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Strongbow Saga #2

Dragons from the Sea

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The thrilling Strongbow Saga continues with this fierce sequel chronicling the adventures of a young man learning the ways of the Viking warriors. As fifteen-year-old Halfdan embarks on a perilous mission in a foreign land, he shows signs of greatness. But will he live up to his family name, or die trying? Author and Viking expert Judson Roberts draws on his detailed knowledge of this bloody time and culture to bring a young hero's exploits to life.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2007

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About the author

Judson Roberts

10 books120 followers
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 Roberts has been a police officer, federal agent, organized crime prosecutor, and private investigator. He is also a distant descendant of Rollo, also known as Rolf or Hrolf, the Viking leader who in 911 AD entered into a treaty with the King of the Western Franks and was granted the lands located around the mouth of the Seine River which eventually became known as Normandy, after the Northmen who settled there. He currently lives in Houston, Texas, where he is working on the next volume in the Strongbow Saga series.

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5 stars
596 (42%)
4 stars
541 (38%)
3 stars
233 (16%)
2 stars
32 (2%)
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8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Neil Hanson.
137 reviews5 followers
August 10, 2011
I read the first of these recently, and really enjoyed it. I believe these are actually classified as books for teens or older teens - clearly targeted at boys and young men. The last time I fell into one of those categories, the Beetles were still together...

Nonetheless, I really like these books.

This is a book I was wishing wouldn’t end so quickly. The storytelling is outstanding, even if the character development is a bit simple. But again, these books are written for young men / teenagers - I’m not sure they’d appeal to that group as much if the author got into more complex character development.

In talking to Peggy about this book, (who often gets asked for recommendations as she’s blissfully librarianing away), and told her I thought this (and the series) would be one to recommend right alongside “The Three Musketeers” by Dumas.

Now, for the other stuff.

I understand that Judson Roberts has struck out on his own, leaving the publishing company who published his first 3 books. He is preparing to publish his fourth book on his own. I LOVE to see authors doing this - especially authors like Roberts who are good and proven writers. I’d like to encourage readers to support these literary entrepreneurs, who are the equivalent of a small business-person trying to eek out a living among multinational giants.

I loved the first 2 books, and have started the third. If you like adventure stories, pick these up and read them, and then find ways to stay connected to Roberts as he rolls out his next in the series - his first as an independent.
Profile Image for Trish.
316 reviews7 followers
February 15, 2009
I was able to steal this book from Sarah (she's on page 252) and finished it very quickly. I was anxious to see where our hero Halfdan would go next. He is still not quite out of danger and I was glad for every friend he encountered now that he is so very alone. I laughed out loud at the declaration, "I could not believe my good fortune. We were going to war." Boys who have never seen war have such a romantic view of it.

What I love about this character is his humility and integrity. His religion dictates that his fate may be woven by the Norns, but he also understands that when action is needed, he is the one that will need to act and he will not lie down and wait for an act of the gods to deliver him. Yet he will honor them with a sacrifice when he wants to show gratitude. He is true to the person he has always been even though he has found a place among the warriors. So often when people make a change they can be unbearable and go through a period of making fools of themselves to fit their new "status" only to be brought back down in humility having learned that they should just be themselves.

I was frustrated when I reached the end of the book only to be left on the verge of another adventure. I will be looking to get the third book sometime this coming week.
Profile Image for Yami.
911 reviews50 followers
May 7, 2017
a novel can won me easily if the protagonist is the narrator, so that was one star , as for the rest I have absolutely no idea what is attracting me to this, is it Halfdan's voice -which I highly suspect is the main reason- or the non-stop ,no fillers plot, the event calm down and then suddenly sparkle again, I think the well balanced plot is a major key in this one, cos if I am asked what is so special about it, I totally have no idea, but it is intriguing and amusing to read. and I just want to know what will be next.
Profile Image for Tom.
41 reviews
March 31, 2020
Again, Judson has a very clear writing style that moves the story along at a good clip.
My advice to readers is to check out the final pages of the book to review the glossary and maps that can be found there. I stumble onto them after having finished the book and wish I had consulted them while reading.
1 review
January 20, 2019
an exciting viking saga

Roberts remains true to the known history and culture of the Vikings, while effectively using artistic license in the telling. Even readers of Snorre's sagas can enjoy this tale.
Profile Image for Andrew.
14 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2018
Constant action and interesting scenarios, conflicts, and resolutions set in the woods in times of old.
198 reviews4 followers
January 7, 2020
I am enjoying this series. Great story line with likable characters. Lots of action throughout the book.
Profile Image for Michelle Ruiz Kretzer.
138 reviews
February 13, 2021
This one had me hanging on the edge of my seat.. Talk about ending on a cliff hanger.. Definitely leaves you wanting more!
Profile Image for Sean.
323 reviews25 followers
April 6, 2022
I don't know enough about the time and place to judge the accuracy, but it feels right. And since the story is gripping and I care about the protagonist, I can't fault it.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wardrip.
Author 5 books521 followers
May 12, 2008
Reviewed by Grandma Bev for TeensReadToo.com

The year is 845 A.D. and fifteen-year-old Halfdan Hroriksson vows to find and kill the man who murdered his brother, Harald. He travels to the fortress, Hedeby, where he hopes to join the crew of a Viking longship and go i-viking.

The fierce, epic STRONGBOW SAGA continues with this exciting sequel, following the adventures of a young man learning the ways of the Viking warriors.

Halfdan is ready for action, armed with an amazing longbow that he made himself, and an axe that he took from a man that he killed. Halfdan's skill as an archer gains him acceptance into the crew of the Viking ship, The Gull, as it embarks on a quest to conquer the Franks. The large armada of Viking ships sail to make war on the Franks, the followers of the white Christ, and their sworn enemies. The electrifying battles and dialogue that fits the era feel realistic -- it's a can't-put-down chronicle with fast action and a multi-level plot.

Judson Roberts' extensive research is evident in this thrilling Viking yarn with compelling characters. Halfdan's honor and loyalty make him likable and sympathetic even when his violence is intense, frightening, and explicit, as it sometimes is in the fierce battles depicted in this provocative story.

The back of the book has a complete list of the characters, along with the part they play in the story, and a glossary of Viking terms, which I found very helpful. I greatly enjoyed this novel and I'm looking forward to the next volume in this electrifying saga. I'm definitely hooked on this series, and impatient for more.
Profile Image for Eric.
369 reviews60 followers
December 9, 2016
Dragons From the Sea is another great book of this Viking saga about young Halfdan. I'm totally hooked on this series!

At 15 years of age, Halfdan has proven himself as a worthy warrior to travel on the Jarl's ship to make war on the Franks. In this book, Halfdan meets the famous Viking warriors Ragnar, Bjorn Ironsides and Ivar the Boneless. Halfdan has sworn a blood vengeance on Toki and his men who killed his brother Harold. That quest must be set aside for now.

This story is once again rich with characters. The backdrop of the story is equally rich in description. The author is careful to keep Halfdan as a teenager and not make his character act older. By Dane standards, Halfdan is a man by age. He still has to continually prove himself as being a talented warrior and woodsman. So there is this constant struggle where Halfdan is put into dangerous adult situations and he has to draw on his raw courage and talent to overcome his fear and inexperience. Haldan does manage to make friends and mentors who are willing to help and guide him along the way.

I have been listening to the audio books of this series. Jeff Hays does an outstanding job narrating the story. There are also sound effects throughout the book which help enhance the story. The sound effects used sparingly and effectively throughout the story.

This is an immensely entertaining story that is based on real history but reads like a YA fantasy tale.
Profile Image for Lady Knight.
841 reviews44 followers
June 26, 2010
I loved "Viking Warrior" and was really hoping for a solid sequel. "Dragons From the Sea" is definitely satisfactory!

After the encounter with Toke and his men that left Halfdan without home or family (again!), Halfdan has sworn a blood debt to avenge Harald by killing Toke and the other murderers among his crew. But first he needs to gain some standing before other men or his claims will be ignored and Toke will certainly kill him before he has a chance to kill Toke. He ventures to apply for a position on a Viking ship. At first he is refused because he is a "beardless youth", but after proving that he is an excellant shot with a bow, and that he has blacksmithing skills, he is invited aboard.

The Danes are planning to make war against the Franks to the south and many warriors board long ships and help in the taking of the Frankish town of Ruda (Rouen). Although he wants the plunder and spoils of war, Halfdan soon realizes he has not the heart to steal from the poor or from farmers even if they are the enemy. Many things happen along the journey and Halfdan must find a way to face every new encounter and decide if he is a killer or a warrior...

Judson Roberts has done an excellent job in crafting not only a first rate series, but a flawed character that we nontheless really care for. Bravo!
Profile Image for Andrew.
40 reviews
March 9, 2012
I liked the second book in the series more then the first mostly because the plot moves along at a very brisk pace(I felt the first book took a bit too long to get going in terms of the main story), and also because this book makes a bit more use of its historical setting. It ties in with the actual historical raids of real life Vikings such as Ragnar Logbrod against the Western Frankish Kingdom of Charles the Bald in A.D. 845. Also interesting is the internal struggle of main character Halfdan-a one-time slave whose mother was kidnapped from Ireland by a Viking. Halfdan, now a Viking himself, finds himself actually taking a woman captive in this book and starting to fall for her(similar to what had happened to his father), and struggling to protect a family against the raping and pillaging of fellow Vikings. Essentially he's a Viking now, but as a one-time slave of the Vikings he finds himself at odds with the actions and personalities of his peers, since he knows from earlier experiences what it's like to be a victim of the Vikings. Through it all the main story from the end of the first book, Halfdan's quest for revenge against Toke, the berserk who killed his brother in the first novel, while never forgotten, takes a bit of a backseat to the experiences of Halfdan the Viking.
Profile Image for P.D.R. Lindsay.
Author 40 books106 followers
August 12, 2013

This is the second book in a series (the Strongbow Saga) about a young Viking warrior, Halfdan Hroriksson, who lives at the time of the Viking expansion into Europe in the late 9thC. Halfdan's story is woven through the known history about several Viking heroes and leaders, but the book is more than a history lesson. Halfdan's story makes good reading. It's definitely YA fiction and a young man's book for it's a good solid adventure story about a young man.

In the first book, 'Viking Warrior' Halfdan is a slave, his mother a captured Irish princess, his father the chieftain, Hrorik. Now he is a freeman and wanting to become a warrior. First Halfdan has to find a ship's captain willing to take him as crew. After that he has to persuade the other men he's not just a mere youth, and keep himself out of trouble. There's a cliffhanger ending to lead into the next book and reluctant male readers will surely enjoy Halfdan's struggles to prove he's a man.

My one beef, a female reader's one, is that there are many times when we get a bald written statement about Halfdan where I would have enjoyed a little more of his inner thoughts.

Get your young men reading with the series. They'll like it.
Profile Image for Karen Ball.
484 reviews11 followers
June 5, 2011
Excellent historical fiction with a solid base on what life was like for most people during the time of Viking invasions (before 1000 AD). Lots of action, violence and bloodshed, so if that's not your favorite fare, this may not be for you. For those mature readers (I recommend for 8th grade and up) who can handle that, this is well written with phenomenal character development. Be ready -- Roberts has no problem killing off characters you've come to like.
Book 2: Dragons From the Sea -- Halfdan's story continues as he is accepted into the crew of a Viking longship which is called to be part of an invasion force into the land of the Franks (France). His ability to shoot accurately with a longbow and his understanding of Latin make him a valuable asset. Halfdan's personal vow to avenge Harald's death takes a back seat to his responsibilities to the crew and their leader, Jarl Halstein, though. Halfdan's character develops with each choice he makes, and he earns the respect of many of the warriors. This one is extra-heavy with battle scenes from the invasion -- this is up-close and personal battle, with lots of blood and gore.
Profile Image for Sarah.
560 reviews75 followers
January 28, 2012
My Review: Judson Roberts may be no Stephen King or Ken Follett, but, nonetheless, he does have some pretty sweet storytelling skills. In the second book of The Strongbow Saga, we are reunited with Halfdan as he continues his ongoing fight for revenge. It’s interesting— at times it seems as though some inner piece of Halfdan’s soul seeks peace and cannot make sense out of the killing and plundering so revered and respected by his culture. He speaks with the forest and its creatures so beautifully and with such admiration that it makes me question the amount of heart that naturally exists in his pursuit of blood, and how much he must consciously force himself into this daunting, often demoralizing task…

In addition to a captivating (albeit familiar) plot, Roberts writes clearly and uses an attractive style in the construction of his work. If nothing more, this book silences the world around me and mutes my own reality to such an extent that I can get lost in the adventures of a time long passed. I appreciate Judson Roberts for that. I respect any writer who gives the gift of escape.
Profile Image for Craig.
689 reviews44 followers
February 7, 2011
This is Book Two in the Strongbow Saga by Judson Roberts. The principal character, Halfdan, son of a Viking warlord and a captured Irish princess, enlists as an expert bowman on a longbow (Danish fighting vessel). His ship is one of many which have left Denmark in 845 AD under command the Danish King to invade Frankia (France). France was actually invaded by a large Viking force in 845, so the narrative is historical fiction. Through deception, the men from Halfdan's ship (and other ships) invade the city of Ruga (Rouen) and capture it. Because of his prowess with a bow and his well-developed skills in the forest, Halfdan is sent inland to scout the whereabouts of the Frankish armies who are planning to attack the invading Norsemen. The author has obviously researched his subject matter well. He is imaginative and tells a compelling story. Easy and enjoyable reading but not quite as good as Book One. On to Book Three.
Profile Image for Michelle Griep.
Author 44 books2,775 followers
July 22, 2011
After reading this, I definitely need to get me a bow and arrow. Whewie...what a non-stop Viking adventure! This is the second in the Strongbow Saga, picking up with hero Halfdan in the trading town of Hedeby, and ending with a screaming great cliffhanger. Good thing I've already got the next book in my hot little hands.

Author Judson Roberts does a fantastic job putting the reader into a Viking warrior's POV. I felt like I was out on the trail scouting for enemies, or riding the crests in a longship. More than physical, though, it was interesting to get inside the head of a male fighting machine--one with a lovable and noble heart--and see how he thinks and feels...so foreign to my female contemporary American mind.

I'm really enjoying this series. If you like history and aren't too squeamish, this is the read for you. Be forewarned that there is some blood and guts, but hey...they're warriors. It's what they do.
Profile Image for Stacey.
423 reviews36 followers
September 15, 2012
Halfdan has survived a lot lately. A recently released slave turned warrior he has seen his father’s, mother’s and now half-brother’s death. And he took an oath to avenge those that have been wronged. But first he needs to make his story and name known as he travels in the land of the Danes and finds a ship that will allow him to be a Viking.
I had read this book years ago when it was first published. I was surprised, it’s historical fiction. It has all the elements of a good fantasy story, but is actually a take of Viking life. A good working plot, I honestly think that either the characters or the dialogue could use a bit more polishing. The author has done a good job on an accurate presentation of the Danes’ culture. It’s a great read for older boys, while it’s not overly violent there’s a lot of action and just the right amount of romance (there actually is very little).
Profile Image for Douglas Cook.
Author 18 books6 followers
July 9, 2013
Young Norseman Halfdan sails on his first raiding party. Exciting plot and setting.

First paragraphs
1
Hedeby
Early in the year the Christians number the eight hundred and forty-fifth after the death of their God the White Christ, my fate led me to the outskirts of Hedeby, the largest town in all the kingdom of the Danes. I arrived there in the late afternoon, tired, hungry, and sore from spending many days atop a horse. At least I had not suffered too badly from the cold on my journey. Though by measure of days it was still the last weeks of winter, the weather had been unseasonably warm ever since the Jul feast, and on the day I reached Hedeby there was a freshness in the air that hinted of the coming of spring.

Roberts, Judson (2010-10-26). Dragons from the Sea (The Strongbow Saga, Book 2) (p. 1). Northman Books. Kindle Edition.
Profile Image for SAM.
173 reviews15 followers
September 14, 2020
5 stars for book 2! Halfdan! This series remains THE Viking story I've been wanting to read. This is book two in The Strongbow Saga where Halfdan's quest continues. Viking pillaging, politicking, plundering and chasing continues. Halfdan gains more war experience and then some as the fleet enters into enemy Frankish territory. He makes no excuses for who is and what he has turned into, however, he does still abide by Viking code and honor. Halfdan is forced to survive on his own again with grim prospects and I am left wanting more as I need to wait for the third book to arrive. I do wish these books were longer, maybe two longer books instead of four shorter, but I will definitely continue this series.
Profile Image for Niel.
97 reviews
November 25, 2011
This book was just as good as the first and maybe a little. It continues the story of Halfdan, but now his part of jarl Hastein's crew. This book delves deeper into how the viking society works.It also allows for Halfdan's character to develop and change with the new challenges he faces. Aboard a viking ship he has to earn respect from the other crew. With the addition of new characters it gave the story a little variety and realism to the story. The story arch is still very entertaining and realistic for the era. Great book, story, and characters. Great read for fans of Norse stories.
Profile Image for Abby Goldsmith.
Author 23 books153 followers
October 26, 2014
Another cliff-hanger ending, but this second book in the saga is just as good as the first. I'm listening to the newly produced audiobook versions, and I wish I didn't have to wait for the next book! I want to listen to them all in one go.

These books feel very well-researched, with immersive details about viking life and the 'Land of the Franks.' The characters, the adventure, and the story makes history come alive. Love it!

Profile Image for Heather E.
8 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2010
A very enjoyable sequel to Viking Warrior. Halfdan joins a Viking ship as it sails to invade France. I'm really enjoying watching Roberts balance Halfdan as a believable Viking and a sympathetic hero (often tricky since many aspects of Viking culture - making a fortune through rape and pillage for example - are hard to sympathize with). I am looking forward to the third book in this series.
19 reviews
June 22, 2019
This book was a wonderful sequel to the amazing first book. It adds new characters, new motivations, and new small challenges that block the way to Halfdan finally reaching his big goal. It stacks another layer on top of the last book making the story deeper, more complex, and more intriguing. It does this while keeping the historically accuracy that made the first one so good.
Profile Image for Barbara.
3,521 reviews294 followers
January 30, 2009
I have always been fascinated by the Vikings and their exploits. This book gives a first hand look (from a teenager who is a man in this time period) at life and vengeance in AD 845. Really fascinating and just as bloody as you would expect from a Viking novel. I just ordered book 3.
10 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2010
This story was as good as the first one, with a brand new environment and journey for the hero.
He still has the same goal in mind, but he realizes he has to join a viking crew to achieve it.
The book leaves you wainting for the next one.
Profile Image for Scott Marlowe.
Author 31 books154 followers
March 19, 2011
Great book. I was about to pull the trigger on book 3 when I noticed the Kindle price: $9.99? Really? These are short novels. Good story, but not worth paying that much for the eBook. Sorry, Harper Collins.
Profile Image for Kileen.
60 reviews2 followers
November 6, 2011
I love this story, it was really well written and Filled with bloody battles that I know guys will enjoy far more than me. But, the author threw in some romance for us girls and made it a perfect series. I highly recommend this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews