What do you think?
Rate this book
ヴィンランド・サガ [Vinland Saga] #17-18
Vinland Saga Omnibus, Vol. 9
Fighting for a Future
Thorfinn and his crew are on their way to Greece, the first leg of their expedition to Vinland. Having landed near Bergen, in Norway, Thorfinn is attacked by a bear, only to be saved by a fierce huntress named Hild. While sharing a meal together, Hild recounts how her village and family were massacred many years ago—a story Thorfinn knows quite intimately. Now, Thorfinn must face Hild and his own violent past in order to press forward. As his journey progresses, Thorfinn encounters more factions that do not share his vision, and a war in the name of Vinland may be looming on the horizon.
Thorfinn and his crew are on their way to Greece, the first leg of their expedition to Vinland. Having landed near Bergen, in Norway, Thorfinn is attacked by a bear, only to be saved by a fierce huntress named Hild. While sharing a meal together, Hild recounts how her village and family were massacred many years ago—a story Thorfinn knows quite intimately. Now, Thorfinn must face Hild and his own violent past in order to press forward. As his journey progresses, Thorfinn encounters more factions that do not share his vision, and a war in the name of Vinland may be looming on the horizon.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2016
97 people are currently reading
708 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
April 22, 2025
When you have slaughtered hundreds and been involved in the pillaging of thousands it's not so easy to be on a quest for Vinland without coming across people from your past, angry at you people from your past, just ask Thorfin! A superb hunter vs hunted volume 17 introduces Hild; and then volume 18 sees a lot of familiar faces return in full force to our saga. As like the other volumes, the plotting is slow and plodding, but it is also full of top historical fiction reality building and such a great cast of characters :) Another Three Star, 7 out of 12 omnibus.
2025 read
2025 read
January 2, 2026
This was a tough one. Hild’s backstory is incredibly tragic, and it makes perfect sense why she wants to kill Thorfinn.
The juxtaposition between these two characters is so well written. One genuinely striving for redemption for the things he has done, the other still immersed in pure fury for her lost childhood.
Once again, I am reminded how thankful I am to be born during this current timeline. Not just for modern plumbing, but in terms of being a woman and what kind of value you bring to the world.
An excellent series to buddy read with my son.
The juxtaposition between these two characters is so well written. One genuinely striving for redemption for the things he has done, the other still immersed in pure fury for her lost childhood.
Once again, I am reminded how thankful I am to be born during this current timeline. Not just for modern plumbing, but in terms of being a woman and what kind of value you bring to the world.
An excellent series to buddy read with my son.
August 24, 2019
Vinland continues to be an amazing adventure.
With the cliffhanger of the last volume the first part of this story deals with Hild and Thorfinn. Will she kill him? Will she forgive him? What happened back then? You get the whole story and it's not very...happy. Then we deal with the group getting chased down by a old foe (or maybe friend?) and some fighting happens that might just change everyone's life!
The story moves at a nice pace still with plenty of great character development moments. I'm so excited to see where this goes next and the art just keeps getting better and better. A 4 out of 5.
With the cliffhanger of the last volume the first part of this story deals with Hild and Thorfinn. Will she kill him? Will she forgive him? What happened back then? You get the whole story and it's not very...happy. Then we deal with the group getting chased down by a old foe (or maybe friend?) and some fighting happens that might just change everyone's life!
The story moves at a nice pace still with plenty of great character development moments. I'm so excited to see where this goes next and the art just keeps getting better and better. A 4 out of 5.
May 16, 2020
In the first half, Thorfinn is on the run from a female hunter whose father he killed years before he became a pacifist. The second half finds most of the surviving cast of the series (Thorkell!! Yay!!) coincidentally coming together in Jelling just as a war of succession is brewing among the Jomsvikings.
The book is just cruising along at a pretty consistently high level of quality.
The book is just cruising along at a pretty consistently high level of quality.
April 1, 2023
Karli is the most adorable baby ever if something happens to him I will loose it.
August 19, 2024
4/5
Not gonna lie, I was a bit bored at some point in this story, but when Thorfinn returned to his homeland, and then started his journey—taking Gudrid with him and later meeting Hild along the way—I can’t stop reading this manga.
