The Saga of Santa Claus

by M.D. Couturier

Valdor is a selfish king who cares nothing for his fellow human beings. One night, the god Odin turns him into a goat-man and offers a trial. If he succeeds, Valdor will regain his body and kingdom. But if he fails, he will be condemned to wandering the world as an outcast. In desperation, Valdor agrees. But little does he know that he is about to embark upon an extraordinary journey that will change his life forever.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Childrens, Fantasy

132 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2015

About the author

Born in South Korea, M.D. Couturier was raised in Greenville, Michigan and earned a B.A. in History at Grand Valley State University.
M.D. Couturier, who is legally blind, once spent a month as an aid worker in Kabul, Afghanistan, where he unloaded supplies for an American dentist who was setting up a clinic there.
M.D. Couturier has enjoyed reading all of his life. In the realm of nonfiction, he likes books on historical and political topics. His favorite authors in these fields include Max Hastings, Margaret MacMillan, Antony Beevor, Samuel Huntingon, and Benjamin Barber. In the realm of fiction, M.D. Couturier is crazy about fantasy fiction books, especially those written for children. Favorite authors include L. Frank Baum, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis, Lloyd Alexander, Roald Dahl, E.B. White, and Suzanne Collins.
When he’s not writing, Couturier enjoys listening to audiobooks and watching movies.

Reviews

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every December, I snuggle up before the fireplace with armfuls of Christmas books. I just love the atmosphere of the holidays!

This year (in October) I was asked by the author if I was interested in reading his new novel, The Saga of Santa Claus....

I was interested.

The first few pages drew me in. It is well written and very creative; It reminds me of a fairy tale.

I think this is a perfect Christmas folklore for children and adults.


I would love to see M.D. Couturier find an illustrator to compliment his wonderful tale.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book that strongly attracted my attention since I enjoyed Baum's adaptation of the Santa Claus myth. And so I'm grateful for being given a chance to read this book.

First of all the book didn't actually take me so long to read as my timeline shows. I was in the process of moving and being a Kindle version I didn't have easy access or opportunity to read it as I would.

As for the actual book I found the narrative style clashing. Parts of the narration were like a narrator from a documentary then it would switch to a narration format more compatible with an actual novel. This is the main reason I found the book lacking.

The use of the Nordic gods was an interesting concept for the book but otherwise the characters were mainly flat. Some pieces of personality were included but not enough to be able to truly relate to.

All in all an interesting take on the Christmas story for those who may be interested in it. And for those who have read Baum there are a lot of similarities in the two stories so it will be up to reader discretion.

*Please note I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

[midnightfaerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful new take on the legend of Santa Claus. Heartwarming and fun, this story kept me engaged right up until the end. My children loved it, ages 5 and 8, and begged for another reading of it. I'd love to see this made into a tv special for kids! How fun would that be? Loved the story.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saga of Santa Claus by M. D. Couturier
How Santa came about. It all started in a kingdom...
Valdor is born to the king and queen and he's a horrid child growing up treating others terrible.
His parents soon die and he's now the king and thwarts his superiority around. One day he is removed from the throne and he pleads for another chance to be good to others.
Odin has turned him into a yule goat and will be given the job of going to the North Pole, living in a cave and delivering coins to all the children at Yule time for 12 years. A snow fairy pairs up with him and helps.
He travels to the snow fairy kingdom to learn how the coins are made. In their travels he meets a little girl but the following year he doesn't visit her. He finds out what happened years later but she died because the king didn't give them food.
He reflects on his life to make things better for the world...other things that happen around the holiday are also discussed that we take for granted in our time.
Liked this book because it was easy to follow along and would make a good addition to the regular the night before Christmas when reading with a child.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be . . .

* Notice, the author sent me a free pdf of this book for an honest review. Unfortunately it would not open, so I purchased my own copy.
While an enjoyable and new twist on the story of Santa Claus, I found it difficult keep my attention focused on the story as it jumped around, somewhat. Also, the names of the characters and places are would be very difficult for the age level of the children this book is directed toward.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this new take on Santa's origin. I think it would make a great read aloud during the holiday season for families or classrooms. The addition of the mythology of Odin was a twist I was not expecting. I didn't want to put the book down in order to find out the next twist, turn, and outcome.

[Michael Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book wasn't titled "The Saga of Santa Claus". I mean, the title is totally appropriate, and I have no suggestion for a new title, but I wish it was different anyway.

I'm sure you've seen the old Rankin-Bass stop-motion animated "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". You know how that TV show starts out from when Santa was a baby, and then takes you through the journey to when he became all fat and jolly? It's kind of like that.

You know how in Sleeping Beauty, how the king and queen have a baby, and they have a big party and everybody comes, and those fairies come and give the baby some magical gifts? It's sort of like that.

