This book was a great pick me up. Adventure, a hero with a sword called "Troll Tickler" and manly men in the form of Vikings. Great battle scenes, and did I mention the hunky Vikings (at least in my minds eye). The aforementioned Vikings also taught me to swear in Viking speak:

Hrafnasueltir -meaning raven starver. Truly an insult, as everyone knows you want the ravens to feast on the bodies of your enemies.

rassragr Look that one up yourself, I am too shy to tell you

baulufotr cow foot

loose-lipped pig-swiver um...well loose lipped pig-swiver would be it I think.

Some great quotes:

Come then you oath-shy son of a long dead sow

...a warrior with one arm can be deadlier than the one with both hands, who is happy when holding a horn of mead in one hand, and a girl in another

-What fun!

Sigurd Haraldsson is just a "pup" when his father, the Jarl, leaves on yet another battle adventure without him. His father and brothers are caught in a trap made by their King and a Jarl eager for the Haraldsson island and silver. The Jarl raids the island, kills most of the people there and kidnap's Sigurd's sister as a bride for his son.

Sigurd swears he will rescue his sister and have his revenge. Ah, but first he must have warriors, and what is left of his fathers band are all un-tested blood like him, or old and worn. Any who wish to follow him are welcome, but he needs more. And so, he goes in search of men who will stand by him in his time of need. A wonderful tale, and did I tell you about the Vikings?

This is the first in a trilogy, which I look forward to continuing. ( )