As is mentioned in the notes at the end of the novel, the book uses Heimskringla, a written account of the oral history of the founding of Norway, as written by an Icelandic historian name Snori Sturluson, as a jumping off point and fills in gaps of that narrative. Norse mythology isn’t really my bag, and this book falls heavily into the low fantasy rankings. Which surprised me, as it isn’t anything I’d normally have picked up to read. Set in a mystical and violent world defined by honor, loyalty, deceit, passion, and courage, The Half-Drowned King is an electrifying adventure that breathtakingly illuminates the Viking world and the birth of Scandinavia.ĭiscussion: I liked this book. When the chance to escape Olaf’s cruelty comes at the hands of her brother’s arch rival, the shrewd young woman is forced to make a heartbreaking choice: family or freedom. Her stepfather, Olaf, has arranged a husband for her-a hard old man she neither loves nor desires.

While Ragnvald’s duty is to fight-and even die-for his honor, Svanhild must make an advantageous marriage, though her adventurous spirit yearns to see the world.

Ragnvald pledges his sword to King Harald, a choice that will hold enormous consequence in the years to come. Opportunity may lie with Harald of Vestfold, the strong young Norse warrior rumored to be the prophesied king. Rescued by a fisherman, Ragnvald is determined to have revenge for his stepfather’s betrayal, claim his birthright and the woman he loves, and rescue his beloved sister Svanhild. But, sailing home from a raiding trip to Ireland, the young warrior is betrayed and left for dead by men in the pay of his greedy stepfather, Olaf. Ragnvald Eysteinsson, the son and grandson of kings, grew up believing that he would one day take his dead father’s place as chief of his family’s lands. The premise: An exhilarating saga of the Vikings that conjures a brutal, superstitious, and thrilling ninth-century world and the birth of a kingdom-the debut installment in a historical literary trilogy that combines the bold imagination and sweeping narrative power of Game of Thrones, Vikings, and Outlander.Ĭenturies ago, in a blood-soaked land ruled by legendary gods and warring men, a prophecy foretold of a high king who would come to reign over all of the north. Norse mythology isn’t normally my cup of tea, I’m not sure if I’d have picked it up otherwise. Why I chose it: It happened this way: a friend of mine on twitter alerted me that Linnea Hartsuyker was offering free copies of this book and the sequel to reviewers, so I took her up on the offer. Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.

The drowned king