Show N' Read Saturday #9–VIKINGS


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A weekly meme hosted by Diantha Jones where we share and rate TV shows and movies we've seen, and the books that we have read or have now been inspired to read.




This week I watched:

Vikings (2013–) on the History Channel

The HISTORY® original series Vikings transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore—and raid—the distant shores across the ocean. His ambition puts him at odds with local chieftain Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne), who insists on sending his raiders to the impoverished east rather than the uncharted west. When Ragnar teams up with his boat builder friend Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) to craft a new generation of intrepid ships capable of conquering the rough northern seas, the stage is set for conflict.


But for all its warfare and bloodshed, Vikings is also a story of family and brotherhood, capturing the love and affection between Ragnar and his wife, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), a respected warrior in her own right. It is the tale of Ragnar’s brother Rollo (Clive Standen), a fierce fighter who simmers with jealously; of Earl Haraldson’s wife Siggy (Jessalyn Gilsig), a dutiful beauty who may be less than loyal; and of the monk Athelstan (George Blagden), whose Christian morals clash with the Vikings’ pagan society. As ambition and innovation rattle a civilization, these characters will be put to the test—and their way of life will never be the same again. (History.com)

The first time I saw the preview for this show, I knew I would be a fan. Not only was the show created by Michael Hirst, who created quite possibly my favorite series of all time, The Tudors, it's about Vikings. Vikings? Um, yes please. It kind of has this Game of Thrones feel, which could be to the show's benefit or its death. I watched the first two episodes which are available on the History Channel website. Was it love at first watch? No, but it's definitely a series that I'll be keeping up with. 

My rating: 3.5/5 STARS (based on 2 episodes)

Book I want to read
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell (2004)


In the middle years of the ninth-century, the fierce Danes stormed onto British soil, hungry for spoils and conquest. Kingdom after kingdom fell to the ruthless invaders until but one realm remained. And suddenly the fate of all England--and the course of history--depended upon one man, one king.

From New York Times bestselling storyteller Bernard Cornwell comes a rousing epic adventure of courage, treachery, duty, devotion, majesty, love, and battle as seen through the eyes of a young warrior who straddled two worlds. (Goodreads)


This book looks and sounds like pure awesomeness. The reviews are great and there are VIKINGS! I'm all in.


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