Review by Jill Roden

The book contains useful notes on the illustrations. Appendices discuss the use of The Sagas as sources; the Mosfell dig, and the role of women.

Battlefield Trust magazine

This a gripping story of the last great Viking who is remembered most for his boast to the Saxons that he had come to conquer their land and ended up with just enough to contain his body. The full story is absorbing and goes some way to answering the question of where the Vikings went. – Most Highly Recommended.

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Firetrench

An extraordinary and inherently interesting historical study of meticulously detailed and deftly written scholarship that is enhanced for academia with the inclusion of three Appendices (Skald, Saga, Serpent Slayer, Son of Odinn; Mosfell Archaeological Project; He, Her, Hero, Heroine); a two page listing of Abbreviations; an eighteen page Bibliography; and a fourteen page Index, "God's Viking: Harald Hardrada" will prove to be a welcome addition to both community and academic library Medieval History collections in general, and Harald Hardrada supplemental studies lists in particular.

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Midwest Book Review

Click here to listen to Nic Fields speak with broadcaster Noah Tetzner

The History of Vikings podcast

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VaeVictis, n° 150 - March/April 2020

The perfect introduction to the run-up to events that changed the British Isles forever - and for better, in my opinion. I'm probably biased because my surname is "Norman" but that's by accident - one of my ancestors, William Norman Grant, took the decision to change the family name to Norman - I'm actually a Grant, so I can't claim any lineage connected directly with the "Normans", so I'm not that biased, really. But I do think the Norman conquest brought so much to the British Isles, and Duke William of Normandy had been promised the English throne after all. But Harald Hardrada is a name we should be familiar with as the man who, more than anyone, lost England to, eventually, William, and Nic's book traces Harald up to 1066 when the world changed. Absolutely one of the best historical biopics, terrific stuff!

Books Monthly

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Wargames Illustrated, January 2018

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The Bookseller 6/10/17

The author has succeeded in delivering a superb book. By adopting a positive and relaxed style he has been able to explain the life of Harald Hardrada and the world in which he operated and has brought it to life so that in many respects it tells us that apart from regular bouts of war, pillage and extortion, his world was remarkably similar to ours. He travelled widely, engaged in and assisted in trade, followed the money to gainful employment in the Byzantine Empire and later returned to Norway to claim what he considered to be his destiny as King. The tale extends the story of Viking expansion and technology, seamanship and of course being difficult neighbours. More importantly it explains why the Vikings needed to expand and what drove their strategies. Harald’s end at Stamford Bridge is well described and it meshes into the eventual and total regime change that followed at Hastings. This is a most enjoyable read and recommended.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide

Michael McCarthy