Picture a storyteller who swapped pop stardom for Viking sagas, weaving tales of blood, loyalty, and adventure—meet Giles Kristian! Born in 1975 to a Norwegian mother and English father, this Leicestershire native has carved a niche in historical fiction with his gripping, action-packed novels set in medieval Europe. From his bestselling debut, Raven: Blood Eye, to his vivid reimaginings of Arthurian legend, Kristian’s stories pulse with authenticity and heart.
The Making of Giles Kristian
Giles Kristian’s journey to literary fame is as colorful as his novels. Born in Leicestershire, his Norwegian heritage sparked a lifelong fascination with Viking culture. In the 1990s, he rocketed to fame as the lead singer of the boy band Upside Down, scoring three top twenty UK hits and performing at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall. After dabbling in modeling and advertising copywriting in New York, Kristian’s love for storytelling, inspired by historical fiction titan Bernard Cornwell, led him to pen his first novel. His half-Norwegian roots and passion for history became the bedrock of his writing career.
Giles Kristian’s Unforgettable Stories
Kristian’s debut, Raven: Blood Eye (2009), launched his acclaimed Raven trilogy, following Osric, a young man renamed Raven, who rises among Viking warriors. Packed with brutal battles and camaraderie, the series, including Sons of Thunder and Odin’s Wolves, blends gritty realism with vivid prose. His Rise of Sigurd trilogy—God of Vengeance, Winter’s Fire, and Wings of the Storm—dives deeper into Viking lore, earning praise for its poetic yet brutal storytelling. Kristian also tackled the English Civil War in The Bleeding Land and Brothers’ Fury, showcasing his versatility, and co-wrote the No.1 bestseller Golden Lion with Wilbur Smith. His recent Arthurian novels, Lancelot and Camelot, reimagine the legend with raw emotion and historical depth. Kristian’s style marries meticulous research with cinematic action, making readers feel the clash of swords and the sting of sea spray.
Why Giles Kristian Matters
Giles Kristian has redefined historical fiction by bringing Viking and medieval worlds to life with unparalleled intensity. His novels resonate with readers who crave immersive, character-driven stories, earning accolades from peers like Bernard Cornwell and a devoted global fanbase. By blending his Norwegian heritage with a knack for storytelling, Kristian bridges past and present, making history feel urgent and alive. His shift to contemporary thrillers like Where Blood Runs Cold shows his fearless evolution, cementing his place as a versatile, impactful author.
- Birth Date: 1975, Leicestershire, England
- Key Works: Raven: Blood Eye, God of Vengeance, Lancelot, Where Blood Runs Cold
- Notable Achievement: Co-wrote No.1 bestseller Golden Lion with Wilbur Smith
Ready to sail with Viking warriors or ride into Arthurian legend? Snag Raven: Blood Eye or Lancelot and dive into Giles Kristian’s thrilling historical fiction!