical nautical novelist. He was born in Lewiston, Maine. In 1980, Nelson graduated from Lewiston High School. Nelson attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst for two years, and then transferred to UCLA, with the ambition of becoming a film director. Nelson, his wife, Lisa, and their daughter Betsy lived for two years in Steubenville, Ohio, while Lisa attended Franciscan University. They also have two boys, Nate and Jack. They now live in Harpswell, Maine, where Nelson continues to write full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
January 8, 2016
Great Book! Brilliant! I laughed, I cried, I wanted to make it a part of me! Okay, sure, I wrote the thing, and that might make me a bit biased. But I did read it. More times than I wanted to. And I just want to say thanks to all the folks who have read it and enjoyed it and said nice things about it. Thanks!
December 22, 2023
Año 852 a. C.
Los vikingos llevan años haciéndose a la mar, y han alcanzado en su afán saqueador las costas de Inglaterra e Irlanda, donde pocos son los que pueden hacer frente al violento ataque de los fieros escandinavos.
Al principio estas expediciones tenían como objeto únicamente satisfacer la sed de botín de los nórdicos, pero ahora estos han terminado por establecerse en las tierras atacadas, a pesar de encontrar una feroz resistencia en cualquier enclave al que arriban. Tal es el caso de las tierras de Irlanda.
De camino a un longphort vikingo conocido como Dubh-Linn, los noruegos Thorgrim Lobo Nocturno y Ornolf el Incansable se topan con un barco irlandés que transporta un preciado objeto: una corona. Los atacantes vikingos se hacen con ella en un violento combate, ignorantes de su significado para el pueblo de Irlanda y del poder que otorga al rey que la ciña.
Los noruegos se verán sumidos en una espiral de intriga y violencia en plena Irlanda medieval, donde los reyes locales luchan unos contra otros y contra los invasores del norte para hacerse con el poder. Thorgrim, acosado por sus enemigos tanto irlandeses como daneses, liderará a sus hombres, los «invasores blancos», los fin gall, en la batalla de sus vidas.
Disfruté totalmente de la trama. Una gran historia contada con realismo situándonos de una manera vivida y realista en este período de la historia. El glosario al final del libro se agradece.
Esta historia gira en torno a las aventuras de Thorgim Thorgrim y sus vikingos se meten en todo tipo de problemas en Irlanda. Dinámico.
Enfrentándose a daneses e irlandeses aún más hostiles, Thorgrim y su tripulación se ven atrapados en una rivalidad por la corona y el gobierno de Irlanda.
Está muy bien escrita y mejor documentada pues representa bastante bien a los nórdicos e irlandeses.
La historia es emocionante y lo bueno es que el libro es bastante corto.
Si estás buscando un aventura de acción sin pausas, muros de escudos y ambientada en la Irlanda de la época vikinga entonces lo vas a gozar..✍️🪓
Los vikingos llevan años haciéndose a la mar, y han alcanzado en su afán saqueador las costas de Inglaterra e Irlanda, donde pocos son los que pueden hacer frente al violento ataque de los fieros escandinavos.
Al principio estas expediciones tenían como objeto únicamente satisfacer la sed de botín de los nórdicos, pero ahora estos han terminado por establecerse en las tierras atacadas, a pesar de encontrar una feroz resistencia en cualquier enclave al que arriban. Tal es el caso de las tierras de Irlanda.
De camino a un longphort vikingo conocido como Dubh-Linn, los noruegos Thorgrim Lobo Nocturno y Ornolf el Incansable se topan con un barco irlandés que transporta un preciado objeto: una corona. Los atacantes vikingos se hacen con ella en un violento combate, ignorantes de su significado para el pueblo de Irlanda y del poder que otorga al rey que la ciña.
Los noruegos se verán sumidos en una espiral de intriga y violencia en plena Irlanda medieval, donde los reyes locales luchan unos contra otros y contra los invasores del norte para hacerse con el poder. Thorgrim, acosado por sus enemigos tanto irlandeses como daneses, liderará a sus hombres, los «invasores blancos», los fin gall, en la batalla de sus vidas.
Disfruté totalmente de la trama. Una gran historia contada con realismo situándonos de una manera vivida y realista en este período de la historia. El glosario al final del libro se agradece.
Esta historia gira en torno a las aventuras de Thorgim Thorgrim y sus vikingos se meten en todo tipo de problemas en Irlanda. Dinámico.
Enfrentándose a daneses e irlandeses aún más hostiles, Thorgrim y su tripulación se ven atrapados en una rivalidad por la corona y el gobierno de Irlanda.
