Saint Magnus The Last Viking

by Susan Peek

Come back in time 900 years, to the fierce and desolate Northern lands, where Norsemen ruled with ax and sword. A dying king, a shocking death-wish, his heirs divided with an oath of blood . . . In this fast-paced new novel by the highly popular Susan Peek, the conflict unfolds between Magnus Erlendson, a heroic young prince aflame with the love of God, and his outlawed cousin Hakon, who blames Magnus for his banishment from their kingdom. What follows is a tale of betrayal and revenge, bravery and forgiveness, as Magnus seeks to restore his father's vanquished kingdom to its rightful hands. Entertaining and inspiring from start to finish, a must read for all those who thrill to learn the life of a saint we never knew existed!
The first book in Susan Peek's exciting new series, "God's Forgotten Friends: Lives of Little-known Saints."

Genres: Historical Fiction, Catholic, Young Adult, Childrens, Christian Fiction, Christian

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Susan Peek is a widow, mother, grandmother, and Third Order Franciscan. Her passion is writing stories of little-known saints and heroes. She's a member of the Catholic Writers' Guild and one of the founding authors of CatholicTeenBooks.com.

All of her young adult novels have been implemented into Catholic school curricula not only across the nation, but in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as well. "Saint Magnus, The Last Viking" and "The King's Prey" were both Amazon #1 Sellers among Catholic books, and "Crusader King" was featured as one of the 50 Most Popular Catholic Homeschooling Books in 2013.

Susan lives in northeastern Kansas, where she is busy working on her new novel.

Reviews

[Fonch · Rating 5 out of 5]

dedicated with affection to Carolyn Astfalk and Steven R. McEvoy.
Ladies and gentlemen, this book, and its author have a story, which in my opinion even if it slows down or sorely my opinion on this book is good for Goodreads users to know. As everyone will know I am a collector of Catholic writers, and this has been accentuated since I read a book that you are already Catholic, or you should not read Joseph Pearce's "Convert Writers in a Time of Unbelief"https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... (everything Joseph Pearce writes is a masterpiece, but of all the books I've read to this masterful writer, and biographer, perhaps the book that influenced and marked me the most is this), maybe it's one of my three favorite books. The other is a book, which should be reprinted in English, because it is the best novel I've ever read "Bodies and Souls"https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
by french writer Maxence van der Meersch. This book is more than a history of doctors, or the reconciliation story of a father and a son. Maybe Maxence van der Meersch is the best French Catholic writer of the 20th century, and it's no exaggeration to say that this is my favorite novel, and that I wish I could be enjoyed by all. He left goodreads users, trying to guess what my favorite book is. Taking up the thread of the narration"The Book of Convertwriters" led me to a curious vocation to dedicate myself to the search for Catholic writers, because my great dream is and has always been to read to the best Catholic writers, and Christians in the world. This led me to Catholic Writers Guild https://catholicwritersguild.org/ , and to follow them, and to study their members with great interest. Although it wasn't until very recently until I was able to devote myself to reading the works of its different members. In Susan Peek's case, what struck me was that she had written a story, or a novel about a character, that i was fascinated by the Latin monarch of Jerusalen Baldwin IV, who suffered from leprosy. I had the honor of meeting this wonderful character, thanks to Jan Guillou's second novel "The Knight Templar" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... and I remember, it was wonderfully played by Edward Norton (and was unsalval, by the way. From Ridley Scott's "Kingdom of Heaven," along with the always-most interesting David Thewlis. This interested me greatly, although I have not yet been able to read Susan Peek's novel https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... . With all the frustration during the race of seeing how the crusades had been rejected and perhaps the pardonism installed after Vatican II made me feel a great interest in the crusades, but unfortunately there were very few books that I liked from the crusades. Since even on the part of Christian writers, he has always presented himself to the Crusaders, like savages, and I rebelled against it. Yet I keep thinking, however, that the best novel of the crusades, which I have read has been "The Brethren" Henry Rider Haggard https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... . Yet I am very interested in reading books by these writers Zofia Kossak-Szczucka https://www.goodreads.com/series/1644... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... and their tetralogy about their crossed-pole boys, and the same I think of Nathan Sadasivan's novels "Crown of the world" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... or the novels by Suzanah Rowntree https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... and Helena P. Schrader https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... on the subject of crusades is recommended for Goodreads users to read my review of Pablo Martin Prieto's "History of crusades" https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I had nevertheless had the opportunity to read a book by Susan Peek. You know that I have always been very critical of Spanish publishers, because I believe, that they edit very bad books, and also only seek the economic benefit. Ignoring, that this can be achieved, also by publishing good books. However, the word publishing house had the great success of publishing his San Camilo Lelis novel "The Surrender of a Soldier" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... . This subject interested me, because I was fascinated by the wonderful film of which for me is one of the best Catholic filmmakers today the Italian Giacomo Campioti, who made a film I prefer paradise dedicated to San Felipe Neri (which also comes out in this novel , eye) and wanted to confront the Camilo of the novel with which he appeared in the film. I must admit, I found the novel touching, and I really liked it. Susan Peek had written the novel of a saint as earthly, as you, or I might be my dear user. That's what Pamela Marcantel https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... would have defined as the opposite of a plaster saint. In fact, it is curious that Susan Peek herself confessed that this novel was thought, as a guide, to make a film, and could have made it LUX Vide, perfectly. Some time later Susan Peek, and I met at Goodreads, and empathized, and she told me about some of her projects such as writing a St. Anscario novel, or St. Boniface. She asked me for a favor, too. See if I could get him a publishing house, to edit this novel in Spanish, and although I, and my friend Manuel Alfonseca https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... Alfonseca (especially him) we actually wrote to the Word publishinghouse, to see if they wanted to republish this novel, but because of changes in direction, and other things unfortunately rejected our offer. However Mrs. Peek edited it personally, and she took out this novel in Spanish, and told me if she wanted to read it. It takes a long time to attend to your request, because I am a fierce enemy of the eBook, and to shop on the Internet (it makes me very afraid). However, thanks to my sister I was able to get this wonderful book. It was as you could say a birthday present. Since it was bought for those dates. However, thanks to my sister I was able to get this wonderful book. It was as you could say a birthday present. Since it was bought for those dates. When I had the book in my hands I was fascinated by several things. First lyceded Ann Peek, then Susan Peek's prologue, as the purpose of it had been to rescue the forgotten Saints from oblivion, and one thing that fascinated me was Susan Peek's praise for her friend and partner Theresa Linden https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... which leads me to become one of my next goals. What I really liked about the novel "San Magnus The last viking" was that brilliantly Mrs. Peek reproduced the sagas, and the cold and cruel legalism of the Vikings. The saint was not entirely unknown. For in his interesting novel "The Pirate" Sir Walter Scott https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6... mentioned St. Magnus every two by three. In a perfect fusion in which They merged Nordics, and Scots, and cohabited Christianity, and paganism. I found out after reading the novel that George McCkay Brown https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... "Magnus" https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... . Something I didn't know, and I didn't know. One question we must ask ourselves before dissecting Susan Peek's magnificent novel is whether Christianity destroys the spirit of the wonderful Nordic sagas, and my opinion. It's just that on the contrary they improve them greatly. Let us remember three Christian writers, who wrote sagas. The anonymous writer of the Beowulf https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5... imbued with both Christianity and paganism, Snorri Sturluson https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... father of the new Edda, who was a bishop. Icelandic Ari the scholar. We even see Christian sagas such as "Yngvar the Traveler" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... whose protagonists I am already travelers, and in which King Yaroslav is mentioned. It should be remembered, that already Oleg Yaroslav's brother was a Christian, and then it was Yaroslav converted by the Byzantines (this is told in the Russian film broadcast by Four Vikings, whose viewing I recommend https://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film7... We see as in the saga of Hrolf Kraki beautifully recounted by Poul Anderson. We see how kings, and the Christian bishop give their permission, to tell a pagan story to the pagan woman that count, to extract a healthy moral https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... and what to say about writers such as Sigrid Undset, Haldor Laxness, or Mika Waltari. Some of his novels set in the Nordic world can be considered sagas. On this topic I recommend reading my review of "A Boy of Good Metty" https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I admit, that the Spaniard of Susan Peek's translator had a hard time reading it, and the book has some typo, and despite Thorfinn's division and division, I had a hard time ripping it off. The story beautifully told by Susan Peek does not give a truce at any time to the reader. We see a charismatic, sympathetic young man like Magnus, who reminded me a lot of Alfredo of Wessex, and who as he is raised in an Eynfallow abbey, and rather than being a prince wishes to be a saint. That doesn't make him useless, or pusillanial as the scene at the beginning shows. The contrast between the hero, and the villain St. Magnus, and his cousin Hakon, is well counted. The cold legalism of the Vikings is perceived during the trial of Hakon, and also a reflection, which should not be for the Vikings, but for all Christians in general. Why hasn't Christianity penetrated our hearts? This is asked San Magnus during the process to his cousin, but this question could be asked us G.K. Chesterton says, that man has never dared to practice "real Christianity" https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... I like clan relations, which Peek exposes between St Magnus, and her father Erlend, with her uncle Paal, and with her brother Arleig, although perhaps the most beautiful character, or one of the most beautiful is Lady Thora (mother of St. Magnus) Tor and Holibo has the similar role of Odin`s ravens. Instead I was surprised by the presence of Berfott (which actually looks like his name was Magnus III), and who was still pagan. I thought that with Olaf Tygravsson, and With St. Olaf the Norwegians would have become, but I remembered, what it said history of the Catholic Church written by Louis de Wohl https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7... in which it was said that it was the Cistercians sent by Hadrian IV (The English Pope expelled by Arnold of Brescia, and who gave the Irish Church to Henry II) who ended up Christianizing Norway in the eleventh century. I really liked the scene of Hakon, and of Osbeig, which is perhaps my favorite character, since it is very Spanish, because it remembers the funny, or the rogue, but to which the reader takes a lot of affection. That's one of the things I liked the most about this novel. The incredible sense of humor that this character endows the novel. The witch scene, apart from being a very Conan scene. It reminded me a lot of a novel by Mika Waltari "Queen of the Imperial Dance" I wondered if Heidewatta would be a Finnish sorceress. It is that Finns have a reputation as sorcerers, but this was traditional in the pagan Norse world. I liked Magnus's integrity, and how he manages to end his brother's hatred, and the moral dilemmas he has and how he solves them. I also like how he introduces Kali Kolison into the story. As one saint leads you to another, and I'm not going to say it, so as not to reveal details of the plot. I also like the reason why Magnus decides to return to Orkney, and share the kingdom with his cousin the traitor Hakon. But the end, that a writer pointed me out, and told me, that it was tremendous was what I liked the most. It is the struggle of absolute good, against evil (I will not detail it so as not to destroy the surprise to the reader, but the ending is brutal. Not because of blood, or violence, perhaps it would be surpassed by Henry Rider Haggard's "Eric Bright Eyes" by Henry Rider Haggard https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7... where despite his pagan background the author also sees a glimpse of conversion in his protagonists. But because of the strong shock between good and evil, but it is the ground paid for holiness to germinate. I like the way susan Peek recounts such a visceral event, and it's the best thing about the novel, and what led me to put five stars, not four stars on it). Saint Magnus is a story of an exciting period, and of a character, who instead of opting for revenge opts for forgiveness. His history, although he has more of a political background, that reminded me of that of the English saint Saint Thomas Becket (the relationship between Hakon, and Magnus is very similar to that of Henry II, and Thomas Becket. It's funny how thin the line that separates love from hate. I highly recommend this novel to Goodreads users, and recommend Susan Peek, who continued her saint novels, and noveled them, because never as now this world has had more need of them PD. Let him write the story he tells in his epilogue, and that of St. Anscario, please :-) PD. II I spoke about my wish of reading more novels of writers of Catholic Writers guild for this reason the 6th of January the Magi will bring me a present Gifts: Visible & Invisible https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... I promise a review of all stories.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're like most of us, you've probably never even heard of St. Magnus, let alone know a thing about his amazing life. After stumbling across his story (quite by accident in my case) I'm left with the feeling that maybe God saved this saint for our times, when his message of forgiveness and absolute trust in God is needed more than ever. For that's what this book is: a tale of heroic pardon of enemies and deep, burning love of God.
Like her other books, Ms. Peek writes in a very easy-going, casual style, most accessible to teengers and young adults (and anyone young at heart). It's so easy to get drawn straight into the story, and really feel the hearts and minds of her characters. But if you're looking for an ultra-literary, heavy duty study of this saint's life, you've come to the wrong place. This is a NOVEL. It's fun, it's moving, it's inspiring, it's un-put-downable, and I personally had a blast with it. But it's not for "intellectuals" or literary critics, so if you're one of those, take my advice and buy something else. This one's for us who want to put our feet up, kick back with a good book and enjoy the ride.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first that I have read from Susan Peek, but it will not be the last. In fact I picked up another minutes after finishing this one. I could barely put this book down and devoured it. And even though it is a little beyond my son right now, I told him about it and said we would read it together in a year or two. This book moves at a quick pace. It has amazing characters and is very well written.

This story takes us back 900 years. To a much darker time, but a time when the light of Catholicism had spread and was being embraced in different ways in different parts of the world. It is the story of Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney, also known as Saint Magnus the Martyr. It is the story of a kingdom that was to be ruled by brothers upon their father's death, and from that time forward one of their sons. It is the story of battles. It is a story of strife and ultimately a Christian story.

I was not familiar with this saint before reading this book, but will need to do some further research and reading. In many ways this book reminds me of Andrew M. Seddon's Saints Alive II, Celtic Paths New Stories of Old Saints . Except it is a full length novel instead of a collection of short stories. This book brings a few saints back to life. It brings them alive in the imaginations, minds, and hearts of readers. The story is wonderfully written. There are battle scenes without being over the top. There is conflict and strife without it being ridiculous. And there are a number of characters who exhibit strong faith and end up having influence on those around them.

When I read books one of my keys to judging them is would I share it with my children, now, or when they are older. And would I recommend it to others. This book gets a resounding yes to both of those questions. This was an excellent read and though written for the teen market, I loved the book and plan on giving it to my father to read, and when they are older reading it with my children as well. I highly recommend this book!

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Therese Heckenkamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Let me begin by putting to rest any notion that this, being a historical novel, is bogged down with details and facts. The balance and delivery of fact and fiction is flawless. Saint Magnus The Last Viking brings Saint Magnus to life while delivering action-packed excitement and suspense galore!

From the beginning, I couldn’t put this book down. A ruler’s deathbed decree sets in motion a dire future for the heirs to the throne of the Orkney Islands. When Saint Magnus, a prince, clashes with his ruthless cousin Hakon, Hakon is banished. Brooding and bitter, Hakon plots revenge.

Magnus faces hardships that would drive a lesser man to despair. But the battles of good and evil ultimately chisel Magnus into a saint.

Full of twists and turns, Saint Magnus The Last Viking is sure to be read with bated breath. Teen boys will devour the action, adventure, and bravery. I’m sure many, many young women will enjoy this thrilling story as well. Adults, you too!

Note that there is violence and some blood, but a story like this could not be done justice without it. Violence is not used simply for shock value; it brings home the reality of what Magnus suffered and how his sainthood was truly merited.

At it’s core, Saint Magnus The Last Viking is a most intense story of moral courage and forgiveness against all odds.

Those who’ve never heard of this saint before will never forget him after reading this book. It’s an absolute must-read!

Reviewed by:
Therese Heckenkamp
Catholic author of Past Suspicion and Frozen Footprints

[A.K. Frailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was impressed by how well the author carried off this rather astonishing story. The characters seemed very real and life-like. No wooden saints here. I was a little confused initially because, though the setting is over 900 years ago, the characters were using modern expressions. But when I considered, they weren't really speaking in English either, I realized that creative licence allowed the author to set the tone. Otherwise, the setting, events, and descriptions all fit very well with the times. My teenage daughter found the last chapters rather distressing, and I understood why. I think this is a good book to discuss with students & young people, since it does cover some very painful realities. By the end, I felt that I was a part of the scene; I too have to choose between heroic good and terrible evil. Considering the events of our day - this might be a very timely position to consider.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say goodbye to dry and dusty lives-of-the-saints tomes better suited as flower presses or door stops. Saint Magnus, The Last Viking is lively, engaging, humorous, and as you might guess since Magnus was martyred, bloody.

Instead of boring the reader with an inhumanly pious saint story or bogging down the tale with details of centuries-old Norse life, Susan Peek has written an inspiring tale showcasing both the depth of human depravity and the glory of heroic love. All in a way that is appealing to the modern reader.

Throughout the novel, it’s clear that saints are mere human beings with weaknesses, flaws, desires, and ambitions. What sets them apart is their reliance upon God and the saints and their aim to become more Christ-like in spite of temptations.

Beautifully-written scenes of brotherly sacrificial love and a meditation on Christ’s suffering for our sins are worth reading and re-reading.

Saint Magnus, The Last Viking deftly portrays the power of forgiveness in the face of evil. Its powerful ending resonates in the heart long after the book has ended.

[Christine Calabrese · Rating 2 out of 5]

Saint Magnus

Like the scriptorium illuminated manuscripts, a Catholic book ought to be a work of art.

“Will I deteriorate as a writer if I read this book?” I questioned my editor.

“Endorsed by the Catholic Writers Guild? This could raise suspicions of nepotism.” I added.

“No, no, it’ll in fact, inspire you to be a better writer. You witness first hand the effects on the story.”

“Okay,” I hesitated, “I’ll give it a try, but I’m having a hard time stomaching this.”

The concept of this book is intriguing. Historical novels are captivating.

One would expect the writer to adhere to period dialogue instead she uses colloquial language and sometimes period vocabulary. There is a lack of consistency in the text. Additionally there is a use of trite phrases.

Here are some examples of overused common language in the book: p. 20 “dead meat” p. 21 “come out from under a rock” p. 15 “to say the least”

Yet on p.19 we read period language, “Speak not like that before the Council, son.”

There are poorly designed sentences that may make grammatical sense but stop the flow of the text.

p. 22 “As if in a daze, Grida wandered silent and alone through the still smoldering ashes…” through “what had been…” “her and her…” father’s home.”

I stopped reading, “her and her…” may make grammatical sense but the result is awkward.

My recommendation to the author is to study two resources:
“The Elements of Style,” by Strunk and White and
“On Writing Well,” by William Zinsser.

I would not recommend this to teens who are learning to write and ought to surround themselves with great literary works. Let them read Mark Twain, GK Chesterton, Victor Hugo (Les Miserables), The Count of Monte Cristo, etc. The saints have a plethora of good reading for teenagers and adults.

St. Magnus deserves better and so do young Catholics.

Good writers are hard to find, bad writers turn the business of writing into a sport.

I will put this book to rest.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only other time I have felt this unsettled feeling that I have now was when watching For Greater Glory. Blessed José Sánchez del Río's violent martyrdom had me wishing I could save him, and not sure I should feel that way since he showed such devotion and witness to God at the moment of his death. This book had me feeling the same way. It's difficult because the book was written like a novel, but we were hearing the thoughts (or perceived thoughts) of real people (I really don't know whether to put this on my Catholic Fiction shelf or my Non-Fiction Shelf, so I'm putting it in both, contradictory though that may be.) I was rooting for Magnus the same way that I rooted for Harry Potter or Margo in I Am Margaret. I wanted him to succeed, and the way that we perceive characters succeeding in novels in if the villain is defeated and there is a relatively happy end. We don't get that with this book. Magnus dies a bloody death and, while Hakon is technically defeated, he repents the way Magnus had been praying for him the entire book, this isn't the kind of defeat that we generally see or expect in a novel. And while Magnus gained the greatest reward that any of us can receive, the bittersweet ending with Thora does not leave us satisfied the way we hope for at the end of a book.

The content of the above paragraph is not the reason that I gave the book four stars instead of five. The loss of the star is owed to the writing style, or rather, the language. I actually really enjoyed Susan Peek's writing style, so it's really unfair to blame it on that, it had a lot more to do with the language she used--the modern words and phrases that jolted me out of the world that was being illustrated, making me search for a better way to phrase things. The most common culprit was the word "alright" which cropped fairly often, and bothered me every time. Don't get me wrong, I neither expect nor want "At the time when the moste triumphant Jarl Thorfinn of Orkney lay upon his anguished deathe bed," but there was once somewhere in the story where Magnus said "very well" and I thought that would have been an acceptable substitute. There were much more obvious bits that bothered me more that 'alright,' though. When Magnus said "Hey, it was four against one! What did you expect me to do, ask them for their autographs, for heaven's sake Aerling, I didn't even have a sword." or on the next page he says, "Just to change the subject." While these bothersome little phrases did stop cropping up as often as the book went on, every time they did they jerked me out of the 1100s and back to 2015.

This was a wonderful book that achieved what Susan Peek said she hoped for in her note in the beginning; I now know who Saint Magnus the Earl of Orkney is, and will ask for his intersession. I would like to read more of Susan Peek's books, and if they are as good as this book, but without the annoying little modernisms, they will certainly get five stars from me.

[Silver Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"In many chapels, reddened by the setting sun, the saints rest silently, waiting for someone to love them."

These beautifully poetic words, written long ago by an anonymous priest, serve as an introduction to Saint Magnus, The Last Viking, a book in Susan Peek's series on little-known saints. Upon reading this quote, my interest was instantly piqued, and I turned the page to begin the story. The more I read on, the more I became convinced that this book was not only good, but important. As indicated on the back cover, it is geared towards teens (although relevant for all ages). With an engaging style that prompts you to turn the page, not to mention captivating adventure and suspense, this volume will undoubtedly capture the attention of young people with the misconception that learning about saints is "boring". Peek's choice to tell the story through narrative form rather than a textbook approach was also apt. I found myself, as an adult, wanting to soak up every historical detail while following the characters (or, in this case, real life people) in their compelling and, at times, heart-wrenching, journey.

