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Viking Quest #4
Heart of Courage
Siblings Devin and Briana O'Toole are facing the biggest adventure of their lives. In exchange for Bree's freedom, they have agreed to make on voyage on the new Viking ship Conquest. With explorer Leif Erikson they travel from Norway to Iceland, then to Greenland and beyond, encountering the dangers of the northern waters and an unknown enemy within the ship's crew. Will the hardships be worth it in the end, or will Bree remain a slave?
Mikkel, the young captain of the Conquest, is full of ambition. More than anything, he has always wanted wealth and fame. But he will need courage to lead his men on such a perilous journey--and to regain his lost honor. He doesn't even want to think about letting Bree go free.
Only God can give Mikkel, Bree, and Devin a heart of courage for the challenges that lie ahead.
Mikkel, the young captain of the Conquest, is full of ambition. More than anything, he has always wanted wealth and fame. But he will need courage to lead his men on such a perilous journey--and to regain his lost honor. He doesn't even want to think about letting Bree go free.
Only God can give Mikkel, Bree, and Devin a heart of courage for the challenges that lie ahead.
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2005
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361 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 3, 2022
This book was pretty good, I like the strong faith elements but the ending was a bit rushed to me. And the book was a little repetitive in some parts...but overall it was pretty good. I've enjoyed this series for the most part once I got past the on the nose writing style and the rushing of interesting parts....I feel like the adventure and action are lacking attention, but that's just my opinion.
February 3, 2017
And the journey and growth continued...by now, I was fully interested in Bree, Dev, and Mikkel. Other than the ending feeling rushed with skipping years and the time in Greenland hinting at monotonous, I really enjoyed it!
I would have liked it better if Bree and Dev actually prayed for Mikkel rather than just test him or hope he'd change. But in a way, that shows our human nature.
Also...about Mikkel's change, I wanted to see if he did it on his own or through Jesus Christ. Not gonna give a spoiler here...
There was a hint of people just being baptized, whether or not they truly accepted Christ. I think that was given for historical accuracy, not necessarily as a pattern of how it's to be done. The Gospel message was very clearly presented and true Christianity portrayed.
Still, there was not a lot of romance. Interest, yes, but nothing like Johnson's other two series, which I personally liked here, seeing as the characters were in their younger teens.
I would have liked it better if Bree and Dev actually prayed for Mikkel rather than just test him or hope he'd change. But in a way, that shows our human nature.
Also...about Mikkel's change, I wanted to see if he did it on his own or through Jesus Christ. Not gonna give a spoiler here...
There was a hint of people just being baptized, whether or not they truly accepted Christ. I think that was given for historical accuracy, not necessarily as a pattern of how it's to be done. The Gospel message was very clearly presented and true Christianity portrayed.
Still, there was not a lot of romance. Interest, yes, but nothing like Johnson's other two series, which I personally liked here, seeing as the characters were in their younger teens.
December 21, 2025
A very good inspiring read. A novel in the time of 1000 AD when Vikings would raid Irish villages and take slaves. Bree is Irish and she was captured by Mikkel. In captivity she teaches Mikkel family about christianity. Her brother, Devin, comes to pay ransom for her. Instead she allows her young sister, Keely, and friend, Lil to return to Ireland.
She and her brother are taken on a voyage to Greenland with Vikings who are explores. Their journey in the Conquest is exciting and filled with fog on the open sea, icebergs, glaciers, whale sightings, and unknown danger. This book is number four of the series. I do plan on reading one through three. Enjoyable light fun read.
Quotes:
Devin shook his head. "This is Keely, my younger sister who was stolen away by Vikings seven summers ago."
By now Bree had changed in as many ways as she had once been afraid.
"It will prove to be true that if we divide the law, we also divide the peace."
But Leif shook his head. " You don't understand. The sun and the wind melt the top of an iceberg, but the bottom of an iceberg is under water. It melts more slowly. And you can't see it.
Even so, Bree felt the quiet beauty of the tall, dark columns of hardened lava.
"Land ho!"
She and her brother are taken on a voyage to Greenland with Vikings who are explores. Their journey in the Conquest is exciting and filled with fog on the open sea, icebergs, glaciers, whale sightings, and unknown danger. This book is number four of the series. I do plan on reading one through three. Enjoyable light fun read.
Quotes:
Devin shook his head. "This is Keely, my younger sister who was stolen away by Vikings seven summers ago."
By now Bree had changed in as many ways as she had once been afraid.
"It will prove to be true that if we divide the law, we also divide the peace."
But Leif shook his head. " You don't understand. The sun and the wind melt the top of an iceberg, but the bottom of an iceberg is under water. It melts more slowly. And you can't see it.
Even so, Bree felt the quiet beauty of the tall, dark columns of hardened lava.
"Land ho!"
October 16, 2025
2.75 I would have maybe rated this book lower but the last two chapters made it so much better!
June 19, 2024
I don't really have any particularly cohesive things to say about this one, so listing it is:
1. Aww, Mikkel! This boy has so much growth left to do, but he's making progress (also someone needs to tell him that referring to oneself as a "wealthy fourteen year old" does not sound as impressive as he thinks it does).
2. The pacing of this one was a bit jarring for me, but I'm excited to see where things go from here.
3. I definitely remember my sister telling me about the incident with the stones in the bread years ago and I do not know why, but either she gave me all the details or I just straight up read that one scene because it was all so familiar to me.
4. The slow burn is getting stronger.
1. Aww, Mikkel! This boy has so much growth left to do, but he's making progress (also someone needs to tell him that referring to oneself as a "wealthy fourteen year old" does not sound as impressive as he thinks it does).
2. The pacing of this one was a bit jarring for me, but I'm excited to see where things go from here.
3. I definitely remember my sister telling me about the incident with the stones in the bread years ago and I do not know why, but either she gave me all the details or I just straight up read that one scene because it was all so familiar to me.
4. The slow burn is getting stronger.
December 21, 2020
We've been reading this series aloud this year. The 10 and 7 yos love it. The 5 yo pays attention and likes it sometimes. I love the themes!
December 2, 2023
I have been enjoying these series, and I can't wait to read the next book! If you are looking for a large, Christian, Viking book series, you will LOVE these!
June 27, 2024
I loved these books the first time I read them, but the second time was so much more fun!
January 24, 2024
well, i outgrew the reading age, but it's still nice to read
March 1, 2008
Bree says goodbye to her brother, sister, and cousin as they head home to Ireland, and she remains a captive in Norway. Mikkel has promised to free her if she and Devin accompany him on a voyage. He has noticed that God protects Bree, and she resents being considered a good luck charm. Bree is also afraid that Mikkel will not keep his promises, and fears for Devin’s safety if he returns to Norway.
Devin and Bree’s parents do send him back, however, and they set out with Mikkel’s expedition. Along the way they realize that someone is trying to hurt Mikkel and thwart his plans, endangering everyone’s lives. Mikkel also begins to understand that he can be a man, and still trust in Bree’s God. Through all the frightening changes in this fourth book of the Viking Quest series, Bree, Devin and Mikkel learn how to find a heart of courage.
Devin and Bree’s parents do send him back, however, and they set out with Mikkel’s expedition. Along the way they realize that someone is trying to hurt Mikkel and thwart his plans, endangering everyone’s lives. Mikkel also begins to understand that he can be a man, and still trust in Bree’s God. Through all the frightening changes in this fourth book of the Viking Quest series, Bree, Devin and Mikkel learn how to find a heart of courage.
January 9, 2025
This book is so good! It is full of exploration and adventure. The characters are developed well and I highly recommend this series.There were so many great scenes and it only seems to get better every time I read it!
November 18, 2020
Gud kan gjere mirakel. Menneske kan forandre seg med Gud si hjelp. Det er håp ❤️
January 14, 2026
My book rating from: Chloe's Books
Main Characters: Bree age 13-16, Devin ages 15-18, Mikkel 15-18
Age Rating: 12+
Pages: 240
Religious Content: Many prayers. Discussions about God and scripture. Mikkel is becoming more interested in the Christian God. Forgiving. *SPOILER* *END OF SPOLIER* (Mentions of other religions)
Negative Content: Near murder. Someone keeps seeming to stage Bree so that it appears she does something wrong. Anger. Lost at sea. Revenge. Jealousy. Not keeping promises.
Sexual Content: Mikkel overhears Devin and Bree speaking about someone back in Ireland who likes Bree. He seems to become jealous. Mentions of Mikkel wanting Bree to like his homeland. When Devin goes back home with Keely and Lil, it becomes more evident that Bree has someone waiting for her to come home. Mentions of Mikkel not wanting to let Bree go back to her home, and so he delays his promise. Mentions of, when Bree is confused at Mikkel's strange behavior, Devin says he's found something more important. Bree becomes angry with Mikkel, in a way to make up, Bree lets him hold her hand to help her around a slippery spot on rocks.
My Comments: I applaud Mrs. Johnson for, though she added a bit of romance (and most wouldn't even consider it romance) to her book without making it a main point. It is more a matter of developing deeper friendships and forgiveness as both Mikkel and Bree become more mature. Bree doesn't seem to have any feelings for Mikkel that she will admit to herself, and most of the relationship is just hints into the next book. Because of the slight relationship in the book, I might recommend this for those 12 or 13 plus, but, as the content is very light and clean, I still think this could be a read-aloud family book. The faith content is also very much in the book. Mrs. Johnson lets readers see how, though we can turn to God and be sorrowful for our deeds, there are still consequences for the past, which we learn in this book, and also in the next book. Good job, Mrs. Johnson! I know I don't usually give a five-star rating to books that have romantic content, but Mrs. Johnson did a good job at inserting it in a realistic way and keeping it clean and God-centered. Five-star rating.
