Review: Warrior Prince by JC Duncan
I'm thrilled to share my review of Warrior Prince by JC Duncan today.
Warrior Prince is an utterly engrossing read. Despite the narrative through the eyes of a now old warrior, the pace is relentless. The narrative itself does seem stilted at times, and it takes some getting used to, but once you're immersed in the plot, it's hard to put this novel down.
Harald is an impetuous youth, and there's a slight comparison to young Invarr, though without the illustrious pedigree. Early on, he is aware of his station and his intention of gaining the throne of Norway. But then he learns of an illegitimate son of his father, Magnus, and his outlook changes. Now, he bides his time. After his disastrous early experiences which nearly cost him and his men their lives, he slowly accepts counsel from two men closest to him, Eric and Rognvald, both seasoned warriors. I liked Harald's code of honour – something that is severely tested repeatedly, and his unwavering confidence.
But what I particularly liked is that he is sometimes really just a youth, with lots of growing up to learn, and this turns him from a character in a novel to a real person. His bravery in battle is renowned, as is his ruthlessness towards his enemies. Harald learns as he grows up, and it's a fascinating insight into the life of a young warrior in the 11th century.
Eric is a likeable character with plenty of flaws, but also immensely loyal. His narrative, told from 1098 in a style reminiscent of a grandfather telling his grandkids story of his early life – except that his life was very different from modern Norwegian grandfathers! His uncertainty at times, and his emotions, makes for gripping reading. Through his eyes, we see the positive and negative impact their journey has. Eric has no family in Norway. His sole purpose is to help young Harald grow into a powerful man worthy of respect.
The novel is the first in a series about the life about Harald Hardrada, King of Norway who famously died at Stamford Bridge when trying to take the English crown from Harold Godwinson.
I must admit I know very little about Harald Hardrada – other than the story of his death at Stamford Bridge, England, in 1066. With the Norman invasion and its impact on Anglo-Saxon society in England following on its heel, this battle, and Harald's story, have shifted into the background. So I was intrigued about the novel, and the series, about this famous Norse king.
The novel begins in 1098, in Nidaros, Norway, where Jarl Hakon and his 16-year-old son, Invarr, arrive to attend a gathering with King Magnus. Invarr, keen to become a worry – but resembling a rather over-excited puppy – immediately gets himself into trouble, but his mockery soon turns into fervent admiration when he learns that the old warrior he's ridiculed was, in fact, Eric Alvarsson, advisor and warrior in service to the late King Harald Hardada. So, while they await the arrival of King Magnus, Eric begins to recount Harald's life.
Harald was a younger half-brother to King Olaf, with whom he shared the mother, who'd had to live in exile at the Swedish court. When Danish / English King Cnut's right-hand man in Norway died at sea, Olaf took his chance and returned to Nidaros, but the attack failed as he was slain by his own subjects. Harald and his father's men flee back to Sweden, but they can't stay long as the Swedish king doesn't want to make enemies of Cnut.
So young Harald, then only 15 but already an experienced warrior, leaves for Kyivan Run with those followers who remain true to him. But soon, they stumble across their first obstacles, and Harald's inexperience and youthful arrogance nearly leads to his death.
And this is only the beginning of a gripping adventure that sees Harald, Eric, and their huskarls face political intrigues, threats to their lives, losses of men, and so much more he didn't anticipate. I won't give away any more, as so much is happening in this novel that it's hard to believe a young man like Harald would experience all this. But it does sound realistic, in keeping with the times. Check out the novel to discover Harald's full adventure!
Warrior Prince
JC Duncan
I must admit I know very little about Harald Hardrada – other than the story of his death at Stamford Bridge, England, in 1066. With the Norman invasion and its impact on Anglo-Saxon society in England following on its heel, this battle, and Harald's story, have shifted into the background. So I was intrigued about the novel, and the series, about this famous Norse king.
The novel begins in 1098, in Nidaros, Norway, where Jarl Hakon and his 16-year-old son, Invarr, arrive to attend a gathering with King Magnus. Invarr, keen to become a worry – but resembling a rather over-excited puppy – immediately gets himself into trouble, but his mockery soon turns into fervent admiration when he learns that the old warrior he's ridiculed was, in fact, Eric Alvarsson, advisor and warrior in service to the late King Harald Hardada. So, while they await the arrival of King Magnus, Eric begins to recount Harald's life.
Harald was a younger half-brother to King Olaf, with whom he shared the mother, who'd had to live in exile at the Swedish court. When Danish / English King Cnut's right-hand man in Norway died at sea, Olaf took his chance and returned to Nidaros, but the attack failed as he was slain by his own subjects. Harald and his father's men flee back to Sweden, but they can't stay long as the Swedish king doesn't want to make enemies of Cnut.
So young Harald, then only 15 but already an experienced warrior, leaves for Kyivan Run with those followers who remain true to him. But soon, they stumble across their first obstacles, and Harald's inexperience and youthful arrogance nearly leads to his death.
And this is only the beginning of a gripping adventure that sees Harald, Eric, and their huskarls face political intrigues, threats to their lives, losses of men, and so much more he didn't anticipate. I won't give away any more, as so much is happening in this novel that it's hard to believe a young man like Harald would experience all this. But it does sound realistic, in keeping with the times. Check out the novel to discover Harald's full adventure!
Warrior Prince is an utterly engrossing read. Despite the narrative through the eyes of a now old warrior, the pace is relentless. The narrative itself does seem stilted at times, and it takes some getting used to, but once you're immersed in the plot, it's hard to put this novel down.
Harald is an impetuous youth, and there's a slight comparison to young Invarr, though without the illustrious pedigree. Early on, he is aware of his station and his intention of gaining the throne of Norway. But then he learns of an illegitimate son of his father, Magnus, and his outlook changes. Now, he bides his time. After his disastrous early experiences which nearly cost him and his men their lives, he slowly accepts counsel from two men closest to him, Eric and Rognvald, both seasoned warriors. I liked Harald's code of honour – something that is severely tested repeatedly, and his unwavering confidence.
But what I particularly liked is that he is sometimes really just a youth, with lots of growing up to learn, and this turns him from a character in a novel to a real person. His bravery in battle is renowned, as is his ruthlessness towards his enemies. Harald learns as he grows up, and it's a fascinating insight into the life of a young warrior in the 11th century.
Eric is a likeable character with plenty of flaws, but also immensely loyal. His narrative, told from 1098 in a style reminiscent of a grandfather telling his grandkids story of his early life – except that his life was very different from modern Norwegian grandfathers! His uncertainty at times, and his emotions, makes for gripping reading. Through his eyes, we see the positive and negative impact their journey has. Eric has no family in Norway. His sole purpose is to help young Harald grow into a powerful man worthy of respect.
In Warrior Prince, JC Duncan vividly brings to life one of history's often overlooked men: Harald Hardrada, king of Norway. It is a story of coming-of-age at a time of great upheaval and violence, and of honour, intrigue, and power. It is utterly compelling. I can't wait for the next instalment in Harald's fascinating life.
A highly recommended read!
Blurb:
Prince. Mercenary. Exile.
The lost throne of Norway must be won in foreign lands.
1030 AD.jpg)
Some men are gifted a crown. Others have to fight to claim it.
Exiled from Norway, Harald Sigurdsson, brother to murdered King Olaf, must battle mercilessly for survival in the lands of the Kievan Rus.
His brother’s legacy gifts him a warband of hardened warriors and entry to the court of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. By his wits, sword and skill in battle, Harald must learn not just to survive but to triumph.
He fights for glory, for fame, and to regain his family’s battle-stolen throne. But his greatest challenge may not come from battlefield foes but from those who stand by his side.
The first instalment in a remarkable story of an exiled boy’s incredible journey to become Harald Hardrada; The Hard Ruler and The Last Viking.
Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron
Buy Link: https://mybook.to/warriorprincesocial
About the Author:
JC Duncan
J. C. Duncan is a well-reviewed historical fiction author and amateur bladesmith, with a passion for Vikings.
Connect with JC:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JCDuncanAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCDuncanauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.duncan/?hl=enn
Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-c-duncan
~~~
Blurb:
Prince. Mercenary. Exile.
The lost throne of Norway must be won in foreign lands.
1030 AD
.jpg)
Some men are gifted a crown. Others have to fight to claim it.
Exiled from Norway, Harald Sigurdsson, brother to murdered King Olaf, must battle mercilessly for survival in the lands of the Kievan Rus.
His brother’s legacy gifts him a warband of hardened warriors and entry to the court of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. By his wits, sword and skill in battle, Harald must learn not just to survive but to triumph.
He fights for glory, for fame, and to regain his family’s battle-stolen throne. But his greatest challenge may not come from battlefield foes but from those who stand by his side.
The first instalment in a remarkable story of an exiled boy’s incredible journey to become Harald Hardrada; The Hard Ruler and The Last Viking.
Perfect for fans of Matthew Harffy, Peter Gibbons, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron
Buy Link: https://mybook.to/warriorprincesocial
~~~
About the Author:
JC Duncan
J. C. Duncan is a well-reviewed historical fiction author and amateur bladesmith, with a passion for Vikings.
Connect with JC:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JCDuncanAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCDuncanauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.duncan/?hl=enn
Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-c-duncan
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