Customer Reviews

The Hammer and the Horn (Vidar Trilogy #1)

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

 

 

An excellent feast to fans of Norse Mythology. The main story is interspersed with tidbit legends and "memories" of Vidar told as stories. Those who aren't familiar with Norse Mythology will find their interest piqued by this incredible book, which I have yet to find in a used bookstore.

After Ragnarok the twilight of the Norse Gods, Vidar, one of the last remaining sons of Odin came to Midgard (earth) in an attempt to leave behind his peoples legacy of violence. Now, after a thousand years Vidar is called back to save his world and ours from an evil of the past, a monster even the Gods fear.

It's sad that this series went wholly unnoticed. I was given this book by a teacher of mine in junior high, like 88' or somewhere around that time. I never really liked the guy much. I goofed off alot and was generally problematic. I look back now at how deftly I was handled by him. He noticed me reading the 1st Dragonlance novel in class one day. He comes in one morning and sais' "If your not going to do any work then at least keep reading.", and drops this trilogy on me. Wow! What a kickass read it turned out to be. I devoured them in a week. I wasn't a problem for him anymore. He had earned my admiration, because of some really cool books. He passed away a short time later. I actually attended the funeral. Thanks Mr. Burns (North Miami Junior High).
Michael Jan Friedman? Never heard of him, apparently he's done some Star Trek stuff and whatever. Well, this trilogy is excellent reading. The story staggers between the present and the past throughout, an enjoyable way to progress through the story. the characters are well written, you feel like you know them. The lore is interesting and leaves you wanting to know more about norse mythology, especially what happened at Ragnorok. It's a good mix of lore that's already known and what M.J.F. has bent to his own will to create a truly fun read. I re-read it again as an adult and i was so pleased at how well it held up to my first impression so many years ago. Perfect for adventure hungry readers that crave a well written, intelligent story. An absolute diamond in the rough. And what I liked most was the really fun twists and surprises. I hate predictable entertainement.

5 stars, no question.

The interspersed stories of Vidar's alter-ego, Sin Skolding, make this story a hit for me. The main storyline tale is well told and full of action, romance and pathos without degenerating into being a bodice-ripper. While not as deep or thought provoking as other available fiction in the same format, such as Gaiman's American Gods or Zelazny's Amber series, this book offers a fun read, ample entertainment, and would not be ashamed to stand next to them on a bookshelf. It deserves consideration by their fans or others who grew up with the Norse myths as bedtime stories.