Main Characters: Bree age 13-16, Devin ages 15-18, Mikkel 15-18
Age Rating: 12+
Pages: 240
Religious Content: Many prayers. Discussions about God and scripture. Mikkel is becoming more interested in the Christian God. Forgiving. *SPOILER* *END OF SPOLIER* (Mentions of other religions)
Negative Content: Near murder. Someone keeps seeming to stage Bree so that it appears she does something wrong. Anger. Lost at sea. Revenge. Jealousy. Not keeping promises.
Sexual Content: Mikkel overhears Devin and Bree speaking about someone back in Ireland who likes Bree. He seems to become jealous. Mentions of Mikkel wanting Bree to like his homeland. When Devin goes back home with Keely and Lil, it becomes more evident that Bree has someone waiting for her to come home. Mentions of Mikkel not wanting to let Bree go back to her home, and so he delays his promise. Mentions of, when Bree is confused at Mikkel's strange behavior, Devin says he's found something more important. Bree becomes angry with Mikkel, in a way to make up, Bree lets him hold her hand to help her around a slippery spot on rocks.
My Comments: I applaud Mrs. Johnson for, though she added a bit of romance (and most wouldn't even consider it romance) to her book without making it a main point. It is more a matter of developing deeper friendships and forgiveness as both Mikkel and Bree become more mature. Bree doesn't seem to have any feelings for Mikkel that she will admit to herself, and most of the relationship is just hints into the next book. Because of the slight relationship in the book, I might recommend this for those 12 or 13 plus, but, as the content is very light and clean, I still think this could be a read-aloud family book. The faith content is also very much in the book. Mrs. Johnson lets readers see how, though we can turn to God and be sorrowful for our deeds, there are still consequences for the past, which we learn in this book, and also in the next book. Good job, Mrs. Johnson! I know I don't usually give a five-star rating to books that have romantic content, but Mrs. Johnson did a good job at inserting it in a realistic way and keeping it clean and God-centered. Five-star rating.
November 24, 2025
The writing style of these books isn’t quite as deep or drawn out as novels I’m more familiar with, and it makes the time that the story is taking place during pass quickly. However, in this particular book, entire years just fly by in the space of one or two chapters. The part that boggles my mind the most is thinking about how they went on voyages for so long with no contact with the rest of their family and friends back home. I just can’t even fathom what that was like for either side, but it’s so interesting to think about! I appreciate so much of the history in these books, it’s absolutely fascinating, almost as much as all the faith content. I was so happy to read about so many characters coming to Christ, in this book especially, and not just their growth in faith but the growth of those around them. There’s one book left in this series, and I’m just itching to read it!
December 31, 2021
Very enjoyable. A bit crazy how much time lapsed in this one with just a few sentences after the last few books barely moved on the calendar, but I was ready for some time to pass, so I allowed it. Not quite up to par with the first two novels, or perhaps I shouldn’t be reading them in such quick succession, but it’s wonderful to just read sometimes!
June 6, 2024
The kids (age 10) rated this 5*. Since they are the target audience, that’s what I put, but as the person reading these aloud, this series is dragging for me. It probably could have been condensed to 3 books because there is so much repetition. The final book looks thicker than the others, and I’m dreading it.
July 24, 2017
Bree's brother Devin, her sister Keely, and her friend Lil are going back to Ireland. She is sad that she can't go with them. Then Devin comes back and he and Bree go on a voyage with Mikkel, and on the ship, someone is trying to kill the crew and Mikkel.
This book is awesome!
This book is awesome!
December 8, 2020
Another great read aloud for myself and my 9 year old daughter. This one took us a little longer to finish, but that is not on account of the book. It was well written and the main characters are continuing to develop in to admirable young adults.
February 13, 2024
The book is amazing. I love the story and the plot. There is adventure and a new feeling to each the characters. I would read the first three books before reading this one. I recommend this for anyone who likes adventure, and building new faith , friendship and trust.
May 19, 2018
The corniness of this series is nearly proving to be too much for me. Ah, well. Only one more to go!
June 21, 2018
Another great book!
August 2, 2018
I enjoyed this book very much.
It had all the things I could ask for in such a book! Godly book, action filled and fun!!
Highly recommended!!
It had all the things I could ask for in such a book! Godly book, action filled and fun!!
Highly recommended!!
April 28, 2019
A very good series and now looking forward to the last book in the series. Interested to see how it ends.
October 17, 2022
great book.
Read
July 22, 2024Can your God carry me? He likes to do that kind of thing.
I need the words that will help me know your God.
I need the words that will help me know your God.
August 24, 2024
UGHHHHH. I LIVE FOR THESE BOOKS
December 28, 2024
Continuing to enjoy this series.
April 13, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It’s an excellent read, even for older teens who are looking for clean, Christian books.
May 17, 2025
We loved this one and can't wait to see where this next adventure leads Mikkel, Bree, and Devin.
Only one more book before we're done!
Only one more book before we're done!
July 7, 2025
The foreshadowing in this book means I'm really not going to like the ending of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews