Publisher's Synopsis
VIKING, THE CHRONICLES OF HAAKON THE COWARD
A furare normannorum libera nos, Domine (Lord, deliver us from the fury of the men of the North)
Young Haakon lives a quiet and peaceful life in the Norwegian village of Vestfold. However, on reaching the age of fourteen, he must put the innocence of youth behind him, in order to become a fearsome Viking. On his fourteenth birthday something happens that will change his life forever. His father, Gunnjorn, chief of the village, demands that he sacrifice a slave in Odin's honour, in the presence of a large number of important and powerful Viking chiefs and ships' captains. This is the day of his 'proof of character', the day on which he must start to earn the reputation which will accompany him for the rest of his life.
Written in a lively and attractive style, the novel takes us to 9th century Scandinavia, an inhospitable land inhabited by the terrifying Vikings, fearless sailors whose most important goal is to find fame and glory, forging for themselves an inmortal reputation and returning home with their ships full of silver and other treasures. They were not only Implacable warriors but also experienced farmers and skilled tradesmen. This fascinating people will not leave the readers indifferent.
