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The Book of Dreams
(Saxon #1)
by
Sigwulf, a minor Saxon prince, is saved from execution after his family is slaughtered by the ruthless King Offa of Mercia. Thanks to his Devil's Mark - his eyes of different colors - Sigwulf is exiled to the Frankish court of King Carolus, the future Charlemagne. There Sigwulf survives on his wits while at the same time trying to come to terms with disturbingly prophetic
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Start your review of The Book of Dreams (Saxon, #1)
Enjoyable. A good diverting read from a reliable author. This series is (unsurprisingly) about a Saxon, but one who ends up in Charlemagne's court. It's a standard historical fiction template - start with a battle, move the characters around, this time into exile and a new court, conniving and politicking, friendship, a quest and a big battle or two to finish up with.
And that's absolutely fine by me. Severin has always been a reliable author for this - while the books are genre standards, they' ...more
And that's absolutely fine by me. Severin has always been a reliable author for this - while the books are genre standards, they' ...more
Interesting book, first in a series featuring Sigwulf, a minor Saxon princeling. After his father's defeat at the hands of Offa of Mercia, he goes to the court of Carolus [Charlemagne] in Frankia and becomes one of the court there. He is sent as a spy to Islamic Spain. Climax of the book is the abortive invasion of Islamic Spain by Carolus and massive defeat of his men by the Vascons [i.e., Basques] in the mountains. The novel very loosely tells the "Song of Roland" [i.e., Count Hroudland, the k
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Whether one likes or dislikes a particular Historical Fiction novel seems to be more a matter of taste than one finds within other genres. I find it impossible to judge a book of this type from Good Reads reviewers as some folk will award a begrudged one star and an equal number, a gushing five stars.
I suspect it's about the precise blend of history-to-fiction one finds palatable. This book is heavy on the history and light on the fiction, the sort of tome an experimental archaeologist or histor ...more
I suspect it's about the precise blend of history-to-fiction one finds palatable. This book is heavy on the history and light on the fiction, the sort of tome an experimental archaeologist or histor ...more
An OK young adult historical novel. Not enough female characters for my taste, but an interesting take on a part of history I knew nothing about (Charlemagne's reign).
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Just ok... Kind of a dissapointment after the "Viking" series. This book seemed a bit flat to me. Not badly written, just not as complex or interesting.
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Oct 29, 2017
Rebecca
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
library-borrowings
I liked this book, found it interesting in terms of the era. It's well-researched in terms of historical detail, but there are a few occasions where the prose doesn't flow, a few sentences where an odd choice of word sticks out and sounds awkward. But it's a decent book and I already have the second one out of the library ready to read.
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A decent historical fiction tale. Better than some but still pales in comparison to Cornwell who it often felt it was trailing in the shadow of. Still entertaining enough that I would check out more from the author in the future.
A wee bit slow for me.
Set in the late 8th century AD, the first novel in Tim Severin’s Saxon series is the story of a young man named Sigwulf who is dispatched by King Offa of Mercia to the court of Charlemagne – herein called by his actual name of King Carolus.
The Book of Dreams is an Arabic translation of a Greek text that purports to interpret dreams. In translating it (with the help of his servant Osric) Sigwulf finds meaning in his own nightmares and in the dreams of the king’s nephew Count Hroundland, who has b ...more
The Book of Dreams is an Arabic translation of a Greek text that purports to interpret dreams. In translating it (with the help of his servant Osric) Sigwulf finds meaning in his own nightmares and in the dreams of the king’s nephew Count Hroundland, who has b ...more
The Saxon of the title is Sigwulf, a minor Saxon prince. The novel opens with the slaughter of his family in 780 AD, but he escapes execution, instead exiled to the court of King Carolus (the future Charlemagne). Sigwulf is spared because he bears the Devils’ Mark, with differently coloured eyes. He also experiences disturbing prophetic dreams. Exiled with him is his crippled slave, Osric, who has long been his protector and his guardian. Sigwulf is befriended by Count Hroudland, Carolus’s nephe
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The Book of Dreams is written with Severin's usual high level of detail and clean prose. The pacing is a bit slow in places, but can be forgiven as The Book of Dreams is the first book in the author's new Saxon series. Unlike his previous two series, however, The Book of Dreams is remarkable for its dearth of personal character development and history. The story leaves the reader wanting more in the way of feeling for the protagonist, Sigwulf, and his boon companions, Osric and Count Hroudland.
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This the 3rd series of Tim Severin that I've read after Viking and Corsair. The character of Sigwulf is pretty much the same with Thorgils in Viking, especially on his paranormal ability. I do enjoy the book because this is the 1st novel I've read about Charlemagne, it is interesting to hear a story of him being the 1st to unite the europe and how his kingdom deal with the muslim neighbour in spain.
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I enjoyed reading this novel because of its solid plot and interesting characters. Sometimes it lacked a bit suspense, and I was bored. The characters were nicely developed, but showed stereotypical traits. Still, the book and story were good. 3.5 Stars.
Adult book - but suitable for YA, precious older fiction children who are into this era.
Graphic battle scenes - but nothing they won't have read before.
Basic sex scenes, but nothing too graphic.
It is a retelling of the "Song of Roland". ...more
Graphic battle scenes - but nothing they won't have read before.
Basic sex scenes, but nothing too graphic.
It is a retelling of the "Song of Roland". ...more
A young man becomes involved in intrigue within an ancient royal dynasty.
I found the story to be reasonable, but the pace and writing style were plodding. The book did pick up in the last 50 pages.
I found the story to be reasonable, but the pace and writing style were plodding. The book did pick up in the last 50 pages.
Sep 22, 2014
Schrodingers Woofer
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction
Not up to the same standard as Viking. Something lacking. Not a bad read by any means but my expectations of the author were high going in.
Pretty good yarn by Tim Severin.
Some drivel about a book of dreams that gets lost along with all Charlemagne's treasure.
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Some drivel about a book of dreams that gets lost along with all Charlemagne's treasure.
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not a bad effort but must try harder.
C+
C+
I really enjoyed reading this book... i wanted the main character to be a little more booldy and dark.. and i really enjoyed the fact that this book doesn't show the arabs in a bad light...
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It was OK. An attempt at the re-telling of the Roland Tale.
I am a big fan of Tim's books but it lacked depth and plausibility. Disappointed.
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Loved the story and the characters. First book in a while I've read through and wanted the sequel. Highly recommended
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A poor literary book - both plot and characters uninteresting and boring - although has good historical value, thus becoming a little worth of the time spent.
I loved this from the moment I picked it up and couldn't put it down. I'm already starting the next in the series
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Jan 17, 2016
Richard Bryan
added it
Great read
Good historical action thriller with some interesting twists and turns.
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Tim Severin was a British explorer, historian and writer. Severin is noted for his work in retracing the legendary journeys of historical figures. Severin was awarded both the Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society and the Livingstone Medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. He received the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award for his 1982 book The Sindbad Voyage.
He was born Timothy Severi ...more
He was born Timothy Severi ...more
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