For the Want of Silver

Inspired by the story of Ulf of Borresta

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Pub Date 23 Jun 2023 | Archive Date 06 Jul 2023

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Description

A novel based on the true story of a Viking raider who, over 30 years, acquired a fortune in English silver.

In the churchyard of the village of Orkesta, just north of the city of Stockholm, there are two eleventh century rune stones. One of them, in a few brief words, tells the world of the extraordinary achievements of Ulf of Borresta, who lived nearby. During a long career as a Viking raider, he became extremely rich on the proceeds of extortion: Danegeld. The carved runes mention the names of real Norse historical figures with whom he ravaged the English countryside. These names can be dated and the vicious raids and bloody battles where the Danegelds were won, identified.

A novel based on the true story of a Viking raider who, over 30 years, acquired a fortune in English silver.

In the churchyard of the village of Orkesta, just north of the city of Stockholm, there...


Advance Praise

"The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

25th May 2023

TITLE: For the Want of Silver

AUTHOR: Michael E. Wills

Star Rating: 5

REVIEW 

I must say, this is a very enjoyable historical novel 

from the pen of Michael E. Wills. It’s the story of

Ulf of Borresta, a Viking or, as the author refers to 

him, a Norseman. Born to the north of Stockholm – I 

lived in Uppsala for many years, so I know it well –

it follows him from his life in poverty as a boy, to

attacking the English and gathering, as the title 

suggests, a LOT of silver.

There were many elements to this novel I enjoyed. 

Firstly, although it’s set a long, LONG time ago, the 

author never falls into the trap of overly describing 

the setting. Yes, it’s there; yes, it’s important, 

but it’s ‘part’ of the story, the author resisting 

the urge to info dump his historical knowledge. As a 

result of this, the pacing is excellent with plenty 

happening all the time. Secondly, the author is good 

at developing his characters using speech. In many 

ways, I think speech is the best way of getting to 

know a character; thankfully, the author seems to 

agree with me! Thirdly, Mr. Wills seems to understand

how important it is to ‘show’ and not ‘tell’; for me, 

this shows a maturity to his writing which helped to 

immerse me in the novel.

All in all, this is a wonderful book. Not only will 

you get to know Ulf (and Erik, his best pal) very, 

very well, but you’ll also get lost in the adventure 

the two boys (later, men) have. Although it is a 

little graphic in parts, it’s never overly so, and

the ending is strong, the author successfully 

bringing Ulf’s story to a satisfying end. To sum up, 

I’m happy to recommend this novel to anybody who 

enjoys well-plotted historical novels with strong 

characterisation.

Enjoy!

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review 

www.thewsa.co.uk"

"The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

25th May 2023

TITLE: For the Want of Silver

AUTHOR: Michael E. Wills

Star Rating: 5

REVIEW 

I must say, this is a very enjoyable historical novel 

from the pen of Michael E...


Available Editions

ISBN 9781739297657
PRICE £2.99 (GBP)
PAGES 281

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Average rating from 3 members


Featured Reviews

Michael had a good story that he created from a runestone that he had known about for a long time. He was impressed by how many times Ulf of Borresta made the trip to England and brought back silver to Sweden. I'm sure he kept his characters in a noir state and had his main character live in a fantasy world in love with his first woman (Hana). Even though he had two marriages to different women. With two children a piece from each of his wives. Unbeknownst to Ulf for over 20 years he also had a child with his love Hana (in England). Michael takes us on a ride with Ulf to all his missions in England and then to his old age. It's a story I would be willing to recommend to anyone interested in being a Viking.

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I always enjoy reading historical fictions about people that I really didn’t know a lot about. This had a great Viking feel to it and worked in this story. The characters felt like they belonged in the world and I enjoyed every part of the journey. Michael Wills does a great job in writing this and it left me wanting to read more.

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