Not gonna lie, I was a bit bored at some point in this story, but when Thorfinn returned to his homeland, and then started his journey—taking Gudrid with him and later meeting Hild along the way—I can’t stop reading this manga.
November 8, 2022
4.5/5 stars
As usual, Vinland Saga continues to be amazing in every way. Especially in the first half when dealing with Hild trying to get her revenge and the discussions on atoning for past actions and how the past is something you can never truly escape. As usual, I love Thorfinn with all my heart and his character work is the strongest aspect of this series. It was especially interesting to see some old faces and how this is going to change and influence the plot to come.
As usual, Vinland Saga continues to be amazing in every way. Especially in the first half when dealing with Hild trying to get her revenge and the discussions on atoning for past actions and how the past is something you can never truly escape. As usual, I love Thorfinn with all my heart and his character work is the strongest aspect of this series. It was especially interesting to see some old faces and how this is going to change and influence the plot to come.
March 25, 2020
Definitely not my favorite of the series. We introduce a lot of new characters, we go through some flashback as well and in the end the main story didn't evolve much. It was good don't get me wrong, just not as good as this series had me expect! But I'm still fully in and can't wait for the next one (one a bit lower at vol. 9, all containing two normal size volume, so that make 18, it's just normal to have a bit of a slower one!).
March 23, 2023
Vinland Saga is no doubt the best manga I've read. Each volume differs much from the previous, but is equally brilliant. 4.5/5
July 22, 2019
In this volume the side-character from the end of the last takes center stage. The backstory presented is interested and unique, as usual, and the main themes of redemption, forgiveness and turning over a new "Lief" are presented with renewed intensity. The personal journey of the main character and his comrades takes on Shakespearean resonance as the author enlarges upon the meticulously crafted Medieval depiction of the world.
It's easy to forget that ancient clans were people to, as capable as, or more capable than, us in many cases, with dreams, loves and pain. I was very absorbed by this quick-read tome, and can't wait to see where the story goes next. I am torn between wanting to get to the story's conclusion and just enjoying the ride.
It's easy to forget that ancient clans were people to, as capable as, or more capable than, us in many cases, with dreams, loves and pain. I was very absorbed by this quick-read tome, and can't wait to see where the story goes next. I am torn between wanting to get to the story's conclusion and just enjoying the ride.
June 17, 2018
Another impressive addition to an excellent series.
July 21, 2025
Our lead matures, but his troubles persist.
June 7, 2022
No i doczekałam się Thorkella!
A tak serio Baltic War Sea War Arc to mój ulubiony arc w całej Sadze Winlandzkiej. Dużo się działo, było śmiesznie i poważnie, a co najważniejsze postanowienia Thorfinna zostają poddane próbie.
A tak serio Baltic War Sea War Arc to mój ulubiony arc w całej Sadze Winlandzkiej. Dużo się działo, było śmiesznie i poważnie, a co najważniejsze postanowienia Thorfinna zostają poddane próbie.
February 1, 2025
SPOILERS
Arriving at the south of Bergen, Thorfinn’s crew had a couple of surprises, from a black bear attacking them, to the badass hunter Hild, who saves them, only for her to hunt Thorfinn himself, due to her village and family massacred years ago when he was among Askeladd’s men. In order to save his crew, who have been secretly poisoned by Hild in an attempt to lure Thorfinn on being hunted alone in the snowy woods, he must face the hunter and his own violent past in order to press forward.
The first half of this volume is dedicated to the battle between Thorfinn and Hild, which allows Makoto Yukimura to construct an extended well-crafted action sequence that relies on speed and strategy. Thorfinn steps in with nothing but his instincts, Hild is equipped with a crossbow and if you can’t find satisfaction in the highly-detailed panels, in which she reloads her weapon, I cannot help you.
Perhaps the most powerful chapters explore Hild’s backstory, from the night her life changed, to the journey of her willing to fight back. As much as we’ve seen the atrocities that Askeladd and his men, including Thorfinn, have committed, presenting those characters through another perspective adds an extra layer of horror. We have seen Thorfinn as a young, angry child in the early chapters of the manga, but through the lens of the young, horrified Hild, he is generally terrifying, as well as believing that the world is one where you are to be the hunter or the hunted.
