8 /10 1 Votes
Illustrator Bill Sanderson Country United States Publication date June 1993 Page count 430 Publisher Random House (UK) | 4/5 Goodreads Cover artist Gino d'Achille Language English Originally published June 1993 Followed by One King's Way | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Series The Hammer and the Cross Genres Science Fiction, Fantasy, Alternate history, Speculative fiction Similar Tom Shippey books, Works by Harry Harrison, Speculative fiction books | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Hammer and the Cross is the first part of a trilogy written by Harry Harrison and John Holm, a pseudonym for the Tolkien scholar Tom Shippey. The book chronicles the rise of protagonist 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.
Contents
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. Is Shef the son of the Norse god Ríg, or of a Viking named Sigvarth? More widely, the story questions whether the gods are real or just dreams. These questions are developed through the trilogy.
Robert ferguson the hammer and the cross part 1 of 2
Plot summary
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.
Reception
In a review, the Science Fiction Chronicle called the book a "swift-paced, historical science fiction story with an air of absolute authenticity. This is the way it might have, and perhaps should have been."