The Pagan Hammer (Harry Fox #5) by Andrew Clawson

The Pagan Hammer (Harry Fox #5) Reviews

• 
  Christine

  I found this book entertaining. Here’s why:
  1. The author has a talent in writing action scenes; the scenes are connected with descriptive writing and dialog that holds my interest.
  2. There are multiple stories within the book that are taking place at the same time in different scenes.
  3. The author has incorporated the historical information into the story in a way that is respectful to reader and does not preach.
  4. The characters are unique and complex, with good and bad aspects to their personalities and backgrounds. Sometimes the “heroes” make mistakes in their judgements and motives, which make them seem real and not stereotypes. The same thing applies to the “bad’ guys.
  4. I appreciate that there are no supernatural events that take place. The adventure includes a quest-like scavenger hunt for relics that leads Harry Fox and his friend Sara from one location to another in Scandinavia. They have to quickly decipher ancient Viking runes, interpret the instructions in the runes’ messages that lead Harry and Sara to the next location. They are in a hurry because they are being chased by “The Scandinavians.” who would also like to obtain the ultimate relic – Thor’s Hammer (Mjölnir). Therefore, Harry and Sara kind of smash-and-grab their way through each ancient site and grab relics in ways that would make a scientific archeologist cringe. (It’s a story, no real artifacts were harmed!)
  5. For the most part, there was no offensive language. The author discretely writes that someone curses and leaves it up to the reader’s imagination. This way there was nothing to distract from the story. There is one swear word during the last action scenes. And the “bad” guys are described with bad words a few times.
  6. There is some gun play at the end of the story. For most of the story, though, Harry and Sarah have to use their own wits and strength to defeat their obstacles to the relics.
  7. There is a good, solid ending. Also, the “Author’s Note” at the end explains what was factual and what was fictional in the story. I was really impressed with the way Mr. Clawson was able to make fictional locations seem real. I learned something about Scandinavian history.
  8. This book can be read as a standalone. I suggest planning on taking a while to read the book. Even though it is very engaging, it is not a bare-bones novel, which I like; I don’t think it can be read in one sitting. It reminds me of a Jules Verne adventure updated to 21st Century. Locations:
  [Norway: Oslo, Oslofjord, Avaldsnes, Vagsoy, Vagsoy Island, Pai/Usynlig Island (fictional); Sweden: Visby, Stockholm; New York City, United States: Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan]
  Improvements could be made to the book. The author has an authentic and unique style of writing. Some editing could assist in the book being easier to read, but I doubt most readers will notice. I didn’t find any misspelled words. For that reason, I give the book 4.5 stars rounded up to a five. I am writing this review voluntarily. I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of the book.
• 
  Merry Chapman

  This book reminded me of an Indiana Jones quest combined with a treasure hunt. With some personal questions Harry wants answers to, he is sent to find a relic, Thor's Hammer, that could change Scandinavia for good so he is being chased on his quest all across Scandinavia. With his friend Sara, they are going from deciphering rune after rune to be able to follow the clues. Can they survive their hunt and find the relic and get it safely back to the states? What an adventure complete with some ancient history mixed in. A nicely paced adventure that keeps you turning pages to a great ending! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
• 
  Terri McClean

  The Harry Fox novels are thrillers with depth and heart. Harry has a history that makes him more realistic than the average thriller hero. His vulnerability makes him human.
  
  The thriller itself has enough thrills to keep you turning pages but with enough history woven in to take you along for the ride. Unless you are extremely knowledgeable about the period of time Andrew is writing about it's almost impossible to tell the difference between actual historical events and those that come from the pen of this author.
  
  You can read this as a stand-alone story but there is a bit of Harry's backstop that runs through it.
• 
  Tom Carroll

  Great Read!
  
  Neither an academic tome, nor a fluffy romantic romp. Instead, Clawson's 5th in the series, consistent with 1 thru 4, is entertainment fiction of the best kind.
  
  An engaging exploration of history, geography and believable social interactions with a collection of characters the reader, (myself), would love to know and count as friends. And, I love reading the Kindle version with the ability to quickly check details and definitions.
  
  Looking forward to book six, but already sad to know that when it ends, my new friends will fade into memory. Unless...
  
  Could there be more? One way or the other, thank you Andrew!
  
  
• 
  TC

  Clawson takes major liberties with historical facts; the Vikings did not descend from Visigoths they are two separate groups and Athaulf was the brother-in-law of Alaric; he took their people into Gaul after Alaric's death not Scandinavia. Athaulf was murdered in Modern day Spain while bathing by a follower of one his former rivals. It is just fiction, but if you write an archaeology-based thriller, at least base the story in historical truth. With that said, this book follows in his usual style; you have antiquities, chases, bad guys and mystery.
• 
  Sarah DeLong, DeLong Words Editor

  What an attention-grabbing reading experience!
  Harry and Sara's journey is wrought with mystery, suspense, and intrigue. These two took me along on one heck of a ride.
  I thoroughly enjoyed the plotline and the tales of the treasures within the pages of this book.
• 
  Kenn Goslin

  ODIN is problem wrapped up in a mystery!
  
  From Egypt to Rome to Norway, Harry and Nora are following clues in 3 diverse and obscure languages...and then there is Joey's problem!!!I'm
• 
  Chris

  Another informative and exciting read!
  
  Another informative and exciting read! Really enjoy this series and the way it stimulates the mind with each new twist and turn.
• 
  susan grosskopf

  I love these books
  
  I want to be an archeologist. These books are so exciting and fast moving with different story lines at once. Love them.
• 
  Tom Casey

  Another classic Harry Fox story, action packed and edge of the seat excitement.
  You will not want to put it down.
  I received this arc for free and I wanted to leave an honest review.
• 
  Sue Palmer Crosby

  Harry Fox is on his latest adventure with Sara and what an adventure it is - chasing down a golden hammer that according to myth (?) belonged to a legendary king. Also in the chase is one of the biggest business man in Norway and a not so nice cohort. Keeps you on your toes with a surprise ending
• 
  Tricia

  I love these books. There are stories in stories. I love the historical references. I love learning new historical facts I did not know