For the Want of Silver
Inspired by the story of Ulf of Borresta
by Michael Wills
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date 23 Jun 2023 | Archive Date 6 Jul 2023
Talking about this book? Use #FortheWantofSilver #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
A novel based on the true story of a Viking raider who, over 30 years, acquired a fortune in English silver.
In the churchyard of the village of Orkesta, just north of the city of Stockholm, there are two eleventh century rune stones. One of them, in a few brief words, tells the world of the extraordinary achievements of Ulf of Borresta, who lived nearby. During a long career as a Viking raider, he became extremely rich on the proceeds of extortion: Danegeld. The carved runes mention the names of real Norse historical figures with whom he ravaged the English countryside. These names can be dated and the vicious raids and bloody battles where the Danegelds were won, identified.
Advance Praise
"The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
25th May 2023
TITLE: For the Want of Silver
AUTHOR: Michael E. Wills
Star Rating: 5
REVIEW
I must say, this is a very enjoyable historical novel
from the pen of Michael E. Wills. It’s the story of
Ulf of Borresta, a Viking or, as the author refers to
him, a Norseman. Born to the north of Stockholm – I
lived in Uppsala for many years, so I know it well –
it follows him from his life in poverty as a boy, to
attacking the English and gathering, as the title
suggests, a LOT of silver.
There were many elements to this novel I enjoyed.
Firstly, although it’s set a long, LONG time ago, the
author never falls into the trap of overly describing
the setting. Yes, it’s there; yes, it’s important,
but it’s ‘part’ of the story, the author resisting
the urge to info dump his historical knowledge. As a
result of this, the pacing is excellent with plenty
happening all the time. Secondly, the author is good
at developing his characters using speech. In many
ways, I think speech is the best way of getting to
know a character; thankfully, the author seems to
agree with me! Thirdly, Mr. Wills seems to understand
how important it is to ‘show’ and not ‘tell’; for me,
this shows a maturity to his writing which helped to
immerse me in the novel.
All in all, this is a wonderful book. Not only will
you get to know Ulf (and Erik, his best pal) very,
very well, but you’ll also get lost in the adventure
the two boys (later, men) have. Although it is a
little graphic in parts, it’s never overly so, and
the ending is strong, the author successfully
bringing Ulf’s story to a satisfying end. To sum up,
I’m happy to recommend this novel to anybody who
enjoys well-plotted historical novels with strong
characterisation.
Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk"
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9781739297657 |
| PRICE | £2.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 281 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Kenneth F, Bookseller
Michael had a good story that he created from a runestone that he had known about for a long time. He was impressed by how many times Ulf of Borresta made the trip to England and brought back silver to Sweden. I'm sure he kept his characters in a noir state and had his main character live in a fantasy world in love with his first woman (Hana). Even though he had two marriages to different women. With two children a piece from each of his wives. Unbeknownst to Ulf for over 20 years he also had a child with his love Hana (in England). Michael takes us on a ride with Ulf to all his missions in England and then to his old age. It's a story I would be willing to recommend to anyone interested in being a Viking.
