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I Needed a Viking
From the author of I Find You In the Darkness, a brand-new book of poetry celebrating strong women and the men they crave.
I never needed a Man.
I needed a Viking.
I needed someone who wasn't afraid of my strengths or of my needs.
I chose wrong in the past...
Beloved contemporary poet Alfa is back with a brand-new collection of more than 180 heartfelt poems on the theme of woman warriors and the masculine heroes they long for. In gorgeous, compelling, and intimate prose, I Needed a Viking takes us on an emotional journey of a woman searching for strength in the midst of a storm.
I never needed a Man.
I needed a Viking.
I needed someone who wasn't afraid of my strengths or of my needs.
I chose wrong in the past...
Beloved contemporary poet Alfa is back with a brand-new collection of more than 180 heartfelt poems on the theme of woman warriors and the masculine heroes they long for. In gorgeous, compelling, and intimate prose, I Needed a Viking takes us on an emotional journey of a woman searching for strength in the midst of a storm.
192 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2019
60 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Alfa Holden
14 books309 followersAlfa is a writer of poetic thoughts. She holds degrees in English Literature as well as Radiologic Sciences.
From a wide-planked porch in Kentucky, Alfa is most likely indulging in ice tea while painting a furniture piece some fabulous shade of turquoise, or crafting something extraordinary out of vintage buttons and brooches.
From a wide-planked porch in Kentucky, Alfa is most likely indulging in ice tea while painting a furniture piece some fabulous shade of turquoise, or crafting something extraordinary out of vintage buttons and brooches.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 12, 2020
4.5 stars! Honestly, I think I can officially say that Alfa is my favorite poet or in my top three! Alfa's poems speak and connect to me so much and I can't stop recommending these collections! They are so great!
May 10, 2024
I Needed A Viking is a book of poems reminding us of our own strength. It is beautifully written and spoke to my heart.
November 5, 2019
I really don't read much- if any- modern poetry. I find it unrefined and unrelatable.
One day, I was cataloging this book and as I do with most books- I took a peek. I read a few poems and was hooked. I checked the book out and read the entire thing.
This was right book at the right time for me!
I even just voted for this book (as a write in) for the Poetry book of 2019 in the Goodreads Choice Awards!
One day, I was cataloging this book and as I do with most books- I took a peek. I read a few poems and was hooked. I checked the book out and read the entire thing.
This was right book at the right time for me!
I even just voted for this book (as a write in) for the Poetry book of 2019 in the Goodreads Choice Awards!
September 19, 2022
DNF. For me, 2 stars might still be a reach. Most of the poems I did read felt a bit too much like they were reaching for/trying for depth, but ended in generic platitudes I couldn't connect with, or that might end up on a motivational poster.
E.g. "Self-Value: Is not what you're worth in dollars."
That's it. That's the whole poem
E.g. "Self-Value: Is not what you're worth in dollars."
That's it. That's the whole poem
March 19, 2025
The poems were so so wonderful! I feel like it’s def a book of poems of things sometimes you just need to hear. It was beautiful written and loved it.
January 9, 2021
Loved this collection of poetry. I want to get my hands on the rest of her poetry and have the urge to gift to all the women in my life. Feminist or feminine in tone, themes of strength and fortitude, wise and wonderfully lyrical without sentimentality. Whispers in every woman's ear. And then there is the tantalizing title poem, ' I needed a Viking' , which I realize is a clever metaphor but really, who hasn't needed a Viking.
August 5, 2021
I love this book. I’ve read it twice now cover to cover.
February 16, 2025
This beautiful book of poems ultimately chronicles the path from heartache to strength in over 180 poems. I was carried on the swells and ebbs of feeling, awareness, sensation through the author's lucent, transparent, revelation of her journey's pain, pathos, and restoration to wholeness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2020
I didn't know about Alfa until about two years ago. Then I realized, Alfa was one of the leading lights in the Indie Poetry World and I wanted to know why. My initial impression of Alfa was her popularity came from her highly relatable and compassionate memes and extremely likable personality which was evident immediately but I had yet to read any of her books. This is now the 3rd book of Alfa's I have read and I admit I wasn't going to purchase it for a very shallow reason; I thought it might be overly about wanting a strong man and being a lesbian I wasn't sure if I would relate to that. But Alfa had been so supportive of a recent project of mine which had been LGBTQ themed that I realized I was being small minded and surely I could appreciate a book on a subject that wasn't personal?
I should have known. Alfa is the kind of writer who touches a wide audience. This is one of her super powers. Her reach is such because she has that universalism about her. Some of us may be popular, or well liked or respected but to reach widely and be essentially respected by a vast swath of people, that takes a little magic and Alfa has had it in abundance.
It is this quality, the enticement of her art that ensures all who read her, come away with a positive mind set about her ability as a writer. She is not only a fine poet, but she speaks for this generation in many ways, because of her own challenges she knows how to infiltrate that subconscious part of you, and speak to you personally where you are not just reading a book you are having a conversation with a poet. In this sense Alfa is a true poet laureate and I would not be surprised if one day that is exactly what she becomes. As much as anything because those kinds of leaders in literature must be able to speak to all kinds of people about all kinds of things and do so without prejudice which is exactly what Alfa is so good at.
When Alfa posts a meme and it is reposted thousands of times, there's a really good reason for this, and I Needed a Viking is a good example of this phenomena. She speaks clearly, about subjects on which most of us can relate intensely and she speaks as if she is is whispering in your ear and she is both your best friend and your confident and your sister and mother all. It is that universal appeal that gives Alfa the extra boost she has over most Indie Poets today and makes her a leader in her craft and someone others look to.
I Needed a Viking is so much more than a book about the strength of relationships. It is not merely a love collection or a treaty on why we need protectors, but ultimately why we must find that within ourselves and become the strength we seek in others. This message is the ultimate for those seeking knowledge in poetry and guidance through well positioned words. Alfa has that talent, she has always been able to draw out truth easily and seemingly without effort, although I happen to know she works extremely hard to achieve what she has.
It would be pithy to say you can't go wrong with Alfa's work and no matter which book of hers you read you would be satisfied, but it's so true I can't deny it - and you'll find in Alfa someone you won't ever be disappointed in, she has the mastery of her craft honed and nimble, and she is a formidable talent with an enormous following with good reason. Read her.
I should have known. Alfa is the kind of writer who touches a wide audience. This is one of her super powers. Her reach is such because she has that universalism about her. Some of us may be popular, or well liked or respected but to reach widely and be essentially respected by a vast swath of people, that takes a little magic and Alfa has had it in abundance.
It is this quality, the enticement of her art that ensures all who read her, come away with a positive mind set about her ability as a writer. She is not only a fine poet, but she speaks for this generation in many ways, because of her own challenges she knows how to infiltrate that subconscious part of you, and speak to you personally where you are not just reading a book you are having a conversation with a poet. In this sense Alfa is a true poet laureate and I would not be surprised if one day that is exactly what she becomes. As much as anything because those kinds of leaders in literature must be able to speak to all kinds of people about all kinds of things and do so without prejudice which is exactly what Alfa is so good at.
When Alfa posts a meme and it is reposted thousands of times, there's a really good reason for this, and I Needed a Viking is a good example of this phenomena. She speaks clearly, about subjects on which most of us can relate intensely and she speaks as if she is is whispering in your ear and she is both your best friend and your confident and your sister and mother all. It is that universal appeal that gives Alfa the extra boost she has over most Indie Poets today and makes her a leader in her craft and someone others look to.
I Needed a Viking is so much more than a book about the strength of relationships. It is not merely a love collection or a treaty on why we need protectors, but ultimately why we must find that within ourselves and become the strength we seek in others. This message is the ultimate for those seeking knowledge in poetry and guidance through well positioned words. Alfa has that talent, she has always been able to draw out truth easily and seemingly without effort, although I happen to know she works extremely hard to achieve what she has.
It would be pithy to say you can't go wrong with Alfa's work and no matter which book of hers you read you would be satisfied, but it's so true I can't deny it - and you'll find in Alfa someone you won't ever be disappointed in, she has the mastery of her craft honed and nimble, and she is a formidable talent with an enormous following with good reason. Read her.
September 11, 2019
Many authors have a way of touching the heart, but Alfa reaches deeper. She speaks to the soul. In I Needed a Viking, she reminds us of our own strength. She raises us up and readies us for battle because who better to fight for us than us.
In the first section, Forgettable, she gives us wisdom. Too often, we let the wrong people define us. Alfa reminds us that it’s ok to falter, as long as we get up. We are not always what others expect us to be. We are more, and that’s a good thing. My favorite piece in this section, “Fairytales Lie,” reiterates that we shouldn’t wait around on someone to save us. We can save ourselves. In “Light-Filled Days,” she tells us to be careful of those whose memory threatens our darker days. The ones who deserve our time will be there through thick and thin. Light AND dark.
In section two, Friction, I was drawn to the piece entitled, “You Know Better.” Her words are full of the wisdom of someone who has been there. Someone who learned the hard way that we shouldn’t get pulled back into the past. There will always be something or someone who wants to stop us from moving forward. But, we can’t let them hold us back. This hit me so hard, as I am so guilty of holding on to relationships that are not good for me. Sometimes, we have to let go.
Section three, Flamethrower, instills strength and resilience. Power and purpose. In “Make Every Second Count,” Alfa reminds us that we mustn’t dwell in the past. That we should surround ourselves with those who lift us up. Those who contribute to beauty, not those who steal it. One of my other favorites from this book is “The World Must Wait.” This is the poem I so often need to hear. It says it is ok to stop. It is ok to have anxiety. It is ok to need to pause and breathe. You are not a bad person for putting yourself first.
This book was the lesson I needed. It is filled with wise words written by a poet who knows what it’s like to be on the other side of brave. Alfa uses her words to encourage and embolden her reader. I suppose we all need a Viking, sometimes. But we needn’t look any further than the mirror to find one.
In the first section, Forgettable, she gives us wisdom. Too often, we let the wrong people define us. Alfa reminds us that it’s ok to falter, as long as we get up. We are not always what others expect us to be. We are more, and that’s a good thing. My favorite piece in this section, “Fairytales Lie,” reiterates that we shouldn’t wait around on someone to save us. We can save ourselves. In “Light-Filled Days,” she tells us to be careful of those whose memory threatens our darker days. The ones who deserve our time will be there through thick and thin. Light AND dark.
In section two, Friction, I was drawn to the piece entitled, “You Know Better.” Her words are full of the wisdom of someone who has been there. Someone who learned the hard way that we shouldn’t get pulled back into the past. There will always be something or someone who wants to stop us from moving forward. But, we can’t let them hold us back. This hit me so hard, as I am so guilty of holding on to relationships that are not good for me. Sometimes, we have to let go.
Section three, Flamethrower, instills strength and resilience. Power and purpose. In “Make Every Second Count,” Alfa reminds us that we mustn’t dwell in the past. That we should surround ourselves with those who lift us up. Those who contribute to beauty, not those who steal it. One of my other favorites from this book is “The World Must Wait.” This is the poem I so often need to hear. It says it is ok to stop. It is ok to have anxiety. It is ok to need to pause and breathe. You are not a bad person for putting yourself first.
This book was the lesson I needed. It is filled with wise words written by a poet who knows what it’s like to be on the other side of brave. Alfa uses her words to encourage and embolden her reader. I suppose we all need a Viking, sometimes. But we needn’t look any further than the mirror to find one.
September 22, 2020
My Review: I have been trying to read more poetry this year and the title of this one attracted me to it. Like any poetry collection I found some of the poems worked for me and others did not, but many in this collection really hit home. It was a great collection with many along the lines of finding your own inner strength and knowing it is there even when you feel weak. Not only was this a very good collection of poems but the aesthetics of the book were fantastic as well, beautiful detailing on the pages, good quality paper and font selection that really suited it, all added a nice element to reading as well.
September 2, 2019
I have been a fan of Alfa's poetry for several years. Her ability to paint pictures with simple words to create depth, passion, and fury with the mere stroke of her pen is unmatched in modern poetry.
"I needed a Viking" holds first place as my all-time favorite collection of her words. Alfa delves deeply to find our strengths, pulls them to the surface, and reminds us to use our tools to become the warrior we need to be to take care of ourselves. She shows us that it is acceptable to set personal boundaries. Her heart is her shield, and she wields it expertly, as can we.
"I needed a Viking" holds first place as my all-time favorite collection of her words. Alfa delves deeply to find our strengths, pulls them to the surface, and reminds us to use our tools to become the warrior we need to be to take care of ourselves. She shows us that it is acceptable to set personal boundaries. Her heart is her shield, and she wields it expertly, as can we.
December 4, 2019
What an awesome book this was, I saw it in barnes and nobles and at the time I was between this one and another author's book, I bought the other book and told myself I'd get this next paycheck. I bought it Friday finished it today. It's so uplifting and it's a big confidence builder as well as you go on this journey with the author from being depressed to finding yourself to learning to essentially root and value yourself. I reccomend this to anyone going through a hard time or that needs a pick me up in life.
October 16, 2019
Alfa Holden has a true gift, and she puts it to amazing use in "I Needed A Viking". She weaves words on paper, and reading them, it's as though she pulled various strands from your soul to do so. She reminds us all of the strength we've got, no matter where we're at in life.
Her books have changed my life. Made me realize I'm not quite so alone. I even keep them by my bed so they're within reach when I need a reminder. EVERYONE should read Alfa's books!!!
Her books have changed my life. Made me realize I'm not quite so alone. I even keep them by my bed so they're within reach when I need a reminder. EVERYONE should read Alfa's books!!!
April 4, 2020
This poetry collection was exactly what I needed at the time I read it. It was so touching to read, and it made me feel the strength and confidence inside me needs to be shown more on the outside. I was really enjoying my time with this collection and I've shared many of these poems with my friends to inspire them.
November 20, 2019
Alfa speaks to your soul in such a simple yet beautiful way. Her short yet powerful verses explore womanhood and how sometimes you need to be your own savior. I highly recommend to all my fellow poetry lovers!
January 31, 2020
There were poems in this collection that I loved. That spoke deep into my soul. There were others that simply didn’t work for me. But I always feel conflicted about modern poetry. Overall, I am grateful I read it. I needed to hear it.
April 25, 2020
4.5 stars
Poetry is subjective but I enjoyed almost every single poem in this book. Some spoke to me on a deep level that is rare for me to experience. Will definitely be reading this author’s other books
Poetry is subjective but I enjoyed almost every single poem in this book. Some spoke to me on a deep level that is rare for me to experience. Will definitely be reading this author’s other books
May 4, 2020
While I really enjoy Alfa's brand of empowering free verse, I felt this one a little less than I have some of the previous work I've read. She has a lovely sense of expression, and I really loved the use of "viking" lore and imagery to set up the idea of strength and fortitude.
September 3, 2019
For those of us looking for someone to merely, "Put up with our hunger for life," this beautiful book of poems by Alfa helps us see we deserve so much more, what we need is a Viking.
September 8, 2019
If you're an Alfa fan, you'll want to grab a copy of her latest. Another beauty by Alfa. Highly recommend.
March 1, 2020
I absolutely loved this collection. It was inspiring and powerful, and I connected with each poem in this book. Thank you!
September 9, 2020
4.5
Beautiful and empowering.
Longer review (maybe) to come.
Beautiful and empowering.
Longer review (maybe) to come.
November 21, 2020
This collection of poems told a story from start to finish, and that story really resonated with me.
January 14, 2021
Spectacular as always.
March 7, 2021
Actual rating: 2.5
May 6, 2021
More fierce affirmations than poetry but I’m here for it
June 17, 2021
These poems absolutely touched my soul. They were what i needed to read at this time in my life
October 14, 2021
It is great little book of poetry. I liked many and disliked some. That's ok.
October 27, 2021
I loved how Alfa used the wakings theme in these poems! This poetry book is definitely something you should read if you’re working on self love. Or going through a growing phase in life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews