The Half-Drowned King: A Novel (The Golden Wolf Saga) (edició 2017)

I wolfed this down whole on Christmas Day when I got it for a present. Compulsively readable and one of the best Viking novels I've read. ( )

This is a Norwegian fantasy based on the tale of Herald Fairhair. If you like the TV show the Vikings, you would enjoy this book. I found the pacing a bit slow. I would have liked more stabbing and romance. ( )

life is too short to finish books you aren't loving

I picked up this book because I love historic fiction and I was trying to find a book to get me into the mood for a trip to Iceland. And although none of the characters actually ever set foot on Iceland, the descriptions of life as a Norse Viking was an entertaining introduction into some of the Icelandic culture. The book is set in a Norway that is still governed by a fierce group of Viking kings. It appears like a lawless society, with plenty of raids on innocent farmers and Irish priests, but there was a strong code of honor and even a rule of law that the most ferocious Viking upheld. The story is a classic one of a power struggle to rule Norway, with plenty of alliances forged and broken, and of course, lots of treachery. Think of it like a Game of Thrones but with Vikings. Good plot and a fun romp through a very colorful time and place. ( )

Early history of Norwegian life, at the time of small kingdoms, and little unification. I learned a lot of background and history, told from the viewpoint of Ragnvald-the brother-trying to reclaim his land, while protecting his sister--Svanhold. Lots of wars and sea battles described, which got somewhat tedious, but realistically was a major part of the Nordic history. First part of a trilogy, and I'm looking forward to the subsequent books. ( )