Está muy bien escrita y mejor documentada pues representa bastante bien a los nórdicos e irlandeses.
La historia es emocionante y lo bueno es que el libro es bastante corto.
Si estás buscando un aventura de acción sin pausas, muros de escudos y ambientada en la Irlanda de la época vikinga entonces lo vas a gozar..✍️🪓
January 13, 2023
Well researched historical novel
This review is from: Fin Gall: A Novel of Viking Age Ireland (The Norsemen Saga Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
I noticed a theme in the one and two star reviews - Mr. Nelson is not Bernard Cornwell. Of course he isn't. He isn't anyone other than himself. I have now read several of his novels and will read more. He is a good writer and story teller who researches his subject matter before he writes. I could do without the details of trysts between some of the characters. The details are unnecessary to the plot or the readers' understanding.
I also noticed some criticism that there are no clearly defined good guys and bad guys. It would be difficult to write a historically accurate book about Vikings, the Norse and the Irish with "good guys" by modern standards. It is foolish to judge people of one period by the standards of another.
This is a well written, entertaining novel with good character development and a fast moving plot.
This review is from: Fin Gall: A Novel of Viking Age Ireland (The Norsemen Saga Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
I noticed a theme in the one and two star reviews - Mr. Nelson is not Bernard Cornwell. Of course he isn't. He isn't anyone other than himself. I have now read several of his novels and will read more. He is a good writer and story teller who researches his subject matter before he writes. I could do without the details of trysts between some of the characters. The details are unnecessary to the plot or the readers' understanding.
I also noticed some criticism that there are no clearly defined good guys and bad guys. It would be difficult to write a historically accurate book about Vikings, the Norse and the Irish with "good guys" by modern standards. It is foolish to judge people of one period by the standards of another.
This is a well written, entertaining novel with good character development and a fast moving plot.
March 10, 2017
Be warned you do get bombarded with a lotta names early doors especially of the Gaelic variety which might be a tad daunting at first for some as the story darts about but it soon settles so bare with it I say as the factions become apparent quite quickly.
In most stories with Vikings they all stick together as they follow the Norse gods against the White Christ followers....... however in Ireland it seems to have followed a diffo tact as we have Danes pitted against Norwegians & Irish against Irish, mind thats always been the way (for the Irish) as the isle was made up of hundreds of kingdoms at its conception.... and its this fragmentation that is the crux of the story where a unifying crown is sought to unite the Irish against the invaders (the Fin Gal – Norwegians & the Dubh Gal – Danes, as they name them in Gaelic) & ALL concerned are after said item..... we have stories of adventure, betrayal, revenge, young love but above all the lust for power, glory & Geld across the factions.
What more do you want in a story!!
I don’t want to give too much away but suffice to say a very good opening chapter from this author, who has already written a fair few historical series in other eras, on the Viking Age in Ireland which is a subject not oft covered only mentioned in other series. Highly recommend for all fans who like to go a-Viking!
4 Battle Axes! Rounded up from the high 3’s (3.75)
In most stories with Vikings they all stick together as they follow the Norse gods against the White Christ followers....... however in Ireland it seems to have followed a diffo tact as we have Danes pitted against Norwegians & Irish against Irish, mind thats always been the way (for the Irish) as the isle was made up of hundreds of kingdoms at its conception.... and its this fragmentation that is the crux of the story where a unifying crown is sought to unite the Irish against the invaders (the Fin Gal – Norwegians & the Dubh Gal – Danes, as they name them in Gaelic) & ALL concerned are after said item..... we have stories of adventure, betrayal, revenge, young love but above all the lust for power, glory & Geld across the factions.
What more do you want in a story!!
I don’t want to give too much away but suffice to say a very good opening chapter from this author, who has already written a fair few historical series in other eras, on the Viking Age in Ireland which is a subject not oft covered only mentioned in other series. Highly recommend for all fans who like to go a-Viking!
4 Battle Axes! Rounded up from the high 3’s (3.75)
May 8, 2024
Una piacevole e avvincente avventura vissuta in compagnia di un cazzutissimo gruppo di vichinghi.
June 30, 2018
Norwegians, Danes and Irish, Oh My!
James L. Nelson describes the muddy and bloody beginnings of Dublin in the 850s when it was Viking colony on the River Liffey surrounded by Irish Celtic kingdoms, chieftains and thralls. There were merchant buildings, a temple to a Norse god and a mead hall. Sort of made me think of Johnny Cash’s description of the streets of Gatlinburg Tennessee in his 1969 song “A Boy named Sue”.
