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The Whale Road Chronicles #2
The Raven Banner
Einar Unnsson will be a great warrior, whether he wants it or not.
AD 935 - Late Winter, City of Jorvik.
Einar Unnsson is destined to be a great Icelandic warrior. He has already defeated the men sent to kill him by his notorious father, Jarl Thorfinn, the 'Skull Cleaver' of Orkney. He has a gift that makes him lethal in battle. Yet he has cast it all off to be a bard.
When three men attack him, Einar's poetry provides little protection. Luckily, the skilled archer and Norse-Irish princess Affreca saves him. She'd assumed Einar had left to raise an army, challenge Thorfinn and seize the Jarldom of Orkney. Now she's determined to set him back onto his rightful path.
Einar soon finds himself entangled on Affreca's own mission. She's seeking the Raven Banner for King Eirik. Legend has it that the banner is imbued with powerful magic. That it was a gift from the Norse God Odin and any army that marches behind it will be victorious. The quest sets events in motion that are beyond Einar's control.
Einar has no choice but to face his fate and swing his sword once more...
AD 935 - Late Winter, City of Jorvik.
Einar Unnsson is destined to be a great Icelandic warrior. He has already defeated the men sent to kill him by his notorious father, Jarl Thorfinn, the 'Skull Cleaver' of Orkney. He has a gift that makes him lethal in battle. Yet he has cast it all off to be a bard.
When three men attack him, Einar's poetry provides little protection. Luckily, the skilled archer and Norse-Irish princess Affreca saves him. She'd assumed Einar had left to raise an army, challenge Thorfinn and seize the Jarldom of Orkney. Now she's determined to set him back onto his rightful path.
Einar soon finds himself entangled on Affreca's own mission. She's seeking the Raven Banner for King Eirik. Legend has it that the banner is imbued with powerful magic. That it was a gift from the Norse God Odin and any army that marches behind it will be victorious. The quest sets events in motion that are beyond Einar's control.
Einar has no choice but to face his fate and swing his sword once more...
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2020
397 people are currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Tim Hodkinson
20 books186 followersI love reading and writing historical fiction.
My interest in ancient times, and particularly the medieval period, goes back to my childhood when my parents took us kids around the castles and megaliths of Ireland. I remember riding my bike as a boy to the see the various remnants of the Normans within reach of my home town of Lisburn. What would appear to most as uninspiring hillocks to me became in my imagination the site of heroic battles and I suppose that's where inspiration for some of my stories came from.
My interest only deepened with studying Old Norse, Medieval English and Celtic civilization at university and these topics have informed my first novels, along with a passion to tell stories about areas of Irish history that are sometimes overlooked and forgotten.
"Lions of the Grail" is set in Medieval Ireland, at the time the Scots invaded. Its a tale of knights and tournaments set against a war that time has forgotten. "The Waste Land" carries on the tale where Lions left off, while the novella, "The Savage Forest" takes the hero of this series, Richard Savage back to a time when he was still a young idealistic member of the Order of Knights Templar.
"The Spear of Crom" goes back to the time of the druids and is the story of a celtic cavalry officer in the Roman Army and his hunt for a mystical spear.
"The Undead" takes place in Victorian Belfast and moves into Gothic Horror, taking inspiration from Chapter 20 of Mary Shelley's classic novel "Frankenstein", which takes place in North Ireland.
Apart form that I have a couple of short stories set in the world of the Anglo-Saxons - "All the Kings Thanes" is my retelling of a true story treachery and the paranoia of power, while "Beowulf's Return" is set in the time of myth & legend.
My novels are available in print at all good online retailers and also (as well as the short stories) in Kindle format from Amazon.
I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing them.
My interest in ancient times, and particularly the medieval period, goes back to my childhood when my parents took us kids around the castles and megaliths of Ireland. I remember riding my bike as a boy to the see the various remnants of the Normans within reach of my home town of Lisburn. What would appear to most as uninspiring hillocks to me became in my imagination the site of heroic battles and I suppose that's where inspiration for some of my stories came from.
My interest only deepened with studying Old Norse, Medieval English and Celtic civilization at university and these topics have informed my first novels, along with a passion to tell stories about areas of Irish history that are sometimes overlooked and forgotten.
"Lions of the Grail" is set in Medieval Ireland, at the time the Scots invaded. Its a tale of knights and tournaments set against a war that time has forgotten. "The Waste Land" carries on the tale where Lions left off, while the novella, "The Savage Forest" takes the hero of this series, Richard Savage back to a time when he was still a young idealistic member of the Order of Knights Templar.
"The Spear of Crom" goes back to the time of the druids and is the story of a celtic cavalry officer in the Roman Army and his hunt for a mystical spear.
"The Undead" takes place in Victorian Belfast and moves into Gothic Horror, taking inspiration from Chapter 20 of Mary Shelley's classic novel "Frankenstein", which takes place in North Ireland.
Apart form that I have a couple of short stories set in the world of the Anglo-Saxons - "All the Kings Thanes" is my retelling of a true story treachery and the paranoia of power, while "Beowulf's Return" is set in the time of myth & legend.
My novels are available in print at all good online retailers and also (as well as the short stories) in Kindle format from Amazon.
I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 26, 2023
This was a better story than book one. But the first half was a bit of a drag. The second half was actually very good and it's keeping me intrigued enough for the next installment
The MC needs some depth and needs to grow into a personality that's either one you can believe in, or one you hate but understand their decisions. At the moment, he's just a bit mehhhh.
The MC needs some depth and needs to grow into a personality that's either one you can believe in, or one you hate but understand their decisions. At the moment, he's just a bit mehhhh.
January 30, 2021
Rounded this one up to four.
Fast read (for me, anyway), very engaging.
I'm really getting to know these characters. Anxious to know what happens with them next. Well done, Mr. Hodkinson!
Fast read (for me, anyway), very engaging.
I'm really getting to know these characters. Anxious to know what happens with them next. Well done, Mr. Hodkinson!
April 10, 2020
‘Einar Thorfinnsson never knew what hit him.’
Jorvik, AD 935
It seems that you can’t fight fate. Einar Unnsson is destined to be a great warrior, despite choosing to be a bard. He has a gift for battle and has managed to defeat the men sent by his father, Thorfinn of Orkney, to kill him.
He is saved by the Norse-Irish princess Affreca, who had thought that he was already on his way to raise an army and challenge Thorfinn. But nothing is straightforward (or easy). Affreca has her own quest. She’s seeking the Raven Banner for King Eirik.
Yes, this is the second novel in the series, and I have yet to read ‘Odin’s Game’. While I have bought a copy, and hope to read it soon, I was still able to follow and enjoy ‘The Raven Banner’. Plenty of adventure, and some interesting characters. If you enjoy action novels set in this period, then I can recommend ‘The Raven Banner’.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Jorvik, AD 935
It seems that you can’t fight fate. Einar Unnsson is destined to be a great warrior, despite choosing to be a bard. He has a gift for battle and has managed to defeat the men sent by his father, Thorfinn of Orkney, to kill him.
He is saved by the Norse-Irish princess Affreca, who had thought that he was already on his way to raise an army and challenge Thorfinn. But nothing is straightforward (or easy). Affreca has her own quest. She’s seeking the Raven Banner for King Eirik.
Yes, this is the second novel in the series, and I have yet to read ‘Odin’s Game’. While I have bought a copy, and hope to read it soon, I was still able to follow and enjoy ‘The Raven Banner’. Plenty of adventure, and some interesting characters. If you enjoy action novels set in this period, then I can recommend ‘The Raven Banner’.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
May 27, 2021
A Kick Ass Fun Read!!!!!!
Great story. Just a little to much of a repeat over lay. Get past that the story an you have a lot of action an fun characters.. Know Einar an the Wolf Coats have to get this damn raven banner for there king. But it turns out a lot harder to retrieve an get used by the enemy to go into battle first. Cause alot of Kings what them dead. Even there own King. King less, land less, they gather there straight an head out for revenge. So our boys an lady head out to sea to kick some ass.
Great story. Just a little to much of a repeat over lay. Get past that the story an you have a lot of action an fun characters.. Know Einar an the Wolf Coats have to get this damn raven banner for there king. But it turns out a lot harder to retrieve an get used by the enemy to go into battle first. Cause alot of Kings what them dead. Even there own King. King less, land less, they gather there straight an head out for revenge. So our boys an lady head out to sea to kick some ass.
March 21, 2020
Does not disappoint!
