Earlier this year, I finished The Empty Throne by Bernard Cornwell, the eighth installment in his newly renamed Last Kingdom series about England’s struggles against the Vikings in the late eighth and early ninth centuries. Here’s my review after this image of the book’s cover. When I saw the book’s title, I had assumed the…
If the trailer is any indication, Season 6 of Game of Thrones promises to be a blast. And, because the show has now out-paced the books, it will be the first time readers of the books will actually be surprised as the show unfolds. (Note, HBO warns that the trailer has “mature content,” so it…
“God didn’t love that man enough to make him Irish, lad.” – Brother Donall mac Taidg in Enoch’s Device. Irish monks drinking to Enoch’s Device! As in prior year’s the Kindle version of Enoch’s Device is going on sale for seven days starting today, all in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day! Here’s a short summary of…
I’m pleased to once again feature a guest review by Bill Brockman. Bill is an avid reader of historical fiction, but he’s also devoted his life to public service as a Battalion Chief of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and a 31-year part-time airman in the Air National Guard. Here’s his take on this new…
I loved the season premiere of Vikings on History last week. But after the episode, I began thinking: Has Vikings started to mirror Norse Mythology? How close is Ragnar to his own Ragnarok? For anyone who’s seen the show, Vikings often makes reference to Norse Mythology, which was a primary religion for Scandinavians before their…
With Black Sails nearing its season midpoint, we have the return of Vikings on History to keep us going until the April premiere of the next season of Game of Thrones. The Official Season 4 Trailer hints at a ton of conflict, some of which should arise as Rollo tries to found what will become Normandy in France, with a…
I’ve had little time to write this week, but I wanted to mention that HBO has released photos from Season 6 of Game of Thrones. There’s none of Jon Snow – though I’m fairly certain we’ll see him soon (you can read why here). Anyway, here are my three favorite pics, along with what they…
Poul Anderson was one of giants of the golden age of science fiction and fantasy, authoring vintage classics like Three Hearts and Three Lions. But he also wrote historical fiction, including a trilogy about Harald Hardrada, a Norwegian king whose failed attempt to conquer England in 1066 marked the end of the Viking Age. I…
At least The Winds of Winter, that is. That was the news this week from George R.R. Martin when he informed fans that the next book in this A Song if Ice and Fire series won’t be released before Season 6 of Game of Thrones. This news confirms that we’ll learn the fate of…
For months I’ve been meaning to post my review of Fin Gall by James L. Nelson. Guest reviewer Bill Brockman first reviewed the book here. My take follows this image of the book’s cover. Fin Gall turned out to be a wonderful surprise. I was expecting a book focused on Vikings, but Nelson’s novel is…
Two months ago, I deemed The Einstein Prophecy by Robert Masello my favorite book of 2015. But after reading George R.R. Martin’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, I must say we have a new winner. In fact, this one may rank among my favorite books of all time. Here are a few reasons why. Unlike…