Dragons from the Sea – The Strongbow Sage, Book 2
by Judson Roberts
Author’s website
I read the first of these recently, and really enjoyed it. I believe these are actually classified as books for teens or older teens – clearly targeted at boys and young men. The last time I fell into one of those categories, the Beetles were still together…
Nonetheless, I really like these books.
Here’s what his publisher or publicist writes about the books:
In Dragons from the Sea, book two of the Strongbow Saga, Halfdan Hroriksson has escaped—for now—the enemies who murdered his brother and seek to kill him, too. Determined to avenge his brother’s death, Halfdan knows he must first gain experience as a warrior. He joins a Danish army gathering for an invasion of Western Frankia, for among its fierce chieftains and seasoned warriors he may find the allies he needs. But first he must prove his own worth in battle, and more importantly, he must survive, for he will face dangers not only from the Frankish enemy, but also from hidden foes within the ranks of the Danes. The Strongbow Saga is an epic tale of one man’s unstoppable quest for justice and vengeance that carries him across the 9th century world of the Vikings. This new edition of book two of the series contains maps showing Halfdan’s travels in this installment of the story, plus the route of the Viking fleet that invaded Frankia in 845 A.D.
This is a book I was wishing wouldn’t end so quickly. The storytelling is outstanding, even if the character development is a bit simple. But again, these books are written for young men / teenagers – I’m not sure they’d appeal to that group as much if the author got into more complex character development.
In talking to Peggy about this book, (who often gets asked for recommendations as she’s blissfully librarianing away), and told her I thought this (and the series) would be one to recommend right alongside “The Three Musketeers†by Dumas.
Now, for the other stuff.
I understand that Judson Roberts has struck out on his own, leaving the publishing company who published his first 3 books. He is preparing to publish his fourth book on his own. I LOVE to see authors doing this – especially authors like Roberts who are good and proven writers. I’d like to encourage readers to support these literary entrepreneurs, who are the equivalent of a small business-person trying to eek out a living among multinational giants.
I loved the first 2 books, and have started the third. If you like adventure stories, pick these up and read them, and then find ways to stay connected to Roberts as he rolls out his next in the series – his first as an independent.