Einar, Affreca and the Wolf Coats go in search of the mythical Raven Banner but fall foul of powerful enemies. We are all just taft pieces on the gameboard of the Gods." - and they certainly are as the embark on one adventure after the next.
But the journey is far from complete!
Einar, Affreca and the Wolf Coats go in search of the mythical Raven Banner but fall foul of powerful enemies. We are all just taft pieces on the gameboard of the Gods." - and they certainly are as the embark on one adventure after the next.
But the journey is far from complete!
October 18, 2023
continuing adventures of Einar
I’m finally getting to know these characters. Einar, being more a poet than a warrior, is still struggling to fit in with the Wolf Coats. His band of rough men have skill and personality. But Einar is clever in his own way. He brings his Icelandic skills of climbing and wrestling to this party.
The best parts are the Norse-Scots-Irish connections and conflicts. Much research has been done so you feel these landscapes. The last 25 percent is the most exciting part of the book. I wish these scenes had been used earlier.
I think I have trouble connecting with the writing style. Things happen off screen and we are given a satisfactory conclusion like when Africa is rescued and escapes the monastery. We don’t see how it unfolds. We are only told about it. Many times something ends abruptly and there’s been no buildup to the finish. Characters die and it happens too quickly. I particularly do not care for the detail of the Scottish hounds fight with the Úlfhédnar. Those could have been given to the men in battle.
Near the end there is a good twist with the character, Ayvind, who is the master skald teaching Einar to be more proficient. However he discovers that Einar has surpassed his knowledge. I really enjoyed his character.
There is a good ending so I will continue with The Wolf Hunt.
I’m finally getting to know these characters. Einar, being more a poet than a warrior, is still struggling to fit in with the Wolf Coats. His band of rough men have skill and personality. But Einar is clever in his own way. He brings his Icelandic skills of climbing and wrestling to this party.
The best parts are the Norse-Scots-Irish connections and conflicts. Much research has been done so you feel these landscapes. The last 25 percent is the most exciting part of the book. I wish these scenes had been used earlier.
I think I have trouble connecting with the writing style. Things happen off screen and we are given a satisfactory conclusion like when Africa is rescued and escapes the monastery. We don’t see how it unfolds. We are only told about it. Many times something ends abruptly and there’s been no buildup to the finish. Characters die and it happens too quickly. I particularly do not care for the detail of the Scottish hounds fight with the Úlfhédnar. Those could have been given to the men in battle.
Near the end there is a good twist with the character, Ayvind, who is the master skald teaching Einar to be more proficient. However he discovers that Einar has surpassed his knowledge. I really enjoyed his character.
There is a good ending so I will continue with The Wolf Hunt.
June 10, 2023
riktigt kul med skandinavisk
det som föll mig för dom här böckerna va prinsessan Affreka, finns ett bra kapitel i boken när hon blir tillfångatagen av nunnor, det visar hur tuff prinsessor kan vara.
en 4/5 stjärnor får den av mig.
det som föll mig för dom här böckerna va prinsessan Affreka, finns ett bra kapitel i boken när hon blir tillfångatagen av nunnor, det visar hur tuff prinsessor kan vara.
en 4/5 stjärnor får den av mig.
June 21, 2021
I read this second installment in hope of improvement from the previous book but once again I’m baffled by the positive reviews of this book.
I struggled to get through this book and was relieved when it was over. Not because it’s a difficult read, far from it, it’s just a dull, eye roll worthy slog to get through.
The story is ridiculous, cheesy, unoriginal, repetitive and predictable. The writing is so basic and childish and the dialog terribly wooden, it seems to have been written by a young teenage child. This Author cannot seem to write different personalities for the characters, so every one of them are the same person, just with different names and physical attributes. No matter their nationality, old or young, male or female, royal or farmer, every character talks and thinks the same and just love to explain everything that’s on their mind in great long winded detail as if that is a realistic conversation and us readers are all idiots.
The bad guys remind of Scooby Doo characters in how they like to, for some reason, ramble off the entire plot when confronted. The difference is Scooby Doo is supposed to be laughable, childish entertainment.
It’s always a bad sign when you start skimming sentences when reading, but you can easily skip pages and pages of this book without effecting the story, there’s just so much boring, irrelevant filler.
I recommend just skipping the whole series and finding something of quality to spend your time on.
I struggled to get through this book and was relieved when it was over. Not because it’s a difficult read, far from it, it’s just a dull, eye roll worthy slog to get through.
The story is ridiculous, cheesy, unoriginal, repetitive and predictable. The writing is so basic and childish and the dialog terribly wooden, it seems to have been written by a young teenage child. This Author cannot seem to write different personalities for the characters, so every one of them are the same person, just with different names and physical attributes. No matter their nationality, old or young, male or female, royal or farmer, every character talks and thinks the same and just love to explain everything that’s on their mind in great long winded detail as if that is a realistic conversation and us readers are all idiots.
The bad guys remind of Scooby Doo characters in how they like to, for some reason, ramble off the entire plot when confronted. The difference is Scooby Doo is supposed to be laughable, childish entertainment.
It’s always a bad sign when you start skimming sentences when reading, but you can easily skip pages and pages of this book without effecting the story, there’s just so much boring, irrelevant filler.
I recommend just skipping the whole series and finding something of quality to spend your time on.
May 12, 2020
BLURB
‘FAST-PACED, DETAILED AND BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN [FOR] FANS OF BERNARD CORNWELL, GEORGE R.R. MARTIN AND THEODORE BRUN’ HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY.
Einar Unnsson will be a great warrior, whether he wants it or not.
AD 935 - Late Winter, City of Jorvik.
Einar Unnssonis destined to be a great Icelandic warrior. He has already defeated the men sent to kill him by his notorious father, Jarl Thorfinn, the ‘Skull Cleaver’ of Orkney. He has a gift that makes him lethal in battle. Yet he has cast it all off to be a bard.
When three men attack him, Einar’s poetry provides little protection. Luckily, the skilled archer and Norse-Irish princess Affreca saves him. She’d assumed Einar had left to raise an army, challenge Thorfinn and seize the Jarldom of Orkney. Now she’s determined to set him back onto his rightful path.
Einar soon finds himself entangled on Affreca’s own mission. She’s seeking the Raven Banner for King Eirik. Legend has it that the banner is imbued with powerful magic. That it was a gift from the Norse God Odin and any army that marches behind it will be victorious. The quest sets events in motion that are beyond Einar’s control.
Einar has no choice but to face his fate and swing his sword once more...
Praise for Tim Hodkinson:
‘An excellently writtenpage-turner, with a feel for the period which invites you into the era and keeps you there’ Historical Writers Association.
‘A gripping action adventurelike the sagas of old; and once finished, you just want to go back and read it all over again’ Melisende’s Library.
REVIEW
Einar would rather sing about the adventures, not be a participant in them, but such is not his wyrd; his fate. A captivating sequel to Odin's Game, The Raven Banner is a roller coaster ride of a tale. Einar and his companions are put through some pretty hair-raising events (not the least to Affreca :-) ). An adrenaline rushing, page turning, tale of the turbulent times of Aethelstan - Hakon - Eirik Blood Axe. The characters are full of the times, the experiences, the lore and legends of the many peoples looking to call Britain their home. I am looking forward to the next installment - this is indeed a series to lose oneself in. 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘FAST-PACED, DETAILED AND BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN [FOR] FANS OF BERNARD CORNWELL, GEORGE R.R. MARTIN AND THEODORE BRUN’ HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY.
Einar Unnsson will be a great warrior, whether he wants it or not.
AD 935 - Late Winter, City of Jorvik.
Einar Unnssonis destined to be a great Icelandic warrior. He has already defeated the men sent to kill him by his notorious father, Jarl Thorfinn, the ‘Skull Cleaver’ of Orkney. He has a gift that makes him lethal in battle. Yet he has cast it all off to be a bard.
When three men attack him, Einar’s poetry provides little protection. Luckily, the skilled archer and Norse-Irish princess Affreca saves him. She’d assumed Einar had left to raise an army, challenge Thorfinn and seize the Jarldom of Orkney. Now she’s determined to set him back onto his rightful path.
Einar soon finds himself entangled on Affreca’s own mission. She’s seeking the Raven Banner for King Eirik. Legend has it that the banner is imbued with powerful magic. That it was a gift from the Norse God Odin and any army that marches behind it will be victorious. The quest sets events in motion that are beyond Einar’s control.
Einar has no choice but to face his fate and swing his sword once more...
Praise for Tim Hodkinson:
‘An excellently writtenpage-turner, with a feel for the period which invites you into the era and keeps you there’ Historical Writers Association.
‘A gripping action adventurelike the sagas of old; and once finished, you just want to go back and read it all over again’ Melisende’s Library.
REVIEW
Einar would rather sing about the adventures, not be a participant in them, but such is not his wyrd; his fate. A captivating sequel to Odin's Game, The Raven Banner is a roller coaster ride of a tale. Einar and his companions are put through some pretty hair-raising events (not the least to Affreca :-) ). An adrenaline rushing, page turning, tale of the turbulent times of Aethelstan - Hakon - Eirik Blood Axe. The characters are full of the times, the experiences, the lore and legends of the many peoples looking to call Britain their home. I am looking forward to the next installment - this is indeed a series to lose oneself in. 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 12, 2021
I throughly enjoyed book 1 of this series and I could not wait to get back to these characters. I am pleased to report that this book lived up to my expectations. In fact, it exceeded them.
This novel is so fast-paced, and there are many twists and turns which, for me, made this novel unputdownable. In fact, it is one of those books that once you have started to read is terribly difficult to walk away from. I found myself totally caught up in the adventure. If I could have stayed up all might to read it, then I certainly would have.
If you enjoy believable historical fiction set in this era, then I think you will really enjoy this series.
This novel is so fast-paced, and there are many twists and turns which, for me, made this novel unputdownable. In fact, it is one of those books that once you have started to read is terribly difficult to walk away from. I found myself totally caught up in the adventure. If I could have stayed up all might to read it, then I certainly would have.
If you enjoy believable historical fiction set in this era, then I think you will really enjoy this series.
March 30, 2020
I liked this gripping and entertaining historical fiction.
It's action packed, well written and the cast of characters is fleshed out and interesting.
I liked the historical background which is vivid and realistic.
I want to read the other instalment in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's action packed, well written and the cast of characters is fleshed out and interesting.
I liked the historical background which is vivid and realistic.
I want to read the other instalment in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
July 17, 2020
A PERFECT DISTRACTION FROM COVID
These books are great entertainment filled with adventure set in an era thats filled with history and mystery. It flows very well and while similar and formulaic to other authors of this genre it stands out as an exploration of the psyche and standpoint of the Vikings. The series is keeping me well entertained.
These books are great entertainment filled with adventure set in an era thats filled with history and mystery. It flows very well and while similar and formulaic to other authors of this genre it stands out as an exploration of the psyche and standpoint of the Vikings. The series is keeping me well entertained.
September 7, 2020
A brilliant tale!
The second book in this series is as good as the first and the former Icelandic farm boy is now morphing into a real "wolf" warrior. There is an element of "with one bound our hero was free" aspect to the story and that's what stopped me awarding it five stars. That notwithstanding, this is an excellent tale and well worth reading.
The second book in this series is as good as the first and the former Icelandic farm boy is now morphing into a real "wolf" warrior. There is an element of "with one bound our hero was free" aspect to the story and that's what stopped me awarding it five stars. That notwithstanding, this is an excellent tale and well worth reading.
March 15, 2021
Very well written
I very much enjoyed traveling with Einer and the Wolf Coats. Learning about the Vikings and Athelstan from a different point of view. I have always been fascinated by the way christianity made it's way to the nations and survived dispite the corruption of the early church
I very much enjoyed traveling with Einer and the Wolf Coats. Learning about the Vikings and Athelstan from a different point of view. I have always been fascinated by the way christianity made it's way to the nations and survived dispite the corruption of the early church
May 8, 2024
This is the second book in the historical fiction Whale Road Chronicles series by Northern Irish author and historian Tim Hodkinson. It is set in the 10th century and moves between Ireland, Scotland and Norway, following the adventures of Viking warriors and Celtic princesses.
The story begins in 935 in the settlement of Yorvic (York). Icelandic born Einar Unnsson, wants to become a bard, and is studying music and poetry, but his destiny seems to be taking him elsewhere. When he is attacked by a group of men and rescued by the archery skills of Norse-Irish princess Affreca he finds himself immersed in an adventure and a quest.
