Viking Blood and Blade (The Viking Blood and Blade Saga) Paperback – August 1, 2021

I like to read historical novels because they take me in my imagination to different places and times. I particularly love a good Viking adventure story. I learned of the Viking Blood and Blade Saga through another similar author that I follow. I bought the first volume and enjoyed the read. Hundr, the main character, is a young, low ranking viking seaman who aspires to fame, riches and glory. He appears to be well on his way to achieving what he wants, but there is a dreadful setback... There are a lot of interesting twists in the plot, the characters are well developed, and and there's plenty of action. I've ordered the second (The Wrath of Ivar) and third (Axes for Valhalla) volumes in the series and look forward to reading more about Hundr, learning more about his background (there's something mysterious about his origins) and following his adventures.

Ok, if you're expecting Bernard Cornwell, you're going to be disappointed. But this tail of Viking glory wasn't too bad. The storyline was very simple, no detailed character development, things sort of just happen, but it was a fun read. It felt almost like a cartoon or a comic book. Characters just sort of do things without a basis in reality, and decisions are made without looking deeply into reasons and repercussions. Cornwell is famous for having his characters look at all angles before charging off to war. Gibbons just sort of throws things together, makes stuff up, betrayals happen for no reason, enemies sort of just run into one another in the middle of a big city ... that type of stuff. As with cartoons, just suspend reality and you'll enjoy the book. I'll start book 2 tonight. :)

I absolutely loved reading this book! It was beautifully written and perfectly captured the essence of the time period. The characters were so amazing that I couldn't help but fall in love with them. I was so hooked that I ended up ordering the second book halfway through! I'm beyond excited for it to arrive. Can't wait to dive back into this incredible story!

I recommend this to anyone. Who reads stories of the Viking Time.

A truly great action novel. Great character development and a fine prequel to the next in the series. I'm going to read that too.

Characters are very interesting and the plot kept me reading to see what would happen next. This is a good read!

Story was interesting enough to keep me reading but the spelling errors, clumsy syntax, jagged nature of the narrative - abrupt scene changes, weak pacing and lots and lots of contemporary tropes - mean we are likely reading self-published work.I’m long past weary of the continuing trope of the “warrior women.” There is no actual excessive of this and in fact the only support for it is weak connections to some isolated archaeology and modern “woke” wish fulfillment.The fact this author puts these fictional “Valkyries” in the roles of the best-trained and most ruthless warriors begs credibility.

Love the constant action in this seriesGlad I have bought the first few, I will be buying the rest of the series