The Untold Story of England’s Beginning. - The Hengest and Horsa Trilogy, Book 1
Denmark, 444 A.D. Two brothers – the cold and calculating Hengest and the intrepid but headstrong Horsa – find their separate worlds thrown into turmoil by royal treachery and an evil cult thought long dead. Reunited by an oath sworn in their youth, they set off on a journey that will define their destiny and set them upon the path to greatness.
When Hengest’s family is kidnapped by an unknown enemy, Horsa knows his oath has become more than a thing of words and he infiltrates the crew of one of the most feared raiders in the northern world to find out who took them. Meanwhile, Hengest struggles to rally his rag-tag group of followers into a united people. His heart yearns for a safe haven for his family; a land that he and his followers can call their own for generations to come.
This is the first part of the thrilling saga of the two warriors who spearheaded the Anglo-Saxon migrations to Britain and whose names became legendary as the founders of the land that would one day be called England.
Professional Reviews
Blood in the Mead Hall
ByScott Skipperon October 26, 2015
Format: Kindle Edition
The scorned second son of a nobleman in fifth century Jute-land abandons his youth of wealth and comfort for the life of a sea raider, but he swears a blood oath before Woden that he will return and save his brother’s life as his brother had done for him. Horsa, the younger brother finds wealth, power and adventure on the stormy northern sea. He also makes powerful enemies. Hengest’s hope of familial bliss is dashed when a powerful king enlists his loyalty, and by code of honor, he must leave his family to accompany the king on his quest to unite the tribes. Unbeknownst to him, Hengest makes a potent enemy as well.
A Brother’s Oath is great tale of swashbuckling in pagan times when monsters of Grendel’s ilk howled at night outside the mead halls. I’ve been a fan of Hengest and Horsa since they were first introduced to me in Norman Davies’ history of the British Isles, aptly title The Isles. These two have inspired tales the like of Beowulf and Hamlet. Chris Thorndycroft has done a fine job of adding some new flesh to their bones in A Brother’s Oath. It is a fun and easy read written in straightforward, if a touch too modern, prose. Mr. Thorndycroft also gives us a peek at the further adventures of those fifth century funsters with a preview of an upcoming sequel.
great adventure
Bydiana silvaon January 26, 2016
Format: Kindle Edition
"A Brother's Oath" by Chris Thorndycroft is the first book in the "Hengest and Horsa Trilogy". I thought it was a great introduction to the 444 A.D. time period. I liked the relationship between the two brothers and the quick pacing of the novel. Since I know very little about the Anglo- Saxon history I thought this book provided me with a lot insight into the struggle of the warring parties. Hengest was a great hero and I liked the insight that the author provided into his character and what drove him. I loved that the story was action packed and that the author let the reader feel like a part of the story.
I look forward to reading more by this author and can't wait to see how he continues the story of Horsa and Hengest.
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