The present Hild, much like who Thorfinn was, is driven by vengeance and so how does the present Thorfinn resolve this conflict? Through a form of compromise, where Hild reminiscing the lessons from her father and mentor, both of which had a sudden demise, she doesn’t forgive Thorfinn, but she is willing to be among his crew so that he can achieve his dream of finding Vinland and if he fails, she will kill him. Considering the loose cannons that were already among the crew from the impulsive Gudrid to the baby Karli, it’s fun to get another one in there and see what a new dynamic can bring.
Meanwhile, Thorfinn’s war-hungry uncle Thorkell is left in England that has been ruled peacefully by King Canute. When Thorfinn’s party arrives in Jelling, Denmark to buy rations to last them along their route to Greece, he is reunited with Thorkell, as well as a number of other familiar faces, including Floki, who realises who was Thorfinn’s father. Although Thorkell encourages the idea of his nephew taking over the Jomsvikings, of which Thorfinn declines, Floki has other plans to be who should be the successor and is willing to kill Thors’ son.
Considering that so much of Vinland Saga was originally war-centric, the story now is about our hero escaping the horror and pointlessness of war that has defined his childhood and can he resolve the consequences of his own past.
Arriving at the south of Bergen, Thorfinn’s crew had a couple of surprises, from a black bear attacking them, to the badass hunter Hild, who saves them, only for her to hunt Thorfinn himself, due to her village and family massacred years ago when he was among Askeladd’s men. In order to save his crew, who have been secretly poisoned by Hild in an attempt to lure Thorfinn on being hunted alone in the snowy woods, he must face the hunter and his own violent past in order to press forward.
The first half of this volume is dedicated to the battle between Thorfinn and Hild, which allows Makoto Yukimura to construct an extended well-crafted action sequence that relies on speed and strategy. Thorfinn steps in with nothing but his instincts, Hild is equipped with a crossbow and if you can’t find satisfaction in the highly-detailed panels, in which she reloads her weapon, I cannot help you.
Perhaps the most powerful chapters explore Hild’s backstory, from the night her life changed, to the journey of her willing to fight back. As much as we’ve seen the atrocities that Askeladd and his men, including Thorfinn, have committed, presenting those characters through another perspective adds an extra layer of horror. We have seen Thorfinn as a young, angry child in the early chapters of the manga, but through the lens of the young, horrified Hild, he is generally terrifying, as well as believing that the world is one where you are to be the hunter or the hunted.
The present Hild, much like who Thorfinn was, is driven by vengeance and so how does the present Thorfinn resolve this conflict? Through a form of compromise, where Hild reminiscing the lessons from her father and mentor, both of which had a sudden demise, she doesn’t forgive Thorfinn, but she is willing to be among his crew so that he can achieve his dream of finding Vinland and if he fails, she will kill him. Considering the loose cannons that were already among the crew from the impulsive Gudrid to the baby Karli, it’s fun to get another one in there and see what a new dynamic can bring.
Meanwhile, Thorfinn’s war-hungry uncle Thorkell is left in England that has been ruled peacefully by King Canute. When Thorfinn’s party arrives in Jelling, Denmark to buy rations to last them along their route to Greece, he is reunited with Thorkell, as well as a number of other familiar faces, including Floki, who realises who was Thorfinn’s father. Although Thorkell encourages the idea of his nephew taking over the Jomsvikings, of which Thorfinn declines, Floki has other plans to be who should be the successor and is willing to kill Thors’ son.
Considering that so much of Vinland Saga was originally war-centric, the story now is about our hero escaping the horror and pointlessness of war that has defined his childhood and can he resolve the consequences of his own past.
December 31, 2017
This is the 9th Omnibus collection of Vinland Saga and was just as wonderful as previous installments in the series. The detailed artwork, story, and characters are amazing. This is my absolute favorite manga series of all time.
