Customer Reviews

King and Emperor - the Hammer and the Cross Book 3

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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Harry Harrison is a great sci-fi writer, has authored many series on different subjects.
Alternate history is one of his favorite themes.
"King and Emperor" is the third and last volume of "The hammer and the Cross" series and I do recommend reading the first two volumes to fully understand this novel.

First I want to point out how Harrison starts from a universe deeply rooted in early Middle Age in the first volume and end the saga in a completely different environment, created by the new facts and actions performed by Shef and his pals.

In "King and Emperor" the human dimension of each character grows and they are confronted with moral and ethical dilemmas.
Shef, Svandis, Cwicca, Thorvin, Bruno, Brand and the rest (even the crooked Erkenbert) have to choose between different actions in order to proceed.

Still is a novel full of action, adventure and entertainment.
In my personal point of view, some aspects of Svandis cuasi Freudian dream explanations are out of context.
I don't think there is an abrupt and rash ending of the novel. The confrontation between Bruno and Shef is well paced and reach a "logical" ending.

The overall background of examining different religious beliefs is thought provoking, but each reader may extract its own conclusions without being forced by the author to take sides or accept his points of view.

It is great book that may be enjoyed by Alt-his fans and general public as well!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.

I've enjoyed this third volume of "Hammer & the Cross" saga greatly.
First I want to point out how Harrison starts the saga from a universe deeply rooted in early middle ages in the first volume and end in a completely different environment, created by the new facts and actions performed by Shef and his pals.

In "King and Emperor", the human dimension of each character grows and they are confronted with moral and ethical dilemmas. Shef, Svandis, Cwicca, Thorvin, Bruno, Brand and the rest (even the crooked Erkenbert) have to choose between different actions in order to proceed.
Still is a novel full of action, adventure and entertainment.
In my personal point of view, some aspects of Svandis cuasi Freudian dream explanations are out of context.

I don't think the ending of the novel is abrupt or rash. The confrontation between Bruno and Shef is well paced and reach a "logical" ending.

The overall background examining different religious beliefs is provoking, but each reader may extract its own conclusions without being forced by the author to take sides or accept his points of view.

This is a great book that may be enjoyed by alt-his fans and general public!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.