''Crowbone'' is the fifth and final novel of the ''Oathsworn'' series by Scottish writer of

historical fiction Historical fiction is a literary genre in which the plot takes place in a setting related to the past events, but is fictional. Although the term is commonly used as a synonym for historical fiction literature, it can also be applied to other ty ...

, Robert Low, released on 13 September 2012 through

Harper Harper may refer to: Names * Harper (name), a surname and given name Places ;in Canada * Harper Islands, Nunavut *Harper, Prince Edward Island ;In the United States *Harper, former name of Costa Mesa, California in Orange County * Harper, Il ...

. Its publication was followed the next day by the author's putting a short (9-page) e-book short story collection on his website as a companion piece: ''The Untold Tales of Little Crowbone''. Due to its brevity, StoryGraph counts the e-book as "#5.5" in the series.

Plot

Unlike the previous four volumes in the ''Oathsworn'' series, the story of ''Crowbone'' now revolves around 17-year-old Olaf "Crowbone" Tryggvason, already an experienced warrior, but also kin of late King Harald Fairhair and true heir to the throne of Norway. (As a result, the story can be followed without having read the previous four books.) A dying monk passes on a secret which puts Crowbone and the Oathsworn into harsher conflict with his enemies Gunnhild, the Witch Mother of Kings, and her son Gudrod, to determine the kingdom's future.

Critical reception

The book was well received. David Maclaine's review says ''Crowbone'' "... takes the reader from stormy shipwreck to pitched battle, all with a feel of vivid reality. Low’s writing continues to impress with its richness and power. His story-telling remains uncompromising in its treatment of the harsh, violent lives of men who earn their fame and fortune with blows of a battle ax." He ranks this and the rest of the ''Oathsworn'' series among "the 45 best historical novels set in the Viking Age", and notes that author and historian

Harry Sidebottom Harry Sidebottom is a British author and historian, best known for his two series of historical novels the ''Warrior of Rome'', and ''Throne of the Caesars''. He is Quondam Fellow and Tutor in Ancient History at St. Benet's Hall, Oxford, and l ...

also called this series "the best of the Viking novels". Historical novelist Carla Nayland's review calls ''Crowbone'' "a blood-and-thunder adventure full of action and violence. ... Gripping, violent action-adventure...". Historical novelist Simon ("S.J.A.") Turney writes: "Quite simply, ''Crowbone'' is now my favourite Oathsworn book. It grabs the reader by the eyeballs and drags them headlong through the action. ... ''Crowbone'' maintains the power and the authenticity of the first four Oathsworn books, but throws in new elements and a fresh, 'headlong rush' feel. It is at the same time a wonderful continuation and a bright departure. It is simply a great read." Writer and editor Nick Rennison in the ''

Sunday Times ''The Sunday Times'' is a British newspaper whose circulation makes it the largest in Britain's quality press market category. It was founded in 1821 as ''The New Observer''. It is published by Times Newspapers Ltd, a subsidiary of News UK, whi ...

'' says, "Gore and guts fill the pages of ''Crowbone''... but they're also filled with the kind of muscular, fast-moving prose that gives the story real depth and distinction."

References

External links

*
The real Crowbone
by Robert Low

— Author Robert Low explains the game that is played, and serves as a metaphor for strategies, in his novel ''Crowbone''. 2012 British novels Novels set in the Dark Ages Scottish historical novels Novels by Robert Low HarperCollins books {{2010s-hist-novel-stub

Plot

Critical reception

See also

References

External links