Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Bantam Press (2009), Hardcover, 352 pages
Description
Fiction. Thriller. Historical Fiction. HTML: "A powerful, lightning-paced tale of the Norsemen in England; an astonishing and riveting debut.". HTML: A Viking adventure, packed with battles, blood and gore, Raven is historical fiction at its very best, and marks the debut of an outstanding new talent. For two years Osric has lived a simple life, apprenticed to the mute old carpenter who took him in when others spurned him. But when Norsemen from across the sea burn his village, Osric is taken prisoner by these warriors. Their chief, Sigurd the Lucky, believes the Norns have woven this strange boy's fate together with his own, and Osric begins to sense glorious purpose among this fellowship of warriors. Immersed in the Norsemen's world and driven by their lust for adventure, Osric proves a natural warrior and forges a blood bond with Sigurd, who renames him Raven. But the Norsemen's world is a savage one, where loyalty is often repaid in blood and where a young man must become a killer in order to survive. When the Fellowship faces annihilation from ealdorman Ealdred of Wessex, Raven chooses a bloody and dangerous path, accepting the mission of raiding deep into hostile lands to steal a holy book from Coenwolf, King of Mercia. There he will find much more than the Holy Gospels of St Jerome. He will find Cynethryth, an English girl with a soul to match his own. And he will find betrayal at the hands of cruel men, some of whom he regards as friends. From the Trade Paperback edition..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Elphaba71
I was pointed in the direction of Giles Kristian's books by G L Twynham, as he would be signing at the same time & venue as she. So I read a little about the books, and found myself buying them! This is the first of this genre I have read, & it certainly wasn't disappointing.........
I soon found
Loved the battle descriptions, made me wince a few times too. The characters are well developed and have good humour, all weaving together well for a gripping read.
I soon found
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myself travelling along with Raven, Sigurd and the Viking Fellowship through a wonderfully woven fast paced plot, with plenty of blood & guts action, betrayal, treachery, and a bit of rape &pillage thrown in too. Loved the battle descriptions, made me wince a few times too. The characters are well developed and have good humour, all weaving together well for a gripping read.
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LibraryThing member Moriquen
I absolutely loved this book and I feel a little saddened that I finished it already. I had many things to do today, but I gladly set them aside to read through the last few chapters of the book. I have always had a soft spot for tales of Vikings (or Norsemen as they are called in the book), but I
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have read many that failed miserably to give a good idea of how they worked and lived. How their well known bloodlust isn't the only thing that makes them interesting people. This was a fast paced book that left me wanting more. I happily put the other Raven books on my (bookcrossing) wishlist 'cause I can't wait to continue the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member oliver-kaye
Great start to the Raven saga. He builds such a picture of ancient britain, and the brutality of life.
LibraryThing member StarrK
Wow! I can’t say that I am a huge fan of historical fiction, I’m not. I am a ginormous fan of a really good story. I don’t really care what genre that story falls under. Sometimes, I stay away from certain genres because my lack of exposure to them or my experience with them. No offense to
One thing that I loved about this story was that it was not nameless violence. Yes, it was violence that may have been avoided at times. But when the battle is over, and Raven is looking over the carnage he is able to name those fallen and laying dead beside him. Along his journey, Raven encounters warriors who fight against him in one situation, fights beside him in another. If Raven knows the name of the fallen then when he describes the manner of death he honors the warrior by remembering his name. Is it important to the story? Maybe not, but it’s important to me. I think it also makes Raven stand out among the wolves a little bit more.
This was my first Viking adventure, and I definitely want to read more! To clarify, these were Norsemen –not to be confused with the Danes. Raven was the perfect narrator for this story (this is his story, of course). He was learning what it means to be part of the wolf pack right along with us. The choices he made to embrace his future, instead of looking back at what he lost (and the part he played in it) are difficult choices. It is a way of life that is contrary to what he is accustomed to, but may be closer to where he began then he knows. I really felt as if I was sitting by a fire listening to an old story teller. I don’t want to say beautiful for that it is a much too feminine word for a story that is so… masculine at its best. I think Odin would be proud.
For those literary folks: the characters were well-developed. They were not flat and did not stay on the page that well. (They were such ill-mannered heathens!) Each character, whether minor or major, jumped off the page and came to life for their brief bit of story. The setting was vivid and there were moments when I felt that I could reach out and touch the trees or the walls surrounding a village. It was as real as a storyteller could create. Historical accuracy? Honestly, don’t care but if you must know, I personally don’t know enough to comment on.
