Halfdan has an amazing longbow that he made himself, and an axe that he took from a man that he killed, and he is ready for action. Because of Halfdan's skill as an archer, he is accepted into the crew of the Viking ship, The Gull, as it embarks on a quest to conquer the Franks. The large armada of Viking ships sail to make war on the Franks, the followers of the white Christ, and their sworn enemies. The electrifying battles feel realistic and the dialogue really puts you right in the Viking era.

Roberts' extensive research is evident in this thrilling, fast paced Viking yarn with compelling characters and a plot that kept me reading long into the night. Halfdan's honor and loyalty make him a likable and sympathetic character even when his violence is intense and frightening, as it sometimes is in the fierce battles depicted in this provocative story.

The back of the book has a complete list of the characters along with the part they play in the story, and a glossary of Viking terms, which I found very helpful. I greatly enjoyed this novel and I'm looking forward to the next volume in this electrifying saga. Hurry, Mr. Roberts, I'm impatient.