Discussions

Have a question or a comment about the Strongbow Saga or Judson Roberts’ other work? Want chat with other readers about the books or related subjects? Post here and look for responses from the author and other fans of the series.

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780 thoughts on “Discussions”

  2. Judson, this is Mike Sansom in Raleigh, NC. I am retired from the police department. I believe you & I were in the 30th Academy, 40 years ago this year!

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    • Hi Mike, great to hear from you! We certainly were in the class of 74 together–I remember you. Congratulations on making it through to retirement. The last news I heard of the department, John Knox, who was on my squad in the patrol division, had become chief. I suppose by now he’s retired, too.

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      • yes, he’s retired as well. I wished I could have found you sooner. I know you live on the west coast, but we’re having a reunion on Dec. 13th (Sat, week) and it appears about 20 of the 32 will attend. I will relay to them what you are doing now. Congratulations on be coming an author after your varied career! I’ll look for your books. since I’m an avid reader. So good to have heard from you!

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  3. Hello, not sure if you remember me , my name is Mike Nash, I brought my son to meet you in Texas .. We are still very much enjoying yor books .. And keeping a connection through his passion of reading .. He has read them multiple times now and refers friends and family ,,

    I am curious, and apologize if u have already posted, when book 5 might be ready .. And if there will be a book signing ?
    I would like to make a big deal of finishing the series with my son .
    Thanks Mike Nash
    mike@nashcrane.com

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    • Hello Mike,

      I do remember you–it’s good to hear from you again. I’m currently working on completing The Beast of Dublin, which is sort of a prequel to The Strongbow Saga in that it sets up some characters and relationships that will be a part of book 5 of the series (although TBOD will also work as a stand-alone novel). I plan to complete and publish it in 2015, then start writing book 5 of the series, which I’m aiming to publish in 2016.

      As to book signings, never say never, but I sort of doubt it. I now live on a small farm the edge of the Cascade Mountain range in Oregon, and travel is a bit more difficult, both in terms of distance from most of the rest of the country, and because someone has to care for our animals. But it’s possible to buy signed, personalized copies of any of my books from our publishing company’s website, at http://www.northmanbooks.com.
      .

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  4. Mr. Roberts,
    I have had some friends give me a lashing about a low rating I gave your wonderful book. I found out that I somehow received a corrupted book 4 in the saga. It was not bad editing, just a bad copy. If you were to look up my review, you would find as I pointed out to my friends, I gave your book a 12. I really wish I could apologize to your editors, and change my rating. As a 73 year old avid book reader, and unlike many others I am a one that has dug into to as much factual history as can normally be accessed, and find your work very well done!!!

    Again, I apologize to your editors and to you.

    Bob Alston

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    • Hello Bob,

      Thanks so much for your gracious message, and I’m sorry you received a corrupted version of book 4. I hope you asked Amazon to help you obtain a new version–they will do that for free, if a customer has a problem with a kindle book. Their customer service is really outstanding in the kindle department.

      I do remember your review–in fact, I tried to contact you to find out more about the problems you had with the book, but I don’t know if you ever received my message.

      By the way, Amazon does allow you to edit and update reviews you write on their site. You have to log in to your Amazon account, then go to the review, and you should see an “edit” option.

      All best,

      Judson

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  5. I just finished the Audiobook to The Road to Vengeance. I loved it! So often when reading a trilogy or series you read a couple of good books then you get the let down book… That has not happened yet! I appreciate that you have not just phoned it in once! Each book has been an exciting adventure that leaves a person craving the next installment!
    Also, please know how much I appreciate the work you do in research. I start reading books often just to find the author did not do any research and end up tossing it in the trash.
    Your research work and the way you seamlessly work it into the story enriches the whole experience.
    I came across your books by accident. I enjoy listening to books in the evening before I go to sleep. While scanning the list I saw the word Viking. My granny from Finland kept us enthralled with stories from the icy north as children, so I thought what the heck.
    So glad I decided to buy Viking Warrior!

    Please write faster! I need to know what happens next!

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    • Thank you very much, Brenda. The audio edition of book 4, The Long Hunt, is in the final stages of production now, so it should be available within two or three weeks. But I’m afraid there will be a bit of a wait after that–I have to finish writing the next book!

      You might be interested in a new feature that will be added to this website within the next few weeks. The print and e-book editions of the Strongbow Saga books each contain one or more maps that show the route of Halfdan’s travels in each installment, and book 4 also contains diagrams of the different phases of a complex sea battle that occurs in the story. I’m going to add a section to this site that contains all of those maps and diagrams, so that audio edition listeners can have the benefit of them, too.

