John Maddox Roberts’ King of the Wood
is one of those books that I’m always surprised to remember isn’t actually from the 1950s (it was published in 1983), because it has that kind of feel to it. Essentially, it’s alternate history, “Vikings in North America” subgenre: it’s got a strong fantasy component, a good bit of adventuring and derring-do, and a remarkably bloody-minded attitude towards certain aspects of pre-Christian European paganism. It’s also a book with an odd mood and an excellent eye for historical detail, and will reward the discerning reader. Check it out.
And so, adieu to Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen (Vorkosigan Saga).
