God's Hammer

Hakon's Saga, Book 1

By: Eric Schumacher

Narrated by: Shaun Grindell

History and legend combine in the gripping tale of Hakon Haraldsson, a Christian boy who once fought for the High Seat of a Viking realm.

It is 935 A.D., and the North is in turmoil. King Harald Fairhair has died, leaving the High Seat of the realm to his murderous son, Erik Bloodaxe. To solidify his claim, Erik ruthlessly disposes of all claimants to his throne, save one: his youngest brother Hakon.

Erik's surviving enemies send a ship to Wessex, where the Christian King Athelstan is raising Hakon. Unable to avoid his fate, he returns to the Viking North to face his brother and claim his birthright, only to discover that victory will demand sacrifices beyond his wildest nightmares.

©2005, 2008 Eric Schumacher (P)2018 Tantor

Great story iffy narration

I really enjoyed this story or Kings and Vikings, Thor, Odin, God, etc..... I will say it was difficult for me to get past the narration. It literally sounded like a nature documentary. Nothing against them but zero imagination whatsoever. Sounded almost robotic. Nonetheless I gripped through it and found the story enjoyable .

I think the story would be great, but...

The narrator is terrible! Every 3rd word ends on a lilting stressed syllable. It's bad.

Old vs New

This human sacrifice in this book made feel grateful that the old gods were replaced. The author brought this aspect to life. The romanticism around vikings is understandable (I certainly am guilty of it), but the reality of the brutality and callousness of their society feels so absolutely foreign. Håkon provides a very compelling character at this intersection between the frankly evil old ways and the good. I recommend Tom Holland's 'Dominion' for a more academic and thorough analysis of just how revolutionary 'the white Christ' has been in changing and shaping our values. Ha det bra!

Liked the pace of the story and how the characters flowed with the plot

Story pace and plot blah blah blah vvv bb no it the I just kuzz Pooh is the dog and always will be

loved this. great look into history

great story and good reader. overall a wonderful filling out of History. marvelous history lessons