What do you think?
Rate this book
Circle of Ceridwen Saga #0
Sidroc the Dane: A Circle of Ceridwen Saga Story
How The Boy Became a Viking. How The Man Became A Legend.
The origin story of Sidroc the Dane, a new standalone entry point into The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Read first, read last, read between any of the Saga novels. But read it and learn how Sidroc became Sidroc.
A discarded child Fated to become a powerful Jarl – here is the story of Sidroc.
Fate guides the path of his father, Hrald, to his meeting with the woman whose son would help change the face of 9th century Angle-land. An ever-growing rivalry between Sidroc and his cousin Toki defines the boys’ early years. Their young uncle, Yrling, knows success as a raider in far-off Angle-land, and trains his nephews in the ways of the warrior. Ahead of them is the perilous crossing of the North Sea, which stands between them and the plunder they seek. Once on the great island of Angle-land, hard fighting awaits, through which Sidroc rises to second in command in the war-band headed by Yrling. Then, at their captured Saxon stronghold, comes the young woman for whom Sidroc will one day change his life…
Dovetailing into Book One of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga, Sidroc the Dane a book to be savoured at any point on the journey.
Enter the Circle here.
The origin story of Sidroc the Dane, a new standalone entry point into The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Read first, read last, read between any of the Saga novels. But read it and learn how Sidroc became Sidroc.
A discarded child Fated to become a powerful Jarl – here is the story of Sidroc.
Fate guides the path of his father, Hrald, to his meeting with the woman whose son would help change the face of 9th century Angle-land. An ever-growing rivalry between Sidroc and his cousin Toki defines the boys’ early years. Their young uncle, Yrling, knows success as a raider in far-off Angle-land, and trains his nephews in the ways of the warrior. Ahead of them is the perilous crossing of the North Sea, which stands between them and the plunder they seek. Once on the great island of Angle-land, hard fighting awaits, through which Sidroc rises to second in command in the war-band headed by Yrling. Then, at their captured Saxon stronghold, comes the young woman for whom Sidroc will one day change his life…
Dovetailing into Book One of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga, Sidroc the Dane a book to be savoured at any point on the journey.
Enter the Circle here.
618 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2018
365 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Randolph
24 books595 followersI write the kind of book I want to read myself. I write about history as a way to better understand my own times. I write about people who are far better, and (I hope) far worse than myself. And beautiful objects inspire me: the hand-carved combs, skilfully wrought swords, and gemmed goblets of the world of The Circle of Ceridwen Saga. Almost everything interests me; I've studied Anglo-Saxon and Norse runes, and learnt to spin with a drop spindle. My path has led to extensive on-site research in England, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Gotland - some of the most wonderful places on Earth. In addition to the Circle Saga, I've written the novella Ride, a retelling of the story of Lady Godiva, and The Tale of Melkorka, based on the Icelandic Sagas. I've been the fortunate recipient of fellowships at the MacDowell Colony, Ledig House International, and Byrdcliffe.
Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net Author photo by Barbara Simundza
Hearing from readers is a special pleasure and I always answer my letters. So write to me! www.octavia.net Author photo by Barbara Simundza
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 25, 2020
What a wonderful book! It was really great to learn more about Sidroc,Yrling, and Toki. Love this series, 5+ Stars
January 21, 2023
4, 5 ✨✨✨
January 30, 2022
I liked the first half of this book, but not the second half. It was interesting but too long for me.
This was a book club choice and the others all gave it a higher score.
This was a book club choice and the others all gave it a higher score.
April 12, 2018
Sidroc is destined to be one of the fiercest of the Viking leaders. This is his story.
I’ve said this before in one of my previous reviews of Randolph’s Sagas; “I am absolutely convinced Octavia Randolph is a time traveler!”
As a History teacher and a true fan of the Vikings and Anglo Saxon England Era, I am constantly devouring anything of that time period. I’m a huge fan of Bernard Cornwall and his novels. Of course, Cornwall’s television series The Last Kingdom and Michael Hirst’s series The Vikings, are two of my favorite shows. They are amazing writers. However, Octavia Randolph, in my opinion, surpasses them both with her incredible knowledge of the era. Her ease at the descriptions of everyday life is beyond any author I have read. She’s done it, lived it, walked it, made it, and tasted it!
Sidroc is written as a stand-alone novel to the Circle of Ceridwen Sagas, just as her novel, Tinder was. Read together, they add to the great repository of stories that are The COC Sagas and give the Saga fans many "Ah ha," moments.
We meet Sidroc, as a boy, loving life and learning the skills, all boys must, from the father he adores. Through a tragic accident, Sidroc is orphaned and unwanted. He is taken to raise by an uncle, who is a particularly unsavory ‘piece of work’. Sidroc is abused, neglected and ridiculed not only by this uncle but his cousin, as well. These early years are achingly portrayed with his only true friend, being his other uncle, Yrling. Sadly, Yrling is often gone raiding, returning with riches and stories that the young Sidroc lives for. Followed, I believe, by the shade of his father, he is guided through several perilous situations, including a particularly gruesome scene where he is scared for life. This scar, however, is a gift that he could never imagine. It opens doors that would never have been opened and shuts them just as abruptly. Randolph takes the reader on a catastrophic journey across the North Sea and through the hardships of living life in the rough. Betrayed by fellow Danes, burdened with booty, chased by horsed knights, they trudge on. We view some amazingly well-choreographed sword fights, showing the utter chaos of hand to hand fighting with heavily armored men, fueled by adrenaline and testosterone.
This is a fantastic novel. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves this era. Octavia Randolph is a scholar of this era and she is happy to share her knowledge. FIVE STARS!!!
I’ve said this before in one of my previous reviews of Randolph’s Sagas; “I am absolutely convinced Octavia Randolph is a time traveler!”
As a History teacher and a true fan of the Vikings and Anglo Saxon England Era, I am constantly devouring anything of that time period. I’m a huge fan of Bernard Cornwall and his novels. Of course, Cornwall’s television series The Last Kingdom and Michael Hirst’s series The Vikings, are two of my favorite shows. They are amazing writers. However, Octavia Randolph, in my opinion, surpasses them both with her incredible knowledge of the era. Her ease at the descriptions of everyday life is beyond any author I have read. She’s done it, lived it, walked it, made it, and tasted it!
Sidroc is written as a stand-alone novel to the Circle of Ceridwen Sagas, just as her novel, Tinder was. Read together, they add to the great repository of stories that are The COC Sagas and give the Saga fans many "Ah ha," moments.
We meet Sidroc, as a boy, loving life and learning the skills, all boys must, from the father he adores. Through a tragic accident, Sidroc is orphaned and unwanted. He is taken to raise by an uncle, who is a particularly unsavory ‘piece of work’. Sidroc is abused, neglected and ridiculed not only by this uncle but his cousin, as well. These early years are achingly portrayed with his only true friend, being his other uncle, Yrling. Sadly, Yrling is often gone raiding, returning with riches and stories that the young Sidroc lives for. Followed, I believe, by the shade of his father, he is guided through several perilous situations, including a particularly gruesome scene where he is scared for life. This scar, however, is a gift that he could never imagine. It opens doors that would never have been opened and shuts them just as abruptly. Randolph takes the reader on a catastrophic journey across the North Sea and through the hardships of living life in the rough. Betrayed by fellow Danes, burdened with booty, chased by horsed knights, they trudge on. We view some amazingly well-choreographed sword fights, showing the utter chaos of hand to hand fighting with heavily armored men, fueled by adrenaline and testosterone.
This is a fantastic novel. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves this era. Octavia Randolph is a scholar of this era and she is happy to share her knowledge. FIVE STARS!!!
April 16, 2018
Sidroc the Dane is the latest book to be published by my favorite author of all time and takes the reader back to Sidroc's early life. The experiences he has in this book has only confirmed he is the man of my dreams and I know I am not the only one who feels this way. I love historical novels based in this complex period in history and one that so skillfully blends the lives of those living in the 9th Century and the clash between race, religion, gender and culture and lots of adventures. What is brilliant is that it can be read as a stand alone novel or for those who have read any of the other books in The Saga Series starting with the Circle of Ceridwen. It is more than historical romance and is a must for people of all ages and for men just as much as women, so come on guys who appreciate books written by the likes of Bernard Cornwell it has so much more to offer and the depth of knowledge and research that has gone into this novel is outstanding. Octavia Randolph is one of those rare authors who has a unique gift to blend like a tapestry, the lives of such amazing characters such as Sidroc. We learn more about Sidroc's family and the harshness of his life and the losses he faces as a young man. He is a boy that becomes a man in this book. One of enormous courage and his strength of character and morality, even though he has to face many a tough decision along the way, both lead him to his destiny and his fate thus far. For anyone who wants to learn more about the life of people during this time in history: be it how food was obtained, clothing made, weapons, jewellery forged and wealth gained, conquer fears and some cunning plans, please read this book. Indulge yourself with some fine mead as you do so. Octavia Randolph has her own newsletter... Octavia.net and here there is such a vast resource including recipes and research material that just enhances our experience of this world. I cannot recommend this book enough and if I could give more than 5 stars I would and this is the same of every book in the Saga Series. Enjoy and you will be blessed to have found this author's work too.
April 18, 2018
Although Sidroc the Dane goes with the rest of the saga, this is a stand alone book and can be read at anytime (but reading it first may be beneficial, I read it after I had read the first 6). It enhances the rest of the saga, gives you more insight into many of the characters you meet or hear about in the rest of the saga. It is beautifully written, by an author that has really researched the history, geography, and language of the time as well as plant life and other things that enrich the story line. Octavia Randolph is one of the best historical fiction authors you will find. She weaves such a beautiful story with words.
July 13, 2023
The historically accurate parts were really interesting. The narrators voice was great. I can see how this slow burn might be kind of dry for some people. But as someone who hasn't even read the series this goes with, I was intrigued about where it was all going.
March 18, 2022
The hero, Sidroc is fated to transcend an early life of battering and betrayal to become a warrior marked by destiny and a few drops more compassion than most men of his brutal age. This is a masterfully woven tale of becoming that carries the reader deep into the culturally foreign yet humanly recognizable world of Northern Europe in the 9th Century.
There are all the hallmarks of a great yarn here: a pacey plot, richly woven with swirling foreshadowings; characters who are full-blooded human beings, scaling the contours of heroic moments, mortal flaws, and failures - a mix of light and dark that is sympathetic and solidly believable. Sidroc is the kind of hero who enables the soul to capture a greater vision of its noble potential, expounded in a tale that doesn't dial back on the gritty historical realities. All this is supported by historical detail, accurate and immersive, so that the reader truly enters the world of the saga. The author, Octavia Randolph (scholar, craftswoman, tale-weaver, essayist, and seasoned navigator of the 9th Century) is so steeped in the times she writes of that she's a safe pair of hands when it comes to how things most likely were.
This book was my initiating experience to the Circle of Ceridwen saga and it is appropriately epic. I'd have read it a lot quicker if I hadn't been inspired to stop often to look things up and read more widely about the times and places. The author's website provides an excellent resource for anyone who wants to dig a little deeper. The delightful thing is that there's so much more to explore of this world, with at least eight more novels and adjunctive works still extending. It's a thrill that there's more to come.
There are all the hallmarks of a great yarn here: a pacey plot, richly woven with swirling foreshadowings; characters who are full-blooded human beings, scaling the contours of heroic moments, mortal flaws, and failures - a mix of light and dark that is sympathetic and solidly believable. Sidroc is the kind of hero who enables the soul to capture a greater vision of its noble potential, expounded in a tale that doesn't dial back on the gritty historical realities. All this is supported by historical detail, accurate and immersive, so that the reader truly enters the world of the saga. The author, Octavia Randolph (scholar, craftswoman, tale-weaver, essayist, and seasoned navigator of the 9th Century) is so steeped in the times she writes of that she's a safe pair of hands when it comes to how things most likely were.
This book was my initiating experience to the Circle of Ceridwen saga and it is appropriately epic. I'd have read it a lot quicker if I hadn't been inspired to stop often to look things up and read more widely about the times and places. The author's website provides an excellent resource for anyone who wants to dig a little deeper. The delightful thing is that there's so much more to explore of this world, with at least eight more novels and adjunctive works still extending. It's a thrill that there's more to come.
November 14, 2020
Love, love, love this series. Didn't think I would ever find another historical fiction series that sucked me in like Auel, Cornwell or Gabaldon but Randolph did it. READ THIS ONE FIRST!!! To really appreciate the entire series you need to read this prequel before you read The Circle of Ceridwen (Book #1). Sidroc is such a big part of the series and this one helps add richness to his character throughout.
April 23, 2018
I wish i could give this more stars. This whole Circle series was wonderful! I read all seven in a row and now don’t know what to do with myself. Maybe I’ll start them over again!
May 31, 2018
Wonderful insight into the back story of Sidroc, the Dane. This novel could stand alone but is a tempting lead-in into re-reading the Circle of Ceridwen again.
September 23, 2025
This book tells a great story. It's historical fiction that's very narrative, with few instances of dialogue. It's as if you're sitting by a fire, listening to someone actually "tell" you the story, instead of reading a book.
The language is immersive and the world building is great, as the details of sights, sounds, smells and textures can sometimes go on for pages at a time.
Overall, having no prior exposure to the series, this was a fantastic story. Very well written.
The language is immersive and the world building is great, as the details of sights, sounds, smells and textures can sometimes go on for pages at a time.
Overall, having no prior exposure to the series, this was a fantastic story. Very well written.
July 6, 2024
I think this was the best one yet! More of the Danish lifestyle than the Medieval English which I enjoyed more
August 5, 2019
Randolph’s Sagas; “I am absolutely convinced Octavia Randolph is a time traveller!”
As always, Octavia Randolph writes with such beauty that it is always a pleasure to read her work. She gives rich detail about the lives of Saxons and Danes living in the 9th century. For anyone interested in this time period she opens a window, providing a vivid view of pagan and Christian religious practices, social hierarchy from slaves to lords, clothes and their production, the foods that were produced and enjoyed, the precious objects of the time and detailed battle sequences.
Sidroc is written as a stand-alone novel to the Circle of Ceridwen Sagas, just as her novel, Tinder was. Read together, and you get the whole prospect of their lives and then the follow on to The Ceridwen Saga Flows...
Born out of wedlock, son to Hrald a farmer and a freed slave woman, Sidroc is abused and despised by his spiteful step-mother. Eventually, after the death of his father, he is sent to live with his father’s sister and his uncle Yrling on a larger farm. Sidroc and his cousin, Toki, of the same age, growing up together develop a complex relationship of loyalty and friendship; but growing rivalry between the two cause’s frequent clashes. Sidroc learns at an early age to be independent and keep his emotions under control. He is strong and fiercely ambitious. When the opportunity comes to make the long sea voyage to Angle-land with his uncle,Yrling, and Toki, to fight the Saxons, he grabs the chance. He believes he can acquire great riches and land and become a Jarl.
As always, Octavia Randolph writes with such beauty that it is always a pleasure to read her work. She gives rich detail about the lives of Saxons and Danes living in the 9th century. For anyone interested in this time period she opens a window, providing a vivid view of pagan and Christian religious practices, social hierarchy from slaves to lords, clothes and their production, the foods that were produced and enjoyed, the precious objects of the time and detailed battle sequences.
Sidroc is written as a stand-alone novel to the Circle of Ceridwen Sagas, just as her novel, Tinder was. Read together, and you get the whole prospect of their lives and then the follow on to The Ceridwen Saga Flows...
Born out of wedlock, son to Hrald a farmer and a freed slave woman, Sidroc is abused and despised by his spiteful step-mother. Eventually, after the death of his father, he is sent to live with his father’s sister and his uncle Yrling on a larger farm. Sidroc and his cousin, Toki, of the same age, growing up together develop a complex relationship of loyalty and friendship; but growing rivalry between the two cause’s frequent clashes. Sidroc learns at an early age to be independent and keep his emotions under control. He is strong and fiercely ambitious. When the opportunity comes to make the long sea voyage to Angle-land with his uncle,Yrling, and Toki, to fight the Saxons, he grabs the chance. He believes he can acquire great riches and land and become a Jarl.
April 20, 2018
Sidroc the Dane is the latest addition to the Circle of Ceridwen Saga series by Octavia Randolph. The story gives previous readers of the Saga a detailed background of one of their favourite characters. For readers new to the series, it can be read as enthralling introduction to the series that can be further explored by reading the six other books that round out the Saga, so far.
As always, Octavia Randolph writes with such beauty that it is always a pleasure to read her work. She gives rich detail about the lives of Saxons and Danes living in the 9th century. For anyone interested in this time period she opens a window, providing a vivid view of pagan and Christian religious practices, social hierarchy from slaves to lords, clothes and their production, the foods that were produced and enjoyed, the precious objects of the time and detailed battle sequences.
Furthermore, Ms Randolph's Saga books are inhabited by a group of characters that readers become highly invested in. She has created people to love and to loath, and gives each one a background that explains why they are as we find them. She is a gifted story teller who weaves spellbinding tales. Sidroc the Dane continues in this vein and I highly recommend it to new and previous readers.
As always, Octavia Randolph writes with such beauty that it is always a pleasure to read her work. She gives rich detail about the lives of Saxons and Danes living in the 9th century. For anyone interested in this time period she opens a window, providing a vivid view of pagan and Christian religious practices, social hierarchy from slaves to lords, clothes and their production, the foods that were produced and enjoyed, the precious objects of the time and detailed battle sequences.
Furthermore, Ms Randolph's Saga books are inhabited by a group of characters that readers become highly invested in. She has created people to love and to loath, and gives each one a background that explains why they are as we find them. She is a gifted story teller who weaves spellbinding tales. Sidroc the Dane continues in this vein and I highly recommend it to new and previous readers.
February 17, 2019
This stand-alone book in ‘The Circle of Ceridwen’ series expands the background story of my favourite Viking hero, Sidroc.
Born out of wedlock, son to Hrald a farmer and a freed slave woman, Sidroc is abused and despised by his spiteful step-mother. Eventually, after the death of his father, he is sent to live with his father’s sister and his uncle Yrling on a larger farm. Sidroc and his cousin, Toki, of the same age, growing up together develop a complex relationship of loyalty and friendship; but growing rivalry between the two causes frequent clashes. Sidroc learns at an early age to be independent and keep his emotions under control. He is strong and fiercely ambitious. When the opportunity comes to make the long sea voyage to Angle-land with his uncle,Yrling, and Toki, to fight the Saxons, he grabs the chance. He believes he can acquire great riches and land and become a Jarl.
There too he will meet Ceridwen, his shield-maiden.
This is a compelling series. I am thoroughly enjoying following the lives of Sidroc and Ceridwen.
Born out of wedlock, son to Hrald a farmer and a freed slave woman, Sidroc is abused and despised by his spiteful step-mother. Eventually, after the death of his father, he is sent to live with his father’s sister and his uncle Yrling on a larger farm. Sidroc and his cousin, Toki, of the same age, growing up together develop a complex relationship of loyalty and friendship; but growing rivalry between the two causes frequent clashes. Sidroc learns at an early age to be independent and keep his emotions under control. He is strong and fiercely ambitious. When the opportunity comes to make the long sea voyage to Angle-land with his uncle,Yrling, and Toki, to fight the Saxons, he grabs the chance. He believes he can acquire great riches and land and become a Jarl.
There too he will meet Ceridwen, his shield-maiden.
This is a compelling series. I am thoroughly enjoying following the lives of Sidroc and Ceridwen.
October 31, 2018
Have read all of this series which I LOVED, coming from Swedish ancestors and being fascinated with anything Viking. The author uses very authentic detail when writing these historical fiction books and the characters, settings, descriptions of action, clothing, food, conversation, battles, politics, etc. of this time in history are all written so very well. This is the latest in her Saga and was long awaited by her fans, of which I am one. She has an excellent website and Facebook page with a lot of photos and explanations. She recently bought a house in Gotland, Sweden, where much of the Saga takes place so she is immersed in all things Ceridwen! I highly recommend this book and the entire series. Took a tad getting used to as the phrasing is different than, say, Outlander, but I was just as engaged by this as with Outlander. Hope to see it made into a film (or series) someday!
April 22, 2018
A sensitive and thoughtful warrior
After reading books 1-6 of the Circle of Ceridwen saga several times, I was waiting for Octavia Randolph's next book in the saga, thinking it was a continuation of book 6, when she surprises with Sidroc the Dane, the story of Sidroc as a child and how he became a warrior of fame. This is an awesome and detailed book filling in all of the blanks of Sidroc's life and those around him carrying into all of the saga books. It could be read at anytime in the saga and only adds richness to each book. I will read it again and continue reading them all as I await the continuing story which I trust Octavia will bring to us in time.
After reading books 1-6 of the Circle of Ceridwen saga several times, I was waiting for Octavia Randolph's next book in the saga, thinking it was a continuation of book 6, when she surprises with Sidroc the Dane, the story of Sidroc as a child and how he became a warrior of fame. This is an awesome and detailed book filling in all of the blanks of Sidroc's life and those around him carrying into all of the saga books. It could be read at anytime in the saga and only adds richness to each book. I will read it again and continue reading them all as I await the continuing story which I trust Octavia will bring to us in time.
December 12, 2018
The Circle of Ceridwen is a wonderful series of books, 6 so far, and "Sidroc The Dane" a great edition to this universe. I loved the characters, most of them; some I truly hated but made these books truly magical in their telling. I have been a Sidroc fan from book one and his back story was one I wondered on while reading the series; this book tells that story. The characters paths are so beautifully interwoven and with such care that you feel you truly know them while enjoying these books. If you haven't read The Circle of Ceridwen Saga Stories yet you should, you won't be disappointed
June 9, 2019
You won't just read this once.