Thorgrim and his crew are off A-viking. Many don’t know that the origins of that term is a gerund, “form that is derived from a verb but that functions as a noun” as in “Hey Leif, let’s load the long boat up and go a-viking” To which Leif may reply, “Sure, Snorri, and maybe we can do some water skiing and shopping while we’re out.”
Thorgrim and his Vikings are from Norway but turns out that something rotten in Denmark has sprung up in Dublin and the Danish Vikings have taken over the fledgling village. All the same to the locals, who just want the truculent blondes to take their pagan s*** and GO!
Yep, the Irish are already Christian, THE St. Patrick having arrived in 400s. Largely untouched by Roman rule, the Celtic Irish have many similarities to Native American tribes: they live close to the land and fight among themselves more than the invaders from across the water.
Nelson does a good job detailing both groups and telling an entertaining story to boot. Good historical fiction.
James L. Nelson describes the muddy and bloody beginnings of Dublin in the 850s when it was Viking colony on the River Liffey surrounded by Irish Celtic kingdoms, chieftains and thralls. There were merchant buildings, a temple to a Norse god and a mead hall. Sort of made me think of Johnny Cash’s description of the streets of Gatlinburg Tennessee in his 1969 song “A Boy named Sue”.
Thorgrim and his crew are off A-viking. Many don’t know that the origins of that term is a gerund, “form that is derived from a verb but that functions as a noun” as in “Hey Leif, let’s load the long boat up and go a-viking” To which Leif may reply, “Sure, Snorri, and maybe we can do some water skiing and shopping while we’re out.”
Thorgrim and his Vikings are from Norway but turns out that something rotten in Denmark has sprung up in Dublin and the Danish Vikings have taken over the fledgling village. All the same to the locals, who just want the truculent blondes to take their pagan s*** and GO!
Yep, the Irish are already Christian, THE St. Patrick having arrived in 400s. Largely untouched by Roman rule, the Celtic Irish have many similarities to Native American tribes: they live close to the land and fight among themselves more than the invaders from across the water.
Nelson does a good job detailing both groups and telling an entertaining story to boot. Good historical fiction.
September 22, 2014
After reading the first few chapters of this, I thought to myself...
Where the hell has this book been my whole life?
Man, I love Vikings. Can't get enough of them. Ever since my first Bernard Cornwell book about Uhtred I've been on a tear looking for books (this was years ago) and I've only found a few that lived up to the Saxon Chronicles.
This definitely did. Not only does the author tell a hell of a story complete with vikings, berserkers and a touch of dare I say "magic" but he introduced me to a whole new Viking world.
I know the story of Rganar, I know how his sons come for revenge on King Aella, and the unification of England under Alfred and sons.
What I didn't know was the story of Ireland during the same time period, I learned a little bit more because of this book and I was right on Google after I finished this to learn more.
Bought book 2 after the third chapter.
Where the hell has this book been my whole life?
Man, I love Vikings. Can't get enough of them. Ever since my first Bernard Cornwell book about Uhtred I've been on a tear looking for books (this was years ago) and I've only found a few that lived up to the Saxon Chronicles.
This definitely did. Not only does the author tell a hell of a story complete with vikings, berserkers and a touch of dare I say "magic" but he introduced me to a whole new Viking world.
I know the story of Rganar, I know how his sons come for revenge on King Aella, and the unification of England under Alfred and sons.
What I didn't know was the story of Ireland during the same time period, I learned a little bit more because of this book and I was right on Google after I finished this to learn more.
Bought book 2 after the third chapter.
September 28, 2016
I like historical fiction and this book is a very good one, especially for those that enjoy Viking tales. Excitement from front to back! I totally enjoyed the plot, because the writer gives the story with a great amount of realism and it places it in a real period of history. Very good is the glossary at the end of the book, because it helps you to understand all these “strange” words of Gaelic and Norse language.
October 9, 2021
"Fin Gall" is a Gaelic term meaning "White Strangers". That was the Irish term for the Norwegian Vikings who came to Ireland. We also have the "Dubh Gall" or "Black Strangers", the Danes, who controlled Dublin.
This story revolves around the adventures of Thorgim Night Wolf. Thorgrim and his Norwegian Vikings run into all sorts of trouble in Ireland. Facing hostile Danes and even more hostile Irish, Thorgrim and his crew are caught up in a rivalry over a crown and the rule of Ireland.
A fun and exciting tale. Set during the 850's it is well written and represents the Nords and the Irish fairly well. The story is exciting and the length of the book is rather short. But, if you're looking for a good action-adventure set in Viking era Ireland, then you will enjoy this book.
This story revolves around the adventures of Thorgim Night Wolf. Thorgrim and his Norwegian Vikings run into all sorts of trouble in Ireland. Facing hostile Danes and even more hostile Irish, Thorgrim and his crew are caught up in a rivalry over a crown and the rule of Ireland.
A fun and exciting tale. Set during the 850's it is well written and represents the Nords and the Irish fairly well. The story is exciting and the length of the book is rather short. But, if you're looking for a good action-adventure set in Viking era Ireland, then you will enjoy this book.
April 4, 2017
Y aquí me hallo, leyendo una novela histórica un tanto alejada de mi rutina de lectura habitual.
Decidí leer esta novela porque me encanta la temática vikinga y estoy muy interesada en saber más de esa civilización, así que me pareció una ocasión estupenda.
Sorprendentemente, me ha gustado bastante más de lo que esperaba al principio. Me encontré con una novela con escenas de batalla, sí, con típicos comportamientos de hombres rudos de la época y con lo que siempre se supone que le gusta a un vikingo: pelear, beber, hacerse con botines e irse con mujeres. Es, también, una novela de intrigas en la que intervienen varios bandos, la mayoría tratando de hacerse con el poder. Daneses, noruegos e irlandeses, y algún que otro que baila entre bandos. Hay aventuras y el protagonismo se reparte entre un coro de personajes, aunque Thorgrim es quien tiene más peso.
Al principio me molestaba que no hubiera prácticamente presencia de mujeres, pero eso cambia más adelante. Incluso me sorprendió que se introdujesen un par de romances, ligeros, sí, porque no va de eso la historia, pero entretenidos. Este libro es el primero de una saga, así que muchas tramas quedan en el aire, entre ellas las románticas.
No esperaba que fuese una saga o que fuese un final tan abierto, pero así es y me ha dejado con ganas de leer los demás libros, así que si puedo volveré a darles una oportunidad, yo lo he disfrutado.
Decidí leer esta novela porque me encanta la temática vikinga y estoy muy interesada en saber más de esa civilización, así que me pareció una ocasión estupenda.
Sorprendentemente, me ha gustado bastante más de lo que esperaba al principio. Me encontré con una novela con escenas de batalla, sí, con típicos comportamientos de hombres rudos de la época y con lo que siempre se supone que le gusta a un vikingo: pelear, beber, hacerse con botines e irse con mujeres. Es, también, una novela de intrigas en la que intervienen varios bandos, la mayoría tratando de hacerse con el poder. Daneses, noruegos e irlandeses, y algún que otro que baila entre bandos. Hay aventuras y el protagonismo se reparte entre un coro de personajes, aunque Thorgrim es quien tiene más peso.
Al principio me molestaba que no hubiera prácticamente presencia de mujeres, pero eso cambia más adelante. Incluso me sorprendió que se introdujesen un par de romances, ligeros, sí, porque no va de eso la historia, pero entretenidos. Este libro es el primero de una saga, así que muchas tramas quedan en el aire, entre ellas las románticas.
No esperaba que fuese una saga o que fuese un final tan abierto, pero así es y me ha dejado con ganas de leer los demás libros, así que si puedo volveré a darles una oportunidad, yo lo he disfrutado.
July 19, 2025
Historically accurate depictions of violence and brutality between Danes and Irish, but also repetitive which made it difficult to hold my interest or captivate my attention. At one point, I was just here for the Viking Insults.
"Ah, may Thor pluck your eyeballs out, you son of a whore!”
"Oh, you blind, poxed, feeble-minded idiot!"
"Ah, may Thor pluck your eyeballs out, you son of a whore!”
"Oh, you blind, poxed, feeble-minded idiot!"
September 8, 2019
Una storia leggera e scorrevole per tenersi compagnia nelle sale d'attesa. Nulla di più.
November 7, 2015
I enjoyed this a lot.
The title comes from the term 'White Foreigners', which is the name the Irish gave the Norwegians; the Danes were called the Dubh Gall, 'Black Foreigners'. It seems that, because the two groups were always attacking each other in Ireland, the locals decided they needed to give them different names.
The story is simply written, but done well and builds up the characters of the three central characters very nicely. These are: Jarl Ornolf the Restless, Thorgrim Night Wolf, and Harald Broad Arm, who are, receptively, grandfather, father and grandson. A trio who decide to go raiding in Ireland where they get caught up in a fight for a fabled Irish crown.
