Bruce Macbain

This is the third and apparently final book in the Odd Tangle-Hair saga. I did not have the good fortune to read the first two books and as is usual with series I am sure it would have enhanced this book for me, I did not feel any loss for not having read them. Mr. MacBain does an excellent job of filling in backstory without making his readers feel like they are reading a dossier.

The book is essentially Odd’s telling of his story and this is his last chapter. He is on a mission to the Byzantine Empire but his true role is one he keeps close. He is going to kill his greatest enemy, Harald. Harald is one of the elite guards, the Varangians. What follows is a well researched and well written tale of a time not often presented in novels.

I must admit to a fascination with this period in history and this book is welcome addition to those I have read before. The combination of Constantinople and Vikings is so irresistible and I honestly had little knowledge of their coming together. Which is why I love reading historical fiction so very much. I read, I research and I learn. I pull what fiction there is and revel in a bit of history I didn’t know before.

Odd Tangle-Hair is a great character and the world Mr. MacBain builds for him is one grounded in what historical record is left. It is a world that comes alive for the reader so that you feel as if you are walking (fighting, living) right beside Odd as he makes his way through his mission. I’m almost sorry it had to come to an end and I would truly like to read the first two books in the series.… (mehr)

Christianity has come to 11th century Iceland and old traditions are changing while dividing some families on the way. 16-year old Odd’s father is holding to old pagan believes which is driving a wedge between his family and neighbors. After revenge killing becomes a political problem, Odd is sent to exile. He steals a ship and decides to go viking.

It did take me some time to really get into the story. At times it concentrates to describe things too much and while there is plundering, murder and blood, I guess I just expected there to be more of that. I liked Odd but I never understood why men would follow him and call him captain. He wasn’t someone to inspire that kind of loyalty.

And yey there’s Finland and Kalevala but I wasn’t really into those chapters. Kalevala chapters just didn’t work for me and I have to say that I’ve never read it so I can’t comment on that. But for me Kalevala is this mythical thing and 11th century is just too close. I mean we’re close to the Norman conquest! Too much is known about the period to be mythical.

It wasn’t a bad book by any means but I guess I just expected more.… (mehr)