The year is 471 AD. Ragnar and his kin arrive on the distant shores of Scandza, right in the middle of a growing conflict between the Svear and their arch enemies, the Gautar. Guided by the hand of fate, they become embroiled in a struggle for tribal dominance which soon escalates to a quest fueled by greed, revenge and desire. Meanwhile, in the lands of the Empire, the Romans continue their designing and incite the tribes to take up the sword against their fellow barbarians, drawing the Heruli into a conflict that could spell their demise. But for the tribes to prosper, Rome has to endure. Ragnar and his companions have to outwit and outfight the Heruli’s ancient enemies to keep the Empire from falling into the hands of the conniving Goths. Ragnar faces overwhelming odds, but the gods have ordained it long before. In the fires of destruction, a new power is being forged – one which is destined to conquer all.
Hector is a freedman. In 2016 he managed to escape from the corporate world, in which he played the part of a detribalised Chartered Accountant.
Nowadays he hides away in the Garden Route of South Africa with his wife and two daughters. He is addicted to reading historical novels and his hobbies include hiking, wine and sustaining niggling injuries on the tennis court.
Very good history novel of an era not well known. Great attention to historical details and characters - with eye to link the key people together. Also very good at connecting written records and archeology. Character development is not as strong for the central group, as some of the historical events and characters are mixed in, and the blending results are mixed as well. Good combat and tactical scenes.
I am enjoying this tale of an era about which I knew little, other than the broad category of the fall of Rome. I enjoy the detail of the various clans and the history of the Norse peoples. I am also surprised at the entanglements of the various tribes fighting for as much as against the Empire. That said, I am finding all the sub-battles between the numerous factions of Romans (east and west) to be confusing and a bit distracting. I like all of Miller's characters. But this book was only 180 pages long and cuts off in the middle of this portion with a "to be continued"? Seems awfully short and should have just waited to finish this installment and publish as a 350 page book.
If early European history is a favorite, you MUST read Hector Miller
The erilaR series is a fascinating alternative to the Norse/Danish/Swedish roots theories. Having read more books on this subject than I can recall, I believe that this is a viable supposition. Now, Mr. Miller, when can I think about a new erilaR installment??
OK - Hector Miller certainly knows how to keep a tale going but by the third instalment of one of his sagas one becomes bored and bewildered with the vast number of historical figures who are encountered, just about all of them hostile to our hero.
So despite his engaging style of writing this is really a thumbs down from me. Less panorama, more focus is required.
Another great novel of historical fiction. As with all such books; I am inspired to read more of the history of the era. It also reminds me that all history is interpretive fiction.
This gang covers some ground and adventures. The main characters seem to survive till the end of the book. Got a few battles in this one to keep the action up. Girlfriends/wives must have been very patient during that time disappearing for years before returning.
I am certainly enjoying the adventures of Ragnar. the last 25% of this book is a lesson on history , unnecessarily loaded with multiple names of leaders and kings of multiple tribes and nations. I was very confused.
Makes for a fairly captivating of this saga. Makes for a fairly captivating of this saga. Makes for a fairly captivating of this saga. Makes for a fairly captivating of this saga.