Perhaps because the author of this book is well-versed in history and early Teutonic myth and religion, the "world" the characters inhabit seems extremely real and believeable. The treatment of the religion and philosophical views of the characters is particularly strong.

I enjoyed the main character, Hagan, and wished the story would go on longer so we could learn more about him. It would have been nice to see more of his home life, as well.

The book reminded me of some of Heinlein's earlier works where a self-reliant man virtuously sticks to duty & uses his common sense, ultimately succeeding in life.

It is far, far better than most sword & hero books out there lately.

This is not just another "costume drama"; it's a fine example of how historical fiction should be written: entertaining but based on good historical scholarship. Equally satisfying to fans of romance and swashbuckling, Attila's Treasure also displays the author's insight into the restrictions that society, whether Pagan or Christian, puts on the individual's desires for self-fulfillment. The book's character development is such that readers can empathize with even the villains in this book. The clash between the dying Pagan culture and the rising Christian world are examined through the main characters. For example, the heathen Hagan disapproves his best friend Waldhari's betrayal of his lord for the love of Attila's woman, Hildegund. Conversely, Waldhari's strict Catholic upbringing undoubtedly must prevent him from accepting Hagan's homosexuality. Yet, unlike most of the other characters in the book, the two young princes' comradeship and mutual trust, forged in sharing the warrior's life, ultimately prove stronger than their differences in religious faith and culture.

This book is a companion to Rhinegold and details the events of the life of Hagan, who is sent to live with Atilla as a foster-hostage. Well written and researched like any of Grundy's novles, you find yourself transported into the time he writes of, and find yourself empathising with the charachters. Hagan, the ultimate introvert, is portraied in a sensitive and understanding way, showing the intense emotion which is felt by those who are often misunderstood, and thought to be without feeling and less than human.

The strong history in this book and wonderful descriptions of surroundings show the culture clashes experienced by the charachters within. It's a story of cross-culture friendships, and tolerance and understanding of your friends even when you don't understand or nesicarily agree with practices of your friends. It is also a story of dangerous forbidden love and longing.

As one who practices Asatru, norse religion, I was delighted at the realistic and true way in which the religions and magic are portraied. Those who enjoyed this may also be interrested to know that the author of these books is a scholar who has also writen books on Asatru under the penname 'Kveldulf Gundarsson' and his books are "Teutonic Magic" and "Teutonic Religion".

Two-thirds god and one-third man, Gilgamesh rises to become Ensi (ruler) of Erech. But, he is both as powerful as a wild bull, and as impetuous as one. The people cry out for someone to tame Gilgamesh, and the gods respond by making him a comrade, a brother in all things. However, when this comrade doesn't tame Gilgamesh, but merely changes the direction of his fears and desires, then how is Gilgamesh to learn his lessons? This is the story of a hero--the adventures he has and the lessons he learns.

In this masterful retelling of the ancient Sumerian Gilgamesh epic, the author spins the story out into a lengthy (565 page) book that both entertains and educates the reader about ancient Sumer. Part of what I liked about this book is that certain parts of the dialog are taken directly from ancient Sumerian sources, which adds greatly to the books realism. The characters are richly defined, and the story is fascinating, while at the same time many details of Sumerian life are woven in.

As a small complaint, the author did delight in describing Gilgamesh's sexual escapades, both heterosexual and homosexual, in voyeuristic detail. I thought that that was unnecessary, but that it did not overly diminish the impact of the story, either. Overall, I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in ancient Sumer or in high quality fantasy literature.

[If you are interested in daily life in ancient Sumer as seen from a merchant family's viewpoint, then I would still recommend The Three Brother of Ur by Jenny Grace Fygson.]

I got this book because it is by Stephan Grundy, and having read his two previous books 'Atilla's Treasure' and 'Rhinegold' I knew I would have a great book to read. I wasn't dissapointed, but was a bit surprised at parts of it. As the other reviws say, a main part of the plot is his relationship with Enkidu.

I felt totally drawn into the world of ancient Sumeria....the rich detailed descriptions of temples, cerimonies, sexuality, people interacting with each other are all so well done. The Ensi's journey from rash, impulsive youth in love with his power, to the man who has been through trials and peril is so thoroughly enchanting. If you're not squeamish about sexuality, and homosexuality, then you will likely love this book.

From the first few pages, I was transported to ancient Erech, involved in the lives of the characters, and hooked on this most ancient of epic stories. Grundy has a way of bringing larger-than-life characters forth in ways that make them immediately important to the reader as people, not merely as archetypes. Whether he is writing about fighting or love-making, he does it with an appreciation of the skills involved that make you pity his enemies and envy his lovers. He has the rare combination of excellent research and creative story-telling ability that marks the best keepers of legend. I recommend this book not just because the Gilgamesh story is culturally important, but because it is a GOOD story, and even better when told by a master.

I am reading this book now for the third of forth time now. I think it is a nice book: a strong story and easy to read. However I miss the spark. Wagners telling of the same story grabs you and holds you. Even when the music stops after 15 hours. Grundy couldn't do that to me. I read this before I go to sleep, to relax. Some parts however are strong: I like the part about Runes very much, although I wanted something more than just the translations of the old Icelandic verses. And the again, sometimes the use of Runes is coming back in the story itself. I think the Gods are a little to human: more focused on women than on the education of mankind. Also Sigmund and Sinfjotli's life in the woods is a little disturbing (can't think of a correct describtion of the feeling) to me. All together: I like the book but I think it is not more than that; a likeable book.

I deeply enjoyed and appreciated "Rheingold" when I first read it. It's a well worded retelling of the myths, to be sure. But the main strength here is the sincerity and devotion to detail. Grundy writes as one who respects and knows the people and Gods that the myths deal with. One probably needs to be Forn Sidh/Asatru to fully sympathize with the spirit this book is writen in. True, the Gods are presented mythically as well as mystically, but the devout will approach this book with holy recognition. At the least, one should have a background in migration era Teutonic culture to see the well used details.

True, Grundy will probably never be as good a writer as Wagner was a musician. But Wagner's christianized, Romanticized, bowdlerized wanna-be Ring Cycle plot is far flatter than the mythic awe Grundy compells. (I love HEARING the Ring Cycle, but the libretto is egregious.) What Wagner treated with sublimated condescention, Grundy exposes and reverently handles. That alone is worth the ticket for those who see the greater truths in the stories.

If one is looking for a "sword and sorcery" romp, "Rheingold" is bound to be a disappointment. Many historical novel types will probably be neutral on it's metaphysical emphasis as well. It's a specific and special audience that will understand "Rheingold"'s importance.

I've read this story so many times and in so many forms since I was a child, it gets hard to tell which is my favorite. This book has a really good atmosphere, and the imagery it conjures up can't be beaten. BUT, as much as I would have liked to give it a full five stars, I believe four is more fitting. The book tends to divide its self into sections. I understand that this essentially a three-in-one book, and that the source material (the Volsunga Saga, the Nibelungenleid, the Eddas and to a lesser extent Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle) also shares this tendancy of "sectionism", I would have given it a five if this were three seperate books forming a trilogy. I really did enjoy it from start to finish, the portrayal of the heroes that I grew up with was PERFECT. I cannot say the same for Paxson's Wodan's Children trilogy. The supernatural events in the story are described in a very well thought out and believable manner which does justice to the original Norse and German sources. I enjoyed the first part of the book the most and I wish that the rest of the book as carefully woven into a whole, but the imagery and heroic spirit are consistent through out. Maybe one day I'll change my mind and adjust the rating.