Another cliff-hanger ending, but this second book in the saga is just as good as the first. I'm listening to the newly produced audiobook versions, and I wish I didn't have to wait for the next book! I want to listen to them all in one go.

These books feel very well-researched, with immersive details about viking life and the 'Land of the Franks.' The characters, the adventure, and the story makes history come alive. Love it!

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I read the first of these recently, and really enjoyed it. I believe these are actually classified as books for teens or older teens - clearly targeted at boys and young men. The last time I fell into one of those categories, the Beetles were still together...

Nonetheless, I really like these books.

This is a book I was wishing wouldn’t end so quickly. The storytelling is outstanding, even if the character development is a bit simple. But again, these books are written for young men / teenagers - I’m not sure they’d appeal to that group as much if the author got into more complex character development.

In talking to Peggy about this book, (who often gets asked for recommendations as she’s blissfully librarianing away), and told her I thought this (and the series) would be one to recommend right alongside “The Three Musketeers” by Dumas.

Now, for the other stuff.

I understand that Judson Roberts has struck out on his own, leaving the publishing company who published his first 3 books. He is preparing to publish his fourth book on his own. I LOVE to see authors doing this - especially authors like Roberts who are good and proven writers. I’d like to encourage readers to support these literary entrepreneurs, who are the equivalent of a small business-person trying to eek out a living among multinational giants.

I loved the first 2 books, and have started the third. If you like adventure stories, pick these up and read them, and then find ways to stay connected to Roberts as he rolls out his next in the series - his first as an independent. ( )

Excellent historical fiction with a solid base on what life was like for most people during the time of Viking invasions (before 1000 AD). Lots of action, violence and bloodshed, so if that's not your favorite fare, this may not be for you. For those mature readers (I recommend for 8th grade and up) who can handle that, this is well written with phenomenal character development. Be ready -- Roberts has no problem killing off characters you've come to like. Book 2: Dragons From the Sea -- Halfdan's story continues as he is accepted into the crew of a Viking longship which is called to be part of an invasion force into the land of the Franks (France). His ability to shoot accurately with a longbow and his understanding of Latin make him a valuable asset. Halfdan's personal vow to avenge Harald's death takes a back seat to his responsibilities to the crew and their leader, Jarl Halstein, though. Halfdan's character develops with each choice he makes, and he earns the respect of many of the warriors. This one is extra-heavy with battle scenes from the invasion -- this is up-close and personal battle, with lots of blood and gore. ( )

Reviewed by Grandma Bev for TeensReadToo.com

The year is 845 A.D. and fifteen-year-old Halfdan Hroriksson vows to find and kill the man who murdered his brother, Harald. He travels to the fortress, Hedeby, where he hopes to join the crew of a Viking longship and go i-viking.

The fierce, epic STRONGBOW SAGA continues with this exciting sequel, following the adventures of a young man learning the ways of the Viking warriors.

Halfdan is ready for action, armed with an amazing longbow that he made himself, and an axe that he took from a man that he killed. Halfdan's skill as an archer gains him acceptance into the crew of the Viking ship, The Gull, as it embarks on a quest to conquer the Franks. The large armada of Viking ships sail to make war on the Franks, the followers of the white Christ, and their sworn enemies. The electrifying battles and dialogue that fits the era feel realistic -- it's a can't-put-down chronicle with fast action and a multi-level plot.

Judson Roberts' extensive research is evident in this thrilling Viking yarn with compelling characters. Halfdan's honor and loyalty make him likable and sympathetic even when his violence is intense, frightening, and explicit, as it sometimes is in the fierce battles depicted in this provocative story.

The back of the book has a complete list of the characters, along with the part they play in the story, and a glossary of Viking terms, which I found very helpful. I greatly enjoyed this novel and I'm looking forward to the next volume in this electrifying saga. I'm definitely hooked on this series, and impatient for more. ( )