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wagmore's review against another edition
3.0
Surprisingly interesting, given that I had no previous interest in Vikings.
pemdas97's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
sam_2's review
5.0
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, and even though this story is fiction, it feels that most Viking descriptions, every day life and raiding life was accurate. The writing is simple, but not dumbed-down by any means. It feels like the language on the show Vikings on the History Channel, how they talk to each other; simple, but effective. The story and the writing made me invested in Halfdan and want to see him succeed. There are descriptions of weapons, training, and some battles but all were very interesting to read. Halfdan does seem to be good at almost everything he tries, but his humility outshines the convenience factor. The premise reminds me a little of The Count of Monte Cristo, but Viking style. That alone is enough to keep me reading this series. All-in-all an outstanding book for any Viking lover, which I highly recommend!
cnohero's review
4.0
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.
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.
lulu_loves_conan_gray's review
3.0
Um, read this for summer reading last year and got a C for the wonderful essay I wrote about because I failed at explaining why I thought the theme was love...
Anyways, I have long forgotten the name of his stepbrother, but I loved him.
The book was okay, I'd read it again, but not exactly my type of book. I think a boy would love it more, though, but we all know about my adoration of love stories.
Anyways, I have long forgotten the name of his stepbrother, but I loved him.
The book was okay, I'd read it again, but not exactly my type of book. I think a boy would love it more, though, but we all know about my adoration of love stories.
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