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The Viking On Stamford Bridge: A Heroic Saga
Inspired by the true story of the lone Viking who singlehandedly repelled an entire Saxon His life, loves, hopes, dreams, fears and the shocking conclusion to this uncommon act of love and valor. On September 25, 1066 the last great Viking battle for England was fought when fifteen thousand Saxons surprised a small contingent of invading Norsemen at Stamford Bridge. The Saxons had the advantage of overwhelming numbers and were well on their way to an easy victory, when... Before the two armies could engage, a lone Viking -- a berserker of emmense stature -- took to the bridge with his battleaxe and singlehandedly repelled the entire Saxon army while reinforcements were called up from riccall, nine miles away. This lone Viking’s feat is recorded in the Anglo-Saxon “But there was one of the Norwegians who withstood the English folk so that they could not cross the bridge nor complete the victory.” To this day it stands as the greatest one man stand in history. But who was this lone Viking and how did he achieve such a feat? Why did he do it? The Viking on Stamford Bridge tells the extraordinary story of this Norseman from his upbringing as a child beneath the harsh hand of a renound warrior, to a tradesman, loving husband and father, to the hero who stood alone against an army.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2020
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48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 9, 2021
Without reservation, this is one of the best books I've read in a long, long time. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. The writing is enviable, the story is gripping and the main characters are colourful and deftly realised. The tale has such depth, and I was hooked from beginning to end.
The title takes its name from a real battle that took place shortly before the much more famous 'Battle of Hastings'. Known as the 'Battle of Stamford Bridge', it saw King Harold of England march from the south northwards to east Yorkshire to face down a Viking army led by the fearsome Harald Hardrada (and indeed his own turncoat brother Tostig). According to the chroniclers of the day, one of the Vikings present at that battle distinguished himself in particular. For the sake of those who haven't heard the account before, I won't say any more about the man, only that it is he that forms the focus of this wonderful book.
Jordan has composed the story in the manner of a saga, and this is reflected in both the language he uses, as well as his references to the items, concepts and customs of the Viking world, now all but lost to us. The skill of his narration though is that he never lets these aspects consume the story. Instead he skilfully laces them into the text so that the narrative and the motives of the key protagonists remain relatable to the modern mind, while also retaining the sense of historical authenticity essential to all good historical fiction.
The story is obviously set within a time of extreme violence, warriors and warfare, and yes there is plenty of bloodshed throughout, all culminating in the eponymous pitched battle. But, while Jordan doesn't shy away from the kinds of graphic descriptions you might expect of such a setting, neither are any of those descriptions gratuitous; every swing of an axe and every thrust of a spear furthers the story at the same time as it quickens the reader's pulse.
Perhaps the thing I found most interesting and enjoyable about this book is that it is actually - at least on my reading - a love story. The relationship between the lead character and his wife forms a key aspect of the first half of the book, their love masterfully woven into an otherwise barbaric and improbable setting. Even when they are apart, Jordan keeps their love alive so well that, as a reader, you want nothing more than for them to be back in each other's arms forever. This is exactly what those characters want too and, in a very real sense, it is the reason why the Viking finds himself on Stamford Bridge.
I would highly and wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful beast of a novel.
The title takes its name from a real battle that took place shortly before the much more famous 'Battle of Hastings'. Known as the 'Battle of Stamford Bridge', it saw King Harold of England march from the south northwards to east Yorkshire to face down a Viking army led by the fearsome Harald Hardrada (and indeed his own turncoat brother Tostig). According to the chroniclers of the day, one of the Vikings present at that battle distinguished himself in particular. For the sake of those who haven't heard the account before, I won't say any more about the man, only that it is he that forms the focus of this wonderful book.
Jordan has composed the story in the manner of a saga, and this is reflected in both the language he uses, as well as his references to the items, concepts and customs of the Viking world, now all but lost to us. The skill of his narration though is that he never lets these aspects consume the story. Instead he skilfully laces them into the text so that the narrative and the motives of the key protagonists remain relatable to the modern mind, while also retaining the sense of historical authenticity essential to all good historical fiction.
The story is obviously set within a time of extreme violence, warriors and warfare, and yes there is plenty of bloodshed throughout, all culminating in the eponymous pitched battle. But, while Jordan doesn't shy away from the kinds of graphic descriptions you might expect of such a setting, neither are any of those descriptions gratuitous; every swing of an axe and every thrust of a spear furthers the story at the same time as it quickens the reader's pulse.
Perhaps the thing I found most interesting and enjoyable about this book is that it is actually - at least on my reading - a love story. The relationship between the lead character and his wife forms a key aspect of the first half of the book, their love masterfully woven into an otherwise barbaric and improbable setting. Even when they are apart, Jordan keeps their love alive so well that, as a reader, you want nothing more than for them to be back in each other's arms forever. This is exactly what those characters want too and, in a very real sense, it is the reason why the Viking finds himself on Stamford Bridge.
I would highly and wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful beast of a novel.
January 12, 2021
An excellent story worth reading
A unique and interesting way to tell an excellent story. Anyone who enjoys English/Viking history will greatly appreciate this book. Skol!
A unique and interesting way to tell an excellent story. Anyone who enjoys English/Viking history will greatly appreciate this book. Skol!
March 15, 2021
An incredible story!
I was unaware of the real story behind this until now. I love the writing style, and this was an amazing story to tell. I would recommend this to anyone!
I was unaware of the real story behind this until now. I love the writing style, and this was an amazing story to tell. I would recommend this to anyone!
February 20, 2022
A fantastic English/Viking historical fiction! I honestly don't know what to say. You see and feel the struggles of living as a simple woodcutter in Norway, experience the horror of witnessing war alongside getting the rush of bloodlust, and the desire of a man craving honor for his name. And I can't leave out the strong, resilient women left behind in war. It took a few pages before I got accustomed to the style of writing and once I did, it fit the story so well. You will be awed by the great Rigsen!
December 19, 2021
Epic Historical Fiction
Based on true events, The Viking on Stamford Bridge is a fantastic story of one man's life of struggle, growth, and rise to greatness. The man is all that many of use aspire to be. He is hardworking, dreams big, and loves his family to eternity.
Brent Jordan does a wonderful job of crafting a tale that transports you to another time. You will be in awe of the man!
Based on true events, The Viking on Stamford Bridge is a fantastic story of one man's life of struggle, growth, and rise to greatness. The man is all that many of use aspire to be. He is hardworking, dreams big, and loves his family to eternity.
Brent Jordan does a wonderful job of crafting a tale that transports you to another time. You will be in awe of the man!
June 5, 2021
Book Title: The Viking On Stamford Bridge: A Heroic Saga
Author: Brent Jordan
Publisher: Satsu Press
299 page - Kindle publication read
Year: 2020
This is by far one of the best books I've read in a very long time; the story is captivating from the start with wonderful strong characters and the fact that it is based on true events is even more fascinating.
Brent has captured a wonderful telling of the events; he has a beautiful writing style and way with words. This writer should be highly recommended for the glorious telling of the story and the ending is so magical into the epilogue.
All I can say is to add this book to your reading list straight away. Readers interested in history, Viking and Saxon era, and battle scenes will love this. In the background descriptions, the characters portrayed are visionary to a state that you feel like you are there standing with them. This is the most beautiful piece of saga writing I have read in a long time.
The ending brought a tear to my eye. Well done Brent Jordan on a beautiful telling of a heroic saga based on true events set in and around the times of 1047 to 1066.
There is a bit of a mystery behind the author of this book but I believe him to be of direct descent from the saga main hero.
Author: Brent Jordan
Publisher: Satsu Press
299 page - Kindle publication read
Year: 2020
This is by far one of the best books I've read in a very long time; the story is captivating from the start with wonderful strong characters and the fact that it is based on true events is even more fascinating.
Brent has captured a wonderful telling of the events; he has a beautiful writing style and way with words. This writer should be highly recommended for the glorious telling of the story and the ending is so magical into the epilogue.
All I can say is to add this book to your reading list straight away. Readers interested in history, Viking and Saxon era, and battle scenes will love this. In the background descriptions, the characters portrayed are visionary to a state that you feel like you are there standing with them. This is the most beautiful piece of saga writing I have read in a long time.
The ending brought a tear to my eye. Well done Brent Jordan on a beautiful telling of a heroic saga based on true events set in and around the times of 1047 to 1066.
There is a bit of a mystery behind the author of this book but I believe him to be of direct descent from the saga main hero.
June 26, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! What I loved most about it was that it painted an accurate picture of both the ordinary life of vikings and the life of vikings as warriors, which was done by masterfully blending descriptions of the world and characters with their actions and the story. I got a very good sense of what battle and death meant to the vikings. On top of that, it was amazing to see points of view of both sides in battle. After all, there's always more than one side to a story!
I definitely recommend this saga!
I definitely recommend this saga!
July 21, 2022
HOLD THE LINE! ⚔️
This is a tale you might hear if you were to suddenly find yourself seated in Valhalla across from Odin himself...
The Viking on Stamford Bridge reads like a grand epic; it feels as timeless and expansive as any Norse legend, with myth and lore woven throughout. The story follows the rise of a humble woodcutter to hero viking, his legend and fate sealed by the battle at the Bridge.
The hero definitely fits the archetype, chivalrous, mighty, a man of few words and the size of a small barn. He's inspiring - but humble. His wife and the heroine of the tale is his match in every way. Their interactions are adorable and I enjoyed following her adventure just as much as his.
The tone shifts after the hero's call to adventure. Brent writes convincingly about war and paints an unflinching picture not just of the glory of war, but the cruelty and senselessness of it too. There's a great deal of camaraderie too with the other vikings, that keeps the narrative from growing too dark or stale.
One common issue I take with this type of story, is when the writer focuses too much on the heroes, without humanizing the other side of the conflict or ascribing them real motives apart from 'evil guy fights good guy'. Thankfully, that isn't the case here. The vikings' Saxon enemies manage to be fascinating characters in their own right without detracting from our heroes.
The big payoff comes when they clash at the eponymous Stamford Bridge - I went through all the emotions: pride, fury, despair, and most things in between. I won't spoil it but it gets hard to read - in a good way.
While I'm not well versed with the history of the region, I cracked open this book for an epic tale, not necessarily historical accuracy - which I definitely found. Some cursory digging reveals that Brent has managed to elevate a largely anonymous figure from history and bring him to life in a way that impresses and transcends the history books.
Brent is a true skald in his own right. This is a tale that will sweep you from cover to cover in a tide of heroics, lore, passion, steel and... love. Skol!
This is a tale you might hear if you were to suddenly find yourself seated in Valhalla across from Odin himself...
The Viking on Stamford Bridge reads like a grand epic; it feels as timeless and expansive as any Norse legend, with myth and lore woven throughout. The story follows the rise of a humble woodcutter to hero viking, his legend and fate sealed by the battle at the Bridge.
The hero definitely fits the archetype, chivalrous, mighty, a man of few words and the size of a small barn. He's inspiring - but humble. His wife and the heroine of the tale is his match in every way. Their interactions are adorable and I enjoyed following her adventure just as much as his.
The tone shifts after the hero's call to adventure. Brent writes convincingly about war and paints an unflinching picture not just of the glory of war, but the cruelty and senselessness of it too. There's a great deal of camaraderie too with the other vikings, that keeps the narrative from growing too dark or stale.
One common issue I take with this type of story, is when the writer focuses too much on the heroes, without humanizing the other side of the conflict or ascribing them real motives apart from 'evil guy fights good guy'. Thankfully, that isn't the case here. The vikings' Saxon enemies manage to be fascinating characters in their own right without detracting from our heroes.
The big payoff comes when they clash at the eponymous Stamford Bridge - I went through all the emotions: pride, fury, despair, and most things in between. I won't spoil it but it gets hard to read - in a good way.
While I'm not well versed with the history of the region, I cracked open this book for an epic tale, not necessarily historical accuracy - which I definitely found. Some cursory digging reveals that Brent has managed to elevate a largely anonymous figure from history and bring him to life in a way that impresses and transcends the history books.
Brent is a true skald in his own right. This is a tale that will sweep you from cover to cover in a tide of heroics, lore, passion, steel and... love. Skol!
June 29, 2022
Kenan - Kel, meet me at Stamford Bridge with Skullseeler and a keg of mead.
Kel - Aw here it goes!
This book was insanely good. Anyone familiar with the history of 1066 you know what's going to happen at the end however Brent Jordan masterfully inserts a twist just near halfway through that effectively changes the genre of the book. It gives an extra layer of weight and stakes that had no right being in a historic retelling. Truly brilliant writing.
The writing is beautiful and well crafted and the attention to detail gave it a strong, authentic feel.
Highly recommend to anyone.
Kel - Aw here it goes!
This book was insanely good. Anyone familiar with the history of 1066 you know what's going to happen at the end however Brent Jordan masterfully inserts a twist just near halfway through that effectively changes the genre of the book. It gives an extra layer of weight and stakes that had no right being in a historic retelling. Truly brilliant writing.
The writing is beautiful and well crafted and the attention to detail gave it a strong, authentic feel.
Highly recommend to anyone.
December 13, 2022
Written as a nordic saga, the book has all the advantages and failings that come with that.
The book is epic, the depictions of battle vivid and blood and mead flow freely throught the pages.
Yet it does feel to go on for too long, and one tires of hearing about the size of the man, the love his wife has for him etc.
The book is epic, the depictions of battle vivid and blood and mead flow freely throught the pages.
Yet it does feel to go on for too long, and one tires of hearing about the size of the man, the love his wife has for him etc.
October 17, 2022
I love that it’s written for the time of the story. I didn’t rush through this book and I’m glad I didn’t. I’m no Viking but so much if this book hit right in the feels. I urge anyone who wants to read this to take their time and really read and enjoy it!
May 15, 2022
A fine piece of Viking era historical fiction. I really like the way in which Jordan mixes the mythical fantasy elements with the real, historical characters and events. I would happily recommend this to fans of Bernard Cornwell and Giles Kristian.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews