Rating: 
Summary: Brutally realistic, yet idealistic, historical fiction.
Review: Being both a historian and a fantasy fan, I loved this book. Harrison's recreation of the brutality of the so-called Dark Ages adds an element of realism sorely lacking from most fantasy novels. Moreover, he's gotten most of his history right. On top of all the brutality, though, is the desire of Shef and his cohorts of "the Way" to create a less brutal, more human society, all the while being manipulated by the various gods of Norse mythology. For those who liked this book, try "A Game of Thrones" by George Martin. The story line takes a lot from the War of the Roses, and Martin is Harrison's equal in depicting the brutality of medeival life.
Rating: 
Summary: Big disappointment
Review: From the beginning you are caught up in the viking age, and the story of Shef, who changes the course of history through the help he recives from the Norse Gods in the form of visions. As an ametuer historian, I found this novel exceptional, and as someone who personally followes the old norse gods, I was not dissapointed. The Gods and Goddesses are portraied truly, I get the feeling the author has had experience with them himself, or at least the input of someone else who does.This is a long book by itself, full of action. The two books which follow it only get better.
Rating:
Summary: I've lost count of how many times I've read this book
Review: From the beginning you are caught up in the viking age, and the story of Shef, who changes the course of history through the help he recives from the Norse Gods in the form of visions. As an ametuer historian, I found this novel exceptional, and as someone who personally followes the old norse gods, I was not dissapointed. The Gods and Goddesses are portraied truly, I get the feeling the author has had experience with them himself, or at least the input of someone else who does. This is a long book by itself, full of action. The two books which follow it only get better.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: Having read other Harrison greats such as the Stainless Steel Rat, the Turing Option, Stonehenge, the Eden series and many others, I was not suprised by Harrisons ability to write a great story. What I was suprised by was the fact that he has managed to out do all his previous efforts with this his greatest work ever. Having a Scandinavian heritage may make me impartial in reviewing it but I know anyone who likes a good story will like the Hammer and the Cross. In fact, not only do I consider this Harrisons best, but I also consider it one of my personal favorites.
Rating:
Summary: The Beginning of a Great Saga
Review: I am not usually interested in alternate-history stories, but this one intrigued me -- and paid off. This book looks at the battles between the different English factions, the Vikings, and the Catholic Church with its allies the Franks (French) to settle or conquer England. The "alternate" factor thrown in to the mix is a new religion, called "The Way", which is a more organized and civilized version of old Norse mythology. As in standard Norse mythology, there is a set of gods, with each representing different aspects of life and with internal strife between the gods. What "The Way" adds is the idea that Man's role in life is to find his greatest talents and to dedicate himself to his patron god by mastering the talent that god represents, adding something to it, and teaching others. This new religion also does not see itself as being necessarily in conflict with any other religion, and follows a belief in freedom of choice. All of this might sound somewhat dry and esoteric to some. However, the religious factor is woven into a rousing, well-written adventure tale featuring lots of battles, alliances, treachery, a little romance, and very interesting settings. I have read this book several times, and expect to read it again.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: I just loved this book and the rest of the trilogy
Rating:
Summary: One of My Old Favorites
Review: I love this trilogy, from the start of book one to the end of book three, the historical aspects are pointed out in a way that fits as part of the story and they don't overthrow the plot, lending the books a very authoritative tone. The Characters are great, (Brand is one of my favorites) and there's plenty of action. What I like best about these books is that Harrison really makes you feel inside the story, the way he handles the characters attitudes towards each other and their surroundings really makes you feel like you're right with them weather it's Anglo-Saxon England, Scandinavia, The Frankish Empire, Muslum Spain or what's left of Rome. As for character development, Harrison has a great way of using the third-person point of view in a way that can convey things unknown to the characters yet at the same time the tone of the narrative is flavored with the particular character's personality, culture and view of their surroundings, helping the reader understand more fully the motives and inhibitions of the people he describes. I read these back in high school and loved them then as much I still do now.
Rating: 
Summary: excellent reading material
Review: I loved this book, brilliantly written, the characterbuilding is very strong, the twist of history is very realistic. It seems Harrison has done his homework.
Rating:
Summary: Great, Excellent, Fantasic
Review: I normally dislike alternate history. But this proved that people can pull this genre off. If you come to this book looking for stories about the Norse gods you won't find them. Instead, you find an Englishman who falls in among Viking raiders . He meets a Way-man(i.e. Asatruar) who tells him about the Asier and Vanir (Norse gods). His life from that point is then touched by his patron god (can't say who, it will spoil the book).
This is a grand story, filled with romance, action, adventure, mystery, and one suprise after another. I'm currently reading the sequel and so far it is proving to be just as impressive. You will not be disappointed if you buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: A fine book indeed. Well-written and descriptive.
Review: I picked this book up after listening to the rantings of the middle aged weirdo at a used bookstore in New Castle, DE. He spoke in a funny accent, but he sure had a great taste in books! The Hammer and The Cross is a great work of fiction. It is the story of a great period of history (the viking conquest) told from the viewpoint of a peasant. Good dialogue, and some nice violence to boot. Ha ha. To boot! Shef kicks people!
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