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  6. Hello Judson Roberts,
    I read “Viking Warrior” in 2008 after seeing it highly recommended in the Historical Novels Review magazine of the Historical Novel Society, and enjoyed it enough to buy a copy of “Dragons from the Sea”, which then sadly languished in my massive TBR pile for several years.
    You’ve previously commented unfavourably on the historical accuracy of the TV series “The Vikings”. Not knowing sufficient 9th Century history to make an informed judgment, I could only assess the TV series as a drama, and on that basis found it compelling. It is interesting to compare your characterisation of some of the historical figures who feature in the show.
    One point in the programme’s favour is that after watching the first series in 2013, I was prompted to dig out and read “Dragons from the Sea”, and subsequently bought books 3 and 4.
    Once again, after watching series two earlier this year, I was inspired to read “The Road to Vengeance”, and also finished “The Long Hunt” just a few day s ago. All your books have provided a vivid and plausible depiction of Viking life, along with an exciting adventure story. My only slight criticism is that the ending of some individual books have been abrupt, and felt a little flat, with so many story threads left hanging. I trust however that the final book will satisfactorily wrap them up, and I look forward to reading it (even if 2016 seems a long time to wait).
    Thank you for persevering with what is obviously a labour of love, and for giving so much reading pleasure.
    Lesley

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    • Hello Lesley,

      Thanks for writing. I certainly realize that the “Vikings” series is quite popular, and I think your distinction of enjoying it as a drama is a good one. It just bothers me that because it is a History Channel production, many viewers seem to assume it’s historically accurate. And skimming through reviews of the series on Amazon and Netflix, a significant number of reviewers praise the show as being very historically accurate, which is absolutely not the case. For example, from having watched the first few episodes, one of the big plot lines was that Ragnar wants to try to find the semi-mythical land of England that supposedly lies somewhere to the west. That’s ridiculous. For centuries before the Viking Age, there had been regular trade by sea back and forth between England and Scandinavia, and that commerce continued during the Viking Age–there were just raids, too. England’s location was well known, and it was not a long or difficult voyage from Denmark–in decent weather conditions, only about a day’s sail. Another example: the portrayal of the jarl as a ruler with almost total power over everyone living in the surrounding area is likewise not what the social/political structure in Scandinavia was at all.

      The show also contains numerous small errors that would have been very easy to avoid if the producers had cared at all about historical accuracy and had done just a little research. A few examples: the steering oars on Viking ships were on the right (starboard) side, not the left; Vikings did not have mullet-style haircuts, and their clothing–the tunic styles, etc.–is not accurately replicated in the show. There are, I’m certain, many more inaccuracies, but I couldn’t keep watching it, because the irritation factor became too high for me to be able to enjoy the show as a drama. I’m glad you’re enjoying it, though, and I’m especially glad it led you back to the Strongbow Saga.

      As to your point that the endings of some of the books have been very abrupt, you’re absolutely correct, and I am sorry for the frustration that can cause readers. But as I am writing it, the Strongbow Saga is really just a single story, being released in serialized form as a matter of necessity, so sometimes the ending of an installment does seem abrupt and a cliff-hanger. But when book 5 comes out and the story is complete and can be read straight through, that issue will be gone–and hopefully forgotten by all who have suffered through the waiting.

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      • If anyone’s looking for their next fix of Vikings awesomeness while waiting for Book 5, I suggest checking out Vinland Saga. It’s an amazing manga (Japanese comic). Here’s a great summary I found:
        “Taking place in the 11th century the story chronicles the life of Thorfinn Karlsefni, an Icelandic boy who becomes a warrior to avenge his father’s death. He does so by dogging the heels of his father’s killer, Askeladd, by fighting in Askeladd’s band. But it’s not some story of deception. Askeladd is aware that Thorfinn wants to kill him, and he gleefully uses this information to manipulate the boy into doing his bidding in exchange for a one-on-one duel.
        As we follow Thorfinn around, the story expands to the Danes’ pacification of England of the early eleventh century and the rise to power of King Canute.
        Ultimately the series has a lot of brutal (but fun!) battles. It’s also fairly accurate about viking culture, so it teaches you stuff while you read (yes, it’s that awesome). It’s also got some pretty snappy dialogue and humorous little exchanges between characters both major and minor.”
        You can find it online here: http://mangafox.me/manga/vinland_saga/
        It’s pretty over the top in the action scenes, but I find the depictions of Vikings and their culture to be pretty accurate. It’s even got the Jomsvikings, which I thought was pretty neat.

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  7. Hello, Mr. Judson Roberts!

    I’ve been a fan for quite a few years. I blazed through books one, two, and three – waiting (rather impatiently, I might add) for each new installment, and then when there didn’t seem to be any information on any more books, I actually e-mailed you to get the skinny on what was happening. Your kind response helped me to respond to a similar inquiry from another fan on Amazon at the time.

    I’ve recently returned from doing a number of volunteer projects overseas, and “The Long Hunt” was one of the first books I picked up after my return. I just completed it yesterday, and am, of course, dealing with the void that happens when one completes a great book and wants to read more. I understand that I will have to wait until 2016 (I think that’s what I read) to complete Halfdan’s story, but what a great story it is! I have thoroughly enjoyed each installment, and I know you have a number of loyal fans who feel similarly. Good luck with the rest of your research and writing!

    On a somewhat related note (and perhaps you’ve already mentioned this somewhere), but I’ve been wondering if you’ve watched the History Channel series: “The Vikings,” and if so, what you thought of it. I haven’t watched it yet, but it looks interesting, so I may.

    And on another note, I’m so pleased that you and your wife have found a wonderful spot to live and enjoy, and very glad that your health – though still challenging at times – seems to be responding well to your new home (and diet?), as well!

    All the best…
    Heather

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    • Hello Heather,

      It’s good to hear from you, and thanks so much for your kind words.

      Regarding the History Channel’s series “Vikings,” I’ve watched two or three episodes, but couldn’t bear anymore. It does seem to be popular, though. I’m probably just too biased to be able to judge it purely for the entertainment value it provides. I try so hard to put out a historically accurate representation of what the Vikings and their world were really like, whereas this series engages in every inaccurate stereotype about them, is filled with ridiculous errors, and contains about as much historical accuracy as the old Arnold Schwartznegger Conan the Barbarian movies did–which is to say, virtually none at all.

      But as I said, I’m biased 🙂

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      • Oooh… Thank you so much for sharing your comments about “Vikings,” Judson! I knew that if you had seen any of the episodes, you would have an opinion on the historical accuracy. I had hoped, of course, that the series was more accurate in its portrayal of the people and times (especially since many of the reviews on Amazon make it sound that way), but I value your knowledge about the era and appreciate your honesty in your comments. I am certainly less likely to watch it now, but if I do try one or two episodes, it will be with a healthy grain of salt.

        Thanks again, and I look forward to the rest of Halfdan’s story (and more of Hastein’s too, for that matter)! 🙂

        Heather

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  8. Hi Judson. I was just wondering how your health was doing? It sounds like the move has been helpful. My wife also has MS so I know how it can be so up and down. Stay positive and keep on writing.

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    • Hi Randy,

      Thanks so much for asking–that was very considerate. I’m sorry to hear your wife has MS, too. I hope hers is responding well to treatment. If you or she ever want to talk about it, please feel free to write me at strongbowsaga@gmail.com.

      My health overall is pretty good these days, although as you said, with MS it can be an up and down thing. Fortunately since our move to Oregon the down days aren’t too frequent, although I did happen to have one yesterday. We had a rare, for this time of year, dry and sunny day, so I spent some hours out working on our winter vegetable garden. But I was having a day with very low energy and a fair amount of pain, so it felt like I was dragging an anchor with every step. The down days do take a toll on how efficient I can be, whether it’s work on the farm or at my desk. But today I feel great, and my wife and I managed to fit a nice three mile hike in the mountains above our home in between the rain showers.

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        • Thank you, Graham. I actually don’t take meds for my MS anymore. I did for the first few years after I was diagnosed–took the interferon injections, which often made me feel pretty sick on their own. But when they started affecting my liver function, I stopped. Since then, I’ve been self treating with exercise and a very healthy Mediterranean style diet: mostly organic, heavy on vegetables and fruits, lots of seafood, and what meat we do eat is mostly either venison or organically grown grass fed lamb. I can’t say for sure that the amount my MS has improved since its early days–and it has improved quite a lot–is due to the diet, but something is working.

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  10. Downloaded your first book by accident and then forgot about it. Finally re-discovered it and decided, since I was bored, to give it a try. What a pleasant surprise! Very simple and spare writing style yet fully descriptive and fast moving. A little like Ken Follet, maybe. One quibble…would you please, please stop using “fire” when you mean “loose” as it pertains to arrows. Anachronism and therefore drives me nuts. No gunpowder…no “firing”. That said, I’m looking very forward to your remaining books. I like them better than even Cornwell’s Saxon Chronicles.

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    • HI Mace,

      Thanks for writing, and I’m glad Viking Warrior pleasantly surprised you. Re: the use of the word “fire,” I’m well aware of the issue you mention. The command to shoot, to archers, before guns were invented, would have been “loose,” not “fire” –and that is the command I use in my books. But I have seen “fire” used in other contexts in relation to archery in old accounts pre-dating guns, including many of the Viking sagas, such as describing “missile fire.” I don’t know what the origin of the use of “fire” in that context would have been, but it is there. And if you think about it, it wouldn’t make sense to say “a heavy missile loose fell upon the attackers,” would it?

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      • My guess is when “firing” a Trebuchet or Ballista the mechanisms could be unreliable or jam, and the quick solution would be to use a hot poker to burn through the firing rope.

        Anyhow if you are not to use “Fire” when referring to arrows as Mace suggests then he should also suggest that you not use “arrow” which did not come into use ’till much later as stræl was the old English word in use around the time in question.

        Better that you continue using words that we the readers understand.

        All the best and looking forward to the next book(s)!

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        • Heavens yes, Graham! Or perhaps he should have written the whole thing in old Danish. My issue isn’t the language. I think “fire” just rings wrong as it pertains to launching, shooting, loosing or speeding arrows, even if some ancient language version of “fire” were used. That’s all. It jars me somehow. Like if Ragnar were to say “We need to hit the re-set button on this campaign”. It would make sense, we’d all understand it, it would just be out of period. Anyway, I like the books and I can accept that “fire” in this context has been used so commonly by now that most people would never be bothered by it. That is, it’s so ubiquitous that it has sort of transcended being anachronistic. My enjoyment of this adventure is only very slightly affected by it.

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