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Erik Haraldsson #2
The Raven and the Cross
A Tale of Bloody Mayhem, Perfect For Readers of Angus Donald, Tim Hodkinson, James L Nelson and Giles Kristian.The 937ADThree years have passed since the English king Athelstan bribed treacherous jarls to take Erik’s half-brother as king in Norway. Forced from his kingdom, Erik Bloodaxe returns to the Viking ways of his youth. Warlords are driven from Danish lands, Saxony burns, and Dublin falls to a brutal assault before the prow beasts of Erik’s fleet turn south to stalk the seas off Al-Andalus.As Erik’s reputation as a battle winner spreads his sons grow to manhood, and together they carve a new kingdom to rule from the islands that gird Britain’s North-West.But Bloodaxe is not alone in suffering the Imperial ambitions of the southern English, and when a half-remembered figure leads a Northumbrian deputation to the king’s Orkney fastness, events are set in motion that will lure Erik south to face his greatest test.The Raven and the Cross continues the turbulent story of Erik Haraldsson, a legendary king of the Viking Age.What Readers and Reviewers are ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ If there's currently a better writer of Historical Fiction than C.R. May, I haven't read them.★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A wonderful recreation of the Viking world, with all its customs and beliefs and bloody brutal glory★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The battle scenes, of which there are many, are gory, detailed and hugely entertaining while the descriptions of life in tenth century England and Scandinavia (and forays into warmer climes too) are vivid enough to make the reader smell the dung.★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A truly stunning read that was nigh on impossible to put down★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I can't recommend this series enough, C.R. May is a brilliant writer with obvious passion and knowledge of the time.★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A compelling plot that mixes action, intrigue, travelling, and historical fiction at its best
- GenresHistorical Fiction
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 12, 2019
There are differing theories of where Eiríkr blóðøx, Eiríkr Haraldsson, Erik Bloodaxe, actually got the epithet Bloodaxe. Some believe it was because he killed nearly all of his brothers while struggling to gain the Norwegian crown, some say it was because of his Viking ways. All go to illustrate that there isn't a right lot we can be sure we know about Erik Haraldsson, there isn't much in the undeniable historical record, that is. There are coins and brief mentions, but there are two Eriks in the sagas and contemporary records. Some say they are two different Eriks, some say they are the same, run together by those contemporary sources. So, the field is ripe for a series like C.R. May's Bloodaxe saga, and luckily for us, my interpretation is that he favours his violent reputation as the source of the famous epithet. Better than Fairhairsson, or Finehairsson anyway.
The Raven and the Cross, as the book jacket hints, focusses on Erik's journeys after his time as Norwegian King has been brought to a rather more abrupt end than he might have wished. He not so much returns to Viking ways, as never actually left them, and is so good at them, that he can't help but have his ambitions stoked by his resulting successes. He, like all Vikings in Historical Fiction (I'm not well read enough to say with certain if that is from the Sagas, the histories or HF legend as yet), values reputation and honour almost above all else. He doesn't want the sagas to tell of an Erik who couldn't live up to, or be as successful as his family and especially father's reputation, and he wants the sagas to remember HIS name as an equal to the best. That's the force driving him on. He is portrayed here a little unusually too, from by scant knowledge of the field, as actually having sons who like him, trust him and aren't from unfeasibly young ages trying to, or being used to try to, usurp him. Despite some sagas suggesting he had set an unfortunate precedent!
He is, as he notes himself, not getting any younger, and despite a return to his earlier favourite activity, maturity and the responsibilities that come with it, are never far away. He has grown as a character in C.R. May's skilful hands, to a point where he can step back and see the big picture, and what is needed to not just win a particular battle, but the hearts and minds of the people he would rule as well. He's not portrayed as a power mad tyrant
in any way, but one trying, though some might argue that the Norns have made it inevitable, no matter what Joe Viking might do, fulfil the prophecy that was made about him being a King five times over. Seeing the big picture in the Viking Age, also means seeing the way the religious winds are blowing. I think Erik while not being too pessimistic about it, can see that the Old Gods cannot win against the new Christian's one God. It is a theme often explored, or at least in the background of many Viking Age novels, but I'd venture it's never been handled, with more subtlety or better than here. C.R. May seems to side with the theory that the clever old Norse went the sensible route and hedged their bets. The raven and the cross. A foot in each camp - baptism one day, sacrifice to Odin the next. Anything to get the result they wanted, and it could be ascribed to whichever god you like afterwards. Erik knows that doing the above is not just for him, his followers and his warriors need it too. As he says “They’re our people now.” Not meaning we own them, they'll do what we tell them or die, but meaning we've become a part of them. So their hopes are our hopes, our hopes are their hopes. Mirroring what Historians say about the Vikings moving into new areas and not kicking the original inhabitants out, like the pesky Saxons did. But mingling and merging and becoming apart of a joint, better than the sum of its parts, future.
The book is about responsibility, and that is something not even Erik can escape, no matter how much he might want to recapture his youth. Erik is learning that kingship is glittering prizes and endless compromises, which shatter the illusion - amongst some Norse - of integrity. But he knows, it's about time marching on, having a family to be responsible for and a past and ancestors to live up to.
Phew!
Well, what a ride! I literally couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The writing is clear and bright, uplifting, poignant and reflective in turns. All the way shot through with the level of historical authenticity which are a hallmark of C.R.'s books. If it happens in one of his books, you can be pretty darn sure it happened like that. It carries the reader away on an almost physical journey back to the heyday of Viking Age, and as I thought several times, it really felt quite strange to look up from its pages and find I’m not on a battlefield with Erik, or in a longhouse sleeping off the night before. If there's currently a better writer of Historical Fiction than C.R. May, I haven't read them.
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The Raven and the Cross, as the book jacket hints, focusses on Erik's journeys after his time as Norwegian King has been brought to a rather more abrupt end than he might have wished. He not so much returns to Viking ways, as never actually left them, and is so good at them, that he can't help but have his ambitions stoked by his resulting successes. He, like all Vikings in Historical Fiction (I'm not well read enough to say with certain if that is from the Sagas, the histories or HF legend as yet), values reputation and honour almost above all else. He doesn't want the sagas to tell of an Erik who couldn't live up to, or be as successful as his family and especially father's reputation, and he wants the sagas to remember HIS name as an equal to the best. That's the force driving him on. He is portrayed here a little unusually too, from by scant knowledge of the field, as actually having sons who like him, trust him and aren't from unfeasibly young ages trying to, or being used to try to, usurp him. Despite some sagas suggesting he had set an unfortunate precedent!
He is, as he notes himself, not getting any younger, and despite a return to his earlier favourite activity, maturity and the responsibilities that come with it, are never far away. He has grown as a character in C.R. May's skilful hands, to a point where he can step back and see the big picture, and what is needed to not just win a particular battle, but the hearts and minds of the people he would rule as well. He's not portrayed as a power mad tyrant
in any way, but one trying, though some might argue that the Norns have made it inevitable, no matter what Joe Viking might do, fulfil the prophecy that was made about him being a King five times over. Seeing the big picture in the Viking Age, also means seeing the way the religious winds are blowing. I think Erik while not being too pessimistic about it, can see that the Old Gods cannot win against the new Christian's one God. It is a theme often explored, or at least in the background of many Viking Age novels, but I'd venture it's never been handled, with more subtlety or better than here. C.R. May seems to side with the theory that the clever old Norse went the sensible route and hedged their bets. The raven and the cross. A foot in each camp - baptism one day, sacrifice to Odin the next. Anything to get the result they wanted, and it could be ascribed to whichever god you like afterwards. Erik knows that doing the above is not just for him, his followers and his warriors need it too. As he says “They’re our people now.” Not meaning we own them, they'll do what we tell them or die, but meaning we've become a part of them. So their hopes are our hopes, our hopes are their hopes. Mirroring what Historians say about the Vikings moving into new areas and not kicking the original inhabitants out, like the pesky Saxons did. But mingling and merging and becoming apart of a joint, better than the sum of its parts, future.
The book is about responsibility, and that is something not even Erik can escape, no matter how much he might want to recapture his youth. Erik is learning that kingship is glittering prizes and endless compromises, which shatter the illusion - amongst some Norse - of integrity. But he knows, it's about time marching on, having a family to be responsible for and a past and ancestors to live up to.
Phew!
Well, what a ride! I literally couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The writing is clear and bright, uplifting, poignant and reflective in turns. All the way shot through with the level of historical authenticity which are a hallmark of C.R.'s books. If it happens in one of his books, you can be pretty darn sure it happened like that. It carries the reader away on an almost physical journey back to the heyday of Viking Age, and as I thought several times, it really felt quite strange to look up from its pages and find I’m not on a battlefield with Erik, or in a longhouse sleeping off the night before. If there's currently a better writer of Historical Fiction than C.R. May, I haven't read them.
Blog: Speesh Reads
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January 27, 2019
BLURB
The North: 937AD - Three years have passed since the English king Athelstan bribed treacherous jarls to take Erik’s half-brother as king in Norway.
Forced from his kingdom, Erik Bloodaxe returns to the Viking ways of his youth. Warlords are driven from Danish lands, Saxony burns, and Dublin falls to a brutal assault before the prow beasts of Erik’s fleet turn south to stalk the seas off Al-Andalus.
As Erik’s reputation as a battle winner spreads his sons grow to manhood, and together they carve a new kingdom to rule from the islands which gird Britain’s north-west.
But Bloodaxe is not alone in suffering the Imperial ambitions of the southern English, and when a half-remembered figure leads a Northumbrian deputation to the king’s Orkney fastness, events are set in motion which will lure Erik south to face his greatest test.
The Raven and the Cross continues the turbulent story of Erik Haraldsson, a legendary king of the Viking Age.
REVIEW
An exciting sequel to Bloodaxe, Eric is a little older now. A bit more mature, a bit more pragmatic, without dulling the warrior within. The author portrays this formidable son of Harald Fairhair at the height of his battle prowess, and his abilities as a leader, who inspires not just loyalty from his people, but also love as well. The underlying thread in book 2 is the fulfillment of a prophecy Erik had received as a young man. It was prophesied that Eric would be a king five times. He and his retinue do a fair bit of traveling in this tale, gaining wealth and prestige, as well as getting closer to achieving that prophetic number. Page turning drama, characters who give life to an era shrouded in mystery, and the coming clash of the old religion(s) versus the Cross of Christ, all this and more awaits you my dear readers. 4 stars
Historical Fiction reviews has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Fiction Blogs on the web.
http://blog.feedspot.com/fiction_blogs/
The North: 937AD - Three years have passed since the English king Athelstan bribed treacherous jarls to take Erik’s half-brother as king in Norway.
Forced from his kingdom, Erik Bloodaxe returns to the Viking ways of his youth. Warlords are driven from Danish lands, Saxony burns, and Dublin falls to a brutal assault before the prow beasts of Erik’s fleet turn south to stalk the seas off Al-Andalus.
As Erik’s reputation as a battle winner spreads his sons grow to manhood, and together they carve a new kingdom to rule from the islands which gird Britain’s north-west.
But Bloodaxe is not alone in suffering the Imperial ambitions of the southern English, and when a half-remembered figure leads a Northumbrian deputation to the king’s Orkney fastness, events are set in motion which will lure Erik south to face his greatest test.
The Raven and the Cross continues the turbulent story of Erik Haraldsson, a legendary king of the Viking Age.
REVIEW
An exciting sequel to Bloodaxe, Eric is a little older now. A bit more mature, a bit more pragmatic, without dulling the warrior within. The author portrays this formidable son of Harald Fairhair at the height of his battle prowess, and his abilities as a leader, who inspires not just loyalty from his people, but also love as well. The underlying thread in book 2 is the fulfillment of a prophecy Erik had received as a young man. It was prophesied that Eric would be a king five times. He and his retinue do a fair bit of traveling in this tale, gaining wealth and prestige, as well as getting closer to achieving that prophetic number. Page turning drama, characters who give life to an era shrouded in mystery, and the coming clash of the old religion(s) versus the Cross of Christ, all this and more awaits you my dear readers. 4 stars
Historical Fiction reviews has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Fiction Blogs on the web.
http://blog.feedspot.com/fiction_blogs/
January 8, 2019
Wandering King
After being betrayed for his supposed allies and overthrown of his gift-stool in Norway, King Erik embarks him on new adventures. He is resilent and perseverant man, who will not bow to anyone, let alone to fall into despair for being robbed as the rightful ruler of the norwegian kingdom.
So, this tireless man will keep expanding his name and glory, meanwhile he is fighting the Franks as ally of the Slavic people. He will also attack far places as Dublin and Lisbon, meeting formidable foes and friends.
But the ultimate prize lies in Northumbria, where the northerners yearn for freedom and a kingdom on his own, apart from the claws of the English King.
Will Bloodaxe have the enough will power to overcome hardships and become the leader that Northumbrians need on desperate times? Odin and the Christ will have the answer as the banners of The Raven and the Cross will march together to war.
*****Commentary may contain spoilers*****
After the bitter but hopeful closing chapter on Bloodaxe, Erik finds himself exiled from Norway. Before he fall into depression he will do what he does best: War.
Joined by his most trusted Huskarls and men from his hird, Bloodaxe will have a pivotal role into helping the Slavics Obodrites against the rising threat of the Christian Franks.
In here, Mr. May uses the chances to outline what is happening with the Franks on continental Europe and their importance as heirs of the Roman Christian culture. On those chapters we find tradition and some of most remarkable quotes from the book.
Then, Erik embarks on a trip to attack Dublin and aid the locals to overthrow a Norse tyrant and then to Lisbon to sell slaves, mean while he earns the Sea King helm as owner of the Orkney Islands. This gives the plot more diversity on locations and it is closer to the romantic depictions of brave and adventurers Viking exploring the very verge of the seas.
But all of this is a mere preparation for what the Norns have on their plan for Erik, as the opressed Northumbrians will need a savior who can defend them from the clutches from both Scots and English. In here, Bloodaxe will have to use all his cunning, willpower, leadership and luck to keep together a kimgdom that is falling into pieces, meanwhile neighbours are waiting for the right moment to attack. Again, our king proves to be the right man for the job, but not without suffering betrayal and certain death while he is fighting for his new home.
The author again succeds into giving us a compelling plot that mix action, intrigue, travelling and historical fiction at its best, shedding a bright light on the Viking era. He also depicts a more tolerant main character who will embrace Christianity without giving up the old gods.
What really amazed me about this story is the resilence of the main character, because this book is often portraying barren victories for Erik. He strives and leads even on tough situations where most of men will fall into despair. So The Raven and the Cross is a book of perseverance, diversity and leadership, where a man's thirst for glory and fame will shape a kingdom on his own.
After being betrayed for his supposed allies and overthrown of his gift-stool in Norway, King Erik embarks him on new adventures. He is resilent and perseverant man, who will not bow to anyone, let alone to fall into despair for being robbed as the rightful ruler of the norwegian kingdom.
So, this tireless man will keep expanding his name and glory, meanwhile he is fighting the Franks as ally of the Slavic people. He will also attack far places as Dublin and Lisbon, meeting formidable foes and friends.
But the ultimate prize lies in Northumbria, where the northerners yearn for freedom and a kingdom on his own, apart from the claws of the English King.
Will Bloodaxe have the enough will power to overcome hardships and become the leader that Northumbrians need on desperate times? Odin and the Christ will have the answer as the banners of The Raven and the Cross will march together to war.
*****Commentary may contain spoilers*****
After the bitter but hopeful closing chapter on Bloodaxe, Erik finds himself exiled from Norway. Before he fall into depression he will do what he does best: War.
Joined by his most trusted Huskarls and men from his hird, Bloodaxe will have a pivotal role into helping the Slavics Obodrites against the rising threat of the Christian Franks.
In here, Mr. May uses the chances to outline what is happening with the Franks on continental Europe and their importance as heirs of the Roman Christian culture. On those chapters we find tradition and some of most remarkable quotes from the book.
Then, Erik embarks on a trip to attack Dublin and aid the locals to overthrow a Norse tyrant and then to Lisbon to sell slaves, mean while he earns the Sea King helm as owner of the Orkney Islands. This gives the plot more diversity on locations and it is closer to the romantic depictions of brave and adventurers Viking exploring the very verge of the seas.
But all of this is a mere preparation for what the Norns have on their plan for Erik, as the opressed Northumbrians will need a savior who can defend them from the clutches from both Scots and English. In here, Bloodaxe will have to use all his cunning, willpower, leadership and luck to keep together a kimgdom that is falling into pieces, meanwhile neighbours are waiting for the right moment to attack. Again, our king proves to be the right man for the job, but not without suffering betrayal and certain death while he is fighting for his new home.
The author again succeds into giving us a compelling plot that mix action, intrigue, travelling and historical fiction at its best, shedding a bright light on the Viking era. He also depicts a more tolerant main character who will embrace Christianity without giving up the old gods.
What really amazed me about this story is the resilence of the main character, because this book is often portraying barren victories for Erik. He strives and leads even on tough situations where most of men will fall into despair. So The Raven and the Cross is a book of perseverance, diversity and leadership, where a man's thirst for glory and fame will shape a kingdom on his own.
November 23, 2021
I surprised myself by how easily I slipped into this story, it being some time since I had read Bloodaxe, the first in this trilogy about Erik Bloodaxe.
Cliff writes with such assured clarity though, that I found myself reliving the first book in the opening chapters of this one, my mind refreshing on the saga that had unfolded before. This book is an excellent companion to Bloodaxe, which was outstanding. I love books set in the Viking world, they have a certain magic to them, a doorway back into the Norse world, a land full of strange gods and monsters.
It is in this world that Erik Bloodaxe, a man who has been both an outlaw and a king, finds himself once more on the Whale Road. We see a slightly different Erik to the one I remember from the first book. More mature, more worldly, almost accepting of the changing ways around him. He seems to understand he cannot stop the spreading of Christianity, seems content to let his people mingle with the Christians, to come to understand their ways.
I found myself connecting with him in a way I didn’t in the first book, and as a reader that just draws you in even more. Overall the book contains a sweeping story, immaculately researched and set in a bygone era which is brilliantly brought back to life. Cliff once again proving himself to be amongst the very best of historical fiction writers around.
Cliff writes with such assured clarity though, that I found myself reliving the first book in the opening chapters of this one, my mind refreshing on the saga that had unfolded before. This book is an excellent companion to Bloodaxe, which was outstanding. I love books set in the Viking world, they have a certain magic to them, a doorway back into the Norse world, a land full of strange gods and monsters.
It is in this world that Erik Bloodaxe, a man who has been both an outlaw and a king, finds himself once more on the Whale Road. We see a slightly different Erik to the one I remember from the first book. More mature, more worldly, almost accepting of the changing ways around him. He seems to understand he cannot stop the spreading of Christianity, seems content to let his people mingle with the Christians, to come to understand their ways.
I found myself connecting with him in a way I didn’t in the first book, and as a reader that just draws you in even more. Overall the book contains a sweeping story, immaculately researched and set in a bygone era which is brilliantly brought back to life. Cliff once again proving himself to be amongst the very best of historical fiction writers around.
December 9, 2018
Brilliant.
I've been patiently waiting for this book to come out for months and it was worth it. I haven't been able to put it down. Now I wait patiently for the next and last chapter in the life of King Erik Haraldson or Bloodaxe as he was known. Cliff May is one of the best writers out there. Read book one first and when you have finished this one, you will want more. I would recommend them all. 10 out of 10 for all his books.
I've been patiently waiting for this book to come out for months and it was worth it. I haven't been able to put it down. Now I wait patiently for the next and last chapter in the life of King Erik Haraldson or Bloodaxe as he was known. Cliff May is one of the best writers out there. Read book one first and when you have finished this one, you will want more. I would recommend them all. 10 out of 10 for all his books.
August 18, 2024
Erik in exile.
Like the first novel I have rounded this up to four stars. While finding the author knowledgeable about the period I was less gripped by the saga as previous novels about known Vikings read previously. This is down to battle descriptions, lack of vividly imagined followers and lack of tension. Overall still worth a read.
Like the first novel I have rounded this up to four stars. While finding the author knowledgeable about the period I was less gripped by the saga as previous novels about known Vikings read previously. This is down to battle descriptions, lack of vividly imagined followers and lack of tension. Overall still worth a read.
July 3, 2019
Very good
A good second outing for Erik Bloodaxe. It's an interesting story and the author makes good use of the various sources and stories surrounding him. I look forward to the next book.
A good second outing for Erik Bloodaxe. It's an interesting story and the author makes good use of the various sources and stories surrounding him. I look forward to the next book.
December 27, 2021
Nice one.
Can't fault it. If you have an interest in this era of historical fiction or in general historical sagas then you won't be disappointed.
Review by Robert Southworth author of the Ripper Legacies.
Can't fault it. If you have an interest in this era of historical fiction or in general historical sagas then you won't be disappointed.
Review by Robert Southworth author of the Ripper Legacies.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews