History and legend combine in the gripping tale of Hakon Haraldsson, a Christian boy who once fought for the High Seat of a Viking realm.
It is 935 A.D. and the North is in turmoil. King Harald Fairhair has died, leaving the High Seat of the realm to his murderous son, Erik Bloodaxe. To solidify his claim, Erik ruthlessly disposes of all claimants to his throne, save one: his youngest brother Hakon.
Erik's surviving enemies send a ship to Wessex, where the Christian court of King Athelstan is raising Hakon. Unable to avoid his fate, he returns to the Viking North to face his brother and claim his birthright, only to discover that victory will demand sacrifices beyond his wildest nightmares.
I was swept up in the action and enthralled by the descriptions of Hakon’s struggle. -Roundtable Reviews-
I highly recommend this historical fiction novel, both for its entertaining story and historical information. -Historical Fiction Review-
Eric Schumacher (1968 - ) is the author of multiple bestselling historical fiction novels and one novella, all set in the Viking Age.
Schumacher discovered his love for writing and medieval European history at a very early age, as well as authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Bernard Cornwell, Jack Whyte, and Wilbur Smith. Those discoveries fueled his imagination and continue to influence the stories he tells. His first novel, God's Hammer, was published in 2005.
Schumacher now resides in Santa Barbara with his wife and two children.
It's no surprise that this book is a bestseller right now. I picked it up because I'm OBSESSED with Viking stories right now and this looked just as intriguing as any. I wasn't wrong. I'm coming off just finishing Bernard Cornwell's ten book series in a month, so my standards were set pretty high. I hadn't even known the genre was for me. I was shocked when this entertained me just as much. The writing is phenomenal, with great imagery and a fast-paced storyline. It's written in a way that isn't just telling you some grand adventure, it's actually taking you on said grand adventure. I know next to nothing about the history behind all of this, but it makes me want to know more. A story of war, family, sacrifice, honor ... one that keeps your blood pumping and your fingers turning pages rapidly. I can't wait to dig into the next.
A well researched tale of a good man in a dark time. I would have preferred more grit but regardless, the story was quite engaging. I will definitely read book two. Recommended
In my historical readings of Vikings I had read albeit briefly about Hakon the Good but only in relation to Erik Bloodaxe coming to Northumbria and taking York. Reading about Hakon gives this period a whole new angle. Not as much from the Saxons but from the impact Erik made to the feudal scandinavian realms before he came to Northumbria. The author makes a valid point in his notes that Hakon is a rare type of scandinavian hero for a number of reasons that many people overlook or forget. Firstly being a bastard son at the time he was the least likely son to ever claim the throne of early Norway. Secondly being sent away to the court of Athelstan the first King of Engaland, it was doubted he would ever return to his homeland. Thirdly the majority of his young life he was raised according to Saxon law and custom. He would have lost what little connection he had to the belief and ritual traditions of his pagan family and homeland. Yet if Erik had not become known as the Kinslayer he would never have opened up a path or provided cause for the scandinavian people to summon Hakon to claim the throne. However this happened when Hakon was quite young. When he had yet to test himself in battle. So Hakon was sent back to an unfamiliar home, unfamiliar people and where his religion opposed their own. Alliances would have been essential and critical for Hakon to form any kind of following in order to not only master an army against Erik but to also establish and prove himself worthy of being a King. It is this great challenge but one of many that make Hakons rise to the throne so incredible it is almost unbelievable but it did happen. A Christian Norwegian Bastard Son somehow defeated his own brother and ruled a pagan country. An amazing reversal of what Canute achieved when he finally won England back after his Fathers short reign only to convert to Christianity, marry the resident Norman Queen Emma and rule the Saxons for a peaceful 20+ years. Hakon definitely seemed to have had the hardest population to manage compared to Canute. It is definitely a historical figure that people should learn more about and so I do encourage and recommend this very enjoyable and at times moving depiction of Hakons story.
Outstanding! This is a terrific Read. A fostered child, battles for status, battles for power, the clash of cultures all told with an unusual understanding of the peoples of that time. The history is true, although the author must speculate on why certain historical figures interacted the way that they did. There is only one thing wrong. Now I must buy the rest of the series.
This was recommended by a author I have read an enjoyed all his books,Chris Thorndycroft. This story is fast pace with a lot of fighting in great detail. Its a story of a young name from the North an is the youngest son of Harald Fairhair. His older brother Erik Bloodyaxe is king after his father passes. Haken becomes a Christian and turns his back on his Norway heritage and life style. He is taken back home to gather a army to fight his older brother to take back Norway an fix all that his brother has ruined.
You can get all three books and the prequel on Apple Books users at a very low price. You can also get them on e-book but not the low price. A great historical fiction.
God’s Hammer imagines the life and ascension of Håkon Haraldsson, the youngest son of Harald the fairhaired, the first king of Norway. It is historical fiction, with an emphasis on FICTION, as little is known about this particular King Håkon except the facts stated: he was born to Thora Mosterstang and grew up as the foster son of King Athelstan, a Christian king in Wessex. He fought his older brother Eric Bloodaxe, removed Eric from the throne, and built himself a political base amongst the landowning class by removing the onerous inheritance taxes his father had inflicted.
This novel imagines Håkon as the first Christian king and draws a portrait of him as a shrewd and skilled fighter but with a soft spot for slaves, the unfortunate and unable to kill enemies in personal combat after defeating them because of his Christian beliefs.
The story was interesting but ultimately disappointing. The author seems to have given 20th century sensibilities to a 9th century character; it falls flat. The continued “rose colored” naivety of the character seems more designed to show off the research of the author on Viking customs rather than develop Håkon’s story in a realistic fashion. Erik Bloodaxe did escape Haåkon’s clutches in Norway and live to be a thorn in his side, but I doubt that it was because Håkon refused to kill him and let him go. No Viking would have continued to follow such a king with such poor political judgment. The Norseman had a choice in who they would follow — their leaders weren’t divinely appointed, they were not obligated to give their allegiance to a hereditary king.
In general the story fell flat on all accounts: historical authenticity, his romantic pinings for a former member of Athelstan’s court, now a slave in Norway, and his rambling thoughts about religious purity and inability to adapt to the country he aspired to lead.
On another note, it bothered me that the character’s name was written as Hakon. Haakon would have been an acceptable alternate spelling for English readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
God’s Hammer is a story about Hakon Haraldsson (later known as Hakon the Good), youngest and illegitimate son of Harold Fairhair, 10th century King of Norway. While still a boy, Hakon was sent to England for safekeeping and was fostered by King Athelstan, who took the trouble to raise him as a Christian. When his father died, Aethelstan sent the fifteen year-old Hakon back to Norway to claim the throne from his violent brother, Eric Bloodaxe. Of course, considering his upbringing, the Norwegians looked askance at young Hakon, but once he offered to remove the onerous tax imposed by his father over landed property, he gained popularity and went after his wicked brother, though the going was rough.
Author Eric Schumacher put together a rousing story of warfare, religious strife and tested friendships. Hakon was repelled by the human sacrifice practiced by his pagan countrymen, but knew he would lose all support if he tried to impose his beliefs on his followers. There was little-to-no Christianity in his native country, and he was constantly torn by necessity vs. faith. Necessity usually won. Hakon was a man—or boy—of his time, and knew when to follow the lead of his more seasoned allies. Many was the time I think he would have rather stayed in England, but his fate spoke otherwise and he embraced his destiny with fortitude. The plot moved along well and this young hero withstood great odds and came out on top despite his youth and inexperience.
I enjoy Viking saga historical fiction and following the story of Hakon from early youth was engaging and a rewarding read. Hakon was presented with the challenge as a young boy of being sent by his father King Harald to King Athelstan in England for fostering, and was thus indoctrinated into Christianity. His early learning and training there gave him a good foundation when it came time to take his rightful place in his homeland where he had great challenges to overcome.
I enjoyed the book, though I do wonder about Hakon being the only person for Christianity at this time. Certainly by the time of Hakon there would have been Christian missionaries working in Norway with varying degrees of success. The notion that he alone brought Christianity to the Norway seems a bit far fetched. Still though I enjoyed the story.
A quick Norse tale. Not unlike many others I have read of "Northmen" in the 900 AD period. According to the author, it is based on a real character, though the author does admit to taking liberties. Such is historical fiction.
Disappointed with this experience. This was a book that took me many sessions to actually complete. I can’t help but think it’s largely in part because I chose audio. The narration was pretty awful. Usually I can muck through if the writing was strong. However, the writing wasn’t so believable when the main character was all over the board and the story was performed by narration that made the main character weak and juvenile sounding as well. It made it difficult for me to believe an entire army and high level officials (kings and lords) were behind him because he made pretty speeches at pivotal moments. Several times when I thought he’d matured and we’d see some consistency, he acted immature and selfish. I’m not even including the details about the woman he loved either. I could go on, but you get the point.. If I were to consider the next in series, it would not be on audio.
An interesting tale of the first Christian King in Norway, Hakon, a son of King Harald. Sent to England as a young boy to be fostered by King Aethelstan, he is weened off the old gods and when he returns to claim his kingdom, he comes as a baptized and committed Christian. As you can well imagine that presents some challenges as Hakon strives to garner support for his rise to power. The author's depiction of the young, naive and certainly impetuous Hakon, who is thrust into the mayhem of war and the strictures of the old gods, is well done. The story flows nicely and gives the reader a chance to experience life in a time and place that is full of conflict; not only for the throne but also the clash between Odin and the White Christ. Old ways die hard and that is certainly the case in this intriguing story; one that will continue in book 2, Raven's Feast. 4.3 stars
Okay but not great. Plays a bit loose with history but since we’re not certain that Haakon was ever even fostered in England, I guess I can’t complain too much. Human sacrifice was not a part of regular Norse culture and this book seems to get a little carried away with it, there’s a lot of sacrificing here. It just didn’t work for me. The storyline is banal, the evil guy is just evil for no reason. I don’t expect to read the second instalment in the series.
The most awesome Viking book I've ever read. This book is very well written and the author took the time to do his homework. Mr. Schumacher has studied the Vikings with the fierceness of a warrior. This book is informative and it takes time to read, because you don't want to overlook anything. I highly recommend this book to every Viking fan.
