Review: Riddle of the Gods by Eric Schumacher

Blurb

It is AD 976. Olaf Tryggvason, the renegade prince of Norway, has lost his beloved wife to a tragedy that turns the lords of the land he rules against him. With his family gone and his future uncertain, Olaf leaves his realm and embarks on a decades-long quest to discover his course in life. Though his journey brings him power and wealth, it is not until he encounters the strange man in the streets of Dublin that his path to fame unfolds. And in that moment, he is forced to make a choice as the gods look on – a choice that could, at worst, destroy him and at best, ensure his name lives on forever.

My Review

Our story of Olaf and Torgil takes a darker and sad turn. Told from Torgil’s point of view, we see that Olaf makes many decisions that stretch their friendship to the breaking point. For Olaf to grow into the warlord he wants to become, he grows harder, less cooperative, and more demanding. He expects Torgil to stay by his side, regardless of the fact that his friend sacrifices all that is most dear to him. Our growing band of Vikings sign up to help protect the vulnerable Dyflin (Dublin) from other Vestmenn (Irish) who want to control trade—even though nobody in the town wants anything to do with Northmen:

“Tell me, Olaf. Are you a Christian?”
“No.”
“But you would offer aid to a Christian king?”
Olaf smirked. “Silver is silver. I care not if it comes from the hand of one who follows the Christ God or the old gods. So long as the lord I serve knows how to handle a blade.”
“An opportunist then,” remarked Iron Knee.
“Are we not all opportunists?” Olaf countered. “You have Danes in Dyflin. Are they not also here for opportunity?”
“Aye, but they are Christians. I worry more about pagans.”
Olaf shrugged again. “Why? Do you think religion keeps one man from killing another? I have seen Christians kill plenty of other Christians. Likewise, pagans.”

So far, so good. Just what we’d expect from Olaf. Though it’s an interesting exchange, considering where this adventure leads them. There’s no getting away from the Christian vs. Pagan ideology, which becomes more and more intractable. Olaf thinks he can equivocate. Torgil cannot. Inevitably, these conflicts lead to betrayal. But who is betraying who? Lots of twists that will keep you turning pages until the end.