Aside from being a very enjoyable adventure, the book is a good introduction to this chapter of Ireland's history, one that's often forgotten about.
I have only two criticisms: firstly, that the book starts with a prologue that is entirely surplus to requirements. I read it carefully as I thought it would contain important background information, but all the necessary details are included in the plot (as they should be); secondly, the covers of the books in this series are workmanlike, but not great (in my opinion). Covers with more vigour and excitement would really do justice to the stories inside.
The title comes from the term 'White Foreigners', which is the name the Irish gave the Norwegians; the Danes were called the Dubh Gall, 'Black Foreigners'. It seems that, because the two groups were always attacking each other in Ireland, the locals decided they needed to give them different names.
The story is simply written, but done well and builds up the characters of the three central characters very nicely. These are: Jarl Ornolf the Restless, Thorgrim Night Wolf, and Harald Broad Arm, who are, receptively, grandfather, father and grandson. A trio who decide to go raiding in Ireland where they get caught up in a fight for a fabled Irish crown.
Aside from being a very enjoyable adventure, the book is a good introduction to this chapter of Ireland's history, one that's often forgotten about.
I have only two criticisms: firstly, that the book starts with a prologue that is entirely surplus to requirements. I read it carefully as I thought it would contain important background information, but all the necessary details are included in the plot (as they should be); secondly, the covers of the books in this series are workmanlike, but not great (in my opinion). Covers with more vigour and excitement would really do justice to the stories inside.
May 19, 2015
I truly wasn't expecting this book to be any good. I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting and exciting it was. This book was great.
August 23, 2015
This is an incredibly exciting, almost invigorating and refreshing historical adventure with a superb cast of viking characters and in a part of the world not often fully explored - Ireland that then Vikings had as much impact on as they did in Ireland.
The storytelling is great and it feels almost like watching a brilliant historical drama in your mind as you read each chapter and see how different choices, events and characters intertwine together to create the plaited story arc.
Definitely recommend reading it, was a genuine pleasure and I am pleased to see 2 more books follow future irish adventures of this norwegian crew.
The storytelling is great and it feels almost like watching a brilliant historical drama in your mind as you read each chapter and see how different choices, events and characters intertwine together to create the plaited story arc.
Definitely recommend reading it, was a genuine pleasure and I am pleased to see 2 more books follow future irish adventures of this norwegian crew.
March 12, 2024
Obviously a bit late to the party with this review - but this is truly great. It somehow has a graphic novel feel - particularly with characters like the crazy berserker Starri Deathless and Thorgrimm with his 'Night Wolf' character. No One does explanations of Norse boat building and sailing better than Nelson - he's inventive and sets a good pace in plot, pleasingly descriptive of place and character and does truly interesting and humorous dialogue. Some how I see Nelson as the American counter balance to the UK's Cornwell. He's up there with Bernard for mine.
September 7, 2019
Libro piacevole, dalla scrittura semplice ma scorrevole e veloce. Ironico e un po' comico a tratti, il romanzo si fa leggere senza impegnare troppo. L'ho trovato un po' carente dal punto di vista dell'introspezione, ma i personaggi sono comunque sufficientemente delineati nelle loro caratteristiche salienti. Mi è piaciuto particolarmente sul finale, dove il ritmo narrativo si è fatto più coinvolgente e serrato.
January 25, 2016
The novel gave a picture of Ireland in the late ninth century. However, I was disappointed in that I was expecting more history and less violence. The ending left you hanging, waiting for something else to happen. Maybe that is to inspire you to buy the next book in the series. Guess I won't.
January 28, 2017
Ok
This book could have been good but it missed the mark in every way. Poor character development, plot development, just poor. It is an interesting subject but could have been done so much better.
This book could have been good but it missed the mark in every way. Poor character development, plot development, just poor. It is an interesting subject but could have been done so much better.
August 18, 2018
Fin Gall: Gaelic term for Vikings of Norwegian descent. It means “White Strangers”
I’ve been in the mood for an exciting and adventurous Viking tale for a while now and I knew James L. Nelson was an author who never disappoints. Once again, my faith in him has been rewarded with the first novel in his Norsemen Saga series.
