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The Viking Blood and Blade Saga #3
Axes for Valhalla
If you like Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian, David Gemmell and Simon Scarrow you will love this Viking adventure saga packed with battles, vengeance, blood and gore.
The third instalment of Peter Gibbons' gripping series of Viking adventures.
873 AD. The Viking Age grips Northern Europe. Seven years have passed since the ferocious sea battle with Ivar the Boneless , and Hundr is now a Viking war leader of reputation and wealth. A voice from the past calls to Hundr for aid, and he must take his loyal crew and their feared warships across the Whale Road to Viking Dublin, in a vicious and brutal fight against Eystein Longaxe .
Hundr must fight against an implacable and powerful enemy, amidst brutal attacks, shield wall battles, and treachery. Will his skill and savagery be enough, and can Hundr and his crew survive? Find out in this unputdownable, fast paced adventure with memorable characters.
Axes for Valhalla continues the unmissable Viking historical fiction saga series which began with Peter Gibbons' debut novel Viking Blood and Blade.
The third instalment of Peter Gibbons' gripping series of Viking adventures.
873 AD. The Viking Age grips Northern Europe. Seven years have passed since the ferocious sea battle with Ivar the Boneless , and Hundr is now a Viking war leader of reputation and wealth. A voice from the past calls to Hundr for aid, and he must take his loyal crew and their feared warships across the Whale Road to Viking Dublin, in a vicious and brutal fight against Eystein Longaxe .
Hundr must fight against an implacable and powerful enemy, amidst brutal attacks, shield wall battles, and treachery. Will his skill and savagery be enough, and can Hundr and his crew survive? Find out in this unputdownable, fast paced adventure with memorable characters.
Axes for Valhalla continues the unmissable Viking historical fiction saga series which began with Peter Gibbons' debut novel Viking Blood and Blade.
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2022
569 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Peter Gibbons
28 books262 followersI am an author based in Kildare in Ireland, with a passion for Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and of course writing! My books include the Viking Blood and Blade Saga and the Saxon Warrior Series. You can visit my own website at www.petermgibbons.com or find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Peter-Gibbon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 28, 2022
Could have been better.
I enjoyed this trilogy but the last two books were increasingly repetitive, continuously rehashing what had gone before. I found it annoying and somewhat insulting to assume readers would need such interruptions to clarify what had already been written.
I enjoyed this trilogy but the last two books were increasingly repetitive, continuously rehashing what had gone before. I found it annoying and somewhat insulting to assume readers would need such interruptions to clarify what had already been written.
March 17, 2022
ugh
This author relies way too much on modern phraseology and makes me think that this is a story of commonality with no special interest at all. The use of bloody and hell together as in “bloody hell“ indicates the lack of research on phraseology from the ninth century.
Also, the fighting scenes lack reality. Such as when the Irish had Eystein and his mounted Warriors at his front only a short distance away, he had his six Bowman do nothing more than shoot fairly ineffectually at the shielded warriors on top of the horses.
If he was really serious, he would have shot the horses out from underneath the riders making it impossible for them to get away and snarl blithely at Hundr and his men as they departed.
Just an example of frustrations with some of the realities implied by the author.
This author relies way too much on modern phraseology and makes me think that this is a story of commonality with no special interest at all. The use of bloody and hell together as in “bloody hell“ indicates the lack of research on phraseology from the ninth century.
Also, the fighting scenes lack reality. Such as when the Irish had Eystein and his mounted Warriors at his front only a short distance away, he had his six Bowman do nothing more than shoot fairly ineffectually at the shielded warriors on top of the horses.
If he was really serious, he would have shot the horses out from underneath the riders making it impossible for them to get away and snarl blithely at Hundr and his men as they departed.
Just an example of frustrations with some of the realities implied by the author.
March 22, 2022
3rd book in this series. This book is a book Hundr lust for the Irish princess and that last hurts his crew when she betrays him. I really think people of this time period were wickedly evil. Just imagine the thought into the torture devices they used back then or making prisoners sit in cages filled with their own shit and piss. But this book was good and their is a 4th one in the works. I just hope Hundr wises up.
March 6, 2022
A cracking read.....but
I enjoyed this third book in the series but an odd ending as Chapter 31 (the final chapter) should have come after Chapters 32 & 33.
Perhaps it was confused in the Kindle download.
I enjoyed this third book in the series but an odd ending as Chapter 31 (the final chapter) should have come after Chapters 32 & 33.
Perhaps it was confused in the Kindle download.
March 6, 2022
Not too bad of a story, but
Poor love sick Hundr answers the call of an old flame, against the combined wishes of his closest friends/warriors.
Not too bad of a story, but, spoiler, they spoil the end of the book by putting chapter 34 BEFORE chapters 32 and 33. Wth!
Poor love sick Hundr answers the call of an old flame, against the combined wishes of his closest friends/warriors.
Not too bad of a story, but, spoiler, they spoil the end of the book by putting chapter 34 BEFORE chapters 32 and 33. Wth!
