Picture a Northern Irish storyteller who breathes life into Viking battles and medieval intrigue—meet Tim Hodkinson! Born in 1971, this historical fiction maestro crafts novels that whisk readers to the rugged coasts of 10th-century Europe and the war-torn fields of 14th-century Ireland. With a knack for blending meticulous research and pulse-pounding adventure, Hodkinson’s tales are as vivid as the ancient sites that inspired him.
Growing up in Northern Ireland, Hodkinson’s imagination was sparked by the castles and megaliths dotting the landscape. His lifelong passion for history and myth has made him a standout voice in historical fiction, captivating fans of Bernard Cornwell and George R.R. Martin with his gritty, immersive worlds.
The Making of Tim Hodkinson
Born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, Tim Hodkinson’s childhood was filled with bike rides to Norman ruins, where he envisioned epic battles atop seemingly mundane hillocks. This early fascination with the past led him to study Medieval English, Old Norse Literature, and Medieval European History at university, deepening his love for Viking sagas and Celtic lore. After years in New Hampshire, USA, he returned to Moira, Northern Ireland, with his wife, Trudy, and their three daughters, where he pens his gripping tales.
Hodkinson’s writing journey began with a desire to spotlight overlooked corners of Irish history. Influenced by the raw energy of Lee Child and the historical depth of Giles Kristian, he honed a style that marries scholarly precision with page-turning action, earning praise for inviting readers into the era and keeping them there.
Tim Hodkinson’s Unforgettable Stories
Hodkinson’s Whale Road Chronicles series is a Viking-age saga following Einar Unnsson, an Icelandic warrior navigating betrayal and vengeance. The series kicks off with Odin’s Game (2019), where Einar joins a band of wolfskin-clad warriors, the Úlfhéðnar, in a quest for control of the Irish Sea. Books like The Raven Banner and The Serpent King ramp up the stakes with ferocious battles and intricate plots, earning rave reviews for their relentless pace and vivid settings.
Equally compelling is the Richard Savage series, set in 14th-century Ireland. Starting with Lions of the Grail (2012), it follows a disgraced Knight Templar spying for King Edward amid Scotland’s invasion of Ireland. The series, including The Waste Land and the novella The Savage Forest, weaves political intrigue with visceral combat, showcasing Hodkinson’s knack for morally complex characters.
His standalone novel, Sword of the War God (2024), dives into 5th-century Europe, blending Norse mythology with the fall of Rome. Hodkinson’s style—gruesome yet poetic, historical yet accessible—creates worlds where readers feel the clash of swords and the weight of destiny, making his novels perfect for fans of epic historical adventures.
Why Tim Hodkinson Matters
Tim Hodkinson’s work shines a spotlight on lesser-known chapters of history, from Viking raids on Lough Neagh to Scotland’s forgotten invasion of Ireland. His ability to humanize warriors and spies while staying true to the era has earned him a loyal following among historical fiction enthusiasts. By weaving myth, history, and raw emotion, he bridges the gap between past and present, reminding us why stories of courage and betrayal still resonate.
Hodkinson’s influence extends beyond books. His blog explores Norse traditions like Yule, connecting modern readers with ancient customs. As a member of the Historical Writers Forum, he champions the genre, inspiring new voices to explore history’s untold tales.
- Born: 1971, Lisburn, Northern Ireland
- Key Works: Odin’s Game, Lions of the Grail, Sword of the War God
- Residence: Moira, Northern Ireland
Snag Odin’s Game or Lions of the Grail and dive into Tim Hodkinson’s thrilling historical adventures—your next epic awaits!