This historically factual story will draw you in to the everyday life of Sidroc the Dane. You will find yourself absorbed in what made this Dane the man he became. How hard life could be in the mid 800s. What they valued and how they lived, traded and traveled, most of all why they left their homeland. This book is followed by a Saga series written by Octavia Randolph, she weaves you into each story with her masterful script that you cannot put these books down. You feel like you are part of the story while you read them over and over. Best series, better than Outlander! I dare you not to love them
This historically factual story will draw you in to the everyday life of Sidroc the Dane. You will find yourself absorbed in what made this Dane the man he became. How hard life could be in the mid 800s. What they valued and how they lived, traded and traveled, most of all why they left their homeland. This book is followed by a Saga series written by Octavia Randolph, she weaves you into each story with her masterful script that you cannot put these books down. You feel like you are part of the story while you read them over and over. Best series, better than Outlander! I dare you not to love them
December 13, 2020
Very interesting interlude to the Circle of Ceridwen saga, which explains quite a lot and makes for a better understanding of Sidroc's ways. You get to know the man since his very early boyhood in Jutland and how he came to be right-hand to his uncle, a powerful jarl, in 9th century Saxon Angle-Land. This prequel is a highly recommended read for a more detailed comprehension of the Circle of Ceridwen saga. Octavia Randolph has thoroughly researched the historical background, and her description of both people, things and events is very detailed.
July 13, 2018
Sidroc The Dane - A Fabulous Prequel for The Circle of Ceridwen Saga
District's story added a while new depth of heroism to the saga .I was again so enthralled that I went back re-read all the books with equal enjoyment. This series is just exciting and full of romance and history the second time around!Thank You Octavia Randolph for the gift of your writting..Read these books!!!!
District's story added a while new depth of heroism to the saga .I was again so enthralled that I went back re-read all the books with equal enjoyment. This series is just exciting and full of romance and history the second time around!Thank You Octavia Randolph for the gift of your writting..Read these books!!!!
June 27, 2018
Not my favourite of this series.
May 6, 2019
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
My rating on Audible: story - 1, performance - 3, overall - 2 stars...
I'm very sorry to write this, but this really was the most tedious book I've listened to in many, many months... The premise sounded great, the times in which it is set one of the most fascinating eras in human history (for me at least), Sidroc himself an intriguing hero... and yet I've never felt so exhausted after listening to a book before. And not in a good sense; I was just totally bored and irritated that I'd lost like a day from my life - and I had to listen to the end because I had received the book for free and promised to write its review, and I always keep my word in such a situation...
So what was it that made me think the book so dreary? Unluckily for Ms Randolph I had just finished another book, by a historian specializing in the Middle Ages (who also happens to be an acclaimed Polish fantasy writer) who wrote a historical book about different aspects of life (of women in particular) in the 16th century Europe. She wove into the strictly historical essay, with a lot of references to historical events and figures from all over Europe, the fictional story of the life of a real historical figure of a dwarf-girl servant of the last princesses of the Royal House of the Jagiellonian Dynasty - a figure we know existed, but that's all we really know about her as there are no records of her life other than mentions of her name in official documents, manuspcripts and letters. What the author did was use the character of Dosia as a starting point for her tale, as a mirror through which she showed us what life was like then, in all its aspects: brutality and violence but also beauty, love and loyalties. And that made for a breathtaking read, a book I just couldn't put down. Dosia made the book and the times described relateable to the reader. (For anyone interested, the book is called "The Daughters of Wawel. The Tale of the Jagiellonian Princesses" by Anna Brzezinska).
That spark, that emotional involvement on the part of the reader/listener is something that "Sidroc the Dane" definitely lacks - at least for me. I just couldn't feel myself in any way attached to any character in the book - or care about what really happens to them, I was so tired of listening to the overload of mundane details of mundane life, details that I didn't feel added anything to the main story and the life of Sidroc, the presumed main character of the tale. I don't really know why there's so much talk of Sidroc's father, Hrald, his journeys and his marriage, all in minute details and related not as if it was happening here and now (as a good saga - or any book that is considered fiction - should, I think), but as if it was a third or even fourth-hand relation by someone who is not at all emotionally involved in the story they tell because it happened so long ago that they don't really care any more... And that part takes like 4 out of 16 hours of the listening time and Sidroc is not even born yet! And then suddenly there is a scene or two that definitely happen here and now, are full of action and could finally mean something more - but their impact is lost in all that mash around... And don't take me wrong - I usually like to learn those historical backgrounds, those bits and pieces of what life was like then, what the customs were like, and so on, but they have to feel like an essential part of the life of the characters, things they experience first-hand, not as encyclopedic citations from a history book, kind of a sideway thought added to make the book longer... Unfortunately, that's what they felt like for me in this book.
Narration by Ms Nagle was the best part of this book - and yet I didn't like it so much as in the previous book narrated by her that I listened to. She is very good at doing voices and reading dialogues, but she was extremely, well, sad (or even sorrowful) in narrative parts this time. And she definitely read the book too slowly - I sped it up to 1,25 at first, and then to 1,5 to finish it faster...
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
My rating on Audible: story - 1, performance - 3, overall - 2 stars...
I'm very sorry to write this, but this really was the most tedious book I've listened to in many, many months... The premise sounded great, the times in which it is set one of the most fascinating eras in human history (for me at least), Sidroc himself an intriguing hero... and yet I've never felt so exhausted after listening to a book before. And not in a good sense; I was just totally bored and irritated that I'd lost like a day from my life - and I had to listen to the end because I had received the book for free and promised to write its review, and I always keep my word in such a situation...
So what was it that made me think the book so dreary? Unluckily for Ms Randolph I had just finished another book, by a historian specializing in the Middle Ages (who also happens to be an acclaimed Polish fantasy writer) who wrote a historical book about different aspects of life (of women in particular) in the 16th century Europe. She wove into the strictly historical essay, with a lot of references to historical events and figures from all over Europe, the fictional story of the life of a real historical figure of a dwarf-girl servant of the last princesses of the Royal House of the Jagiellonian Dynasty - a figure we know existed, but that's all we really know about her as there are no records of her life other than mentions of her name in official documents, manuspcripts and letters. What the author did was use the character of Dosia as a starting point for her tale, as a mirror through which she showed us what life was like then, in all its aspects: brutality and violence but also beauty, love and loyalties. And that made for a breathtaking read, a book I just couldn't put down. Dosia made the book and the times described relateable to the reader. (For anyone interested, the book is called "The Daughters of Wawel. The Tale of the Jagiellonian Princesses" by Anna Brzezinska).
That spark, that emotional involvement on the part of the reader/listener is something that "Sidroc the Dane" definitely lacks - at least for me. I just couldn't feel myself in any way attached to any character in the book - or care about what really happens to them, I was so tired of listening to the overload of mundane details of mundane life, details that I didn't feel added anything to the main story and the life of Sidroc, the presumed main character of the tale. I don't really know why there's so much talk of Sidroc's father, Hrald, his journeys and his marriage, all in minute details and related not as if it was happening here and now (as a good saga - or any book that is considered fiction - should, I think), but as if it was a third or even fourth-hand relation by someone who is not at all emotionally involved in the story they tell because it happened so long ago that they don't really care any more... And that part takes like 4 out of 16 hours of the listening time and Sidroc is not even born yet! And then suddenly there is a scene or two that definitely happen here and now, are full of action and could finally mean something more - but their impact is lost in all that mash around... And don't take me wrong - I usually like to learn those historical backgrounds, those bits and pieces of what life was like then, what the customs were like, and so on, but they have to feel like an essential part of the life of the characters, things they experience first-hand, not as encyclopedic citations from a history book, kind of a sideway thought added to make the book longer... Unfortunately, that's what they felt like for me in this book.
Narration by Ms Nagle was the best part of this book - and yet I didn't like it so much as in the previous book narrated by her that I listened to. She is very good at doing voices and reading dialogues, but she was extremely, well, sad (or even sorrowful) in narrative parts this time. And she definitely read the book too slowly - I sped it up to 1,25 at first, and then to 1,5 to finish it faster...
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 22, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable—couldn’t stop reading!
Wonderful book! It has something for everyone. For the adventurers there are Saxons and swords, Norse gods, and Danes who go a-viking; for romantics there is a tenderly unfolding love story; for scholars and history buffs, it is a historically and geographically accurate, well-researched chronicle of customs, beliefs, foods, medicines, architecture, weapons, historical figures, and more; for those who like biography, it is a fascinating bildungsroman that captures the essence of how a quiet boy became a remarkable man. I happened to read this book AFTER having read the other six (so far) books in the spellbinding Saga—but it can be read at any point in time—as a stand alone or as an entry point into the series because it is the story of Sidroc, the Dane who is a major and much loved figure in the ongoing story. Octavia Randolph’s book is mesmerizing—it grabs your mind and heart and you will be so captivated you will want to follow Sidroc on all his adventures. Be prepared, like me, to thoroughly enjoy it and to want more! Highly recommend.
Wonderful book! It has something for everyone. For the adventurers there are Saxons and swords, Norse gods, and Danes who go a-viking; for romantics there is a tenderly unfolding love story; for scholars and history buffs, it is a historically and geographically accurate, well-researched chronicle of customs, beliefs, foods, medicines, architecture, weapons, historical figures, and more; for those who like biography, it is a fascinating bildungsroman that captures the essence of how a quiet boy became a remarkable man. I happened to read this book AFTER having read the other six (so far) books in the spellbinding Saga—but it can be read at any point in time—as a stand alone or as an entry point into the series because it is the story of Sidroc, the Dane who is a major and much loved figure in the ongoing story. Octavia Randolph’s book is mesmerizing—it grabs your mind and heart and you will be so captivated you will want to follow Sidroc on all his adventures. Be prepared, like me, to thoroughly enjoy it and to want more! Highly recommend.
April 24, 2018
When I first saw that this next book in the series was called Sidroc, I was a little puzzled. Not because I don’t like the character, I do and have from the beginning. I just did not understand why we were getting Sidroc now. Chronologically it should be the first book, but maybe Octavia needed to get the reader base first I thought, well what ever the reason, I really enjoyed the book. I thought it was very interesting to know more of his early life as well as that of his family. It made me understand Yrling more and to like him better, but my opinion of Toki did not change at all. I think this book can be read at anytime it doesn’t change the story since most of it happens prior to book 1, it does give us more information about what was going on in the world of the Danes in Wessex at that time.
May 21, 2018
Sidroc the Dane is the perfect beginning to the Circle of Ceridwen Saga, especially because it ends in the early days of Ceridwen and Ælfwyn’s arrival at Four Stones. It is the story of Sidroc's life and shows how he developed into the man who sailed with his uncle and cousin in search of riches in 8th Century Britain.
The book is well written and the characters are very well developed. As has become the case with Octavia Randolph's stories, I was lost in the book until I finished reading. I highly recommend this book and the Circle of Ceridwen Saga. If you are currently reading the Saga, you can choose to read this book at any time during the series, but if you are new to Octavia's books, you should read this first.
The book is well written and the characters are very well developed. As has become the case with Octavia Randolph's stories, I was lost in the book until I finished reading. I highly recommend this book and the Circle of Ceridwen Saga. If you are currently reading the Saga, you can choose to read this book at any time during the series, but if you are new to Octavia's books, you should read this first.
February 17, 2021
Of all the Circle of Ceredwin novels, this is my favourite. It provides us with the backstory of central character Sidroc, his birth, childhood and upbringing and his first foray into Angleland as a Viking warrior. As with all of Octavia’s novels it is well written and painstakingly researched.
I listened to the Audible audio version and highly commend Nano Nagle for her flawless reading and wonderful pronunciation of old Norse and Danish words. I continually go back to re listen to this book and continue to enjoy it each time as if it was the first.
Read it any time in the series but for continuity’s sake perhaps it’s best read before you start the Ceredwin novels. Or read it just as a stand alone book. Either way you’ll enjoy a wonderful book.
I listened to the Audible audio version and highly commend Nano Nagle for her flawless reading and wonderful pronunciation of old Norse and Danish words. I continually go back to re listen to this book and continue to enjoy it each time as if it was the first.
Read it any time in the series but for continuity’s sake perhaps it’s best read before you start the Ceredwin novels. Or read it just as a stand alone book. Either way you’ll enjoy a wonderful book.
November 11, 2019
Side story to the Circle of Ceridwen, written decades after the first in the series, I read this side by side with the original. Full of the details of life in Denmark in late 800AD, Sidroc goes raiding with kin in the rich isle of Angle-land, just across the North Sea, and to settle. His story and history fills in a large gap in the original story and brings you his point of view in his courtship of Ceridwen. The reader can see him both as protaganist (strong, thoughtful, intelligent & loving) and antagonist (a foreign raider in Cerdiwen's homeland). Recommended to go with the main series.
August 12, 2018
Another fine tale
Once again I felt the disappointment that the story was ended! A flash of disappointment to have to return to the present but then the quick realization that I know the next story.
I love the way Octavia's writing immerses the reader completely. I end reseaching so much more about the cultures of these ancient peoples.
Thank you, Octavia for another escape into a facinating era. I plan to visit Gotland on my next adventure traveling.
Wonderful book!
Once again I felt the disappointment that the story was ended! A flash of disappointment to have to return to the present but then the quick realization that I know the next story.
I love the way Octavia's writing immerses the reader completely. I end reseaching so much more about the cultures of these ancient peoples.
Thank you, Octavia for another escape into a facinating era. I plan to visit Gotland on my next adventure traveling.
Wonderful book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews