Books matching: viking invasions
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- #1
Save:A must-read for lovers of historical epics and action, though its blood-soaked realism and gritty detail mean it's not for the faint of heart. If you want a front-row seat to Viking-era England with a complex, memorable hero, jump in!
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction novel set in ninth-century Britain during the Danish invasion. The story follows Uhtred, a young Saxon boy who is captured and raised by Danes, navigating the complexities of loyalty and identity. Through vivid battle scenes and detailed historical context, the book paints a picture of a tumultuous time in English history, focusing on the clash between Saxons and Danes. The narrative is driven by Uhtred's transformation from a boy to a warrior, exploring themes of destiny, loyalty, and the struggle between paganism and Christianity.
The Danes were clever that day. They had made new walls inside the city, invited our men into the streets, trapped them between the new walls, surrounded them, and killed them. They did not kill all t...2004•372 pages - #2
Save:Hauntingly beautiful and deeply emotional - if you want a richly atmospheric, mature MM historical romance with real substance (and don’t mind a bit of darkness), this is a must-read.
"Brothers of the Wild North Sea" by Harper Fox is a historical fiction novel with light supernatural elements set in northern England in the 700s. The story follows the unlikely bond between Fen, a Viking warrior, and Cai, a Christian monk who is the son of a non-Christian warlord. The book delves into themes of love, survival, spirituality, and personal growth as the characters navigate the darkness of their world and find hope and connection in each other. The writing style is described as beautifully descriptive, emotionally engaging, and filled with historical detail, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
The sea bells were ringing. Caius, walking by the side of a shaggy pony who needed no leading this close to home, listened in wonder. The dunes were scattered with them—fragile purple flower heads th...2013•409 pages - #3
Save:A lively primer on early England - engaging and approachable, especially for history buffs and Dark Ages newbies, but best paired with some visuals or extra context for the full picture.
In Search of the Dark Ages by Michael Wood is a comprehensive exploration of the history of Briton from the middle of Roman rule up through the arrival of William 1066. Wood delves into the histories of various important people such as Boudicca, King Arthur, and successive rulers during the Dark Ages AD 500-1000, providing additional background information to assist with understanding the context. The book is well researched, documented, and written in an engaging style that brings the history of England during this time period alive, covering the Roman occupation, Anglo Saxon invasions, Viking invasions, and the Norman conquest.
Wood's writing style is described as clear, concise, and accessible, making the complex historical narrative easy to follow for general readers. He combines anthropology, archaeology, ecclesiastical history, and a diverse range of cultures that dominated Britain and England from 400 to 1000, offering a fascinating interpretation of life during this 600-year period. The book not only presents historical facts but also delves into the adventure, romance, intrigue, and drama that characterized the Dark Ages, providing readers with a rich understanding of the evolution of the English language and the nation during this transformative era.
How lucky you are, Britannia, more blessed than any other land, endowed by nature with every benefit of soil and climate. Your winters are not too cold, your summers not too hot, your corn fields so p...1981•303 pages - #4
Save:A bold, entertaining blend of Vikings, alt-history, and Norse legend - think 'Uhtred meets steampunk.' Great for adventure seekers and anyone wondering how the Middle Ages could have turned out differently.
Starting with the death of the renowned Viking leader, Ragnar Lodbrok, the Great Heathen Army falls on England and from there we follow the fate of Shef Sigvarthsson and his fictional part in history. Along the way we meet some burly Vikings, brave Englishmen, craven churchmen, the Ragnarssons, and Alfred the Great. With a little coaxing from mysterious gods, a 9th-century peasant begins a career as a warrior, inventor, and leader that will start a minor industrial revolution, bring an early end to slavery, serfdom, and the oppression of women, and establish Nordic religion as a serious rival to Christianity. The book charts Shef's rise from bastard son to leader of Vikings, offering a long but well-told story with a lot of adventure and action, incorporating elements of historical fiction and fanciful Old Norse religion.
Spring. A spring dawn on Flamborough Head, where the rock of the Yorkshire Wolds juts out into the North Sea like a gigantic fishhook, millions of tons in weight. Pointing out to sea, pointing to the...1992•480 pages - #5
Save:A unique, thought-provoking journey through past lives and human history. Great for fans of philosophical, well-researched historical fiction, but may drag for those wanting faster action or a more direct narrative. Approach if you’re in the mood for something different and don’t mind a series with open threads.
"Infinite Sacrifice" by L.E. Waters follows the journey of a main character who has died and must review all her past lives with the help of her spirit guide in order to successfully move on. The story delves into the main character's various incarnations in ancient Egypt, Sparta, the Viking invasion of Ireland, and London during the Black Death, showcasing the evolution and understanding that takes place in each lifetime. The narrative style blends philosophy, world religions, and historical accuracy to create an eminently readable story that explores the concept of reincarnation in a realistic and dark manner.
is structured as a collection of short stories, each representing one of the main character's past lives, passing through chronological history. The author, L.E. Waters, incorporates extensive research to support the evolving characters and maintains a tone that requires readers to participate actively in keeping track of key facts and themes throughout the narrative. The interconnected lives of various souls, karmic connections, and the evolution of the main character from self-centered unawareness to compassionate enlightenment are explored, providing a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience.
The sea air dampens my long hair as I ride Proauga through my father’s countryside. A sunny crisp day in glorious Sparta and it was torture waiting until my lessons were done and my mother finally let...October 2011•282 pages - #6
Save:A quirky, well-researched time-slip into Viking-era Ireland: warm, atmospheric, and recommended for fans of historical fantasy - provided you don’t mind a few oddball protagonists and a gentle pace.
'The Book of Kells' by R.A. MacAvoy is a time-travel fantasy set in modern and Viking Ireland. The story follows an artist, John Thornburn, and his professor girlfriend, Derval O'Keane, who accidentally open a time gate to an Irish abbey attacked by Vikings. They get involved in rescuing victims, fighting Vikings, and navigating the complex politics of 10th-century Ireland. The plot is a mix of historical accuracy and fantasy elements, with engaging characters and richly evocative descriptions of the time period.
Perhaps the sound of the Uillean pipes was knocking plaster from the ceiling, or perhaps John Thornburn had neglected his household duties, for the ramps of sunlight braced against the floor were spar...1985•365 pages - #7
Save:A fast, action-heavy historical horror romp with a cool premise - but if you crave depth or subtlety, it might leave you wanting more.
'Abomination' by Gary Whitta is a historical horror fiction set in the dark ages after the fall of the Roman Empire. The story revolves around the discovery of ancient scrolls detailing rituals that transform animals and humans into hideous abominations, leading to death, destruction, and tragedy. The plot involves a chain of events triggered by these rituals, creating a lovecraftian feeling with visceral gore, action, and heartbreaking situations that suck the reader in at every turn. The narrative features two protagonists engaging in yammering dialogues, an unconvincing double cross, and a soft conclusion, keeping readers engaged despite some pacing issues.
Alfred was tired. It had been a long, hard war, and though he had won it, he had barely rested since. He knew that the peace would not last long. For an English king, he had learned, it never did. The...July 2015•366 pages - #8
Save:A compelling, well-researched tale of power, survival, and ambition, brilliant for fans of gripping historical fiction - just expect a little set-up for the trilogy to come.
'Shadow on the Crown' by Patricia Bracewell is a historical fiction novel based on the early life of Emma of England, a queen of the medieval period. The story follows Emma as she is sent to England to marry King AEthelred, facing intrigue, plots, resentment from stepsons, and peril from the Vikings. Bracewell weaves a well-researched and absorbing tale, full of colorful incidents and characters. The book delves into the political turmoil of the time, showcasing Emma's journey from a young bride to a queen in jeopardy.
The narrative of 'Shadow on the Crown' is enriched with actual quotes from the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, providing a sense of authenticity to the historical events depicted in the book. Bracewell's writing style is immersive, vivid, and lively, allowing readers to feel the chill of winter or the heat of summer. The novel explores themes of regicide, betrayal, adultery, and political intrigue, painting a compelling picture of Emma's struggles and triumphs in a harsh and dangerous era.
The winter of 1001 in northwestern Europe would have been recorded as the coldest and fiercest in seventy-five years, had anyone been keeping such records. In late December of that year, a storm tore...February 2013•439 pages - #9
Save:This is a fun, light historical romance with quirky characters and clever twists - a great pick if you want something entertaining, heartfelt, and not too heavy. Just don’t expect absolute historical perfection!
Set in Cumbria in the 9th century, 'Loki's Daughters' by Delle Jacobs follows the story of Arienh, a Celtic woman who harbors deep hatred towards Vikings due to past traumatic events. When a Viking named Ronan returns to claim her as his bride, Arienh must navigate her feelings of anger and mistrust while the women of her village struggle to accept the new arrivals. The plot unfolds with a mix of romance, historical elements, and themes of tradition versus change, all depicted in a light and accessible writing style that keeps the story engaging and the characters well-developed.
The book portrays the journey of Arienh and Ronan as they navigate their complicated relationship amidst cultural differences and past grievances. Through the interactions between the characters, especially the development of Arienh and Ronan's dynamics, the story explores themes of trust, resilience, and the struggle between holding onto the past and embracing new beginnings. Overall, 'Loki's Daughters' offers a blend of historical romance, character-driven storytelling, and a touch of humor through the interactions between the Celtic women and the Viking men.
SHE HAD NOT been to the stone circle in a sennight, and Arienh yearned to escape to its quiet serenity. But rain had fallen long and hard for six days, and the river lapped threateningly at its banks....June 2002•342 pages - #10
Save:Golden Surrender is a passionate, historically rich Viking romance that's both intense and emotionally charged. If you like your love stories dramatic and raw, with a strong dash of historical realism, this is a must-read - but it's definitely not your typical gentle romance.
Olaf the White, a Prince of Norway, sails to Ireland with his Viking clansmen not to pillage and raid, but to build a home and establish a legacy of leadership. The story revolves around the battle for control of Dublin, where Olaf marries Princess Erin, daughter of the Irish High King, amidst intense historical events and wars of the 9th century. The book combines elements of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, portraying the intense relationship between Olaf and Erin against the backdrop of Viking and Irish cultures.
From a window in the Grianan, the women’s sun house, Erin mac Aed stared out upon the graceful wooden buildings and rolling slopes of Tara, the ancient and traditional home of the Ard-Righ, or High Ki...1985•400 pages
