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The Saga of Hasting the Avenger #2
In the Shadow of the Beast
“Pagan ships have done much harm to the islands of Aquitaine. Some of them were entirely lost…a great chastening is upon them unlike any the ancient Christian world has ever seen.” - Alcuin of York, Letter to Arno
King Horic is dead. The oaths that once bonded the Danes and Northmen in the islands of Aquitaine have broken. Hasting's new land is imperiled by fearsome challengers and old foes alike. A rumor from the continent will shatter the brittle veneer of his strength and expose his deepest wound from the past. His greatest trial will not be fought with a sword, ax, or shield, but with his heart.
A supposed son of Ragnar Lodbrok, and referred to in the Gesta Normannorum as the Scourge of the Somme and Loire, his life exemplified the qualities of the ideal Viking. Join author and historian C.J. Adrien on an adventure that explores the early life and adventures of the Viking Hasting and his crew.
King Horic is dead. The oaths that once bonded the Danes and Northmen in the islands of Aquitaine have broken. Hasting's new land is imperiled by fearsome challengers and old foes alike. A rumor from the continent will shatter the brittle veneer of his strength and expose his deepest wound from the past. His greatest trial will not be fought with a sword, ax, or shield, but with his heart.
A supposed son of Ragnar Lodbrok, and referred to in the Gesta Normannorum as the Scourge of the Somme and Loire, his life exemplified the qualities of the ideal Viking. Join author and historian C.J. Adrien on an adventure that explores the early life and adventures of the Viking Hasting and his crew.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2020
327 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Adrien
21 books113 followersC.J. Adrien is a French-American author of Viking Historical Fiction with a passion for Viking history. His two series are inspired by research conducted in preparation for a doctoral program in early medieval history as well as his admiration for historical fiction writers such as Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett. He is also a published historian on the subject of Vikings, with articles featured in historical journals such as L’Association des Amis de Noirmoutier, in France. His novels and expertise have earned him invitations to speak at several international events, including the International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), conferences on Viking history in France, among others. C.J. Adrien earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Oregon, a Master’s degree from Oregon State University, and is currently searching for the right university to complete his doctoral thesis.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 25, 2020
I confess I enjoy the battles and the adventure that one finds in Viking historical fictions, but this book brought up old battles of the heart for me. Any man who makes it into his 60's is a man whose heart has been broken a hundred times or more and I felt everyone of those shattered shards sharp as razors cut through me all over again reading about Hasting broken love. Tears rolled down my face. One can be a tough guy and defeat all comers in confrontations and fights, but crumples up like a crushed leaf under your foot when it comes to matters of the heart and more men have been beaten by this than all the fist fights in the history of life! Once again C.J. Adrien has taken the reader to a place no other historical Viking writer will take you. Into the shadow of the beast, which is for me was the dark recesses of my heart where I buried past painful relationships and a broken heart. C.J. is my metaphorical " ore mate " ( if he has the arms for it that is ) And I shall send him a home made Viking shield for his roll in setting my old heart free from a hidden darkness that's been in me for decades! Skal my friend and a damn good job of writing which improves with every new book you write!
- Thorn Boarhardson
- Thorn Boarhardson
July 18, 2022
In his earlier book, “The Lords of the Wind”, the author tells the story of how Hasting rose from abused slave to respected jarl with his own island, warship and crew. The second book of the saga continues with Hasting telling the tale in the first person as before. Some of the well written characters re-appear others, such as King Horic, have gone and new ones appear.
With King Horic’s death the oaths that bound the various Norse and Danish elements together are no longer valid and Hasting has to re-forge them with help from his volva woman and her seiðr magic and the few still loyal to him. Much happens in this book from battle to trade, to imprisonment to love.
Hasting is a complex man who moves between two worlds: Norse & Breton, having been born into one and raised in the other. Norse: Celt. Wolf: Dove. Pagan: Christian. Warlord: Trader.
I still found some wording clunking in my mind, a combination of American spelling and unusual word choice, though it is less of an intrusion than that in “Lords of the Wind”.
One one real problem with the book, and this is no reflection on either the way the story was written or the immaculate research that has brought the historical Hasting to life, but the gap between books. It is two years since I read the first book and suspect it may be two more years before the third book come out, and, yes, the ending says that there will be a third book. You really need to have read “The Lords of the Wind” to really appreciate “In the Shadow of the Beast”.
With King Horic’s death the oaths that bound the various Norse and Danish elements together are no longer valid and Hasting has to re-forge them with help from his volva woman and her seiðr magic and the few still loyal to him. Much happens in this book from battle to trade, to imprisonment to love.
Hasting is a complex man who moves between two worlds: Norse & Breton, having been born into one and raised in the other. Norse: Celt. Wolf: Dove. Pagan: Christian. Warlord: Trader.
I still found some wording clunking in my mind, a combination of American spelling and unusual word choice, though it is less of an intrusion than that in “Lords of the Wind”.
One one real problem with the book, and this is no reflection on either the way the story was written or the immaculate research that has brought the historical Hasting to life, but the gap between books. It is two years since I read the first book and suspect it may be two more years before the third book come out, and, yes, the ending says that there will be a third book. You really need to have read “The Lords of the Wind” to really appreciate “In the Shadow of the Beast”.
June 4, 2020
What a follow-up to the first novel! Much more about the characters, but still action-packed. Highly recommend.
August 18, 2021
Excellent series
I am really enjoying this series- filled with relatable characters that give a real sense of history and culture of the times. I appreciate the author’s attention to weave the character’s of historical fact into a plausible accounting of their lives. I particularly like the relationship between Hastings and Nominoe. Even if I find Nominoe’s high intelligence and wisdom mostly fair but always serving his and his kingdom’s aspirations.
As the author mentioned in his historical note that he wanted to make the geography/places accessible to the reader- I found myself googling people and places throughout the book. Also appreciated his list of primary and secondary resources.
I am really enjoying this series- filled with relatable characters that give a real sense of history and culture of the times. I appreciate the author’s attention to weave the character’s of historical fact into a plausible accounting of their lives. I particularly like the relationship between Hastings and Nominoe. Even if I find Nominoe’s high intelligence and wisdom mostly fair but always serving his and his kingdom’s aspirations.
As the author mentioned in his historical note that he wanted to make the geography/places accessible to the reader- I found myself googling people and places throughout the book. Also appreciated his list of primary and secondary resources.
July 31, 2020
For me this is the perfect beach summer read.
I enjoyed the second entry in the series. Like the first, the character Hasting is like-able. He struggles more in this one with a dualistic nature, whether its between debauchery vs stoicism or his Celtic culture vs Viking heritage. The battles and politics are easy to follow. Historical details are provided as they make sense but do not overwhelm. You can picture each location as its described easily, which is important for understanding battle tactics. These books are light & enjoyable reading but the historical notes at the end show that CJ Adrien really does know his stuff.
I enjoyed the second entry in the series. Like the first, the character Hasting is like-able. He struggles more in this one with a dualistic nature, whether its between debauchery vs stoicism or his Celtic culture vs Viking heritage. The battles and politics are easy to follow. Historical details are provided as they make sense but do not overwhelm. You can picture each location as its described easily, which is important for understanding battle tactics. These books are light & enjoyable reading but the historical notes at the end show that CJ Adrien really does know his stuff.
July 16, 2021
Successful Sequel
My favorite kind of historical fiction. The age, the characters, and the story all based in historical fact. I really enjoyed book one, so I was optimistically hopeful that book two would compare. Although there is obviously going to be a book three, the story came to a conclusion and some of the underlying questions were answered, but the prophesied betrayal will wait for the next book. To me Hastings is a new hero to root for. I expect the same engagement and adventure in future stories. The narration was excellent.
My favorite kind of historical fiction. The age, the characters, and the story all based in historical fact. I really enjoyed book one, so I was optimistically hopeful that book two would compare. Although there is obviously going to be a book three, the story came to a conclusion and some of the underlying questions were answered, but the prophesied betrayal will wait for the next book. To me Hastings is a new hero to root for. I expect the same engagement and adventure in future stories. The narration was excellent.
January 31, 2021
This book was entertaining! I read it almost straight through and was disappointed the third book wasn't out. The main charactor matured a lot from the 1st book. I liked the different cultures (northman, celts, and franks) philosophy on the duality of good and bad.
The book does keep giving hope the "girl" is alive. Even in the end of this book I see a way the author could bring her back to life though both books end declaring she is dead.
Is this really going to be 9 books?
The book does keep giving hope the "girl" is alive. Even in the end of this book I see a way the author could bring her back to life though both books end declaring she is dead.
Is this really going to be 9 books?
January 12, 2022
Book Two Was Great!
The second book in this series is a good follow up book from the first. Our hero goes on a journey of self discovery that spoke to me in more ways than one. He struggles with religion, a vice that threatens to destroy him from the within, where he belongs in life and so much more. Things just don't seem to be going his way but he becomes something else through his struggles which I appreciated to see.
The second book in this series is a good follow up book from the first. Our hero goes on a journey of self discovery that spoke to me in more ways than one. He struggles with religion, a vice that threatens to destroy him from the within, where he belongs in life and so much more. Things just don't seem to be going his way but he becomes something else through his struggles which I appreciated to see.
September 29, 2020
Fascinating history
Brings to life a little known aspect of European history wherein post- roman british refugees colonized the Brittany peninsula of France and established the Celtic Breton language before there was an english or french dictionary. Then they had to deal with the residue of Charlemagne s empire as well as a century of Viking raiders
Brings to life a little known aspect of European history wherein post- roman british refugees colonized the Brittany peninsula of France and established the Celtic Breton language before there was an english or french dictionary. Then they had to deal with the residue of Charlemagne s empire as well as a century of Viking raiders
November 20, 2020
Fantastic follow up.
I got through this book in under 24 hours, it is a thrilling ride of Viking raids, revenge, redemption and helped increase my historical knowledge of the time.
C.J. Adrien is a master of the craft.
VERY keen on getting my hands on the 3rd book.
9/10
See this and other reviews + my own average stories at https://keithwarrenwriter.com
I got through this book in under 24 hours, it is a thrilling ride of Viking raids, revenge, redemption and helped increase my historical knowledge of the time.
C.J. Adrien is a master of the craft.
VERY keen on getting my hands on the 3rd book.
9/10
See this and other reviews + my own average stories at https://keithwarrenwriter.com
January 28, 2021
Another Triumph!
Once again Adrian takes us on a remarkable journey with hasting as he grows in to his own. We see hasting go from impetuous youth to a shrewd and cunning warrior bent on revenge and then learning to put that revenge away and fight for justice. If you are into Viking history then you need to be reading the series.
Once again Adrian takes us on a remarkable journey with hasting as he grows in to his own. We see hasting go from impetuous youth to a shrewd and cunning warrior bent on revenge and then learning to put that revenge away and fight for justice. If you are into Viking history then you need to be reading the series.
July 16, 2020
Great Viking adventure
This the second book in series and as good as the first,, great characters and story a good historical story. The main character existed and has some historical fact mixed with fiction. All in all a fun read
This the second book in series and as good as the first,, great characters and story a good historical story. The main character existed and has some historical fact mixed with fiction. All in all a fun read
August 19, 2020
Loved it
Many reviewers already outlined what they loved about the book so I won't repeat their praises. I'm not a Viking or military expert, but I enjoyed both books nonetheless. Looking forward to the further adventures of Hastings. Well done!
Many reviewers already outlined what they loved about the book so I won't repeat their praises. I'm not a Viking or military expert, but I enjoyed both books nonetheless. Looking forward to the further adventures of Hastings. Well done!
January 6, 2021
Intriguing and enjoyable story
The author has written a very thrilling and enjoyable story that will keep you entertained and guessing. The many twist and turns make this a joy to read.
The author has written a very thrilling and enjoyable story that will keep you entertained and guessing. The many twist and turns make this a joy to read.
May 3, 2021
In the Shadow of the Beast
Great, great book. Could not put this book down. Thank you, Mr. Adrien. I am so very glad that I have found you and will continue reading your books. So looking forward to book 3 in The Saga of Hasting the Avenger series.
Great, great book. Could not put this book down. Thank you, Mr. Adrien. I am so very glad that I have found you and will continue reading your books. So looking forward to book 3 in The Saga of Hasting the Avenger series.
January 18, 2022
Good read
I have enjoyed these books and really enjoy the history lessons at the end. To me reading a historical novel q best when it contains a good story and good history to back it up
I have enjoyed these books and really enjoy the history lessons at the end. To me reading a historical novel q best when it contains a good story and good history to back it up
August 1, 2025
The Beast
This book another exciting historical fiction adventure, that stands tall with the great adventure novels. I found this saga to have drawn! Me in and can't wait to read the next in this series.
This book another exciting historical fiction adventure, that stands tall with the great adventure novels. I found this saga to have drawn! Me in and can't wait to read the next in this series.
June 17, 2020
Robuster
This was a good story .Well crafted. It has an excellent hook with a few interesting plot turns.
I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
This was a good story .Well crafted. It has an excellent hook with a few interesting plot turns.
I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
July 19, 2020
Can't wait for more
Is there a third novel about Hastings. I was spellbound and could not stop reading. Please continue story of Hastings
Is there a third novel about Hastings. I was spellbound and could not stop reading. Please continue story of Hastings
September 30, 2020
More pls
I enjoyed these books. I have a vested in the characters. The tale moves rapidly.
I am left with many questions.
I enjoyed these books. I have a vested in the characters. The tale moves rapidly.
I am left with many questions.
December 11, 2020
Good historical novel
Good book
I liked the Viking history and the characters were from real life. It dragged a bit in places but overall very interesting.
Good book
I liked the Viking history and the characters were from real life. It dragged a bit in places but overall very interesting.
November 2, 2021
Very good read
Very good story and keeps moving so the reader doesn't become bored. Hasting is an interesting character the way his personality is described.
Very good story and keeps moving so the reader doesn't become bored. Hasting is an interesting character the way his personality is described.
February 13, 2024
It was historically interesting but got long
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews