Hello and welcome to the history of Vikings.

Before I introduce today's guest, I have two announcements to make.

If you enjoy The History of Vikings podcast, then do me a favor and write me a review, as I would love to hear your feedback.

Secondly, if you have any suggestions, episode ideas, or know of anyone that would be a great person to have on the show. Don't hesitate to reach out to me.

My email address is Noah at the History of Vikings.com.

Again, that's Noah at the history of Vikings.com.

Today I'm joined by the author of an impeccable book series set right during the Viking Age.

The series tells the story of Hackon Heraldson, better known as Hackon the Good, and his fight to

claim and keep the high seat of Viking Age Norway. Eric Schumacher has written two books

called God's Hammer and Ravens Feast, and is currently in the process of writing the third

book in this wonderful series. Eric, thank you so much for joining me today. Thanks for having me.

Not a problem.

So I've had the pleasure of reading your first book, God's Hammer, and I have to tell you,

just thoroughly enjoyed the book. It's a historical fiction. It is the first book in the Hackon Saga series, and it just really, well, I'll let you get into the storyline here in a second

without giving it away. But I've just, yeah, I'll let you get into the storyline here in a second without

giving it away. But I've just, yeah, I've been enamored by the characters and the description

of the events and the historical research that has gone into this book. But why don't you start

us off today by telling us why you've chosen this period, the Viking Age, to write a book series

about? Yeah, that's a good question.

A lot of people have actually asked me that question.

I was born and raised in Southern California, so it's not exactly the hotbed of Viking history.

But I've been enamored with Vikings ever since I can remember since I was a tiny little kid.

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