In this series we learn more about Thorfinn’s past after meeting Hild, a young woman whose whole life was shaped by Thorfinn’s past actions. Thorfinn is desperately trying to continue his quest to create a peaceful place to settle, however he keeps getting drawn into events and politics from his past.
Thorkill is also in the story quite a bit and we see how he is going through war withdrawal (which is actually kind of funny). We also run into Floki again and are caught up on the political troubles of the region.
The illustration continues to be very detailed and just amazing. I am always impressed by how much research and historical background are included in these books. The characters are amazing and the story is absolutely engrossing.
Overall another absolutely fantastic addition to this series. I absolutely love this graphic novel series and continue to be amazed at the consistent quality of each volume. I recommend this series to everyone, it’s just so well done!
In this series we learn more about Thorfinn’s past after meeting Hild, a young woman whose whole life was shaped by Thorfinn’s past actions. Thorfinn is desperately trying to continue his quest to create a peaceful place to settle, however he keeps getting drawn into events and politics from his past.
Thorkill is also in the story quite a bit and we see how he is going through war withdrawal (which is actually kind of funny). We also run into Floki again and are caught up on the political troubles of the region.
The illustration continues to be very detailed and just amazing. I am always impressed by how much research and historical background are included in these books. The characters are amazing and the story is absolutely engrossing.
Overall another absolutely fantastic addition to this series. I absolutely love this graphic novel series and continue to be amazed at the consistent quality of each volume. I recommend this series to everyone, it’s just so well done!
June 27, 2017
Man another good volume! Some past stuff really coming to a head. It's gonna take forever go get to Vinland though, haha.
April 10, 2024
I still am enjoying Vinland Saga but Makoto Yukimura's weaknesses as a writer are beginning to weigh down the story for me. I enjoyed the introduction of Hild, an introverted hunter woman who is on her own Thorfinn-like quest to get revenge. Thorfinn, obviously, wants Hild to not go down the road he did which will be interesting to see unfold in future volumes. Hild's conflicted nature makes her a nice addition to Thorfinn's group, which could use a little bit of spice.
That brings me to the greatest weakness of this current arc, all of the good guy characters are relatively underdeveloped in comparison to some of the wonderfully three-dimensional characters in the first two arcs like Canute, Askeladd, and Thorkell. All of these characters contain both selfishness and selflessness in them which made them feel human and not entirely predictable. Thorfinn's band is so thoroughly on the side of good that all of their responses to events seem very predictable. (I still like the characters and they have strong enough personalities that I root for them).
There is none of the endless complexity of Attack of Titans which made being completely good impossible. Thorfinn's trials so far in volume 8 and 9 feel very easy. I suppose I want Thorfinn to have to be confronted with not easily solvable moral dilemmas. Obviously, his life is constantly on the line but Thorfinn does not fear death so that does not challenge him. I suppose I want more moments where Thorfinn's pacifistic "do not kill" rule is not so emotionally or philosophically simple. (On a side note: I have the same problem with Batman stories. Batman is always allowed the moral high ground by the writers without any added complexity).
That brings me to the greatest weakness of this current arc, all of the good guy characters are relatively underdeveloped in comparison to some of the wonderfully three-dimensional characters in the first two arcs like Canute, Askeladd, and Thorkell. All of these characters contain both selfishness and selflessness in them which made them feel human and not entirely predictable. Thorfinn's band is so thoroughly on the side of good that all of their responses to events seem very predictable. (I still like the characters and they have strong enough personalities that I root for them).
There is none of the endless complexity of Attack of Titans which made being completely good impossible. Thorfinn's trials so far in volume 8 and 9 feel very easy. I suppose I want Thorfinn to have to be confronted with not easily solvable moral dilemmas. Obviously, his life is constantly on the line but Thorfinn does not fear death so that does not challenge him. I suppose I want more moments where Thorfinn's pacifistic "do not kill" rule is not so emotionally or philosophically simple. (On a side note: I have the same problem with Batman stories. Batman is always allowed the moral high ground by the writers without any added complexity).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2018
Volume Nine of the Vinland Saga was excellent. The action really picks up as we find out more about Hild and Thorfinn's past. This volume really goes into the past of Hild, how she was trained and how she ended up in her situation and how Thorfinn factors into all of it. Hild also goes through with her plan to try to kill Thorfinn, but ends up allowing him to live while he finishes the Vinland quest.
Meanwhile- Thorkell is bored and wants to go to war. It turns out he decides to contest Floki for the leadership of the Jomsvikings. Once Thorkell realizes Thorfinn is alive, he decides to try to recruit him for his warband. We also learn about Floki's treacherous actions against Thors, Thorfinn's father and former Jomsviking. This really sheds some light on why Floki is sending men to kill Thorfinn.
Eventually Thorkell and Thorfinn meet with Floki. Floki wishes his grandson to become the leader of the Jomsvikings, while Thorkell puts forth Thorfinn as a potential successor. It doesn't seem like Thorfinn will be heading towards Vinland anytime soon. Excellent story and art. This volume was noticeably darker than the last volume. But there are many serious issues going on-so that is to be expected. Like vikings? violence? Good story and art? Read Vinland Saga and you won't be disappointed.
Meanwhile- Thorkell is bored and wants to go to war. It turns out he decides to contest Floki for the leadership of the Jomsvikings. Once Thorkell realizes Thorfinn is alive, he decides to try to recruit him for his warband. We also learn about Floki's treacherous actions against Thors, Thorfinn's father and former Jomsviking. This really sheds some light on why Floki is sending men to kill Thorfinn.
Eventually Thorkell and Thorfinn meet with Floki. Floki wishes his grandson to become the leader of the Jomsvikings, while Thorkell puts forth Thorfinn as a potential successor. It doesn't seem like Thorfinn will be heading towards Vinland anytime soon. Excellent story and art. This volume was noticeably darker than the last volume. But there are many serious issues going on-so that is to be expected. Like vikings? violence? Good story and art? Read Vinland Saga and you won't be disappointed.
November 1, 2020
At the mercy of Hild
I can't say enough of how amazing this story has come along. One of the things I look forward to in a manga series is how the characters interreact with one another and on his path toward redemption Thorfinn has found some interesting allies and villains alike making this world come to life with emotions as each deals with their own motivations through each of their unique personality. In this volume we get a better understanding into why Hild despises Thorfinn and what she is willing to do to finally see her revenge fulfilled. Will this fierce huntress finally claim her trophy in the end or will the spirit of forgiveness claim her as it did Einar not long before. We also get to see what happened to Sigurd and his men after they set out after Gudrid and the others before trouble finds Thorfinn once more. By Thor's manly muscles...can this peace loving guy have some time without having to deal with something from his past. :)
I can't say enough of how amazing this story has come along. One of the things I look forward to in a manga series is how the characters interreact with one another and on his path toward redemption Thorfinn has found some interesting allies and villains alike making this world come to life with emotions as each deals with their own motivations through each of their unique personality. In this volume we get a better understanding into why Hild despises Thorfinn and what she is willing to do to finally see her revenge fulfilled. Will this fierce huntress finally claim her trophy in the end or will the spirit of forgiveness claim her as it did Einar not long before. We also get to see what happened to Sigurd and his men after they set out after Gudrid and the others before trouble finds Thorfinn once more. By Thor's manly muscles...can this peace loving guy have some time without having to deal with something from his past. :)
March 7, 2024
An extra star for Hild, an excellent new character, and the found family situation that is happening. It is inevitable that the arc of getting to Vinland would take a really long time, but this is pretty wild. They made it basically no where and already his past is catching up with him in many ways.
The plotting has become pretty simplistic, however. Yes, sure, challenge the notion of being truly peaceful. It’s getting a bit contrived now though, since each challenge is essentially the same thing, repeated. There seems to be a somewhat newer thing at the end, with the seat of power being vacated, but in the end, it’s just someone wanting him to fight again. Also. Being shot like 4 times in the leg with no permanent injuries feels like a wild hand wave, but I suppose the series hasn’t really made any considerations for injuries, other than scars when long swaths of time pass.
