The Wolf Sea

The Wolf Sea is the second novel of the four-part Oathsworn series by Scottish writer of historical fiction, Robert Low, released on 4 August 2008 through Harper.[1] The novel was relatively well received.

The Wolf Sea
AuthorRobert Low
CountryEngland
LanguageEnglish
SeriesOathsworn series
GenreHistorical Fiction
PublisherHarper
Publication date
4 August 2008 (2008-08-04)
Media typePrint
Pages400
ISBN978-0-00-721533-1
Preceded byThe Whale Road
(2007)' 
Followed byThe White Raven
(2009)' 

Plot

The story revolves around Orm Rurikson, a young man who joined the crew of a Viking band as a child in the previous novel and is now their reluctant leader. This novel centres around the band pursuing Starkad, a villain based on the historical figure of legend, in an effort to reclaim their magical sword "Rune Serpent", which Starkad has stolen.

Reception

The novel received mostly positive acclaim from reviewers, with most citing Low's gritty realism as both the novels triumph and, for some, detraction.

In a favourable review for the Yorkshire Evening Post, the reviewer states that "it's narrated by Low with all the gritty, down-to-earth realism that breathed such life into his first novel" and comments that this novel is a good illustration as to "why historical fiction is one of today's most rapidly-growing genres".[2] Andrew Baldwin writing for the Huddersfield Examiner mirrors this viewpoint, stating "there’s an assured tone to the writing and the author presents a convincing portrayal of harsh times.".[3]

Judy Cleine, writing for the New Zealand-based Southland Times, had a somewhat different view on this realism, however, stating that "Low's exquisite descriptions of mindless slaughters and rapes, however, are not my particular cup of tea.", although does muse that "perhaps that is the author's intent.". Cleine also voiced concerns about the believability of who is "apparently educated enough to quote from 500-year-old non-religious Latin sources, and is also fluent in Greek and Arabic". She does, however, temper this with the fact that she found the novel "a great read if you like this mail-ripper sort of thing.".[4]

gollark: That is not what "obvious" means.
gollark: About cars? Yes. I am ignorant about cars.
gollark: I don't care enough about cars to learn in extensive detail how they work.
gollark: * models, not modems, my typing error rate is way higher than usual today
gollark: It may be possible to mathematically describe sadness, but we don't have good enough mathematical modems of the brain yet and it would be very complex anyway.

References
  1. "The Wolf Sea by Robert Low - Lovereading UK". Lovereading.co.uk. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  2. RC (5 April 2008). "Bragg – brave and true - Book Reviews". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  3. Baldwin, Andrew (7 March 2008). "Huddersfield Examiner - Features & Leisure - Arts News - The Oathsworn set sail into some rough seas". Examiner.co.uk. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
  4. Cleine, Judy (19 September 2008). "The Wolf Sea". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 9 November 2011.
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