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joshwrose's review
3.0
An adventure filled with norse mythology, historical fact and religious conflict. Exciting and fun, despite the confusing start where present and flashback are mixed and so many characters where its hard to keep track of them. Low killed off plenty of those characters and introduced several to replace them. Had to go back several chapters to sort out which characters were the villains and which were allies.
But all in all, this was an enjoyable read
But all in all, this was an enjoyable read
psoglav's review against another edition
2.0
UKUPNA OCENA (overall rating) - 6/10
Radnja (story) - 6/10
Likovi (characters) - 6/10
Pripovedanje (writing style) - 6/10
Okruženje (setting) - 7/10
Radnja (story) - 6/10
Likovi (characters) - 6/10
Pripovedanje (writing style) - 6/10
Okruženje (setting) - 7/10
heroineinabook's review
3.0
What attracted me to reading this series was the author is a journalist, is passionate about the time period, and the best part? He's a an active Viking reenactor. So we've got someone who can write and knows their history well.
But just as one can be a journalist and be a terrific writer, it does not necessarily mean they can write fiction. Low is not one of those people, but this is not to say his story is without problems. The story meanders at times with no point, the character development isn't there, and the plot seems thin on the ground. BUT, it's intriguing. I love the historical aspect that is being presented, and there is a lot of promise to the series. So it's not great, but it's good and will keep you entertained.
But just as one can be a journalist and be a terrific writer, it does not necessarily mean they can write fiction. Low is not one of those people, but this is not to say his story is without problems. The story meanders at times with no point, the character development isn't there, and the plot seems thin on the ground. BUT, it's intriguing. I love the historical aspect that is being presented, and there is a lot of promise to the series. So it's not great, but it's good and will keep you entertained.
colorfulleo92's review
5.0
I was in the mood to start a new series about vikings and wasn't disappointed when I picked this audiobook up. Definitely going to be a series I will be continuing whenever I feel in the mood for vikings
mordiell's review
4.0
To be honest, I did not like this book in the begging. At all. But, towards the end, my opinion on it completely changed. This book has the best and the most accurate descriptions of sword fighting, out of everything I've ever read. I just cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of the books from the Oathsworn series. I gave it a four stars, though, because of the beginning. If there was option for it, I would rate it with 4,5 stars.
eososray's review against another edition
4.0
At the beginning of the book I thought it was going to be 2 stars but it turned out to be a solid 4 star despite the first 100 pages.
Orm is a young man who has been fostered by his uncle since the age of 5. Incidents with his uncle and a white bear set him on a path with the Oathsworn, a group of Vikings traveling the known world as mercenaries. From reliquary hunters to besiegers of a fortress to treasure hunters, they travel where money and the whale road takes them and we follow Orm from untried youth to tested leader.
The beginning of the book was slow despite all the action; it was a bit convoluted with flashbacks and a large amount of character introductions. Once the book has launched into the travels it improves significantly. I admired the gritty realism of the battles, with terrible wounds and agonizing deaths, to the people of the era, from greedy rulers to thralls with nothing, it is what made this such a great book.
Orm is a young man who has been fostered by his uncle since the age of 5. Incidents with his uncle and a white bear set him on a path with the Oathsworn, a group of Vikings traveling the known world as mercenaries. From reliquary hunters to besiegers of a fortress to treasure hunters, they travel where money and the whale road takes them and we follow Orm from untried youth to tested leader.
The beginning of the book was slow despite all the action; it was a bit convoluted with flashbacks and a large amount of character introductions. Once the book has launched into the travels it improves significantly. I admired the gritty realism of the battles, with terrible wounds and agonizing deaths, to the people of the era, from greedy rulers to thralls with nothing, it is what made this such a great book.
roetroc's review
1.0
A good story ruined by outrageously bad physics. Punching out bosses to put oars through to make a primitive hydrofoil?
This is incredibly daft, illogical and detracts from an otherwise enjoyable tale. Just a tiny bit of research would have corrected such errors but the author couldn't be bothered to do that.
This is incredibly daft, illogical and detracts from an otherwise enjoyable tale. Just a tiny bit of research would have corrected such errors but the author couldn't be bothered to do that.
wsqrd's review against another edition
3.0
It may have been a mistake to read this book after re-reading [b:The Last Kingdom|68527|The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Stories, #1)|Bernard Cornwell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1407107780l/68527._SY75_.jpg|881821] by Bernard Cornwell. They are both historical fiction, both have a Norse theme and are both filled with battle scene that are vividly reproduced in my imagination.....but, sadly, that's where the similarities end. I could never get myself to care about the main character, Orm. He's a farm-boy from nowhere that, somehow, can not only read Latin, but also speak multiple languages and as a mid teenager stands up to battle hardened veterans as if he was Thor incarnate. I don't mind an author stretching belief, but Orm is too hard to swallow. If I don't feel something for the main character, I find it very difficult to enjoy the book. I don't have to *like* them, I just have to care about them. I never cared for Orm.
blackestclovers's review against another edition
4.0
I had a hard time getting into the book. I read a few pages and stopped. Came back some time later, read a few more and stopped again. This go 'round, I found it more enjoyable and managed to stick with it from page 30 on. I can't really explain why (not in the mood, slow start, not sure) I couldn't initially get into this book but now that it's over I'd certainly give it upwards of 4-4.5 stars. A great, well researched Viking saga (even if the Hun Horde and the Spear of Destiny was a little far fetched) that I will certainly continue with once I get some of my ridiculous stack read. Most certainly recommended.