Human emotion, tough decisions hold this tale together as it follows the history of English and Viking nobility. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
This is an enjoyable, fast paced historical novel. I found it to be well written and very interesting, full of information on Norwegian culture and religion in the Europe of the 900's AD.
“God’s Hammer: Hakon's Saga Book 1” brings to mind Bernard Cornwell’s incomparable Saxon series, set at a slightly earlier period and with its primary focus on England. If Cornwell’s hero Uhtred is a pagan in a mostly Christian world, young Hakon in Eric Shumacher’s tale grows into the opposite as a result of his fostering by the English king, Athelstan, friend of the boy’s royal father Harald. The premise is sound and, apparently, based upon history.
Hakon himself is not entirely likable or content under Saxon tutelage but he’s a believably confused and conflicted young man, which makes for a compelling, action-filled, solidly written novel.
Eric Schumacher has created the most evocative tale in his stunning novel — God's Hammer.
Set in 935 AD, God's Hammer tells the story of Hakon Haraldsson (Haakon the Good), from the moment he arrived at King Athelstan of England's Kingdom as a young boy, to the harrowing battle with his eldest brother, Eric Bloodaxe.
This book completely drew me in. The research that has gone into God's Hammer has to be commended, and it is incredibly rich in historical detail. It was as if I was looking through a window into the past as I read the pages of this remarkable story.
Hakon's portrayal is both realistic and believable. Schumacher has obviously researched the life of Hakon in great detail, and this certainly came through in the writing. Schumacher brought Hakon back to life. Well Done!
There are a lot of interesting characters that you meet in this book, and Schumacher has given them all the same attention as Hakon — they are all well-fleshed, and they just work. Everything fits, so well. This book was so refreshing and so realistic, it was an absolute joy to read.
I thought the story itself was gripping and very fast in the telling. It is not an effort to read this book at all. I made a mistake of not giving myself enough time to read it in one sitting because God's Hammer deserves that much attention. It is definitely a sit down and finish book.
History, legend, and fiction blend together with an expert hand in “God’s Hammer”, a gripping historical fiction novel by Eric Schumacher. The novel covers Hakon Haraldsson early life in the court of King Athelstan of England, his foster father, and Hakon’s eventual return to Norway to face his murderous brother, Erik Bloodaxe, in a battle to seize the throne. I really enjoyed the action and adventure and was quickly drawn in with the great descriptive writing and well developed characters. I especially liked the way historical information was presented in a way that added to the depth of the story and didn’t feel like it was just stuffed in around the edges (like some other historical fiction novels I’ve read). I look forward to reading the next installment of Hakon’s journey and can’t recommend this novel enough.
I recommend the book and gave it four stars because I rounded up from 3.5 stars. The book was easy to read, but it lacked the umph I expected. It was the story of Hakon Haraldsson's quest to become the first Christian king of Norway. For historical purposes, it was a good read, but the book was lacking in the fiction that makes historical fiction a popular read. The author's writing mechanics were not very good. The characters were not developed, and the author created relationships of no substance.
Very easy read. Ive already started the second book in the series Ravens feast. Ive read similar series of viking fiction based on history. And as i read this story alot of the events in other fictional history stories coinside. Hakons saga is an on the edge of your seat story thats hard to put down. I think i read it in 2 1/2 days. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in viking fiction or action darama an some history in between. Enjoy it.
This story moves very fast and is without the in-depth and sometimes annoying intricate details that don’t add much, therefore, I give it a thumbs up! I believe the writer could have let the reader get more intimate with the characters nonetheless. If you enjoy a page-turner & great Northmen story about some very real historical characters, you will like this book. I look forward to the next in the series about Hakon’s adventures.
This book was well written and the story well developed. My biggest problem is that there is no sequel. I would like to see what happens next with Hakon and Norway. With the TV series the Vikings and The Last Kingdom, it seems like there is interest in this period in history. I hope this book develops a following to reflect that.
Having read the description of this book, I decided to go ahead and give it a try since I enjoy reading historical fiction. As I started reading, however, I thought this was not the book for me. Nevertheless, I was somehow drawn to the story wanting to know more about the main character, and it ended up becoming a page turner for me.
Religion, pagan rituals, compassion, love, war, deceit all woven together into a well written story. What I liked about the book is that it's based on facts, obviously mixed with a bit of fiction to make it interesting. I truly enjoyed Eric Schumacher's style of writing & his book Gods Hammer.
Predictable, too much love for Christian religion in this book. Felt like I was being preached too. MC doesn't grow and is too good at everything for no reason.
This one borders on falling into the trap where it leans a little too heavily into the research and detail – which can be a good thing, when well-balanced with the narrative. In this case, it fell just on the right side, perhaps because some liberties were taken with the history and there was an attempt to develop at least the main character. However, overall this one fell flat, never quite reaching its potential across the board, and in some ways it felt as though the author was trying to do a little too much all at once through the character, and therefore not achieving it which is unfortunate because this did have promise and the writing had more of a punch to it, that also helped keep the narrative moving.