Recommendation: This is definitely a book worth checking out, whether a fan of historical fiction, Viking tales, bloody battles, or amazing storytelling. Go check this book out ASAP!!
What’s next? Sons of Thunder
Always Shine,
Starr K
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those who like historical fiction because of the facts that bog down a story, but that is what turns me off from HF. That was not the case with Blood Eye. It was an amazing bloody story. Yep, bloody –blood flowed freely off the pages. Sometimes it was mixed with brain matter or intestines, but the pages were drenched with blood. And I loved it. Raven’s story is not for anyone that is faint of heart or weak of stomach. But if you want stories of warriors and battles and fields drenched in blood, without the bitter aftertaste of being sugarcoated, this book is definitely for you.One thing that I loved about this story was that it was not nameless violence. Yes, it was violence that may have been avoided at times. But when the battle is over, and Raven is looking over the carnage he is able to name those fallen and laying dead beside him. Along his journey, Raven encounters warriors who fight against him in one situation, fights beside him in another. If Raven knows the name of the fallen then when he describes the manner of death he honors the warrior by remembering his name. Is it important to the story? Maybe not, but it’s important to me. I think it also makes Raven stand out among the wolves a little bit more.
This was my first Viking adventure, and I definitely want to read more! To clarify, these were Norsemen –not to be confused with the Danes. Raven was the perfect narrator for this story (this is his story, of course). He was learning what it means to be part of the wolf pack right along with us. The choices he made to embrace his future, instead of looking back at what he lost (and the part he played in it) are difficult choices. It is a way of life that is contrary to what he is accustomed to, but may be closer to where he began then he knows. I really felt as if I was sitting by a fire listening to an old story teller. I don’t want to say beautiful for that it is a much too feminine word for a story that is so… masculine at its best. I think Odin would be proud.
For those literary folks: the characters were well-developed. They were not flat and did not stay on the page that well. (They were such ill-mannered heathens!) Each character, whether minor or major, jumped off the page and came to life for their brief bit of story. The setting was vivid and there were moments when I felt that I could reach out and touch the trees or the walls surrounding a village. It was as real as a storyteller could create. Historical accuracy? Honestly, don’t care but if you must know, I personally don’t know enough to comment on.
Recommendation: This is definitely a book worth checking out, whether a fan of historical fiction, Viking tales, bloody battles, or amazing storytelling. Go check this book out ASAP!!
What’s next? Sons of Thunder
Always Shine,
Starr K
Show Less
LibraryThing member BooksCooksLooks
This novel takes the reader far back into history - to the time of what we now know as the Vikings as they raided the coastal villages of England. One day young orphan Osric is fishing for mackerel for his master's breakfast and he sees dragons coming out of the fog. He is suddenly surrounded by
The men swear they are there to trade, not make war and so he brings them back to his village where after a night of relative peace the village priest tries to poison the leader and Osric stops the act. All hell breaks loose after that and Osric finds himself taken by the foreigners - along with his master. So begins Osric's true life as he finds his past and his future.
This was a thrilling read once Osric found his new life as Raven. Viking tales are always harsh, bloody and full of war and this is no exception. They were hard men living in hard times and they really weren't very nice men at that. But it is a fascinating time in history and one that draws me. Mr. Kristian has created a fascinated character in Osric/Raven and I look forward to following his tale into the next books. The writing is fast paced and while not as deeply historical as other books I have read from this period I did enjoy my time in Raven's world - despite the blood and gore. You can't be a sissy and hang with the Vikings.
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fierce men and realizes that he will soon be dead. But what really boggles his mind is his ability to understand what they are saying - Osric only knows that he was found as a baby and the village carpenter took him in.The men swear they are there to trade, not make war and so he brings them back to his village where after a night of relative peace the village priest tries to poison the leader and Osric stops the act. All hell breaks loose after that and Osric finds himself taken by the foreigners - along with his master. So begins Osric's true life as he finds his past and his future.
This was a thrilling read once Osric found his new life as Raven. Viking tales are always harsh, bloody and full of war and this is no exception. They were hard men living in hard times and they really weren't very nice men at that. But it is a fascinating time in history and one that draws me. Mr. Kristian has created a fascinated character in Osric/Raven and I look forward to following his tale into the next books. The writing is fast paced and while not as deeply historical as other books I have read from this period I did enjoy my time in Raven's world - despite the blood and gore. You can't be a sissy and hang with the Vikings.
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LibraryThing member DarkFaerieTales
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: An historical voyage of an orphaned young man destined for Norse greatness.
Opening Sentence: It was April.
The Review:
Blood Eye begins where all good sagas do; humbly. It starts with an orphaned boy that is not truly accepted in his small village
Though this story is a work of fiction, it is based on an actual event. The Norsemen did, in fact, sail to new lands in search of riches. Our story’s Norsemen approached Raven’s village with the initial intent of trading goods. When they are attacked by the locals, they proceed to decimate everything in their path, including both people and their homes. When they offer a place for Raven within their ranks, the reader sees the catalyst to his transformation into a mighty warrior.
Raven’s growth is physical, emotional, and spiritual. When he joins up with the Wolfpack, the nickname of this group of Norsemen, Raven’s changes begins. His training in weapons not only builds up his muscle mass, but also his confidence. The longer he is with the group, the more he acclimates to their ways and beliefs. Raven was initially a Christian, and believed in one god, that the Norse laughed about. The Norse Pantheon is varied and vast, with Odin at the top of the “Gods Food Chain.” Raven’s blood eye is viewed by them as a sign of Odin’s favor. After several situations that seem “otherworldly” to him, Raven begins to believe the tales himself. The whole transition from Osric to Raven takes the length of book and his changes are reflected in both his internal dialog and attitude.
What journey to adulthood would be complete without a love interest? Raven does fall for a girl that sees him as a heathen. They are opposites in many respects but just like Raven himself, Cynethryth has hidden depths. Her role in life is stifling and preplanned. By taking up with Raven and his band of brothers, she has the rare opportunity to express herself in ways not acceptable for her station. Their freedom from social conformity also opens the door to freedom of choice in love.
I have to say, I had a really hard time putting this book down. Raven’s journey is as engrossing as it is riveting. The fighting and pillaging comes across as less barbaric and more a difference in culturally acceptable behaviors. Kristian has the rare ability to make a group of Norsemen more identifiable to even the most “civilized” person. Book 1 of the Raven series has me waiting for the next installment; horned hat on and sword in hand, yelling out to wenches for more mead.
Notable Scene:
“The world is stronger than any of us, my lord. It goes on,” I said, remembering that Ealhstan had conveyed as much to me once in his own way. “It has always been so.”
“Yes, it has,” Sigurd said, turning to face me. “And that is why we must do great things. I don’t just mean killing. By all the gods, there must be greater things than sowing death among your enemies. No, we must achieve things that are beyond most men. Only by doing what seems impossible will we ensure that men remember our names and sing of them around their fires when we are long gone.” He put a hand on my shoulder. “I see something in you. I cannot explain it yet, but I know I am bound to you.”
“Bound, lord?”
He nodded solemnly. “The gods have marked you, and my sword will honor their favor.” Something caught his eye, a shiny black beetle crawling from a pile of smoking white ash. “The world goes on,” he said, “despite the chaos we make. May Odin grant us the time to carve our names in the earth, Raven, so that others must watch where they tread.”
Raven Series:
1. Blood Eye
2. Sons of Thunder
3. Odin’s Wolves
FTC Advisory: Random House/Bantam Dell graciously provided me with a copy of Blood Eye. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payments I receive are hugs and kisses from my little boys.
Quick & Dirty: An historical voyage of an orphaned young man destined for Norse greatness.
Opening Sentence: It was April.
The Review:
Blood Eye begins where all good sagas do; humbly. It starts with an orphaned boy that is not truly accepted in his small village
Show More
and yet does not know to want for more. When a twist of fate and chance encounter puts him along the path to his true destiny, he begins a long and treacherous journey to greatness.Though this story is a work of fiction, it is based on an actual event. The Norsemen did, in fact, sail to new lands in search of riches. Our story’s Norsemen approached Raven’s village with the initial intent of trading goods. When they are attacked by the locals, they proceed to decimate everything in their path, including both people and their homes. When they offer a place for Raven within their ranks, the reader sees the catalyst to his transformation into a mighty warrior.
Raven’s growth is physical, emotional, and spiritual. When he joins up with the Wolfpack, the nickname of this group of Norsemen, Raven’s changes begins. His training in weapons not only builds up his muscle mass, but also his confidence. The longer he is with the group, the more he acclimates to their ways and beliefs. Raven was initially a Christian, and believed in one god, that the Norse laughed about. The Norse Pantheon is varied and vast, with Odin at the top of the “Gods Food Chain.” Raven’s blood eye is viewed by them as a sign of Odin’s favor. After several situations that seem “otherworldly” to him, Raven begins to believe the tales himself. The whole transition from Osric to Raven takes the length of book and his changes are reflected in both his internal dialog and attitude.
What journey to adulthood would be complete without a love interest? Raven does fall for a girl that sees him as a heathen. They are opposites in many respects but just like Raven himself, Cynethryth has hidden depths. Her role in life is stifling and preplanned. By taking up with Raven and his band of brothers, she has the rare opportunity to express herself in ways not acceptable for her station. Their freedom from social conformity also opens the door to freedom of choice in love.
I have to say, I had a really hard time putting this book down. Raven’s journey is as engrossing as it is riveting. The fighting and pillaging comes across as less barbaric and more a difference in culturally acceptable behaviors. Kristian has the rare ability to make a group of Norsemen more identifiable to even the most “civilized” person. Book 1 of the Raven series has me waiting for the next installment; horned hat on and sword in hand, yelling out to wenches for more mead.
Notable Scene:
“The world is stronger than any of us, my lord. It goes on,” I said, remembering that Ealhstan had conveyed as much to me once in his own way. “It has always been so.”
“Yes, it has,” Sigurd said, turning to face me. “And that is why we must do great things. I don’t just mean killing. By all the gods, there must be greater things than sowing death among your enemies. No, we must achieve things that are beyond most men. Only by doing what seems impossible will we ensure that men remember our names and sing of them around their fires when we are long gone.” He put a hand on my shoulder. “I see something in you. I cannot explain it yet, but I know I am bound to you.”
“Bound, lord?”
He nodded solemnly. “The gods have marked you, and my sword will honor their favor.” Something caught his eye, a shiny black beetle crawling from a pile of smoking white ash. “The world goes on,” he said, “despite the chaos we make. May Odin grant us the time to carve our names in the earth, Raven, so that others must watch where they tread.”
Raven Series:
1. Blood Eye
2. Sons of Thunder
3. Odin’s Wolves
FTC Advisory: Random House/Bantam Dell graciously provided me with a copy of Blood Eye. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payments I receive are hugs and kisses from my little boys.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Elysianfield
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one. And I have to confess that I'm horribly ignorant about vikings!
I started reading this thinking it as more like action book than historical so I wasn't annoyed with kinda modern cursing...
And points for the author for not including Finland in Scandinavia in
I really enjoyed this one. And I have to confess that I'm horribly ignorant about vikings!
I started reading this thinking it as more like action book than historical so I wasn't annoyed with kinda modern cursing...
And points for the author for not including Finland in Scandinavia in
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author's note! It annoys me so much when that happens! Show Less
LibraryThing member AmyJ96
If you're looking for a light action-packed read I would definitely recommend this novel. But probably not if you're wanting something more involved. It was interesting enough for me to keep reading, but never really got me hooked.
LibraryThing member viking2917
A good solid Viking tale. Not as a deep on the history as, say, a Bernard Cornwell novel, or as powerfully mythic as, say, Poul Anderson's Hrolf Kraki's Saga, but very solid. Doesn't shy away from the harshness and cruelty of the Vikings, but a good adventure tale that paints an honest picture of
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them. Show Less
Language
Physical description
352 p.; 9.56 inches
ISBN
0593061624 / 9780593061626
Local notes
Osric proves a natural warrior and forges a blood bond with Sigurd, who renames him Raven.
Signed, lined, dated, doodled & numbered by the author, sketched in black pen with Raven's helmet. Lined 'Men are not alone in seeking eternal fame: the gods crave glory too', numbered 12 of 15.
Signed, lined, dated, doodled & numbered by the author, sketched in black pen with Raven's helmet. Lined 'Men are not alone in seeking eternal fame: the gods crave glory too', numbered 12 of 15.