“The Line of His People” is the story of Abriel, a young man in his early twenties rescued and raised as a child by monks in a monastery, who discovers his heritage as a ‘Northman’ and uncovers a plot by the new evil abbot Hilbod to viscously exterminate the heathen population of Abriel’s home, the nearby island of Herius. Abriel craftily escapes the monastery with the help of the former abbot … Ermentarius, illegally deposed by Hilbod, and travels to Herius in search of a hidden relic. Relics attract pilgrims who bring with them donations and wealth. The island of Herius is known for its rich salt trade, and with a relic Hilbod would gather enough funds to raise an army, wipe out the population, and rebuild the monastery to control the salt trade to the Carolingian empire. Once arrived, Abriel discovers the identity of his father: a petty king from the north named Harald Haraldsson. One of the Northmen, a man with blue tattoos, knows the location of the relic, but is called to war in the north. Along the way, Abriel is joined by a particularly tough warrior princess named Kenna, who resolves to help him save Herius from destruction.
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There seemed to be so many gaps in the story line that I wanted to read other books to fill in those gaps! But this book was entertaining and seemed to have a happy ending, although nothing was a certainty in that era.
i didn’t get into this book. but that could be just me.
The story was easy to follow, it was a quick entertaining read. The characters in the story are believable, would like to have seen a bit more development of some of the supporting characters.
I could not get into this book at all. I read a fair amount to give it a chance, but it did not appeal to me at all.
I liked the story line but really liked the knowledge of the time period. I found the writer’s research engaging.
This book left me breathless. Sort of like reading an Indiana Jones movie. Interesting plot
I enjoyed this book as it is a period in history that I’m none too familiar with. The plot tangles a bit and there are numerous characters to remember who disapear for several hundred pages and then turn up again, needing a pause for this reader, at least, to recall the character to mind. But an enjoyable book.
It offers and contrasts differing cultural perspectives that figure in our current world.
Well written and easy to read read. Good beach book to take on vacation.
After reading this book, I had no wish to read the sequel. Too much of the same thing – fighting.
Because my lineage traces back to the Viking era, I found this description of life in that era to be very informative. These were brutal people with strange beliefs, but they stayed true to their way of life. The interaction between the Northmen and the Christians, some good and some bad on both sides, was interesting.
Historical fiction that surprises throughout. We often see this period as opaque and having little to do with us. This novel reminds that people are identifiable in every setting and period.
I found this story a little sad but the hero comes through. I enjoyed learning about the Vikings and their culture.
I enjoyed the book in general, but felt it lacked background and depth.
Loved the historical side.
A bit different from the usual of this topic made this a very interesting book.
Interesting historical details
interesting subject, but unpolished writing. Dialogue was good, but the author needs more experience in creating a picture with words. Have read all of Bernard Cornwell’s Series on the Dark Ages in England and this book just doesn’t measure up to the standard.
It was really interesting at the beginning, but it isn’t moving as fast as I might like as I reach the middle. Hopefully it will pick up again soon.
In the vein of Ken Follett, this was a great read.