Worth reading: Yes

Summary: The year is AD 922. Ibn Fadlan, courtier to the Caliph of Bagdad is hijacked from his mission as emissary to the King of Saqaliba by a group of Viking warriors, Northmen.

Fadlan has been chosen as the thirteenth warrior on a quest to rid a kingdom of the “Wendol” - monsters of the mist.

He tells his tale in an observational tone and makes comment on the gross personal habits of the vikings as well as their jovial demeanor in the face of certain death.

Ibn Fadlan may have started out a scholarly courtier, but through his adventures, his mettle is tested and he becomes a true warrior of the North.

Tags: books, michael crighton