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Seidman
In Viking Age Iceland, where boys are expected to grow into strong farmers and skilled warriors, there is little place for a sickly twelve-year-old boy like Kol until he catches the eye of a seið-woman—a sorceress—and becomes her apprentice. Kol travels to the sorceress’s home, where her grandson, Thorbrand, takes Kol under his wing. Before long Kol discovers something else about himself that is different—something else that sets him apart as Kol has fallen in love with another boy.
But the world is changing in ways that threaten those who practice the ancient arts. As Kol’s new life takes him across the Norse lands, he finds that a new religion is sweeping through them, and King Olaf Tryggvason is hunting down and executing sorcerers. When a decades-old feud forces Thorbrand to choose between Kol and his duty to his kinsman, Kol finds himself cast adrift with only the cryptic messages of an ancient goddess to guide him to his destiny—and possibly to his death.
But the world is changing in ways that threaten those who practice the ancient arts. As Kol’s new life takes him across the Norse lands, he finds that a new religion is sweeping through them, and King Olaf Tryggvason is hunting down and executing sorcerers. When a decades-old feud forces Thorbrand to choose between Kol and his duty to his kinsman, Kol finds himself cast adrift with only the cryptic messages of an ancient goddess to guide him to his destiny—and possibly to his death.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2012
9 people are currently reading
872 people want to read
About the author
James Erich
7 books71 followersJames Erich has had a passion for young adult fiction since he was a teenager himself. In his high school and college years, he was saddened to see how few positive stories with gay protagonists there were, but is delighted to see that changing. Though he has previously published adult titles under another pen name, James recently joined the ranks of YA novelists, with the publication of his first YA novel, “Seiðman.” He is openly gay and lives with his husband in the small town of Raymond, NH.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 15, 2012
One of the biggest strengths of this young-adult historical/paranormal story is the authenticity of the unusual setting - the life of a gay boy growing to manhood in Viking Iceland. Kol is gifted with magical abilities which lead to his apprenticeship to a local seið-woman — a sorceress. This gets him away from the rough life on his father's farm, and brings him into the household of a boy he is becoming attracted to, Thorbrand. However being gay is not accepted, especially for a boy like Thorbrand who will become a Chief. And times are changing, as the religion of the White Christ, with its hatred of sorcery, is moving into that part of the world. Becoming a sorcerer is no longer a safe path to an honored profession.
This book kept me intrigued and turning the pages. I was caught up in the life of Kol, his adventures in the community of sorcerers, and his hidden romance with a boy whose status was going to make it difficult to give them a happy ending. There is adventure here, and loss, and magic that is well-portrayed and integrated into the religion and setting. Occasionally, the wonderful details of place and time while creating atmosphere also slowed the story just a bit, and Kol's reserve made some of the gut-wrenching things he went through less emotional, but I enjoyed this. Overall, Seidman is well-written, unusual, and well worth the read.
This book kept me intrigued and turning the pages. I was caught up in the life of Kol, his adventures in the community of sorcerers, and his hidden romance with a boy whose status was going to make it difficult to give them a happy ending. There is adventure here, and loss, and magic that is well-portrayed and integrated into the religion and setting. Occasionally, the wonderful details of place and time while creating atmosphere also slowed the story just a bit, and Kol's reserve made some of the gut-wrenching things he went through less emotional, but I enjoyed this. Overall, Seidman is well-written, unusual, and well worth the read.
July 20, 2015
Seidman by James Erich is a wonderful read. I think it takes a writer with special talents to be able to transport his reader to another continent, another age, to another civilization, and make it seem real and honest and true to life. This book should be rated with some of the greats in the historical genre for it's as good as any of them, and better than a lot. The writing was impeccable, the plotting solid, and the characters were as alive an any characters I've ever read. This glimpse into Viking Age Iceland was fascinating. And the journey of young Kol in his quest to become a shaman for his people was well-drawn and totally believable. As was his love for young Thorbrand. I feared throughout the book there would be no happy ending for these two young lovers, but there was, which allowed me to close the book at the end with a smile. If you haven't read Seidman by James Erich, then you should. And by the way, the cover art by Anne Cain was really beautiful.
September 5, 2013
This was a great YA title for a lot of reasons.
1. It isn't simplistic and it doesn't talk down to younger readers the way some YA titles do. Nothing pisses me off worse than when I read a book, and I feel like, the author felt like it was good enough for YA. A lot of the the more mainstream YA books totally feel like that to me, like the author doesn't think YA readers will notice the plot holes, the flat characterization, etc. Well, they do. This book, on the other hand, feels like it was given all the attention and dedication it would have been had it been written for adults. Which it could have been. I'm 26 and there's plenty for adults to enjoy.
2. There's a plot beyond the romance. And a good one. It's very fast-paced and plenty of action, which I like a lot. Parts of it read like a good action movie. I especially liked the sea battles. You feel a lot of tension during the battle scenes. The emotion the characters experience is balanced well with the, I guess the logistics of the fighting.
3. And this might be the best part. The author cleverly weaves a variety of personal, social and religious issues into the fast-paced main plot. It never feels preachy or overbearing though. Its done as a part of the characters and their world, like what it's like to be small in a society that values brute strength, and how you deal with that. Even though it takes place in a fantasy, historical setting, I could really relate to Kol, and not just because he was gay, because he was different and not really his society's ideal. I like how religion is discussed without (mostly) bias. There's a lot going on beneath the surface, something not all YA authors bother with, see #1.
4. The relationship really feels like two 12 year old boys. They wrestle and insult each other, and there's very little mushiness. But still, by the end, a real sense of their loyalty to each other.
5. It felt very well researched. I'm not an expert and I probably will not know if something isn't accurate, but at least it wasn't Viking stereotypes.
This is a great book, and it should be read not only by gay young men, but just by kids who feel like they don't fit in. I wish there had been stuff like this when I was a teenager.
1. It isn't simplistic and it doesn't talk down to younger readers the way some YA titles do. Nothing pisses me off worse than when I read a book, and I feel like, the author felt like it was good enough for YA. A lot of the the more mainstream YA books totally feel like that to me, like the author doesn't think YA readers will notice the plot holes, the flat characterization, etc. Well, they do. This book, on the other hand, feels like it was given all the attention and dedication it would have been had it been written for adults. Which it could have been. I'm 26 and there's plenty for adults to enjoy.
2. There's a plot beyond the romance. And a good one. It's very fast-paced and plenty of action, which I like a lot. Parts of it read like a good action movie. I especially liked the sea battles. You feel a lot of tension during the battle scenes. The emotion the characters experience is balanced well with the, I guess the logistics of the fighting.
3. And this might be the best part. The author cleverly weaves a variety of personal, social and religious issues into the fast-paced main plot. It never feels preachy or overbearing though. Its done as a part of the characters and their world, like what it's like to be small in a society that values brute strength, and how you deal with that. Even though it takes place in a fantasy, historical setting, I could really relate to Kol, and not just because he was gay, because he was different and not really his society's ideal. I like how religion is discussed without (mostly) bias. There's a lot going on beneath the surface, something not all YA authors bother with, see #1.
4. The relationship really feels like two 12 year old boys. They wrestle and insult each other, and there's very little mushiness. But still, by the end, a real sense of their loyalty to each other.
5. It felt very well researched. I'm not an expert and I probably will not know if something isn't accurate, but at least it wasn't Viking stereotypes.
This is a great book, and it should be read not only by gay young men, but just by kids who feel like they don't fit in. I wish there had been stuff like this when I was a teenager.
June 15, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“Don’t worry about what you can do. Simply do what you must do.”
Seidman was an interesting read for me. It was a coming-of-age YA story with magical elements set during Viking Iceland. Told through the eyes of our young MC, Kol, as he navigates the journey of honing his skills as a sorcerer, while at the same time, learning the pangs of first forbidden love with his close friend, Thornbrand.
