We are heading back to the Viking world today! It is with the greatest of pleasure that I introduce you to Eric Schumacher.
Sigurd’s Swords
(Olaf’s Saga, Book 2)
By Eric Schumacher
AD 968. It has been ten summers since the noble sons of the North, Olaf and Torgil, were driven from their homeland by the treachery of the Norse king, Harald Eriksson. Having then escaped the horrors of slavery in Estland, they now fight among the Rus in the company of Olaf’s uncle, Sigurd.
It will be some of the bloodiest years in Rus history. The Grand Prince, Sviatoslav, is hungry for land, riches, and power, but his unending campaigns are leaving the corpses of thousands in their wakes. From the siege of Konugard to the battlefields of ancient Bulgaria, Olaf and Torgil struggle to stay alive in Sigurd’s Swords, the riveting sequel to Forged by Iron.
Hands-up—who loves historical fiction set in the time of the Vikings? Me. Me. Me. I am a bit of a sucker for those Norse warriors, but truth to tell, I haven't read a great deal of historical fiction set during this era—I have no idea why not, it is just one of those things. Anyway, when I was asked if I wanted to read the second book in the Olaf Saga by Eric Schumacher, I said, as long as it stands alone, bring it on!!
I have been thinking about all the books I have read this year, which for the most part, have been enthralling reads but SIGURD'S SWORDS has raised the bar. It was as if I had been eating store chocolate all my life and had suddenly discovered Cadburys (which in my opinion is the best tasting chocolate in the world). This novel was not only brilliantly rich in the story (and OMG what a story it is), but the historical detailing was amazing. I am struggling to find the words to describe just how amazing this novel is. I have to suppress the urge to climb onto the roof and shout THIS BOOK IS AMAZING - but I don't think my neighbours would be at all amused, I still haven't been forgiven for the whole hose pipe business, but that is another story.
The writing is elegant and demonstrates the author's authority and confidence in writing about this era. Likewise, the characters came across with such a sense of realism that I would not be at all surprised if I saw them walking down the street—okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, I think I might be a bit surprised if a group of axe bearing Vikings trotted up the road, although I wonder what they would make of indoor plumbing?!! Everything about this book was vivid, from the 'fish flops' as night settles on the river, to the discussion of cucumbers freezing (you will have to read the book if you want to find out what I am referring to)! Schumacher is also talented in writing realistic battle scenes—I cannot stress enough how great the author is at bringing everything gloriously back to life. I once read a review where someone had said that they had "not read a book but lived it," and that is exactly how I felt reading this novel.
This book really has to be on your to-read list, or better still in your hand. But be warned, once started there is no way on Earth that you are going to be able to put this book down. This book is a keeper, and a highly entertaining one at that.
I received my copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club but you can find yours on Amazon and get this, it is FREE to read if you have #KindleUnlimited subscription.
Eric Schumacher
At a very early age, Schumacher discovered his love for writing and medieval European history, as well as authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Those discoveries continue to fuel his imagination and influence the stories he tells. His first novel, God's Hammer, was published in 2005.
What a fabulous review! Thank you for hosting today's blog tour stop!
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