Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse

The Forerunner Saga #1

by Jay Veloso Batista

Ghostly Curses in Viking England!

Danelaw life is good! Practicing martial skills, grumbling over chores, listening to scary stories and shadowing his brothers everywhere, Finn is a normal boy of ten in the Viking Kingdoms of ninth century England. A bit timid, his father plots his apprenticeship while the family prepares a grand wedding. Off to the North, his uncle sails home after years of exile. And unbeknownst to all, the ghost of an ancient mage sits sentinel over his clan freehold. But when a witch’s curse comes alive, a mishap turns young Finn into a vardoger, haunted by his own forerunner ghost.

Suddenly thrust into a new realm beyond Midgard, Finn struggles to be a boy by day and a ghost at night. His own clan fears him, he overhears murder plots, he learns the truth of giants and the hidden folk, and the witch still hunts revenge…

Will Finn find the courage to defeat his enemies, save his uncle, and accept his new ghostly existence?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2019

About the author

Jay Veloso Batista, based in Ocean View, Delaware, has published for over 20 years, including the Forerunner Viking Age Historical Fantasy novels, technical manuals and teaching materials for the Society of Motion Pictures & Television Engineers (SMPTE), multiple Role-Playing Games, short stories and poetry. His first book of The Forerunner Series, 'Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse' won the 2020 Wishing Shelf Bronze Award for YA Fantasy and the 2021 Reader's Favorite Bronze Award for General Fantasy Novels. With 35 years of executive experience in Media & Entertainment technology, Jay is currently the EVP for an international maritime domain awareness company specializing in radar solutions. A proud grandfather and father, Jay lives on the Mid-Atlantic shore with his wife and enjoys time at the beach, blue crabs and local brew pubs.

Reviews

[Jay Batista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my author review: Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse is the debut novel in the Forerunner Series. It relies on actual historical scholarship as well as supernatural adventures in Danelaw England, circa 877. The book provides the introduction to the Agneson clan, their friends and mentors, Saxon connections, blood feud foes and the hidden folk of Scandinavian folk lore. The legend of the Vardoger, a forerunner ghost of living person is the basis of the series with the first book explaining how such a forerunner could be made, and the series follows the adventures of the children of the Agneson clan. The books are told from multiple points of view and the first book is designed for all age groups. Book 2 is titled the Vardoger Boy and will be released in 2020, and it picks up the story a few weeks after the ending of book one. The setting of book 2 is the Spring of 878, an auspicious date when Alfred of Wessex began his push to force the Danes from Britain and unify the small kingdoms into England. The family will face war and blood feuds, supernatural adventures, trolls, dark elves and more Norse Siedr magic.

[Kitty G Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I read this as part of the #SPFBO as a judge*

This story is a Viking take which focuses on one particular family and the 'curse' placed on them by the Witch. We follow the events of the Viking travels, the young son who appears to be cursed and a family wedding. The story is told from a few perspectives, but Thorfinn is one of the major characters who we follow.

I liked the Viking parts of the book, the blood feuds, rituals, lifestyle and travels all seemed pretty well developed and researched (although I have limited knowledge to compare it to) and I felt like the world was believable.

I think the characters felt a little underdeveloped to me at times, and I wished I could have got to really know them a bit more before being launched into their plots. I think in particular, we just see snippets of some people's story, like Willa, and I would have enjoyed knowing more of her feelings and life.

The plot weaves between two worlds, the real and the between with magical spirits of both good and bad vying for attention. This magic was enjoyable to read about and easy to follow along with.

My main niggle with the story is that it felt a little basic at times as though the aim was for a younger audience, even though there are some more mature moments. Personally I think the book feels a little slow at times and fairly rushed at others, so this too leant a slightly younger tone to the storytelling, but it was generally easy to get through.

3*s in the end and it promises to be the start of a series with lots more potential to come. The ending certainly made me want to read on. 6/10 for #SPFBO

[Ricardo Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription and read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.

This is the first book of this series, and it was a nice surprise to me. I started reading it after playing the God of War Ragnarok video game, so I loved that this book is based on Vikings and follows Norse mythology. The story is about how the Vikings are living in what today is England, with their customs, their Jarls, and their internal politics. The author adds a touch of fantasy with the children of the town dealing with the ancient myth of a witch their grandfather fought in a tower years ago.

