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TROLL: Book One of the Norse Saga
In the Vikings’ world of Midgard, where the winds of fate blow harsh and the shadows of the past still loom, there lives an orphan stable-hand named Ash. Forced to work under a tyrannical stable master, he is discontent with his station in life, dreaming of greater things and adventure.
But be careful what you wish for, as the gods might just hear you, for in the heart of the land, a terror has awoken, the draugr, long thought banished, now roam the land once more. As his mysterious heritage comes to light, so it falls upon Ash to reluctantly seek the cause of this resurgence, and to restore balance to the realm.
His quest takes him on an unexpected journey right to the heartland of humanity’s oldest enemy, the trolls, where dark deeds and terrifying magic are threatening to throw Midgard into Ragnarok - the end of the worlds.
Troll is a deep dive into Norse mythology and Scandinavian superstition, a thrilling YA adventure where gods and giants play a game with human pawns and the fate of the nine worlds is the prize.
Thus begins the story of Ash the Viking, in the first instalment of the Norse Saga trilogy.
But be careful what you wish for, as the gods might just hear you, for in the heart of the land, a terror has awoken, the draugr, long thought banished, now roam the land once more. As his mysterious heritage comes to light, so it falls upon Ash to reluctantly seek the cause of this resurgence, and to restore balance to the realm.
His quest takes him on an unexpected journey right to the heartland of humanity’s oldest enemy, the trolls, where dark deeds and terrifying magic are threatening to throw Midgard into Ragnarok - the end of the worlds.
Troll is a deep dive into Norse mythology and Scandinavian superstition, a thrilling YA adventure where gods and giants play a game with human pawns and the fate of the nine worlds is the prize.
Thus begins the story of Ash the Viking, in the first instalment of the Norse Saga trilogy.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
3 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 3, 2026
4.5 stars
book gifted for honest review
Troll by A.F. Jansson is the introduction to The Norse Saga, a Norse mythology inspired trilogy (final instalment coming very soon!) full of Vikings, danger and prophecy. I would describe it as upper YA but it could be loved by anyone. ESPECIALLY if you’re not a big fantasy reader but you want to branch out - I think the fast pace, staggered introduction of creatures and lore, and classic good vs evil storytelling make this book really accessible and enjoyable for all readers. I went in with very little knowledge of Norse Mythology (basically what I got from How to Train your Dragon) and it didn’t impact my reading experience at all.
The main character, Ash, is an orphaned stable-hand working under the iron fist of his superior Roghald, a former warrior fallen from grace. A string of events push Ash outside of his Jarl’s protection and he finds himself faced with a dangerous truth: the draugr (think Viking zombies) are back and no one is safe. Ash has to uncover his connection to the trolls as it may be the only way to save his people and learn about his family. The only person coming for Ash is Roghald but it’s not to save him.
I LOVE Ash as a main character!! He actually reminded a bit of Fitz (I’ve only read Assassin’s Apprentice) and he has a good sense of humour. He has the wide-eyed innocence without the naivety/lack of common sense of many young protagonists that makes me want to pull my hair out. He has a strong sense of right and wrong but he’s not as unwillingly to learn and change his perspective as the older Vikings around him. A lot of the side/minor characters are stereotypical Vikings but I don’t think that’s a negative thing, I found them full of life and I had a good laugh or two. I felt like the author put a lot more time into characterising the trolls and other creatures who were a lot of fun to read! 🧌
Ash and Roghald’s individual paths throughout Troll are compelling and I loved not knowing when or if they were going to collide, it was like a super-charged game of cat and mouse. I enjoyed how Roghald’s character was explored beyond being angry at the world and hating Ash, and I love a moment of empathy for a “villain” so my boxes were checked.
I’m very excited (and a little scared) to follow Ash into book 2 and I’ll share a full series review when I finish it. One thing I loved about Troll is I couldn’t predict what was going to happen next and feel the same way about Thursr.
book gifted for honest review
Troll by A.F. Jansson is the introduction to The Norse Saga, a Norse mythology inspired trilogy (final instalment coming very soon!) full of Vikings, danger and prophecy. I would describe it as upper YA but it could be loved by anyone. ESPECIALLY if you’re not a big fantasy reader but you want to branch out - I think the fast pace, staggered introduction of creatures and lore, and classic good vs evil storytelling make this book really accessible and enjoyable for all readers. I went in with very little knowledge of Norse Mythology (basically what I got from How to Train your Dragon) and it didn’t impact my reading experience at all.
The main character, Ash, is an orphaned stable-hand working under the iron fist of his superior Roghald, a former warrior fallen from grace. A string of events push Ash outside of his Jarl’s protection and he finds himself faced with a dangerous truth: the draugr (think Viking zombies) are back and no one is safe. Ash has to uncover his connection to the trolls as it may be the only way to save his people and learn about his family. The only person coming for Ash is Roghald but it’s not to save him.
I LOVE Ash as a main character!! He actually reminded a bit of Fitz (I’ve only read Assassin’s Apprentice) and he has a good sense of humour. He has the wide-eyed innocence without the naivety/lack of common sense of many young protagonists that makes me want to pull my hair out. He has a strong sense of right and wrong but he’s not as unwillingly to learn and change his perspective as the older Vikings around him. A lot of the side/minor characters are stereotypical Vikings but I don’t think that’s a negative thing, I found them full of life and I had a good laugh or two. I felt like the author put a lot more time into characterising the trolls and other creatures who were a lot of fun to read! 🧌
Ash and Roghald’s individual paths throughout Troll are compelling and I loved not knowing when or if they were going to collide, it was like a super-charged game of cat and mouse. I enjoyed how Roghald’s character was explored beyond being angry at the world and hating Ash, and I love a moment of empathy for a “villain” so my boxes were checked.
I’m very excited (and a little scared) to follow Ash into book 2 and I’ll share a full series review when I finish it. One thing I loved about Troll is I couldn’t predict what was going to happen next and feel the same way about Thursr.
January 7, 2025
In the beginning I was skeptical as this genre strayed quite far from one of my usual reads…. but WOW… this book was brilliant!
This story is an incredible introduction to Norse mythology (specifically for readers like me with not the slightest idea about it)
The adventure that Ash embarks on is incredible and a real page turner.
A.F Jansson’s style of writing that switches between the point of view from the protagonist Ash to the antagonist of Roghald is seamless and captivating.
I would highly recommend this book to all kinds of readers as it was out of my usual genre and I could not fault it!
Absolutely amazing!
I am keen to read the next instalment!
This story is an incredible introduction to Norse mythology (specifically for readers like me with not the slightest idea about it)
The adventure that Ash embarks on is incredible and a real page turner.
A.F Jansson’s style of writing that switches between the point of view from the protagonist Ash to the antagonist of Roghald is seamless and captivating.
I would highly recommend this book to all kinds of readers as it was out of my usual genre and I could not fault it!
Absolutely amazing!
I am keen to read the next instalment!
May 15, 2023
I absolutely loved this read. I can’t believe that this is the first book published by the author. I have read a lot of fantasy fiction and I really enjoyed the pace of the plot, and level of character development.
I wish the book was longer with more time spent on the characters personal storyline’s and backgrounds. However this is somewhat probably owed to the fact that I’m just disappointed that the book is finished and I now have to wait for the sequel.
Highly recommend.
I wish the book was longer with more time spent on the characters personal storyline’s and backgrounds. However this is somewhat probably owed to the fact that I’m just disappointed that the book is finished and I now have to wait for the sequel.
Highly recommend.
July 15, 2024
Fantastic adventure tale. Wonderful characters. Looking forward to the next instalments!
November 15, 2025
I have been meaning to do a review for this book for a while! This book is based on Norse mythology and Scandinavian superstitions! It follows the life of Ash and tells the tale of his struggles and victories as he desperately tries to restore balance to his home in Midgard. This story will lead you through all sorts of mythological places and introduce you to characters from Norse mythology! I 100% recommend this book! It’s a bit different to other books I read and I really enjoyed it for that! The humanity of the characters and the realistic choices they are forced to make really makes you empathise with them and their struggles. The places the visit are vividly described and really helps you to imagine the settings and immerse yourself in the story!
May 29, 2024
Favourite quote:
“You can’t be brave unless you are afraid”
~pg 134
“You can’t be brave unless you are afraid”
~pg 134
June 19, 2023
It's just one cliché after another. The story in absolutely predictable and something we've seen hundreds of times. The characters are just names and descriptions, with no personality or conflict at all. If you're minimally interested in Norse history and the viking age, forget this book. I thought it would mix some historical accuracy with fantasy and myth, but it's more like a "Dungeons & Dragons meets Marvel" kind of story. Might be entertaining for some people, but really poor quality.
January 24, 2025
Troll starts as your usual "young hero in the wrong place" but it quickly gains in maturity and darkness. Is the main character too powerful for a young boy? Yes. Do you feel tension and are threats plausible? Also yes.
The book successfully twists some expectations and I cannot wait for the rest of the trilogy!
The book successfully twists some expectations and I cannot wait for the rest of the trilogy!
May 1, 2023
It's an epic fantasy adventure, but also a deep dive into norse mythology. Fun, relatable characters lift the already captivating plot line to great heights! My only complaint is that I couldn't put it down, so I ended up reading until 3 am when I had work the next day!
May 7, 2023
I'm not usually into YA fantasy, but this was such an enjoyable read. Can't wait until book 2!
November 21, 2023
A very well written story that merges norse mythology with a great storyline. Perfect for any reader, my wife read it when I had finished it and also gave it a 10/10.
January 5, 2024
Super fun. Excited for the next one.
January 6, 2025
love trolls!
Great start! Am so looking forward to the next book! We’ll see if good can overcome the “not so good” soon enough!
Great start! Am so looking forward to the next book! We’ll see if good can overcome the “not so good” soon enough!
May 27, 2025
Fully recommend.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews