Îles Lofoten, Norvège, autour de l'an 1020. La vie de Thorfinn Bjarnison, le fils d'un respectable viking du Bjørnsand, bascule lorsqu'âgé de 7 ans, il doit déplorer la disparition tragique de son père. Une quinzaine d'années plus tard, le destin de Thorfinn bascule de nouveau lorsqu'il repêche des eaux le corps de la belle Aeryn.
En s'éprenant éperdument de la jeune Princesse des Orcades, il se met à dos l'ennemi le plus implacable qui soit : le cruel Jarl Olaf de Bergen. Dès lors, celui-ci n'aura de cesse de le poursuivre. Mis au ban de son pays, déclaré hors-la-loi, sa fuite le conduira à travers un périple mémorable jusqu'aux rivages mythiques du Vinland, non sans passer par l'Islande et le Groenland. Un voyage où il se trouvera aux prises avec les fantômes de son passé, et au cours duquel de nombreuses vérités lui seront révélées.
In "La saga de Thorfinn Bjarnison: Tome 1 : le viking déchu," Alexandre Desoutter invites readers on a captivating journey through the rich landscapes of Nordic, Celtic, and Inuit cultures. The novel provides a gripping exploration of the protagonist Thorfinn's path, weaving a tapestry of different timelines, side stories, and well-crafted character backgrounds that add a layer of depth to the narrative.
The allure of the book lies in the vividly depicted settings, ranging from the rugged Nordic landscapes to the mysticism of Celtic and Inuit cultures. Desoutter's meticulous attention to cultural details enriches the reading experience, offering a fascinating immersion into the diverse worlds Thorfinn Bjarnison traverses.
Thorfinn himself emerges as a compelling character, and readers are treated to an insightful exploration of his growth and evolution. The multifaceted narrative structure, contributes to the complexity of Thorfinn's character. Each character, even those in supporting roles, comes with a well-crafted past, adding nuance and richness to the overarching storyline.
The strength of the book lies in its well-thought-out narrative, which seamlessly blends historical elements with elements of fantasy. The incorporation of various cultural influences enhances the world-building, making it a treat for readers who appreciate a diverse and immersive setting. The carefully woven tapestry of events keeps the story engaging, and the various timelines provide a sense of depth and complexity.
While the storyline may lack surprises and the events may be somewhat predictable, the predictability doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment. Instead, it allows readers to focus on the unfolding tale and the characters' responses to the challenges they face. The familiarity with the events doesn't diminish the pleasure of witnessing Thorfinn's journey.
In conclusion, "La saga de Thorfinn Bjarnison: Tome 1 : le viking déchu" is a delightful introduction to a series. The meticulously crafted settings, the intricate character backgrounds, and the well-thought-out narrative structure make it an enjoyable read. Despite the lack of surprising twists, the novel's strengths lie in its immersive world and the compelling journey. Readers who appreciate a blend of history, fantasy, and cultural exploration will likely find themselves eager to delve into the subsequent volumes of Thorfinn's saga.