Einar is the bastard son of Jarl Thorfinn, the ‘Skull Cleaver’ of Orkney. His father is trying to have both Einar and his mother killed. Affreca is daughter of Guthfrith Mac Sitric Ui Imair, King of Dublin, and is seeking the mythical Raven Banner for Eirik Blood Axe, King of Norway. Einar becomes embroiled in her quest and with the Úlfhéðnar (Wolf Hounds), a legendary elite band of Norse warriors their quest for the banner takes them on sea voyages, into battles and imprisonment. They meet many historical characters along the way, most of whom seem intent on killing them, including Æthelstan King of the Anglo-Saxons and Håkon his ward, Prince of Norway, King Constantine of the kingdom of the Scots and King Erik of Norway.
This story is full of adventure and both Einar and Affreca are likeable characters. The story is well researched and gives great insight into mediaeval Celtic and Nordic customs and culture. Every now and again I glazed over when the fight scenes went on for too long, but this is probably just me, I do this watching TV too. I would like to read the third instalment.
The story begins in 935 in the settlement of Yorvic (York). Icelandic born Einar Unnsson, wants to become a bard, and is studying music and poetry, but his destiny seems to be taking him elsewhere. When he is attacked by a group of men and rescued by the archery skills of Norse-Irish princess Affreca he finds himself immersed in an adventure and a quest.
Einar is the bastard son of Jarl Thorfinn, the ‘Skull Cleaver’ of Orkney. His father is trying to have both Einar and his mother killed. Affreca is daughter of Guthfrith Mac Sitric Ui Imair, King of Dublin, and is seeking the mythical Raven Banner for Eirik Blood Axe, King of Norway. Einar becomes embroiled in her quest and with the Úlfhéðnar (Wolf Hounds), a legendary elite band of Norse warriors their quest for the banner takes them on sea voyages, into battles and imprisonment. They meet many historical characters along the way, most of whom seem intent on killing them, including Æthelstan King of the Anglo-Saxons and Håkon his ward, Prince of Norway, King Constantine of the kingdom of the Scots and King Erik of Norway.
This story is full of adventure and both Einar and Affreca are likeable characters. The story is well researched and gives great insight into mediaeval Celtic and Nordic customs and culture. Every now and again I glazed over when the fight scenes went on for too long, but this is probably just me, I do this watching TV too. I would like to read the third instalment.
March 31, 2021
The second installment to The Whale Road Chronicles is just as action packed as the first!
Here we see Einar continue his journey, and try to avoid his fate as he gives up the life of a warrior in place for the life of a scald.. This doesn't quite go to plan as he is pulled into the schemes of many kings and has to rely on what seems like complete and total dumb luck to pull him through some impossible situations!
The storyline was slightly lacking in surprise however, as I could expect the twists and turns before they happened and the ending I could see set up pretty easily. That being said, it was incredibly enjoyable, filled with plenty of action and characters you can't help but love.
Will definitely be continuing my journey through with the next installment!
Here we see Einar continue his journey, and try to avoid his fate as he gives up the life of a warrior in place for the life of a scald.. This doesn't quite go to plan as he is pulled into the schemes of many kings and has to rely on what seems like complete and total dumb luck to pull him through some impossible situations!
The storyline was slightly lacking in surprise however, as I could expect the twists and turns before they happened and the ending I could see set up pretty easily. That being said, it was incredibly enjoyable, filled with plenty of action and characters you can't help but love.
Will definitely be continuing my journey through with the next installment!
May 21, 2021
My thanks to the Author publishers and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
This is the second book in this series but whilst there are references to the previous book it would work as a standalone story. Again like the first book the story grips the reader from the first page and does not let go. Well written and researched, authentic with a real sense of the period, brilliant characters and plenty of terrific and at times brutal gruesome action, personally I cannot wait for book three and may have to bump it up my to be read pile.
Totally recommended.
This is the second book in this series but whilst there are references to the previous book it would work as a standalone story. Again like the first book the story grips the reader from the first page and does not let go. Well written and researched, authentic with a real sense of the period, brilliant characters and plenty of terrific and at times brutal gruesome action, personally I cannot wait for book three and may have to bump it up my to be read pile.
Totally recommended.
May 7, 2023
Fun, solid historic adventure novel set in the time of the conflict among Erik Bloodaxe, Håkon, and Athelstan. First sequel to Hodkinson’s Odin’s Game which introduced the characters. The action takes place in northern England, Scotland, Ireland, and Norway. Fast paced and full of action, The Raven’s Banner is a lighter rather than dense/heavy read but still conveys an authentic sense of the era and meshes well with the known history of the period. There is a smattering of unfortunate typos throughout but even so this is well worth a read, but start with the first book in the series!
January 12, 2022
The Whale Road Chronicles are one of the most compelling Viking and early England era sagas that I have read and I have gone thru all Bernard Cornwell's Saxon epics of Uther, all Hector Millers Thrice Named man series, Mathew Harrfly's Bernica Chronicles and David Pilling Kemp series. Something about the way that he writes has made things believable and compelling to continue. Will see if I feel the same way after I get to the 4th or 5th of this series
August 23, 2020
Fabulous! !!
Could not have been written any better! Absolutely loved this 2nd book. PERFECT Ending! Revenge. I don't intend to ruin the book by telling what or how everything happens but this author has a great skill for putting twists and more twists into it and it's great! I can't wait to read the next book!
Could not have been written any better! Absolutely loved this 2nd book. PERFECT Ending! Revenge. I don't intend to ruin the book by telling what or how everything happens but this author has a great skill for putting twists and more twists into it and it's great! I can't wait to read the next book!
July 11, 2025
Raven Banner
What a great read I couldn't put this book down for two days and when I finished it I was extremely upset. But then I realized that there was another fascinating book ready to read right now. Needless to say that this story plot continues from the first book and is very well written, I enjoy Viking stories specifically when the action is never ending.
What a great read I couldn't put this book down for two days and when I finished it I was extremely upset. But then I realized that there was another fascinating book ready to read right now. Needless to say that this story plot continues from the first book and is very well written, I enjoy Viking stories specifically when the action is never ending.
May 7, 2021
Enjoyable 2nd chapter
The characters are developing nicely, descriptive battle and travel scenes. The story of the banner itself was interesting. Looking forward to the next developments.
The characters are developing nicely, descriptive battle and travel scenes. The story of the banner itself was interesting. Looking forward to the next developments.
July 15, 2021
Good story line...
The Raven Banner has a lot of action and is an entertaining story. Conversations seem a bit stilted and naive. Also, needs proof reading for spelling, grammer, etc.
The Raven Banner has a lot of action and is an entertaining story. Conversations seem a bit stilted and naive. Also, needs proof reading for spelling, grammer, etc.
November 17, 2021
Good read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, gritty, action packed, I could taste the salty brine and smell the essence of the whole road.
Fast paced action and a storyline made for the sagas.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, gritty, action packed, I could taste the salty brine and smell the essence of the whole road.
Fast paced action and a storyline made for the sagas.
April 4, 2022
great read
Fast paced and very entertaining, characters well formed, plenty of scope in the story material to take it anywhere around the Viking and different formation of the England, lots of twists and turns still to come. Thanks to the author ✍️
Fast paced and very entertaining, characters well formed, plenty of scope in the story material to take it anywhere around the Viking and different formation of the England, lots of twists and turns still to come. Thanks to the author ✍️
May 6, 2022
???
Better, but lots of minor and annoying grammatical and spelling errors. Plus, absence of descriptive depiction of affrecca's(?) escape from convent seemed a little lazy, not to mention missing a great story opportunity.
Better, but lots of minor and annoying grammatical and spelling errors. Plus, absence of descriptive depiction of affrecca's(?) escape from convent seemed a little lazy, not to mention missing a great story opportunity.
May 13, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this.
This is the second book of Tim Hodkinson that I’ve read and I’m so glad to have found him. Great story, interesting history, wonderful characterisation, non-stop action and a real page-turner. First class.
This is the second book of Tim Hodkinson that I’ve read and I’m so glad to have found him. Great story, interesting history, wonderful characterisation, non-stop action and a real page-turner. First class.
July 23, 2023
The Raven Banner
Throughly enjoyed this book. I’ve been introduced to the vikings and now I have to go digging them up myself. I wonder what ghosts I’ll find? Thank you for a great book.
Throughly enjoyed this book. I’ve been introduced to the vikings and now I have to go digging them up myself. I wonder what ghosts I’ll find? Thank you for a great book.
April 27, 2020
An excellent sequel to 'Odin's Game.' Packed with action and surprises
June 8, 2020
Very enjoyable read
Book two continues where book one left us .Another exciting installment of Viking sagas .
Battles and deceit as our hero's continues on their quest .
Book two continues where book one left us .Another exciting installment of Viking sagas .
Battles and deceit as our hero's continues on their quest .
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