Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I would. A good Viking story is always welcome and Judson Roberts appeals to the side of you that simply wants a good story. When I listen to stories like these I’m not looking for social relevance. I want to be entertained. Judson Roberts is good for minds like mine that willingly gift the author with buy-in.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Our young hero, Halfdan, has to be number one but I think his father, Hrorik could have been an interesting character to explore. The brother Harold’s character might have been expanded upon as well but he was cut off too soon. Toke was rather predictably evil.
Would you listen to another book narrated by Jeff Hays?
I don’t think so, not one of these action sagas any way. Sorry Jeff. No offense intended. Many of his male voices sounded rather feminine; not the deep, powerful tones you would expect coming from a blood-thirsty Viking raider or a devastating Saxon sword warrior. And when he injected his “laughs”, they typically sounded… well.. fake and disingenuous. No doubt that Mr. Hays reads well. But he is clearly no Viking.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I was very moved by the story line detailing the demise of Halfdan’s mother, Derdriu. It seemed so unfair, but then life in those times must have often been very unkind.
Any additional comments?
I would like to see more Viking tales coming from this author. I’d like to get to know the characters that he does introduce a little better; his friends, women, enemies. And it would be interesting to find out if he is ever able to renew his kinship with his sister. All in all I was entertained. I could ask for nothing more.