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woolfardis's review against another edition
1.0
Technically not badly written, as in good punctuation and grammar etc, but in terms of wit and plot, very much badly written. The humour was forced, the "this is what really happened" at the beginning was completely unnecessary (and inaccurate: claim cannot be made). Dialogue and general characterisation just bland. A fairly regular piece of historical fantasy if that's what you're after.
wimerek's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
literary_han's review against another edition
5.0
I've never really got into ancient historical books but this was a major surprise!
The plot was intriguing and there was non-stop action. Incredibly blood thirsty and a hint of magic!
I highly recommend this book to fantasy, historical and action book lovers!
READ IT!!!!
The plot was intriguing and there was non-stop action. Incredibly blood thirsty and a hint of magic!
I highly recommend this book to fantasy, historical and action book lovers!
READ IT!!!!
angrywombat's review against another edition
3.0
Although this is presented as some kind of historical fiction, I just cant take it seriously. This reminds me of the movie "A Knight's Tale" - which has the trappings of a historical story, but plays very fast and loose with everything else.
The language, slang, and the attitudes and knowledge of many characters comes across as completely anachronistic, which pulled me out of the story on many occasions. But the main characters and their interactions are a lot of fun. In fact, some of the characters (Dug Sealskinner especially) were a joy to see in action.
The self deprecating humour really drew me in, making me want to read more. But since I'm not british the language use kept making me think of a Guy Ritchie film.
Nonetheless, I will probably get the next book, just on the strength of his characters - I really want to see what becomes of Dug and his mates.
The language, slang, and the attitudes and knowledge of many characters comes across as completely anachronistic, which pulled me out of the story on many occasions. But the main characters and their interactions are a lot of fun. In fact, some of the characters (Dug Sealskinner especially) were a joy to see in action.
The self deprecating humour really drew me in, making me want to read more. But since I'm not british the language use kept making me think of a Guy Ritchie film.
Nonetheless, I will probably get the next book, just on the strength of his characters - I really want to see what becomes of Dug and his mates.
beau_kemp's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book. I read and listened to the Audiobook and Sean Barrett was fantastic.
vailynst's review against another edition
3.0
Notes:
3.5 Stars
Sean Barrett (at 2.3x Speed) was great!
A part of me thinks I should rate this one at 4 stars because I really enjoyed certain aspects but other parts were not done as well as they should have been.
3.5 Stars
Sean Barrett (at 2.3x Speed) was great!
A part of me thinks I should rate this one at 4 stars because I really enjoyed certain aspects but other parts were not done as well as they should have been.
jamestomasino's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really strong series opener. The characters are vivid and the world building excellent.
kiwi_fruit's review against another edition
4.0
This first novel in the Iron Age series has a well paced story, interesting characters who work well as a team and witty dialogues. Due to the obvious “Magic” elements, , this book is definitely better categorised as Historical fantasy, which isn’t my cup of tea normally, however read as a fantasy novel, it worked for me. I will continue with the second novel in this series. 3.5 stars
Fav. Quotes:
He could have stood like a hero of old and met the Maidun force, he thought as he ran, but there were old soldiers and there were brave soldiers. You can’t be both.
“When people ask for advice,” he said eventually, “they are usually looking for corroboration”.
Aithne was right, perhaps not literally, but men did seem to fall heavily for her every now and then. It was a shame she never felt the same way. Usually she pitied her suitors, and pity was about as big a turn-on as incontinence.
There was one unpleasantly opinionated man who thought he knew best and spoke over everyone else, but that was heartening because, as Drustan pointed out, every group needs its twat, and if you’re in a group of people and there isn’t a twat, then it’s you.
Spoiler
e.g. druids able to read minds and little girls able to resurrect themselves and kill attacking dogs at a distanceFav. Quotes:
He could have stood like a hero of old and met the Maidun force, he thought as he ran, but there were old soldiers and there were brave soldiers. You can’t be both.
“When people ask for advice,” he said eventually, “they are usually looking for corroboration”.
Aithne was right, perhaps not literally, but men did seem to fall heavily for her every now and then. It was a shame she never felt the same way. Usually she pitied her suitors, and pity was about as big a turn-on as incontinence.
There was one unpleasantly opinionated man who thought he knew best and spoke over everyone else, but that was heartening because, as Drustan pointed out, every group needs its twat, and if you’re in a group of people and there isn’t a twat, then it’s you.
bent's review against another edition
4.0
A really fun read. Watson creates some great characters and treats them with a healthy dollop of humour. Dug is the typical Viking, Northerner but is a little lazy and would rather avoid battle if he can. Lowa is a top warrior, formerly evil now forced by circumstance to be good, and an unstoppable force of nature. Spring is a precocious little girl that won't be put off. Ragnall looks like the perfect warrior - good looking, smart, strong fighting skills - but hasn't really been tested or seen much of the world.
The characters are fun, defying our expectations, the book has really strong female characters, the secondary characters are well-developed and entertaining, and story moves at a good pace. I thought this was an excellent read and highly recommended for someone who likes some humour with their fantasy.
The characters are fun, defying our expectations, the book has really strong female characters, the secondary characters are well-developed and entertaining, and story moves at a good pace. I thought this was an excellent read and highly recommended for someone who likes some humour with their fantasy.