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The Saga of Hasting the Avenger #3
The Kings of the Sea
843 A.D.
The city of Nantes Burns.
An unexpected betrayal forces Hasting to abandon his closest ally. With his heart turned black, he rekindles the savagery of his race. In sacking Nantes, his bravery and luck earn him a place in the skalds' songs. Word of his deeds reaches his kin in the North, and more and more sea captains sail to Francia to join him, hoping his luck might help theirs.
Thor of Dublin, Hasting's old rival, will seek him out and ask him to join his new alliance of sea kings. Together, they will launch the most ambitious raids their people have ever attempted. They will sail south to the land of the Moors to test their alliance's strength and, if successful, turn their sights to an even more daring prize: Paris.
The Norns make nothing easy. A secret affair will risk unraveling the alliance and bring the sea kings to the brink of civil war.
The city of Nantes Burns.
An unexpected betrayal forces Hasting to abandon his closest ally. With his heart turned black, he rekindles the savagery of his race. In sacking Nantes, his bravery and luck earn him a place in the skalds' songs. Word of his deeds reaches his kin in the North, and more and more sea captains sail to Francia to join him, hoping his luck might help theirs.
Thor of Dublin, Hasting's old rival, will seek him out and ask him to join his new alliance of sea kings. Together, they will launch the most ambitious raids their people have ever attempted. They will sail south to the land of the Moors to test their alliance's strength and, if successful, turn their sights to an even more daring prize: Paris.
The Norns make nothing easy. A secret affair will risk unraveling the alliance and bring the sea kings to the brink of civil war.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2021
102 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Adrien
23 books115 followersC.J. Adrien is a history teacher and a bestselling, award-winning author of historical fiction novels. Drawing on years of research into early medieval Europe and a lifelong study of myth, Jungian psychology, and the Hero’s Journey, Adrien’s Saga of Hasting the Avenger series blends historical realism with spiritual depth to explore the eternal battle between man and his shadow—a mythic reflection of his own journey toward wholeness and redemption.
Through his writing, Adrien invites readers to see the Viking world not merely as a distant past but as a mirror for our modern struggles with ambition, faith, and forgiveness. In addition to his novels, he teaches online courses for Medievalists.net and delivers guest lectures worldwide. He currently resides in France with his wife, sons, and pug, Captain Jean-Luc Pugcard.
Through his writing, Adrien invites readers to see the Viking world not merely as a distant past but as a mirror for our modern struggles with ambition, faith, and forgiveness. In addition to his novels, he teaches online courses for Medievalists.net and delivers guest lectures worldwide. He currently resides in France with his wife, sons, and pug, Captain Jean-Luc Pugcard.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 20, 2023
Not a bad read
All three books are very entertaining. It tells a story of young man who becomes a slave at very young age. To a King of his own Island. There is a lot of action, love and backstabbing. Along with some history.
All three books are very entertaining. It tells a story of young man who becomes a slave at very young age. To a King of his own Island. There is a lot of action, love and backstabbing. Along with some history.
April 16, 2023
Enthralling
Great story telling with political intrigue and great battle scenes. Historical fiction at its best. The characters are rich and real. An enthralling story that keeps you turning the pages. Adrien is expert at painting a great word picture that puts you in the action, and in the head of Hasting, without getting bogged down in trying to impress his readers with too many details, as some writers are wont to do, seemingly only to flaunt their knowledge. The whole series is excellent, wish there was more!
Great story telling with political intrigue and great battle scenes. Historical fiction at its best. The characters are rich and real. An enthralling story that keeps you turning the pages. Adrien is expert at painting a great word picture that puts you in the action, and in the head of Hasting, without getting bogged down in trying to impress his readers with too many details, as some writers are wont to do, seemingly only to flaunt their knowledge. The whole series is excellent, wish there was more!
November 17, 2023
VIKINGS!
I recieved the first book of the three book series for free and was caught up in the narrative. I read it in one day, staying up late to finish it. The story caught me in the flow of one event and then another. The story of a slave boy, the man he became, the times in which he lived. You either love Viking sagas or you don't. I bought the two following books and read on to the end. Thank you C. J. Adrien for a cracking good yarn. Well done!.
I recieved the first book of the three book series for free and was caught up in the narrative. I read it in one day, staying up late to finish it. The story caught me in the flow of one event and then another. The story of a slave boy, the man he became, the times in which he lived. You either love Viking sagas or you don't. I bought the two following books and read on to the end. Thank you C. J. Adrien for a cracking good yarn. Well done!.
May 14, 2021
Loved it!
I have been following the series and truly enjoy these tales of “Hasting the Avenger”. I truly hope the series has not ended with this book; I do think there is more to come based on the way the story ended. I cannot wait to read more about what happens next! PS LOVED the last line; very good way to end this chapter.
I have been following the series and truly enjoy these tales of “Hasting the Avenger”. I truly hope the series has not ended with this book; I do think there is more to come based on the way the story ended. I cannot wait to read more about what happens next! PS LOVED the last line; very good way to end this chapter.
June 28, 2021
Hasting
All though little is known about Hasting the author brought this period of history to life through his development of the character of Hasting. The author is a great story teller and keeps you turning the pages. I look forward to reading more of his historical fiction books.
All though little is known about Hasting the author brought this period of history to life through his development of the character of Hasting. The author is a great story teller and keeps you turning the pages. I look forward to reading more of his historical fiction books.
August 4, 2021
A great follow up to the series.
I had read the first installment way back but was quickly brought back into Hasting's world. Good stories with some historical inspiration. You can't help but rooting for the protagonist. Can't wait to see what happens next to our hero and his crew.
I had read the first installment way back but was quickly brought back into Hasting's world. Good stories with some historical inspiration. You can't help but rooting for the protagonist. Can't wait to see what happens next to our hero and his crew.
July 16, 2021
Now that was a good read! I was worried the violence would be hard to deal with living in such violent times, but I was swept away by C.J.'s increasing ability to paint wonderful images in ones minds eye with his almost skald like manipulation of words. An old poet friend of mind would refer to him as a "word" slinger! What adventure to escape the dregs of day to day living and to have gone a Viking on! It was a relief that Hastings was wrong about Bjorn betraying his oath! C.J. made us wait over the gap between books to clear that up and then the Adventure is on. You feel the salt spray in your face and feel the ship twist and rock over the waves and feel the weight of your wool clothing as it sponges up the ocean spray. I could hear the new crew members barfing over the side. One can hear the keel of the ships grind on sandy bars as they land on foreign soil for another raid. The sound of steel clanging and wooden shields splintering over the screams of women and children and the cry of wounded men dying were delivered like a master painter to your imaginations canvas. it was a damn fine read! To some honor is everything, but to others reputation is ALL-
November 6, 2025
In my review of the previous saga of Hasting the Avenger I complained about the 2 years between the books being published. This time it is three years since I read the previous book but, looking at the date of other's reviews, that is my fault and not the author's. I had bought a batch of books, then inherited a pile from an estate and "The Kings of the Sea" just got buried until now. It took a while, therefore, for me to recall the earlier stories and characters.
As with the previous two books in the trilogy the story is full, wide, detailed and a compelling read. This one has more betrayals, more disputes between Danes and Norse and back stabbing by Celts; in other words, many twist and turns with the sad loss of many you have have liked from the earlier books.
I recommend this novel though I think that you actually read the story of Hasting the Avenger from "the Lords of the Winds" to "The Shadow of the Beast" to "The kings of the Sea" rather than reading this book as a stand alone as you may flounder a bit from not knowing what went before.
Any complaints? Well his archers still "fire" when they have bows and not muskets or other firearms.
As with the previous two books in the trilogy the story is full, wide, detailed and a compelling read. This one has more betrayals, more disputes between Danes and Norse and back stabbing by Celts; in other words, many twist and turns with the sad loss of many you have have liked from the earlier books.
I recommend this novel though I think that you actually read the story of Hasting the Avenger from "the Lords of the Winds" to "The Shadow of the Beast" to "The kings of the Sea" rather than reading this book as a stand alone as you may flounder a bit from not knowing what went before.
Any complaints? Well his archers still "fire" when they have bows and not muskets or other firearms.
August 1, 2021
Hating, The Flawed Hero
I enjoyed the book, mostly. The pacing was good, the characters are all flawed to varying degrees because the author stuck to the realistic logic that there are no exceptionally good and decent humans, they are likely to always not measure up in some way. Hating is flawed in many ways, more than the norm.
He is selfish, a hot head and knows no mercy. I didn't like his guiding light, Reputation is everything. It shows an infantile and fatuous side of him that is degrading.
It also doesn't do a thing to have women mostly second rate members of society. If the author rewrites a little history by making the Moors a more intelligent, educated and fully human being, why not go that little bitty step and have an Amazon as one of the characters, one who can more than hold her own against men in a fight.
After all its fiction and you have to start somewhere to change history, and therefore, society.
I enjoyed the book, mostly. The pacing was good, the characters are all flawed to varying degrees because the author stuck to the realistic logic that there are no exceptionally good and decent humans, they are likely to always not measure up in some way. Hating is flawed in many ways, more than the norm.
He is selfish, a hot head and knows no mercy. I didn't like his guiding light, Reputation is everything. It shows an infantile and fatuous side of him that is degrading.
It also doesn't do a thing to have women mostly second rate members of society. If the author rewrites a little history by making the Moors a more intelligent, educated and fully human being, why not go that little bitty step and have an Amazon as one of the characters, one who can more than hold her own against men in a fight.
After all its fiction and you have to start somewhere to change history, and therefore, society.
January 21, 2026
The Kings of the Sea
Incredibly captivating! The third book in The Saga of Hasting the Avenger by C. J. Adrien is absolutely fantastic! The characters are full of depth. I find myself loving (and sometimes not liking) Hasting. He is a very conflicted person. The story is full of action, battles, betrayal, found family, loyalty. Adrien's world of Hasting weaves beautifully and brilliantly throughout the story. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it!
Incredibly captivating! The third book in The Saga of Hasting the Avenger by C. J. Adrien is absolutely fantastic! The characters are full of depth. I find myself loving (and sometimes not liking) Hasting. He is a very conflicted person. The story is full of action, battles, betrayal, found family, loyalty. Adrien's world of Hasting weaves beautifully and brilliantly throughout the story. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it!
September 10, 2025
Viking history told through a novel
The author entertains us with his story while giving us an education in Viking life. He weaves the fiction of the story around real events to make it more alive. You come away from the feast full but anxious for the next. For a writer that is success!
The author entertains us with his story while giving us an education in Viking life. He weaves the fiction of the story around real events to make it more alive. You come away from the feast full but anxious for the next. For a writer that is success!
August 19, 2021
Great Read
I have really enjoyed the Hastings books and I am looking forward to hopefully reading more in the future. The historical fiction is top-notch and the storylines are engrossing
I have really enjoyed the Hastings books and I am looking forward to hopefully reading more in the future. The historical fiction is top-notch and the storylines are engrossing
August 30, 2021
A great story of adventure.
The author has written a story of a mans desire and drive to exceed by any means possibly. He has the skills and ability to overcome the many setbacks along the way to his successes.
The author has written a story of a mans desire and drive to exceed by any means possibly. He has the skills and ability to overcome the many setbacks along the way to his successes.
October 29, 2021
A solid finish to a fine trilogy. While reading you can almost taste the salt spray and feel the decks twisting beneath your feet as you fight the storm or advance into battle. Well worth the time.
November 5, 2021
Great series
The series was just the right length. It was long enough to tell a good story, but not so long that you tired of it. I would recommend it to anyone interested in history.
The series was just the right length. It was long enough to tell a good story, but not so long that you tired of it. I would recommend it to anyone interested in history.
May 23, 2022
A thrilling Viking tale you won't be able to put down. Aldren introduces the weapon of literacy to its hero Hasting. The ability to read the enemy's ledgers gives this Viking a great advantage and many victories.
August 3, 2025
King of The Sea
I can't express how great this book is. It's twist and turns are amazing and will draw you into the story line even more I read this book in two days always returning to it. C.J.Adrrien is an amazing writer. I am sure that he will become one of your favorites.
I can't express how great this book is. It's twist and turns are amazing and will draw you into the story line even more I read this book in two days always returning to it. C.J.Adrrien is an amazing writer. I am sure that he will become one of your favorites.
May 10, 2021
A good story.
I have enjoyed this series a lot. Is well written, however, the translation is imperfect. I will seek out by by Adrian in the future.
I have enjoyed this series a lot. Is well written, however, the translation is imperfect. I will seek out by by Adrian in the future.
July 31, 2025
A riveting story.
The Saga of Hasting covers an area not as common among the tales of the men who went aViking. A very well told and engaging story I'm enjoying immensely.
The Saga of Hasting covers an area not as common among the tales of the men who went aViking. A very well told and engaging story I'm enjoying immensely.
Read
November 13, 2025Interesting
Reputation is everything. At least it is to a viking. Paris was Hastings goal this time and he achieved his goal
Reputation is everything. At least it is to a viking. Paris was Hastings goal this time and he achieved his goal
December 29, 2021
Reputation is Everything!
This is the third and final book of The Saga of Hasting the Avenger trilogy. In this part of the story we continue to follow Hasting on his journey of revenge and furthering his reputation. To Hasting, reputation is everything, no matter the cost, which is something he learns to be true. Along the way the is also a journey of self discovery. This book has everything we have come to expect from the excellent writing of C.J. Adrien. His descriptions of people and their facial expressions, the ships, the land, are all done so well, that you can see them in your mind. Most of all are the battles and skirmishes, there are epic bloody battles. I thought this book was great!
My review is unbiased, it is my sole opinion. I received an free copy of this book from the author through Goodreads. Thank you!
This is the third and final book of The Saga of Hasting the Avenger trilogy. In this part of the story we continue to follow Hasting on his journey of revenge and furthering his reputation. To Hasting, reputation is everything, no matter the cost, which is something he learns to be true. Along the way the is also a journey of self discovery. This book has everything we have come to expect from the excellent writing of C.J. Adrien. His descriptions of people and their facial expressions, the ships, the land, are all done so well, that you can see them in your mind. Most of all are the battles and skirmishes, there are epic bloody battles. I thought this book was great!
My review is unbiased, it is my sole opinion. I received an free copy of this book from the author through Goodreads. Thank you!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews