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Viking Warrior

(The Strongbow Saga #1)

Judson Roberts

4.04 · Rating details · 1,839 ratings · 149 reviews

He's the son of a chieftain and a princess--yet Halfdan was born a slave. Now he is becoming a man and it is time for him to meet his destiny. Though raised a slave who could only dream of freedom, young Halfdan's fate may be about to change. If freed, he may train as a Viking warrior, and come to know the glories of true brotherhood and the horrors of unspeakable evil. In ...more

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Paperback, 360 pages

Published June 1st 2007 by Harper Teen (first published June 1st 2006)

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Feb 13, 2009 Trish rated it liked it

This is Sarah's latest series. She borrowed the book from the school library and passed it along to me after she read it. She's almost done with the second book now and tells me that I will want to read it, too.

I found that I understood a lot of the terms and the reasoning behind the Viking way of life because of the first Nancy Farmer book I read recently. In comparison, this one is less poetic and less fanciful, but the similarities confirm the truth and realistic qualities of the story. The c This is Sarah's latest series. She borrowed the book from the school library and passed it along to me after she read it. She's almost done with the second book now and tells me that I will want to read it, too.

I found that I understood a lot of the terms and the reasoning behind the Viking way of life because of the first Nancy Farmer book I read recently. In comparison, this one is less poetic and less fanciful, but the similarities confirm the truth and realistic qualities of the story. The character, however, is not someone who was taken as a slave, but one who was born to the slave of a great chieftain. It was a fresh perspective and I enjoyed walking in this character's shoes. I was actually shaking during the last 100 pages (the margins on this book are huge, so 100 pages is not really a whole lot - I read them during one of Zoe's feedings last night). You can guess what's going to happen, and you know that the hero will prevail somehow, but the story still grabs you as it unfolds.

Perhaps because of my recent conversation with my mom, I noticed the religious undertones and felt I had to speak with Sarah about it to see how she was taking it. My mother had said that she felt my daughter read too much fantasy and that the mind of a child would not be able to distinguish real life from fantasy. At first, I was indignant... "Mom, she's reading about dragons... she knows they're not real." Then I became thoughtful for days. Sometimes I dislike the influence my mother has over me... she can manipulate me with a word. And even though I know that, I still sometimes feel powerless before it. At any rate, I decided to be objective. The more I have taken her views into consideration, the more I know that they are unfounded because she is working from her own set of values which are very different than mine. She doesn't know my daughter as well as I do. I feel strongly that our religious teachings for our children are an anchor and ground our children into the truthfulness of our existence. I appreciate my mother's honesty, however, because I don't want to assume that my perception of my daughter's reality is the same as how it really is for her.

When I spoke to Sarah about it, we had a good conversation about the natural man. The Vikings were all about passions and emotions and acting on them, so their gods reflected that. To see a "White Christ" forgive and be kind was the equivalent of weakness in their eyes. I confirmed with her that there was definitely more power in forgiveness and being kind than the status of killing four people for their insults or intended humiliation. I found out that she felt the same as I did... that it was interesting to read someone's different perspective on religion, but she was not in any way swayed from her beliefs.

I know that has she grows there will be challenges to her faith and understanding of life. I hope that there will be so that she can choose firmly what she will hold on to. I would not want her to live our way of life just because we tell her to. ...more

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Aug 06, 2015 Sarah rated it it was ok

Shelves: the-tepidarium, where-have-all-the-heroes-gone, good-idea-gets-lost, the-great-historical-road-trip, the-islands, historical-fiction, hooray-for-gore, let-s-talk-about-gender, let-s-talk-about-religion, let-s-talk-about-war

This book looked unusual and intriguing - we don't get much historical fiction or male main characters these days.

Halfdan and his mother are slaves to his father, a Viking warlord. The warlord's wife knows that her husband prefers Halfdan's mother, and is cruel to the Irish captive and her son. But when Halfdan's father dies, his mother is sacrificed as favorite concubines were, and Halfdan himself is adopted into the family according to his father's wishes. His stepmother chafes at this, but h This book looked unusual and intriguing - we don't get much historical fiction or male main characters these days.

Halfdan and his mother are slaves to his father, a Viking warlord. The warlord's wife knows that her husband prefers Halfdan's mother, and is cruel to the Irish captive and her son. But when Halfdan's father dies, his mother is sacrificed as favorite concubines were, and Halfdan himself is adopted into the family according to his father's wishes. His stepmother chafes at this, but his half-brother and sister take kindly to him.

It's been a long time since I picked this one up, so I can't remember many more details. Halfdan and his brother go on a trip to visit an Irish monk, who has somehow become an important land owner in Scandinavia. They are attacked by (I think) Saxons and (view spoiler).

This is where I stopped reading because the graphic violence had become dispiriting, and the characters weren't compelling enough for me to hang in there. Halfdan is a generic angry boy, who grieves for his brother and seeks to avenge him, but seems to care little about all his mother suffered - rape, slavery, and eventually human sacrifice - at the hands of his father and other Vikings.

Then again, none of the other characters has deep-running emotions either. Roberts is more comfortable reciting details of Viking weaponry - which is great for world-building, but a novel should be more than a historical diorama, which is what this book feels like in places.

Roberts clearly did a lot of research on Viking weapons and methods of war, which he tells in a wordy, often awkward style. The chapters vary wildly in length, but some can run twenty or thirty pages. Halfdan is given an ill-informed mistrust of Christianity, which could be realistic, but here feels anachronistic - almost as if the author is allowing his own modern opinions to bleed through.

All in all, this is basically Eragon minus the dragon, the magic, and about nine hundred pages. Some of you will, doubtless, enjoy it. I personally found it shallow and in some places disturbing. ...more

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Dec 28, 2014 Susan Peek rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult, history, historical-fiction, top-shelves, suspence

I LOVED this book and can't wait to read Book 2 in the series! The characters are very well developed (you'll fall in love with the two heroes, believe me!), the details of Viking life are incredibly well-researched and portrayed, and the plot moves at breakneck speed. I couldn't wait to put the kids to bed every evening so I could read a few more chapters. I even dreamed about the book when I was asleep!

So, if I loved it so much, you may be wondering, "Why only 4 stars instead of 5?" Actually, ...more

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Dec 06, 2016 Eric rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: action-adventure, audio-books, young-adult, historical-fiction-war, 2016-reading-challenge, pirates

This book surprised me in how well the characters and story are well crafted. Some parts were kind of predictable and followed a sort "theme" these types of books seem to follow. Overall though, a great historical fiction read. This is a young adult tale but would recommend it for older teens.

I listened to the audio book and the whole production is well done.

...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Alan rated it really liked it

The Norse, like most Medieval societies, were heavily stratified, but not entirely inflexible. Slavery endured longer in the lands of the north, having given way to serfdom much centuries earlier in the Christian kingdoms of Western Europe. Furthermore, the Vikings developed a thriving slave trade. Slavery was not intensive as in Sparta or the Antebellum American South, but slaves were a tradeable commodity. Viking raids took Irish, Saxon and Frankish slaves to work farmsteads in Iceland, Norwa The Norse, like most Medieval societies, were heavily stratified, but not entirely inflexible. Slavery endured longer in the lands of the north, having given way to serfdom much centuries earlier in the Christian kingdoms of Western Europe. Furthermore, the Vikings developed a thriving slave trade. Slavery was not intensive as in Sparta or the Antebellum American South, but slaves were a tradeable commodity. Viking raids took Irish, Saxon and Frankish slaves to work farmsteads in Iceland, Norway and Denmark and on to eastern markets in Baghdad and Constantinople. The Viking sagas give a detailed look at the workings of Norse society, including the role of slaves. However, with few exceptions, slaves in the sagas are depicted as dumb, cowardly and untrustworthy. Such would be the opinion of the warrior elite whose perspective dominates the sagas. After all, with such low qualities thought the masters, the slaves then deserve their lot in life.
Viking Warrior is the story of Halfdan, the thrall son of a slave and her Viking master. A teenager by our standards, but a man in what was harsher times. Halfdan's rise to freedom is both plausible and tragic, and Roberts' deserves credit for depicting numerous details of the Norse underclass' daily life. Of course, one of the requirements (cliches) of the hero's journey tale is that the hero must be of low origins until his potential greatness is recognized by someone with power to elevate the protagonist's status. So, Halfdan does not long remain a slave, but retains the worldview of one who had been rejected by elite society.
Roberts keeps the pace brisk writing with a modern voice rather than the faux-saga style employed by many of the modern authors of Viking fiction. and soon introduces the villain that will bring tragedy to hisnewly fortunate life. The villain is brutal and merciless, but ultimately colorless. For a four book series, new and better written antagonists is a must for one to keep coming back.
The Strongbow Saga has potential and I will pickup at least one more volume. The nuanced point of view and interesting origin of the hero overcomes the plot's reliance on heroic cliches. ...more

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May 26, 2011 Leigh Collazo rated it it was ok

Shelves: read-in-2011

More reviews at http://readerpants.blogspot.com.

Overall Rating: While this book wasn't really for me, I wholeheartedly recommend this one for middle school boys who like lots of action, war scenes, learning about Viking culture.

What I liked: I can remember studying the Vikings for the first time in fourth grade. We had a young student teacher who knew much about Viking culture and passed that along to the 32 eager young minds in Ms. Schiffanelli's class. Viking culture is just plain interesting, ...more

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Apr 08, 2012 Charlotte added it

I have not rated this book as I think it would be unfair to rate it based on my opinion as it is suitable for a much different audience than me. It is categorized as a young adult book, but it is a far more boyish young adult than many teen books. I decided to read it as I have a professional interest in the Viking period, and the depiction of Viking life was indeed well done. I was engaged for about half the book thinking it was evolving into something more complex, but it turned into a boys' a ...more

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Oct 19, 2011 Kerry rated it it was amazing

Even though I seem to have some genetic imprinting to hate Vikings, I very much enjoyed this book. The story is engrossing and the historical aspect is accurate. A reader will really get a taste of life in the mid 800s Denmark. I just finished this one and found out there are 5 in total. The first 3 are out.

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Nov 17, 2011 Niel rated it it was amazing

Great book full of action, honor and betrayal. I was sure if I would like this book since I'm more of fantasy buff but this was good. I like how a slave became royalty and had to learn to act as such, but learns the cost of it. The story was great and I'm looking forward to reading book 2. Halfdan definitely changed throughout the story and I see more change coming great historical fiction book. ...more

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Jan 25, 2017 Maryanne rated it it was amazing

Unexpectedly beautiful writing which throws you straight into vivid landscapes, emotions and characters. Gripping adventure with the start of a vengeance quest, battles, weapons, forest skills, Norse Gods. Sadly no sheildmaidens though, all too busy cooking.

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Dec 27, 2007 Marga Vr rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: every young reader

Shelves: youngadult, givenaway

Berdina read it and rated it highly It's carefully written with glossary and historical background. Gave it to Stefan ...more

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Sep 03, 2020 SAM rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, historical-fiction

5 stars!! This is the Viking saga I've been wanting to read! This historical fiction book is about Halfdan, a bastard-slave, who after tragic events, is compelled to avenge the wrongs done to him and his family. This book one (of four) of the Strongbow Saga tells of Halfdan, his 9th century Danish Viking village, his family, Viking culture, beliefs and his journey from a slave to a free man. The setting and world-building is descriptive, yet not overly done. I love learning about the Vikings, an ...more

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Feb 08, 2019 Sacha rated it really liked it

This book captured my attention from the very first chapter. I really enjoyed the original voice that Judson Roberts used. I could tell he did a lot of research into the historical details of the time and place he set this story in. I also loved that there was a glossary in the back and a part that explained some historical relevance of the time.

Now for the characters. These characters were incredible. I loved that each person had their own personality and reacted realistically to what was happ ...more

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Dec 22, 2016 Yami rated it liked it · review of another edition

the book just flows, and it was kind of predictable , the turns and events are not a surprise, yet it is not a bad book, it focuses on the surroundings and describe it in details, and it seems that all characters have a story or two to share, I am kinda curious how Halfdan's chr. will grow , but it needs to spice thins a little with plot twists, the fights and narrating are okay...will see how it goes with book2. ...more

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Sep 01, 2017 Lori rated it liked it

Shelves: young-adult

This was decent enough. I love the whole Viking era and this book still does give me the satisfaction of reading more stories about it but it's very basic, makes for fast easy reading. I went through it quickly but didn't feel any trepidation or suspense when I should have. I know it's probably going to be predictable. But I'm still curious about how things I know will happen are going to happen. So moving on to the second book in the series! ...more

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Jul 29, 2020 Shelby Rose rated it liked it · review of another edition

This gave a historically accurate, and heartfelt image of the Viking era. The characters were enjoyable and developed greatly throughout the story. It was written in a easy, readable format that made reading the story quick. However, it did fall at a flat baseline for me and the overall story seamed to go slow. With the way it ended I could clearly tell this first novel was setting the base for the rest of the saga so I will still give the second book a try!

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Jun 30, 2017 Heather rated it it was amazing

Viking Warrior, the first of the Strongbow Saga, is an excellent book written in a way that makes you feel as if you are there in the middle of the action. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it and will likely read the rest of the books in the series. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Vikings or studying Viking history.

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Sep 17, 2019 Sarah Lombard rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I loved reading this book!
It was very very interesting and much better than the Vikings show because it was full of Viking spirituality and adventure. I very much looked forward to reading it every day as it got me thru some rough times. Highly recommended and am starting the next book

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Oct 08, 2019 Courtney rated it it was ok

I liked the characters and setting. The plot was interesting, revenge is my favorite trope. However, the writing style was dry. There were lots of descriptions of weapons and battle strategies that I could do without, especially during high stakes points in the narration.

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Dec 17, 2019 Lex rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, knights-in-shining-amor

This seems more to be a more accurate representation of Viking life than we usually see.
The first third was a little hard for my get through, but we needed to connect and understand Halfdan to appreciate his character’s growth.
I quite enjoyed this one.

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Mar 18, 2020 Tom rated it liked it

The writing style is very straight-forward and easy to follow. I liked the care the author took to present an historically accurate portrait of the Viking time-period. I'm looking forward to learning how the story ends in the subsequent novels. ...more

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May 01, 2020 Asl4u rated it really liked it

This book was okay - nothing so stellar that I must run out and read book 2 but it was an okay story. I got distracted and read two dog training books while in the middle of this one.. so it took me a while to finish it.

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Feb 09, 2021 Michelle Ruiz Kretzer rated it it was amazing

Great writing! The discriminations. in this book literally puts you in the right then and there.. You can almost see the sword, feel the warmth of the fire and smell the forest.. Fantastic.. Can't wait to see how this 4 book series ends! ...more

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Jul 12, 2017 Sierra M rated it liked it

I liked it. It was pretty good, considering I rarely read into a genre like that. Halfdan is a good, strong protagonist you will be rooting for the whole time.

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Mar 01, 2018 Andrew rated it really liked it

Constant action and interesting scenarios, conflicts, and resolutions set in the woods in times of old.

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May 20, 2018 Sam rated it it was amazing

Shelves: owned

Cool gruesome revenge story about a young viking that has been a slave all his life. Don't get attached to any of the characters, nobody is safe. ...more

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Mar 31, 2019 Dean rated it it was amazing

Lots of action, likable characters. Easy read, great for a day at the beach or lake!!!! Will read the next book in series!!!

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Jul 08, 2014 Echo rated it did not like it

Oh man. I had so many problems with this book. So so many. The two main problems I had were historical accuracy and a severe wish-fulfillment problem. Halfdan can learn any complicated skill in a month! And as a bonus he learned a bunch of them growing up, despite being a slave! Oh and no girls. Because this is a boys book.

Things I don't like: (mild spoilers)

1.) Margins are almost half the page. Wasteful.

2.) His mom is a princess. And wasn't ransomed. Even if her father and fiance were dead, y ...more

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Jan 06, 2019 Chance Kingsmyth rated it it was amazing

Absolutely gripping story. The action scenes are intense, and fast paced. The author brings you into this world that is dark, violent and full of sickening realities of our past. The character Halfdan is relatable and full of heart, truly compelling to the reader. This book made me fall in love with reading again after many years. It pulled me in, In one page. The story of a slave, gifted, talented and a survivor.

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Sep 05, 2020 Titus Thanchanvelil rated it liked it

A decent read targeted at the YA audience.

Liked the characters and setting. The integration of Norse mythology and Viking culture into the story is very interesting. But this book offers nothing else than the adventures of a boy. A lot of key scenes were less believable. The storyline is very basic, made for fast and lazy reading.

Things that bothered me is I felt things like slavery, Murder, and Rape are not taken seriously. The narrator should have been more careful since this is written for te ...more

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About Judson Roberts

Judson Roberts

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Fascinated since childhood with the Vikings, and a lover his entire life of captivating stories, Judson Roberts decided in 1999 to attempt to combine these interests and write a novel set within the world of the Vikings. Two years and countless hours of research later, the Strongbow Saga, a historical fiction series for adult and teen readers, was born.

Over his long and varied career, Judson Rober ...more