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The Saga of Swain the Viking #1
Swain's Vengeance
“All who admit friendship for Frakork and Olvir are likewise my enemies. Let me hear of such and they shall feel the edge of my sword and the burning of lighted brands such as those with which Olvir fired my father’s skalli at Dungalsbae and drove both him and Valthiof, my brother, forth to die upon the spears of a hundred men.”
Swain Olaf’s son is a man who will let nothing stand in the way of his goals. And no goal is more important to him than avenging his father and brother, who were done to death by the despicable Olvir Rosta and his grandmother, the witch-woman Frakork. If that means Swain must depose a Jarl to achieve vengeance, then so be it!
As acclaimed author Howard Andrew Jones writes in the introduction, “Arthur D. Howden Smith based Swain on material found in the later portions of the Orkneyinga saga. If you think that means Smith was recounting dry history, you’re in for a rude surprise. These tales are based on the recollections of a warrior culture, and Swain’s stories are rich with deeds of daring and cleverness and are absolutely drenched in warfare and violence, from the very first pages.”
Swain Olaf’s son is a man who will let nothing stand in the way of his goals. And no goal is more important to him than avenging his father and brother, who were done to death by the despicable Olvir Rosta and his grandmother, the witch-woman Frakork. If that means Swain must depose a Jarl to achieve vengeance, then so be it!
As acclaimed author Howard Andrew Jones writes in the introduction, “Arthur D. Howden Smith based Swain on material found in the later portions of the Orkneyinga saga. If you think that means Smith was recounting dry history, you’re in for a rude surprise. These tales are based on the recollections of a warrior culture, and Swain’s stories are rich with deeds of daring and cleverness and are absolutely drenched in warfare and violence, from the very first pages.”
- GenresHistorical Fiction
312 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 13, 2022
This is just another instance in which DMR has published something that I had no hope of reading otherwise. Yes, I could run down the issues of Adventure. That is certainly feasible, but not exactly affordable. Thankfully D.M. Ritzlin has done the leg work for the rest of us.
Arthur D. Howden Smith isn't exactly a household name in today's world. Many venerable readers, like Howard Andrew Jones--who actually wrote an introduction to this collection, are all too familiar with Smith. Initially I was aware of Smith from the collection Grey Maiden: The Story of a Sword Through the Ages published as part of the Time Lost Series by Centaur Books, and of course I was only aware of this fairly scarce title from other more well-read readers online.
Swain's Vengeance is comprised of six stories which follow Swain chronologically. Each story adding to what came before. Even with this continuity, each story can be enjoyed singly.
Swain Olaf's son is a singular man of integrity. A doughty and peerless warrior. He is steadfast and unwavering in his convictions. He is a man of action who never rests on his laurels. His enemies may outdistance him, but they never outfox him.
These stories are almost a century old. That is profound. The writing at first seems old fashioned, but soon you no longer notice it. My only concession would be that in reading the book in its entirety the stories seem a little redundant. The goals generally remain the same, even if the support characters change. Overall, I am well satisfied with this collection, and I eagerly look forward to Volume II: Swain's Chase this winter.
Arthur D. Howden Smith isn't exactly a household name in today's world. Many venerable readers, like Howard Andrew Jones--who actually wrote an introduction to this collection, are all too familiar with Smith. Initially I was aware of Smith from the collection Grey Maiden: The Story of a Sword Through the Ages published as part of the Time Lost Series by Centaur Books, and of course I was only aware of this fairly scarce title from other more well-read readers online.
Swain's Vengeance is comprised of six stories which follow Swain chronologically. Each story adding to what came before. Even with this continuity, each story can be enjoyed singly.
Swain Olaf's son is a singular man of integrity. A doughty and peerless warrior. He is steadfast and unwavering in his convictions. He is a man of action who never rests on his laurels. His enemies may outdistance him, but they never outfox him.
These stories are almost a century old. That is profound. The writing at first seems old fashioned, but soon you no longer notice it. My only concession would be that in reading the book in its entirety the stories seem a little redundant. The goals generally remain the same, even if the support characters change. Overall, I am well satisfied with this collection, and I eagerly look forward to Volume II: Swain's Chase this winter.
January 1, 2023
As Howard Andrew Jones stated in the introduction concerning this book, " You're holding treasures." Basically, what we have here, are 6 novelettes published 100 years ago in the legendary pulp magazine, Adventure. Thanks to DMR books, we get to enjoy these fantastic Norse adventure stories without trying to track down D. Howden Smith's stories in crumbling pulp magazines. A lot to enjoy here. Most of the action takes place in the Orkneys. There are no wasted pages here. Plenty of action, intrigue, betrayals, Vikings, various landscapes, etc. Come and read Swain's saga if you lust for historical adventure stories in the vein as writers like Harold Lamb. Smith based these stories on Orkneyinga Saga, also known as the Jarls's Saga. I believe DMR plans to release two more books in 2023 to complete the collection. Excellent.
September 30, 2024
I had never heard of Arthur D. Howden Smith until I picked this up on a whim. I am now a fan! The stories are all interesting with good action. Despite being a century old, the writing style is engaging and easy to read. It is hard to keep track of the movement around the isles, however, as all of the location names just blurred together. Just some awesome tales of viking plunder, plotting, and revenge!
I will be checking out the rest of the series and the Grey Maiden stories!
I will be checking out the rest of the series and the Grey Maiden stories!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews