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Born a Viking: Berserkr: Second book of the Born a Viking Saga
Blood seals alliances, treachery births tyrants. The Born a Viking saga reaches a fever pitch in Born a Berserkr.
Betrayal's scars and brutal lessons learned in Blót propel Sigurd and his family into a desperate fight against the tyrannical King Orm. Unhospitable mountains and foreign lands become their battleground as they forge uneasy alliances for survival.
Amidst whispers of an ancient prophecy that questions the fate of the legendary Twelve, including Sigurd's own father, the stakes have never been higher. Are they doomed to fade into oblivion, or can they defy fate and rewrite their destiny?
Driven by this chilling uncertainty and the need to survive, Sigurd pushes himself to the brink. But will his determination be enough to overcome the forces arrayed against him?
Journey through the tumultuous Viking Age of Scandinavia in an action-packed and unputdownable adventure with Born a Berserkr. Buy your copy now!
Betrayal's scars and brutal lessons learned in Blót propel Sigurd and his family into a desperate fight against the tyrannical King Orm. Unhospitable mountains and foreign lands become their battleground as they forge uneasy alliances for survival.
Amidst whispers of an ancient prophecy that questions the fate of the legendary Twelve, including Sigurd's own father, the stakes have never been higher. Are they doomed to fade into oblivion, or can they defy fate and rewrite their destiny?
Driven by this chilling uncertainty and the need to survive, Sigurd pushes himself to the brink. But will his determination be enough to overcome the forces arrayed against him?
Journey through the tumultuous Viking Age of Scandinavia in an action-packed and unputdownable adventure with Born a Berserkr. Buy your copy now!
- GenresHistorical Fiction
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2024
4 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 2, 2024
A few weeks ago, a friend gifted me the first book of this series. As a big fan of Vikings and Norse mythology, I was excited to read it and ended up devouring it. When I discovered there was a second book, I didn't hesitate to order it.
It's rare for me to say this, but the second book surpassed the first. It moved me to tears and made me feel deeply immersed in the story.
The characters were really well written, the story perfecty presented and the character development, especially the one of Sigrud was astonishing and scary.
I can only recommend to give this series a try and I promise you, you will be waiting with excitement for the third book of this beautiful series just like me.
It's rare for me to say this, but the second book surpassed the first. It moved me to tears and made me feel deeply immersed in the story.
The characters were really well written, the story perfecty presented and the character development, especially the one of Sigrud was astonishing and scary.
I can only recommend to give this series a try and I promise you, you will be waiting with excitement for the third book of this beautiful series just like me.
May 28, 2024
Sigurd's and his family's story goes on and with every page you read it gets harder and harder to put it down. Looking forward to the next chapter of this super captivating saga!
June 22, 2024
"Born a Viking: Berserkr" by Riccardo Polacci, the second book in the Born A Viking Saga, immerses readers in a vivid and tumultuous world from its very opening. The story commences in a dark, chilly night illuminated by bonfire lights surrounding the sacred King Oak tree, setting a scene of communal sacrifice to the Norse gods. This sacred ceremony, filled with drumming, dancing, singing, and a profound sense of connection to the divine, suddenly erupts into chaos as armored knights attack the gathered people, resulting in a massacre.
This violent and brutal disruption is not merely a backdrop but a catalytic event that propels the story into a whirlwind of betrayal and conflict. The dream sequence experienced by Sigurd, the protagonist, vividly conveys this horror and sets a somber and intense tone for the novel. His awakening to find his family engaged in mundane activities juxtaposes the nightmare's gravity, highlighting the thin line between the divine and the mortal realms, and between peace and violence.
The massacre at the sacred oak tree serves as a harbinger of the challenges Sigurd and his family will face. The dream is more than a mere figment of his imagination; it is a premonition that hints at the imminent trials, betrayals, and battles they must endure. The dialogue between Sigurd and his family members following the nightmare reveals deep-seated fears and unspoken truths, indicating that the past's shadows will cast long and dark over their present and future.
As Sigurd narrates his horrific dream, the reactions of his father and Olaf, who recognize the significance of the oak tree and the knights, reveal a shared history and collective trauma. This dream signifies an impending clash with forces that threaten not only their physical existence but their cultural and spiritual identity. The sacredness of the oak tree, the gods' perceived presence, and the ruthless invasion by the knights underscore the story's central themes of faith, sacrifice, and resistance against external oppressors.
