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Viking Academy #1
Viking Academy
BOOK 1 IN THE BRAND NEW SERIES FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR S.T. BENDE
Erik held me until my shoulders stopped shaking--whether it was a minute or an hour, I couldn't tell. The only things I knew for sure were:
(1) I was trapped a thousand years in the past, with little hope of ever going home. And,
(2) I was wrapped in the arms of the most absurdly gorgeous Viking to have ever walked the face of the Earth.
Maybe my old life was overrated.
When seventeen-year-old Saga Skånstad discovers an antique dagger, she's instantly sucked into a world where Vikings rule the seas and dragons roam the skies, and the only thing more dangerous than the chief who takes her captive is the rival who steals her away. The heir of Norway's most feared tribe is fierce, cold, and absolutely unyielding. With intruders encroaching upon his borders, Erik Halvarsson has little patience for the girl whose ignorance threatens his very existence. He enlists Saga in the magical Valkyris Academy, where she learns the skills she'll need to protect herself from foreign raiders and domestic terrors. But nothing can protect her from falling for the one guy in all the world she's absolutely forbidden to choose . . . or from risking everything to unlock the secrets that haunt him.
When darkness threatens Saga's new home, she must decide whether to return to the life she's always known, or fight for a love she never could have imagined. Her decision will determine a legacy--not only for Saga, but for the world she never knew she was fated to lead.
(1) I was trapped a thousand years in the past, with little hope of ever going home. And,
(2) I was wrapped in the arms of the most absurdly gorgeous Viking to have ever walked the face of the Earth.
Maybe my old life was overrated.
When seventeen-year-old Saga Skånstad discovers an antique dagger, she's instantly sucked into a world where Vikings rule the seas and dragons roam the skies, and the only thing more dangerous than the chief who takes her captive is the rival who steals her away. The heir of Norway's most feared tribe is fierce, cold, and absolutely unyielding. With intruders encroaching upon his borders, Erik Halvarsson has little patience for the girl whose ignorance threatens his very existence. He enlists Saga in the magical Valkyris Academy, where she learns the skills she'll need to protect herself from foreign raiders and domestic terrors. But nothing can protect her from falling for the one guy in all the world she's absolutely forbidden to choose . . . or from risking everything to unlock the secrets that haunt him.
When darkness threatens Saga's new home, she must decide whether to return to the life she's always known, or fight for a love she never could have imagined. Her decision will determine a legacy--not only for Saga, but for the world she never knew she was fated to lead.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2019
381 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
S.T. Bende
48 books564 followersBefore finding domestic bliss in suburbia, S.T. Bende lived in Manhattan Beach (where she became overly fond of Peet’s Coffee) and studied Shakespeare in Europe… where she became overly fond of McVitie's cookies.
Her Scandinavian heritage and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired her YA Norse fantasy series' (Viking Academy, Ære Saga, Elsker Saga, and Alfheim Academy). And her deep love of a galaxy far, far away led to her writing children's books for the Star Wars franchise. As an experienced IP writer, she's written multiple books published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press and its licensees, and looks to expand into additional beloved IP projects.
When she's not creating stories, S.T. dreams of skiing on Jotunheim and Hoth.
Find S.T. on her website (www.stbende.com), her newsletter (http://smarturl.it/BendeNewsletter), or on Twitter @stbende.
Her Scandinavian heritage and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired her YA Norse fantasy series' (Viking Academy, Ære Saga, Elsker Saga, and Alfheim Academy). And her deep love of a galaxy far, far away led to her writing children's books for the Star Wars franchise. As an experienced IP writer, she's written multiple books published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press and its licensees, and looks to expand into additional beloved IP projects.
When she's not creating stories, S.T. dreams of skiing on Jotunheim and Hoth.
Find S.T. on her website (www.stbende.com), her newsletter (http://smarturl.it/BendeNewsletter), or on Twitter @stbende.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
May 14, 2022
Saga is visiting her family in Norway before leaving for college. But when she discovers an ancient dagger along the shores of a lake, she is transported to the time of Vikings. She’s taken prisoner and is forced into hard labor until she is finally rescued by Erik, the heir to the fiercest tribe in the area. As she attempts to find a way home, she realizes that there is more going on than she originally thought and struggles to protect her heart and her friends.
I’m going to be completely honest – this book was much too young adult for me. The characters were awful. Saga is not a relatable or enjoyable protagonist. She is painfully oblivious to some very obvious things and honestly kind of dumb, seemingly unable to draw simple conclusions on her own. But then there are other moments when she spouts paragraphs of strategic information. Also, anytime she looks at Eric there are paragraphs about his hot butt muscles, his hot arm muscles, his hot eyes, his hot face, etc. This was painfully repetitive and honestly made me feel like she was twelve or thirteen years old. There wasn’t any chemistry between them, and Saga simply objectified Erik the whole book rather than learning anything about him or his personality. None of the other characters had much of a personality and lacked in any meaningful development and depth.
The setting was interesting, but there wasn’t much exploration of it. As mentioned above, the main focus was on Erik’s hotness. I would have been much more interested in some meaningful explorations of the magic of the world (which was unexplained), the dragons (also unexplained why only one tribe had access to them), and the struggles between the factions. There were also modern conveniences included in the Viking world with the simple explanation of: the fairies did it. The academy idea didn’t fit with the plot. I really hated that one of the Vikings using the word “nerd.” I know this work wasn’t written to be historically accurate, but that almost made me put the book away.
This was an easy, quick read but I don’t think there was anything that I particularly liked about this book.
I’m going to be completely honest – this book was much too young adult for me. The characters were awful. Saga is not a relatable or enjoyable protagonist. She is painfully oblivious to some very obvious things and honestly kind of dumb, seemingly unable to draw simple conclusions on her own. But then there are other moments when she spouts paragraphs of strategic information. Also, anytime she looks at Eric there are paragraphs about his hot butt muscles, his hot arm muscles, his hot eyes, his hot face, etc. This was painfully repetitive and honestly made me feel like she was twelve or thirteen years old. There wasn’t any chemistry between them, and Saga simply objectified Erik the whole book rather than learning anything about him or his personality. None of the other characters had much of a personality and lacked in any meaningful development and depth.
The setting was interesting, but there wasn’t much exploration of it. As mentioned above, the main focus was on Erik’s hotness. I would have been much more interested in some meaningful explorations of the magic of the world (which was unexplained), the dragons (also unexplained why only one tribe had access to them), and the struggles between the factions. There were also modern conveniences included in the Viking world with the simple explanation of: the fairies did it. The academy idea didn’t fit with the plot. I really hated that one of the Vikings using the word “nerd.” I know this work wasn’t written to be historically accurate, but that almost made me put the book away.
This was an easy, quick read but I don’t think there was anything that I particularly liked about this book.
May 24, 2019
This book was fine. I wasn't blown away by it, but it was a quick read and a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. The world building felt too modern to be a Scandinavian society that existed a thousand years ago (even with magic and dragons) and I was a bit jarred by the language. All the characters spoke like modern people and it was very reminiscent of high school settings.
May 22, 2019
Pretty close to 5 stars. If you liked Bende’s Aere and Elsker Sagas, you’ll definitely like Viking Academy.
Plot:
Saga Skanstad is preparing to go off to college when she’s magically transported a thousand years into the past. With little hope of returning to her time, she tries to learn how to survive in her new surroundings, which include dangerous Vikings and dragons!
Characters:
Saga is a great heroine. She’s smart, determined, and kind. She’s also strong and refuses to be seen as a damsel in distress. Erik is your typical Alpha male — sexy, hard-headed, protective, and occasionally overbearing. However, as the book progresses, we get to see a completely different side of him.
The supporting characters are also pretty awesome. Erik’s mother, Freia, is a great example of a strong, intelligent woman who fights for her beliefs, and his cousin, Helene, is spunky and fun-loving. My favorite character though is Axel. Axel is strong, brave, loyal, and funny and would be a great hero for his own book. As we read, we learn that there are a few shady characters, too, but we’re not sure who the primary villain is yet (although Bende definitely leans towards one character).
Writing:
Viking Academy is very easy to read, not just because the story is compelling, but also because the book is so well edited. Bende is great at world building, and she’s able to squeeze in a lot of background explanation without things becoming boring. There is also a lot of sexual tension, so if the book were a movie, I’d probably rate it PG-13.
Bottom Line:
Viking Academy is one of those books where you’re just reading along, and it’s suddenly over, and you immediately begin to miss the characters. The book has a great plot with extremely likable characters, plenty of action, and just the right amount of romance. I’m really looking forward to the second book in the series. I can’t wait to how Saga resolves her predicament without disappointing anyone.
Plot:
Saga Skanstad is preparing to go off to college when she’s magically transported a thousand years into the past. With little hope of returning to her time, she tries to learn how to survive in her new surroundings, which include dangerous Vikings and dragons!
Characters:
Saga is a great heroine. She’s smart, determined, and kind. She’s also strong and refuses to be seen as a damsel in distress. Erik is your typical Alpha male — sexy, hard-headed, protective, and occasionally overbearing. However, as the book progresses, we get to see a completely different side of him.
The supporting characters are also pretty awesome. Erik’s mother, Freia, is a great example of a strong, intelligent woman who fights for her beliefs, and his cousin, Helene, is spunky and fun-loving. My favorite character though is Axel. Axel is strong, brave, loyal, and funny and would be a great hero for his own book. As we read, we learn that there are a few shady characters, too, but we’re not sure who the primary villain is yet (although Bende definitely leans towards one character).
Writing:
Viking Academy is very easy to read, not just because the story is compelling, but also because the book is so well edited. Bende is great at world building, and she’s able to squeeze in a lot of background explanation without things becoming boring. There is also a lot of sexual tension, so if the book were a movie, I’d probably rate it PG-13.
Bottom Line:
Viking Academy is one of those books where you’re just reading along, and it’s suddenly over, and you immediately begin to miss the characters. The book has a great plot with extremely likable characters, plenty of action, and just the right amount of romance. I’m really looking forward to the second book in the series. I can’t wait to how Saga resolves her predicament without disappointing anyone.
September 18, 2019
Awesome story. Compelling, spellbinding and a lot of other adjectives of the sort. I am going to star reading the next one immediately
March 4, 2021
Viking Academy is a book that I've wanted to read for a while. I tend to enjoy academy books and this looked like a fun twist on that. Saga is in her last day of summer vacation when she finds a magical dagger that transports her into the past. After a couple mishaps she finds herself with the progressive clan Valkyris. There she attends classes and starts to fall in love with the Valkyris heir, Erik.
Overall this story was OK, not spectacular and not terrible. It was missing something but I can't pinpoint what. Maybe if I got Erik's POV that would have engaged me more. I could take or leave this series, so I probably won't continue. If the first book just kept me mildly interested I'm not sure the next book will be better. I would take the chance on it if the series was in Kindle Unlimited, but it isn't, so I think I'm a one and done with this series.
Overall this story was OK, not spectacular and not terrible. It was missing something but I can't pinpoint what. Maybe if I got Erik's POV that would have engaged me more. I could take or leave this series, so I probably won't continue. If the first book just kept me mildly interested I'm not sure the next book will be better. I would take the chance on it if the series was in Kindle Unlimited, but it isn't, so I think I'm a one and done with this series.
January 4, 2022
4⭐️Initially an enjoyable, easy read. I wasn't expecting high literature, so I enjoyed a jaunt into a high school Viking world.
Then, Saga's obsession with a certain Viking's butt became an unwelcome distraction to the story.
3⭐️Then, the expected and anticipated relationship angst happened...and resolved less than a paragraph later.
2⭐️At the very end of the book, self-proclaimed archery expert Saga starts referring to quivers as quills, and I just couldn't any more.
I'm into the story, but not enough to reward the author by buying the next two books, so I'll be content to live with Saga's saga unresolved.
I am, however, excited to try the recipe for lefse at the back of the book. (Almost 3⭐️ for recipe inclusion)
Then, Saga's obsession with a certain Viking's butt became an unwelcome distraction to the story.
3⭐️Then, the expected and anticipated relationship angst happened...and resolved less than a paragraph later.
2⭐️At the very end of the book, self-proclaimed archery expert Saga starts referring to quivers as quills, and I just couldn't any more.
I'm into the story, but not enough to reward the author by buying the next two books, so I'll be content to live with Saga's saga unresolved.
I am, however, excited to try the recipe for lefse at the back of the book. (Almost 3⭐️ for recipe inclusion)
May 1, 2020
The story is interesting, but there are too many time skips and I don't think we see enough interaction between Saga and Erik. After meeting him we see less than a week of them interacting, and then there's a three week skip, and then a few days before it speeds through a week and a half of stuff, and then they kiss and two MONTHS of courting is skipped.
Saga is also basically aroused every time she sees Erik and it's weird and gets old pretty fast.
I wish we could have seen more of Saga figuring out everything instead of thirsting after Erik's abs and butt.
Saga is also basically aroused every time she sees Erik and it's weird and gets old pretty fast.
I wish we could have seen more of Saga figuring out everything instead of thirsting after Erik's abs and butt.
May 21, 2019
Fun take on Academy books!
I absolutely loved this book. This is the Academy trend like you've never seen before. I was so intrigued to see how the author would make a Viking Academy happen, and she did it masterfully! Everything you love about Vikings rolled in with modern elements, magic, adventure, and some swoon worthy romance. I am definitely excited to see where Saga's story goes next.
I absolutely loved this book. This is the Academy trend like you've never seen before. I was so intrigued to see how the author would make a Viking Academy happen, and she did it masterfully! Everything you love about Vikings rolled in with modern elements, magic, adventure, and some swoon worthy romance. I am definitely excited to see where Saga's story goes next.
March 27, 2021
A pat on the back for actually finishing this but it definitely was a chore. Started out well enough until she met Erik. Then it turned into her objectifying him at every turn. Didn’t feel the chemistry. And I kept comparing this to Outlander and lamenting on how it should have been written. Didn’t care for the modern aspects conveniently created by “fairies” and the unexplained magic that no one else seems to have. This whole academy idea sucked. I did not like this book.
May 30, 2019
It’s the first book I’ve read from s.t bende,and i am in love! Now im crying because the second book go out only in july!!
That was an easy read,at first i thought everything was going too fast but,it make sense. The world building is nice,the caracter lovable, i just wish for more dragons,maybe in the second book!
That was an easy read,at first i thought everything was going too fast but,it make sense. The world building is nice,the caracter lovable, i just wish for more dragons,maybe in the second book!
June 11, 2019
3-4 stars
I wanted to give it 4 stars but I felt like it was the first half of a whole book. There wasn't really much going on. Dont get me wrong, it was great but it just felt like there should have been more to it.
I wanted to give it 4 stars but I felt like it was the first half of a whole book. There wasn't really much going on. Dont get me wrong, it was great but it just felt like there should have been more to it.
February 19, 2022
I downloaded Viking Academy, book 1 of the Viking Academy series, as a free ebook from Amazon. Fast paced and kinda fun when I let myself go with the flow. Not invested enough to go onto book two, but others may really enjoy the story line.
May 8, 2019
Loved this!! Saga is one fabulous girl who faces the unimaginable! Her life changes drastically and it's up to her to rise to the daily challenge. Saga forges into her new existence with little self pitty and a whole lot of determination! Of course having her handsome rescuer baiting her and confusing her emotions just makes Saga want to both scratch his eyes out and kiss him senseless. The Viking school and community are unlike her modern life, but the few magical helps keep certain comforts in place. The surprising fact that women and men are equal peers is a relief, but Saga is frustrated that she can't master all of the expectations placed before her. S.T. Bende created one magical and intriguing world that just draws you in fairly quickly. I couldn't put it down, and I really didn't want to either. I'm so excited to see just where this series will take us! I love the mix of Norse mythology and the way in which magical details are layered in together. Huge applause to this talented storyteller for her vivid world building and intricately woven plot 💗💗💗💗
May 26, 2019
This story was a fast paced read that kept your interest from the first page to the end. I love time travel stories, if they are done well and this one certainly meets that criteria.
Saga finds herself thrown back into the past, the very far past and in the middle of a major point in history. She finds herself in the middle of a battle where she ends up being captured by one Viking clan. When she is able to get away, she is captured by another Viking clan. There she learns a lot about herself and why she ended up in this past life.
Another major character is Erik, who Saga thinks is just another macho guy who has to be in control. But she comes to see another side of him. The interplay between Erik and Saga adds a lot to the story. Sorry, no spoilers, you will have to read what goes on for yourselves.
The characters are strong and well developed. Of course, there is those who are truly the villains but what is a good story without some well-designed villains?
Cannot wait for book 2 because their story is just getting started.
Saga finds herself thrown back into the past, the very far past and in the middle of a major point in history. She finds herself in the middle of a battle where she ends up being captured by one Viking clan. When she is able to get away, she is captured by another Viking clan. There she learns a lot about herself and why she ended up in this past life.
Another major character is Erik, who Saga thinks is just another macho guy who has to be in control. But she comes to see another side of him. The interplay between Erik and Saga adds a lot to the story. Sorry, no spoilers, you will have to read what goes on for yourselves.
The characters are strong and well developed. Of course, there is those who are truly the villains but what is a good story without some well-designed villains?
Cannot wait for book 2 because their story is just getting started.
November 17, 2019
Ok, not like Vikings the series but this is more of a fantasy novel than a historical drama. Still I do like learning more about the Norse. Concerning gender equality and norms it is difficult for differentiate between what I have learned on my own as historical fact and what may or may not have been reality or preconceived notions. Terms such as Thralls. Did the author decide to use this for a slave, where did it come from? The author doesn't explain a lot of terminology origin. Certain words are explained because they are Scandinavian. BUT my biggest issue is the dragons. No one stops and goes how is there no evidence of dragons in your time? Magic right? Dissolve when they die etc...could the author maybe explain. The whole storyline is based on Saga going back in TIME not an ALTERNATE REALITY. If it is both that is fine, THE PAST IN A PARALLEL ALTERNATE REALITY. The author needs to explain and Saga needs to have a little more breakdown. For someone who like predictable this should melt her down. And yes I am reading book 2
May 11, 2019
Really happy to finally have something from this author again!
One thing I like about S.T Bende is the fact that the stories always just flow and all of a sudden your at the end of the book and waiting for the next one. Its such an easy read.
I really liked Saga as a character, she wasn't super whiny which I was worried about with the direction of the story. I liked watching her take the challenge and really dive into it, sometimes I did wish there was just a little bit more.
I liked the side characters as well but do wish we could have seen more, it did feel like some of the timeline got skipped at the end. Helene is great and so is Axel plus I can't wait to get more of Ingrid.
Erik is a good main male character and does seem to have the ideas of their village down, he doesn't baby Saga which I really liked.
The magic aspect is cool and I really hope we get more about this or more from the gods seeing who Axel may be related to ;)
Overall a really enjoyable fast read!
One thing I like about S.T Bende is the fact that the stories always just flow and all of a sudden your at the end of the book and waiting for the next one. Its such an easy read.
I really liked Saga as a character, she wasn't super whiny which I was worried about with the direction of the story. I liked watching her take the challenge and really dive into it, sometimes I did wish there was just a little bit more.
I liked the side characters as well but do wish we could have seen more, it did feel like some of the timeline got skipped at the end. Helene is great and so is Axel plus I can't wait to get more of Ingrid.
Erik is a good main male character and does seem to have the ideas of their village down, he doesn't baby Saga which I really liked.
The magic aspect is cool and I really hope we get more about this or more from the gods seeing who Axel may be related to ;)
Overall a really enjoyable fast read!
May 3, 2020
Since I liked the other series of this writer I decided to give it a try with this series too.
And I certainly wasn't disappointed at all.
Saga goed for a cold early morning swim on her last day in Norway when she finds a antique dragger on her way out of the water.
A dragger which changed her life completely, because it sucked her into the world of the Vikings.
Luckily Saga is somebody who knows how to deal with a strange situation even after getting kidnapped twice, the second time by the good guys.
This good guy Erik brings her to the Valkyris academy and she learns she is to help them out for the future.
Although the academy is cool, Erik is a very hot guy and she made some friends Saga does want to go back to her own life.
But that isn’t as easy at all.
I like Saga being a strong woman and I have a weak spot for Vikings, so I really liked this book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
And I certainly wasn't disappointed at all.
Saga goed for a cold early morning swim on her last day in Norway when she finds a antique dragger on her way out of the water.
A dragger which changed her life completely, because it sucked her into the world of the Vikings.
Luckily Saga is somebody who knows how to deal with a strange situation even after getting kidnapped twice, the second time by the good guys.
This good guy Erik brings her to the Valkyris academy and she learns she is to help them out for the future.
Although the academy is cool, Erik is a very hot guy and she made some friends Saga does want to go back to her own life.
But that isn’t as easy at all.
I like Saga being a strong woman and I have a weak spot for Vikings, so I really liked this book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
June 13, 2019
ST Bende does it again. I am IN LOVE with her writing and her world building. I have never not enjoyed one of her stories and Viking Academy, the first in her brand new series, is the beginning of a beautiful bookish adventure.
Bende once again flawlessly blends the modern world with those of the past. I can't seem to get enough of Norse mythology and Viking lore. Saga is a fantastic protagonist. You feel her confusion and her resilience as you get deeper in this story. I loved that she rolled with the punches and I am so excited to see what comes next. You can feel the conflict brewing and I am so ready for a development in the love department.
All in all, this is a great first book in the series. Bende takes time to build a world that melds fantasy with history. She introduces strong characters to cheer for! I am so ready for more in the Viking Academy series!
Bende once again flawlessly blends the modern world with those of the past. I can't seem to get enough of Norse mythology and Viking lore. Saga is a fantastic protagonist. You feel her confusion and her resilience as you get deeper in this story. I loved that she rolled with the punches and I am so excited to see what comes next. You can feel the conflict brewing and I am so ready for a development in the love department.
All in all, this is a great first book in the series. Bende takes time to build a world that melds fantasy with history. She introduces strong characters to cheer for! I am so ready for more in the Viking Academy series!
May 10, 2019
I love S.T. Bende's work! She always has a strong female lead, strong heroes, strong secondary characters, some romance, and a touch of action to keep me happy. The world building was on point too! I was able to visualize what I was reading, without it being TOO much information that it became annoying.
Saga is a good lead female character. She's thrown back in time and instead of struggling, she adapts. She willingly learned new things in order to survive her new lifestyle. I liked her courage, strength, and compassion.
All in all, this was a wonderful read that I devoured in a day and I can't wait for the next book to be released. Thank you ST Bende for this copy. This is my honest review.
Saga is a good lead female character. She's thrown back in time and instead of struggling, she adapts. She willingly learned new things in order to survive her new lifestyle. I liked her courage, strength, and compassion.
All in all, this was a wonderful read that I devoured in a day and I can't wait for the next book to be released. Thank you ST Bende for this copy. This is my honest review.
May 25, 2019
As usual, S.T. Bende does not disappoint with her accounts of Nordic history, mythology & culture. This story reminded me a lot of my own experiences when I first came to Canada. Of course, there was no beefcake Viking warrior waiting to whisk me away but - well - I'm still young.
The storyline regarding warring clans or tribes rings so true and has changed little in the past 1000 years or so. Whether it's Viking, Scots or even Anglo-Saxon, there have been disputes over territory and property.....including slaves or "thralls" as depicted here. Arranged marriages were the rule rather than the exception and I can only say that I'm happy not to be living in those times.
So: five stars and bring on Book #2!
The storyline regarding warring clans or tribes rings so true and has changed little in the past 1000 years or so. Whether it's Viking, Scots or even Anglo-Saxon, there have been disputes over territory and property.....including slaves or "thralls" as depicted here. Arranged marriages were the rule rather than the exception and I can only say that I'm happy not to be living in those times.
So: five stars and bring on Book #2!
May 12, 2019
Viking academy is written in the perspective of a 17-18 year old girl named Saga. While vacationing in Norway with her family as she does every summer her life is changed in an instant. A magic dagger throws her 1,000 years into the past to the era of dragons and vikings and war. Saga is a strong yet relatable character and she is growing as a person at her stay at Viking Academy. She is also falling for Erik the heir to Valkyris- the more feared tribe. Her life is a roller coaster but through her mental pep talks she shows the determination to make it through whatever comes her way. I am beyond excited to see where Saga and Erik go from here in this series!
May 17, 2019
When on vacation at her family’s cottage in Norway, Saga finds a dagger in the Ocean and nothing in her life is the same again. Thrust into the past, she finds herself in an era of Vikings and dragons. Saga is a great character, her strength, resilience, determination and lack of self pity endears her to you and her roller coaster emotions towards Erik are both amusing and exciting. Erik is definitely a drool worthy Viking if ever there was one. He is strong, handsome, fierce and has a heart of gold. This well written story draws you in from the very beginning and leaves you dying for more at the end. It is a great start to the series, and I look forward to reading book 2.
May 22, 2019
Enthralling, heartpounding N suspenseful! An epic adventure into Norse Mythology that grabs U right from the start. It keeps U on the edge of UR seat N up all night, burning through the pages! Insanely hot lip-biting chemistry, danger, dragons, magic, time travel N blood thirsty Barbarians! This is an absolute must read that will have U claws deep with anticipation, only to be left reeling for more! I Love Viking Academy S.T. Bende where do I enroll? hehe 😉
Saga is a Fierce N feisty little beauty full of sass N spirit! She's caring N compassionate with a wicked smart mind!
Erik is one Seriously Hot Hunk of Viking Warrior! He has a bit of a sarcastic N cocky tude, a loving N protective nature, N a secret sweet spot for Saga!
I love this new world N all of these Awesome Characters! I'm craving more N hope we get stories for Helene, Axle, Ingrid N Vidia!
5 Stars N Beyond! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Saga is a Fierce N feisty little beauty full of sass N spirit! She's caring N compassionate with a wicked smart mind!
Erik is one Seriously Hot Hunk of Viking Warrior! He has a bit of a sarcastic N cocky tude, a loving N protective nature, N a secret sweet spot for Saga!
I love this new world N all of these Awesome Characters! I'm craving more N hope we get stories for Helene, Axle, Ingrid N Vidia!
5 Stars N Beyond! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
June 17, 2019
Captivating!
My rating system:
✩ Hated it
✩✩ It was okay
✩✩✩ Liked it
✩✩✩✩ Really liked it
✩✩✩✩✩ Loved it
This is the first book I've ever read by S.T. Bende and I'm hooked! I live the premise and the characters and can't wait until the next book. I'll be reading her other series to tide me over until then!
There are a few errors in this book, for example a scene that mentioned "no silverware" after she'd just cut up meat, then we later figure out what she meant was no fork. It was not worded clearly but I chose to look past the little things like that just because this story is so captivating, even with them.
My rating system:
✩ Hated it
✩✩ It was okay
✩✩✩ Liked it
✩✩✩✩ Really liked it
✩✩✩✩✩ Loved it
This is the first book I've ever read by S.T. Bende and I'm hooked! I live the premise and the characters and can't wait until the next book. I'll be reading her other series to tide me over until then!
There are a few errors in this book, for example a scene that mentioned "no silverware" after she'd just cut up meat, then we later figure out what she meant was no fork. It was not worded clearly but I chose to look past the little things like that just because this story is so captivating, even with them.
May 14, 2019
Imagine, if you will, taking a trip, only to find yourself not where you expected to be. Then imagine that where you are is a super big surprise, too. Then If you dare to carry things further, imagine that you meet someone who leaves you confused about where you would rather be as opposed to where you are. All that said, find yourself living life through Saga and wondering where your path will take you next. Such is the essence of this story, well told, fully puzzling, and very much worth the read.
May 14, 2019
I am really enjoying the new series by S.T. Bende, “Viking Academy”, book one. Saga is a wonderful main character that you can relate to throughout the book. Erik has the chemistry and great development as the future leader of the tribe and eye candy for us readers. The supporting characters are witty, sassy, and fun to read. S.T. has build an incredible new world in this new series. It has been fun reading from the Viking world perspective and the storyline has definitely sucked me in. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
July 12, 2020
A Unique And Infinitely Engrossing Start To The Series!
I wasn't entirely sure how I would like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised just how much I did! The plot was fast-paced and held plenty of action, humor, and grit that kept me captivated the entire way through. I loved Saga's determination and positivity in a world that she knew little of and had to struggle to fight for her life. Erik and Helene were also favorites, and I can't wait to dive back into a series filled with rich world-building and fantastic storylines! Highly recommend!
I wasn't entirely sure how I would like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised just how much I did! The plot was fast-paced and held plenty of action, humor, and grit that kept me captivated the entire way through. I loved Saga's determination and positivity in a world that she knew little of and had to struggle to fight for her life. Erik and Helene were also favorites, and I can't wait to dive back into a series filled with rich world-building and fantastic storylines! Highly recommend!
May 21, 2019
OMG!! I loved this book, hands down 5 stars! S.T. Bende does it again. I mean this is another great book that she has created. The story line is intense and adventurous that you cannot help but read the book in one sitting. The characters are great, and as you read the story you can't help be feel the emotions that the story creates for the characters. I love Viking stories and this is a great book that just flows like the Aere and Elsker Sagas. This is a definite must read and re-read. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
May 12, 2019
I have read all of S.T. Bende's books and I can say it was another absolute winner
Saga has plans after visiting her grandmother to start college with her cousin Olivia who will also be her roommate. well out swimming one morning Saga found some thing that would change her life for forever. Thrown into the past how will she cope and will she adapt to survive until she can go home ? Check this book out to find out more and #HOT VIKINGS
Saga has plans after visiting her grandmother to start college with her cousin Olivia who will also be her roommate. well out swimming one morning Saga found some thing that would change her life for forever. Thrown into the past how will she cope and will she adapt to survive until she can go home ? Check this book out to find out more and #HOT VIKINGS
May 21, 2019
Amazing!!!!
I LOVE Ms. Bende’s books. She writes such amazing heroines that by the end of the series feels like a sister or best friend. There is so much promise with Saga’s character and like her previous trilogy’s, a lot of humor and action. I can’t recommend her books enough and can honestly state that this trilogy has so much promise and has exceeded my expectations again of her new story.
I LOVE Ms. Bende’s books. She writes such amazing heroines that by the end of the series feels like a sister or best friend. There is so much promise with Saga’s character and like her previous trilogy’s, a lot of humor and action. I can’t recommend her books enough and can honestly state that this trilogy has so much promise and has exceeded my expectations again of her new story.
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