The plotting has become pretty simplistic, however. Yes, sure, challenge the notion of being truly peaceful. It’s getting a bit contrived now though, since each challenge is essentially the same thing, repeated. There seems to be a somewhat newer thing at the end, with the seat of power being vacated, but in the end, it’s just someone wanting him to fight again. Also. Being shot like 4 times in the leg with no permanent injuries feels like a wild hand wave, but I suppose the series hasn’t really made any considerations for injuries, other than scars when long swaths of time pass.
September 1, 2018
This series continues to be excellent, though it certainly throws every possible obstacle on Thorfinn's way. And Thorfinn tries to reason with everybody but nobody understands his reluctance to violence (especially those who knew him before) and that brings conflict. That's a bit repetitive cycle, which I didn't give this one 5 stars. That Karli, why couldn't they leave that kid behind, ugh. Hild is welcome addition though, she's driven by vengeance but I suspect she'll come to think on that in the future.
July 4, 2023
Still pretty good... I love the crew, I hope they have a lotta luck in the future staying peaceful and well 🥺🥺 Also, this is basically the only manga or anything I've ever read that so consistently has moments that I just HAVE to pause, and take a day or two break, because I'm pretty sure what's coming next, and I just gotta...
Mike spoilers below...
I love the baby, and also, while concerned for thorfinn, excited to see where how thorfinn deals with this new development
Mike spoilers below...
I love the baby, and also, while concerned for thorfinn, excited to see where how thorfinn deals with this new development
December 17, 2023
4.5🌟
Vinland Saga Volume 9, titled "Fighting for a Future", maintains the series' momentum with a perfect blend of action, character growth, and historical richness. As Thorfinn's journey unfolds, Makoto Yukimura weaves a gripping tale of revenge and redemption. The intricate details in both the narrative and artwork shine, offering a visceral experience of Viking life. Volume 9 delivers consistent quality, presenting a compelling story that continues to captivate and surprise. It's a brilliant series, and I'm eagerly looking forward to reading volume 10.
Vinland Saga Volume 9, titled "Fighting for a Future", maintains the series' momentum with a perfect blend of action, character growth, and historical richness. As Thorfinn's journey unfolds, Makoto Yukimura weaves a gripping tale of revenge and redemption. The intricate details in both the narrative and artwork shine, offering a visceral experience of Viking life. Volume 9 delivers consistent quality, presenting a compelling story that continues to captivate and surprise. It's a brilliant series, and I'm eagerly looking forward to reading volume 10.
June 29, 2023
This was sooooo good!! While there are new characters from book 8 complicating Thorfinn’s life, which includes a baby of all things, we also get to see some of the old characters from previous issues and with them come more complications for Thorfinn, who just wants to be a good guy but they keep pulling him in like he’s the Michael Corleone of the Viking world. Can’t wait for book 10 which I’m starting ASAP!
July 27, 2024
Hild is the best addition to the cast since Askeladd, phenomenal writing that continues to plumb the depths of humam revenge, rehabilitation, acceptance, and all the hard impossible work that comes with leaving your worst self behind.
Love the direction Yukimura is taking with Thorfinn, a changed beautiful man who is being revisited by the horrific sins of his past, ugly self.
Love the direction Yukimura is taking with Thorfinn, a changed beautiful man who is being revisited by the horrific sins of his past, ugly self.
January 4, 2026
Wow, this volume kept me on the edge of my seat. Thorfinn continues his journey to atone for his past actions. This volume introduces Hild, a girl whose family was killed by Thorfinn and his gang. Now, she harbors the same anger and resentment that Thorfinn once carried, and it has come back to haunt him. This arc is turning out to be one of my favorites in the series.
May 23, 2024
I’m gonna be a broken record because once again this volume was phenomenal. Every character decision, thematic resonance, development…everything. Has just been perfect. This story is so beautiful and will stick with me for such a long time.
December 24, 2024
The women in this series are all phenomenal and so strong. This volume was so good, Hild is such a good character. The theme of forgiveness continues to be powerful as well. I’m worried for Thorfinn, though; dude is stressed!! 😩 ⚔️
October 19, 2018
Good stuff. Thorfinn's development has been riveting. Art is great, story continues with intricate steps. Positive introduction of more women characters is appreciated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews