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Viking Ventures #1
Viking
History is about to change – in the hands of the unlikeliest of culprits.
A Viking raid hits a small village in Northumbria. Onboard one of the ships is a terrified Ulv. The youngest of the crew - he is not a Viking, not a warrior, not a fighter. Despised by most of the hird he has to prove himself worthy as a raider. His honor and his life is at stake, as he faces a battle with enemies on both sides.
Standing on the pier, Marcus watches in horror as the Viking ships appear. This time he is old enough to fight. To stand, side by side with the other men against the mighty foe. The scourge of the North. At least, he hopes he can slow the Northmen down so that his little sister, Julia, can get away.
In a twist of fate, both teenage boys ends up hiding in a cellar. From that moment, their destiny is intertwined in a relationship spanning from friends to enemies, from thrall and master to weapon brothers, and from friendship to hate.
Follow Ulv, Marcus, Julia and the whole band of Viking misfits as they change the course of history. In the epic story of ‘Two Kings’ you will meet real historical figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and Charles the Bald. You will bear witness to the occupation of Dublin and the siege of Paris. You will visit Hedeby and Rouen, and take part in battles, sieges and duels.
A Viking raid hits a small village in Northumbria. Onboard one of the ships is a terrified Ulv. The youngest of the crew - he is not a Viking, not a warrior, not a fighter. Despised by most of the hird he has to prove himself worthy as a raider. His honor and his life is at stake, as he faces a battle with enemies on both sides.
Standing on the pier, Marcus watches in horror as the Viking ships appear. This time he is old enough to fight. To stand, side by side with the other men against the mighty foe. The scourge of the North. At least, he hopes he can slow the Northmen down so that his little sister, Julia, can get away.
In a twist of fate, both teenage boys ends up hiding in a cellar. From that moment, their destiny is intertwined in a relationship spanning from friends to enemies, from thrall and master to weapon brothers, and from friendship to hate.
Follow Ulv, Marcus, Julia and the whole band of Viking misfits as they change the course of history. In the epic story of ‘Two Kings’ you will meet real historical figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and Charles the Bald. You will bear witness to the occupation of Dublin and the siege of Paris. You will visit Hedeby and Rouen, and take part in battles, sieges and duels.
159 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 6, 2021
Non-stop Action!
Scenes move from one conflict, battle, or conquest to the next with a compelling storyline deftly interwoven throughout. This story places the reader among a large and lively band of Vikings. From cunning to savage, all were fierce and many were ruthless.
The storyline alternates between the point of view of two main characters who come from opposing cultures, Norse and English, who have become unlikely allies. The main Norse character is a young man who does not fit in with his fellow Vikings. His father had known this and tried unsuccessfully to separate him. The other is a merchant's son from Great Britain, whose citizens live under the shadow of constant fear of the horrors inflicted by Viking conquest. Together (and separated) they find themselves in extremely unappealing circumstances in which they must fight or be killed. And they still might be killed. Such is the Viking life!
This book was originally written in Norwegian and translated into English. At times this gives the reader an adventurous sense of the Northern European setting. Occasionally the translation feels a little clunky, making the text difficult to understand. However this does not detract from the rapid flow of the story.
A warning for younger readers, this book is violent. It does not include sexual content. The rare (and realistic) occurrence of brutality against women is described in a way that is subtle and vague.
The exciting story ends in a sudden cliff-hanger, so naturally I am awaiting the release of the next installment, hopefully not for too long! I wanted to know more about the characters as I read, so I plan to check out the now available prequel story, “The Silver Goblet".
Scenes move from one conflict, battle, or conquest to the next with a compelling storyline deftly interwoven throughout. This story places the reader among a large and lively band of Vikings. From cunning to savage, all were fierce and many were ruthless.
The storyline alternates between the point of view of two main characters who come from opposing cultures, Norse and English, who have become unlikely allies. The main Norse character is a young man who does not fit in with his fellow Vikings. His father had known this and tried unsuccessfully to separate him. The other is a merchant's son from Great Britain, whose citizens live under the shadow of constant fear of the horrors inflicted by Viking conquest. Together (and separated) they find themselves in extremely unappealing circumstances in which they must fight or be killed. And they still might be killed. Such is the Viking life!
This book was originally written in Norwegian and translated into English. At times this gives the reader an adventurous sense of the Northern European setting. Occasionally the translation feels a little clunky, making the text difficult to understand. However this does not detract from the rapid flow of the story.