I simply loved how the author describes everything in fine detail, immersing the reader in the story and the epoch in an amazing way. The narrative alternates between the story of the children and the lives of the adults, and the way the author merges these stories is simply a masterclass.

Are you into Vikings? Into Norse mythology? Into urban fantasy set in another era? Then this story is a must for you without any doubt!

[Xanxa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this Viking adventure. The author's research is meticulous and his writing style makes for an easy and accessible read.

What sets this apart from other Viking sagas is the wealth of detail and description, evoking images in the reader's mind of warriors drinking and celebrating, going on raids and also going about their daily lives in their home villages.

There are stories and poems within the main story, told by Viking bards and poets, taking the reader into bygone times with daring deeds and mysterious legends.

I also like the fact that this story isn't all about warriors and battles. We get to see scenes of ordinary domesticity, how those who don't go into battle lead their lives, growing crops, breeding livestock, trading at market and bringing up children.

I'm always fascinated by rituals and this story provides plenty of those, including harvest celebrations and even a Viking wedding ceremony.

A large cast of characters makes for a good variety of interactions. I love the way the warriors banter with each other, teasing and playing their games. The children learn their lessons, carry out their chores and have adventures of their own.

My favourite characters are Raga, Thorfinn and Karl. I'm looking forward to reading about their continuing adventures in the next instalment.

[Ayla Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone that enjoys historical fictions with a touch of magic woven into the story. Set in England during the time of the Vikings. It is filled with unique characters of the time frame, adventure, legends, and great world building. The story is told from multiple perspectives which gives the reader a more immersed experience in the story. A gripping page turner to find out what will happen next. I cannot wait to continue this series to follow the adventure.

Raga is trapped as a raven in this world who wants his cursed lifted by the lad Thorfinn, or Finn for short. The curse is related to this boy’s family from previous generations back. After and adventure with friends Finn becomes cursed himself as a living ghost. Boy by day and ghost by night learning secrets that none were meant to know. The clan is preparing for his sister’s wedding meanwhile people are also growing weary of Finn. His curse has given him valuable information that means ill will toward his family. Can this curse be used in favor of his family? What is the fate for our young cursed lad?

[Zachary O'Shea]

Grounded, fun, fantasy

What impressed me most about this tale was the fine blend of daily activities of the age, culture, and slices of life woven among the fantasy elements. The characters were likeable, well rounded and I found myself liking each part. Well worth your time. I look forward to the rest of the series

[Lorrene Huisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was mesmerizing with it's story line as well as the details it held. I was truly captivated with the adventure as well as the mythical components and legends of the Vikings. I was captivated and the author knew exactly how to keep the reader enticed as they read on! Loved this read!

Personally I loved the fine details that made me feel I was in the setting it self that the story takes place in. The ways of the people and the legends that are spoken of, it was very real. I really loved those components. I really enjoyed Finn's coming of age as well! Finn came off to me as a sweet character at first glance, seeing what he went through in this adventure, really shaped his character growth. He was a character you rotted for through out the novel. The book was very hard to put down and captivating thoroughly in more ways than one! For sure, I am very much looking forward to the next in the series!

Amazing series that is a "legend" of a read! Not one to be passed up at any costs! I highly do recommend this must read book! It truly holds its appeal and captivation upon its reader! Loved it!

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse (The Forerunner Saga Book 1)

Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse is the first book in The Forerunner Saga and what a wonderfully written Fantasy story. I truly didn’t know what to expect going in but once I started reading I couldn’t put it down . This author knocked this one out of the park. Wow what amazing characters the story just flowed. I’m a bit of a Historical fan and this story definitely checked that box. This is a fast paced story packed with action, mythology,vikings and so much more. Get ready to be taken on quite the action packed adventure that transport you back in time .I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

[Dina Sjöblom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Viking Saga at its best!
Authentic, full of adventure, action and multispectral characters who grow on you. Clearly well-researched with a refreshing angle on the Norse Mythology and the Scandinavian folklore.
The language is easy-flowing with a poetic sense for detail, and the author manages to build a fastflowing story with an authenticy that makes you feel like you are right there in Viking England Danelaw.
If you enjoy Norse Mythology, the Viking era, Scandinavian folklore, and historic fiction with a touch of fantasy, this should definitely be the top of your book list! Can't wait for the next one!

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse

An intriguing tale about Norse mythology, curses, ghosts and so much more. I really enjoyed the story. It was exciting and suspenseful. It was a little difficult to keep track of who was who with all the different characters and unfamiliar names but a great new mythology fantasy series.

[Farida Mestek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine tale worthy of any skald!

A slow-paced, immersive, and atmospheric story that takes place in the days of yore. The author gives a very detailed description of the lifestyle, culture, religion, superstitions, and traditions of Norsemen (Danes and Vikings) who settled on the territory of what later became England in the area that was referred to as Danelaw. I happen to know something about it from my foray into “The Last Kingdom” series of books last year, which made it easy for me to understand a lot of the specific vocabulary used in the book, which made it sound quite authentic. There are some very distinctive characters like Yeru and Karl that make an instant impression, though for a while it wasn’t clear to me why so much of the story was dedicated to them, when it was supposed to be about Finn. I assumed that Finn or Thorfinn Agneson (his full name, though, by no means, his real name) was the main character because of his name in the title of the book and I was impatient for his story to begin. But just like famed skalds of those bygone days the author of the book generously libated us with stories of the past before returning to the present with befitting theatricality. Finn’s own adventure begins after an ill-fated trip to an old witch’s place alongside his elder brothers during which one of them gets cursed. Finn and the other brother return to that horrible place at night in order to kill the witch and save the brother from her curse. However, they soon learn that it is not easy to kill someone barely corporeal. While chasing the witch, Finn ends up in the Realm Between Realms, where he meets another intriguing character by the name of Ragacheep Nanawan or Raga as he tells Finn to call him, who can turn into a raven and who becomes Finn’s guide through the perils and the mysteries that await him now that his body (lich) and spirit (hug) are split between two worlds. I can’t really say much about Finn as a character. Despite the fact that he is a titular character, his own story appears rather sparingly on the pages of the novel, lost among many other tales and events, and he has remained largely a blank slate throughout the book. However, as it is only the first book in the series, I hope that he is yet to show himself. While I found the title of the book misleading and therefore not delivering the adventure that I was expecting, it is a very engaging novel with a great number of interesting characters, richly embroidered narrative, exciting adventures, and heart-warming atmosphere with a promise of more to come.

[Progress Wings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn's Epic Saga in the Mythic Viking World

It’s a skillfully blends history, Norse mythology, and fantasy, focusing on Finn, a boy cursed to be part ghost. The narrative is rich in Viking culture and mythical elements, making it vibrant and intriguing.

Character Development: Finn evolves from a timid boy into a brave hero, providing a compelling central narrative.

Mythology and World-Building: The series deeply embeds Norse traditions and mythical creatures into its fabric, creating a lively and authentic Viking world.

Plot Complexity and Themes: Finn's battle against a witch and his struggles with his ghostly powers are woven through complex subplots about family and clan politics, with themes of bravery and identity.

Style and Tone: The writing is clear and shifts effectively between suspenseful and vibrant scenes, enhancing the story's dynamic atmosphere.

A standout chapter, "Willa's Wedding," beautifully showcases Norse wedding traditions and integrates thrilling elements like Finn's supernatural challenges and community conflicts, making it a microcosm of the series' best qualities.

Final Thoughts: a compelling mix of adventure and cultural depth, ideal for readers who enjoy rich narratives and detailed world-building.

[Rachel Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good read! I was enthralled and the story telling is fantastic. I felt like I was actually there with the characters. It was so easy to get immersed in each characters "story" that come together at the end to weave a fantastic tale. My only complaint is the chapter lengths. It felt like a fast paced book but with each chapter being very lengthy and long, I felt like the story was dragging when in reality it wasn't. That's my only complaint. Super long chapters that made the book seem slow paced even though it was not.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book from the author through voracious readers only in exchange for an honest review. This was a good book. If you love Vikings and their time era you will enjoy this book. The story was well done and thought out well. The characters I wish there was more about some of them. I truly enjoyed Karl’s exploits and would loved to have read even more about him. I loved the fighting in this and the strategy used. I also enjoyed the magic used in the book. I’m looking forward to the next book!

[Oana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that captured me from the first few digital pages, Thorfinn and the witch's curse is a must read book for fans of norse mythology and for those who like to find out more about viking culture.
The story is told in three POVs and you might think they are too much, but they are a very nice way for us to find out more hidden facts about the story.
First POV of the main character, Thorfinn son of Agne, is the best written part with a great adventure and epic fights. The second POV is that of Yeru, the head maid of the household and the last POV is Karl Alfenson, Finn's uncle.
Karl is away on a viking voyage, while the rest of the familly prepares for a wedding. While on an exploration regarding their grandfathers famous tale Finn and his brothers find more that they wanted : the witch from the tale. As a complication in the fight Finn becames a ghost himself. He finds a teacher and companion in old Raga. But things are not what they seem whe the little boy finds out about a plot regarding his uncle.
I liked how the boy grew more confident and brave, how the details of this interesting culture were managed and how the author combined magic with history.It's a great book, one that is worth reading.
I can't wait to read the next book .

[Cheryl Burman · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Thorfinn and his brothers disturb an ancient crone atop a crumbling tower, it appears they have brought a curse upon themselves. But is that the case? This adventure, and Finn’s means of putting things right again, have unexpected consequences for him and his family.
Under the centuries-old spirit, Raga - who appears to Finn’s family as a ‘dirty old raven’ – Thorfinn learns to chart his way between the real world of Midgard and the Realm Between. His ability to leave his lich sleeping while his hug undertakes his ghostly meanders means he hears stories and conspiracies which aren’t meant for his ears. But his family fears his odd behaviour, and besides, rumours that he is under a vardoger’s curse threaten their reputation and their future status. So they bring in someone to ‘help’…
The richness of the historic detail makes the scene setting very real, as we learn how those in Viking England lived, and wed. And besides the likeable young Finn, who grows through the story, there is also a richness in the plethora of characters, all larger than life and with their own worries, dreams and ambitions. An excellent introduction to the series with plenty of scope for more adventures.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Forerunner Series. The story centers on Thorfinn, a young Viking living in England (before it was England). At the beginning of this book, Thorfinn is an ordinary boy with ordinary problems, but this quickly changes as the story develops. This book introduces Thorfinn and his family and friends as well as the fascinating world in which they live. It blends real history with folklore and fantasy to create a rich and consistent home for the characters.

I completely enjoyed this book. The characters, even the minor ones, were distinct and well developed. I found myself interested in their interactions, adventures, and crises. The writing style is readable while providing rich detail. The world in which it is set was well researched and was consistent with what I do know about Norse culture and mythology. One thing I really liked was that while the first several pages gave me a good idea of what would be resolved by the end, I couldn’t guess how it would be resolved until I got to the last few pages.

[Jessica Lucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Thornfinn and the Witch's Curse" is a Viking ghost story. Captivating with its entwined tales of magic and curses, it was an entertaining read. The descriptions were detailed, creating clear views of settings. At times I felt like there was too much detail, as in the wedding preparations. I got the characters confused a couple of times, but then I found a helpful character glossary at the end of the book that was very helpful.

[Jo Frizzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent! The author did a fantastic job illustrating this world. It’s one of those places that I really want to visit and meet all the characters. I was fascinated by the world itself and the storytelling in the book. The author’s characters were well-written and their descriptions were top-notch. I adore the way the characters interacted and look forward to reading more of this series!

[Anna (The_Reading_Pantry) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read for me. :) I’m a big fan of historical fantasy and this one was different but very entertaining. Jay Veloso Batista is amazing at creating the setting of his world.
This book contains multiple point of views which help to tell the story from all directions. It took a bit for the action to start but I’m looking forward to reading what happens next.

[Susan Burlew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read about a boy named Finn and a curse that leaves him in an in between realm while he sleeps. He has a guide that is a bird in the real world. Interesting characters and set in a Viking like world. Looking forward to more!

[Shawn Dressler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really impressed! I was hooked from the first sentence and Batista kept me hooked throughout. Can’t wait to dive into book two!

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it.

[Vanessa Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things involving historical tales and worlds that seem so long ago from what we know today. The author does a brilliant job of depicting the scenery in the villages so much so I can envision walking amongst them myself.

This book starts out with Finn, a boy who does what he should and enjoys listening to the stories and legends of old. His father is preparing an apprenticeship for him and planning a wedding. Everything changes when a relative who has been exiled shows up and seemingly sets off a witch’s curse leaving Finn a normal boy during the day but a ghost at night. This leaves Finn on uneven ground having to deal with his enemies including the witch that cursed him and his fellow clansman who in their fear strike murder plots against him. While also figuring out how to manage his new existence and where he goes from here. Will Finn make it out of this ghastly existence mostly intact? Can Finn find a way to cope with his new existence?

This is a riveting tale that will draw you in right from the start and refuse to let you go. Now that I know there are more books in this series I will definitely hunt them down to find out what happens next. These characters are so engaging and the story keeps you engaged so you want to devour this book in one setting. If you like fantasy mixed with action, adventure, and history then definitely give this book a try. It was one heck of a ride from start to finish!

[Christine Schulz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Finn and the witch's curse bestowed upon him is rich with detailed Viking history and tradition, although there were so many different names of characters and places that I found it a little difficult to follow (I was constantly trying to flip back and forth to read the glossary at the end). However, I found the description of the characters, their personalities, and the places they visit well thought out and the attention to detail made it feel like I was right there experiencing the action with them. The concept of Finn's soul roaming a different realm while his mortal body sleeps presents a unique but fascinating challenge. He can spy on anyone, know things no other person possibly could, but with power comes fear. Throughout the story, Finn has to learn to accept his new ability and transform himself from a shy little boy into a brave hero. His journey is an emotional one, and had me rooting for him every step of the way.

[Nelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love finding a new series to read! At first I didn't realize this was a series that was already more than one book long and as I finished this, I found myself wanting to know when the next one was being released. I was really excited to see there are more books already. I am definitely going to be starting the next one asap! This is the story of a boy in 9th century England who finds himself cursed by a witch and living in 2 worlds. It is a combination of historical fiction, fantasy, and ghost story! As a teacher, I thought of a lot of people that would enjoy this book and plan on recommending it to some of my previous students. It was an easy-to-read, original story that kept me turning the pages for sure!

[Stephanie Driskill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, family, magic, stories passed down from generation to generation, crusades, adventures, curses, and legends! What a great read although it was a bit slow to start for me and took about 30 pages for me to finally get into the book and characters. Many great characters are written in the book which I absolutely love in a good book. I love being able to select a character and follow along on each specific journey and relish the experiences through the eyes of all. Thorfinn is well written and easily relatable character and the journey he finds himself on is fantastic! I love the historical aspect of the book and the storytelling that takes place. It truly does feel like I am experiencing a time past and full of legends and stories and magic! I am looking forward to reading more about The Forefunner Saga and how the family fares through all the storms coming their way.

[Erica Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse is the first book in The Forerunner Saga by Jay Veloso Batista. It was a historical fantasy book. I was pulled into the story from the first page until the last page. I felt as if I was right in the thick of the story with the characters. The book includes ghosts and Vikings. The storyline has adventure, history, Norse mythology, and paranormal elements. The attention to detail is what held my attention. The story is about Finn, who starts the story as a normal boy. He is a part of the Viking Kingdoms in England. There was a witch’s curse that becomes Finn’s fate. He is by day a boy and a ghost at night. Finn has an adventure in his future. I highly recommend this book to follow Finn’s adventure.

[KYLEAN SPROSTY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to follow at first with all the different names and story line changes. Once you get to Thorfinn’s adventures it becomes much easier to follow. I am by no means a history buff, but the book seems to be historically accurate in regards to the Viking culture. Thorfinn must concur the curse that was set upon him through his grandfather’s misdeeds years before. The Raven hopes for Thorfinn’s success in removing his own curse. The magic elements make the very historic world-building much more enjoyable and entertaining. You can tell the story is left open enough for a sequel to continue, hopefully the next book is just as enchanting.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the whole feel of this book. The slightly magical yet historical air really captivated me. I enjoyed thr fact that the book centred around a young boy as the main character. I thought it brought a different perspective to the book.
The writing was highly detailed and descriptive. I could easily imagine what the author were describing. This was a truly enjoyable book and I am looking forward to what comes next.