You know how Odin and Thor and everybody are TOTALLY AWESOME? Yep, it's a little like that too!

Basically, this story takes you from the birth of a guy named Valdor, whose mom and dad happen to be the kind rulers of a kingdom, through his childhood when he becomes king (but not a kind one), and then through a huge adventure which ends with him being all fat and jolly, complete with the elves and the reindeer and the lumps of coal and the ho-ho-ho. It goes through the whole Santa thing and explains everything about him, but the cleverness of this book is that you never see any of it coming. (Well, hardly ever. I saw the lump of coal coming a mile away.) If I gave you the first chapter and last chapter of this book, you would swear you were reading two completely different stories. But the narrative is built with such imagination and attention to detail that it all feels like it makes perfect sense. It's like telling someone, "I'm going to take this piece of wood and turn it into a chocolate birthday cake, complete with lit candles, and we will eat some to celebrate your birthday today!" and then give you a completely plausible way that that will happen.

This book is pretty different from the Rankin-Bass story I mentioned, but this is no Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King, either. That book pretty much throws the whole Santa mythology out the window and starts from scratch - this one pays great respect to all of the little ins and outs of the Santa story we all talk about every year. But it gets there by way of Norse mythology, and the kind of storytelling you find in fairy tales as they were written down before Walt Disney redefined the way we think about fairy tales. What Disney fairy tale to you know of that has polar bear poop in it? Can't think of one? I didn't think so! This book is not sanitized like a Disney cartoon. Although I could totally see a Marvel Comics adaptation of it (the part about Thor might not fit their canon very well without some minor adjustments, but you know, it's Marvel. Say it happened on Earth-fifty-bazillion and you're all good).

The reason I wish the title could be something else is because for me, half of the fun was pretending that I didn't know the protagonist was one day going to be Santa Claus, and letting the surprises come as they developed. In fact, when I read this to my 7-year-old daughter, I'm not going to tell her ahead of time that it's about Santa. All the fun is in the surprise!

...but I bet it won't take her long to figure it out!

[Zarah Gagatiga · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Saga of Santa Claus is an origin story of Norse background. It narrates the beginning of the Yuletide gift giving tradition; the man behind the happy red suit; the elves who helped him make toys; and other little bits of Christmas traditions we all recognize and practice. Take for example the stockings filled with gifts and the mistletoe that hangs on every homes' door or window. These practices are unique to western culture but, from where I am from, families have adopted the custom despite the absence of snow and mistletoe. Perhaps, people are attracted to the idea and the novelty of it all. Mark Couturier explains why it is so and it amused me that Thor is the reason for this.

There are is of course, the presence of the Norse Gods in the story, like Odin and Frigga. There are fairies and goblins too. A magic ring and a magic sleigh complete the gifts bestowed upon the chosen one. The book starts out as a legend and finishes off into a myth that children of all ages will find delightful.

The best part for me was Valdor's climactic turn into the kind hearted man that he truly is. Spoiled from childhood, this crown prince story arc is a classic, almost canonical change spelled the difference in the entire novella. It is a good read this Christmas as we keep in mind the message of the season despite turbulent times. Kindness and compassion, friendship and humility, will save us from our greedy, selfish selves. Valdor experienced this through friends who stuck with him and strangers who didn't give up on him.

I believe that every man and woman, and child, has that constant companion who will love him or her, no matter what.

[Aurora Dimitre · Rating 5 out of 5]

-I was provided a PDF of the book in exchange for an honest review-

Alright, this was a cute one.

One thing that I kept noticing, over and over, was how good the writing style was for this sort of story. It was a sort of magical style, one that was formal but in the way that made it seem child-like, and that was all really good? It worked well for a story of Santa Claus, is what I'm trying to say. Speaking of, the way that the author made everything fit the typical story of Santa Claus was very interesting, and it worked very well. I kept reading, waiting to see how each and every part of the Santa Claus myth would be fit in - and I wasn't disappointed. The author managed to think up a creative and new way to do... well, everything.

I had absolutely no problem with this book, and there wasn't even that gut feeling trying to hold me back from giving it five stars. I just plain enjoyed it. Though it's October and I should be thinking about Halloween, it got me thinking about Christmas. There's not even snow yet, and this book had me thinking about Christmas. That's impressive.

Things like flat characters or stilted dialogue didn't bother me - though looking at it objectively, or singularly from the book, I can see it, but it fit in with the book perfectly, and if you don't look at each aspect separately, you barely notice it. The writing style and the choices made by the author fit the story and the book perfectly, and, overall, this was just a cute, fun book that did exactly what it set out to do. It's a perfect Christmas book.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover is so Christmasy! And then I read the blurb and the brain gears started turning--Norse gods and Santa?

As one might guess, this is the story of Santa coming to be. Now, this isn't a normal Christmas tale in the sense that we've come to hear them over the years. This one starts out full Odin style and brings images of Thor and all those other magnificent characters to mind. In other words, this is something especially boys ages eight and up will go wild for.

There's some humor, a dash of snark, and a very stubborn Valdor. The Christmas elves aren't exactly what one might expect, but they've got their own, terrific style. The story itself is nicely paced, never growing dull, and Valdor's reactions are a little surprising too. In other words, although the general outcome might be somewhat predictable, the path to it is not.

The story is written in a way kids will understand. It doesn't talk down at them, and it deals with something kids today will know about. The message is clear, and it's not delivered in a sugar plum basket with soft snowflakes. But it's by no means violent either.

In other words, this is a great, new twist on Santa which will grab today's boys (and girls too). It's also the perfect length for more stubborn readers. I can see how the cover might give them wrong impression, but this is totally worth a read. I can completely recommend this to any fans of Thor and Co., and parents of these kids who would love to see them read something a little holidayish.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read books intended primarily for children, I have several criteria I use to assess them. I look for books that are entertaining. Some complexity of plot serves not only interest but also stretches the mind of the young reader. The vocabulary should include words that will add to the child's words. Grammatical usage should be correct so that the child learns correct grammar. I very much look for the characters to grow through their experiences in the book and for them to encounter challenges that require them to interact with each other and their world.
In the Saga of Santa Claus, we are presented with a wealthy young man who believes himself to be different than the rest of the world. When he loses that world he eventually learns how to be a full citizen of the human race. His adventures along the way are entertaining and include explanations of how our present Santa Claus story evolved.
Sadly, my grandchildren are too old to enjoy this with me. Happily, it may only be a few years before I will be able to enter the Saga of Santa Claus with my great grandchildren. I look forward to that day and to rereading the book a number of times.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanking the author for approaching me with the question if I was interested in reading his book. In all honesty, I would have never picked it up – might not have even noticed it with this cover. Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s just that I’m not all that into ‘modern Christmas stories’. And that’s what the cover suggested. At least, to me! But boy was I up for a surprise! Mythology and folklore? Bring it on!

From the first pages, I instantly got a warm feeling: that kind which makes you feel as if you’re snuggled up under a blanket with a hot drink and read by the light of the fireplace.
The story flows so nicely that it’s easy to visualize every single scene and become part of it. It made me smile oh so many times! The entire cast of humans, fairies, elves and goblins, will add laughter and tears to that.

Norse mythology and modern elements poured well-balanced into a beautiful and entertaining story – with a lesson to be learned!
I really enjoyed it and I’m definitely going to reread it when December comes!

[Dalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever wonder how the story of Santa Clause began? There are many different tales as to how the famous old man in red clothes began. M.D. Couturier has a very interesting and fun tale! Valdor is a selfish king, to say the least. During Yule Eve Valdor is enjoying his life as a king when all of a sudden a group of kids come and interrupt his party. He doesn't like this and tells them to leave. Since he was caught turning away hungry kids, Valdor is sentenced to live in the cold North Pole for 12 years until his heart changes. If he doesn't change then he will forever be stuck in goat form and live his life without his kindom.

Couturier has written a very fun and quick story about Santa and how he was not the jolly old man that we know of today. Read this one, you won't regret it.

[Erik This Kid Reviews Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was this a unique take on the Santa story, it is an example of a self-published book done very well. I like the idea of how Mr. Couturier explained how Santa Claus started. Valdor’s change was slow, but it was interesting, as he does change, but he doesn’t realize it at first. I like how the book explains all of the parts of the Santa Claus “mythology”. I enjoyed reading this, and love that the Norse gods play a role in the story (but wait… I know you’re asking- “Norse gods in a book based on a Christian character?” It all makes sense!). At 132 pages it is a quick read, but an interesting one that will pique a kid’s interest.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Eleanor Toland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saga of Santa Claus is a short children's novel offering an original backstory for the jolly man in red. This quirky and modern Christmas tale emphasises morality and the oft-forgotten idea of a Christmas present as a reward for good behaviour. Here, Santa starts off life as a spoiled, selfish bully who must go through a series of trials and transformations before becoming the beloved icon. On the road to redemption, he meets Norse gods, fairies, goblins, a faun, and naturally, children. A timeless story with a strong background in Scandinavian myth (Thor makes an appearance!), The Saga of Santa Claus would work well as an illustrated novel.

[Kelvin Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Saga of Santa Claus" by M. D. Couturier is an imaginative tale of how a selfish and heartless king became the kind, generous, immortal giver of gifts to children. Full of wit and charm, this engrossing story entertains while presenting a lesson, without preaching, about how a person can change. The supporting cast of fairies, gods, goblins—and of course, children—round out the book very well. Highly recommended.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a cute origin story on the legend that is Santa Claus. Half morality tale, half fairy tale this is a nice litte story to get you in that Holiday mood.