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The Whale Road Chronicles #6
Blood Eagle
Einar and the Wolf Coats undertake a dangerous mission to war-torn Northern France in this thrilling Viking adventure from Tim Hodkinson.
936 AD. Brittany is torn apart by war. Many nobles have sought refuge in King Aethelstan's England, including Louis, prospective king of Francia. Einar and the Wolf Coats, disillusioned by events in Norway, are also at Aethelstan's court.
When Louis decides to take up his throne, Aethelstan sees a way to make a crucial ally: a powerful noble whose support Louis needs. And Aethelstan has just the men he needs to carry his message... and undertake a secret mission.
The Wolf Coats' quest is fraught with danger and foreboding, for the world is changing. Pagan kings clash with Christians, Vikings assail Francia, and Einar and his crewmates risk death at the centre of the storm.
936 AD. Brittany is torn apart by war. Many nobles have sought refuge in King Aethelstan's England, including Louis, prospective king of Francia. Einar and the Wolf Coats, disillusioned by events in Norway, are also at Aethelstan's court.
When Louis decides to take up his throne, Aethelstan sees a way to make a crucial ally: a powerful noble whose support Louis needs. And Aethelstan has just the men he needs to carry his message... and undertake a secret mission.
The Wolf Coats' quest is fraught with danger and foreboding, for the world is changing. Pagan kings clash with Christians, Vikings assail Francia, and Einar and his crewmates risk death at the centre of the storm.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2023
98 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Tim Hodkinson
20 books186 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.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 27, 2023
This new entry of Einar's saga was a fascinating read being able to explore such obscure historical characters as are Alan Twisted Beard and William Longsword on such a close and intimate manner is certainly among the best things of historical fiction, the characters' conflict fits perfectly the arc with ever conflicted Einar, Kari and of course Ulrich himself who despite putting up a confident face there is much uncertainty that brings working for a Christian King just for the sake of wealth against those that share your customs(and sometimes values).
Brittany's portrayal during such a troubled time period was pure gold really appreciated the Battle of Dol getting some page time with our viking group seeing it happening first hand(also heads up for the incredible humanization of the defeated old vikings remembering their lives with honour so close to their death with that unpleasant Breton bully enough to abuse them at their worst as that's war and all but his death was so sweet), read so much about how devastating the Viking Age was for the Bretons, the Loire Vikings and the Normans carving up the proud Old Kingdom of Brittany till the point Alan Barbedote and his successors could only be hailed as Dukes(as well as the increasing allegiance to the Frankish court born from Alan's exile), how very little was created and the mixing of cultures and peoples was limited to the coast, how the cities were abandoned even specially shocked me, showing through the pages how few the Loire Vikings were and how unruly Brittany can be for non-natives was a good enough reflection.
Perphaps the most enjoyable parts of the Whale Roads series is to read the rare switch POVS that Tim dares to do from time to time, Affreca many times is a far more interesting view point that Einar letting us explore the many difficulties and circumstances of women on the SX century(Affreca's dry humour and wit are the best), her scenes with Lady Sprota and the volvas are up to the standarts of quality we've seen before and certainly add to her overall growth and path.
Ireland and Wessex will be pretty niche destinations for our heroes, ambitions more alive than ever with pride and sense of purpose being key to all, thought I am going to miss Brittany and this unique setting, Tim's works are getting better time and time again!
Brittany's portrayal during such a troubled time period was pure gold really appreciated the Battle of Dol getting some page time with our viking group seeing it happening first hand(also heads up for the incredible humanization of the defeated old vikings remembering their lives with honour so close to their death with that unpleasant Breton bully enough to abuse them at their worst as that's war and all but his death was so sweet), read so much about how devastating the Viking Age was for the Bretons, the Loire Vikings and the Normans carving up the proud Old Kingdom of Brittany till the point Alan Barbedote and his successors could only be hailed as Dukes(as well as the increasing allegiance to the Frankish court born from Alan's exile), how very little was created and the mixing of cultures and peoples was limited to the coast, how the cities were abandoned even specially shocked me, showing through the pages how few the Loire Vikings were and how unruly Brittany can be for non-natives was a good enough reflection.
Perphaps the most enjoyable parts of the Whale Roads series is to read the rare switch POVS that Tim dares to do from time to time, Affreca many times is a far more interesting view point that Einar letting us explore the many difficulties and circumstances of women on the SX century(Affreca's dry humour and wit are the best), her scenes with Lady Sprota and the volvas are up to the standarts of quality we've seen before and certainly add to her overall growth and path.
Ireland and Wessex will be pretty niche destinations for our heroes, ambitions more alive than ever with pride and sense of purpose being key to all, thought I am going to miss Brittany and this unique setting, Tim's works are getting better time and time again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2023
A first class novel about a group of highly trained and motivated Vikings fighting in England and France on behalf of a treacherous King Aethelstan. The group of warriors could easily be compared to a modern UK Special Forces unit. Trained to carefully & stealthily attack from the sea, intelligent professionals , skilled in most forms of combat, and protective of non-combatants.
The protagonists characters are skilfully well rounded by the author and strangely likeable. The conversations between the team members are typical of the warrior class with lots of gentle, and not so gentle, banter.
The battle scenes are very realistic and full of gore, as expected! Lots of intrigue and unexpected plot twists
Expect a chilling and full description of what the book’s title relates to.
To summarise, a thrilling and exciting book. I didn’t want it to finish. The author is definitely in the league of Bernard Cornwall.
The protagonists characters are skilfully well rounded by the author and strangely likeable. The conversations between the team members are typical of the warrior class with lots of gentle, and not so gentle, banter.
The battle scenes are very realistic and full of gore, as expected! Lots of intrigue and unexpected plot twists
Expect a chilling and full description of what the book’s title relates to.
To summarise, a thrilling and exciting book. I didn’t want it to finish. The author is definitely in the league of Bernard Cornwall.
February 25, 2023
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blood Eagle is the 6th installment of The Whale Road Chronicles. This book can be read as a stand alone and not be confused by not having read the other books in the series. I enjoyed the array of characters and the inclusion of actual historical figures. As soon as you start this book you're thrown in to battles and shield walls. It made it easier to be absorbed by the story being told. Einnar's character development was one of my favorite components of Blood Eagle and the ending did not disappoint in the slightest. I was hooked reading this book to the point of staying up most of the night to read it. I'd recommend this book and will be reading any additional books and those already existing.
Blood Eagle is the 6th installment of The Whale Road Chronicles. This book can be read as a stand alone and not be confused by not having read the other books in the series. I enjoyed the array of characters and the inclusion of actual historical figures. As soon as you start this book you're thrown in to battles and shield walls. It made it easier to be absorbed by the story being told. Einnar's character development was one of my favorite components of Blood Eagle and the ending did not disappoint in the slightest. I was hooked reading this book to the point of staying up most of the night to read it. I'd recommend this book and will be reading any additional books and those already existing.
November 17, 2023
Good, but not my favourite
I love this series and I always find myself enjoying them from cover to cover.
I didn't quite feel that with this one, it felt a lot slower than the others and even the action felt quite lackluster.
That's not to say it's not a good story though, it's interesting, a great story and still plenty of action to follow, it's just not the best one of the series and while I love the author's description, I felt it was unnecessary sometimes and often made Einar appear a little simple, as if it was still his first time experiencing things he has done plenty of times.
Nevertheless, it's still a great book and I recommend this series to any historical fiction fans!
I love this series and I always find myself enjoying them from cover to cover.
I didn't quite feel that with this one, it felt a lot slower than the others and even the action felt quite lackluster.
That's not to say it's not a good story though, it's interesting, a great story and still plenty of action to follow, it's just not the best one of the series and while I love the author's description, I felt it was unnecessary sometimes and often made Einar appear a little simple, as if it was still his first time experiencing things he has done plenty of times.
Nevertheless, it's still a great book and I recommend this series to any historical fiction fans!
March 6, 2023
Cracking.
Another brilliant adventure for Ulrich, Einar, Affreca, Sigurd, Skar, Kari, Starkad, Wulfhelm and Surt. Roan still captains their ship. After finding out that they have no home, the Wolfpack decide to help King Aethelstan. It's a simple enough mission, but nothing is ever that simple. Just like all the other books written by Tim Hodkinson, I couldn't put it down. It's a rollicking adventure, non stop action and some real laugh out loud moments.
If you haven't already done so, I suggest you buy this book now. If you haven't read any of this series, start at book I. You won't be sorry.
Another brilliant adventure for Ulrich, Einar, Affreca, Sigurd, Skar, Kari, Starkad, Wulfhelm and Surt. Roan still captains their ship. After finding out that they have no home, the Wolfpack decide to help King Aethelstan. It's a simple enough mission, but nothing is ever that simple. Just like all the other books written by Tim Hodkinson, I couldn't put it down. It's a rollicking adventure, non stop action and some real laugh out loud moments.
If you haven't already done so, I suggest you buy this book now. If you haven't read any of this series, start at book I. You won't be sorry.
June 3, 2023
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Another excellent book in this quality series, there are references to previous stories but could easily be read as a standalone novel. Well written and researched with a real feel for time and place, maybe not as much action as we have become used to, but still a real page turner, atmospheric clever descriptive with superb characterisation throughout.
Right up there with Bernard Cornwells Uhtred series.
Completely recommended.
Another excellent book in this quality series, there are references to previous stories but could easily be read as a standalone novel. Well written and researched with a real feel for time and place, maybe not as much action as we have become used to, but still a real page turner, atmospheric clever descriptive with superb characterisation throughout.
Right up there with Bernard Cornwells Uhtred series.
Completely recommended.
July 20, 2025
Bloody Eagle
The Whale Road Chronicles is one of the best Sagas that I have read in the last several years. My wife bought me a reader so we could save money. We are both retired and I no longer could afford books. I read every night with my cookies and Tea. I am so happy that there are still 2 books left in this series. The twists and turns of this saga will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Whale Road Chronicles is one of the best Sagas that I have read in the last several years. My wife bought me a reader so we could save money. We are both retired and I no longer could afford books. I read every night with my cookies and Tea. I am so happy that there are still 2 books left in this series. The twists and turns of this saga will keep you on the edge of your seat.
March 21, 2023
Blood Eagle, disappointed
I'm sorry the end of this book was dissapointing, Einar was always n honourable man & I feel he let his crew mates, friends & mother down. If there is another book in this mainly excellent series I hope you allow Sonar to redeem himself & his honour
I'm sorry the end of this book was dissapointing, Einar was always n honourable man & I feel he let his crew mates, friends & mother down. If there is another book in this mainly excellent series I hope you allow Sonar to redeem himself & his honour
June 28, 2023
Love this series
Great series and great story-telling with action all the way through right from the start. I hope the author is busy writing the next book in the series, I can’t wait!
Great series and great story-telling with action all the way through right from the start. I hope the author is busy writing the next book in the series, I can’t wait!
August 20, 2023
Really enjoying this saga,cannot seem to get enough of it.Possinly a little biast as I come from a small town the Vikings actually raided. Love it great prose and character building hanging for the next chapter.
Pedge.
Pedge.
March 14, 2023
Brilliant
Tim, s books gets better every time he writes look forward to the next in the series 5 stars excellent
Tim, s books gets better every time he writes look forward to the next in the series 5 stars excellent
March 31, 2023
A bloody, brutal, gory story, I loved it! I also loved that at the end, Einer leaves the blood and gore behind to fulfill the oath they had made, and try to find peace rather than following chaos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2023
This has been a great series , but this book just didn’t have it. Too depressing
April 26, 2023
How long do I have to wait for the next one?! Damn this cliffhanger ending!
June 21, 2023
Liked it
It took me a little while to get into this book but once I did I read it pretty quickly. I'm not sure that it was as good as some of the previous books But I enjoyed it.
It took me a little while to get into this book but once I did I read it pretty quickly. I'm not sure that it was as good as some of the previous books But I enjoyed it.
November 1, 2023
The Bears Blade was a bit stronger than this one. This book was one step back when it comes to pacing, action and character development.
September 11, 2024
The 6th of a 6 book series…although it wouldn’t surprise me to see another book.
May 15, 2025
Enjoying this series very much!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews