Description
This is a gripping, acclaimed action-packed Viking epic.
Set in the 10th century, when Viking raids were at their peak, Paul Watkins spins a tale that covers three continents.
After centuries of ranging unchecked across the northern world, the fortunes of the Vikings have begun to turn.
In this time of violent change, a young man, struck by lightning, is believed to be marked by the gods as a keeper of the Norse religion's greatest secret.
To save the Norse faith and himself, he embarks upon a journey that takes him far beyond the boundaries of the known world, where he must confront not only his own gods but the gods of a people yet more savage. "Few contemporary novelists have the ability to grab readers by the throat with such intense story-telling power and not release them until the final page has been turned." (Sunday Times).
Information
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 336 pages
- Publisher: Faber & Faber
- Publication Date: 01/05/2005
- Category: Historical fiction
- ISBN: 9780571217984
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Reviews
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Review by justininlondon
A highly readable adventure story set in Viking times. As in Thomas Holt's 'Meadowland' (which is not as good as this one), we have an accidental journey to the New World, though this only occurs late in the book. Watkins can certainly write and it's a good story, but it wanders around a bit. At one point, it seemed as if it was going to be more about religion and faith (specifically the clash between the old religion and Christianity) but that element doesn't quite take off. Highly readable and some gripping scenes. But not essential reading. It's not particularly moving or thought-provoking. Plus, given that it's a first-person narration, the reader is never exactly worried that the narrator will not escape his many predicaments. As he's telling us the story, we know it will end happily so the suspense is never too strong....