There's really not much to say about this particular book that stood out for me. I enjoyed reading it and seeing Kol grow as a human being as he encountered various and unusual trials. At times, I did feel irritated with his dependency on Thornbrand and his affection, but I think that was the point of James Erich. In a time, when relationships between two males was strictly frowned upon, seeing the two friends want to be together, but having to choose not to, was a trial in itself for Kol. And, it did have a happy ending for the both of them, albeit in it's own unique and unusual way.
I have to admit, though, that towards the end, it became a little too political for my tastes, and made me lose a bit of interest. But, the overall premise was so intriguing, that I kept going till the end, just to see what future awaited Kol.
Still, I had no qualms with the writing - well-written, concise, and certainly a worthwhile and satisfying read. Not exactly stellar, but every time I'll come across this title's name, I'll definitely remember what it was about. And that's saying a lot! 😄
“Don’t worry about what you can do. Simply do what you must do.”
Seidman was an interesting read for me. It was a coming-of-age YA story with magical elements set during Viking Iceland. Told through the eyes of our young MC, Kol, as he navigates the journey of honing his skills as a sorcerer, while at the same time, learning the pangs of first forbidden love with his close friend, Thornbrand.
There's really not much to say about this particular book that stood out for me. I enjoyed reading it and seeing Kol grow as a human being as he encountered various and unusual trials. At times, I did feel irritated with his dependency on Thornbrand and his affection, but I think that was the point of James Erich. In a time, when relationships between two males was strictly frowned upon, seeing the two friends want to be together, but having to choose not to, was a trial in itself for Kol. And, it did have a happy ending for the both of them, albeit in it's own unique and unusual way.
I have to admit, though, that towards the end, it became a little too political for my tastes, and made me lose a bit of interest. But, the overall premise was so intriguing, that I kept going till the end, just to see what future awaited Kol.
Still, I had no qualms with the writing - well-written, concise, and certainly a worthwhile and satisfying read. Not exactly stellar, but every time I'll come across this title's name, I'll definitely remember what it was about. And that's saying a lot! 😄
February 7, 2017
This story is very compelling, I was hooked from the very first page. The book is written from Kol's point of view. I thought the author did a good job keeping the overall historical timeline for the Viking era and seamlessly integrated family, culture, the settings, the characters' lives on the farms and religion without the reader feeling like they were reading a history book. A lot of research seems to have gone into it and it felt authentic. I like how the author portrayed the characters including the secondary ones. I like Kol's voice but sometimes I felt he was a bit immature. At times I wanted him to be a in control of things. Also, the book dragged a bit for me during Kol's time in Norway, it was hard to keep track of all the spirits and other things he was learning during his training. I was relieved when that was done and he returned to Iceland. The ending while not the usual HEA, the MCs still had a happy ending with conditions and constraints of the time period. I thought it was a realistic ending for this book. Thorbrand still had to fulfill his duties as a Chieftain and the MCs were aware of the dangers they faced if others outside of their circle knew about their relationship.
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August 7, 2018
Très sympa !
October 16, 2013
A young adult novel stars Kol, a young man in Iceland in 994 AD, not far off the voyage Leif Erickson made to what we now call the Maritime Provinces in North America. He lives on a typical Icelandic sheep farm with his brother, mother and a father who disparages him as weak because he is subject to seizures at odd times. When the sorceress Alfdis visits his family, she recognizes his psychic potential and makes him her apprentice. This means he must live with her family, which suits him just fine as he is in love with the eldest son, Thorbrand.
The two boys develop a strong relationship that has become sexual, but the old woman must take him to Norway to meet with the other leaders of the worship of the Old Gods in a time when the influence of the White Christ threatens to destroy it. King Olaf Tryggevesson is bent not so much on conversion of pagans but on conversion to dead of anyone who may pose a threat to his power. Kol manages to escape being burned alive and travels with his friend Ari until they find an opportunity to join the forces allied to defeat the opportunistic king. Who should arrive with the warriors but Kol’s love, Thorbrand. Thorbrand is now a chieftain forced to marry so he can maintain the respect of his thingmen, or allies. Whether the two succeed and return to Iceland together is the aim of this excellent novel.
The author’s meticulous research into the history of a brutal but exciting time and the way of life in Scandinavia is inspiriting, but it does not take away from the feeling that you know and understand Kol and the values he and Thorbrand must learn to accept. In a hypermasculinist warrior society he portrays relationships between men exist, as they must always have, but in the primitive and violent world, a man must be strong, and he must marry and have an heir. The author manages to paint a picture of two men who live and love in secret, but nevertheless they live and love.
The spread of Christianity is generally represented as a sort of benevolent and glorious coming to recognize the Truth, and I appreciated the author’s careful representation of how much force was involved in subjugating people to a new religion. Like so many other military and religious powers of the day the message was “Christ is the bringer of peace and everlasting life and you’d better follow him or I’ll kill you and you will go to Hell.” Pagan societies were hardly more just or more beneficial, but the encroaching oppression of supposedly gentle faith was far more universal.
Kol represents the last of the sorcerers, called Seidmen in this telling, who has the Sight and therefore knows the future and its inevitability. James Erich pulls off a simple love story where the protagonists are able to scratch out some happiness for their short time on Earth. Young readers and older will find plenty to draw them in with this novel of Vikings, sorcerers, shapeshifters, and the conflict that comes from greed even more than intolerance.
The two boys develop a strong relationship that has become sexual, but the old woman must take him to Norway to meet with the other leaders of the worship of the Old Gods in a time when the influence of the White Christ threatens to destroy it. King Olaf Tryggevesson is bent not so much on conversion of pagans but on conversion to dead of anyone who may pose a threat to his power. Kol manages to escape being burned alive and travels with his friend Ari until they find an opportunity to join the forces allied to defeat the opportunistic king. Who should arrive with the warriors but Kol’s love, Thorbrand. Thorbrand is now a chieftain forced to marry so he can maintain the respect of his thingmen, or allies. Whether the two succeed and return to Iceland together is the aim of this excellent novel.
The author’s meticulous research into the history of a brutal but exciting time and the way of life in Scandinavia is inspiriting, but it does not take away from the feeling that you know and understand Kol and the values he and Thorbrand must learn to accept. In a hypermasculinist warrior society he portrays relationships between men exist, as they must always have, but in the primitive and violent world, a man must be strong, and he must marry and have an heir. The author manages to paint a picture of two men who live and love in secret, but nevertheless they live and love.
The spread of Christianity is generally represented as a sort of benevolent and glorious coming to recognize the Truth, and I appreciated the author’s careful representation of how much force was involved in subjugating people to a new religion. Like so many other military and religious powers of the day the message was “Christ is the bringer of peace and everlasting life and you’d better follow him or I’ll kill you and you will go to Hell.” Pagan societies were hardly more just or more beneficial, but the encroaching oppression of supposedly gentle faith was far more universal.
Kol represents the last of the sorcerers, called Seidmen in this telling, who has the Sight and therefore knows the future and its inevitability. James Erich pulls off a simple love story where the protagonists are able to scratch out some happiness for their short time on Earth. Young readers and older will find plenty to draw them in with this novel of Vikings, sorcerers, shapeshifters, and the conflict that comes from greed even more than intolerance.
May 31, 2015
This falls as a middle of the road story for me. I liked it, but the pace was a little slow for my taste. And while I loved all of the historical elements they were a a little "teach-y" at times at didn't feel as well integrated into the story as I would have liked. They often took me out of the flow of the story and were repeated numerous times so they began to feel repetitive. Overall I'd give this 3.5 stars.
On the other side I really did enjoy Kol. His youth and his confusion and growth were well balanced in this story. I felt like I grew with him as he figured out how to be a man in a world that was going through some very dramatic changes. His way of life was being changed from the outside and his powers made him into the target of a lot of those changes. The new regime in religion wanting to wipe out the old isn't a new theme, but would have been a very dangerous time to live in. Christianity never tolerated the remainder of the old religions. I liked the straight forward presentation of Christianities inroads into the Viking culture while still presenting their gods as real and an active part of their world.
I enjoyed my read, and this does do a good job of balancing in the M/M elements of the romance in this story. It's fitting for a YA story, the time period's beliefs are prevalent and an obstacle to overcome, but yet not overpowering for the story. The final was awesome! Definitely the highlight of the story for me. It really integrated everything that had gone into this story and pulled all the threads back together.
On the other side I really did enjoy Kol. His youth and his confusion and growth were well balanced in this story. I felt like I grew with him as he figured out how to be a man in a world that was going through some very dramatic changes. His way of life was being changed from the outside and his powers made him into the target of a lot of those changes. The new regime in religion wanting to wipe out the old isn't a new theme, but would have been a very dangerous time to live in. Christianity never tolerated the remainder of the old religions. I liked the straight forward presentation of Christianities inroads into the Viking culture while still presenting their gods as real and an active part of their world.
I enjoyed my read, and this does do a good job of balancing in the M/M elements of the romance in this story. It's fitting for a YA story, the time period's beliefs are prevalent and an obstacle to overcome, but yet not overpowering for the story. The final was awesome! Definitely the highlight of the story for me. It really integrated everything that had gone into this story and pulled all the threads back together.
June 24, 2013
I have to admit that when I saw this novel and read the name, I thought I was in for a very boring book. But, after reading the first pages, I knew I had made a big mistake: I judged a book by its cover.
Seidman stars Kol. Now, Kol is a little farm boy that never seemed to fit in with his family. His dad found him weak and his brother hated him for being weak. But one day, he meets Alfdis, a powerful sorceress, and his life completely changes.
I don't want to give the story away, but this novel takes place during the Viking Age. So you might find the names of several persons, places and things a little bit confusing. What I loved about this novel was the paranormal element in it. I found the goddesses, gods, and spirits fascinating and thrilling.
I absolutely loved Kol. He was like the Viking Harry Potter of his era. He was very shy, but incredibly brave. Even when death was staring him in the face he stood stall and strong. I loved Thorbrand. There was something in him that I loved. Maybe, it was the way he was so overprotected of Kol. He won my heart completely and the ending was very thrilling and exciting, especially, the final battle.
I recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a very entertaining and historical book depicting young love, magic, and adventure. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Seidman stars Kol. Now, Kol is a little farm boy that never seemed to fit in with his family. His dad found him weak and his brother hated him for being weak. But one day, he meets Alfdis, a powerful sorceress, and his life completely changes.
I don't want to give the story away, but this novel takes place during the Viking Age. So you might find the names of several persons, places and things a little bit confusing. What I loved about this novel was the paranormal element in it. I found the goddesses, gods, and spirits fascinating and thrilling.
I absolutely loved Kol. He was like the Viking Harry Potter of his era. He was very shy, but incredibly brave. Even when death was staring him in the face he stood stall and strong. I loved Thorbrand. There was something in him that I loved. Maybe, it was the way he was so overprotected of Kol. He won my heart completely and the ending was very thrilling and exciting, especially, the final battle.
I recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a very entertaining and historical book depicting young love, magic, and adventure. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
November 5, 2013
Also posted at Chaos Reads: The YA Fiction Forum!
http://chaosreads.com/topic/7034-seid...
James Erich is definitely one of my favorite authors in the YA LGBT genre of writing....
I tentatively read his other trilogy, Dreams of Fire & Gods, just last month and i was a bit apprehensive simply because I usually dislike Fantasy books or books from other time periods as the language and "slang" is hard for me to wrap my mind around. I fell in love with the trilogy(DONEGH FTW<3) and I became a fan of his so it was only obvious to me that I'd read more from him.
Seidman is quite different from DREAMS and it did sort of reintroduce some difficulties i had with Fantasy books and books that are form other time periods. But I also love this book.
1. Plot & Writing
These Characters introduced in this book are absolutely amazing. Kol is such a sweet boy with an amazing soul and heart and Thorbrand is the strong, fiery tempered boy who will do whatever it takes to protect Kol and his family.
This story isn't really about a romance(It is there but it is more secondary). It is a gritty but equally beautiful coming of age story for two boys with two very different paths in life who are slowly at an age where they don't understand the feelings they have for each other. But they Know they care for each other.
Thorbrand has to come to terms with being a leader a man and he has to follow the legacy of his family and not his heart, which means he has to give up the person closet to him. These are Viking/Nordic times and Homosexuality is not something a "man" should be defined as.
Kol has his own legacy to come into and it could very well lead to his death but Kol just wants to be happy and wants to be loved by the guy he loves.
The writing is very detailed. I know little to nothing about Vikings and Christianity but you can tell James did his research when writing. These aren't just two teen characters thrown into a time period...They act just like you'd imagine teens from Barbaric time periods to talk. The word "Gay" is not used nor anything similar to it but you know it is not something that men are supposed to be.
It really felt just like I was a Viking or what have you and I enjoyed the scenery.
The funniest part of this book was when Kol saw his first black person who was "black as soot" and inquired "is he ill?" :P Idk why but i laughed for a good few minutes.
2. Characters
There are a lot of characters in this book but the main CHARACTER is Kol(the focal one) and Thorbrand.
Kol is thought of to be a sickly boy who is not good enough by his father's standards to be a farmer and his brother is kind of an ass to him. But he has a good energy about himself and he doesn't let his "sickness" define him. He then begins to realize that he isn't sick and there is more to him than he realizes. As the book goes on, we see the scared boy who was passive begin to develop a fire in himself. He grows strong and he realizes who he is and he accepts it. Kol is a great character because even when the odds are against him, he doesn't give up.
Thorbrand is the other main character, who is the complete opposite of Kol. He is very strong, courageous and a natural born fighter with the instincts to lead and battle those who come in his way. He is a good guy but he has fighting in his blood. Thor begins the book as a boy with an innocence about himself but as the book carries on and he begins to suffer loss, he begins to fall into anger. He is not someone who is easily able to express his feelings, least of all about loving another boy. He doesn't understand it and he pushes it away and represses the thoughts as much as possible. But Thor is someone who can't run from the truth for too much longer and despite his title as a leader, he is someone who desperately just wants to be happy being a leader but also being with Kol, whatever way they can.
They are two well defined characters, though I wish we could have gotten some Focal Point of View on Thorbrand just because Thor is an electric character.
The secondary characters are very useful and they challenge our main two boys to better themselves. Ari is someone I just loved reading about. He was a good guy through and through. As well as Thor's thingmen(soldier) whose name I am unable to actually spell lol. I also enjoyed the time we spent with Kol as he learned his magic from Thor's sorceress aunt. She was a feisty old lady with a lot of spirit.
3. Overall
While I did enjoy DREAMS more, I can't really compare Seidman with dreams because they are so different. With DREAMS the romance aspect was a bigger part along side the pending war and battles....this book is more focused on discovering your purpose in life and who you are and not forgetting that even when a tyrant is going through countries trying to convert you to his way of thinking or killing you if you refuse.
My only complaint is that this is a Standalone and OH MY GOD...it needs sequels...At least a trilogy! COME ON JAMES! :P
With it being a standalone, we are showcased the boys and their lives over a period of a few years as they start as young pre-teens to adult men and at times it did feel a LITTLE RUSHED. As well as I wanted more focus on Kol and Thor....a lot of the book they were apart from each other and I Understand why but I wanted to see more from them but I enjoyed the ending of the book. It is not something that is just a Happily ever after. It is the perfect ending to describe the best you can have in a time period like that.
James, you are phenomenal and I look forward to your next books in the future...But can we get a Seidman Sequel, por favor? :)
http://chaosreads.com/topic/7034-seid...
James Erich is definitely one of my favorite authors in the YA LGBT genre of writing....
I tentatively read his other trilogy, Dreams of Fire & Gods, just last month and i was a bit apprehensive simply because I usually dislike Fantasy books or books from other time periods as the language and "slang" is hard for me to wrap my mind around. I fell in love with the trilogy(DONEGH FTW<3) and I became a fan of his so it was only obvious to me that I'd read more from him.
Seidman is quite different from DREAMS and it did sort of reintroduce some difficulties i had with Fantasy books and books that are form other time periods. But I also love this book.
1. Plot & Writing
These Characters introduced in this book are absolutely amazing. Kol is such a sweet boy with an amazing soul and heart and Thorbrand is the strong, fiery tempered boy who will do whatever it takes to protect Kol and his family.
This story isn't really about a romance(It is there but it is more secondary). It is a gritty but equally beautiful coming of age story for two boys with two very different paths in life who are slowly at an age where they don't understand the feelings they have for each other. But they Know they care for each other.
Thorbrand has to come to terms with being a leader a man and he has to follow the legacy of his family and not his heart, which means he has to give up the person closet to him. These are Viking/Nordic times and Homosexuality is not something a "man" should be defined as.
Kol has his own legacy to come into and it could very well lead to his death but Kol just wants to be happy and wants to be loved by the guy he loves.
The writing is very detailed. I know little to nothing about Vikings and Christianity but you can tell James did his research when writing. These aren't just two teen characters thrown into a time period...They act just like you'd imagine teens from Barbaric time periods to talk. The word "Gay" is not used nor anything similar to it but you know it is not something that men are supposed to be.
It really felt just like I was a Viking or what have you and I enjoyed the scenery.
The funniest part of this book was when Kol saw his first black person who was "black as soot" and inquired "is he ill?" :P Idk why but i laughed for a good few minutes.
2. Characters
There are a lot of characters in this book but the main CHARACTER is Kol(the focal one) and Thorbrand.
Kol is thought of to be a sickly boy who is not good enough by his father's standards to be a farmer and his brother is kind of an ass to him. But he has a good energy about himself and he doesn't let his "sickness" define him. He then begins to realize that he isn't sick and there is more to him than he realizes. As the book goes on, we see the scared boy who was passive begin to develop a fire in himself. He grows strong and he realizes who he is and he accepts it. Kol is a great character because even when the odds are against him, he doesn't give up.
Thorbrand is the other main character, who is the complete opposite of Kol. He is very strong, courageous and a natural born fighter with the instincts to lead and battle those who come in his way. He is a good guy but he has fighting in his blood. Thor begins the book as a boy with an innocence about himself but as the book carries on and he begins to suffer loss, he begins to fall into anger. He is not someone who is easily able to express his feelings, least of all about loving another boy. He doesn't understand it and he pushes it away and represses the thoughts as much as possible. But Thor is someone who can't run from the truth for too much longer and despite his title as a leader, he is someone who desperately just wants to be happy being a leader but also being with Kol, whatever way they can.
They are two well defined characters, though I wish we could have gotten some Focal Point of View on Thorbrand just because Thor is an electric character.
The secondary characters are very useful and they challenge our main two boys to better themselves. Ari is someone I just loved reading about. He was a good guy through and through. As well as Thor's thingmen(soldier) whose name I am unable to actually spell lol. I also enjoyed the time we spent with Kol as he learned his magic from Thor's sorceress aunt. She was a feisty old lady with a lot of spirit.
3. Overall
While I did enjoy DREAMS more, I can't really compare Seidman with dreams because they are so different. With DREAMS the romance aspect was a bigger part along side the pending war and battles....this book is more focused on discovering your purpose in life and who you are and not forgetting that even when a tyrant is going through countries trying to convert you to his way of thinking or killing you if you refuse.
My only complaint is that this is a Standalone and OH MY GOD...it needs sequels...At least a trilogy! COME ON JAMES! :P
With it being a standalone, we are showcased the boys and their lives over a period of a few years as they start as young pre-teens to adult men and at times it did feel a LITTLE RUSHED. As well as I wanted more focus on Kol and Thor....a lot of the book they were apart from each other and I Understand why but I wanted to see more from them but I enjoyed the ending of the book. It is not something that is just a Happily ever after. It is the perfect ending to describe the best you can have in a time period like that.
James, you are phenomenal and I look forward to your next books in the future...But can we get a Seidman Sequel, por favor? :)
April 21, 2013
This coming of age tale is set in stone-age Viking times when the fierce and dreaded Norsemen rule over other races of northern Europe and when Viking culture, belief systems and spiritual interactions with the divine begin to come into contact and conflict with the (as-yet) barely understood power of the Christian belief system.
13 year old Kol (so named for his dark eyes and hair) comes of age on a bleak and windblown farm in Iceland. His father’s liege-lord has a slightly older red-haired son appropriately called Thorbrand, who seems to warm to Kol. Kol’s mysterious fainting spells and fits are eventually diagnosed by a sorceress as him being predisposed to the powers of a seidman … one who can see the spirit world and can intervene with the gods on behalf of the people. From there - Kol is taken on a life-changing journey … first to Thorbrand’s homestead where he picks up various powers and skills being an apprentice sorcerer. And of course as Kol and Thorbrand spend more and more time together working and sleeping together … the inevitable dance of emotional and physical attraction brews between our two teenage protagonists.
Dreams and portents signal a major cataclysmic shift in the heavens and on earth … a powerful ruling warlord (who has recently converted to the Christ-religion) is on the warpath to conquer all neighbouring lands of ‘heathen sorcery’, doing away with the practitioners of sorcery and this fanatic is gaining fervent support from the general populace. As the plot unfolds over a several year time-frame, Kol finds himself caught up in the struggle between the ‘old and new worlds’ as he witnesses battles on earth as well as in the spiritual realms. Further roadblocks develop for our love-duo as cultural norms and familial duties sunder the relationship between the two MCs. The book’s ending however is realistic, believable and ultimately satisfying.
I wouldn’t call this a gay-romance (although there are many elements of gay-love alluded) but if readers were to approach this title as a YA-gay-coming of age set in a prehistoric period setting – you won’t be disappointed. The author provides a wonderfully realistic sense of place, the Viking culture and social relations, the belief systems, the runes and magic … I was quite transported to another world and time in the reading.
13 year old Kol (so named for his dark eyes and hair) comes of age on a bleak and windblown farm in Iceland. His father’s liege-lord has a slightly older red-haired son appropriately called Thorbrand, who seems to warm to Kol. Kol’s mysterious fainting spells and fits are eventually diagnosed by a sorceress as him being predisposed to the powers of a seidman … one who can see the spirit world and can intervene with the gods on behalf of the people. From there - Kol is taken on a life-changing journey … first to Thorbrand’s homestead where he picks up various powers and skills being an apprentice sorcerer. And of course as Kol and Thorbrand spend more and more time together working and sleeping together … the inevitable dance of emotional and physical attraction brews between our two teenage protagonists.
Dreams and portents signal a major cataclysmic shift in the heavens and on earth … a powerful ruling warlord (who has recently converted to the Christ-religion) is on the warpath to conquer all neighbouring lands of ‘heathen sorcery’, doing away with the practitioners of sorcery and this fanatic is gaining fervent support from the general populace. As the plot unfolds over a several year time-frame, Kol finds himself caught up in the struggle between the ‘old and new worlds’ as he witnesses battles on earth as well as in the spiritual realms. Further roadblocks develop for our love-duo as cultural norms and familial duties sunder the relationship between the two MCs. The book’s ending however is realistic, believable and ultimately satisfying.
I wouldn’t call this a gay-romance (although there are many elements of gay-love alluded) but if readers were to approach this title as a YA-gay-coming of age set in a prehistoric period setting – you won’t be disappointed. The author provides a wonderfully realistic sense of place, the Viking culture and social relations, the belief systems, the runes and magic … I was quite transported to another world and time in the reading.
February 15, 2017
Seidman contained a very interesting setting, promising story and characters. Normally I have no problem with YA novels and personally I think this one was one the explicit side of YA, but for me it lacked a bit of emotional depth. Longing, sadness, love was described, but I could not really feel it through the lines of the novel.
But overall it was a good read and an interesting glimpse into Norsk mythology.
But overall it was a good read and an interesting glimpse into Norsk mythology.
December 4, 2018
I really liked this book, I love all kinds of mythology and magic and all that, the end is probably realistic for the circumstances but too bittersweet for me, I loved the way the author describes the magic and the spirit world, it was really a good book !!
January 26, 2015
Wonderful. I was a little bit hesitant about reading it, since some authors write my Viking ancestors so wrong, but James Erich did an excellent job. I love that the book was set in Iceland ^.^
April 28, 2015
4.5 stars
Viking. Setiap kali mendengar kata ini, yang langsung terbersit di benakku adalah bajak laut berhelm tanduk, para cowok kasar nan kekar raksasa berambut gondrong awut-awutan dengan janggut yang panjang dan lebat, yang hobinya berkelahi, merampok, dan minum ale.
Sebenarnya baru segelintir saja tema viking yang kubaca, yaitu The Sea of Trolls, The Battle for Skandia (Ranger's Apprentice #4), Wolfsangel (yang tidak berhasil kuselesaikan) dan manga Vinland Saga. *Baru baca vol 1 dan belum ada mood buat lanjut baca next vol dan ketunda - tunda terus bacanya, mungkin karena ga sreg sama gambarnya. Bukan karena jelek atau apa, karena aku pernah lihat artwork yang lebih parah dari itu.*
Jadinya terasa fresh gitu loh saat Kol, MC viking kita ini adalah remaja kurus yang punya wajah cantik, lemah, dan sering pingsan, lol. Sebenarnya pingsannya itu karena Kol lagi dapat 'penglihatan' atau wahyu dari dewa.
Kol adalah Seidman, yang artinya penyihir pria, walaupun aku merasa dia lebih mirip cenayang atau shaman karena bisa berbicara dengan spirit alam, roh orang mati dan dewa dengan rune dan juga bisa mendapat ramalan masa depan. Rohnya juga bisa berubah wujud jadi binatang, menjadi elang adalah favoritnya, dan tubuh aslinya yang 'kosong' itu biasanya ditinggalkan untuk sementara selagi rohnya 'keluar jalan-jalan', hihi.
Fisiknya yang 'lembut' kerap membuatnya diremehkan orang lain, terutama oleh ayah dan abangnya. Dan orientasi seksualnya juga disembunyikannya rapat-rapat karena menjadi gay di kalangan viking itu adalah hal yang tabu, memalukan, dan tidak macho. Kol yang jatuh cinta pada teman dekatnya ini harus menelan pahitnya kenyataan lahir di era yang salah.
Tadinya kukira ini fokusnya ke romance, tapi ternyata world building-nya bagus, terlihat kalau penulis benar-benar melakukan riset mendalam soal viking dan kehidupan mereka pada masa itu. Kita belajar soal kepercayaan mereka pada dewa-dewi, kehidupan sehari-hari mereka, gaya hidup mereka, dan penduduk Iceland (Islandia) tempat Kol lahir ini bukan viking bajak laut yang suka merampok. Mereka kebanyakan berprofesi sebagai pedagang dan peladang.
Jadi plotnya ini benar-benar diolah, singkat kata, ini sebenarnya adalah kisah hidup Kol sebagai Seidman. Mulai dari awal ia menemukan talentanya itu, menjadi murid seiðkona (penyihir wanita), dan diburu oleh raja viking. Pada masa itu, Norse (Scandinavian) Mythology atau Mitologi Nordik yang merupakan kepercayaan masyarakat Eropa Utara pada dewa-dewi dan makhluk supernatural itu mulai luntur bersamaan dengan masuknya agama Kristen ke Eropa Utara, bermula dari Olaf Tryggvason si raja viking yg memaksa seluruh pengikutnya untuk ikut memeluk agama Kristen sama seperti dirinya.
Maka Kol dan para Seidman lainnya pun diburu dan dianggap sebagai tukang sihir yang harus dimusnahkan. Kol sendiri sudah tahu bahwa mereka tidak akan bisa mengelak dari takdir yang telah digariskan. Tapi walaupun begitu, apakah Kol hanya akan duduk diam menerima nasibnya?
Nah, romance ada, plot bagus dan meyakinkan, plus ada action segala dan alur plot juga cepat dan tidak bertele-tele. Character development juga oke, bahasanya juga enak biarpun ada beberapa istilah viking, tapi sudah disediakan glossary oleh author di awal buku dan kadang juga dijelaskan selagi author menuturkan kisah ini.
Ending juga oke, kurasa memang itulah solusi yang tepat untuk hubungan Kol dan Thorbrand. Solusi yang tidak terlalu memuaskan bagi mereka berdua. But hey, sometimes you can't have it all, right?
Viking. Setiap kali mendengar kata ini, yang langsung terbersit di benakku adalah bajak laut berhelm tanduk, para cowok kasar nan kekar raksasa berambut gondrong awut-awutan dengan janggut yang panjang dan lebat, yang hobinya berkelahi, merampok, dan minum ale.
Sebenarnya baru segelintir saja tema viking yang kubaca, yaitu The Sea of Trolls, The Battle for Skandia (Ranger's Apprentice #4), Wolfsangel (yang tidak berhasil kuselesaikan) dan manga Vinland Saga. *Baru baca vol 1 dan belum ada mood buat lanjut baca next vol dan ketunda - tunda terus bacanya, mungkin karena ga sreg sama gambarnya. Bukan karena jelek atau apa, karena aku pernah lihat artwork yang lebih parah dari itu.*
Jadinya terasa fresh gitu loh saat Kol, MC viking kita ini adalah remaja kurus yang punya wajah cantik, lemah, dan sering pingsan, lol. Sebenarnya pingsannya itu karena Kol lagi dapat 'penglihatan' atau wahyu dari dewa.
Author's note : There is no word “seidman” in Old Icelandic. The correct word, and the one used throughout the novel, is “seiðmaðr”—which literally translates to “magic man” or “male sorcerer.” Since “maðr” (“man”) is a bit difficult to pronounce, I chose to use the English equivalent in its place (with the “eth” replaced with a “d” to simplify spelling) for the title of the novel: Seidman.
Kol adalah Seidman, yang artinya penyihir pria, walaupun aku merasa dia lebih mirip cenayang atau shaman karena bisa berbicara dengan spirit alam, roh orang mati dan dewa dengan rune dan juga bisa mendapat ramalan masa depan. Rohnya juga bisa berubah wujud jadi binatang, menjadi elang adalah favoritnya, dan tubuh aslinya yang 'kosong' itu biasanya ditinggalkan untuk sementara selagi rohnya 'keluar jalan-jalan', hihi.
Fisiknya yang 'lembut' kerap membuatnya diremehkan orang lain, terutama oleh ayah dan abangnya. Dan orientasi seksualnya juga disembunyikannya rapat-rapat karena menjadi gay di kalangan viking itu adalah hal yang tabu, memalukan, dan tidak macho. Kol yang jatuh cinta pada teman dekatnya ini harus menelan pahitnya kenyataan lahir di era yang salah.
Tadinya kukira ini fokusnya ke romance, tapi ternyata world building-nya bagus, terlihat kalau penulis benar-benar melakukan riset mendalam soal viking dan kehidupan mereka pada masa itu. Kita belajar soal kepercayaan mereka pada dewa-dewi, kehidupan sehari-hari mereka, gaya hidup mereka, dan penduduk Iceland (Islandia) tempat Kol lahir ini bukan viking bajak laut yang suka merampok. Mereka kebanyakan berprofesi sebagai pedagang dan peladang.
Jadi plotnya ini benar-benar diolah, singkat kata, ini sebenarnya adalah kisah hidup Kol sebagai Seidman. Mulai dari awal ia menemukan talentanya itu, menjadi murid seiðkona (penyihir wanita), dan diburu oleh raja viking. Pada masa itu, Norse (Scandinavian) Mythology atau Mitologi Nordik yang merupakan kepercayaan masyarakat Eropa Utara pada dewa-dewi dan makhluk supernatural itu mulai luntur bersamaan dengan masuknya agama Kristen ke Eropa Utara, bermula dari Olaf Tryggvason si raja viking yg memaksa seluruh pengikutnya untuk ikut memeluk agama Kristen sama seperti dirinya.
Maka Kol dan para Seidman lainnya pun diburu dan dianggap sebagai tukang sihir yang harus dimusnahkan. Kol sendiri sudah tahu bahwa mereka tidak akan bisa mengelak dari takdir yang telah digariskan. Tapi walaupun begitu, apakah Kol hanya akan duduk diam menerima nasibnya?
He remembered the story of Oðinn as all around him people began to become aware of what was happening and panic started to set in. The Allfather continued to prepare for Ragnarok despite knowing that he was doomed to die. Kol realized now that there was more to the story than accepting fate and facing it courageously. The Allfather wasn’t sitting in Valhall bravely waiting for his doom to approach. He fought to achieve victory, even though the outcome was foretold. It wasn’t enough to be courageous while doing nothing. That was too easy. Freyja wanted Kol to fight—to continue the struggle, even though the battle was lost.
Why, Kol didn’t know. But he knew he couldn’t just stand here and die without a fight. Don’t worry about what you can do. Simply do what you must do.
Nah, romance ada, plot bagus dan meyakinkan, plus ada action segala dan alur plot juga cepat dan tidak bertele-tele. Character development juga oke, bahasanya juga enak biarpun ada beberapa istilah viking, tapi sudah disediakan glossary oleh author di awal buku dan kadang juga dijelaskan selagi author menuturkan kisah ini.
Ending juga oke, kurasa memang itulah solusi yang tepat untuk hubungan Kol dan Thorbrand. Solusi yang tidak terlalu memuaskan bagi mereka berdua. But hey, sometimes you can't have it all, right?
January 9, 2024
It's a great read. The characters are very well crafted, especially for a book that's just 200 pages. The battles and the fantastical elements were great. I also loved the way we see how Kol struggles with being a gay and Seidman in a warriors culture that's not open to people who are different.
June 18, 2017
3.5 stars.
Want to read
March 2, 20193/2/19 Currently on sale for $1.99 (reg $6.99) via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073Q9D3VD/...
September 30, 2016
Une histoire bien construite et des personnages intéressants.
On plonge dès la première page en plein dans la culture viking et le quotidien difficile de Kol :
Fils de fermier, sa stature frêle et ses évanouissements agacent son père et son frêre, qui ne se gênent d'ailleurs pas pour le lui faire comprendre. Seule sa mère lui porte de l'affection et prend soin de lui autant qu'il lui est permis par son mari. Kol est donc le mouton noir de la famille et on sent bien que la question de son avenir en tant que fermier et "homme" reste sans cesse en suspens dans la maisonnée. Mais c'est lors d'un voyage que tout changera pour le garçon : il attire l'attention de la seidkonna liée à Harek, le cheftain, et sa famille.
Adopté par Harek, il commence son apprentissage tout en aidant à la ferme de celui-ci. Son amitié vis-à-vis de Thorbrand, déjà présente dès leur plus jeune âge, s'approfondit et les deux garçons ne se quittent bientôt plus d'une semelle.
Ils vont cependant devoir se séparer pour un temps indéfini en raison de l'apprentissage de Kol et d'évènements sombre dans les territoires du Nord.
J'ai trouvé l'intrigue très intéressante et enrichissante d'un point de vue historique : en effet l'auteur s'est inspiré de faits réels ! Les différentes évolutions religieuses et politiques sont vraiment sympathiques à lire et, même si on se doute de la fin au vu de nos croyances actuelles, on se demande tout de même ce qui va mener à un changement de mentalité si drastique.
En ce qui concerne la relation Thorbrand/Kol, elle prend un tournant plutôt inattendu à un moment donné, je n'aurais pas cru que l'auteur se serait dirigé en ce sens, mais c'est une surprise vraiment très agréable ! On sort un peu des schémas M/M préétablis.
La fin m'aura pleinement satisfaite, malgré son côté doux-amer : toute question aura trouvé sa réponse et les personnages seront devenus des adultes accomplis.
Concernant, justement, les personnages : Kol a été surprenant à plusieurs reprises. Il fait , malgré ses insécurités, preuve de caractère quand il le fallait et a appris de ses erreurs ! Il a filé droit pendant tout le long du roman, ne se laissant pas ralentir par les a-priori et les préjugés des autres.
Thorbrand de son côté a eût un comportement un peu plus discutable bien que compréhensible. Pour ne rien révéler je n'en dirais pas plus, mais disons qu'il se laisse plus souvent guider par son devoir que son cœur. Cela dit, j'ai tout de même apprécié son personnage qui contrebalance bien celui de Kol.
Bref, ce roman aura eu un moment relativement mièvre, mais il n'aura duré que quelques pages et le reste de l'intrigue rattrape largement ce petit défaut ! Je le conseille à tout fan d'histoire, de viking et de fantasy !
On plonge dès la première page en plein dans la culture viking et le quotidien difficile de Kol :
Fils de fermier, sa stature frêle et ses évanouissements agacent son père et son frêre, qui ne se gênent d'ailleurs pas pour le lui faire comprendre. Seule sa mère lui porte de l'affection et prend soin de lui autant qu'il lui est permis par son mari. Kol est donc le mouton noir de la famille et on sent bien que la question de son avenir en tant que fermier et "homme" reste sans cesse en suspens dans la maisonnée. Mais c'est lors d'un voyage que tout changera pour le garçon : il attire l'attention de la seidkonna liée à Harek, le cheftain, et sa famille.
Adopté par Harek, il commence son apprentissage tout en aidant à la ferme de celui-ci. Son amitié vis-à-vis de Thorbrand, déjà présente dès leur plus jeune âge, s'approfondit et les deux garçons ne se quittent bientôt plus d'une semelle.
Ils vont cependant devoir se séparer pour un temps indéfini en raison de l'apprentissage de Kol et d'évènements sombre dans les territoires du Nord.
J'ai trouvé l'intrigue très intéressante et enrichissante d'un point de vue historique : en effet l'auteur s'est inspiré de faits réels ! Les différentes évolutions religieuses et politiques sont vraiment sympathiques à lire et, même si on se doute de la fin au vu de nos croyances actuelles, on se demande tout de même ce qui va mener à un changement de mentalité si drastique.
En ce qui concerne la relation Thorbrand/Kol, elle prend un tournant plutôt inattendu à un moment donné, je n'aurais pas cru que l'auteur se serait dirigé en ce sens, mais c'est une surprise vraiment très agréable ! On sort un peu des schémas M/M préétablis.
La fin m'aura pleinement satisfaite, malgré son côté doux-amer : toute question aura trouvé sa réponse et les personnages seront devenus des adultes accomplis.
Concernant, justement, les personnages : Kol a été surprenant à plusieurs reprises. Il fait , malgré ses insécurités, preuve de caractère quand il le fallait et a appris de ses erreurs ! Il a filé droit pendant tout le long du roman, ne se laissant pas ralentir par les a-priori et les préjugés des autres.
Thorbrand de son côté a eût un comportement un peu plus discutable bien que compréhensible. Pour ne rien révéler je n'en dirais pas plus, mais disons qu'il se laisse plus souvent guider par son devoir que son cœur. Cela dit, j'ai tout de même apprécié son personnage qui contrebalance bien celui de Kol.
Bref, ce roman aura eu un moment relativement mièvre, mais il n'aura duré que quelques pages et le reste de l'intrigue rattrape largement ce petit défaut ! Je le conseille à tout fan d'histoire, de viking et de fantasy !
