Flight of the Ravens: The Saga of Bjorn Halfdanson

by Peter Richards

Bjorn ‘Spear Arm’ and his cousin, Torstein ‘the Warrior Skald’ leave their home in Haugesund, Norway to embark on an epic Viking saga that will affect the lives of all who come into contact with them. Their odyssey takes them through thousands of miles of hostile oceans in search of wealth and reputation where they have a seismic effect on the lives of the Sea Kings, fellow warriors and ordinary folk they meet along the way. Enemies cross the path of the ‘Wandering Warriors’ at their peril. This is an authentic story that captures the warrior spirit of 10th century Nordic seafarers in their relentless march towards destiny. It is set against a background of real-life events and offers readers an accurate first-hand depiction of a remarkable period of history that shaped modern Europe.

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2020

Reviews

[Gee Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flight of the Ravens : The Saga of Bjorn Halfdanson is a historical fiction novel written by the author Peter David Richards, published in Jan 2020. The story spins around the heroes Bjorn ‘Lance Arm’ and his cousin, Torstein ‘the Champion Skald’ who leave their home in Haugesund, Norway to set out on an amazing Viking adventure that will influence the existences of all who come into contact with them. Their odyssey takes them through a large number of miles of unfriendly seas looking for riches and notoriety where they seismically affect the existences of the Ocean Rulers, individual heroes and conventional society they meet en route. Foes cross the way of the ‘Meandering Fighters’ at their danger. This is a legitimate story that catches the champion soul of tenth century Nordic sailors in their steady walk towards predetermination. It is set against a foundation of genuine occasions and offers perusers a precise direct portrayal of an exceptional time of history that molded present day Europe. Richards meshes together fantasy legend and reality into his narrating. This gives us an incredible understanding into the Nordic Fighter life, crossing huge sees, taking on ridiculous conflicts, loot and intrusion. Simultaneously it gives us a point of view on their qualities, steadfastness, love of their ladies society and families and faith in their Divine beings. The book is 400+ pages long which makes it a pretty lengthy yet interesting read. It is very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you love historical fiction, then you must get your hands on this one. Highly recommended from my side.

[Lynne Stoppard-jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting and bloodthirsty, a good story.

Exciting, well written Flight of the Ravens Book 1, Peter Richards 5 stars
A rollicking good read about Norwegian, Swedish and Danish raiders, plundering and pillaging countries bordering the Baltic and later the East coast of England. It is not for the faint hearted but thoroughly enjoyable.
There is a strong romance between the main character and his equally strong eventual wife. After raiding, gaining reputations and riches the Northmen settle in England as farmers doing a deal with a Saxon king for land. They live and thrive as successful farmers until betrayed by a Saxon Christian priest which leads to returning to fighting, this time for their families too.
It is well written and all encompassing and exciting.

[John Collomosse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable story telling the adventures of two young Norwegian Vikings embarking on their quest to seek fame, as warriors, and fortune, from plundered treasure. The story is interwoven with researched history of the times and conveys the brutality of life and warfare at that period in history and touches on the emerging religious conflicts of the day. Apart from this, the author finds time to introduce a romantic element to their story. Once started, I had difficulty putting the book down and shall be moving swiftly on to the author's next book, The Seeds of Odin, to learn how the saga continues.

[Storter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible?

I loved this book from beginning to the very end. He covers so much in one book. And it's long which I love. So many books tell a great story and then they're done making you want more. This book makes you want more after so many small stories turn into one incredible tale. I can't recommend this book enough. Hail to Mr. Richards!

[Lisa Cochrane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting historical fiction that enlightens

I learned a lot about the time period, from the Vikings to the Irish. A good tale with interesting historic characters that makes that the time period come alive.

[stephen conn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flight of the ravens

Well done.if the rest of the series is as good as the first book we are in for a treat it's hard to put down this book