History and legend combine in the gripping tale of Hakon Haraldsson, a Christian boy who once fought for the High Seat of a Viking realm.It is 935 A.D. and the North is in turmoil. King Harald Fairhair has died, leaving the High Seat of the realm to his murderous son, Erik Bloodaxe. To solidify his claim, Erik ruthlessly disposes of all claimants to his throne, save one: his youngest brother … one: his youngest brother Hakon.
Erik’s surviving enemies send a ship to Wessex, where the Christian King Athelstan is raising Hakon. Unable to avoid his fate, he returns to the Viking North to face his brother and claim his birthright, only to discover that victory will demand sacrifices beyond his wildest nightmares.
Praise:
Mr. Schumacher stands ready to be a ‘Great’ in a world full of mediocre authors. -Dads&Dragons-
I was swept up in the action and enthralled by the descriptions of Hakon’s struggle.-Roundtable Reviews-
I highly recommend this historical fiction novel, both for its entertaining story and historical information. -Historical Fiction Review-
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Great character development. Hakon’s growth as a man, potential ruler and leader is both gratifying and painful. He is faced with the reality of leadership and the responsibility of many lives and the difficult decisions a leader must make. Looking forward to reading more.
Exciting and historical, this book brings a lot of fact with its fiction. The plot captures the reader as it unfolds with drama and historical substance. I like the Christian element which brings another subtle dimension to this story.
God’s Hammer is a story about Hakon Haraldsson (later known as Hakon the Good), youngest and illegitimate son of Harold Fairhair, 10th century King of Norway. While still a boy, Hakon was sent to England for safekeeping and was fostered by King Athelstan, who took the trouble to raise him as a Christian. When his father died, Aethelstan sent the fifteen year-old Hakon back to Norway to claim the throne from his violent brother, Eric Bloodaxe. Of course, considering his upbringing, the Norwegians looked askance at young Hakon, but once he offered to remove the onerous tax imposed by his father over landed property, he gained popularity and went after his wicked brother, though the going was rough.
Author Eric Schumacher put together a rousing story of warfare, religious strife and tested friendships. Hakon was repelled by the human sacrifice practiced by his pagan countrymen, but knew he would lose all support if he tried to impose his beliefs on his followers. There was little-to-no Christianity in his native country, and he was constantly torn by necessity vs. faith. Necessity usually won. Hakon was a man—or boy—of his time, and knew when to follow the lead of his more seasoned allies. Many was the time I think he would have rather stayed in England, but his fate spoke otherwise and he embraced his destiny with fortitude. The plot moved along well and this young hero withstood great odds and came out on top despite his youth and inexperience.
Great series. The author took 25 years to research and write this three book set and it will keep your attention and wanting more.
Some authors stand out and remain in your mind for excellence. This is one of mine.
Exciting book of the first Christian king of the North. Set in the Viking era. Descriptive battle scenes and royal intrigue. On a par with Bernard Cornwell.
I realy enjoyed this book. its about vikings,Håkon Haraladson in perticular. it uses what we know about events which is very little and then he tries thinking logical of the events and tries to peace it together how he it thought it might have happened. i liked the world, the characters and all the details of the historical names and locations. i learnt about vikings. the embalishment of the romance in the story was a nice touch and gave the story alot of heart and emotion. it was never boring, and i want to read the next book. Highly recommeded
A lot of true characters in fictional setting. Interesting.
Good historical fiction about an era and locale that is not well documented and often overlooked by authors.
I enjoyed it very much, my sort of book, historic following on basic facts of history.
Easy reading, historically accurate novel of of the early unification of Norway during the period following the reign of Alfred the Great and his sons Edward and Aghelred on in the what is to become Great Britten.
I have been reading historical novels and watching movies about the days from 500 AD to 1300 AD, and this book segued nicely from the days of King Alfred onward. I am half Anglo and half Nordic, so it is a subject of great interest to me.
Very well written and a pleasure to read.
An interesting tale of the first Christian King in Norway, Hakon, a son of King Harald. Sent to England as a young boy to be fostered by King Aethelstan, he is weened off the old gods and when he returns to claim his kingdom, he comes as a baptized and committed Christian. As you can well imagine that presents some challenges as Hakon strives to garner support for his rise to power. The author’s depiction of the young, naive and certainly impetuous Hakon, who is thrust into the mayhem of war and the strictures of the old gods, is well done. The story flows nicely and gives the reader a chance to experience life in a time and place that is full of conflict; not only for the throne but also the clash between Odin and the White Christ. Old ways die hard and that is certainly the case in this intriguing story; one that will continue in book 2, Raven’s Feast. 4 stars
Great historical fiction biopic about Hakon, the first Christian King in Norway. Development of Hakon’s character during his time on Great Britain as the steward of Athelstan, his enduring crush on an Anglo-saxon girl Aelfwin, and his dicey but ultimately triumphant return to Norway to take the throne from murderous, fraticidal brother Erik are well told. the inner tension between his own Christian faith, adopted which in Britain and the religion of the Nordic gods practiced by the people in Norway he hoped to rule was honest and realistic. I found the description of Hakon’s own faith a little thin occasionally, but on the whole it fit with the tenor of the story and the faith expression of the period. Could hardly put the book down. Highly recommended.
Engla-lond in 927 and a seven year old Hakon is fostered to King Athelstan. So rather than being raised with the Norse gods, Hakon is raised as a Christian for the next nine years. When Hakon is fifteen, Jarl Sigurd sends three ships to bring Hakon back home so he can fight a war against his brother Erik and declare himself king. The first half of the book focuses on Hakon’s education, friends, military training, and his training in kingship with Athelstan. The second half deals with his return to his native home, his attempt to raise an army, and his need to win support of both common men and nobles. The book is based on historical facts and was compelling to read. If you like historical fiction, I can highly recommend this book.
Just okay!
If you like vikings you will enjoy this book!
appears to be as factual as available data allows.
too hard to get started
Viking and Northmen are interesting people and cultures. This is an historical novel with characters that are realistic in their situations. The other books in this series should continue with the development of the King and his land.