September 10, 2016
I’ve never actually read a novel set during the Viking era before, and this one turned out to be a real treat. Seidman is a highly original coming of age novel that blends sorcery, adventure, and a touching love story. The effort to which the author has gone to research the period is obvious. Culture, religion, folklore … he weaves it all seamlessly into the narrative, bringing it to life without in any way slowing the pace.
Kol may have been raised on his family’s homestead in Iceland, but his slight build and fragile health have always made him unsuited to heavy farm work. Therefore, when he receives the offer of an apprenticeship from Alfdis, a respected local sorceress, he jumps at the chance. Under Alfdis’s tuition and the affection of the sorceress’s family, Kol grows happy and strong whilst mastering the ancient art. Best of all about his new life is Alfdis’s grandson, a boy only a little older than Kol. Lively and good-natured, Thorbrand takes Kol under his wing, and it isn’t long before the two are inseparable.
The more time Kol and Thorbrand spend in one another’s company, the clearer it becomes that their closeness runs deeper than friendship. Of course, no one must find out. For a man to want another this way is utterly forbidden. Moreover, upon the death of his father, Thorbrand will be chieftain with a duty to marry and produce an heir, whilst Kol’s destiny lies across the sea in Norway, battling to save the sorcerers from extinction. As their lives take them on very different paths, it seems impossible that their love can ever be more than a distant dream.
The thing that struck me as particularly good about this novel was how we get to see Kol and Thorbrand grow up, following their progress from carefree boys interested only in each other, to mature young men with their own responsibilities. Though the story does have a strong fantasy element, the developing relationship between the heroes is incredibly realistic, taking into account the attitudes towards homosexuality at the time, and is in fact one of the most poignant I’ve come across in a while.
If you like novels that transport you to foreign lands, are rich in description and historical detail, and have plenty of magic and romance thrown in, you will almost certainly enjoy this book.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
Kol may have been raised on his family’s homestead in Iceland, but his slight build and fragile health have always made him unsuited to heavy farm work. Therefore, when he receives the offer of an apprenticeship from Alfdis, a respected local sorceress, he jumps at the chance. Under Alfdis’s tuition and the affection of the sorceress’s family, Kol grows happy and strong whilst mastering the ancient art. Best of all about his new life is Alfdis’s grandson, a boy only a little older than Kol. Lively and good-natured, Thorbrand takes Kol under his wing, and it isn’t long before the two are inseparable.
The more time Kol and Thorbrand spend in one another’s company, the clearer it becomes that their closeness runs deeper than friendship. Of course, no one must find out. For a man to want another this way is utterly forbidden. Moreover, upon the death of his father, Thorbrand will be chieftain with a duty to marry and produce an heir, whilst Kol’s destiny lies across the sea in Norway, battling to save the sorcerers from extinction. As their lives take them on very different paths, it seems impossible that their love can ever be more than a distant dream.
The thing that struck me as particularly good about this novel was how we get to see Kol and Thorbrand grow up, following their progress from carefree boys interested only in each other, to mature young men with their own responsibilities. Though the story does have a strong fantasy element, the developing relationship between the heroes is incredibly realistic, taking into account the attitudes towards homosexuality at the time, and is in fact one of the most poignant I’ve come across in a while.
If you like novels that transport you to foreign lands, are rich in description and historical detail, and have plenty of magic and romance thrown in, you will almost certainly enjoy this book.
Written for Rainbow Book Reviews and Boys on the Brink
June 18, 2012
This isn't really my sub-genre of choice - or at least, it wasn't until I read it! I had no real interest in Vikings, before, but now I'm thinking I might need to do a little more reading...
The story is compelling - a coming of age tale set in a fascinating time period. I like the way the author got inside the mindset of the characters; because Kol's way of thinking is more 'modern', he was an effective intermediary between my attitudes and those of the hardcore Vikings. And Thorbrand was compellingly written, although I think he should have been made to crawl more (a LOT more) after a certain event.
And that leads me to about my only significant issue with the book: I wanted Kol to be a bit more self-directed and proactive. I felt like he was reacting almost all the time, rather than initiating thngs. I think this is true to his character and also true to his relationship with the gods and others, so it's not so much a problem with the book itself as a problem between me and the time period! And he does show a lot of initiative in the final battle - almost too much, maybe, considering how passive he'd been through the rest of the book.
The writing was clear and compelling, and the characters were intriguing and multi-dimensional. There were times when the lingo got a bit dense and hard to sort through, and I was surprisingly frustrated by not being able to pronounce all of the words in my mind - I hadn't realized I read that way, but not knowing the pronunciation of certain symbols really bugged me. It's not the author's fault, of course - he provides a simple and clear pronunciation guide in the glossary. I'm just a lazy reader!
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. It's a fresh look at a fascinating time period, with interesting characters and a rich portrayal of the customs and culture of the Vikings. I have no doubt that the author is an expert on the period, and the sense of historic authenticity added a lot to my enjoyment of the story. Definitely a recommended read.
The story is compelling - a coming of age tale set in a fascinating time period. I like the way the author got inside the mindset of the characters; because Kol's way of thinking is more 'modern', he was an effective intermediary between my attitudes and those of the hardcore Vikings. And Thorbrand was compellingly written, although I think he should have been made to crawl more (a LOT more) after a certain event.
And that leads me to about my only significant issue with the book: I wanted Kol to be a bit more self-directed and proactive. I felt like he was reacting almost all the time, rather than initiating thngs. I think this is true to his character and also true to his relationship with the gods and others, so it's not so much a problem with the book itself as a problem between me and the time period! And he does show a lot of initiative in the final battle - almost too much, maybe, considering how passive he'd been through the rest of the book.
The writing was clear and compelling, and the characters were intriguing and multi-dimensional. There were times when the lingo got a bit dense and hard to sort through, and I was surprisingly frustrated by not being able to pronounce all of the words in my mind - I hadn't realized I read that way, but not knowing the pronunciation of certain symbols really bugged me. It's not the author's fault, of course - he provides a simple and clear pronunciation guide in the glossary. I'm just a lazy reader!
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. It's a fresh look at a fascinating time period, with interesting characters and a rich portrayal of the customs and culture of the Vikings. I have no doubt that the author is an expert on the period, and the sense of historic authenticity added a lot to my enjoyment of the story. Definitely a recommended read.
August 7, 2014
This is a really good book, even more so that it is aimed at the Young Adult market, although if you read it you'd never notice that. There's nothing patronizing here. No lengthy explanations of even the most obvious thing, with just the story telling the tale, and what a tale.
Set in pre-Christian Iceland, with occasional trips to Norway, we are focused on the life of a definitive boy, who feels he doesn't fit in with his farming family. Turns out there's a reason for that, and it isn't just that he has an attraction to an older boy, but more so that is in direction contact with the ancient Gods.
When his ability is noticed he is apprenticed to an elderly sorceress, and so starts an odyssey that last years, and brings him into contact with kings, magic, leading to an almighty battle between those supporting the old religion and those rampaging in the name of the "White Christ."
During this time, our hero Kol, will have visions, meet an actual Goddess, and transform himself in both a hawk and even a seal! But he will also be in both fear and danger for his life, as well as the disapproval of many, as times change and the old Gods sense their time is over.
The book is loaded with interesting facts, tit-bits of information, and detail that there must have been a lot of research by the author but none of it is forced down your throat, and if it is your way you could even ignore it and just engross yourself in the plot and let it wash you away.
However, it is possible to lose track of the time line, as some events do take place of many months, or perhaps even years yet Kol doesn't seem to change much, other than to advance his powers. Yet his love interest, the future clan leader Thorbrand, does mature.
Still that aside, it's so great to read this sort of story where the lead characters are as interesting as they are here, not to mention them being positively gay.
Set in pre-Christian Iceland, with occasional trips to Norway, we are focused on the life of a definitive boy, who feels he doesn't fit in with his farming family. Turns out there's a reason for that, and it isn't just that he has an attraction to an older boy, but more so that is in direction contact with the ancient Gods.
When his ability is noticed he is apprenticed to an elderly sorceress, and so starts an odyssey that last years, and brings him into contact with kings, magic, leading to an almighty battle between those supporting the old religion and those rampaging in the name of the "White Christ."
During this time, our hero Kol, will have visions, meet an actual Goddess, and transform himself in both a hawk and even a seal! But he will also be in both fear and danger for his life, as well as the disapproval of many, as times change and the old Gods sense their time is over.
The book is loaded with interesting facts, tit-bits of information, and detail that there must have been a lot of research by the author but none of it is forced down your throat, and if it is your way you could even ignore it and just engross yourself in the plot and let it wash you away.
However, it is possible to lose track of the time line, as some events do take place of many months, or perhaps even years yet Kol doesn't seem to change much, other than to advance his powers. Yet his love interest, the future clan leader Thorbrand, does mature.
Still that aside, it's so great to read this sort of story where the lead characters are as interesting as they are here, not to mention them being positively gay.
January 15, 2015
4.5
The idea of it being an adventure and a fantasy book made it much better. It was really thrilling and suspenseful that you never get bored. I hardly put the book down. The character development was a huge change since they started as a young and naïve farmer boys and turned into brave warriors throughout the years.
The idea of it being an adventure and a fantasy book made it much better. It was really thrilling and suspenseful that you never get bored. I hardly put the book down. The character development was a huge change since they started as a young and naïve farmer boys and turned into brave warriors throughout the years.
August 2, 2013
It's been a while since I read a YA book and I'm glad I chose this one. I am not versed with Norse mythology beyond what I watched in the old Thor cartoons and the present crop of Thor movies. The recent television series called Vikings and the BBC documentary with the same title I am aware of; but I have avoided watching a full episode until i have the time for a marathon.
So it was refreshing to read about the old Norse religion interwoven into a coming of age story of a seidr (warlock/sorcerer) youth. If you've had your fill of historical novels of the usual Western European kind (think knights and turreted castles), try this one for size with the brawny Vikings and their clans clashing with enemies. The main character Kol basically grows up in turbulent times when the old Norse ways are being discarded for the new religion, Christianity.
The author sometimes tells/explains rather than shows which can occasionally slow down the narrative. To make the story more authentic, i wish the author included more food descriptions (the main character is an adolescent and he would have had a large appetite even if he was a scrawny Viking), so that we'd get an idea of what food they ate. This is just me, i just like descriptions of food like in The Hobbit. What did Vikings eat in the first millenium?
the only minor drawback for me was near the main battle at the end, when all these new kings and queens and noblemen cropped up. i was confused with who was on whose side especially with all the Olafs all over the place. But this is a good action story with even a little puppy love romance going on.
So it was refreshing to read about the old Norse religion interwoven into a coming of age story of a seidr (warlock/sorcerer) youth. If you've had your fill of historical novels of the usual Western European kind (think knights and turreted castles), try this one for size with the brawny Vikings and their clans clashing with enemies. The main character Kol basically grows up in turbulent times when the old Norse ways are being discarded for the new religion, Christianity.
The author sometimes tells/explains rather than shows which can occasionally slow down the narrative. To make the story more authentic, i wish the author included more food descriptions (the main character is an adolescent and he would have had a large appetite even if he was a scrawny Viking), so that we'd get an idea of what food they ate. This is just me, i just like descriptions of food like in The Hobbit. What did Vikings eat in the first millenium?
the only minor drawback for me was near the main battle at the end, when all these new kings and queens and noblemen cropped up. i was confused with who was on whose side especially with all the Olafs all over the place. But this is a good action story with even a little puppy love romance going on.
September 23, 2019
This would be a low 2.5 for me.
I appreciated the believability of the historical details (I have not idea about the authenticity), and thought the characters were mostly well-developed (if they had sufficient screen time), and found the main relationship generally engaging.
However, I thought it could have been generally tighter; it had lots of repetitions and offered limited and/or superficial emotions, and read as written for a younger audience despite the explicit topics. Additionally, some aspects bothered me. For example, while there is minimal commentary on men raping men (yay realism) and the double standard of this being acceptable, contrary to two consenting men loving each other, this is followed by never-challenged implications that being penetrated makes one less of a man and that thus being someone's woman is disgusting and pitiful (implying women are inferiors and to be pitied). There was also no need to portray a "good man" as in love and sleeping with his slave who was painted as generally duplicitous and ultimately evil by betraying him for religious reasons (and paying the price for it), when this would have been, in my opinion, potentially the only coping mechanism afforded to her. The characters may not react to this as we would and I'm sure this or something similar did happen often enough, but was it necessary to add it in this story if there was to be no commentary on it.
I appreciated the believability of the historical details (I have not idea about the authenticity), and thought the characters were mostly well-developed (if they had sufficient screen time), and found the main relationship generally engaging.
However, I thought it could have been generally tighter; it had lots of repetitions and offered limited and/or superficial emotions, and read as written for a younger audience despite the explicit topics. Additionally, some aspects bothered me. For example, while there is minimal commentary on men raping men (yay realism) and the double standard of this being acceptable, contrary to two consenting men loving each other, this is followed by never-challenged implications that being penetrated makes one less of a man and that thus being someone's woman is disgusting and pitiful (implying women are inferiors and to be pitied). There was also no need to portray a "good man" as in love and sleeping with his slave who was painted as generally duplicitous and ultimately evil by betraying him for religious reasons (and paying the price for it), when this would have been, in my opinion, potentially the only coping mechanism afforded to her. The characters may not react to this as we would and I'm sure this or something similar did happen often enough, but was it necessary to add it in this story if there was to be no commentary on it.
July 6, 2023
A story set in Viking Age Iceland, focusing on the lives of sorcerers, farmers and warriors, Seidman (magic man) tells a memorable and breathtaking story with simple but effective language. This is a true page-turner and I reckon its length makes it fit perfectly within a reading in one-sitting on a weekend afternoon. The exploration of magic and farm life and kings and queens isn't deep, but that's exactly how I liked it -- a romance and coming-of-age story with a mystical backdrop. I'm sure I'd have liked it less if those aspects of exploration had gone any deeper. For me, two of the things this book do amazingly are its balance between different themes and its daring time skips to keep it from feeling draggy.
This is definitely the perfect book if you're looking for a powerful love story with a little magic and history in it, but people looking for a detailed historical Scandinavian fantasy novel may be disappointed, for magic and history don't really seem to be a focus here, and rightfully, too.
This is definitely the perfect book if you're looking for a powerful love story with a little magic and history in it, but people looking for a detailed historical Scandinavian fantasy novel may be disappointed, for magic and history don't really seem to be a focus here, and rightfully, too.
September 23, 2020
A very interesting story combining elements of fantasy involving the training of Kol as a sorcerer with historical events such as King Olav Tryggvason's forced conversion to Christianity of the Scandinavian people to his defeat in a naval battle and possible suicide as well as rumors of his surviving. The book was clearly well researched, never dull, with so many interesting characters. Yet I caught myself sympathizing most with the goddess Freyja who sees the eventual triumph of the new religion over the Norse gods, yet seems to accept their fate.
January 20, 2013
What a great read. Kol is a very sympathetic character. He starts out a little weak and stuff happens to him without him doing anything about it and I usually hate that but he does nut up and take the reins totally redeeming himself. And it's believable. He's young he's not a manly man in a manly man's world. The book starts out like Kol a little slow to build but once it gets there it's awesome. Can't wait to read more from this author.
October 5, 2013
Overall a good read. The plot is nicely complicated for such a short Young Adult novel. It is perhaps a bit too violent for some readers (not really explicitly so, though) and is quite tragic at times. The ending is the only part I disliked since, although perhaps more true to the time period, definitely left feeling unfulfilled. I wish I had books like this to read when I was growing up and I still recommend it but probably just check it out from the library if you can.
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