March 5, 2022
Not an actual spoiler, but be warned as of 5/3/22 chapter 34 is before 32/33 which does spoil the ending if your not careful (like me)
April 17, 2024
Probably my favorite of the series so far, I do think the last 20 pages were unnecessary however. Hundr is so relatable in this story though, we all had a Saiorse in our lives.
March 2, 2022
Brilliant
Absolutely riveting, could not put this down. Action packed throughout. Cannot wait for book four. First class viking action. Thank you.
Absolutely riveting, could not put this down. Action packed throughout. Cannot wait for book four. First class viking action. Thank you.
Read
March 12, 2022Awesome
The story just kept going from the first book and was awesome. Enjoying these books and characters. Ready for book three
The story just kept going from the first book and was awesome. Enjoying these books and characters. Ready for book three
April 3, 2024
The best book in the series so far. Loved it. I’m not sure how Hundr can see anything now but the man with the Dog’s name will figure it out, Odin permitting.
May 16, 2022
If you like the first book (I skipped book 2), then you will like this one as it is pretty much more of the same: Mostly descriptive text without much dialog where the limited range of narration is not as much of a factor as it could have been. In addition, it is littered with anachronistic terms that may distract some if you are going for authenticity, but as leisure entertainment is wasn't too bad (and was actually an improvement over book 1). Think of it as something to play while doing something else and it should work fairly well, especially since this was an more interesting story than the previous book.
The basic idea in this story was an appeal by a former flame for help saving her son and heir from various royal plots and maneuvering ... with a betrayal or two thrown in just to bring home the brutality of the age. With all the players already introduced, there wasn't as much character building and introspection (which was a relief as such tended to make the characters less likely wherever that happened). Instead, the personal interactions felt [a little] more natural and believable this time around, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. As an historical fantasy, there will always be a certain amount of suspension of disbelief required, and the author doesn't seem to take it so far that such was not possible ... but it was a close call.
I was given this free review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#AudiobookBoom #AxesForValhalla #NicholasJordan #KindleUnlimited
The basic idea in this story was an appeal by a former flame for help saving her son and heir from various royal plots and maneuvering ... with a betrayal or two thrown in just to bring home the brutality of the age. With all the players already introduced, there wasn't as much character building and introspection (which was a relief as such tended to make the characters less likely wherever that happened). Instead, the personal interactions felt [a little] more natural and believable this time around, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. As an historical fantasy, there will always be a certain amount of suspension of disbelief required, and the author doesn't seem to take it so far that such was not possible ... but it was a close call.
I was given this free review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#AudiobookBoom #AxesForValhalla #NicholasJordan #KindleUnlimited
March 4, 2022
SPOILED ENDING
There is currently a problem with the kindle version of this book (4/3/22).
The final chapter (Ch. 34) has somehow been placed BEFORE Chapters 32 and 33, so the sequence is:
Chapter 31
Chapter 34 (last intended chapter in the book)
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
A character reflected on the deaths of characters who were as far as I knew still alive and when I looked at the chapter listening I realised the mistake. Please fix this for other readers!
There is currently a problem with the kindle version of this book (4/3/22).
The final chapter (Ch. 34) has somehow been placed BEFORE Chapters 32 and 33, so the sequence is:
Chapter 31
Chapter 34 (last intended chapter in the book)
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
A character reflected on the deaths of characters who were as far as I knew still alive and when I looked at the chapter listening I realised the mistake. Please fix this for other readers!
September 30, 2022
A good, compelling romp through the the lives of the Seaworm’s crew, can’t wait for the third.
I love the characterisation, f was totally immersed in the Viking ways. I thought life dangerous enough in other times, but have never really known an author to cram so much into a novel that relies mainly on such bloody action, whilst making me care so much for its characters. Great read!
I love the characterisation, f was totally immersed in the Viking ways. I thought life dangerous enough in other times, but have never really known an author to cram so much into a novel that relies mainly on such bloody action, whilst making me care so much for its characters. Great read!
July 3, 2024
Brilliant.
This is the third book in Peter Gibbons Blood and Blade Saga and once again the action comes thick and fast, if you like plenty of bloody gory action you will definitely enjoy this. The author has quickly established himself as a writer and this series easily stands alongside the greats such as Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian and Mathew Harffy. Very highly recommended.
This is the third book in Peter Gibbons Blood and Blade Saga and once again the action comes thick and fast, if you like plenty of bloody gory action you will definitely enjoy this. The author has quickly established himself as a writer and this series easily stands alongside the greats such as Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian and Mathew Harffy. Very highly recommended.
March 14, 2025
A good read
Yes, I enjoyed this book. Sorry to lose so many good characters would have liked Kolo at least to survive. Sten, I understand. As you read you will see as I've said everytime it is the human interactions, the plots, the history, the politics, the myths and legends that keep me interested not so much the lengthy battles necessary I know but too long for me although I think I'd love the suspense if the battles were shorter. I'll read on, though.
Yes, I enjoyed this book. Sorry to lose so many good characters would have liked Kolo at least to survive. Sten, I understand. As you read you will see as I've said everytime it is the human interactions, the plots, the history, the politics, the myths and legends that keep me interested not so much the lengthy battles necessary I know but too long for me although I think I'd love the suspense if the battles were shorter. I'll read on, though.
June 19, 2023
what an book and what an ending
Another great book. The character development is excellent. The world building is phenomenal. The pacing is quick even with so much detail in almost every scene. The author puts some great turns in this book with good foreshadowing. It was time well spent reading this book.
Another great book. The character development is excellent. The world building is phenomenal. The pacing is quick even with so much detail in almost every scene. The author puts some great turns in this book with good foreshadowing. It was time well spent reading this book.
March 2, 2024
This book I could not put down. The first book in this series is still my favorite. Hundr again finds himself still longing for Saoirse even seven years later. Of course, she brings chaos to him and he accepts in. He paid the price and lost many friends over it. It was sad to read some of my favorite people died in this book. I’m hoping in the next book Hundr gets his revenge on Saoirse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
Really enjoyed this one and probably the best out of the three in my opinion. Yes it was the classic betrayal and things going wrong for Hundr and his crew again but this one had something different to it. I didn’t find it as repetitive as the second book and really enjoyed reading it. RIP to Sten and Kolo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2022
The entire Viking Blood and Blade Saga is definitely worth a read!
Excellent book, excellent series. Peter Gibbons can really tell a story. I can hardly wait for the next volume in the saga.
Excellent book, excellent series. Peter Gibbons can really tell a story. I can hardly wait for the next volume in the saga.
May 20, 2022
Live to fight another day
The final saga of Hundr the man with the dogs name continues he's to draw you in. His realization of who he really is and what family really means is found in blood. This story still doesn't feels finished so I really hope a fourth book will come out!
The final saga of Hundr the man with the dogs name continues he's to draw you in. His realization of who he really is and what family really means is found in blood. This story still doesn't feels finished so I really hope a fourth book will come out!
June 3, 2022
the final chapter
Yes very good but predictable it’s the turn of the wheel in this saga I have not idea how this will end and hope the writer does not fill gaps with words about the last two books
But I will read on to the end
Yes very good but predictable it’s the turn of the wheel in this saga I have not idea how this will end and hope the writer does not fill gaps with words about the last two books
But I will read on to the end
June 9, 2022
Really good fun. Exciting, lots of battle scenes, so if axes and swords aren't your thing it might be a bit much. Intersesting real history woven in. I can't wait to find out what happens to Mundhr and his crew next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2022
even better
I think this third book brings characters’ development to a very human, believable and compelling point of change. The action, sense of history and politics works very well.
I think this third book brings characters’ development to a very human, believable and compelling point of change. The action, sense of history and politics works very well.
August 4, 2022
a Es for alballa
Another first class Viking epic that you expect from such a knowledgeable and first class battle author as this.
I will follow his series of books with relish.
Well recommended
Another first class Viking epic that you expect from such a knowledgeable and first class battle author as this.
I will follow his series of books with relish.
Well recommended
January 1, 2023
Predictable but satisfying
The narrative is predictable and drawn out. It's about 50 pages too long, but the final sequence makes it worthwhile. Not great but not bad. A decent read if you have a free afternoon.
The narrative is predictable and drawn out. It's about 50 pages too long, but the final sequence makes it worthwhile. Not great but not bad. A decent read if you have a free afternoon.
January 13, 2023
let’s go a’viking
Such a great read, bring on the Bk4, enthralling, funny, sad, swashbuckling, the perfect combination. Peter’s writing is not just realistic, it is immersive, it draws you in, and luckily won’t let you go.
Such a great read, bring on the Bk4, enthralling, funny, sad, swashbuckling, the perfect combination. Peter’s writing is not just realistic, it is immersive, it draws you in, and luckily won’t let you go.
June 19, 2023
Non-stop action
This is a great series and this 3rd book is as full of action and adventure as the previous 2. Brilliant story-telling which keeps you engrossed from start to finish. I’m off to read book 4.
This is a great series and this 3rd book is as full of action and adventure as the previous 2. Brilliant story-telling which keeps you engrossed from start to finish. I’m off to read book 4.
August 1, 2023
“Great Read!”
Looking forward to the next one…
I’ve been reading Historical Fiction for years. And Gibbons touches shore in places I hadn’t vicariously traveled before. I hope those who follow enjoy the Whale Road as much as I, “Fair Winds to ya!” (Capt. Seamus, of West Port)
Looking forward to the next one…
I’ve been reading Historical Fiction for years. And Gibbons touches shore in places I hadn’t vicariously traveled before. I hope those who follow enjoy the Whale Road as much as I, “Fair Winds to ya!” (Capt. Seamus, of West Port)
March 11, 2024
Another great novel from Peter Gibbons. This is the third in the series and so far I've loved all of them. Can't quit reading about Hundr and his co-horts. A lot of action and some good side stories of the people involved.
December 5, 2024
I’ve enjoyed this series so far but book 3 just didn’t do it for me. Slow start and just an okay plot. Hundr annoyed me til the end. I liked the fighting segments, though - Lots of detail put into it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews