Customer Reviews

Hammer and the Cross Pb

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I normally dislike alternate history. But this proved that people can pull this genre off. If you come to this book looking for stories about the Norse gods you won't find them. Instead, you find an Englishman who falls in among Viking raiders . He meets a Way-man(i.e. Asatruar) who tells him about the Asier and Vanir (Norse gods). His life from that point is then touched by his patron god (can't say who, it will spoil the book).
This is a grand story, filled with romance, action, adventure, mystery, and one suprise after another. I'm currently reading the sequel and so far it is proving to be just as impressive. You will not be disappointed if you buy this book.

This alternate history tale is full of attractive ideas, images and characters. A very well documented background, reveals Harrison's researches. This novel shows how myths are created, the chosen Hero, rising from an obscure corner and going step by step on the path Gods or Destiny had forged. At the same time, Shef is not a puppet in their hands, his humanity is present, he is free to choose and he does so, not without paying the price.
The entire early middle age world is reconstructed accurately; its reality is overwhelming. Harrison has profited from his long period at Denmark, the Norse legends blended into the narrative and the Viking characters, with their regional characteristics (a Dane is different from a Norwegian and from a Sweden) shows it. Also we may trace hints of Mark Twain's "Connecticut Yankee at King Arthur's court", and that excellent movie that was "Alfred the Great" but recreated in a new and brilliant scheme. The inventions and rediscoveries are plausible, they make me think about a genius like Leonardo da Vinci, transported some centuries ahead of his time.
A book to enjoy and read more than once.
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

Being both a historian and a fantasy fan, I loved this book. Harrison's recreation of the brutality of the so-called Dark Ages adds an element of realism sorely lacking from most fantasy novels. Moreover, he's gotten most of his history right. On top of all the brutality, though, is the desire of Shef and his cohorts of "the Way" to create a less brutal, more human society, all the while being manipulated by the various gods of Norse mythology. For those who liked this book, try "A Game of Thrones" by George Martin. The story line takes a lot from the War of the Roses, and Martin is Harrison's equal in depicting the brutality of medeival life.

I love this trilogy, from the start of book one to the end of book three, the historical aspects are pointed out in a way that fits as part of the story and they don't overthrow the plot, lending the books a very authoritative tone. The Characters are great, (Brand is one of my favorites) and there's plenty of action. What I like best about these books is that Harrison really makes you feel inside the story, the way he handles the characters attitudes towards each other and their surroundings really makes you feel like you're right with them weather it's Anglo-Saxon England, Scandinavia, The Frankish Empire, Muslum Spain or what's left of Rome. As for character development, Harrison has a great way of using the third-person point of view in a way that can convey things unknown to the characters yet at the same time the tone of the narrative is flavored with the particular character's personality, culture and view of their surroundings, helping the reader understand more fully the motives and inhibitions of the people he describes. I read these back in high school and loved them then as much I still do now.

From the beginning you are caught up in the viking age, and the story of Shef, who changes the course of history through the help he recives from the Norse Gods in the form of visions. As an ametuer historian, I found this novel exceptional, and as someone who personally followes the old norse gods, I was not dissapointed. The Gods and Goddesses are portraied truly, I get the feeling the author has had experience with them himself, or at least the input of someone else who does.

This is a long book by itself, full of action. The two books which follow it only get better.

What a book! I couldn't put it down before I was finished. Interesting characters, great research and therefore no logical breaks. I particulary like the religious aspects of development of Christianity versus the Nordic religions. Also fascinating insights into the live of the people (and not only the kings) at around the year 900 - 1000.

Starting from a point of historical truth, Shef the hero shows how one man can change history. An alternate timeline develops as the Anglo-Saxons not only halt the Viking invasion but absorb the culture and create a brave new world in England that will not fall to the Norman Invasion.

Not what you might expect from Harrison, but perfect if you like both Sci-Fi/Fantasy and Historical Fiction.

Gripping always, Harry Harrison's best work to date (yes better than the Stainless Steel Rat and on a par with Captive Universe and The Technicolour Time Machine). I read this book without rest and was still left wanting more so I had to buy the hardback sequel!

This was a great trilogy. I enjoyed Harry Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat series, but that's a lighthearted, comedic series. It made these books quite a surprise. They follow the life of a boy named Shef and his impact on the medieval european world. It melds together vikings, english, romans, galls, germans, arabs, jews, and almost every people of that time.

The series has a strong religions message that doesn't really come out in fullness until the end. Maybe I mean religious philosophy - it doesn't really endorse any particular religion as much as examine how absolute belief without question can be dangerous.

The books are quite gritty and realistic. There are lots of battles and fights, and the character development is great as well. The characters are deep and the plot is unpredictable. If you like gritty fantasy, read this trilogy.

With a little coaxing from mysterious "gods", a 9th century peasant begins a career as a warrior, inventor, and leader that will start a minor industrial revolution, bring an early end to slavery, serfdom, and the oppression of women, and establish Nordic religion as a serious rival to Christianity.

Probable? Not really. But this is one of those carefully-written conjectural stories that entertains and stimulates the mind, so you're more than willing to overlook a few flaws in the premise. Throw in a host of interesting characters and fascinating descriptions of everyday medieval life, and you have a nice antidote to the tedious soap operas and weird political diatribes that dominate current SF.

This Trilogy by Harry Harrison changed my life and I promise it shall change yours. Realistic, engrossing, and adventurous, The Hammer and The Cross is by far the best series I have ever read. Harrison has outdone himself with this book and the two that follow. There were fingernail marks in the book when I was done. Whether your interest is Norse Mythology or Alternate History you are guaranteed to be thrilled!