The Deepest Sea

Very original, highly entertaining, hilariously funny in a couple of places, with a bittersweet twist at the end. This is an adult oriented novel about a young man growing up in early Nordic society. It touches on adventure, politics, friendship, spirituality and human nature. The editing could have been better, but it's still a great read. I wish there were a sequel.

I ran across this book during one of those times when you just do not know what you want to read. Sort of like a burn out on fantasy which is my favorite reading. This is one of those books that you can read, then a few months later blow the dust off and read again. I have read it 3 times now and am just amazed at this writers ability to keep me interested. From the first page to the finale it is wonderful and rich story telling. I do not think he has any other work out there, which is a shame because with this style of writing I could easily call him my favorite writer.To give away too much of the story in this review would not do the next reader any justice, so you will just have to try it out for yourself. The humor and setting are the best I have ever read. I can give this 5 stars without even considering any other rating, highly recommend it for anyone looking for a book to keep you up into the wee hours of them morning.

The modern vocal style threw me at first, then I assumed that all would be explained (it is!) and from then on had a wonderful read. There is real history here, I've been to some of the places, and obviously so has the author. Some juicy characterisations, a little wannabe sex thrown in, but not enough to put people off. Charles, who's to say that the Vikings didn't bring potatoes back from Vinland? Who cares about the odd 'oops' with a cracking story like this - more please! BTW. a dragon is a Viking longboat.

If you've ever sat by a bonfire, tankard in hand, and listened to Some "Snori-whats-his-father type" regale you with a NO-*hit!- there I was story; you'll recognize the delightfully anachronistic tone of The Deepest Sea. If you haven't perhaps you should; or at least read this book. The Deepest Sea is a fun a-viking romp, written by someone who obviously bothered to crack a book or two on the subject. Barnitz succeeds in giving you a feel for the period with-out falling back on creating psuedo-Nordic speech patterns in his narrative. One feels the protagonist may have simply lived long enough to tell his tale to modern audiences in their own tongue. I think this is a great approach and WOULD BE PLEASED TO FIND IT AGAIN. (Are you listening Charles Barnitz?) The story is Laugh-out-loud entertaining. Which for me, excuses the "NOT PERIOD!" elements. I'll take potatoes in the wrong place and time, for the "Three wishes" joke any day. To sum it up, I was much too busy enjoying this book to care much about any literary, historical, or grammatical flaws. Purist be Dashed! The Deepest Sea is a good story, well told, in a fun and original style! Write some more Barnitz, any subject, I'll read'em! D Ambruso

Reads like a wisecracking modern detective story (though it's an adventure novel rather than a detective), except it's set in 9th-century Ireland and England. Great plot, great writing, great characters, with none of the usual Gaelic mythological airs.