River Kings

by Cat Jarman
River Kings cover
Good Books rating 4.5
History
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  • ID: 4295
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780008353094
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2021-02-18
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

River Kings: The Vikings from Scandinavia to the Silk Roads is a Sunday Times bestseller and the Times History Book of 2021, praised for its astonishing and compelling narrative. This book is a masterful exploration of the Viking Age, revealing how these seafaring warriors and traders ventured far beyond their northern homelands, establishing trade routes and cultural exchanges that stretched from Scandinavia to the Middle East and beyond. The author weaves together archaeological findings, historical records, and vivid storytelling to bring this era to life, offering a fresh perspective on the Vikings' impact on the world. The book is not just a tale of conquest and exploration but also a deep dive into the societal structures, beliefs, and innovations of the Vikings. It highlights their role in shaping the medieval world and their interactions with diverse cultures along the Silk Roads. With its exquisitely composed narrative, River Kings is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the Viking Age.

Reviews
Sifa Elizabeth Reads · Sifa Elizabeth · 2022-12-14
good 4.25

The book provides a great and engaging look at the Vikings through their trade routes, graves, and migrations. It's a personal narrative that makes the subject matter accessible and engaging.

Sifa Elizabeth found the book to be a great and engaging look at the Vikings, particularly through their trade routes, graves, and migrations. They appreciated the personal narrative style of the author, which makes the subject matter accessible and engaging. The reviewer highlighted the book's ability to bring the Viking world to life in a way that is both educational and entertaining. They also noted the book's relevance to current discussions about migration and cultural exchange.

Quick quotes

    A great, engaging look at the Vikings through their trade routes, graves, and migrations.

    The personal narrative style makes the subject matter accessible and engaging.

    The book brings the Viking world to life in a way that is both educational and entertaining.

Kell Read · 2022-04-12
excellent 4.50

The book offers a rich insight into Viking trade and movements, highly recommended for its depth and accessibility. It's a compelling narrative that brings the Viking world to life.

This reviewer found the book to be a treasure trove of information about the Viking world, particularly their trade routes and the movement of people and objects. They appreciated the author's ability to make complex historical information accessible and engaging. The narrative is compelling and brings the Viking world to life in a way that is both educational and entertaining. They also highlighted the personal touch in the storytelling, which makes the book even more engaging.

Quick quotes

    This book is a truly rich insight into the trade and movements of people, beliefs and objects in the Viking world.

    I could not recommend it highly enough for anyone interested in Viking history or archaeology.

    The personal narrative adds a unique and engaging dimension to the book.

An Oxford Historian · 2021-06-14
fantastic 4.75

The book is a triumph for Viking studies, praised for its accessibility and engaging narrative. It's a major reassessment of Viking history that is both thrilling and informative.

This reviewer considers the book a significant contribution to Viking studies, particularly for its accessibility and engaging narrative. They appreciated the author's ability to make complex historical information understandable and engaging. The book is described as a major reassessment of Viking history, revealing both the world of the Vikings and the cutting-edge forensic methods used to study them. The reviewer found the narrative thrilling and informative, making it a must-read for anyone interested in Viking history.

Quick quotes

    Cat Jarman's new book River Kings is a huge triumph, not only for the study of the Vikings in England more broadly, but for the accessibility of the subject matter.

    It is a major reassessment and a thrilling investigative story, revealing both the world of the Vikings and the cutting-edge forensic methods used to study them.

    The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Viking history.

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