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The Norseman Chronicles #3
Norseman Chief
Halldorr never did get his warm hearth and plump wife. Each time he came close, Odin, Providence, or Glooskap saw fit to change his path.
Older now, feeling no wiser, he finds himself in the midst of a new people, the Beiuthook, a captive demeaned to the point of performing the drudgery of the village women. But he has fought, bled, and killed in a life thrust upon him. His mind has adapted to his lot so that he now longs for the adventure and camaraderie of war.
The Beiuthook have forever struggled against their more numerous rivals, the Mi’kmaq. Halldorr arrives at a time when tensions are high with a new, aggressive sachem controlling the opponents of the Beiuthook.
Will Halldorr’s experience on the killing fields and aboard the pounding longboats see that he is returned to a place of honor among men? Or, will he toil his life away in chaste misery mindlessly scraping at the hide of someone else’s kill.
Norseman Chief is the final installment of The Norseman Chronicles, each of which detail the heroic life of Halldorr from the icy fjords of Greenland, to sweeping battlefields in England, and now to the foreign shores of Vinland and beyond in what he calls the merki.
Older now, feeling no wiser, he finds himself in the midst of a new people, the Beiuthook, a captive demeaned to the point of performing the drudgery of the village women. But he has fought, bled, and killed in a life thrust upon him. His mind has adapted to his lot so that he now longs for the adventure and camaraderie of war.
The Beiuthook have forever struggled against their more numerous rivals, the Mi’kmaq. Halldorr arrives at a time when tensions are high with a new, aggressive sachem controlling the opponents of the Beiuthook.
Will Halldorr’s experience on the killing fields and aboard the pounding longboats see that he is returned to a place of honor among men? Or, will he toil his life away in chaste misery mindlessly scraping at the hide of someone else’s kill.
Norseman Chief is the final installment of The Norseman Chronicles, each of which detail the heroic life of Halldorr from the icy fjords of Greenland, to sweeping battlefields in England, and now to the foreign shores of Vinland and beyond in what he calls the merki.
306 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2012
21 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Jason Born
20 books115 followersSee also: Emily Hawk
Jason Born is a popular historical novelist of many series as well as stand-alone titles. His latest work, On Love & War, is an epic tale of devotion and pain in Napoleonic Europe. The Long Fuse is an ongoing series that thrillingly captures the violent period of America’s rise from ragtag colonies to independence. He is the author three other gritty series of works spanning time and place. Lions & Devils vividly describes the heroes and villains of the monstrous Islamic assault of Western Europe during the Eighth Century. The Norseman Chronicles center on the faithful Viking, Halldorr, who desired peace, but found only war in the Old and New Worlds. The Wald Chronicles describe the rugged conflict and improbable outcome in Germania during the wars between Rome and her tribal adversaries over 2,000 years ago. League of the Lost Fountain is his first work for kids of all ages. Jason lives in the Midwest with his wife and three children.
Jason Born is a popular historical novelist of many series as well as stand-alone titles. His latest work, On Love & War, is an epic tale of devotion and pain in Napoleonic Europe. The Long Fuse is an ongoing series that thrillingly captures the violent period of America’s rise from ragtag colonies to independence. He is the author three other gritty series of works spanning time and place. Lions & Devils vividly describes the heroes and villains of the monstrous Islamic assault of Western Europe during the Eighth Century. The Norseman Chronicles center on the faithful Viking, Halldorr, who desired peace, but found only war in the Old and New Worlds. The Wald Chronicles describe the rugged conflict and improbable outcome in Germania during the wars between Rome and her tribal adversaries over 2,000 years ago. League of the Lost Fountain is his first work for kids of all ages. Jason lives in the Midwest with his wife and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 11, 2018
Norseman Chief is written in a storyteller style like the previous 2 books. The writing is good but not particularly great. I have been reading this series over the last couple of years and I am glad to have reached a reasonable conclusion. There are 3 more books in the series but they date back earlier than the first three books. Prequels are my guess.
These books are chronologically ordered recounting the life of Halldorr the Viking. The previous books covers some of Halldorr's adventures in Greenland and Viking explorers who ventured from Greenland to modern day Newfoundland and Ontario Canada. The Vikings established a settlement in an area they called Vinland. At the end of the last book, all the Norsemen left, except for Halldorr. Halldorr was appointed jarl of this empty land.
This book begins with Halldorr, being desperately lonely, decided to travel to a Native People's tribal camp. A couple of the tribal members he befriended in years past. He was not welcomed initially and was badly beaten. A woman in the tribe treated his injuries and protested against further mistreatment. She was not particularly fond of Halldorr however because he was involved in her first husband's death. She ended up with a second husband who was indifferent and mistreated her. When the chief returns to camp, he turns out to be Halldorr's old friend. Halldorr heals and begins his long residence with the tribe. This book chronicles Halldorr's living among this native tribe from about 1008AD to 1066AD.
The writing style is easy to read and the storyline follows a fairly linear path. No changing of POV's or prolonged flashbacks of previous times. The story is a simple telling. I found this nice for a change of pace. I found the life in those times interesting. They were hard and sometimes brutal. I like most of characterizations well enough with some of exceptions. One is referring to having sex with a woman as "ploughing" her. I know women of the time were not highly regarded but I think it could have been written differently. I have to remember though, the story is the recounting of a warrior's memories. There is a love story of sorts. The romantic element is thin even for the memories of an extremely lonely man. So, in certain aspects I found the writing somewhat incongruous with the story itself. As mentioned earlier, the subject matter has a good level of interest although after awhile, the entertainment value lags. The story isn't exactly boring but it also lacks some of the anticipation of turning the page to see what happens next. To be fair though, there are some good action scenes in parts of the story.
In the end, I am glad to have read this part of Halldorr's story to its conclusion. I will ponder on whether or not I'll read more of his adventures in the future.
These books are chronologically ordered recounting the life of Halldorr the Viking. The previous books covers some of Halldorr's adventures in Greenland and Viking explorers who ventured from Greenland to modern day Newfoundland and Ontario Canada. The Vikings established a settlement in an area they called Vinland. At the end of the last book, all the Norsemen left, except for Halldorr. Halldorr was appointed jarl of this empty land.
This book begins with Halldorr, being desperately lonely, decided to travel to a Native People's tribal camp. A couple of the tribal members he befriended in years past. He was not welcomed initially and was badly beaten. A woman in the tribe treated his injuries and protested against further mistreatment. She was not particularly fond of Halldorr however because he was involved in her first husband's death. She ended up with a second husband who was indifferent and mistreated her. When the chief returns to camp, he turns out to be Halldorr's old friend. Halldorr heals and begins his long residence with the tribe. This book chronicles Halldorr's living among this native tribe from about 1008AD to 1066AD.
The writing style is easy to read and the storyline follows a fairly linear path. No changing of POV's or prolonged flashbacks of previous times. The story is a simple telling. I found this nice for a change of pace. I found the life in those times interesting. They were hard and sometimes brutal. I like most of characterizations well enough with some of exceptions. One is referring to having sex with a woman as "ploughing" her. I know women of the time were not highly regarded but I think it could have been written differently. I have to remember though, the story is the recounting of a warrior's memories. There is a love story of sorts. The romantic element is thin even for the memories of an extremely lonely man. So, in certain aspects I found the writing somewhat incongruous with the story itself. As mentioned earlier, the subject matter has a good level of interest although after awhile, the entertainment value lags. The story isn't exactly boring but it also lacks some of the anticipation of turning the page to see what happens next. To be fair though, there are some good action scenes in parts of the story.
In the end, I am glad to have read this part of Halldorr's story to its conclusion. I will ponder on whether or not I'll read more of his adventures in the future.
April 12, 2017
Just as good as the first two. There are new characters for me to love and hate. Lots of great historical information . . and I just adore Alsoomse (reminds me of my daughter...I wonder why?!:) Great story. . .and I'm happy I like the way it ended. When you follow a character through their lives they deserve the "right" kind of ending...I liked it...the whole thing! From the first with Halldorr in The Norseman and the second through Paths of the Norseman, and now the rest of the story! I'd suggest you read it...and I'm not even just saying that! Very enjoyable, fun, educational (in a fun way!) great read.
April 3, 2023
I enjoyed this instalment more than the first two. There aren't as many spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, for a start.
I also prefer historical fiction which doesn't rely on real people. The characters are interesting and the plot is not obvious. Well worth a read.
I also prefer historical fiction which doesn't rely on real people. The characters are interesting and the plot is not obvious. Well worth a read.
May 1, 2015
Another decent Halldor book. This is not the best Viking series out there but it is a good read. My biggest complaint is that Halldor becomes a Christian so early in this series. One of my favorite things about Viking books is there delight of sheer paganism. I recommend you read Raven's Saga and the Oathsworn first. Read this after. And never, ever under any circumstances read Tim Severin's Viking series. Never.
March 19, 2016
Very different than the first 2 novels in the Norseman Chronicles. Halldorr lives with the Native Americans in northeastern Canada. Little to no contact with other Vikings. It felt like this could have been several chapters or even a part of the book, but not the entire book. The story simply dragged on too long. Our Viking hero become very subdued, mature, compassionate, and well... un-Viking like. Still worth it to read if you have completed the other 2 novels.
April 11, 2013
Great ending to the series. Hard to pick a favorite of the many wonderful female characters in Haldorr's life, but I think maybe I'll go with his daughter. Great job, Jason. I've really enjoyed it.
March 12, 2015
Best of the series, the author has gotten much better at storytelling. Enjoyed the new focus on the Native American culture, and loved the fact that we got to see the main character thru all ages of his life
April 8, 2015
Great read
Born does his home work. It manifests itself in the plethora of historical detail packed into his books. The info is then packaged in exquisite story telling with a heavy sprinkling of tension building devices. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
Born does his home work. It manifests itself in the plethora of historical detail packed into his books. The info is then packaged in exquisite story telling with a heavy sprinkling of tension building devices. Cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
December 9, 2012
Definitely my favorite of the three. Loved some of the new characters, especially Alsoomse and Hurit. A great end to a great series!
January 17, 2013
This is an excellent book-the best ever. Could not put it down. Now my husband is reading it. This is the best in the series. Jason Born, you outdid yourself!
June 1, 2013
Satisfying end to the series. Looking forward to the next series, the Wald Chronicles.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews