The Golden Horn

Last Viking #1

by Poul Anderson

The saga of Harald Harrede.
"He was a huge man, fully seven feet tall and no one could stand before him in battle or sport...His manner was often curt and haughty, though he know how to win to him those whom he liked...and he could never hear enough of far lands."
"So wide a world and so short a span to wander it!"

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Science Fiction Fantasy

284 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1980

About the author

Pseudonym A. A. Craig, Michael Karageorge, Winston P. Sanders, P. A. Kingsley.

Poul William Anderson was an American science fiction author who began his career during one of the Golden Ages of the genre and continued to write and remain popular into the 21st century. Anderson also authored several works of fantasy, historical novels, and a prodigious number of short stories. He received numerous awards for his writing, including seven Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards.

Anderson received a degree in physics from the University of Minnesota in 1948. He married Karen Kruse in 1953. They had one daughter, Astrid, who is married to science fiction author Greg Bear. Anderson was the sixth President of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, taking office in 1972. He was a member of the Swordsmen and Sorcerers' Guild of America, a loose-knit group of Heroic Fantasy authors founded in the 1960s, some of whose works were anthologized in Lin Carter's Flashing Swords! anthologies. He was a founding member of the Society for Creative Anachronism. Robert A. Heinlein dedicated his 1985 novel The Cat Who Walks Through Walls to Anderson and eight of the other members of the Citizens' Advisory Council on National Space Policy.[2][3]

Poul Anderson died of cancer on July 31, 2001, after a month in the hospital. Several of his novels were published posthumously.


Series:
* Time Patrol
* Psychotechnic League
* Trygve Yamamura
* Harvest of Stars
* King of Ys
* Last Viking
* Hoka
* Future history of the Polesotechnic League
* Flandry

Reviews

[Bookwraiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.

I’m a fan of history. Any history really. I love it all. But tales of the Vikings have always been one of my favorites, especially when they are filled with examples of their legendary prowess as warriors. Well, in The Golden Horn, Poul Anderson gives me just that and more, as he takes a close look at one of the most famous Vikings of all: Harald Sigurdharson (1015-66), who became Norway’s King Harald III.

The tale begins with a teenage Harald fighting along side his older half-brother, Olaf the Stout, at the Battle of Stiklestad. This uprising against King Olaf caused by his devotion to the Christian faith and his constant restrictions against the old ways of worship. The naive and untested Harald discovering first hand the brutality of war and the fickleness of fate.

Unfortunately (according to you perspective, I suppose), the battle goes ill for Olaf, resulting in the king’s death and causing young Harald to flee into exile. His path eventually taking him to Russia where he becomes a mercenary to the ruler of Novgorod before he eventually finds his way to Constantinople where he is determined to become the commander of the Byzantine Varangian Guard. All along the way, Harald fights varies battles, makes innumerable friends and allies, and constantly plans to return home to press his claim to the throne of Norway.

Throughout this near biographical story, Poul Anderson attempts to highlight for a reader both the tough-as-nails warrior mentality of Harald as well as showing that he had other, less celebrated qualities. To this end, Mr. Anderson clearly illustrates the future king’s fiery, Viking temper, his unwavering determination, and his absolute confidence in his own invincibility, but he also highlights his deep devotion to his friends and loved ones, faithfulness to those he owes allegiance to, and his heartfelt desire to finish the work of his half-brother by bringing Christianity to his people.

The only criticism I have of the book is that, at times, the author told me about Harald more than he showed me. The narrative reading more like isolated snapshots of this man’s life than as a linear movie. Not that I don’t understand the need to skip weeks, months, or years when telling this initial chapter in Harald’s long, life story, but I felt it could have been handled a bit more smoothly to produce a more immersive experience.

All in all, The Golden Horn was exactly what I expected it to be: an exciting romp through this period of history with a group of Vikings. How could I not enjoy seeing the world from the frosty Scandinavian lands to the mild climes of the Mediterranean? It was filled with exotic locals, interesting people from the past, and even an emotional and bitter struggle between the old Norse religion and the new Christian church. Sure, it skipped forward in time occasionally, but even that annoyance didn’t detract from me enjoying this tale of King Harald III.

[Sverre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A review of ‘The Last Viking’ trilogy.

This trilogy is the most significant modern account of the fascinating the life of Harald Sigurdharson (1015-66), who became Norway’s King Harald III, given the epithet Hardhraadhi (Hardråde, Hardrada, Hardrede), meaning “strict ruler or hard counsel”. The prolific American writer, Poul Anderson (1926-2001), who was himself of Norwegian ancestry, scoured numerous historical documents and saga narratives to bring veracity to these books. Almost every main character has been based on actual persons and, for the most part, their real life situations and accomplishments.

The reader follows Harald from childhood to the age of fifteen in 1030 when he fought at the Battle of Stiklastadh (Stiklestad), a peasant uprising against the king, who was his older half-brother, Olaf Haraldsson, called Olaf the Stout. He, King Olaf II, died in that epic battle. He was later canonized by the Pope and given the epithet “the Holy one.” Harald escaped to Russia where he became loyal to Kiev’s Grand Prince Yaroslav and eventually obtained the rank of captain. In 1034 he and a horde of Norsemen went south to Constantinople where Harald rose to become commander of the Byzantine Varangian Guard. He fought in varies battles in the Mediterranean area and became renowned for his acumen and prowess. He accumulated great wealth and escaped the clutches of the Byzantine Empire in 1042, returning to Yaroslav where he prepared for his return to Norway where he eventually succeeded to claim his right to the throne. In 1044 he had married Yaroslav’s daughter, Elizabeth (Ellisif), and who became his queen.

Harald was king of Norway for almost twenty years. Anderson maintains the reader’s interest by his account of the main events during two decades of his garrulous rulership. This was a brutal age and Harald maintained his hold on the kingdom by any means fair or foul. Whether he was admired, respected, feared or hated he accomplished the strengthening of the rule of law, the increased influence of the Holy Church and the development of trade and commerce. He expanded the town of Trondheim (Nidaros), founded the city of Oslo, the present-day capital, as well as Bergen and several towns. He was progressive in many ways although he will mostly be remembered for his warring abilities. His ambition was to conquer King Svein’s Denmark but although he attempted numerous times he never succeeded. Being the inheritor of an age-old agreement between English and Norwegian/Danish kings, Harald had by succession a claim to the throne of England. In 1065 and 66 he set out to fulfill that claim when he invaded Northumbria.

In this trilogy, published in 1980 (republished as Kindle editions in 2015), Poul Anderson, in collaboration with his wife Karen, produced a masterful fictionalized biography. Harald’s contrasting relationships with his two wives, Ellisif and Thora add an element of heartfelt devotion, bringing out a softer side to the tough-as-nails absolutist and tyrannous warrior. Their prose is imaginatively descriptive. The dialogue reflects the stark reality of circumstances. Often the lingering conflict between the old Norse mythology and newly adopted Christian theology smolders in characters' consciousness. Readers will often be challenged to find sympathy with Harald. He is rash, tempestuous and driven by his own agenda. He is his own worst enemy. But until he meets his tragic end he was a survivor at any cost. He was not devoid of honor and loyalty as long as they did not get in the way of his commanding perception of his ow self-sufficiency.

[Kemery Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

What makes this particular story difficult to review is that it is as frustrating as it is good. The plot and premise are simple, and it continues to be so throughout for better or worse.

Overall, a very fine book. The plot and events are fun, interesting, and at times quite emotionally impactful. That being said, it doesn't seem like Essential Reading because all of the incredible depth that Poul Anderson usually puts out is not in this one.

Full review:
essentialreadingsandreviews.blogspot....

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a history buff who appreciates a dramatic embellishment to the facts. To put it simply, I love a swashbuckling adventure based in reality. The Golden Horn provides that, but it takes a while to get rolling. The famous Poul Anderson flair kicked in just as I was about to put the book down as a boring waste of time. For some reason Anderson began by telling me about Harald Hardrada more than he showed me. At the start, his writing read more like a history textbook than a story with emotional depth and a riveting plot. But once Harald arrives in Constantinople, Anderson brings out the living, breathing, lusty, yearning, resourceful, hard-headed, brawling warrior-king I was hoping to meet.

If you make it this far, you'll end up watching Harald's Varangians capture birds from a Saracen stronghold to use as flying "fire bombs" to burn the enemy town down around their ears. You'll share Harald's grief as he is separated from the love of his life by the jealous and vindictive old frump, Empress Zoe. You'll be in his head as he considers the woman he eventually settled on:

"He lay for a while, thinking mostly that his wife was not meant for the sea. It was not only the sickness; she could hardly get down the salt food, and was pitifully shamed by her own necessities even though two serving maids held a blanket before her. Well, let her stay behind in Norway, then. He rolled over, weary with a long day’s work, and drifted into darkness."

But almost tossing a Poul Anderson novel is disconcerting. I was expecting a story full of Anderson's colorful writing. Instead he rationed it out. Never-the-less, I enjoyed following Harald as he is forced to leave his lands and head to Constantinople to become a skilled warrior, leader, and gather wealth so he can recapture the Norwegian crown.

Even without a full dose of Poul Anderson's usually gripping prose, The Golden Horn is an exciting romp through 11th Century Constantinople with a group of Vikings. It is filled with exotic locales and interesting characters. This book is a great piece of historical fiction that should appeal to anyone interested in Harald Hardrada, medieval Byzantium, or the works of Poul Anderson.

[Carl Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Last Viking” Series

One does not need to familiarize oneself very much with Poul Anderson’s works before learning that he had – and sometimes freely and indulged – a serious “Viking obsession”. For those who like slight old-fashioned fantasy or historical fiction set in the Viking Age, this is a good thing.

“The Last Viking” series was published as a trilogy of three separate paperbacks in 1980. In fact, these were co-written with Poul’s wife, Karen Anderson, though her name does not usually appear in the credits on published versions. No individual book exceeds 300 pages, making the series as a whole still shorter than a modern fantasy or historical fiction novel.

Together, “The Last Viking” series recounts in fictionalized form the life and times of Harald “Hardrada” (i.e., the “hard-ruler”) Sigurdarson (Old Norse: Haraldr harðráða Sigurðarson), king of Norway in the early/mid-11th century AD. The Andersons were not the first modern authors to tackle this subject nor were they to be the last.

Harald himself was a colorful, complicated figure whose eventful career took him from Scandinavia to Byzantium before it ended in England. The main source for his life is his saga within the Heimskringla compendium of sagas of Norwegian kings (where it is perhaps the most readable for a modern audience), though the Andersons make a point of having dug into other medieval Danish, Byzantine, German, and English sources to round out their own take on Harald’s tale. This is, overall, not a bad thing, though they sometimes seem a little too beholden to their sources, cramming anecdotes or references to anecdotes – not to mention a fair bit of historical background into expository dialogue or plain info-dumps. One sometimes feels that there is perhaps more than enough detail for books of these lengths; or, alternatively, the books needed to be longer to provide adequate scope to the material. These are, moreover, mid-20th-century (more than even late-20th-century) novels, but with deep roots in the historical novels of previous generations. Though not going “full William Morris”, the Andersons use archaic or archaizing terms freely (many modern readers may need to reach for a well-stocked dictionary) and cleave system for Anglicizing Old Norse names that may occasionally cause even the silent reader to stumble.

On the other hand, at their best, the narrative and descriptions are rich with evocative prose, and there’s little doubt that the authors (presumably Poul, especially) have a deep feeling for their subject and setting. If one has a taste for Viking-Age adventure helmed by a driven, somewhat flawed, but always compelling protagonist in somewhat stentorian but often vibrant language, then the Andersons will deliver for you in “The Last Viking” series.

The Golden Horn (The Last Viking, #1)

The first book in the series, The Golden Horn, covers the first part of Harald’s career, from 1030 to c. 1046.

It begins with a brief prologue that introduces a toddler-age Harald but then jumps for the first proper chapter to the protagonist’s mid-teens when Harald fights in the Battle of Stiklestad (1030 AD) alongside his half-brother king (later saint) Olaf. Things go badly: the battle is lost, Olaf is slain, and an injured Harald is on the run from the victors. The experience of the battle is one key element in the construction of Harald’s own character: Olaf, though titled “king” was in reality one of various leaders contending for control of some or all of Norway, and the army that defeated him was a coalition of rival chieftains and farmers. Throughout the rest of the series, Harald broods over the Norwegians’ fractious nature, being convinced that the land should have but one king to keep it united and strong – and that, of course, he should be that king. This element of character is to be reinforced by his subsequent career in the Byzantine Empire.

In any event, fleeing the ruin of Stiklestad, with the help of allies, Harald makes his way across Scandinavia and the Baltic to Kyivan Rus' where he gains experience as a mercenary for Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise before moving on to Constantinople. There he joins the Varangian Guard, a mercenary force composed largely of men from northern Europe serving as bodyguards for the Byzantine emperors, and rises to become its commander.

Harald’s time as a Byzantine mercenary forms the core of the book, with his experiences and observations of the Byzantine Empire forming something of a model for how a state should be run – though Harald is not insensitive to its flaws, either. Indeed, embroilment in court politics, complicated by a heart-felt relationship with Maria, a Byzantine noble’s daughter, threatens to derail Harald’s core intentions of using his time in Constantinople to gather wealth to support his eventual return to Norway.

Eventually, with his life increasingly at risk, Harald manages to escape with a number of his men from Constantinople – though not, as he had intended, with his beloved Maria. Perhaps more realistic and hard-headed than Harald in certain ways, Maria realizes that her departure would put her family at risk from Harald’s enemies and insists on being left behind. One senses that Harald likewise is confronted with the most difficult choice in his life at this point, but Harald is Harald, and even a love to which he continually looks back over the rest of the series will not sway him from his drive to return to Norway and reshape in his image (insofar as anyone can do that).

Leaving Byzantium and Maria behind, Harald sets himself sternly to the task at hand. Returning through Kyivan Rus', he contracts marriage with Yaroslav’s daughter Elizabeth – with whom he will have a complicated relationship for the rest of his life – and carries on with her to Scandinavia.

While Harald was in Constantinople, his nephew Magnus (the illegitimate son of Harald’s half-brother Saint Olaf) had managed to claim rulership of Norway after the demise of the Danish regent who had overseen it since the Battle of Stiklestad. Magnus also had a claim on Denmark itself, though this was contested by the nephew of the former Danish king, Sweyn Estridsson.

Arriving in the midst of this situation, Harald first allied himself with Sweyn, leading Magnus to appease him by agreeing to recognize Harald as co-king of Norway. Harald accepts this, though it is clearly something he sees as a temporary necessity on his way to realizing his personal “correction” of the defeat in civil war at Stiklestad and building his own northern empire centered on Norway. The Golden Horn ends on this note, with the story of Harald’s career continued in the series’ second book, The Road of the Sea Horse.

[Skallagrimsen]

Much though I admire Poul Anderson, I'd recommend skipping this one, if not altogether, then at least until after you've read the source: Harald Hardrada's Saga, by Snorri Sturluson. The far flung, blood-soaked adventures of the last and, arguably, greatest of all the Viking kings don't need novelizing to make them accessible to modern readers. The most vivid and compelling version of Harald's story remains the original.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 2.5 of 5

This is the story of one of the most famous Vikings, Harald Sigurdharson (aka Harald Sigurdsson, aka Harald Hardråde) who will become Norway's King Harald III. We begin with teenage Harald, fighting alongside his brother, King Olaf II, known as Olaf the Stout. There is an uprising against King Olaf due to his devotion and support of Christianity and Olaf is killed in the skirmish. Harald escapes to Russia and finds work as a mercenary.
Harald finds success, makes many friends in his rough life, and he'll call upon them as he works his way back to Norway to claim his rightful place on the throne.

Although author Poul Anderson is a noted science fiction/fantasy author, I have not read many works by him, and those I did read were back in the 1970's. His writing didn't make a big (or positive) impression on me and so I've mostly ignored his rather large body of work. This reprint caught my eye due to the Viking theme. I was not aware that it was very much historical fiction - all the characters, locations, and battles being actual people, places, and fights according to historical records. Had I known, I probably would have jumped into this read much sooner. My appreciation of the book, however, was not likely to have been very different.

This might have worked better as a history book than a novel. At least it reads very much like the history books that I grew up with - facts and figures, who met with whom, who fought with whom, how did person 'A' get to point 'B'? Ready for the test? Meaning ... this was dry.

Some readers and writers just don't click, and I think Poul Anderson is one of those writers that doesn't work for me. Such great material - clearly something I would really be fascinated with, and yet I struggled to get through this. A Viking warrior! One who would become one of the greatest kings in Norway! How do you make this so dull?!

It's clear that Anderson did a great deal of research and had a passion for the subject. I appreciated the historical perspective, but it almost seems as though Anderson wanted to make sure he was accurate, more than telling a ripping good yarn. That's just an impression, and I sure could be mistaken.

When I went to Wikipedia to look up some background information on the book I notice that this book (the first book of a trilogy) is co-written with Poul's wife, Karen. Goodreads does not mention this on the book page.

I had high hopes, but this didn't appeal to me.

Looking for a good book? The Golden Horn by Poul Anderson, the first book in The Last Viking trilogy, is historical fiction - strong on history, slow on storytelling.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Michael Drakich · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a note, I read all three books of the series before writing this review.

This series is an interesting juxtaposition of fantasy and actual history. Prior to reading these books, I had actually reviewed what historical facts I could garner on the main character Harald Sigurdsson to use in my novel, Lest The Dew Rust Them, so the major facts in the novel are exact, while clearly, the minutiae details are fabrications by the author. Because all of the major facts are true, do I consider the novel an historical fiction or an actual historical? I am somewhat torn between the two distinctions.

I would recommend this series to any history buff who would appreciate a personal embellishment to the facts.

This first book of the series deals with Harald's early life, prior to becoming king in Norway. His time in Constantinople is perhaps, the most interesting period of his life. It reflects the easy anger and spontaneity of youth in a manner that befits Harald and makes this first book, in my opinion, the best of the three. I gave this book four stars.

[Carl Palmateer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given the author I was expecting a fantasy novel but it is really historical fiction. It is more interesting in that I read some of the translated source documents about a year ago but its not what I was looking for as HF is not my preferred genre. Its Ok as far as it goes and I'll finish the trilogy.

[Benjamin Kahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining accounting of Harald III of Norway early years, and service in the Varangian Guards. I knew Poul Anderson just as a Science Fiction writer, and didn't know he wrote historical fiction as well. So far, this story has been good, and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

[Bradley Mork · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like tales about Vikings you'll like this.

[Kristin Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started slowly but got more interesting as it developed

[Maggie]

Bx,Rokp

[Joseph Finley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the mid-eleventh century, "The Golden Horn" by Poul Anderson covers the early life of King Harald Hadrada. At the time of the novel, Harald is a Norwegian Prince in exile after Cnut the Great, king of Denmark and England, defeated Harald’s half-brother, King Olaf the Stout, to claim Norway’s throne. This is the second book I’ve read about Harald, but it’s the first one that portrays him as a noble – yet highly ambitious – hero.

After his half-brother’s death, Harald flees to Russia (which, incidentally, had been founded by Northmen) to the house of Jaroslav, Grand Prince of the Rus. There, Harald grows into manhood as a seven-foot-tall warrior, whom Anderson describes as “curt and haughty” with “small taste for bookish learning.” He’s the classic warrior-hero of twentieth century fiction, along the lines of Conan the Cimmerian, for “no one could stand before him in battle or sport.” All Harald dreams of is reclaiming Norway’s throne, but until the moment is right, Jaroslav convinces Harald to bide time in legendary Miklagardh, where he could win fame and fortune serving in the emperor’s Varangian Guard.

Miklagardh – a Norse name for Constantinople – is where most of the book takes place, and gives the book its title, the “Golden Horn,” referring to the primary inlet of the Bosporus around the great city. It is also the place where the book hits its stride, as Harald soon finds himself caught up in the politics and machinations of the Byzantine court. After joining the Varangians, a group of rollicking Northmen who serve as the emperor’s elite soldiers, Harald becomes noticed by the Empress Zoe, a bawdy, yet cunning woman rumored to have poisoned her first husband. He also earns the attention of John the Monk, the emperor’s ruthless and conniving brother. Both have designs for the young Norwegian prince, whom they view as a valuable pawn in their Byzantine games.

Much of the book concerns Harald’s military adventures as he and his Varangians battle Saracens, Normans, and Bulgarians at the emperor’s behest. But it is Harald love affair with Maria, the beautiful daughter of a Greek nobleman, that is the novel’s most compelling storyline. Maria serves as a lady in the empress’ court, but Zoe is none too pleased about her relationship with Harald, which ultimately puts the Norwegian prince at odds with the most powerful woman in Byzantium.

While there is plenty of action in the story, the novel also contains lengthy doses of exposition. I viewed the exposition as a welcome lesson in history, although I could see some readers wanting to skip through it, since it tends to slow down the pace. Overall, however, I found The Golden Horn to be a worthy piece of historical fiction that should appeal to anyone interested in Harald Hardrada, medieval Byzantium, or the works of Poul Anderson, one of the legendary authors of fantasy fiction’s golden age.

[Joseph Finley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the mid-eleventh century, “The Golden Horn” by Poul Anderson covers the early life of King Harald Hadrada. At the time of the novel, Harald is a Norwegian Prince in exile after Cnut the Great, king of Denmark and England, defeated Harald’s half-brother, King Olaf the Stout, to claim Norway’s throne. This is the second book I’ve read about Harald, but it’s the first one that portrays him as a noble – yet highly ambitious – hero.

After his half-brother’s death, Harald flees to Russia (which, incidentally, had been founded by Northmen) to the house of Jaroslav, Grand Prince of the Rus. There, Harald grows into manhood as a seven-foot-tall warrior, whom Anderson describes as “curt and haughty” with “small taste for bookish learning.” He’s the classic warrior-hero of twentieth century fiction, along the lines of Conan the Cimmerian, for “no one could stand before him in battle or sport.” All Harald dreams of is reclaiming Norway’s throne, but until the moment is right, Jaroslav convinces Harald to bide time in legendary Miklagardh, where he could win fame and fortune serving in the emperor’s Varangian Guard.

Miklagardh – a Norse name for Constantinople – is where most of the book takes place, and gives the book its title, the “Golden Horn,” referring to the primary inlet of the Bosporus around the great city. It is also the place where the book hits its stride, as Harald soon finds himself caught up in the politics and machinations of the Byzantine court. After joining the Varangians, a group of rollicking Northmen who serve as the emperor’s elite soldiers, Harald becomes noticed by the Empress Zoe, a bawdy, yet cunning woman rumored to have poisoned her first husband. He also earns the attention of John the Monk, the emperor’s ruthless and conniving brother. Both have designs for the young Norwegian prince, whom they view as a valuable pawn in their Byzantine games.

Much of the book concerns Harald’s military adventures as he and his Varangians battle Saracens, Normans, and Bulgarians at the emperor’s behest. But it is Harald love affair with Maria, the beautiful daughter of a Greek nobleman, that is the novel’s most compelling storyline. Maria serves as a lady in the empress’ court, but Zoe is none too pleased about her relationship with Harald, which ultimately puts the Norwegian prince at odds with the most powerful woman in Byzantium.

While there is plenty of action in the story, the novel also contains lengthy doses of exposition. I viewed the exposition as a welcome lesson in history, although I could see some readers wanting to skip through it, since it tends to slow down the pace. Overall, however, I found “The Golden Horn” to be a worthy piece of historical fiction that should appeal to anyone interested in Harald Hardrada, medieval Byzantium, or the works of Poul Anderson, one of the legendary authors of fantasy fiction’s golden age.

[Bill Thorness · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of the last of the great Viking kings, who happens to be a distant ancestor, is taken from the verbal sagas and transfers well to historical fiction. Before Harold Hardrede was king in his own land, he was a very successful mercenary in Russian and Mediterranean empires. It is the first of a trilogy, and ends just as Harold has returned home and claims part of his kingdom.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Viking stories and Anderson is a great story teller. Just a fantastic read. Looking forward to picking up the next in the series, which is a bit difficult to find.

Highly recommended to fans of Norse legends and to those who like their historical fiction with a touch of the fantastic.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in the series. A very good book.

[Dasenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like it, its like Orm :)