A Gathering of Ravens
  • Published: 15 May 2018
  • ISBN: 9780553819847
  • Imprint: Bantam
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 480
  • RRP: $47.99
Categories:

A Gathering of Ravens

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Scott Oden - author of the acclaimed Men of Bronze and The Lion of Cairo - brings together history, myth and fantasy in an epic tale of vengeance and faith, of the Old Ways versus the New, and of a monster - the last of his kind - against mankind.

Beowulf meets The Lord of the Rings meets Bernard Cornwell in an epic novel of vengeance, faith and the power of myth.
To the Danes, he is skraelingr; to the English, he is orcnéas; to the Irish, he is fomoraig. He is Corpse-maker and Life-quencher, the Bringer of Night, the Son of the Wolf and Brother of the Serpent. He is Grimnir, and he is the last of his kind—the last in a long line of monsters who have plagued humanity since the Elder Days.
Drawn from his lair by a thirst for vengeance against the Dane who slew his brother, Grimnir emerges into a world that’s changed. A new faith has arisen. The Old Ways are dying, and their followers retreating into the shadows; even still, Grimnir’s vengeance cannot be denied.

Taking a young Christian hostage to be his guide, Grimnir embarks on a journey that takes him from the hinterlands of Denmark, where the wisdom of the ancient dwarves has given way to madness, to the war-torn heart of southern England, where the spirits of the land make violence on one another. And thence to the green shores of Ireland and the Viking stronghold of Dubhlinn, where his enemy awaits.

But, unless Grimnir can set aside his hatreds, his dream of retribution will come to nothing. For Dubhlinn is set to be the site of a reckoning—the Old Ways versus the New—and Grimnir, the last of his kind left to plague mankind, must choose: stand with the Christian King of Ireland and see his vengeance done or stand against him and see it slip away?
  • Published: 15 May 2018
  • ISBN: 9780553819847
  • Imprint: Bantam
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 480
  • RRP: $47.99
Categories:

About the author

Scott Oden

Scott Oden was born in Indiana, but has spent most of his life shuffling between his home in rural North Alabama, a Hobbit hole in Middle-earth, and some sketchy tavern in the Hyborian Age. He studied history and English at the University of Alabama. He is an avid reader of fantasy and ancient history, a collector of swords, and a player of tabletop role-playing games. His previous books include Men of Bronze, Memnon, and The Lion of Cairo. When not writing, he can be found walking his two dogs or doting on his wife. To find out more, visit scottoden.wordpress.com

Also by Scott Oden

The Lion Of Cairo
Memnon
Men of Bronze
See all

Praise for A Gathering of Ravens

Oden has done a marvellous job . . . a true triumph.

PARMENION BOOKS

Set in a vividly-imagined world where history and myth blur, Scott Oden’s gripping and bloody tale of monsters and men carves out a fantastic new legend for this modern age.

JAMES WILDE, bestselling author of the Hereward series

Everything that a Grimdark novel should be, sharp witted, dark and dangerous. Highly recommended for anyone who loves action, good characters and, you know, an amazing story. I loved it!

JAMES A. MOORE, author of the Seven Forges series and The Last Sacrifice

An amazing work of fantasy with a very real touch of both humanity and the weight of history. Oden has populated his strange world with witches, monsters, Vikings, warriors, cowards and everything in between. Deft and well written.

CHARNEL HOUSE REVIEWS

Oden taps the dark roots of 'the Northern thing'...mixing Norse history and mythology with fantasy and a relentless narrative drive . . . will appeal to the Grimdark crowd as well as fans of Robert E. Howard and Poul Anderson.

CHARLES R. RUTLEDGE, co-author of Blind Shadows and Congregations of the Dead

Swirling together Norse mythology with a Tolkien-esque writing style (there are even songs!) . . . if you like your fantasies with a serrated edge, this tale will be right up your alley.

OMNIVORACIOUS

Oden has expertly weaved Norse, Saxon and Celtic mythology . . . if you're a fan of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon saga, or David Gemmell's muscular fantasy, then you would be hard-pressed to find another novel that satisfies on both fronts.

STARBURST

Lovingly crafted . . . this fast-paced thrill ride might have been bleak or unsettling but it's rendered so lovingly . . . a satisfying saga that's as complex as an old tree's roots, and a pleasure to read.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (Starred Review)

The story is imposing and dark, deftly woven by Oden to mix legend and history . . . characters appear to have stepped out of history to dance across the pages . . . Oden set out to redeem the Orc, taking pieces from Norse and Celtic mythology, from Beowulf to Balor, and he did fabulously. Highly recommended.

FANTASY-FACTION

Masterful storytelling . . . superb writing . . . magical and lively . . . a must-read for historical fantasy lovers.

THE NERD DAILY

I loved the prose and for me, the action sequences really brought the brutality to life . . . add to this some wonderful twists . . . a kick-ass plot . . . I was a more than happy reader. Top notch.

FALCATA TIMES

Right from the start this book draws you in with its evocative imagery and beautifully-described landscapes . . . in A Gathering of Ravens the line between fantasy and historical fiction is blurred into mythology. If you like your fantasy Tolkien-esque with deep roots, then this novel is for you, and like many legends in truth, it is not exactly a story of justice or redemption, but it is a tale that must play itself out to its very end, a tale you cannot help but get drawn into.

FORBIDDEN PLANET

A magnificent mytho-historical saga, blending the history of 11th century Europe with Norse and Celtic mythology. A dark, grim and unrelentingly bloody tale of the last Orc and his quest for vengeance. Highly recommended.

JOHN GWYNNE, bestselling author of The Faithful and the Fallen
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