I just started the second book of a trilogy by Robin Hobb.
The Liveship Traders is the name of the trilogy, and it's made up of
Ship of Magic,
The Mad Ship, and
Ship of Destiny. If you enjoy well-written fantasy, multiple characters, pirates, sailing, ships, dragons, sea serpents, and romance and adventure, then this series was written for you. I admit the Prologue intrigued me, but the first chapter seemed dreary; then the entire story line came into view, and I was
hooked. This is a super group of books, and Robin Hobb is an excellent, and prolific, writer.
With Mom growing up on Chincoteague Island, and Dad serving in the US Navy, and with me spending my summers on the island while growing up, I've always been drawn to pirates and pirate stories. There have been stories of pirate treasure being buried on Assateague Island since the mid-1600s. It was rumored that Blackbeard, Edward Teach, left treasure on or near Assateague (which is the island next to Chincoteague) - and treasure hunters have dug all over both islands and any long-lived "tumps" nearby. It was also rumored that a few families along the Eastern Shore made their spending money by pirating, but also had the family farm along the creek to keep up appearances they were honest, hard-working citizens.
In any event, it was due to this that a new news article caught my eye this morning - "new" evidence of 17th-century Irish pirating, near the southwest coast of Munster. The evidence has been there, in plain sight, all along, but it took an archeologist's eye and experience to prove it. Almost invisible stairs cut into sheer cliffs in two coves show where both smuggling and pirating activities took place. Dutchman's Cove at Castletownsend, County Cork, and the Gokane headland at Crookhaven, West Cork, have been examined, and the archeologists agree that both places were in use before and after the Dutch shattered the Irish pirates in 1614 (with the blessing of King James the First and Sixth). Shades of "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh!" I dearly loved Patrick McGoohan as the Vicar/Scarecrow in that Disney movie - his Scarecrow persona scared the daylights out of me, as a child.
And, yesterday afternoon and evening, I had a magnificent time watching the 9-hour marathon of the first season of
Vikings on the History Channel. I fell in love with Floki in the first episode of the first season - Gustav Skarsgard brought a lot of the characteristics of Floki with him, and has really honed this character. Floki has a biting wit, a love of women, enjoys good food, has an extensive knowledge of healing, and is an expert boat builder. Floki "communes" with trees, and knows which ones will make an excellent keel, which to use as the figurehead, and which to use as the strakes. Since he usually carries an axe, he seems to tilt to one side instead of standing upright. He is loyal, honest, and giving to his friends. He has "odd thoughts" that cause him to giggle at unusual times, and most people believe he has been "touched by the Gods." In the preview for the new season that begins tonight, we see a battle, with Ragnar leading his men (including Floki) against warriors led by his brother Rollo. One sees, for a moment, what appears to be Rollo striking a heavy blow, with an axe, onto Floki, and Floki falls. I really hope that Floki does not die in this season - I look forward to his sly wit, giggles, and open honesty in dealing with his own feelings. Gustav Skarsgard deserves year-round employment!
