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The Whale Road Chronicles #5
The Bear's Blade
How do you defeat the undefeatable?
Einar must take back control of his destiny in this thrilling Viking adventure.
Although the rightful Jarl of Orkney, Einar is not yet strong enough to overcome his rival, King Eirik. Einar and the Wolf Coats raid the pagan ceremony that will confirm Eirik's power, but due to his injured sword hand, Einar fails to kill Eirik and he and his men must flee.
They seek the protection of the King of the English. In exchange for his help, the crew must undertake a perilous mission: sail to Brittany and bring a renowned scholar back to England. But Brittany is besieged by Viking hordes, and the scholar is the prisoner of a legendary Viking warrior known as the Bear.
To succeed, Einar must infiltrate the Bear's stronghold. But is a man who cannot wield a sword capable of being a true Viking warrior? With his whole future at stake, can Einar prove his worth – and make it back alive?
Einar must take back control of his destiny in this thrilling Viking adventure.
Although the rightful Jarl of Orkney, Einar is not yet strong enough to overcome his rival, King Eirik. Einar and the Wolf Coats raid the pagan ceremony that will confirm Eirik's power, but due to his injured sword hand, Einar fails to kill Eirik and he and his men must flee.
They seek the protection of the King of the English. In exchange for his help, the crew must undertake a perilous mission: sail to Brittany and bring a renowned scholar back to England. But Brittany is besieged by Viking hordes, and the scholar is the prisoner of a legendary Viking warrior known as the Bear.
To succeed, Einar must infiltrate the Bear's stronghold. But is a man who cannot wield a sword capable of being a true Viking warrior? With his whole future at stake, can Einar prove his worth – and make it back alive?
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2022
About the author
Tim Hodkinson
22 books195 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.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 3, 2022
This little band of Vikings is so much fun to read. They get themselves in to a lot of trouble, an then have to fight their way out. What is Erin's real purpose being with these Wolf Vikings?
April 21, 2022
Superb.
A roller coaster of a ride with Einar, Ulrich and the gang. Throw in an enemy as large as life as Eirik Bloodaxe and the stage is set for action and violence. Add in King Hakon who forced Bloodaxe off the throne of Norway and became King in his own right and the mighty Athelstan, king or emperor of Britain. ( I don't understand why we don't celebrate Athelstan more. ). You have all the ingredients for this brilliant novel. Impatiently awaiting the next in the series.
A roller coaster of a ride with Einar, Ulrich and the gang. Throw in an enemy as large as life as Eirik Bloodaxe and the stage is set for action and violence. Add in King Hakon who forced Bloodaxe off the throne of Norway and became King in his own right and the mighty Athelstan, king or emperor of Britain. ( I don't understand why we don't celebrate Athelstan more. ). You have all the ingredients for this brilliant novel. Impatiently awaiting the next in the series.
October 15, 2023
Nearly perfect
April 12, 2022
*hops on Amazon to buy the whole series*
I was given this book for an honest review via NetGalley! This is the fifth book of the Whale Road Chronicles. I have not read the earlier books, and I don't think it's absolutely necessary to do so! But, I'm definitely getting the rest because this was brilliant!
I was given this book for an honest review via NetGalley! This is the fifth book of the Whale Road Chronicles. I have not read the earlier books, and I don't think it's absolutely necessary to do so! But, I'm definitely getting the rest because this was brilliant!
January 22, 2023
mikey Liked It...
...and so did I!
a very humam story with the Wolf Coats being a howl, just as they alsays do. Great scene descriptions, many life lessons and situations...and almost enough action for me.
Now if Einar would quit thinking negatively he might add a few numbers to his Practical IQ.
...and so did I!
a very humam story with the Wolf Coats being a howl, just as they alsays do. Great scene descriptions, many life lessons and situations...and almost enough action for me.
Now if Einar would quit thinking negatively he might add a few numbers to his Practical IQ.
April 11, 2022
Wow great book
This book is the best could put it down Tim gets better with every book can't wait till the next one in this series 5stars
This book is the best could put it down Tim gets better with every book can't wait till the next one in this series 5stars
February 17, 2023
Excellent series completely recommended
Excellent series, the Author continues where the previous four books left off, Well written and researched with absolute quality characters throughout those regulars I have come to love or hate, and new just for this story. Maybe not as action packed throughout as some, but an entertaining page turner with plenty of somewhat graphic gruesome violence towards the end. There are references to the other books but works as a standalone story.
Cannot wait for the next instalment.
Completely recommended.
Excellent series, the Author continues where the previous four books left off, Well written and researched with absolute quality characters throughout those regulars I have come to love or hate, and new just for this story. Maybe not as action packed throughout as some, but an entertaining page turner with plenty of somewhat graphic gruesome violence towards the end. There are references to the other books but works as a standalone story.
Cannot wait for the next instalment.
Completely recommended.
May 19, 2022
The Unlikely Hero from Iceland!
When we meet up with Ulrich and his band of Ulfhednar, it's like sitting around a Norse fireplace listening to tales of running for glory in the best Viking tradition! Einer Thorfinnsom is still Odin blessed and is overcoming the devastating damage done to his hand in the life and death struggle with his deceased father. Great read...top damned short!
When we meet up with Ulrich and his band of Ulfhednar, it's like sitting around a Norse fireplace listening to tales of running for glory in the best Viking tradition! Einer Thorfinnsom is still Odin blessed and is overcoming the devastating damage done to his hand in the life and death struggle with his deceased father. Great read...top damned short!
April 16, 2023
This series gets stronger with every book. Excellent!
Tim Hodkinson continues to deliver. I am glad to have discovered this Master Storyteller. Strong writing, methodical plots, plans, glorious battle scenes, superior clever thinking and incredible deceptions. Well done, Tim Hodkinson, well done!
Tim Hodkinson continues to deliver. I am glad to have discovered this Master Storyteller. Strong writing, methodical plots, plans, glorious battle scenes, superior clever thinking and incredible deceptions. Well done, Tim Hodkinson, well done!
May 1, 2022
Captivating
I love this series of books and this one did not disappoint, I really like how the story moves along at a good pace, i can't wait to read the next instalment and the adventures to follow
I love this series of books and this one did not disappoint, I really like how the story moves along at a good pace, i can't wait to read the next instalment and the adventures to follow
May 26, 2022
An excellent read
Been reading the series since he first started publishing and I haven't been disappointed yet. Great characters and story lines even if Einar can be a little childish. But that's part of his character development. I can't wait for the next one.
Been reading the series since he first started publishing and I haven't been disappointed yet. Great characters and story lines even if Einar can be a little childish. But that's part of his character development. I can't wait for the next one.
June 3, 2022
good book
This series is an enjoyable read with a good story line and characters that keep you connected to the story and turning the pages. I will continue to enjoy the life of Einar as long as the books keeep coming.
This series is an enjoyable read with a good story line and characters that keep you connected to the story and turning the pages. I will continue to enjoy the life of Einar as long as the books keeep coming.
June 5, 2022
The adventure continues
Ulrich, Einar and the band continue to sail the Whale Road on a journey filled with action and challenges to overcome.
Tim Hodkinson weaves a tale that keeps you turning the page in anticipation of the next action filled escapade.
Ulrich, Einar and the band continue to sail the Whale Road on a journey filled with action and challenges to overcome.
Tim Hodkinson weaves a tale that keeps you turning the page in anticipation of the next action filled escapade.
November 6, 2022
great imaginative series
Treat yourself to a really well written series that captures the flavour of a wild and dangerous time. I can’t wait for the next one and the one after that!
Treat yourself to a really well written series that captures the flavour of a wild and dangerous time. I can’t wait for the next one and the one after that!
May 21, 2023
great storytelling
Clever engaging plot twists, decent character development, well edited. This story, and series, is engaging for anyone interested in adventure and historical fictions.
Clever engaging plot twists, decent character development, well edited. This story, and series, is engaging for anyone interested in adventure and historical fictions.
May 28, 2023
Good adventure. D&D like
Like the characters but alot like other books. African warrior, Odin loving leader, bow shooting Princess, and a mighty warrior hero. Much like a D&D game of my youth. Clearly slighty historic mostly fiction.
Like the characters but alot like other books. African warrior, Odin loving leader, bow shooting Princess, and a mighty warrior hero. Much like a D&D game of my youth. Clearly slighty historic mostly fiction.
February 9, 2024
must read series
The plot & sub plots of this saga , never cease to please . The storyline never falters , it just flows , seamlessly interwoven … similar to the threads of Fate woven by The Norns themselves . Excekkent
The plot & sub plots of this saga , never cease to please . The storyline never falters , it just flows , seamlessly interwoven … similar to the threads of Fate woven by The Norns themselves . Excekkent
April 22, 2022
I enjoy these books
I was excited to read this book, because I liked the other books in the series. I wasn't disappointed. I will definitely be looking forward to the next one.
I was excited to read this book, because I liked the other books in the series. I wasn't disappointed. I will definitely be looking forward to the next one.
May 13, 2022
Excellent.
Unlike so many others, author learns and improves and it shows. Is there a sequel coming soon? I hope so.
Unlike so many others, author learns and improves and it shows. Is there a sequel coming soon? I hope so.
May 24, 2022
Great
Gripping story from beginning to end, another great book in the series I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Gripping story from beginning to end, another great book in the series I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
May 24, 2022
Great series
Full of action and interesting plots. Can not wait for the next one.
Great historical novel with interesting characters and settings.
Full of action and interesting plots. Can not wait for the next one.
Great historical novel with interesting characters and settings.
May 25, 2022
Wow. Great story
It was slow getting into the first book in the series, but it just keeps getting better and better. I highly recommend reading the series. On to book 6
It was slow getting into the first book in the series, but it just keeps getting better and better. I highly recommend reading the series. On to book 6
June 13, 2022
Good Viking Saga.
An interesting read, from a time when Vikings were either living with the old gods or becoming Christians. Enjoyed it, but hope that the story of Einer continues.
An interesting read, from a time when Vikings were either living with the old gods or becoming Christians. Enjoyed it, but hope that the story of Einer continues.
June 27, 2022
Amazing series!
Loved every single moment of this series. Thank you Tim for your wonderful imagination and way with words to to tell an exciting story. I am looking forward to reading more of your work.
Loved every single moment of this series. Thank you Tim for your wonderful imagination and way with words to to tell an exciting story. I am looking forward to reading more of your work.
September 12, 2022
The fifth book in this series I've read and have enjoyed them all, waiting on #6 now.
March 13, 2023
unexpected and exciting
What a great saga with some delightful twists. Loved the white bear. I found myself reading about Damascus steel and Ostriches.
What a great saga with some delightful twists. Loved the white bear. I found myself reading about Damascus steel and Ostriches.
June 17, 2023
Brilliant as always
Great book in a great series. Once you pick it up it’s almost impossible to put down. Non-stop action all the way through.
Great book in a great series. Once you pick it up it’s almost impossible to put down. Non-stop action all the way through.
September 30, 2023
great storyteller
I am enjoying following the characters and the crazy situations they find themselves in - can’t wait to see how the series ends.
I am enjoying following the characters and the crazy situations they find themselves in - can’t wait to see how the series ends.
September 4, 2024
Great story telling. This has proved to be a really good series. (This is book 5 of 6).
April 28, 2025
I read an earlier book in this series and now I am hooked. So I will be starting the next book. Fiction but I am learning a lot about the history, customs and geography. Loads stll to look up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews