Einar and the viking crew he belongs to get mixed with Pirates in the Mediterranean and find themseves in the middle of a conspiracy to take the throne of Constantinople
Great viking adventure where once again the odds are stacked against them.Can Einar and the crew figure a way to get out of the mess whilst still making a fortune or find a heros death on the way to Valhalla.

Yet another super book in the series about Einar and the Wolf Coats. I can only liken them to Viking Special Forces - deadly professional soldiers who are more than happy to operate behind enemy lines, skillfully blending in with the local environment to stay undercover. (Perhaps an ancient Special Boat Service!)
This book in the saga follows the disparate group of warriors into the Mediterranean and to Andaluz and beyond. Fantastic battle scenes, very gory, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the end. The author introduces us to the use of Greek Fire, a secret substance that acts like napalm against enemy ships and soldiers. This horrific weapon was widely used by the Byzantines, with its composition still unknown.
As before, I can highly recommend this book and the rest of the series.

Following adventures in 10th century Brittany, Ireland and Saxon England, Book 8 in the series finds Ulrich and his band of Ulfhednar in sun-soaked al-Andalus, and as prisoners of the Caliphate not long after their arrival. After managing to make their escape, they flee across the Mediterranean Sea, only to find themselves again prisoners ... this time at the mercy of the Byzantines and their deadly liquid (Greek) fire.

The motley band find themselves in the legendary Miklagarad (Constantinople) where Araltes (Harold), a Norwegian Imperial (or Varangian) Guard, makes them an offer they cannot refuse .... infiltrate one pesky pirate island.

Hodkinson's narrative leads Einar and the Wolf Coats on a merry adventure which sees Affreca infiltrate the harem of the pirate king to find the daughter of one of their own. Byzantine plots, pirates, capture and evasion, battles and heroics, Greek fire and gold keep the reader suitably entertained.

Another rollicking story in the legend of Einar and the Wolf Coats that will surely be recounted in the best Skaldic tradition by the fireside!

The Wolf Coats end up in hot water along the Whale Road.

The Wolf Coats venture into sunnier climes really does lead them into hot water as as they end up coerced into tackling Pirates after an encounter with Greek fire. For a couple of the crew it’s a family reunion but for all it’s a deadly mission that promises high reward if successful. It comes at a cost in this action adventure that takes you from cover to cover in no time at all. Good book and I enjoyed it.