So that’s the story, all based on historical events, even though Harald’s life sounds like something out of Robert E. But even this is not enough and Harald’s lust for power and vengeance leads to him make a grab for the throne of England, climaxing in events at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. Here, he rises in power, gaining enough wealth to return home and lay his claim to the title King of Norway. He then battles across Kievan Rus to reach Micklegard (Constantinople), the heart of the Byzantine Empire. From there we follow Harald, through early fights and his growth to manhood. Hill begins with Harald as a boy in his father’s house, who hero worships his older brother (King Olaf, later St Olaf). Viking Fire tells the story of the legendary Harald Hardrada, or King Haraldr Sigurðarson, to give him his full title. I later found out that Viking Fire is second in the series of Conquest novels, based around the events of 1066, but as the stories do not particularly cross over, I had no problems reading them out of order. I picked up Viking Firein my local library and enjoyed it so much I went out and bought a copy! Published in 2016, this is the first book I’ve read by Justin Hill.
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