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Two splendid articles and a competition in The Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/entertainment/giles-kristian-raven-series/ Also, there is still time to enter the Viking reading Read more
Hi Giles,
I have finished reading the trilogy for a second time and i have to say i still love it, i have read Robert Lows Oathsworn books (on your reccomendation) and the saxon stories and still think Raven is my favourite read, without saying to much a couple of deaths are still sad as i wouldve liked them in the next Raven book. Please write another Trilogy on this character maybe with Raven becoming the Jarl, or even a prequal on how Raven ended up in Abbotsend. Love your books and hope to read more
Chris
I’m honourd you’ve taken another swing at the Saga. You probably know that motley crew better than I do! Look out for the new series, The Bleeding Land, in April. As for another RAVEN novel, I do hope so.
Hi Giles,
Will you be writing any more books in the Raven series ?. I must say I really enjoyed reading them. All I would like to add I very much hope you do.
Graham.
Glad to have you aboard, Graham. As I’ve told other readers, I’d love to write more tales in the RAVEN saga. I feel that it will soon be time for the Fellowship to head northwards again, back to the cold dark water. We’ll see…
The most amazing books ever! Im only 16 and these are the first adult books ive read. Im reading the third book now and i can’t put it down. Thank you and can’t wait to read you new series :D
Lily, I’m delighted to hear that you’re enjoying the tales. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I’m looking forward to the new series too! The Bleeding Land will be published on April 26th!
Just finished the trilogy, fabulous story. I see in the epilogue that you hint at a continuation of the story, bring it on. Many of us will be waiting.
Best Wishes
Mark Leach
Thanks, Mark. I’d love to continue the story. There is still much glory (and hardship) awaiting Sigurd’s motley crew. We shall see…
Hello, Giles i finished the trilogy this week, “sons of thunder” and “odin’s wolves” one week after the other in 4 days coul’nt put them down once i got started an absolute pure joy i also enjoyed the snippet of “the bleeding land” between the brothers “Tom and Mun Rivers, the royalists and the round heads i presume there will proberbly be roundheads in there at some point it is exiting already . Henry denton seems a real nasty piece of work can’t wait for the rest .Hardrada’s poem at the back of “odin’s wolves” was very interesting, also very profound anyway, i do realise you are busy and this ,is’nt my first comment but if you could possibly find out for me , if “raven” will be published in french because i have some family members who are interested, who are only French speakers, i do realise, i presume priority which is normal would proberbly be for first time comments, ps “Raven” is better than the tv you are right depending what’s on of course, because you would’nt believe me if i said it was permanently better than the tv would you? thanks again Philippe.
The best series ive ever read. Loved it!! Cant wait for #4 and beyond. If you get bored perhaps the tales of Asgots life would be a good read. All the best, keep up the good work.
Mick.
That’s high praise indeed, thank you. Tales of Asgot’s life would indeed make a good, if bloody, read! I’ve been thinking about a sort of prequel for a while. I’ll let you know. All the best, Mick. Giles
No question but thanks for a great series of books. Raven grows with each new book may he never grow too old and may you always have another tale to tell . Thank You Alun
Alun, if you keep reading ‘em, I’ll keep writing ‘em! That seems fair to me. All the best, Giles
Hi, Giles!
Still waiting to come to Argentina your other books (only came “Sons of Thunder”) will leave the link where I made a drawing of ODIN (Marvel style). I hope you like it, buddy! Someday you have to plan to do a graphic novel with your books! Would be sensational.
LINK TO ODIN´S DRAW : http://albertodifrancisco.blogspot.com/2012/01/odin-padre-de-thor.html
A hug!
Alberto Di Francisco
Trilogy? The Raven series is too good to finish at book 3!
I have loved being on the journey with Raven, you are a great skald Giles… Please do not allow the tale to end here…
At the risk of sounding boastful, I agree with you that the saga shouldn’t finish there. There’s still so much more to tell. We shall see…
Hi Giles!
I’m Paula from México, I have to say I’m a big fan of your Raven’s trilogy, I felt in love since the very first word and now I’m waiting for the spanish version of Odin’s wolves, hope you can finish that deal with your publisher :).
I was wondering, I would love do some drawings of the characters of these wonderful books, but I don’t have enough information of each one, it would be great if you could make a description list of the characters, so I can do it :). If yes, then I’ll really apreciate you could send me to my e-mail.
Wish the best of the best and lot of success on your comming works!
Excuse my bad english.
Paula, I’m delighted that you’re such a fan of the stories, and like you I very much hope my Spanish publisher decides to go with Odin’s Wolves. I know there are a lot of readers waiting for the Spanish translation. As for drawing some of the characters, I’d love to see your interpretations (so would other readers, I’m sure) but I’m so sorry to say I don’t have the time to put together character descriptions for you at the moment. Maybe if I can find a little more time I’ll see what I can do, but meantime perhaps you could use the books themselves and send me your interpretation of, say, Sigurd. :-)
Wow Giles, you have got talent – over the recent holiday break, I have read the three Raven books – I only wish there was a fourth ! Can’t wait to read the next of your creations – keep ‘em coming.
Cheers
PS – I hope that was good mead in the drinking horn!
You are are very kind, Pauline. Some might call it talent – others might call it a lifelong avoidance of real work. As for a fourth chunk of the RAVEN saga, I do hope I get the chance to write one. Look out for The Bleeding Land in April.
Hello again Giles, something i forgot to mention in my earlier message” bloodeye”, reminded me very much of the “Harry Potter” series which i enjoyed immensley , but obviously with much darker tones and The “sharpe” television series with Sean Bean as “colonel Richard Sharpe” which were based on the books by Bernard Cornwell which you say was the writer who inspired you to write in the first place , i aught to read the books sometime, after i have finnished the raven series to see if the books, are similar better or as good as the tv series was; i mean after the “bleeding line” obviously. thanks again all the best.
Hello, Giles first of all a happy new year to you i am definitely aboard i engoyed “Bloodeye” immensley it was as good as Tom Woolfe , lord of the rings and great expectations i literally couldin’t put the book down i finnished it in a week, i felt as if, i was there observing Raven’s (osric), journey from his beginning in Abbotsend to his aventure in wessex. i enjoyed also his different relationships an ideal p urpose and father figure found with sigurd and the norsemen, for Raven finds a purpose with them after at the beginning not knowing what he is not christian,but not norse ,either when he does finally become a norsemam he is different to them in keeping a certain morality, that they don’t have in his relationship with cynethryth which because he is a norseman ,and she being christian he cannot pursue he also cared alot for eahlstan and was devastated when he was murdered finally i can’t wait to get “sonsof thunder” all the best ps do you know if or could you tell me if bloodeye is available in french because in my family there are members who are french speakers only who are interested?
Hi, have just finished reading ODIN’S WOLVES – fantastic – but amazed to see that you say this is the end of the trilogy, and by implication, the end of Raven. You can’t leave your faithful crew (readers) without an ending, the brotherhood at the ‘wrong’ end of the earth.
Reading your e-mails it seems that you intend to write of the English Civil War next but hint that Raven may not be finished – please, please, please don’t leave it too long before the whale road is once again the way of the Raven. (Bernard Cornwell left some 2 years between books in his SAXON series and the wait was agony!)
Thanks for the journey and please don’t let it end.
John
Thanks, John, I’m always thrilled to hear from folk who feel the Wolfpack’s journey is not yet over. I agree with you, there’s still so much more to tell. But if I do write another RAVEN novel (I really hope to) then I’m afraid it will be quite a wait because I have two more in my Bleeding Land series to write first (The first of this trilogy is coming in April). If after that my publisher is happy for me to return to my motley crew then I’ll jump at the chance. We shall see what the Norns weave…
Is the Raven series available as a audio book?
Currently only Blood Eye is available as a box set of 10 CDs (expensive too!) from Oakhill Publishing. But I’m hoping the whole RAVEN saga makes it onto i-tunes for download soon. I’ll keep you informed.
mate without a doubt this trilogy is the best iv ever read keep it up !!!
I’m honoured, Adrian. Thank you very much. As for keeping it up, I’ll certainly do my best. Look out for The Bleeding Land in April!
hi Giles, do you know if ODIN´S WOLVES book has traslated to spanish lenguages? if yes please tell me where can I get it, I had read the first 2 books and I like them.
thanks
Hi Carlos, as far as I’m aware there is no deal yet for the Spanish translation of Odin’s Wolves. I very much hope the publisher, Edicones B, decides to take it soon so that you can finish the trilogy. All the best, Giles.
hello!
I live in Colombia and been a loyal reader of your works, I want to ask about the wolves of odin book if it is available in Spanish.
You want to congratulate you for your excellent work.
stay alert to your answer!
Gustavo, thanks for your mail. I’m afraid I don’t think we’ve done a deal yet for Odin’s Wolves with our Spanish publisher. But I hope it happens soon as it’s not really very fair releasing the first two and then leaving the readers not knowing. If it happens I’ll be sure to announce it.
Giles;
Thank you for your response and suggestion. No, Austin has not read Cornwell’s King Arthur books. I’m on my way to get them now. Thank you again. An additional note, Austin took the High School Placement test last week to enter one of our all-boys Catholic Schools in San Antonio. As part of the test, he had to write an essay. He was given four topics from which to choose his essay subject. One of the choices was “write about a favorite fictional character.” He chose this option and wrote about a character from your books. Of particular interest to his Dad and me is the fact that he could have selected to write about “an influential person” in his life. As his mother and homeschool teacher, I thought I was a shoe-in! But your books trumped me. ha! Thanks again and Merry Christmas. Karol
Dear Giles, i just wanted to say as a fan of history it is great that although i haven’t read one of your books yet i hope to soon, was intrigued immediatly after reading the synopsis of “bloodeye” that a young writer such as yourself is making history more appealing to a great number of people , and more younger people such as myself , as someone who has enjoyed history since my schooldays although i have a preferance for the second world war, i have always enjoyed a good sword and adventure story one where you feel as if your’e living the story as from having read some previous people’s comments who have read your books have clearl;y felt and i’m sure when i read “bloodeye” i will feel the same all the best for your future novels.
Hi Philippe, thank you for your mail. I’ll be glad to have you aboard! Please come back and let me know what you thought of the tale.
Is there another Raven book coming out?
I do hope so! But first The Bleeding Land series set against the savagery and mayhem of the English Civil War. First one coming in April.
Dear Mr. Kristian:
My thirteen year old son, Austin, just finished Odin’s Wolves. He enjoyed it very much. I understand from your responses to others that book 4 is not in the immediate future. He is terribly disappointed, of course. I homeschool him and in the early years, found it difficult to get him to read. And then I discovered books about Vikings and his reading habits changed immediately. He has read every series we can find (Robert Lowe, Judson Roberts, and Tim Severin). I thought perhaps you would have a recommendation or two that he could move to next, while he waits your 4th book. Would you be so kind as to recommend something for him to read? He is enthralled with Vikings (my husband’s ancestors are from Norway) and thinks he is one! As he was reading your book, he kept saying, “I wish I was there”. So thank you for sharing your talents. Any book a boy will read is a good book. Yours have been exceedingly enjoyable for him.
Dear Karol, I can honestly say your mail made my day when I read it. To think that my books have in some small way whet your son’s appetite to read is something I find very humbling. I’m pleased to hear he’s read Robert Low’s series (new one coming soon) as Rob is a writer of rare talent and knows his subject absolutely intimately. As for other recommendations, has he read Bernard Cornwell’s The Warlord Chronicles about King Arthur? These books blew my mind and inspired me to write my own. Oh, and I love that Austin says “I wish I was there,” as he reads my books. I say the same thing and my wife must be sick of hearing it. Thank you for your lovely email and please give my very best to Austin.
Hello Giles,
Just finished Blood Eye, great characters, spot on mate. Roll on Sons of Thunder.
Keep them coming pal.
Cheers
Jeff
Keep rowing, Jeff, you still have far to go!
Hi Giles
I have read the first two books in the Raven Series and found them to be an enchanting and thrilling use of escapism. Personally being of Icelandic descent with a strong nordic sense of family in my home from our fair red and blonde hair to our tattoo’s. I just wanted to ask how you manage to balance so many main characters while still using the other characters effecitvely?
I’m not sure how to answer this, Anthony. I guess like any rugby or football team there are a core handful of dominating characters (the noisy, brash ones in the dressing room) and then there’s everyone else who have their roles to play but rarely get the spotlight. Sigurd, Svein, Black Floki, Bram Bear, Asgot and of course Raven – these I suppose are my hardcore characters, but I do enjoy bringing other personalities into the mix (even if many of them do end up sitting at the high end of Odin’s hall rather sooner than they’d have liked). I’m aware I still haven’t answered your question, but I’ll just take it as a compliment that you think I get it right – however that actually happens. Thanks for the mail, and good to hear the Norse blood whispers to you still.
Giles,
I couldnt put the books down & read them back to back a number of times, each time the experience became better & better. Do you intend writing further about Viking Newfoundland? I remember a book from my youth Vikings sunset by Henry Theece which has influenced my interest in historical books since. Well that and by been born in Jorvik ! Keep up the good work & cheers
Hi Paul, interesting to hear that you find new things to plunder with each reading. I never read books twice but maybe I should pick one of my old favourites and give it another pass. I’ve heard good things about the Henry Theece books but have never read them. Seems like there are thousands of books I ought to have read! As for me writing a new tale involving Newfoundland – no plans as yet. If and when the Wolfpack do set sail again I’d like to take them back to the North. We’ll see…
Hi Giles
Being of Swedish/Irish decent I identify strongly with the Raven books. Having just finished reading Odins Wolves I can truly relate to these stories and my Scandinavian heritage which has always been a big part of my life.
I enjoyed the balance which you have found between the savagery of the Wolf Pack but also their camaradery, humour and some would say almost fatalistic approach to their destinies. Reading the novels you become closely attached to characters like Sigurd, Bram Bear, Bjarni and Svein the Red and this is a true testament to your skill as an author.
All I can say Giles is keep the novels coming because it is a great thing to read about these remarkable stories so skillfully told. So please keep them coming and do not make this the last in the series. Please let me know if you have another planned?
Alex, your kind mail is very much appreciated. I’m always humbled when readers take the time to share their thoughts and let me know they’ve enjoyed one of my books. Sounds to me like these tales are in your blood as much as they are in mine, which is great to hear. And I’m glad you felt close to the characters, as though you were pulling the oar or standing shoulder to shoulder in the shieldwall. If you feel like that, it means I’ve done what I came here to do. But I do require your imagination – it’s a joint effort, so thanks! No more in the RAVEN saga for a while, I’m sorry to say. But maybe after my new series, The Bleeding Land.
Thanks so mush for writing such wonderful books. I’m 65. For years. I’ve read 2 or 3 books a month. Mostly history & historical fiction including most of everyone you mentioned in your acknowledgements. Love all three of the Raven series. Never read a better book than Odin’s Wolves. Perfect balance of action, dialogue, description, & humor. Your details of Paris, Rome, and Constantinople are amazing. I’ll be reading and recommending what ever you write next. Thanks soooooooo much!
Jeff, thank you very much, especially for your compliment about Odin’s Wolves. Personally, I think that was the best Viking book I could write and I felt it was quite a ride. As for my portrayal of those iconic cities, I enjoyed the challenge of trying to see them through my Viking’s eyes, wondering how incredible such places must have seemed to them. There’s also something interesting, I think, in considering how our ancestors experienced ruins and places that were historical to them, just as they still are to us. I hope that makes sense? Anyway, thanks again, and please feel free to share your thoughts on Amazon.co.uk as it all helps. Look out for The Bleeding Land in the Spring, about a family torn apart in the maelstrom of civil war.
Awesome books man. Loved how beliefs in gods ands magic controlled most of what they did but you never saw any of it. Nice change from the stuff I normally read. More raven please !
Thank you, I wanted their beliefs to be at times almost simmering beneath the surface, and yet at other times worn loosely. It’s hard to know how structured their pagan belief system actually was, but one assumes not very, seeing as almost nothing was written down and much must have been transmitted orally through story-telling. I suspect the main reason the Christian Church wrote and disseminated its doctrine was to gain and keep control of people. Don’t think the Norse thought like this. It was likely more individualistic, which is the way I’ve tried to portray it.
Love your books mate cant wait till the next 1 !! wish u cud write em 24/7 as it takes months 2 write an 1 day to read !! keep up the good work and if u run out of ideas just ask me an il help lol !! cheers !!
I wish I could write them quicker, too! Glad to have you aboard though, and hope you enjoy The Bleeding Land in the Spring (assuming you’ve done the RAVEN saga).
Giles
I came across Raven only about a month ago, since then I have read both blood eye and sons of thunder, I cant wait for Odins wolves to become a paperback.
Coming from the Isle of Man I have grown up with Viking influences, I do hope you dont end the saga with just 3 books, more please! (any chance the IOM could get a mention in future)
Wishing you a fair wind and following seas
All the best
Francis
Thanks for the kind words, Francis. I too am excited about the pb release of Odin’s Wolves as it will give us a good opportunity to raise the profile of the RAVEN saga as a whole and maybe pick up a few more crews of readers along the way. As for mentioning IOM, that seems likely if I follow my ambition of bringing Raven and his motley crew back to the grey seas. I would like to see them in Norway and Dublin and with the latter they wouldn’t be too far away, although the Norse Kingdom of Mann came about almost 300 years after the beginning of Blood Eye. However, first The Bleeding Land series set against the backcloth of this nation’s Civil War. The first of these will be out in the Spring. I hope you give it a try. Thanks again.
My wife bought me all 3 books as a present from my children. I too am a huge fan of Bernard Cornwell and especially Ragnor. I have, however, become addicted to the Raven series. Great stories and fantastic characters. i wondered if there was any historic evidence that Norsemen travelled into Charlemagne’s empire and into the Med ? Not that it matters, just intrigued. Are there any more books in this series planned ?
Thanks for the mail, Chris. And thanks to your wise and thoughtful wife for choosing the RAVEN saga. :-) There have been several novels in which Vikings have taken the river routes east through Russia – the trade routes connecting Scandinavia, Kievan Rus and the Byzantine Empire, (including the Baltic Sea and the Dnieper River systems) but I wanted to do something different and take my crews into the Med. I’d never read of Viking visiting Rome, but they must have done. They certainly harassed Charlemagne’s empire and undoubtedly struck deep into the Mediterranean. For example, a scribe called Duald Mac-Fuirbis records that in AD859 several crews came to the place where the Med goes into the outer ocean and reached Africa, where they gave battle to the Moors, and a great slaughter was made. They even took a great host of Moorish slaves back home to Ireland. Several other Viking raids are recorded, but the truth is that the Vikings were out of their comfort zone in the Med. Resistance to them was well-organized and they were no match for the powerful Muslim state. May I suggest the Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings for useful maps and info? As for more in the RAVEN SAGA, nothing planned yet but I would like to sail with my motley crew again.
Thank you to your reply to my question,as my Reading Group is held monthly at the Libbrary, I shall have to reserve the two previous books. It will be interesting to hear what the Group Members think of it when it comes up for discussion in mid November. I am currently half way through your book – it is not what I would have chosen for myself to read, but now I am ‘into it’ it is begining to ‘grab’ me. Will recommend your site to group members to have a look at.
Do you listen to music whilst writing? If so what do you listen to?
Sometimes. Often if I’m writing a battle scene I’ll listen to movie scores. Some favourites include: Braveheart, Last of the Mohicans, Gladiator, The Lord of The Rings, and Kingdom of Heaven. I suspect the drama of what I’m listening to can influence the writing. At the very least, it puts me in the right mood for the scene.
I have just finished Odin’s Wolves, fantastic read. I have enjoyed all 3 books. I really liked the ending of Odin’s Wolves.
Until next time.
Any chance of your books coming for Brazil ?
Honestly, I’ve no idea. I suspect Viking novels are not all that popular in Brazil (are they?), but I’ll let you know if a publisher there does take the RAVEN saga.
Hi Giles! Just wondering if you ever sign books? Is there somewhere I can send my book to you for signing?
Just got the 2nd Raven story on my Kindle…..Loved the first!!!
Cheers,
Neal
Hi Neal, I do signings and talks now and then, usually around the time the books are released. If you keep an eye out on http://www.facebook.com/GilesKristian
and/or http://twitter.com/#!/GilesKristian and of course here on my site, you’ll be kept informed about appearances and signings. Or else you can mail me at info@gileskristian.com and I’m sure we can sort something out. I guess that’s one draw back with ebooks – can’t get them signed! (well you could but you wouldn’t want to).
Hi Giles I to am a halfblood like yourself except it was my father who was the Norwegian. I was wondering, in your historical note to Blood Eye you mention your cottage that overlooks the fjord with Folgefonn in the distance. My family also lives in the same area infact on Bjornafjord Looking across to Folgefonn also. In your novel you mention Haralds Fjord, is this a fictional arm of Hardanger or some other fjord in the ares
Hi Paul, aren’t we lucky to be connected to such a stunningly beautiful place! I’m hoping to get out there after Christmas. But the Harald’s Fjord mentioned in the RAVEN Saga is, I’m afraid, purely fictional. Though I’m sure you can picture it perfectly. ;-) All the best, Giles
Your book Odin’s Wolves is the October Choice of our Book Group – I have relised it is part three of a Trilogy – is it a stand alone story, or do I need to read the two earlier books first?
Funny to think of Odin’s Wolves being discussed in a book club – would love to be a fly on the wall for that! But yes, I think it’ll make more sense to have read the first two. Sorry.
more raven please please please…
I feel the same way, Leigh. We shall see…
I have just finished reading, or rather, experiencing “Odin’s Wolves”, after your first two Raven books, of course. Along with, perhaps, B. Cornwell’s “Uthred/Alfred” series, I have never been so involved in these adventures as with any other stories, and feel emotionally drained at the end! You manage to drag the reader screaming and kicking into the Viking longboats, and make me cringe, laugh, weep, howl with pain and terror along with those unbelievably hardened warriors. You have managed to build the momentum from the first book on, and I simply can’t wait until your next saga!
Thank you, Henry Thaler
Henry, thank you. I’m delighted to hear that you’ve been at your oar bench pulling with the rest of the Wolves, standing in the shieldwall as the blood flies, and sharing an ale horn by the fire. Clearly you feel it all, and that makes me very happy, satisfied too, as that’s the ultimate response we writers can hope for. I have always felt that way about Bernard Cornwell’s books, indeed he is the man who really inspired me to tell my own tales, so I am honoured you’ve mentioned us both in the same sentence. Look out for my next offering, The Bleeding Land, coming next April. It’s about a family’s struggle to survive amidst the savage turmoil of the English Civil War. Thanks again for taking the time to write.
neither can I. As to the change lets just say my religious outlook.
very best wishes Judith
Done all three now and like I suspected its a Thrillogy.
i have just this minute finished Odin’s Wolves and am so disapointed that i have to wait for you to write some more!!! What a great series, i enjoyed the books as much as Ben Kane and Manda Scotts. Between you all you have changed my whole outlook on life and that is no mean feat at the age of sixty.
many thanks for a great read
kind regards Judith
Dear Judith, no mean feat at all! And I’m honoured to share your bookshelf with the likes of MC Scott and Ben Kane – both wonderfully talented writers (and good friends of mine, too, I’m proud to say). I must admit I’m intrigued to know how your outlook on life has changed since reading the books. Interesting…
Well, keep reading. My new one, The Bleeding Land, is coming early next year…I can’t wait!
Hi Giles having listened to the excellent Raven Blood eye as i walked in the Scottish mountains the west highland way and felt like Raven treking across the country side to save a maiden. can you tell me when the next two will be released in audio form as I intend to do more long distance walks and would really like Raven to tell me more of his life saga
Hi Alan, I was excited to read your mail as you’re the first person I’ve heard from who has listened to RAVEN: Blood Eye as an audiobook! I’m delighted to hear that the story kept you company on your trek – what a fantastic idea. As far as I know, the next two books in the series are still waiting to be turned into audio format, but I’ll see what I can find out via my agent. Thanks for listening.
Hi Giles
I’d just like to give you a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. Raven caught my eye in waterstones immediately, and I have to say, although I’ve yet to read Odin’s Wolves, the series is absolutely brilliant. As someone who adores the vikings and the anglo-saxons, and the Norse Gods and tales, I have to say that the storytelling, the plot, everything is brilliant. Everything is so believable, to the tiniest detail, that you don’t have to put any effort to convince me of the factual nature of the story, if you get my meaning. In other words what you’ve written is so in depth and real, living and breathing with each character, that it’s so easy to forget that the tale is little more than a tale, an amazingly told tale, but a tale nonetheless, which is in itself very saddening.
Still, after all my rambling, you have my humble thanks as a bookworm, and a lover of the Old Gods and their Wolves.
Thank you for your kind words, I very much appreciate you having taken the time to get in touch with your thoughts about the RAVEN saga. From the sound of it, you have played your part and really immersed yourself in the tale, and for that I am grateful. I too have always been fascinated with the period and my imagination spends perhaps a little too much time ‘back then’. Glad the series caught your eye, but keep rowing – we still have far to go!
In the past 20 years I have read only 3 books. Since being introduced to the works of Cornwall, Gemmel, Igullden, Pressfield, Sidebottom, Scott an others I have read 46. 24 hours ago I purchased Raven Blood Eye, it has since been consumed leaving me wanting more. I suspect a more apt description for your series could be referred to as a Thrillogy and in the morning I will confirm this by reading Sons of Thunder. In conclusion I say OUTSTANDING
A ‘thrillogy’ I like it! Welcome aboard, Darren, glad to have you at the oars. We’re all very lucky that there are some fantastic historical fiction writers out there at the moment, authors that bring the past to life and in whose tales we can completely immerse ourselves. The only trouble being that there are too many great books and not enough time. I hope you enjoy Sons of Thunder. As for Odin’s Wolves, it’ll knock your socks off! Thanks for getting in touch.
Giles just to say i absolutely adore these books just about to start odins wolves , a shame i didnt read the spoiler alert . Penda has now become my favourite personality in the books , being of french origin i loved the last book set in france and meeting Karalous ( has paris changed so much over the years im not too sure ) with a heavy heart at the thought of losing Bram i read on . thank you giles probably the best non fiction i have read in a long time one word SUPERB
I like Penda too. I’ve often wondered what would happen if he and Black Floki went head to head, as they’re both born killers. As for Paris, one of the things that seemed strange to some people was me using the name ‘Paris’ in the book. They thought the name sounded too modern. But as you probably know, it was named after the Parisii, the Gaulish tribe that lived there and had been called Paris for more than 400 years before the start of Sons of Thunder. Sorry about Bram! Thanks for the mail.
-spoiler alert-
Hello again Giles,
I wrote I believe a year or so back..and have decided to let you know i’m still sailing the whales road with the wolfpack..having read ALL THREE BOOKS, THREE times each and everytime I enjoy it more and more..I admit i teared up with the deaths of Bram, Svein, Bjorn, Aslak and even though he didn’t have a big story in…Bothvar and even Yrsa. I am still awaiting the days, that the wolfpack takes to the big screen..as I am sort of looking into maybe going for the characters of either Osk or Osten..to top this comment of thank you so much for this series and i’m excited for what journeys lie next for me and the wolfpack..i could honestly say i might be one of the biggest Raven adventure…hell Giles Kristian fans..
again thank you so so much,
Willem Louw.
You’ve read them three times? Then you probably know my wolfpack better than I do! Delighted though, that you feel you can take something new from them with each reading, and yet I’m sorry to put you through the pain of the loss of some good oarmates over and over. I miss them, too – lived with them for a long time. But there will be time for other warriors to make their fame. With Sigurd as a their jarl, you know there’ll be more glory to come. Thanks for rowing!
Hi Giles, just read Raven Blood Eye and really enjoyed it – the characters, the action, the pace of the story telling. I think you could say that you worthily stand shoulder to shoulder in a shield wall of fantastic writers – Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, Robyn Young and others. Thanks very much for the enjoyment you have given me.
That’s quite a roll call! Esteemed company indeed, with whom I’m thrilled to share your shelf. As for the enjoyment the books have given you, it’s my absolute pleasure. Thanks for reading.
I have never felt compelled to write a comment/email a writer before but after reading the Raven trilogy I just had to! As soon as I read the first book I instantly purchased both book 2 and 3 for my kindle. The only problem with the 3rd book was when it came to an end as Raven 4 is yet to exist! Please, please, please write another Raven book as I’d like to know about Ravens history before he was found and how he was able to pick up Norse so quickly, I’m sure he has a interesting secret past! Thanks once again for writing a utterly brilliant trilogy. :)
Jason, thank you. What an honour that my books inspired you to get in touch. And good to know that my motley crew are embracing new technologies and ransacking your Kindle! I do hope to write another RAVEN book, but first is a new series set during the bloody chaos of the English Civil War. Look out for it next year.
I have just finished Odin’s Wolves having read Raven and Sons of Thunder earlier this year. I had read all of Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels and was desperate to find a source of works that equalled his. Your Raven books certainly exceeded what I had hoped for and look forward to your next instalment. Using your wonderful descriptions of the places the Brotherhood travelled, I used Google Earth to follow their journey along the coastlines, rivers and even some of the buildings, particularly in Rome and Istanbul which added to the realism you have worked into your writing. Thanks for three great books, hopefully the first of many more to follow.
To be mentioned in the same paragraph as Mr Cornwell is more than enough for me, John, so thank you. I’m actually a little blown away that you went to the efforts of tracking the Wolfpack’s progress on Google Earth (and slightly worried now about my own geography!). But you know the funny thing about it? I used Google Earth to plot their route in the first place. Amazing! Thanks for the mail, and look out for the first of the new series coming next year.
Fantastic series of books, great battle scenes but it is the charcters personal traits that bring the tales alive….hope it is not too long till Sigurd and Raven set sail again
It will be a while, Alan, but in the meantime how are you set for a little Roundheads Vs Cavaliers? New series beginning next year (and it’s going to be a belter!)
Just read all three books back to back, and you’re responsible for lots of late nights and struggling to get up for work, but what can I say apart from many thanks. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the bloody romp across Europe, just like brits on tour really, and am really looking forward to the next instalment though it looks like I’m going to have to wait a while.
Just finished reading all three books, one after the next. You’re responsible for some very late nights and me struggling to get up for work in the morning, but huge thanks for keeping me up. I can’t wait for the next instalment – Raven obviously lives to a ripe old age, but it’s going to be fun finding out how he does it.
Thank you, I take it as a tremendous compliment that my stories could keep you from a comfortable bed and a good night’s sleep. I hope to keep you snoozing at your place of work for years to come!
Giles, regards!
For some time I left you a comment and an invitation to my blog by a drawing of Bor, I leave you now link to a picture of Thor, the God of Thunder.
http://albertodifrancisco.blogspot.com/
Meanwhile, here in Argentina I keep waiting for someone to bring “The Raven’s eye” or “Odin’s Wolves”
A hug!
Alberto Di Francisco
Just a big thank you for the most entertaining of adventures. I have just finished Odin’s Wolves after really enjoying both previos books but the storming of the Bucoleon most go down as one of the the best battle sequences I have read. Keep up the good work — Erik–
So glad you enjoyed that scene, Erik. It was quite a fight, wasn’t it? I remember being pretty exhausted after writing it! It’s brutal stuff, I’ll admit, but your comment honestly makes my day. So thanks!
I know it is not a question but thank you for being so nice at the festival of history, for giving a wonderful talk, for introducing me to the work of Robert Low and for once again producing such an absolutely wonderful book. I look forward to the new project which I am hoping might awaken an interest in me for that historical period that has sadly been lacking. If anyone can you can.
Katie, what a wonderfully kind and touching mail. All of the things you mention were my pleasure. I thought the festival, particularly the books/authors side of things was wonderful and I certainly had a great deal of fun, though was exhausted at the end of the two days. As for the next series, it’s my intention that the story itself (of a family being torn apart by circumstances beyond their control) will be the thing that keeps you turning the pages, almost regardless of the period it’s set in. Having said that, I do think the 17th century makes for fiction gold and screams to be plundered. Thank you for your confidence. I hope to do you proud!
I am reading Blood Eye, nearly finished it. Its the fastest i have ever read a book, its fantastic. I am really looking forward to the following two books.
That’s great to hear, Steve. I’m glad it’s the kind of book you feel you can tear through. That’s one of the effects I was hoping for by writing the tale in pretty much real time (no big time leaps in the story). The next two parts of the saga are waiting to be plundered. Keep rowing!
Hi Giles
Hope all’s well
I was very sorry to miss you at the Festival of History- I couldn’t get up there- all too complicated with the family and all that!
I have been teaching History since 1992 and last year printed my own History Card Game based on the monarchs since 1066. It’s called History Heroes. I have sold over 3700 packs in the last 11 months which is quite exciting and in fact English Heritage have just put in their first order.
I was wandering whether you had any advice, contacts or inspiration that you would be willing to share!
I will happily send you a free pack if you like!
I look forward to hearing from you soon
Yours ever
Harry
No question, just a huge thank you for bringing back those norsemen to me one more time ! I travelled every inch of their story, and experienced every sword blow. Sad to see some favourites perish in the fight but they are all safe in Vahalla now. Thank you Giles, for a truly magnificent adventure .
My pleasure, Yve, and thanks for rowing all the way. Good having you at the oars!
Giles,
i have just finished your book; Odin’s Wolves. I think it was absolutely briliant. i can’t wait for the next installment (if any). please forward any dates to me if possible of any of your books, many thanks.
Brian
Thanks, Brian. As soon as I have dates I’ll be sure to spread the word. Meanwhile, the best place for info is here and my Facebook group.
Hi Giles!
I’m slight ashamed as I bought your book, Raven Blood Eye at a carboot sale…!! I had seen it in the shops and thought it sounded good but I think I was reading the Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwall at the time, and then after that read Ben Kanes Trilogy so did not get yours when I saw it in the shop! But I must say, what a fantastic read!!! Well done. It was gripping and not the sort of book I liked putting down! I have looked up your other books on Amazon!!
One thing about your book was the references to norse mythology, which I must say, I can relate to, i.e. the norns, world tree etc. I wonder with your background do you feel ‘connected’ to this mythology and did this make it easier to write about..?
Cheers,
Neal.
No need to feel ashamed! There are so many books out there I’m just happy if someone chooses to read one of mine, however it comes about. That you enjoyed it enough to want to read the rest is all I can hope for, so thanks for giving my tales a chance. As for the connection you talk about, yes I’ve always felt a deep sense of familiarity with the Norse world and the Viking age. Whether that’s on a spiritual, biological, or philosophical level who knows?
-spoiler alert -
Hi Giles, What can i say about the Raven books fantastic doesnt cover it you cost me way to much sleep they were so addictive!!! Cant wait for more from the Serpents crew, though killing off Sven and Bram was a real shocker, atleast they died well tho. Ive read Bernard Cornwall and Tim Sevrin’s books set in the same time period and thought they were addictive but they didnt even come close to the Raven trilogy!!!!!
Thanks, Mike, that’s some mighty praise indeed, and very glad you’ve enjoyed sailing with Sigurd and his motley crew. As for killing off two of the main characters, that kind of came as a shock to me too. Just goes to show you never know what sort of end the Norns have spun. Keeps us on our toes though. Oh, and get some sleeping done while you can – new series coming next year!
Giles,
I am an absolutely avid reader of ‘historical fiction’, Iggulden, Manfredi, Cornwell and the late Gemmel, I’ve read them all. I would, without hesitation, rank your Raven series in amongst the best the aforementioned have offered up and I sincerely doubt that any of them would take umbrage at that.
To me, what brings the books alive is the characters. The interplay, the banter and the insults, especially the insults, made me believe in the characters and gave such a strong feeling of the fellowship. I’m not known for laughing out loud but your characters made me chuckle away unashamedly.
Keep up the good work, you are now firmly on my list of favourite authors. Thanks for the entertainment.
Cliff
And thank you for the compliment. I’m truly honoured to share your shelf with the likes of Cornwell and the others you mention. And glad you enjoyed the banter and the insults. I take great pleasure writing those parts, as you’ve clearly noticed. Hope you enjoy the new series coming next year!
hi, where can I buy the third book (Odine´s wolves) in spanish lenguage? (I´m from Mexico)
Hi Carlos, the Spanish translation of Odin’s Wolves is not out yet and I don’t know when it will be. But when I find out I’ll let you know on here or on the Facebook group. http://www.facebook.com/GilesKristian
hello, I’ve loved your other books, thanks to you and read again and wanted to hit some questions.
When going out your third book in Spain?
Going on film in the series?
More books are going to make this saga?.
Thank you and please answer. YOU Cool.
Sorry if I do not write well in English (use the google translator)
I’m sorry but I don’t know when Odin’s Wolves will be out in Spain, but I hope the publisher there, Edicones B, plan to release it. I haven’t heard yet. Maybe you can mail them to ask (and then let me know! ;-)
A film would be great but we’ll have to wait and see. Meantime you can watch our short film which we based on the prologue of Odin’s Wolves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSMV4GjzYRE
I hope to write another book in the RAVEN saga but first I’m doing a new series set in the 17th century. The first one will be out here next year. Looks like the Google translator works, if not perfectly. Thanks for the questions.
I have just come back back from a relaxing week away, im not really great at getting through books and the only time i do manage too is when on holiday. I got through something really easy reading (dont laugh) but one of the books out of the twilight series whilst there, i imagined i would be really bored, but there were some books that i would assume had been left by other holiday makers. Lots of crime novels which im not sure i could get myself involved enough to get into and sons of thunder! i didnt know what to expect and at the first chapter i thought… i dont know whether i can get into this as i hadnt read the first one and the language and things they spoke about were hard to understand but i did and then i couldnt put it down. I have just come back off holiday and have ordered the first book raven : ) i think a film would be a good idea in the future.
Hi Kelly, well thank you for taking the chance and picking up something different, something you perhaps wouldn’t normally go for. You’ve obviously got some of that adventurous Viking spirit in you – though not too much, I hope. People frown on slaughter and pillage these days – can’t think why. It’ll be interesting to see what you think, having read them in a different order. Talking of films, have you watched out short film? ODIN’S WOLVES: PROLOGUE http://www.vimeo.com/22998659
Thanks for the mail!
Hi Giles!
I must say that I am very impressed with your books and the way you are writing. Your debut books were just as good as Cornwells and Iggulden and Manfredi who also writes about historical fiction, but are a lot more experienced. You are also developing through the books and I can´t wait to get your first book about the english civil war!
Still, there is one thing I will never forgive you for, killing one of my two favourite charachters in the raven books. You are quite the cruel writer hehe.
I also wonder one thing, how can you write so quickly? I mean you put out one book a year when it takes other writers up to two – three years.
That’s some great company to be amongst so thank you, I’m honoured. And pleased you’re looking forward to the new series, the first of which is coming in 2012. I’m really enjoying writing it though it’s vastly different in style and theme to the RAVEN saga. As for writing quickly, do I? I tend to feel my author colleagues are much quicker. Then again, I don’t really do re-writes. Once it’s down it’s down. Thanks for coming along for the ride. P.S. I LOVED Manfredi’s Alexander books.
G’day my jarl,
-spoiler alert –
I loved the Raven books, my missus cracks it when i continue to read while she is trying to have a conversation with me.
Killing of two of the orginal characters in odins Wolves must have be hard. I have to admit i didn’t actually believe you killed two in the one book, it took at least an hour before i picked up the book to continue after bram died and then couldn’t believe it when Sven copped it by a lil weakling.
Please tell the saga won’t finsh there,m i must have more, to my partners dismay.
Cheers
Ev
It was no easy decision killing off two of my favourite characters, not least as I’ve sailed the sea road with them for several years now. But when the Valkyries come hunting…
As for your partner, please inform her that my motley crew is only resting up and will be back slaking their fame-thirst in no time (well, it will be a while but still…) Besides, she ought to look at it as a good thing – keeps you out of her way for a bit. All best, Giles.
Hi Giles,
After reading Bernard Cornwell’s saxon stories i really didnt think another book would compare, but after reading the Raven books ive never been happier to be wrong. They are an amazing and gripping read and i loved every minute.
Do you have plans on following the series or even another set in the same period? If so when will this be.
I now dont have anything to read and wanted to know if you could reccomend another book on the norse which you have enjoyed yourself?
Many Thanks
Chris
Now that’s what I like to hear! Thanks, Chris. I can’t wait for Cornwell’s new Uhtred novel in September. As for another Raven book (or something set in the same period) I’m certain I won’t be able to resist. I already miss my motley crew and I’m sure they’ll take to the sea road again after a little time recovering from their ordeals. They deserve a little R&R! But not too much, for the Norns are weaving still. Now then, recommendations…Try Robert Low’s Oathsworn series. Rob is a fabulously gifted writer and his vikings feel as real as it gets.
Dear Giles, Christian! My name is Paul I am 28 years old, I am writing you from Russia, I really liked your first novel in the series “Raven” “The Blood Eye”. I would like to know how many books in the series “Raven”, you are going to write about.
Thanks.
Hi Pavel, I didn’t know the Russian translation had come out, so thanks for getting in touch. I’d love to see what the Russian cover looks like but maybe I’ll have to wait for the publisher there to send me some copies. Is it very different from the English cover? As for your question, there are three books in the RAVEN series so far. After Blood Eye comes Sons of Thunder, and after that is Odin’s Wolves. I hope you don’t have to wait too long for them!
Dear Kristian,
I am an MYP student and I am currently planning to write a book for my Personal Project, I would sincerely appreciate and tips and/or ideas to come up with more inspiration and how to write.
Now that’s out of the way, I would also like to say that I love your books and are one of the few series that I read with trembling hands just waiting for every next page, because I really love your way of writing. Also, I only just noticed that Odin’s Wolves came out (which I am ashamed for), and I also anticipate your next series of books about the English Civil War.
Sincerely,
Norwin
No reason to feel ashamed at all! There’s very little fanfare when books come out, largely because there are so few publications that are interested in reviewing/promoting historical fiction and also because of the sheer number of titles coming out all the time. So long as you can find the books when you know they’re out, we’ll all be happy :-) so good luck plundering your copy of Odin’s Wolves. As for how and what to write, now there’s a question! And too big to answer here, I’m afraid. You could do worse than getting yourself a copy of Stephen King’s On Writing. http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Stephen-King/dp/0743455967 for an interesting insight into how he did/does it. He’s sold something like 500 million books after all. Mail me at info@gileskristian.com and I’ll try to reply with some personal advice. Good luck!
Hey Kristian! Just thought I would say that I am loving your books! I picked them up the other day and had to call in sick one day at work I was so into it lol!
Just wondering if there will be a 4th book to follow Odin’s Wolves?
Thanks.
Don’t worry, I won’t tell your boss. I think in the States they’d call that a duvet day. Yes there will be another RAVEN book but not for a while. I’m working on a new series set against the backdrop of the English Civil War. The first of these will be out next year and I’m very excited about it. I want it to be a barnstormingly brutal yet beautiful novel. We’ll see…
Hi Mr Kristian.
First I wanted to thank you for the magnificent books that you wrote.
I am 17,I am Spanish and in my country your books not have a lot of fame and it is too difficult to find them, but I am recommending them to all the people that I can.
I am very interested in Norse culture and mythology and your book is great for the fans of that issue.
I just wanted to send this e-mail to let you know that you have fans here in Spain.
We are waiting for the release of your third book here in Spain.
Pd: Sorry for the mistakes but my English is not very good.
Joel, your English is better than many English people’s English! Thank you for the kind mail, I’m sorry that my books are hard to find in Spain but I appreciate you tracking them down, like a viking sniffing out silver. ;-) I hope you enjoy Odin’s Wolves when it’s released over there. Oh, and keep spreading the word!
Hi Mr Kristian, I have been very keen on Norse mythology for years and got recommended your books from a friend of mine. I could not put your books down I really loved the Raven series especially the way you wrapped up Odins Wolves. Best of luck with your new series of books and I hope you get back to the wolfpack soon.
Thanks, Dave, I really wanted to end the series with a thump, and I’m glad it worked for you. The new book is coming on very well and it’s great fun delving into a different era. The thing about the 17th century is that underneath this facade of respectability there’s a gruesome underbelly. Which is the way I like it.
Hi Giles, just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your books, just wish I’d discovered them sooner, the first time I came across your books was when I saw Odins Wolves in the book shop. I then went and bought blood eye, and once I’d finished the first chapter, ordered the next 2, read them back to back and loved them from beginning to end.
I only read historical and historical fiction books, and you without a doubt are up there with Cornwell, Scarrow, Hight etc.
I’m actually dissappointed there isn’t going to be another Raven book soon, but intrigued that the next one will be on the English Civil war. As a Scot, I hope you don’t forget that despite its name, this involved Scotland to, and incorporate Montrose, and his remarkable number 2, Alasdair MacColla, a true hero of mine. If in your research you are looing into the Scottish aspect, I thoroughly recommend Highland Warrior(Alasdair MacColla and the Civil Wars) by David Stevenson.
Thanks for your excellent books and good luck with the new series.
You got there in the end, Stuart, and that’s all that matters. I’m thrilled that you tore through them with such gusto and I’m flattered that you put them up there with the works of Cornwell and Scarrow (haven’t read Hight yet but will take your word for it) as I admire those gentlemen enormously. As for the new series, I totally get your point and in fact many historians would ‘re-brand’ the events ‘The British Civil Wars’ – partly because of the upheavals in and involvement of Ireland and Scotland, and partly perhaps, in this age of devolution to redress the imbalance brought about by the Anglocentricity of the 20th Century’s study of British history. Certainly characters such as Alasdair MacColla deserve their own novels – I’d love to write about his first ‘Highland Charge’, but my series is centred on a particular family rather than on the Civil Wars themselves. It’s just too big a subject to cover in its own right, and anyway, the drama of those extraordinary times (for a novelist at least) lies in the family. Having said that, there’ll be a scattering of real historical figures along the way. I’m delighted you’ll be joining me on the bloody field! Thanks for the mail.
Hi Giles,
Hope all is well with you and your family. We meet last year at Mike and Sherry’s wedding in Bermuda. I have been looking for your books in NYC, I’ve been to 2 book stores and they don’t carry them. Any idea where I could purchase your books? Do you think you will be doing a NYC tour anytime soon?
Take care,
Gaea
Hey Gaea, it’s great hearing from you! I’m sorry you’ve been searching for my books without success, but the reason is that I don’t have a publisher in the States yet. They’ve been translated into four languages so far and are available in English in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, but we haven’t found an American publisher that thinks there’s a market over there for them. It’s a real shame and I hope it changes. You could try http://www.amazon.co.uk but I fear it might be expensive. As for an NYC tour, same problem, I’m sorry to say. I’m sure I’d have a great time catching up with friends, ;-) but in business terms it would be pretty useless if my books weren’t available. As soon as I get a US deal (I’m being positive!) I’ll shout about it on this site and the Facebook site. http://www.facebook.com/GilesKristian
Thanks for getting in touch, Gaea, it was lovely meeting you in Bermuda and the wedding was fabulous. All the best, Giles
*Spoiler Alert*
Giles,
I have just completed Odin’s Wolves and wanted to say “Heya” and well done! I have enjoyed the series and it has earned a place next to Cornwell, Low and Iggulden as my favorites. It is good to hear that the Wolfpack may one day raid again. However, it will not be the same without the Red Headed Giant and the Bear, they will be missed. I look forward to your new series. Can you give us any more info about it? I was also wondering if the Raven series will be available in audio format on i-tunes soon?
Thanks for your talents and I wish you continued success.
Wow, very happy to see I’m in such fine company, thank you. Those guys you mention are my favourite writers too. As for Red and The Bear, I miss them too. I lived with them for years and it was no easy thing to see them take their places at the high end of Odin’s hall. The new series is about a family that is torn apart in the violent, chaotic days leading up to and during the English Civil War. We focus on two brothers and their journeys and although life in the 17th century is a world away from the RAVEN books, the new series will be full of action and daring-do. Blood Eye is out on CD (and cassette!) but I don’t know when the series will be available on i-tunes. It’s a good question and I’ll look into it.
Hi Giles. I`m from Norway, and i was told by an English college today that your books are really great. My question will then be: Since you are related to Norway, and you write a lot of it in Norway, do they come in norwegian language?
Best regards, Robert. Look forward to read them, i love viking stuff.
Hei Robert, the Norwegian translation of Blood Eye, the first in the RAVEN series, will be published over there in September. It took a while to get a deal with a Norwegian publisher but it meant a lot when it happened. With half my family being Norwegian, it will be one of the only translations that we’ll really be able to compare with the English version. So, September if you can wait. If not, grab the English versions because otherwise you’ll be waiting years for the second and third books to come out in Norway. Thanks for getting in touch and I hope you enjoy the tales.
I’ve just finished reading Odin’s Wolves and just wanted to say how much I loved all the books , to say thankyou Giles for bringing history to life in such a fascinating gripping,funny and often pleasingly irreverent way. The way Giles writes is so inspiring and his voice is a bright light- thankyou thankyou!! Here’s to hoping for more adventures to share, best wishes, Beth
Beth, thank you for your kindness. I very much appreciate you taking the time to drop me a few lines, and I love how passionate you seem about my stories. All I can hope for is that you the reader enjoy the tales as much as I enjoy writing them. As for what you say about bringing history to life, I certainly try my hardest to make it ‘feel’ about right, though having a licence to be ‘irreverent’ is wonderfully liberating in today’s PC world (and enormous fun to boot!). Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the new series beginning next year.
I love the raven books and hope to read more in the future! I can’t count how many times i’ve read them and yet i still find them so gripping and interesting, I simply can’t turn the pages quick enough! Thankyou so much for the adventures, wondering where we’ll go next, Sarah
Aha, well I can tell you where! We’re leaving the Wolfpack behind for a while, letting them get some well-earned R&R while we move into the 17th century. Next year sees the release of the first in my new series, an edgy family drama set against the backdrop of the English Civil War. I hope you come along for the ride.
loved your Raven series, cant wait till your next book ,and hope it gets turned in to a film
Thanks, Colin, a RAVEN movie would be fun. Have you watched the short film we made to celebrate the last in the trilogy? http://www.vimeo.com/22998659
I have loved all 3 books in the series and I also have the unabridged audiobook of ‘Blood Eye’. Do you know whether the publisher’s have plans to issue ‘Sons of Thunder’ and ‘Odin’s Wolves’ in audiobook format? I certainly hope so. Thank you so much for the many hours of escapism I have found in your writing and I look forward to much more. Cheers Giles.
Paul, I’m amazed to find someone who was willing to fork out for the audiobook, (is it 10 CDs?) but very pleased to hear that you enjoyed it. It’s a separate publisher (Oakhill) that deal with the audiobooks and I’m afraid I have no idea whether or not they’re going to do the second and third books, but I would hope so. Glad I could help you escape for a few hours. That’s what it’s all about. As for more, your wish is my command!
hi giles, may i add my name to your growing list of fans for the raven books. they are realy magnificent in the style they are written and the way they keep you glued to the page. the detail is superb and each scene is a perfect picture in the readers mind.. i wonder if you have read the robert low oathsworn series as they are on a parallel with your books and are set in the days of the vikings too..the best series i have ever read tho is manda scotts boudicca trilogy. they are superb but i must say the raven books are getting better and better,, cant wait for the next one,,many many thanks giles..regards ray hennessey
I’ve read Robert Low’s Oathsworn series and have to say he’s one of my favourite writers. I love the way he uses language, he’s a natural. And you’ll struggle to find anyone better at conveying the time and the bitter sweetness of the subject. He’s also a friend, as is Manda Scott (have you begun her excellent new ROME series yet?) so I’m honoured to find myself in such exalted company on your bookshelf. Thanks for the mail and for rowing your way through the RAVEN saga.
Hello, firstly I would just like to say congratulations on your books the third book is my favourite and surly we deserve another few books in this series just as the storys have really taken off. It would be a shame to stop when you have released such a good book. I hear your looking to write an adventure/story around the civil war as I have enjoyed your 3 books I consider my self a fan and look forward to future books and hopefully we will get another 3 raven books. Keep them coming :0)
Thank you, Steven. Don’t worry, I have every intention of keeping them coming! Heaven forbid I should do anything other than write. I suspect a real job would kill me off.
I have just red Blood Eye, and I have bought Your next two books wich I really look forward to read. Here in Norway we are ofcourse very proud of our Viking HIstory. Therefore it`s so interesting to read about it in Your well written books. You make history come alive!
I’m excited to hear from a reader in Norway. I’m soon off for a writing trip to our cottage in the fjords (about an hour from Bergen) and it’s my favourite place in the world. I’m assuming you’ve read the English version? I ask because the Norwegian translation should be coming out there soon and I’m very interested to see how it compares. As for Viking history, I’m very proud too. Great having you aboard!
SPOILER ALERT!
Hey Giles, just following on from all the other praise you have received from fans, I just want to say how much I enjoyed the Raven series. Violence, bloodshed, love, romance, betrayal, sadness, it has everything and can easily be enjoyed by anyone, not just historical fiction fans. I finished Odin’s Wolves just hours ago and though I was immensly impressed with the fantastic story, I felt sad that people such as Svein and Bram would no longer be in any future writings of Raven. Of course it is unrealistic that all the main characters would survive, and I understand the decision to kill some off, but still the Fellowship seems much different without them, though this is not a criticism of course! It only adds to the depth of the tale. However, if there is to be any future releases, please don’t kill off Black Floki just yet! He is amazing and his death would cause me great grief.
Thanks for your fantastic books,
Mike
“We are sword-brothers from the North.
We have come to feed the wolf and the raven.
Our blades our sharp and thirsty.
We will give them blood to drink”
Thanks for the mail, Mike, and for the kind words. I know how you feel regarding the loss of certain characters. I’ve been living with these guys for years! It was no easy thing sending them off to the high end of Odin’s hall, especially when one of them did not have the sort of end I’d always imagined for him. But that’s just how it goes sometimes, you have to see where the tale leads you. As for Black Floki, it’d take a whole damned army to send him to the afterlife… Or would it? ;-)
Thanks for reading.
There’s a chance of your books be published in Brazil ?
I hope so! So far we have Spain, Norway, Russia and Czech Republic. So you never know.
Hi Giles
Just finished Odin’s Wolves. Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. A fantsic story that I really didn’t want to end. The books have a got better and better.
By reading the other posts you are starting a series on the Civil War? Not sure how you can incorporate Raven, Sigurd and Black Floki into this era. It may require some deep thinking.
Whatever, the era please keep writing!
Greetings. I’ve only had the pleasure of reading “The sons of thunder”, the truth is that I found an excellent historical fiction. From Hannibal of Carthage “by David Durham, who did not read with such passion and feeling really a novel of this type. Do not get in Argentina “Raven’s eye” but I’m told that soon I edited, so I’m looking forward, as well wait “Wolves of Odin. ”
My sincere admiration for his creativity; I leave the link to my blog (I’m a cartoonist) where I have uploaded a picture of Bor (grandfather of Thor).
http://albertodifrancisco.blogspot.com/2011/01/bor-thor-600-usa.html
A hug from Argentina!
Alberto Di Francisco
Thanks, Alberto, you are very kind. And your drawing of Bor is fantastic! I’m now going to look at some more of your work.
Giles,
I’ve been looking forward to reading your books but none of them seem to be available for Kindle. Do you have plans to publish your viking saga as ebooks in the U.S.?
Hi Jeff, as yet I don’t have a publisher in the States, but I’ll look into the ebooks side of things and get back to you. I know they’re available on Kindle from Amazon.co.uk but that’s no good to you is it? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Raven-Sons-Thunder-ebook/dp/B003F2QOAU/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=A3TVV12T0I6NSM
Raven rules!!!!
Thanks Giles for having written this story!!!
Giles
I have been reading historical fiction and swords and sorcery fantasy since I was a small boy starting wirh Robert E Howard and then moving onto all of the usual authors. I have to say the Raven Trilogy is the best I have ever read. I never post reviews on books but I feel that the absolute highlight is the inrcedible way you built up the scene of the fight with the gladiators in Rome (Odins Wolves) and then the fight itself. Utterly brilliant storytelling! I go back and re read that section.
Please keep going with Raven. He is still young and i am sure there must be dozens more adventures for you to tell us about.
Regards
Mark
I am honoured that you put my books up there with the best. And I’m thrilled the ‘gladiator’ scene worked for you. I just thought no one has written about Vikings in Rome (not that I’m aware of anyway?) and it seemed too good an opportunity to miss. Norsemen certainly ventured into the Med so it seems to me unlikely they didn’t pay Rome a visit. The fight is pretty brutal, isn’t it? I had a lot of fun writing it and then the one later in the palace that actually left me literally breathless when I’d finished it. The Fellowship will sail again, never fear. The Norns are spinning still.
SPOILER ALERT! Thank you for giving us such a great book. I did a quick re-read of Sons of Thunder before starting Odin’s wolves so i went into it still mourning Bjorn and for some reason Steinn the Danish prisoner. I loved all the new characters introduced like Beiner and Volund. I nearly started hating you when Bram and Svien’s tokens were pulled out of the sack as i knew one of them was going to die. I had to put the book down for a few minutes to try and decide which one i would rather survived but i just couldn’t. The fight in Miklagard had me considering not reading any further in case you killed off Black Floki or Olaf. I ended up reading Svien’s death at least three times, checking for ways he could have possibly survived.
But in the end i enjoyed it greatly so thank you for such a great book. And i was wondering: How do you create such great character and are we likely to see another Raven book before the civil war ones?
Thank you so much for your kind words. The emotions you have described perfectly are just the same sort of thing that I go through when reading a book I love, such as Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles. When you are completely immersed in the story and feel every word it’s amazing. I even do the ‘putting the book down for a minute’ thing while I try to picture the scene in detail and mull it over. I’m thrilled my stories have touched someone in the same way. As for another tale of the Wolfpack, there will be one, I’m sure, but not until after the new series, the first of which is out next year. Sorry for the wait, but I hope you’ll grab a musket and march to the drum in the meantime!
Hi there Giles!! greetings from Mexico, I’m proud to say I’m a BIG FAN of yours!! and since I haven’t seen many people from my country addressing to you (they have no idea what they’re missing) I guess that makes me your number 1 mexican fan! LOL
I remembered seeing “Blood Eyed Raven” on a bookstore and got fascinated by what the story promised, I pretty much read fantasy books, but I’ve always had an interest in history, and I got blown away by your book! you have done such an amazing work!
Sadly I still haven’t read “Odin’s Wolves” ’cause I don’t know when it will be released in Mexico, but one of the things I’d love to do is meeting you in person and tell you how much I’ve loved every minute I spent reading your books! and maybe get a signed copy, LOL, that would be my own treasure!
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
Cheers!
Hi Gaby, well I’m certainly very happy that you took the chance and picked up my first book to give it a go. I love it when new readers jump aboard, specially when they would not normally have picked up a Viking novel but find that they are completely drawn in to that world. As far as I know, I don’t have many readers in Mexico yet, so it’s even more of a pleasure having you along for the ride.
Hi Giles!
Greetings from México! when I picked up Blood Eye Raven from a bookstore one day, I didn’t imagine how fascinated about the vikings I would become! You have created an awesome world filled with amazing characters and I’m really glad I got to know it!
Sadly I haven’t read the third book yet and having soné tough times at home I can’t afford to buy it online, so I can only hope it won’t taka that long to be released here.
I’d love to get a chance to see you and express my admiration in person, maybe someday right? gotta jeep the hope alive, specially since one of the things I want the most is to have a book signed by one of my favorite authors.. you!
Btw your welcome to come to Guadalajara anytime!
Cheers!!
I really enjoyed reading your books. They contain all that I expected from an adventure saga: the sense of honour, fights, beatiful women… I felt as if I were there… I love Vikings, nordic mythology , I feel like a warrior always loking for adventure and fearless…
Thank you so much and go on writting such well told stories!
Hi Giles,i just like to say you have done it again,i just finished Odin`s Wolves and it was just two day`s of blish to be back with the pack,these are the boy`s to party with.My only regret is that it will be a while before we set sail again, although i am looking forward to your new venture ,have you read Michael Arnold Traitors Blood which i beleive is in the same time period and i think very good.So again thank you for Raven and i hope you do not leave him in his hall for to long,we only have Bernard Cornwell Uhtred , as Robert Low Orm is also in his hall, left to tell the tales on winter nights.Great stuff keep them coming
Best Regards Jim
Jim, you’ve been at the oars since the beginning and I thank you for it. And have no fear, once the fame-thirst takes hold it is hard to slake. My boys will ride the sea road again. As for the Civil War novels, I’m knee deep in the 17th century and it’s going very well. Makes me begin to lust after a pair of 26inch long flint-lock pistols. Yes, I know Mike and his work. He’s great and it’s very decent of him to get the cannon ball rolling with this period. Thanks for reading!
Hi Giles. I dont often write to authors but felt that I needed to say thanks for the Raven Trilogy. Just finished Odin’s Wolves, which was excellent, but was left feeling sad that the saga has ended, at least for now! I read a great deal of books, mostly historical fiction, sometimes I admit I am rather glad to get to the end of them. However with Raven, I have looked forward to the next book in the series and as I have said already I really didn’t want to get to the end of book 3. I will look forward to your new Civil War book, but hope to journey with Raven and the Wolfpack again in the not too distant future. Regards Mike
Hey Mike, I’m deeply honoured that you’ve taken the time to say how much you’ve enjoyed my books. But have no fear, my motley crew will take to their longships again. The Norns are weaving still and there is yet far to go. But first to the bloody carnage of the English Civil War! Pass me that pike, would you? And I’m not talking about the fish.
First off I would just like to say that I have loved the first two books in your series and read them both in less than a week. I know that book three was released in Britian on the 14th, but I was wandering when it would be released in the states. This has become quit a problem with me since money has become tight and since all my favorite authors seem to be British; you, Ben Kane, robert low, angus Donald and so on. The exchange rate and shipping cost is a lot to order from amazon.uk
I’m sorry to say I don’t yet have a publisher in the States. My agent tried but just couldn’t find a big publisher over there who believed my books would sell. I do hope this changes as I remain convinced there’s a market there for them if only a relatively small one. Meantime, other than Amazon.co.uk or else Amazon Canada? I don’t have any suggestions. But I do appreciate you going to such great efforts to follow my stories. Maybe some decent reviews on the US Amazon site will make someone over there take notice.
You have received much praise for the raven series which is much deserved because like mr cornwell when reading your books I get lost in another time and place. I believe in the people and their time,
And like many others am off To read everything I can on vikings!
As well as reading all the time my other hobby is family history and as a huge coincidence I have just found out I am decended from Sveidi the sea king of Norway so maybe he met the likes of raven!!!
One question if I may?
Do we know if Vikings made it all the way to Constantinople ?
Thanks for your mail, Simon. That is some very cool heritage you have there! As for the vikings making it all the way to Constantinople, they most certainly did. In fact, one of the most celebrated Vikings of all, Harald Sigurdsson (Hardrada), the man some call ‘the last Viking’ served for a while in the Emperor’s bodyguard, the Varangians. His life-story is incredible. There’s also some runic inscription (viking graffiti) still visible in the Church of Hagia Sophia which is likely the Viking equivalent of ‘Halfdan was ‘ere’. You can easily imagine some bored Viking sitting through some ceremony wishing he was somewhere else but nevertheless in awe of the place.
Book Three came today and I just watched the mini film, feeling primed to tear into the book. The little film was excellent very dark and moody. It stirs the blood. Where you involved in the script for it? The gentleman playing ‘old’ raven lent great prescence to it. I’m going off to enjoy Odin’s wolves now, cheers.
We had so much fun making the film. At first the idea was to make a book promo but that idea grew and we took it to a whole new level. I haven’t seen another book trailer out there to compare with it, so that’s something. Totally agree about David Clayton (the chap playing Raven), what a talent! So engaging. As for the script, you could say I was involved. It’s the prologue of Odin’s Wolves, as you will soon see when you begin reading. Enjoy!
I’m impressed! You’ve managed the almost ipomssbile.
Wow! Great thinknig! JK
Dear Kristian,
First off, I’d like to say I really loved your book “Raven: Blood Eye”…so much in fact, that I am using it as part of my undergraduate dissertation on “historicism versus creativity: the challenges of writing a historical novel” at the University of Birmingham. I’d really appreciate it if you could give me your opinion on a couple of general questions regarding the subject:
When writing a historical novel, how important to you is accurate historical detail compared to the raw creativity of creating characters and situations from scratch?
Was lack of historical detail a problem for you at times? (for the second half of my dissertation I am writing the opening couple of chapters based in 60AD Britain and the lack of concretet detail, for me, is a mixed blessing!)
Thanks for any help you can give me,
Kind regards,
Danielle
I’m honoured (and surprised!) that Blood Eye has made it into you dissertation. On the LATEST section of this site you’ll find an older post titled Story Vs Realism, in which I share some of my thoughts about the importance of historical detail within the tale. The short answer is that the historical ‘accuracy’ is essential (as far as it can be accurate) but should not weigh heavily on the story. As a novelist your chief aim surely is to entertain, not educate. I agree with you that lack of concrete evidence can allow you to be creative. In short, make it convincing if not necessarily 100 per cent true.
That’s not just the best answer. It’s the bestset answer!
Hi,
Just read Raven Bloodeye.
Good book.
Re: Historical Note,
Robert Fergusson points out in his book the Hammer and the Cross that the wars against the Saxons, by Charlemagne, in which an Irminsul was destroyed, promted Saxons to escape to their Heathen Brothers in Scandinavia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxon_Wars
These Saxons may have been members of the raiding parties.
He states that the attack on Lindisfarne was not a random event, by ignorant primitives, but a deliberate attack on the soft underbelly of Christendom.
A reprisal for the Christian’s war on heathens in Northern Europe.
The Monks who were drowned in the sea, were drowned in what may have been a mock baptism..
The plunder worn as jewellery was a form of trophyism.
In other words the attacks on Britain were an easy target for heathens already familiar with Christendom.
Thanks.
Bob.
I haven’t read Fergusson’s book yet but I will. I’m sure he is right that the Lindisfarne raid was not a random act. There must have been trade across the north sea for many years before 793. In Blood Eye my vikings are sometime raiders, sometime traders, just depending on the circumstances. They are for the most part opportunists. I like the idea of a mock baptism! Interesting mail, thank you.
My friends were somewhat surprised when I recommended the two Raven books to them, Well, I suppose they are unusual reading for a woman of 71. However, as I remarked when they commented, a good tale, well written, is worth reading at any age, and these books have a great deal to recommend them. I do hope I last long enough to read number three, if not four! I am also looking forward to your new books of the English Civil War. You have certainly got a great deal of action in that, which I am quite sure you will make the most off. Thank you so much for the wonderful and exciting time I spent with the brotherhood.
Dear Helen,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I really do appreciate you taking the time to write and I must say your email really made my day. I’m so thrilled that you have enjoyed my books and have made both journeys with Sigurd and his motley crew. I get the feeling he’s going to need all the arms he can get at the oars as the saga continues! As for the English Civil War series, I have waded into it and am now knee deep and enjoying it enormously. It will be a real family drama, very different from the Raven books but, I hope, very exciting nonetheless. Thank you again for joining me on this journey. Together we sail on, for the whale’s road is a long one and we have far to go…
I’m out of leauge here. Too much brain power on display!
YMMD with that anwesr! TX
Real brain power on display. Thanks for that anewsr!
I just wanted to thank you for giving folk a series of books that resonate the mystery of Norse Mythology and that fantastic period of History. As a Heathen I enjoy them immensely, they rank easily alongside Bernard Cornwells “The Saxon Stories”, Robert Lows “Oathsworn Series”, Tim Severins “Viking trilogy”, Paul Watkins “Thunder God” and not forgetting Bernard King’s “Starkadder”. Hopefully Sigurd will sail many times.
As a resident of Loughborough, I have been disappointed to have missed your book signings and with the third book due out this February I was wondering if you would sign my copies of the first two books with the third, I look forward to the release is there a possibility that you could let me know in advance when a local signing is taking place, as a Prison Officer I have to plan ahead, days off are like trying to get an appointment with a doctor. Kind regards in this matter.
Thanks so much for your kind mail, I really do appreciate you taking the time to write. It means a lot to know that someone such as yourself, who is familiar with and passionate about the old Norse ways, finds that my work strikes a chord. And I’m thrilled that you’ve enjoyed sailing with Sigurd and his motley crew on their first two adventures. Furthermore, you do me great honour mentioning my books in such exalted company as the mighty Bernard Cornwell and the bushy-bearded Rob Low. I’m a huge fan of their books and am fortunate to call them both friends. As for future book signings, I will definitely be doing some in Leicester and also in Loughborough. I’ll make sure I announce dates on my website, but you can also follow me on Facebook to make sure you know what’s going on. When I see you I’ll be more than happy to sign the other books too. You never know – I might one day find myself a guest of Her Majesty and be glad of a friend with the keys! May the Norns weave you a fine wyrd. And keep rowing!
I just wanted to thank you for writing such a fantastic story. I enjoyed them so much, that I read them twice! My only criticism is that I have to wait for the third book to come out. As a fellow Leicestershire citizen, it was great to think that you may just be ‘up the road’ scribbling away on the next installment. I have been so inspired by your writing, that I practically emptied the local library on any books containing Vikings! Please hurry and complete the next book.
Fo, thank you so much for your kind mail. I’m thrilled that you have enjoyed taking the sea road with Sigurd and his motley crew and that you’ve still got some strength in those shoulders to row some more! Odin’s Wolves will be unleashed on April 14th and I’m very excited about it. It’s a full on blood and guts saga and hopefully rounds off the series, though I suspect it won’t be the last we see of young Raven.
I loved Blood Eye but cant wait for the release of the above. Also, I am trying to get a copy for my father in law who I passed the book to and is now hooked too and is in need of a good read for a short coming cruise.
Any tips on how I can get hold of a copy without waiting till April?
Thank you for your mail. I’m thrilled to hear that you enjoyed Blood Eye and are willing to lend your shoulders to the oars for the next part of the journey. But if it is indeed Sons of Thunder you’re after then you’re in luck. That is the second of the three and has been out for over a year in a couple of different formats. Many branches of WATERSTONE’S still stock it in trade paperback (the big paperbacks like you get at airports) so you should be able to plunder yourself a copy if you can’t wait for the mass market paperback. The third book, Odin’s Wolves will be unleashed on April 14th. Thanks again and good hunting!
Just finished the second book and over years have read 100′s of historical fiction books and never before felt the urge to send email to author but have to say your books are probably my favourite books I have read – characters the reader cares about but each character leaves the reader wanting to know more as true fiction should- each book takes the reader on a journey and I found that just to go with the flow was the best policy.
Thanks for the pleasure of the hours I spent and I look forward to following your career and greedily await new books
thanks!
Thank you for your very kind email. I’m thrilled and honoured that you have felt urged to write. It means a lot when someone takes the time out of their day to send a few lines about my books, and furthermore that you have come on the journey in the first place. I hope you manage to plunder yourself a copy of Odin’s Wolves when it is unleashed on April 14th. I’m very excited about it and can’t wait for the launch. We’re also releasing a short film based on the book and hoping that it helps to spread the word and tempt other potential readers to join Sigurd and his motley crew. I’ll post news on my website and the Facebook group page.
Thanks once again, Colin, and it’s great having you aboard!
P.S. You’re not the Colin Gibson who used to play for Leicester City, are you? ;-)
That’s not just the best answer. It’s the beestst answer!
Real brain power on display. Thanks for that asenwr!