Picture an Irish storyteller who swapped insurance spreadsheets for Viking sagas—meet Peter Gibbons! Hailing from Kildare, Ireland, Gibbons has taken the historical fiction world by storm with his gripping Viking Blood and Blade series, blending gritty battles and rich historical detail. Since his debut in 2021, he’s crafted over ten novels, earning the prestigious 2022 Kindle Storyteller Literary Award and a loyal global fanbase.
With a knack for vivid storytelling, Gibbons transports readers to the brutal yet captivating Viking Age. His tales of warriors, betrayals, and conquests have drawn comparisons to Bernard Cornwell and Giles Kristian, making him a must-read for fans of epic historical adventures.
The Making of Peter Gibbons
Born in Warrington, UK, Gibbons studied Law at Liverpool John Moores University before diving into a career in financial services. A lifelong reader of historical fiction and fantasy, he devoured works by authors like Bernard Cornwell and Brandon Sanderson. After years in the UK and Ireland, Gibbons settled in Kildare with his wife and three children. His passion for history, sparked by visits to Viking sites like the Roskilde Viking Ship Museum, inspired him to chase his dream of writing during the COVID lockdowns.
Initially hesitant to share his work, Gibbons took a leap with self-publishing, mastering Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). His debut, Viking Blood and Blade, became an Amazon bestseller, proving that determination and early morning writing sessions could turn dreams into reality.
Peter Gibbons’s Unforgettable Stories
Gibbons’s Viking Blood and Blade Saga, starting with the 2021 novel of the same name, follows Hundr, a warrior navigating the Viking conquest of 865 AD. Packed with gore, treachery, and camaraderie, the series spans ten books, including The Wrath of Ivar and Axes for Valhalla, each delivering fast-paced action and intricate characters. Readers praise the immersive depiction of Viking life, from shield walls to sea voyages.
His Saxon Warrior series, launched with Warrior and Protector in 2022, shifts to 900 AD, chronicling Saxon Thegn Beornoth’s fight against Viking invaders. Published by Boldwood Books, this series showcases Gibbons’s ability to weave redemption and vengeance into historical settings. The Chronicles of Arthur offers another layer, exploring Arthurian legends with his signature gritty realism.
Gibbons’s style is cinematic yet grounded, balancing brutal battles with human stories. His meticulous research—drawn from historical texts and Viking museums—brings authenticity, while his “pantser” writing approach lets stories unfold organically, keeping readers hooked.
Why Peter Gibbons Matters
Gibbons has redefined Viking historical fiction by making it accessible and thrilling. His self-publishing success story inspires aspiring authors, showing that platforms like KDP can bypass traditional gatekeepers. Winning the 2022 Kindle Storyteller Literary Award cements his influence, while his growing series continue to captivate readers craving authentic, action-packed sagas.
Beyond his books, Gibbons’s journey from insurance professional to full-time author resonates with dreamers. His ability to juggle family life, a demanding career, and writing highlights the power of persistence, making him a relatable figure in the literary world.
About Peter Gibbons
- Born: Warrington, UK
- Resides: Kildare, Ireland
- Key Works: Viking Blood and Blade, Warrior and Protector, The Wrath of Ivar
- Award: 2022 Kindle Storyteller Literary Award
Ready to sail the Whale Road with Viking warriors? Grab Viking Blood and Blade and dive into Peter Gibbons’s thrilling world of historical fiction!