A warning for younger readers, this book is violent. It does not include sexual content. The rare (and realistic) occurrence of brutality against women is described in a way that is subtle and vague.
The exciting story ends in a sudden cliff-hanger, so naturally I am awaiting the release of the next installment, hopefully not for too long! I wanted to know more about the characters as I read, so I plan to check out the now available prequel story, “The Silver Goblet".
April 24, 2021
First, and foremost, if you have NOT read 'Silver Goblet' I suggest that you read it BEFORE you proceed to 'Viking'.
Ole Āsli and Tony Bakkejord's 'Viking' is this first full book in the 'Two Kings' trilogy that picks up where the prequel, 'Silver Goblet', left off.
Ulv has already garnered himself enemies before their journey over the sea for their raid on Northumbria has even begun. He is, understandably, very nervous as it's his first raid and he isn't a warrior. Ulv knows that the only way he can survive is on his wits, finding a way to make as many allies as he can, and – maybe – his archery skills.
Then there is Marcus, a Northumbrian who is introduced just before the Jarl's men begin their raid on his village. Like Ulv he is young and not a warrior. Despite not being a warrior, Marcus still plans on fighting with the other men after he gets his sister, Julia, headed towards safety.
For Ulv, nothing goes to plan after landing in Northumbria. At every turn something happens with Kjetil that furthers the feud between Kjetil and himself. Kjetil's hatred of Ulv continually causes danger for Ulv as well as Marcus.
At every turn Marcus and Uvl face new challenges that force growth on them that they both desperately need. Ulv is presented with numerous opportunities to learn from others, but will they take the opportunities? That's what you'll have to see when you read 'Vikings'.
This book does end with a cliffhanger, so be prepared to wait as 'Outlaw' has yet to be released. Know this, people are left in tenuous situations that will have you on pins and needles as you wait to see who, if anyone, makes it out alive. Whether you decide to read it now, or wait until the whole trilogy is available, 'Vikings' is definitely worth the read.
Ole Āsli and Tony Bakkejord's 'Viking' is this first full book in the 'Two Kings' trilogy that picks up where the prequel, 'Silver Goblet', left off.
Ulv has already garnered himself enemies before their journey over the sea for their raid on Northumbria has even begun. He is, understandably, very nervous as it's his first raid and he isn't a warrior. Ulv knows that the only way he can survive is on his wits, finding a way to make as many allies as he can, and – maybe – his archery skills.
Then there is Marcus, a Northumbrian who is introduced just before the Jarl's men begin their raid on his village. Like Ulv he is young and not a warrior. Despite not being a warrior, Marcus still plans on fighting with the other men after he gets his sister, Julia, headed towards safety.
For Ulv, nothing goes to plan after landing in Northumbria. At every turn something happens with Kjetil that furthers the feud between Kjetil and himself. Kjetil's hatred of Ulv continually causes danger for Ulv as well as Marcus.
At every turn Marcus and Uvl face new challenges that force growth on them that they both desperately need. Ulv is presented with numerous opportunities to learn from others, but will they take the opportunities? That's what you'll have to see when you read 'Vikings'.
This book does end with a cliffhanger, so be prepared to wait as 'Outlaw' has yet to be released. Know this, people are left in tenuous situations that will have you on pins and needles as you wait to see who, if anyone, makes it out alive. Whether you decide to read it now, or wait until the whole trilogy is available, 'Vikings' is definitely worth the read.
January 7, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the authors, in exchange for a honest review, and I enjoyed it very much. I was curious about it, as I am interested in Vikings history, having published a novel about them too, and I was surprised by the thorough historical documentation of the two writers, which helped me be transported directly in those times and places.
I was with Ulv and Marcus, the two main characters, in the British village, then aboard the ship, then I followed the young outcast warrior and his war slave through all their adventures aboard the longship, in battle and everywhere. I liked the idea that Marcus, even if a Briton now, had as ancestor a Roman soldier.
The pacing is good, the tension and the fact that we see alternating the point of view of various characters is exciting. The scenes unfold cinematographically. All the characters are lively written. Each of them could have matched a living person of that time, and their adventures could have happened in the real world they were living in.
I was less satisfied with the ending, though. I understand wanting to leave the story on a cliffhanger for the next volume, but, at first sight, I was thinking that each volume should be self-sufficient and having a satisfactory ending per se, while still allowing sequels. When reading the ending for a second time, I had to admit that, even if it is an open possibility ending, leaving something for the reader’s imagination, it is still an acceptable ending, so… looking forward for the next volume!
I was with Ulv and Marcus, the two main characters, in the British village, then aboard the ship, then I followed the young outcast warrior and his war slave through all their adventures aboard the longship, in battle and everywhere. I liked the idea that Marcus, even if a Briton now, had as ancestor a Roman soldier.
The pacing is good, the tension and the fact that we see alternating the point of view of various characters is exciting. The scenes unfold cinematographically. All the characters are lively written. Each of them could have matched a living person of that time, and their adventures could have happened in the real world they were living in.
I was less satisfied with the ending, though. I understand wanting to leave the story on a cliffhanger for the next volume, but, at first sight, I was thinking that each volume should be self-sufficient and having a satisfactory ending per se, while still allowing sequels. When reading the ending for a second time, I had to admit that, even if it is an open possibility ending, leaving something for the reader’s imagination, it is still an acceptable ending, so… looking forward for the next volume!
January 6, 2022
I received a free copy in return for a fair review. We authors do a lot of that when we're members of StoryOrigin to help each other, BUT we only give honest reviews. I was interested to see how 2 Norwegians could write a trilogy in English and wished my Norwegian equalled their mastery of English. I've always enjoyed the Scandinavian myths and customs so looked forward to some genuine cultural information amongst the fighting!
All that besides, the book is a rollicking adventure, mainly about an unusual Viking, Ulv, a Romo-Britain, Marcus, and their struggles to find Marcus's sister, Julia. The two main characters are nicely 3D and have to grow into friendship and self-understanding. There's the usual Viking fights and raiding and the book ends on a cliff hanger as an inducement to read the next novel in the series. Not that most readers will need an inducement as this book is a page turner well worth a read.
All that besides, the book is a rollicking adventure, mainly about an unusual Viking, Ulv, a Romo-Britain, Marcus, and their struggles to find Marcus's sister, Julia. The two main characters are nicely 3D and have to grow into friendship and self-understanding. There's the usual Viking fights and raiding and the book ends on a cliff hanger as an inducement to read the next novel in the series. Not that most readers will need an inducement as this book is a page turner well worth a read.
August 6, 2017
Spennende historie, men et litt enkelt språk gjør at boka bare får 3 stjerner.
March 20, 2022
Me & Viking Ventures
Defently not the kind of book i would normaly read but it was free (sorry). And i was looking for a book to read as i had finished my previse book, and it sort of spoke to me ?? And im so glad it did as i bearly put it down this book is about Vikings, (just in case you can tell🤪) Its starts with Ulv and his dislike for fighting also none of the vikings seem to like him.. farther on he meets Marcus then Vess.. ì'd say read this book im going to buy the other 2 .. so buy buy
Ole Åsli, Tony Bakkejord. thank you
Defently not the kind of book i would normaly read but it was free (sorry). And i was looking for a book to read as i had finished my previse book, and it sort of spoke to me ?? And im so glad it did as i bearly put it down this book is about Vikings, (just in case you can tell🤪) Its starts with Ulv and his dislike for fighting also none of the vikings seem to like him.. farther on he meets Marcus then Vess.. ì'd say read this book im going to buy the other 2 .. so buy buy
Ole Åsli, Tony Bakkejord. thank you
February 24, 2022
Couldn't finish it - I persevered until the 31% mark.
Maybe should have been identified as a YA read because of the teenage protagonists- but most of those YA books are better than this.
Way too much detail about each grip used in a Viking melee during a raid or between each other.
No character development.
Maybe should have been identified as a YA read because of the teenage protagonists- but most of those YA books are better than this.
Way too much detail about each grip used in a Viking melee during a raid or between each other.
No character development.
August 19, 2017
Eg var pilotlesar for denne boka, og har derfor lese ho på ein litt annan måte enn om eg bare las ho for moro.
Boka har mange sterke sider. Eg merka meg særleg at forfattarane er flinke til å skildre reaksjonane til karakterane i boka på ein realistisk og truverdig måte. Også omgjevnadane er godt skildra, det gjorde det lett å sjå føre seg miljøet karakterane røyrer seg i. Kampscener bruker eg ofte å skumme gjennom, men Bakkejord og Åsli klarer og gjere desse oversiktlege, noko eg meiner mange andre forfattarar ikkje meistrar.
Av svake sider kan nemnast nokre historiske feil, nokre språkfeil, og at handlinga ved nokre få høve ikkje var heilt lett å følgje. Alt dette har eg tru på at kan rettast på i seinare utgåver og i dei følgjande bøkene.
Alt i alt er dette ei imponerande fyrste bok, eg gler meg til den neste!
Boka har mange sterke sider. Eg merka meg særleg at forfattarane er flinke til å skildre reaksjonane til karakterane i boka på ein realistisk og truverdig måte. Også omgjevnadane er godt skildra, det gjorde det lett å sjå føre seg miljøet karakterane røyrer seg i. Kampscener bruker eg ofte å skumme gjennom, men Bakkejord og Åsli klarer og gjere desse oversiktlege, noko eg meiner mange andre forfattarar ikkje meistrar.
Av svake sider kan nemnast nokre historiske feil, nokre språkfeil, og at handlinga ved nokre få høve ikkje var heilt lett å følgje. Alt dette har eg tru på at kan rettast på i seinare utgåver og i dei følgjande bøkene.
Alt i alt er dette ei imponerande fyrste bok, eg gler meg til den neste!
September 12, 2021
Viking: A historical fiction adventure (Viking Ventures Book 1) The Viking Ventures series is fast-paced Viking fiction in the spirit of The Norsemen Saga by James L. Nelson, Odin's Game by Tim Hodkinson, God of Vengeance by Giles Christian and The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell. This novel looks at what it was like when the Vikings came to raid villages and what they did with the survivors. This novel is about two lads one English and one Viking who learn to survive encounters with vicious warriors. James L. Nelson is a gifted author. There is a prequell called The Silver Goblet which I suggest you read prior to this novel. I highly recommend this novel. I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the book with no monetary compensation
October 9, 2021
Worth A Read
Competent introduction to series with smart dialogue, likeable main characters and dislikeable villains. Less graphic violence than many of the genre so more reliant on plotline.
Competent introduction to series with smart dialogue, likeable main characters and dislikeable villains. Less graphic violence than many of the genre so more reliant on plotline.
May 11, 2023
Half a Book. —
I was enjoying the book but everything stopped abruptly - too abruptly. Should I go on to the next book or will that stop at about 3/4 of the story... Maybe I’ll just make up my own ending.
I was enjoying the book but everything stopped abruptly - too abruptly. Should I go on to the next book or will that stop at about 3/4 of the story... Maybe I’ll just make up my own ending.
October 20, 2022
This might have been a good read; but it ended in a cliffhanger. Definitely a pet peeve of mine. I won't be acquiring the next books, either.
March 17, 2025
What happens when you live in a brutal culture and do not fit exactly in? Well, you better hope that your life doesn't depend on it. As a boy not raised to be a viking and one that is taken as a thrall after his home is raided, Ulf and Marcus have the odds stacked against them. The game is for their very lives.
This novella is an example of something I really feel would be best suited in a bind-up. It almost seems to go too fast at some points, and some jumps made my brain stutter on who was with whom. But I was charmed by both boys, curious about where they had been and where they were going, and appreciated the hint that one female character might have a significant role as her brief time showed her to have quick thinking and wit. This factor seemed to serve the boys well as they learn to prove their worth in ways unlikely to standard viking life.
Clearly a point of set up, I think the ending point was perfectly suspenseful enough to keep the reader hooked. At the same time, is also frustrating if you don't have the rest at hand. Had there been more breathing time, this had been lengthened a bit, I could see this catching on more to me and other readers than it seems to have as I stumbled on this randomly.
This novella is an example of something I really feel would be best suited in a bind-up. It almost seems to go too fast at some points, and some jumps made my brain stutter on who was with whom. But I was charmed by both boys, curious about where they had been and where they were going, and appreciated the hint that one female character might have a significant role as her brief time showed her to have quick thinking and wit. This factor seemed to serve the boys well as they learn to prove their worth in ways unlikely to standard viking life.
Clearly a point of set up, I think the ending point was perfectly suspenseful enough to keep the reader hooked. At the same time, is also frustrating if you don't have the rest at hand. Had there been more breathing time, this had been lengthened a bit, I could see this catching on more to me and other readers than it seems to have as I stumbled on this randomly.
October 4, 2023
A very good book. I like Viking tales.
In this one, during a raid on a village in England by Viking Marauders, one young boy decided to fight alongside his father to defend his village. However he is afraid and hides in the cellar of his home. He is joined there after a while by a young Viking who is on his first raiding mission and doesn't have the heart to kill.
They make a pact to help each other, when they smell smoke they realise the house has been set on fire and attempt to escape. It takes a while and they think they are free, but they run onto a group of Vikings led by a particularly nasty and violent Viking who has a grudge and strong dislike for Ulf (the Viking boy) and he is just about to strike the killing blow when he is stopped by the Jarl. The Jarl accepts the story that Ulf comes up with that he killed a chief (which was acutally the other boy's father) and had taken this boy as his property. The Jarl allowed him to keep Marcus and they both bordered this ship and although from different sides they became friends and went off to fight together with the Jarl's men.
There are further books to this series which I am going to check out
In this one, during a raid on a village in England by Viking Marauders, one young boy decided to fight alongside his father to defend his village. However he is afraid and hides in the cellar of his home. He is joined there after a while by a young Viking who is on his first raiding mission and doesn't have the heart to kill.
They make a pact to help each other, when they smell smoke they realise the house has been set on fire and attempt to escape. It takes a while and they think they are free, but they run onto a group of Vikings led by a particularly nasty and violent Viking who has a grudge and strong dislike for Ulf (the Viking boy) and he is just about to strike the killing blow when he is stopped by the Jarl. The Jarl accepts the story that Ulf comes up with that he killed a chief (which was acutally the other boy's father) and had taken this boy as his property. The Jarl allowed him to keep Marcus and they both bordered this ship and although from different sides they became friends and went off to fight together with the Jarl's men.
There are further books to this series which I am going to check out
July 27, 2022
Review for the audiobook.
This is a dark and violent historical tale of two teens from opposite sides in a raid. My copy was confusing as it went to Chapter 29, then ended on Chapter 3. I can only assume that is an error in production. I don't know if Ch 29 was the end. If so, it ended on a very sad and depressing note. I wasn't really satisfied with the story. After all the drama and death, there was really no ending. We don't know what happened to Julia, and events have separated the boys, and both are left in dire straits at the end. Very dark and negative, but perhaps true to life. I would not recommend it, as I didn't enjoy it. I had hoped the boys would be rejoined and find some peace. Obviously I am not the target audience. The narration was good and suited the characters, although it did stumble and repeat a couple of lines in the final chapters.
I received a free copy of the audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This is a dark and violent historical tale of two teens from opposite sides in a raid. My copy was confusing as it went to Chapter 29, then ended on Chapter 3. I can only assume that is an error in production. I don't know if Ch 29 was the end. If so, it ended on a very sad and depressing note. I wasn't really satisfied with the story. After all the drama and death, there was really no ending. We don't know what happened to Julia, and events have separated the boys, and both are left in dire straits at the end. Very dark and negative, but perhaps true to life. I would not recommend it, as I didn't enjoy it. I had hoped the boys would be rejoined and find some peace. Obviously I am not the target audience. The narration was good and suited the characters, although it did stumble and repeat a couple of lines in the final chapters.
I received a free copy of the audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
March 28, 2022
Good Read
The authors left me hanging at the end. I do not like to be left hanging in the ninth century on the land and in the waters of northern England. The characters had gone a viking, which was their livelihood, but all the warring was not for me. The three main characters got separated and were each at death's door last I heard. Now I want to know what happened to them and will have to buy the second book of the series to learn their fates. Yes, I have been thoroughly hanged!
Throughout the book I was thinking it was a two star read, but because the authors' writing mechanics were so good and I began to like the characters, I upped it to four stars. Some books have grabber openings. Some do not grab the reader until the last page. Thank you for writing the last page!
The authors left me hanging at the end. I do not like to be left hanging in the ninth century on the land and in the waters of northern England. The characters had gone a viking, which was their livelihood, but all the warring was not for me. The three main characters got separated and were each at death's door last I heard. Now I want to know what happened to them and will have to buy the second book of the series to learn their fates. Yes, I have been thoroughly hanged!
Throughout the book I was thinking it was a two star read, but because the authors' writing mechanics were so good and I began to like the characters, I upped it to four stars. Some books have grabber openings. Some do not grab the reader until the last page. Thank you for writing the last page!
December 3, 2022
Not bad as the start to a series, although the character development felt shallow (hard to go in-depth in a 156 page book) and some the plot seemed implausible. A Viking teen reluctantly takes part in a raid on an English village. After killing a man more in self-defense than anything else, he takes shelter in a hut, only to find the man's teenage son hiding in a crawl hole. The English boy becomes the thrall (slave) of the Viking kid, but neither one of them is particularly interested in battles if they can avoid it. As they are dragged along on a raid to Ireland, they both try to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, but bloodshed keeps finding them. A little too much blow-by-blow detail on the hand-to-hand fights (more character development would have been a better use of space), but engaging enough that I might even read another one in the series, just to see what happens to the boys.
January 3, 2025
Not the life that he had planned
Marcus was a young man from Northumbria. When he saw the ships of the Northmen approaching his village, he gave a hand axe, a blanket and some food to his sister Julia as she walked toward what could be safety. Marcus headed back to fight in the battles, but then he hid in a cellar area under the floor. Sometime later a young Northman dropped into the same area. His name was Ulv. The two quietly looked at each other, and listened to the sounds of battle outside of the house. Upon making their way out of the cellar they were among many Northmen. Marcus’s was at that point a Thrall.
After the battle the Northman started back toward the north, but not back to home. There is much more loot to take and Thralls to capture.
Marcus was a young man from Northumbria. When he saw the ships of the Northmen approaching his village, he gave a hand axe, a blanket and some food to his sister Julia as she walked toward what could be safety. Marcus headed back to fight in the battles, but then he hid in a cellar area under the floor. Sometime later a young Northman dropped into the same area. His name was Ulv. The two quietly looked at each other, and listened to the sounds of battle outside of the house. Upon making their way out of the cellar they were among many Northmen. Marcus’s was at that point a Thrall.
After the battle the Northman started back toward the north, but not back to home. There is much more loot to take and Thralls to capture.
July 23, 2021
Historical fiction involving three characters: Marcus, Ulv, and Vim. Each is absent from home because of waring raids by Vikings along the Irish, English coast. One becomes a thrall of the other, each has shared a friendship and escape, one heads toward home in the isles while searching for a sister lost during a raid. One becomes an outcast warrior due to another's escape. One is captured. One becomes more involved with the warring skills in spite of fear. Each tells the viewpoint of life within their circumstances. Interspersed in the dialog is a accounting of the Viking age, landscapes, famous names, customs and social responsibilities. Good adventure first book in a series.
January 24, 2022
I think this book was an average read. It follows two stories; the first is a young Viking warrior (named Ulv) that seems out of place, the second is a slightly younger boy (Marcus) that becomes the Viking warrior's thrall (slave). This is the first of several books, but there was not much action in the book. I believe this book is setting up the action for books to follow. The action takes place in Ireland. Ulv and Marcus get separated in the book and each has their own battle to fight against the Irish.
Personally, I am not a fan of series books, so I would not recommend it. If you like stories that move slowly, involve battles and continue on in other books this is for you.
Personally, I am not a fan of series books, so I would not recommend it. If you like stories that move slowly, involve battles and continue on in other books this is for you.
February 21, 2022
VIKING (Viking Ventures #1) by Tony Bakkejord & Ole Asli) -- I enjoy reading tales of my ancestry in Scotland, and beyond that, the earlier Vikings. This work is about two young men, Ulv and Marcus. Ulv is the youngest member of a Viking crew, although he is not a warrior or fighter, and is scorned by his crew. On a raid on a village in Northumbria in northeastern England, he acquires Marcus, a young thrall (captive slave). Much of the book is a string of battles, raids, and personal confrontations between Vikings, with long, elaborate descriptions of the fighting and personal conflicts and challenges. Boring at times and not enough interesting plot to push me on to volume #2 in the series.
February 25, 2022
The beginning of this book was full of action and adventure but it quickly went nowhere. I was surprised when I realised I was more than halfway through the ebook and not much of anything had happened.
Based on the description I was expecting to read about the relationship of Ulv and Marcus, but they spent nearly the entire book separated, and Julie was barely even mentioned. It seems like the description is for the series and not this individual book, which left me disappointed. I probably won't continue with the series.
Based on the description I was expecting to read about the relationship of Ulv and Marcus, but they spent nearly the entire book separated, and Julie was barely even mentioned. It seems like the description is for the series and not this individual book, which left me disappointed. I probably won't continue with the series.
July 25, 2022
This was my first experience with Tony Bakkejord's and Ole Åsli's dual collaboration, and the story absorbed my attention from beginning to end. I liked the two characters, Ulv and Marcus, and how they each faced the unusual circumstances they were thrust into once their paths crossed. The authors painted a picture of a brutal society, and there were scenes of violence described. The tale was filled with action. Nick Denton's narration was fine and kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
March 21, 2025
The first book in the Vikings Venture proves to be well-worth the read, or in my listen. Though not long in duration, it packs a good bit of adventure following to misfits - Ulv and Marcus - as they are basically unwillingly co-opted against their wishes into a Viking raiding group. Unfortunately things do not work out too well when dealing with Vikings when you are an unseasoned warrior or a Christian thrall (slave).
That said, I look forward to finishing the series in the not too distant future and have already bought the next two audiobooks in.the series.
That said, I look forward to finishing the series in the not too distant future and have already bought the next two audiobooks in.the series.
June 18, 2025
I got this book from Amazon. I thought the premise of Vikings would be interesting, and it was. There were a few grammatical errors, but I imagine that the author’s first language is not English, so that isn’t as much of a problem for me. The book is well written, and the action scenes are plotted well. The main characters are slightly overpowered, but it’s an adventure story, so again, that is forgivable. I like that the authors didn’t get too gory or crude with the victims of the Vikings raids, but let the reader see them as humans.
I immediately started book 2.
I immediately started book 2.
August 23, 2022
I found this story to be well written and entertaining. There were a couple of things that I wish were different, but that's just personal preference. It is a book that I would be happy to share with the younger generations in my family.
I think that the narrator did a great job in breathing life into the story.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I think that the narrator did a great job in breathing life into the story.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
I received a copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
June 13, 2024
An okay story
⭐️ - awful, probably DNF
⭐️⭐️- didn’t like but not terrible, actually finished it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was ok, passed the time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - good story, good writing, entertaining, just not great
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story
I’m debating about whether to continue the story in the next book. This was interesting but not compelling. And the book could have used some further editing.
⭐️ - awful, probably DNF
⭐️⭐️- didn’t like but not terrible, actually finished it
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was ok, passed the time
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - good story, good writing, entertaining, just not great
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - great, could not put it down, excellent writing and story
I’m debating about whether to continue the story in the next book. This was interesting but not compelling. And the book could have used some further editing.
September 3, 2025
Pros:
1-Easy to read.
2-Lots of action.
3-Classic adventure story.
Cons:
1-Improbable characters and events.
2-Writing was decent, but could have used several more edits to clean up redundancy and clunky word choice and sentence structure.
3-Rambling plot.
4-Too many characters that were all supposed to be important, but I struggled to care for any of them. There was not much in the line of pathos.
Takeaway:
1-As two stars states, "it was ok."
1-Easy to read.
2-Lots of action.
3-Classic adventure story.
Cons:
1-Improbable characters and events.
2-Writing was decent, but could have used several more edits to clean up redundancy and clunky word choice and sentence structure.
3-Rambling plot.
4-Too many characters that were all supposed to be important, but I struggled to care for any of them. There was not much in the line of pathos.
Takeaway:
1-As two stars states, "it was ok."
October 31, 2023
Well written YA historical fiction
A quick read, but the ending left me hanging, so you'll definitely have to read the entire trilogy (I assume) to find out what happens to the unlikely friends, the Viking outsider Ulv, and the English boy taken as a slave, Marcus. I give it 3.5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
A quick read, but the ending left me hanging, so you'll definitely have to read the entire trilogy (I assume) to find out what happens to the unlikely friends, the Viking outsider Ulv, and the English boy taken as a slave, Marcus. I give it 3.5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
November 9, 2023
Viking raids in Northumbria and Ireland wake the still mornings!
Viking tales bring history to life! This book however speaks of victims of cruelty and rage! Men murdered defending their homes. Women and children carried off to become slaves! No glory, just subjection and humiliation.
Viking tales bring history to life! This book however speaks of victims of cruelty and rage! Men murdered defending their homes. Women and children carried off to become slaves! No glory, just subjection and humiliation.
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