5. A book or book series that you love.
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At first, it was difficult to pick which book series I wanted to use for this entry on the Gauntlet. Between liking so many series, and some of the fantastic blogs other members have posted about series I love, I was having a real tough go of it. I considered "The Sword of Truth" series, "The Wheel of Time," "The Dresden Files," Discworld et al, "The Dark Tower" series (or a lot of Stephen King novels), all the Dark Elf books by R.A. Salvatore, and even "Harry Potter," But when I really thought about it, one series jumped out at me as my favourite trilogy, and also as one very few people have heard about or read.
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"The Hammer and the Cross" trilogy by Harry Harrison and John Holm. It consists of "The Hammer and the Cross," "One King's Way," and "King and Emperor."I have read the trilogy at least a half dozen times and still love it as much today as I did the first time I read it, 30 years ago. As Wikipedia describes the first book:
The Hammer and the Cross is a science fiction novel by Harry Harrison and John Holm, a pseudonym for the Tolkien scholar Tom Shippey. The first in a trilogy, the book chronicles the rise of Shef, a bastard son of a Viking and an English lady. The book is alternative history set in 9th century England, where Viking raids are common.
In this tale, the authors explore what might have happened if the Vikings had fought more successfully against the rule of Chalcedonian Christianity. Central to this story is the protagonist Shef. In the story, Shef's birth is discussed. Such as if Shef is the son of the Norse god Ríg, or of a Viking named Sigvarth. More widely, the story questions whether Shef's visions are messages from the gods or dreams. These questions are developed through the trilogy.
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What I love about this story, besides mythos and religion and battles, is that it explores the concept of a sort of Industrial Revolution, but back in the 9th Century. Almost a Renaissance. The ideas and creations of one person inspires and contributes to the ideas and creations of other people, and so on. Back and forth, building on each other, the inventions and innovations start increasing at a rapid rate. Every new piece of knowledge found is somehow incorporated into the Revolution, and everything advances in all sorts of ways. It's brilliant in how it shows how a society of inspired minds can advance to make everyone's lives easier.
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Here's the Plot Summary for the first book:
The story begins with Shef as little more than a thrall in his stepfather's service. When he is not busy with mundane tasks, Shef finds himself aiding the village blacksmith, where he develops his talents as well as an affinity for invention. A Viking army invades, and Shef's stepsister Godive is taken during a raid on their village. Shef and his friend Hund proceed to the encampment of the Ragnarssons, leaders of the invading army. Rising swiftly in and beyond the Viking army, Shef's greatest task becomes defeating a new invasion.
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If you like Vikings, Christianity, alternate history, wars, creativity, the exploration of what Gods are, identity, and so much more, you will love this series. It is masterfully written and it will inspire you. What's more, is that it has a version of Bezerker and a Grendal. Just saying...
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Thank you for reading. If you want to see my other entries, you can find them here:
TOPIC 1 - ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS
TOPIC 2 - PIECE OF ART YOU LOVE
TOPIC 3 - COMFORT MOVIE OR SERIES
TOPIC 4 - VIDEO GAME YOU SPENT THE MOST HOURS ON
TOPIC 7 - FAVOURITE SIMPLE MEAL
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