The opening sets the stage for the novel’s central conflict: the fight to reshape the destiny of Sigurd and his family. It foreshadows a journey fraught with peril, where the boundaries between dreams and reality blur, and where the echoes of ancient rituals and the brutality of conquest intersect. Sigurd's nightmare, therefore, is not just a forewarning but a call to action, galvanizing the characters to confront their deepest fears and rally against the forces that seek to destroy their world.
"Born a Viking: Berserkr" masterfully establishes a narrative rich in mythological resonance and human struggle, promising readers an epic tale of vengeance, survival, and the enduring spirit of the Viking people. The vivid imagery and emotional depth not only captivates the reader’s imagination but also lay a solid foundation for the unfolding saga of betrayal and redemption. For fans of historical fiction and epic adventures, this book delivers a gripping and unforgettable experience.
This violent and brutal disruption is not merely a backdrop but a catalytic event that propels the story into a whirlwind of betrayal and conflict. The dream sequence experienced by Sigurd, the protagonist, vividly conveys this horror and sets a somber and intense tone for the novel. His awakening to find his family engaged in mundane activities juxtaposes the nightmare's gravity, highlighting the thin line between the divine and the mortal realms, and between peace and violence.
The massacre at the sacred oak tree serves as a harbinger of the challenges Sigurd and his family will face. The dream is more than a mere figment of his imagination; it is a premonition that hints at the imminent trials, betrayals, and battles they must endure. The dialogue between Sigurd and his family members following the nightmare reveals deep-seated fears and unspoken truths, indicating that the past's shadows will cast long and dark over their present and future.
As Sigurd narrates his horrific dream, the reactions of his father and Olaf, who recognize the significance of the oak tree and the knights, reveal a shared history and collective trauma. This dream signifies an impending clash with forces that threaten not only their physical existence but their cultural and spiritual identity. The sacredness of the oak tree, the gods' perceived presence, and the ruthless invasion by the knights underscore the story's central themes of faith, sacrifice, and resistance against external oppressors.
The opening sets the stage for the novel’s central conflict: the fight to reshape the destiny of Sigurd and his family. It foreshadows a journey fraught with peril, where the boundaries between dreams and reality blur, and where the echoes of ancient rituals and the brutality of conquest intersect. Sigurd's nightmare, therefore, is not just a forewarning but a call to action, galvanizing the characters to confront their deepest fears and rally against the forces that seek to destroy their world.
"Born a Viking: Berserkr" masterfully establishes a narrative rich in mythological resonance and human struggle, promising readers an epic tale of vengeance, survival, and the enduring spirit of the Viking people. The vivid imagery and emotional depth not only captivates the reader’s imagination but also lay a solid foundation for the unfolding saga of betrayal and redemption. For fans of historical fiction and epic adventures, this book delivers a gripping and unforgettable experience.
August 25, 2024
Find this review and more on my blog at
Worlds Unlike Our Own
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A huge thank you to the author, Riccardo Polacci, for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sigurd and his family have been through many trials, but their fight is only just beginning. Sigurd has a horrific dream that they quickly realize is more of a premonition of the challenges to come. The Swedish King Orm is aiming to take over all of Scandinavia and intends to wipe out the legendary Twelve, including Sigurd’s father. Former members of their brotherhood have betrayed them and allied with the king, raising the stakes higher than ever. To survive, the Twelve must seek out allies of their own in their quest to protect their land and traditions, but who can they truly trust?
After the thrilling final chapters of Blót, I was really looking forward to picking up this sequel to follow Sigurd’s journey once more.
The world building was once again one of the strongest elements and I enjoyed following the characters journeys across the various towns and landscapes of Scandinavia. The plot took some very interesting turns this time around, and though there was heavy foreshadowing about what was going to happen, it all came together so well that when the twist did show up, it was shocking regardless.
One thought that came to mind multiple times during this book is how helpful a timeline would have been, and a map too. The story moves too fast to get a proper idea of how long all the travelling these characters do takes, but given that they move about on foot or horses in this era, it has to be significant stretches of time.
Where with Blót it took me a lot of time to get into the book, Berserkr drew me back into the tale immediately and I was completely engrossed in Sigurd’s story. Though a rather short book, it was completely action-packed and so much was going on at any point that there wasn’t a single dull moment. There was definitely a significant improvement in the writing as compared to the first book and the narrative flowed much more smoothly this time.
Sigurd’s character development was excellent, and given the series of events he went through in the last book and now in this one, it was realistic too. Despite the only POV being Sigurd’s, I thought that this sequel also allowed for a better understanding of the other characters and I was much more invested in their arcs this time.
The battle scenes in this book were, in general, very well written, but the best of all in my opinion was the final one. Berserkr was completely unputdownable in these last chapters and totally surpassed Blót. It has laid a solid foundation for the next book which is sure to be just as action-packed given the events that brought this book to a close.
I’m really curious to see what happens next in this story and hope to read the sequels whenever they’re out! If you enjoyed book one, I would highly recommend Berserkr, it was a thoroughly entertaining read!
A huge thank you to the author, Riccardo Polacci, for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sigurd and his family have been through many trials, but their fight is only just beginning. Sigurd has a horrific dream that they quickly realize is more of a premonition of the challenges to come. The Swedish King Orm is aiming to take over all of Scandinavia and intends to wipe out the legendary Twelve, including Sigurd’s father. Former members of their brotherhood have betrayed them and allied with the king, raising the stakes higher than ever. To survive, the Twelve must seek out allies of their own in their quest to protect their land and traditions, but who can they truly trust?
After the thrilling final chapters of Blót, I was really looking forward to picking up this sequel to follow Sigurd’s journey once more.
The world building was once again one of the strongest elements and I enjoyed following the characters journeys across the various towns and landscapes of Scandinavia. The plot took some very interesting turns this time around, and though there was heavy foreshadowing about what was going to happen, it all came together so well that when the twist did show up, it was shocking regardless.
One thought that came to mind multiple times during this book is how helpful a timeline would have been, and a map too. The story moves too fast to get a proper idea of how long all the travelling these characters do takes, but given that they move about on foot or horses in this era, it has to be significant stretches of time.
Where with Blót it took me a lot of time to get into the book, Berserkr drew me back into the tale immediately and I was completely engrossed in Sigurd’s story. Though a rather short book, it was completely action-packed and so much was going on at any point that there wasn’t a single dull moment. There was definitely a significant improvement in the writing as compared to the first book and the narrative flowed much more smoothly this time.
Sigurd’s character development was excellent, and given the series of events he went through in the last book and now in this one, it was realistic too. Despite the only POV being Sigurd’s, I thought that this sequel also allowed for a better understanding of the other characters and I was much more invested in their arcs this time.
The battle scenes in this book were, in general, very well written, but the best of all in my opinion was the final one. Berserkr was completely unputdownable in these last chapters and totally surpassed Blót. It has laid a solid foundation for the next book which is sure to be just as action-packed given the events that brought this book to a close.
I’m really curious to see what happens next in this story and hope to read the sequels whenever they’re out! If you enjoyed book one, I would highly recommend Berserkr, it was a thoroughly entertaining read!
September 3, 2025
The second book in the series "BORN A VIKING BERSERKR" by author RICCARDO POLACCI is a delightful and adventurous read. To dig deeper into the experience I had reading this, pls check the elaborated review below.
A Saga Drenched in Myth and Blood
This tale throws you headfirst into the world of Norse mythology, Viking valor, and divine whispers. At its heart is Sigurd, a young Viking whose dreams are anything but ordinary—nightmares of brutal sacrifices blur into reality, hinting at his strange bond with the gods. Between tending crops, wielding weapons, and making offerings to Odin, Sigurd’s life is steeped in rituals, myth, and family legacies that suggest a bloodline touched by something more than human fate. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you feel the clash of sword on shield and the weight of ancestral ghosts breathing down your neck.
A Quest Forged in Fire
The story wastes no time in setting Sigurd and his kin on a perilous mission: rescuing their enslaved mother. What begins as a family struggle quickly spirals into a journey across treacherous villages, slave markets, and shadowy secrets. Here, myth blends seamlessly with danger—Grímnir, a mysterious figure tied to the divine, lurks in the background while betrayal and vengeance creep closer with each chapter. It’s not just about saving a loved one; it’s about testing faith, honor, and survival against enemies both mortal and god-touched.
Blood, Battles, and Brotherhood
The battles here are not for the faint of heart. Traders, warriors, and enslaved souls collide in violent clashes where loyalty and blood debts are tested. One of the most gripping moments comes when Eirik, Sigurd’s father, recognizes his enslaved wife and erupts into a whirlwind of rage and steel. From there, the chaos only grows—raids, red-haired berserkers, and the constant drum of vengeance keep the story pulsing. Yet, even amidst the carnage, the novel lingers on the Viking bonds of family and clan, and the spiritual weight of Uppsala—where faith, greed, and power intertwine.
The Road to War—and Beyond
As the saga expands, alliances form and old comrades return, bringing both hope and heavy truths. King Orm’s ambitions threaten more than just a family’s peace—they endanger entire cultures. The final stretch leads the Vikings into Denmark and beyond, where vengeance against the encroaching Christian forces ignites a war both personal and political. The story closes not with quiet resolution but with the promise of fire, steel, and divine reckoning. For readers who love myth-soaked worlds, ferocious battles, and the undying spirit of warriors, this book is an immersive plunge into the raw, unrelenting heart of Norse legend.
A Saga Drenched in Myth and Blood
This tale throws you headfirst into the world of Norse mythology, Viking valor, and divine whispers. At its heart is Sigurd, a young Viking whose dreams are anything but ordinary—nightmares of brutal sacrifices blur into reality, hinting at his strange bond with the gods. Between tending crops, wielding weapons, and making offerings to Odin, Sigurd’s life is steeped in rituals, myth, and family legacies that suggest a bloodline touched by something more than human fate. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you feel the clash of sword on shield and the weight of ancestral ghosts breathing down your neck.
A Quest Forged in Fire
The story wastes no time in setting Sigurd and his kin on a perilous mission: rescuing their enslaved mother. What begins as a family struggle quickly spirals into a journey across treacherous villages, slave markets, and shadowy secrets. Here, myth blends seamlessly with danger—Grímnir, a mysterious figure tied to the divine, lurks in the background while betrayal and vengeance creep closer with each chapter. It’s not just about saving a loved one; it’s about testing faith, honor, and survival against enemies both mortal and god-touched.
Blood, Battles, and Brotherhood
The battles here are not for the faint of heart. Traders, warriors, and enslaved souls collide in violent clashes where loyalty and blood debts are tested. One of the most gripping moments comes when Eirik, Sigurd’s father, recognizes his enslaved wife and erupts into a whirlwind of rage and steel. From there, the chaos only grows—raids, red-haired berserkers, and the constant drum of vengeance keep the story pulsing. Yet, even amidst the carnage, the novel lingers on the Viking bonds of family and clan, and the spiritual weight of Uppsala—where faith, greed, and power intertwine.
The Road to War—and Beyond
As the saga expands, alliances form and old comrades return, bringing both hope and heavy truths. King Orm’s ambitions threaten more than just a family’s peace—they endanger entire cultures. The final stretch leads the Vikings into Denmark and beyond, where vengeance against the encroaching Christian forces ignites a war both personal and political. The story closes not with quiet resolution but with the promise of fire, steel, and divine reckoning. For readers who love myth-soaked worlds, ferocious battles, and the undying spirit of warriors, this book is an immersive plunge into the raw, unrelenting heart of Norse legend.
November 6, 2024
POV: When you can't get enough of the first part, and then the second part makes it even harder to pause!
As the plot grows, a lot of characters are introduced. Even then, neither the importance of each character, nor the pace is compromised. The story has a lot of locations, the author has managed to describe it well enough so as a reader, I felt like I travelled with them. Brotherhood, courage and pain of a warrior is well represented in both books. I can't wait to get my hands on the third sequel.
As the plot grows, a lot of characters are introduced. Even then, neither the importance of each character, nor the pace is compromised. The story has a lot of locations, the author has managed to describe it well enough so as a reader, I felt like I travelled with them. Brotherhood, courage and pain of a warrior is well represented in both books. I can't wait to get my hands on the third sequel.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews