The Whale Road

The Whale Road is the first novel of the five-part Oathsworn series by Scottish writer of historical fiction, Robert Low, released on 1 August 2007 through Harper. The début novel was well received. Plot Orm Rurikson joins the crew of a Viking longship, whilst still a child. The novel follows the "Oathsworn", the brotherhood who crew the boat, as they hunt for relics, including the secret burial horde of Attila the Hun, their journeys taking them through a treacherous maritime area known as "The Whale Road". Reception The novel was well received by reviewers and fellow novelists alike. New Zealand newspaper The Southland Times, stated that "Low has transported you on to a raiding ship and you almost feel like you are there. The sense of realism is engaging." although did comment that the book is, with regard to the novels graphic fight scenes, "Not one for the light-hearted.". Nilya Carrato writing for Library Journal also praised the novel, stating "this rollicking adventure has a cinematic feel that draws readers into the world of Orm and the Oathsworn and keeps them hooked.".