“If you want to sit down with an extremely well-researched tale involving heroic battles, first loves, and the making of a legend, this book is for you.” – The Historical Novel Society“For indeed the Frankish nation, which was crushed by the avenger Hasting, was full of filthy uncleanness. Treasonous and oath-breaking, they were deservedly condemned; unbelievers and faithless, they were justly … faithless, they were justly punished.” – Dudo of St. Quentin, Gesta Normannorum
Orphaned as a child by a blood-feud, and sold as a slave to an exiled chieftain in Ireland, the boy Hasting had little hope of surviving to adulthood. The gods had other plans. A ship arrived at his master’s longphort carrying a man who would alter the course of his destiny, and take him under his wing to teach him the ways of the Vikings. His is a story of a boy who was a slave, who became a warlord, and who helped topple an empire.
A supposed son of Ragnar Lodbrok, and referred to in the Gesta Normannorum as the Scourge of the Somme and Loire, his life exemplified the qualities of the ideal Viking. Join author and historian C.J. Adrien on an adventure that explores the coming of age of the Viking Hasting, his first love, his first great trials, and his first betrayal.
“The Lords of the Wind” by C.J. Adrien is a gold medal winner in the 2020 Reader’s Favorite annual international book award.contest.
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“The Lords of the Wind” by C. J. Adrien is an action-packed high sea adventure and a coming-of-age Nordic saga about the early life of Hasting considered one of the most notorious Vikings in the Dark Ages. The story is told through the perspective of Hasting, who describes himself as the Scourge of the Somme and Loire; Christian priests believe he is the Devil sent to punish them for their sins.
As a child, Hasting is enslaved during a blood feud and must endure unspeakable brutality in Ireland until a captain of a warship recruits him to “go a-Viking.” His legend grows after he nearly drowns during a storm but is saved by the mythic, monstrous wolf Eilif. Abandoned by the ship’s crew during a raid in the Britanny region of France, Hasting spends his formative years learning the culture of the Celts and becomes embroiled in their politics. When he discovers that a young woman he loves may have been captured and enslaved by Vikings during a raid, he sets off to rescue her and seek revenge. On his quest to find her, he travels as far north as Norway and transforms into a cunning captain of his own warship.
Author C J Adrien captures the essence of various cultures in the Dark Ages, including the Viking pagans and Celtic and Frankish Christians. The Nordic saga explores the themes of love, betrayal, and political intrigue. The story is most engaging when we learn more about how diverse cultures impact Hasting. He uses broad knowledge from his training, education, and experiences to communicate and negotiate effectively with various factions. Also of interest is the importance of trade during this time, particularly the slave and salt markets.
Mythology seamlessly weaves into the story and captures the beliefs and superstitions of the pagans and Christians. The vivid narrative detailing the landscape, sailing a ship, or processing salt is evidence of the author’s meticulous research. Tragic love and political intrigue drive Hasting’s decisions in the epic adventure on the high seas. However, the last half of the novel felt more rushed with some inconsistencies in the plot and characters which resulted in an unsatisfying ending for me.
I highly recommended “The Lords of the Wind” to readers who embrace action-packed, epic Viking adventure with a splash of romance and political intrigue on the high seas
This is a story about a slave who became a great warrior. Born a Dane, Hasting suffers years of abuse. How he survived his childhood was a miracle in itself, but survive he did. But it isn’t until he is almost killed by his master, Hagar, that Hasting’s life really begins, and it is from that moment that he remembers the wise words of his father:
“What does not die is the reputation a man leaves behind at his death.”
Hasting was a character that made me feel all kinds of emotions – pity, fear, sadness, loss and love. There are moments when his calculated coldness left me with a shiver down my spine, but there were also incredibly touching and moving scenes, especially with regards to the scenes involving Gyda and Asa. Considering Hasting’s dreadful beginnings it is surprising that he could function at all, but he grows into a confident warrior. During this novel Hasting learns who his friends are, he also learns that war is anything but predictable!
I had never heard the sagas of Hasting before, although there are plenty of names that die-hard fans of this era will recognise, such as Björn Ironside. Nothing much is knowing about the early years of Hasting’s life, but I like the idea that the author had run with – a lost son of Ragnar!
If you love everything Viking, then this book should be on your to-read list. I enjoyed every minute of it.
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
An exceptionally well-written novel with a likeable protagonist. The plot has been well thought out and held my attention throughout. The historical backdrop was portrayed with a strong sense of realism. This is the kind of novel that is incredibly difficult to put down. There is plenty of action, battles and even romance. This book really does have it all.
If you are a fan of Micahel Hirst’s Vikings series then you are really going to enjoy this book. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
I have always been a sucker for historical fiction, and that’s what this book is. The author’s note after the story admits that there is very little in the historical record of the early part of Hasting’s life. I like the way the author constructed an early life for Hasting. As was pointed out in the note, this man was very important in history, not because of what happens in this book, but for what will happen in later books. I got a sense of the various locations that usually doesn’t come through in historical fiction. I liked the book, and I think you will too.
I recommend this book if you like history, but not if you expect a novel with a plot. The only constant through this book is Hasting’s relationship with Asa and then his search for her. Hasting, a Dane, was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Ireland. The book starts when Hasting is about eight and ends when he is about eighteen. One raid follows another as Hasting goes a-viking, searching for wealth. Eventually he becomes a free man and his own master. I personally found the book to be dull.
Not my cup of tea.
reminiscent of the last kingdom
Excellently researched and written.
Awesome, rollicking tale of Hasting a fearsome Viking sea king. For all fans of sailing and the sea, and lovers of a good tale of just revenge, this book is for you.
What a time period to live in.
I was with the crew on the Viking ship in my imagination.
Love a good historical novel
Interesting
Very well researched. Gave such a realistic portrayal of the time.
Learned a lot about Vikings and the historical character.
Historical fiction with outstanding description of Viking times and sailing.
Just an exceptionally good writer and a good read.
I enjoy the historical characters and learning about their culture and way of life. It was also interesting to see how prevalent white slavery was way before America got involved in the unfortunate practice.
Interesting read
I enjoyed the beginning but by the the end I was just skimming just to finish it. Of course the ending was a setup for the next book