The main character in this novel is probably Thorgrim Night Wolf but plenty of others have their own point-of-view chapters as well. Thorgrim is a chieftain and second in command to the Jarl, Ornolf the Restless. Together they lead a raiding party to the shores of Ireland and the village of Dubh-lin (very near the future city of Dublin). They stumble across some treasure, and in particular, a crown known as the Crown of the Three Kingdoms. Little do they know that this item is of far greater importance than its value in gold due to its political power attached to the appropriate King that holds it.
Three distinct factions struggle for supremacy throughout this novel: the Norwegian Vikings mentioned above, the Danish Vikings who have recently wrestled control over Dubh-lin away from the Norwegian Vikings, and finally, the Irish forces themselves who seem equally able to fight and kill each other as much as the Vikings do.
While there are certainly political machinations taking place, this is much more of an adventure novel I would say. Lots of well-written one-on-one fighting interspersed with cunning attack plans and counter-attack plans as well as back-stabbing intrigue and one-ups-man-ship. Thorgrim’s son, the 15-year-old Harald also has a major role and his youthful exuberance in his attempts to become a man and especially the scenes with the Irish lass, Brigit, are fun to read.
An excellent beginning to a series that is now eight books long and shows no signs of slowing down. The combination of actual historical events, interesting characters, and plenty of Viking action, bodes well for future volumes.
I’ve been in the mood for an exciting and adventurous Viking tale for a while now and I knew James L. Nelson was an author who never disappoints. Once again, my faith in him has been rewarded with the first novel in his Norsemen Saga series.
The main character in this novel is probably Thorgrim Night Wolf but plenty of others have their own point-of-view chapters as well. Thorgrim is a chieftain and second in command to the Jarl, Ornolf the Restless. Together they lead a raiding party to the shores of Ireland and the village of Dubh-lin (very near the future city of Dublin). They stumble across some treasure, and in particular, a crown known as the Crown of the Three Kingdoms. Little do they know that this item is of far greater importance than its value in gold due to its political power attached to the appropriate King that holds it.
Three distinct factions struggle for supremacy throughout this novel: the Norwegian Vikings mentioned above, the Danish Vikings who have recently wrestled control over Dubh-lin away from the Norwegian Vikings, and finally, the Irish forces themselves who seem equally able to fight and kill each other as much as the Vikings do.
While there are certainly political machinations taking place, this is much more of an adventure novel I would say. Lots of well-written one-on-one fighting interspersed with cunning attack plans and counter-attack plans as well as back-stabbing intrigue and one-ups-man-ship. Thorgrim’s son, the 15-year-old Harald also has a major role and his youthful exuberance in his attempts to become a man and especially the scenes with the Irish lass, Brigit, are fun to read.
An excellent beginning to a series that is now eight books long and shows no signs of slowing down. The combination of actual historical events, interesting characters, and plenty of Viking action, bodes well for future volumes.
July 31, 2025
Engaging read, so much action and unexpected twists - it kept me guessing! I appreciate that each of the characters is a flawed human being. I didn't experience much of the "ugh, eye roll... why is he so perfect at everything he does?!"
I haven't read many medieval/Viking stories before, so perhaps the newness of the setting contributed to my enjoyment. I am extremely grateful that I was not born as a man or a woman in 900 AD. Their lives sound terrible!!!
My favorite chapters were the ones dedicated to Harald's point of view. I wish there had been a chapter at the end of the book to share with me his thoughts about the turn of events.
I haven't read many medieval/Viking stories before, so perhaps the newness of the setting contributed to my enjoyment. I am extremely grateful that I was not born as a man or a woman in 900 AD. Their lives sound terrible!!!
My favorite chapters were the ones dedicated to Harald's point of view. I wish there had been a chapter at the end of the book to share with me his thoughts about the turn of events.
April 7, 2017
4.2 stars, a very pleasant surprise! Only I suspect that readers already familiar with the setting/era will enjoy it more.
Also, only 3 bucks for an ebook (self-published?), while the content is definitely worth more (not complaining tho).
Also, only 3 bucks for an ebook (self-published?), while the content is definitely worth more (not complaining tho).
November 18, 2018
Historical fiction novel set in Viking era Ireland (around 850AD). It’s a well written and well researched (with interesting notes and useful glossary at the end of the book) tale of allegiances and betrayal with Danes, Norwegians and Irish lords fighting against each other and on a quest to retrieve the crown that would unite the Irish people. It was an engaging story, action packed with good pace, it would even make a great movie. I enjoyed this book very much and I’m surprised the author and this series are not better known. I’d definitely read the next book. 3.5 stars
May 10, 2018
I enjoyed this quick, multiple point of view read. I liked that I wasn't overwhelmed with characters that were being killed off almost as soon as they were introduced. I think that this will a nice exciting series to pick up while waiting for some of my other series to continue.
October 27, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great to see the Viking conquest in Ireland, especially after reading the England invasion in the stellar Cornwell books. Will definitely continue with this series.
August 2, 2024
It's a good read. The writing is entertaining and immersive, the plot is a healthy mix of action, intrigue and jests. The characters in particular are very well written and likeable, some are even relatable. What has annoyed me a bit are the sex-scenes, which seem a bit out of place to me, and they also don't seem to affect the involved characters, though that might change in the later books. There are some plot twists toward the end where I felt like they weren't built up well enough, and the climax is also a little bit weird.
July 10, 2018
Fast paced, very good historic novel, plenty of plot twists and a good sense of Vikings and Ireland in the 800-900's. The first book of "The Norsemen Saga" just might hook you , unfortunately I don't think I can dedicate the time. Can You ? BTW, its a stand alone with trails so don't feel free to read just the first one
March 12, 2021
I didn't entirely hate everything about it, I just never chose to go back to it. Not compelling enough. May read some other time, idk.
September 13, 2019
L’epoca in cui è ambientata la storia avviene in una zona del nord Europa, dove l’incontro dei vari popoli porta spesso e volentieri a scontri per stabilire chi è il conquistatore e chi è il conquistato.
I protagonisti del libro sono dei vichinghi, un popolo interessante quanto particolare e nello specifico il comandante del drakkar Thorgrim, assieme al suo equipaggio-banda-armata, vivono di assalti e saccheggi ai danni di monasteri, navi e villaggi.
Proprio durante un abbordaggio ad un’altra nave, l’avventura di questa storia nordica dà inizio a quello che diventerà il filo conduttore della serie e il tutto è rappresentato in una bellissima e preziosissima corona reale.
La fede riposta nel dio Thor sorregge l’equipaggio del drakkar nei momenti di difficoltà e tre uomini della stessa famiglia lo invocano in maniera differente: l’istigatore Ornolf prende tutto di petto e in maniera viscerale quanto leggera, è il nonno del timido Harald che vive in balia delle decisioni altrui con il desiderio di dimostrarsi all’altezza ed essere il degno figlio del sapiente Thorgrim, il quale agisce nel rispetto del proprio popolo e con dei valori che cerca di far rispettare agli altri.
Ogni personaggio è affascinante, ogni nave, locanda o stanza, è una precisa descrizione dell'epoca storica e il tutto è sapientemente cucito attorno alla storia.
Durante lo scorrere delle pagine il lettore viene portato sulla nave in balia di una forte tempesta; dentro a delle sporche e buie prigioni; leggerà di torture allo scopo di estorcere informazioni; seguirà intrighi di grezze corti reali dove conoscerà una coraggiosa principessa; troverà la bellezza della selvatica natura anche nell'umida pioggia e scoprirà se la corona dei tre regni verrà ritrovata oppure rimarrà nascosta.
Ogni capitolo inizia con un interessante pensiero/proverbio vichingo che introduce a quello che si andrà a leggere, valorizzando ulteriormente la storia di per sé così avventurosa.
Questo è un libro scritto molto bene, con una storia avventurosa che, per gusti personali, non mi ha coinvolta più di tanto. Sarà per i troppi nomi ‘complicati’ o i tanti avvenimenti, o semplicemente perché credo sia un libro adatto a un lettore maschile. Scriverne una recensione critica ed obiettiva mi ha messa un po’ in difficoltà, come lo è stata la lettura, ma è innegabile che questa sia un'ottima proposta di lettura.
I protagonisti del libro sono dei vichinghi, un popolo interessante quanto particolare e nello specifico il comandante del drakkar Thorgrim, assieme al suo equipaggio-banda-armata, vivono di assalti e saccheggi ai danni di monasteri, navi e villaggi.
Proprio durante un abbordaggio ad un’altra nave, l’avventura di questa storia nordica dà inizio a quello che diventerà il filo conduttore della serie e il tutto è rappresentato in una bellissima e preziosissima corona reale.
La fede riposta nel dio Thor sorregge l’equipaggio del drakkar nei momenti di difficoltà e tre uomini della stessa famiglia lo invocano in maniera differente: l’istigatore Ornolf prende tutto di petto e in maniera viscerale quanto leggera, è il nonno del timido Harald che vive in balia delle decisioni altrui con il desiderio di dimostrarsi all’altezza ed essere il degno figlio del sapiente Thorgrim, il quale agisce nel rispetto del proprio popolo e con dei valori che cerca di far rispettare agli altri.
Ogni personaggio è affascinante, ogni nave, locanda o stanza, è una precisa descrizione dell'epoca storica e il tutto è sapientemente cucito attorno alla storia.
Durante lo scorrere delle pagine il lettore viene portato sulla nave in balia di una forte tempesta; dentro a delle sporche e buie prigioni; leggerà di torture allo scopo di estorcere informazioni; seguirà intrighi di grezze corti reali dove conoscerà una coraggiosa principessa; troverà la bellezza della selvatica natura anche nell'umida pioggia e scoprirà se la corona dei tre regni verrà ritrovata oppure rimarrà nascosta.
Ogni capitolo inizia con un interessante pensiero/proverbio vichingo che introduce a quello che si andrà a leggere, valorizzando ulteriormente la storia di per sé così avventurosa.
Questo è un libro scritto molto bene, con una storia avventurosa che, per gusti personali, non mi ha coinvolta più di tanto. Sarà per i troppi nomi ‘complicati’ o i tanti avvenimenti, o semplicemente perché credo sia un libro adatto a un lettore maschile. Scriverne una recensione critica ed obiettiva mi ha messa un po’ in difficoltà, come lo è stata la lettura, ma è innegabile che questa sia un'ottima proposta di lettura.
January 11, 2016
‘Slavery rather than death, the fin gall could count himself a lucky man.’
In the ninth century, Ireland was far from unified. In addition to feuds and fights between themselves, Ireland’s small kingdoms and warring clans were involved in fights with (and sometimes alongside) two different groups of Scandinavians. The Irish called the Norsemen the Fin Gall (the ‘white foreigners’), and the Danes the Dubh Gall (the ‘black foreigners’). The invaders have established a number of bases in Ireland – Dubh Linn (Dublin), which features in this novel, is the most important.
‘Beware of befriending an enemy’s friend.’
While fighting a storm off the coast of Ireland, a shipload of Norsemen find themselves in possession of an Irish treasure. This treasure, a crown, holds the promise of a degree of unity for the Irish. A number of the Irish kings would like to have it. The Norsemen sail into Dubh Linn which they’d previously controlled, and find that the Danes now control it. And the Danes have their own factional alliances with the Irish.
‘A hunter was patient. A hunter observed, and a hunter moved only when the movement was right.’
The stage is set for a complex action-filled story of betrayals, escapes and rescues. Who will survive? And who will hold the crown?
I enjoyed this novel. Apart from some notable characters and plenty of action, it had me wanting to know more about the history of this period, of the interactions between the Irish and the Scandinavians. The three central Norse characters are Jarl Ornolf Hrafnsson (known as Ornolf the Restless), his son-in-law Thorgrim Ulfsson (called Thorgrim Night Wolf) and his grandson Harald.
All I need to do now is find time to read the next novel in the series. There are two others so far, and I understand that a fourth is to be published in 2016.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In the ninth century, Ireland was far from unified. In addition to feuds and fights between themselves, Ireland’s small kingdoms and warring clans were involved in fights with (and sometimes alongside) two different groups of Scandinavians. The Irish called the Norsemen the Fin Gall (the ‘white foreigners’), and the Danes the Dubh Gall (the ‘black foreigners’). The invaders have established a number of bases in Ireland – Dubh Linn (Dublin), which features in this novel, is the most important.
‘Beware of befriending an enemy’s friend.’
While fighting a storm off the coast of Ireland, a shipload of Norsemen find themselves in possession of an Irish treasure. This treasure, a crown, holds the promise of a degree of unity for the Irish. A number of the Irish kings would like to have it. The Norsemen sail into Dubh Linn which they’d previously controlled, and find that the Danes now control it. And the Danes have their own factional alliances with the Irish.
‘A hunter was patient. A hunter observed, and a hunter moved only when the movement was right.’
The stage is set for a complex action-filled story of betrayals, escapes and rescues. Who will survive? And who will hold the crown?
I enjoyed this novel. Apart from some notable characters and plenty of action, it had me wanting to know more about the history of this period, of the interactions between the Irish and the Scandinavians. The three central Norse characters are Jarl Ornolf Hrafnsson (known as Ornolf the Restless), his son-in-law Thorgrim Ulfsson (called Thorgrim Night Wolf) and his grandson Harald.
All I need to do now is find time to read the next novel in the series. There are two others so far, and I understand that a fourth is to be published in 2016.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
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