I love St. Magnus. This may not seem like a unusual thing to say, for I am indeed a Catholic who looks to the example of the saints for inspiration and guidance in leading a holy life. Yet I had never heard St. Magnus' tale and, as far as I can recall, had never even heard of this saint. After reading his story, I am utterly baffled as to how his existence managed to elude me. Several times while reading, I found myself picturing the scene in a movie, and that is a testament to Peek's solid writing skills. St. Magnus became real to me, a living, breathing boy with his own struggles and victories, made manifest through the revelation of inner thoughts, as well as his actions and dialogue with others. I found that I cared about him deeply, as well as the other players on God's stage, from his fiery brother Aerling to the sympathetic Kol Kalison, a good man of faith who found himself drawn to friendship with Magnus despite the fact that they were on opposite sides in the conflict. Themes such as forgiveness are sprinkled throughout the text, inspiring a desire in the reader to grow in holiness. While there are many serious scenarios that take place in this book, Peek did not shy away from using humor when appropriate, particularly in dialogue. There were many relatable moments that will bring this foreign landscape of times past to the here and now, proving that the stories of the saints are still relevant today. While it is a pageturner with modern appeal, it is not an overly simplistic or watered down version. Peek chooses her language well---in particular in her masterful conclusions to chapters---painting both lovely imagery and emotionally evocative moments with the stroke of a pen. The ending of the story will tug at your heart, and may perhaps bring a tear to the eye.

I highly recommend this enthralling narrative that brings to life the world and life of an incredible, holy boy who became a courageous saint. Two thumbs up!

[Theresa Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Peek’s saint stories combine all the best: deep conflict, struggles, and heroic virtue.

This story begins with the last will and testament of an 11th-century Norseman warrior, Thorfinn the Mighty. The opening scene sets the stage for the novel as the dying ruler makes a startling decision for the sake of the kingdom. The conflict begins here and never lets up.

Susan has an outstanding ability to begin and end chapters with lines that keep you from putting the book down. Chapter two begins: “It had never occurred to Magnus, second son of Erlend, to arm himself with a weapon before setting off for Vespers.” You absolutely know something exciting is going to happen! And it does. Peek pulls the reader from one tense moment to another. We go back in time and become witness to the dramatic trials Magnus endured and the sacrifices he made.

As the mother of three boys, ages twelve to fifteen, I can’t say enough about this book. My boys love to read and they enjoy saint stories, but Saint Magnus, The Last Viking appeals to them in ways no other saint books have. This is not a sterile retelling of the saint’s life. The characters leap off the page with energy my boys can relate to, keeping them completely engaged as the story of this saint unfolds.

With all the battles, fighting, and conflict, it’s obvious why this story appeals to boys, but I love it, too. In fact, I read it first. As a writer, I thoroughly enjoy Peek’s powerful writing style and vivid descriptions. I marvel at her ability to develop every character in the story. Some lines and sections moved me so much that I found myself re-reading them for pure enjoyment. Then I shared them with my husband. “Listen! Don’t you just love this?” I laughed to myself when my twelve-year-old son read the book and did the same thing. “Mom, listen!”

Susan Peek’s inspired account of the life of Saint Magnus stirs up the desire to live as he did, with courage, perseverance, and brotherly love, faithful to God to the end. Peek has taken the life of this little-known saint whom time may have forgotten and whose story could’ve remained hidden, and she’s re-presented it to the modern Christian.

This book is not to be missed. I walk away from it knowing I will go back. The message of Saint Magnus’s life is a message for today and it remains with me even now. I can’t wait to step into my next Susan Peek book.

[Leslea Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Magnus is one of three books in Susan Peek’s series – Gods forgotten friends. First of all, where were these books when my own kids were learning about saints? This is just such a great idea, sharing the stories of little known saints in exciting novels based on their lives.
Susan Peek did a masterful job of bringing to life this saint from the early 1100’s, and giving the reader an exciting look into the Viking way of life. Ms. Peek has woven the facts surrounding St. Magnus into a wonderful story that makes him real and relatable while dropping the reader in the middle of a dramatic period of history. I especially loved Magnus, his brother Aerling, and their relationship.
This teen book is equal parts geography, history, and theology lessons in a thoroughly engaging fictional story. I found it so compelling and interesting that when I finished the book I began researching St. Magnus wanting to know even more about this saint that I’d never heard of. I think any teen would enjoy this book but boys especially will love the adventure, danger and action that drives this novel. What a fantastic idea for a series, I look forward to discovering more of God’s forgotten friends.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first volume I've read of the God's Forgotten Friends series about "the lives of saints who have fallen deep into the shadows of obscurity." I was fascinated by this story. It held one surprise after another for me because I knew little about the history of violence between the Vikings of Norway and the people of Scotland and the tiny islands off its coast. My review is based on a PDF copy provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review, so I don't know whether a map of that geographical area might be included in any final version of the book, but I referenced a map to see for myself the settings of the story. I think young readers would be interested in seeing them too. The novel is written in modern language, which should appeal to young readers, especially boys. Magnus and the other young male characters are not unlike those of today.

[Andrew Ziebro · Rating 3 out of 5]

One chapter in and that was enough. Very poorly and clumsily written.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting slice of history from the Dark Ages about a saint I had not previously known about. Teen boys will like the fast pace and action. The title character is portrayed sympathetically, and many of the other characters are shown in three dimensions. The frequent use of modern terms and slang, especially in the characters' speech, was a distraction to this otherwise well-written story.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what the Doctor ordered: loads of forgiveness and “offering up” themes. I’m a better person for reading this book. I didn’t really know anything about Saint Magnus before reading this. Although from a teen boy’s perspective with plenty of action and gore, my teen daughter loved it as well.

[Mark Adderley]

This is the tale of Magnus, Jarl (Earl) of Orkney, also known as Saint Magnus the Martyr. According to contemporary sources, Magnus was always a tender-hearted and pious child, which didn't seem to fit his position as a prince of Orkney during the turbulent Middle Ages. (Not the Dark Ages, as some reviewers would have it: all the events of this novel, with the exception of the opening chapter, occur after the Norman Conquest.) The conflict throughout this novel seems to involve how Magnus will maintain his virtue, in spite of frequent temptations to violence, and the occurrence of actual violence all around him.

This is one of the great virtues of Peek's writing: she makes virtue compelling. She does it by depicting the way in which virtue comes into conflict with the standard modes of behaviour in the historical period about which she is writing. In this case, the times were very violent. It was not considered unvirtuous to use pretty horrific violence against political enemies or against ordinary populations in order to profit one's kingdom. But Magnus refuses to do this. In the middle of a battle, for example, he simply kneels and prays the psalms. In doing so, he becomes an inspiration for other characters around him, and for the reader too. I don't know of many authors today who can do this. They generally have to depict their characters as "dark," with a number of flaws mixed in with their virtues ... if they even acknowledge the existence of virtues. But Peek is able to describe virtuous characters and make them exciting as well. That's a very important skill!

The violence of the novel is pretty hard-hitting (pardon the pun), particularly the martyrdom at the end. But Peek neither glorifies it nor sentimentalizes it, and I think that comes down to a solid grasp of her characters. We see the violence through their eyes, and because we care about them, we react to the violent events as they do. We're perhaps disturbed by it, or we see it as unfortunately necessary; we can never dismiss it. But this trick of Peek's prevents us from trivializing it.

One reviewer claimed that the ending was not a happy one. Well, Magnus gets martyred. That's not a spoiler, that's where you know his character is going from the very first time we meet him. But the ending is only an unhappy one if we accept that death is a defeat, and an ultimate loss; it's neither, in this case. Death is the gateway to glory, but it also enables the survivors to grow in virtue. The ending of the story is deeply moving, dealing as it does with redemption and forgiveness. When a story confronts the necessity of forgiveness and the consequent redemption of a wrongdoer, it is not an unhappy ending. It's a complex and nuanced ending.

I should point out that, just because the novel is about forgiveness, it is not a pacifist book. A pacifist would reject violence at all costs, but Peek acknowledges that violence is occasionally necessary, as when one's home is invaded. Magnus does not shy away from violence when it's necessary, but he does pray for the souls of his enemies.

Two minor criticisms one might have about Saint Magnus: The Last Viking are 1) the very contemporary style, particularly in dialogue, which can be a little distracting; and 2) the minor characters who sometimes verge on the caricature. Certainly, as a medievalist and avid reader of historical and fantasy novels, I found the modern idioms in the dialogue a little disconcerting at first. But it doesn't take long to accept that as simply part of the style of the novel. The idioms seemed to me to be translations of medieval Scandinavian idioms which wouldn't necessarily mean anything to modern readers. As for the minor characters who seem a little two-dimensional, well, we can't give in-depth treatment to all characters. We'd end up writing very long novels. It's worth sacrificing a little depth in the minor characters for the advantage of writing such a compelling conflict between Magnus and Hakon.

In conclusion, this is a fast-paced, event-filled narrative that makes virtue compelling and foregrounds forgiveness in a violent and harsh setting. I would certainly recommend it to other readers, especially to the teen boys for whom it is written.

[Little Newt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished "The Last Viking" this morning. It was such a good book, very well detailed. I love how authors, especially Susan Peek, can help remind us that the saints were human too. "The Last Viking", along with Susan's other books, inspire me to deepen my relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ, His loving Son.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first few pages, I was completely drawn into this dramatic life-story of a Viking prince from the Orkney Islands, north of Scotland. When the story begins, Magnus is a pious young teenager who would love nothing more than to retire into a monastery and avoid the constant fighting and bloodshed that is the everyday life of your typical Viking lord. But God has other plans for Magnus. Through the treachery and bloodthirst of his older brother and cousin, Magnus gets pulled into an epic ordeal that involves battles, imprisonment, exile, and eventually an ascension to the Orkney throne himself.

Throughout this very fast-paced, action-packed novel, the author traces the development of Magnus's deep spirituality and the internal battles he fights to align his will with God's. Although he is often mocked by his peers for being so "holy," in reality Magnus struggles constantly to overcome sin. This was a very strong aspect of the story: it's easy to write off saints as impossibly patient and good, when they actually are just working a lot harder at virtue than the rest of us.

I assume the author invented some of the minor details about his life. In general, the plot flowed very well. The only part that I questioned was that in this story, after St. Magnus's father the king of the Orkney Islands dies, his mother the queen marries a simple farmer. This seemed extremely unlikely to me, given the rigid class separation during the medieval period.

My other criticism is that some of the writing was a little informal, with some modern language that would not have been used at that time. However, I think this could actually appeal to the intended young adult audience, and I would encourage my children to read it for a late middle school or high school study of medieval history.

In all, I truly enjoyed reading this book and was impressed with Susan Peek's ability to tell a spellbinding story.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and received no other compensation.

Read a longer version of this review at my blog: http://catholicmomapologia.wordpress....

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story about a little-known saint has all the historical context and adventurous elements needed to make it interesting and engaging. I enjoyed the backdrop portraying the Vikings for the historical element. It shows a masterful view of a young man becoming more and more attuned to visions of his religion. He has a strong family, but alas, a confrontational cousin who carries it to the extreme. They are royalty and will move into their fathers' places to rule their kingdom. That brings with it all manner of controversy and hardship. As the story of the young saint progressed, I felt myself completely drawn into the story. As the young man's life played out and was reaching it's most glorious moments, I felt chills down my spine. It is a wonderfully told tale. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history or the saints.

The characters are believable, the story line makes sense. I did feel that on occasion there was contemporary language that was a bit distracting from the historical feel. Particularly in the beginning chapters. I did wonder why the young saint put himself into such danger at times. However, upon reaching the end of this book, I find that I can't wait to read the tale of Rognavald, or the other books written by Susan Peek. Well done.

The book is listed for ages 15 and up. I do not see why middle school children wouldn't enjoy this book. Perhaps ages 12 and up. I also don't understand the focus on boys. Why wouldn't girls enjoy this story as much as boys? I did find several proof-reading errors. I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow! This was a great – GREAT – read. I’ll confess that I was skeptical at first. Another saint story? Sometimes my kids are tired of the saint stories. YaknowwhatImean? But this one, this one, my children will read and savor and my guess is that they will read it again.

To begin with, the story is very well written. Peek knows how to draw the reader into the plot and keep her (in this case, anyway) there. The plot moves quickly, and the story doesn’t dwell too much on the inner sanctity of Magnus. Rather, Magnus shows us what he does. Let’s us hear what he is thinking. Let’s us see when he is struggling to do the right thing. That last point, I think, is especially noteworthy in the story of a saint. That heroic virture is just that: its heroic and isn’t necessarily “easy” to come by. In fact, its hard! The saints are people, too!

Also, this is a story of Saint Magnus! Who’s that? Well isn’t that the point? No offense to St. Anthony, or St. Patrick, or St. Joseph, or even to St. Pope John Paul II: but here is the invigorating tale of a man mostly unknown. Sometimes, its good to take a peek into one of “God’s forgotten friends” to reinvigorate the faith a little. Its a story that isn’t familiar to most of us and so its almost with fresh eyes that we see the struggle to forgive, and the power of forgiveness.

No, St. Magnus isn’t a saint that you will probably find on last year’s list of Confirmatti. But my guess is that it’s coming soon, to a parish near you.

Note: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Ron Ovits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I obtained this book at a nearby parish bookstore at the same time I purchased three others by the same publishing house, a company called Catholic Vitality which name immediately caught my interest. While terribly disappointed in the others (see my reviews for El Cid, Saint Fernando the Third, and The Defenders of Christendom all by James Fitzhenry), I was delightfully surprised by this one, although it is not normally the type of book I read. I was at first somewhat taken aback by the casual and even modernized language, unusual indeed in a saint story, yet was drawn from the first page into this swift-moving and highly inspiring tale of an obscure Viking prince, later canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, Saint Magnus of Orkney. It became apparent within pages that the author was targeting a young adult audience, thus the somewhat modern language. (I think the tactic is worth merit, as was proved when I later lent this book to several high-school students I know. They devoured it, claiming to have stayed up all night reading, as did I.)
Saint Magnus is definitely a model needed for our times. His life was one of total selfless love of God and forgiveness of enemies, in the face of sorrows and trials hardly to be equaled. This novel should end up a highly popular title among youth, one would hope.
I have not enjoyed a book so much in years. It reminded me of the adventure stories I read and loved as an adolescent myself. This is a delightful and inspiring book, which I must confess deeply moved and edified me. I will certainly by buying more books by this talented author.

[T.M. Gaouette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! Although historical fiction is not the usual genre I read, I absolutely loved this fictional story of the life of Saint Magnus. It was gripping from beginning to end, and I was up late trying to find out what happens next and how the story ended. Susan Peek is a wonderful writer. I love her style and elements of humor. This book is perfect for teens. It teaches them about saints in a way that is both wildly entertaining and edifying. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well plotted and well written fictional account of a viking who struggled with life in a hard time and also with putting aside the old gods of his people to embrace the new religion of Christianity while living it. The storyline is excellent and the characters are made real by the skills of the author. Whether you call him a saint or a warrior in the army of God is a matter for your belief system.
Received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Monique]

Exciting book, intense ending. We love St. Magnus now. I hope the author will do what she hinted in the epilogue and write another book about St. Rognavald. Because the story does not feel finished!

[Lucy Heckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really a work of art. I love it so much and its probably one of my favorite books.

[Christina Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: what I want in my life are middle-grade to almost YA novels about saints...of the quality of Tolkein or Sigrid Undset. So if I sound harsh, keep in mind the standard…

I have to say I’m glad I read Saint Magnus. I learned where the Orkney Islands are, and it fed my interests in the middle ages and the [norway area]. Is it the best writing I’ve ever read? Honestly, no. But - it was engaging and exciting, and certainly made its point about the greatness of God’s forgiveness.

I appreciated that Susan Peek took the violence of this society seriously without letting her writing become gory. Still not sure I would give it to my sensitive 10-year-old, but she walks the fine line of expressing the terrifying reality of swords and axes without going over the top with details.

I was also glad to see the deep internal struggles Magus, the main character, had with himself. One of my main complaints about saint novels for kids is the lack of conflict - the saint tends to be perfect and almost above temptation from the moment he or she is born. Magnus first helps his brother with his struggles, then faces his own, giving a good example of calling on the Blessed Mother for help in difficulty.

On the saint note, it seems to be hard to write about a saint without it all sounding preachy rather than authentic. Magnus slips into preachy-ness a few times, and I was glad that his brother called him on it. It adds a level of reality to the scene - even if he’s right, it doesn’t mean his hearers are ready for the message, or that his delivery of it is a perfect fit for their place in life.

The most believable dialogue, for me, came from Olfeig. I thought he sounded totally authentic, and his growth throughout the book, though he was a minor character, was one of the highlights for me.

A couple of things I wasn’t excited about: I would have loved more rich details in the scenery, clothing, and the like. I’m working on my own medieval novel right now, so I know that’s a lot to ask, but it would have added to the richness for me. I’m on the fence about the constant changing of viewpoints. It would have been a difficult story to pull off from a single viewpoint, no doubt, and I did like getting inside the heads of different characters. Still, there was something jarring about the chapter-by-chapter shifting. Finally, a theological point: it may be true that violence is sometimes justified, especially in the context of this story, and that the true guilt falls on the head of the person giving the orders. For myself, however, I would have to qualify those sentiments by pointing out that the role of the saint is to offer his life rather than take another’s, which is perhaps where Magnus’ holiness shines brightest. I just wasn’t sure it outshone the discussions of how violence was excusable (though terrible, as is also made clear) because of the circumstances. I guess my concern is my son saying, “It was ok for the vikings to fight back when they were attacked,” whereas that is not likely to be the position he has found himself in.

So all in all, The Last Viking is not going on my very-favorites list, but it was a good read, and I would recommend checking it out.

[Jaime K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read from Peek, and I like this a lot more--mainly because the focus IS on St. Magnus’ life (unlike with Dymphna’s).

I don’t know how much is fact and how much is fiction, given how atrocious Magnus’ Wikipedia page is. BUT here is how Peek tells it:

Thorfinn the Mighty is on his deathbed when he changes the line of succession. Instead of his eldest Paal inheriting the throne, both Paal and his younger brother Erlend will share the throne as brother Jarls. Each of their eldest sons must do the same.

Fast forward 26 years later. Paal’s eldest son Hakon is trouble, and even Paal can’t stand him at times. Erlend has two sons: Aerling and Magnus. Magnus catches Hakon in a crime and since he is one of the heirs of the throne, he’s not beheaded.
Yet Aerling gets all the throne and Hakon is exiled.

The drama around Hakon is pretty scary. He was a vicious guy. He eventually seeks out a witch who tells his future, which is ominous. His cousin on his mother’s side, Ofeig, is with him and doesn’t let him forget the fortune--even years later.

Magnus is pious, and not in a false way. He legitimately prays, and talks to his brother about forgiving Hakon--especially after their cousin leads a Norwegian army (led by Viking King Berrfott) through their fathers’ lands and the two brothers are kidnapped. What Magnus says about forgiveness is beautiful, and only he can calm Aerling down, and prevent him from killing their kin.

Magnus even fasts despite having his knee sliced open and needing water if not food, praying for his brother to forgive their cousin. He helps Aerling better understand the sacrifices Christ made for us, and what it means to have True Love.

There are some scenes with Erlend’s wife, Lady Thora, and how she helps first Aerling’s sweetheart at the beginning and then her daughters. “Feeling a temptation is not the same as giving into it.” (Chapter 5)

During a battle in the Straits of Menai, the brothers refuse to fight. Aerling is killed (which makes me VERY sad), but Magnus...can kneel on even his mangled knee and pray the psalms from his psalm book that the was allowed to keep on him.
Beautiful.

I really like Kol. I wish we had more of him.

We see the tensions between Christians and non-Christians, though not as much as I might have anticipated.

Berrfott forces Magnus to be his cupbearer, but Magnus escapes to the king of Scotland for 10 years.

Then Hakon finds him. Well, his friends Tor and Holbodi find him because Hakon looks for him, but it amounts to the same thing. They say Hakon has matured.
He hasn’t, not when it comes to Magnus, anyway.

Ofeig is still with Hakon, but he at least has grown. I end up liking him. I’m surprised at how much he riles up Hakon.

Hakon actually is more terrifying, seeking vengeance and premeditated murders. *shudders*

Magnus ends up leaving, escaping for his life, and stays with his mother and stepfather (and half brother), away from Hakon for a while. Then he is found again by the Chieftains about Hakon wanting a truce.
I snorted in disbelief. I’m sure Magnus internally did too.

[Miss K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and exciting read! My sister recommended that I read this book, and I'm so glad I did.
Like many people, I hadn't heard of Saint Magnus before reading this book, but the author had a great way of bringing the characters alive. The dialogue is fictional, but it helps to show what the characters went through 900 years ago, as well as show the conflicts between Magnus and his cousin, Hakon. Going into this book, I was expecting to learn about the saint along with a few details. However, Peek does much more than that. She clearly kept me on the edge of my seat with her suspenseful events. I felt as though I really got to know that characters throughout the book. The ending does include some violence, but it does need to be there to show what life was like 900 years ago. I'd recommend this book to other teens and older adults.

[Carmela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saint Magnus, the Last Viking is a page-turner sure to please teens and adults who enjoy high-stakes adventures. I found the story especially fascinating because it’s inspired by real historical figures, including a saint I’d never heard of before. I was hooked from the first page and didn’t want to put the book down. The only reason I’m not giving this novel five stars is because of the use of modern language and expressions. It took me a while to realize that the author did this intentionally, I assume to make the story more appealing to teen readers. But the technique sometimes pulled me out of the story. Even so, I still recommend this as an engaging, informative read.

[Dave Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about a relatively unknown saint.

I had a special interest in reading this book, as a Catholic and as a descendant of Saint Magnus. His family eventually became the Gunn clan, of which my family is one of the septs. Mrs. Peek's work covers much of what we know of Saint Magnus, and is well-written. I look forward to reading more of her books, and humbly thank her for her work here. Bravo, Mrs. Peek.