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Vikings of Virginia #1
Norse Code
Freya is over Odin’s shenanigans. After finding yet another blond in her bedchambers, she makes a choice that shakes the foundation of her entire pantheon.
Literally.
‘Cuz she blows up the palace.
When she holds a meeting in the town square and offers safe haven to Asgardians who wish to defect, Freya creates a retirement community in the countryside of Virginia and becomes the owner of a old and dusty pub. Away from the annoying antics of her husband, Freya is content for the first time she can remember. Of course, this is when disaster strikes.
Happy serving drinks to the townsfolk, Freya is completely unprepared for the first true crime to hit her people in centuries. Something magical and unwelcome has sought haven in her new town and is preying on her people. Loki thinks it’s Ragnarok. Odin thinks it’s karma.
Freya just thinks it’s a crock.
But she’s the only one who’s up to the challenge of finding the threat and eliminating it before her new settlement is over before it’s truly begun.
For fans of The Goddess Chronicles and those who love paranormal shenanigans, welcome to a new world full of frothy beer, bad puns, and laugh out loud mystery antics!
Literally.
‘Cuz she blows up the palace.
When she holds a meeting in the town square and offers safe haven to Asgardians who wish to defect, Freya creates a retirement community in the countryside of Virginia and becomes the owner of a old and dusty pub. Away from the annoying antics of her husband, Freya is content for the first time she can remember. Of course, this is when disaster strikes.
Happy serving drinks to the townsfolk, Freya is completely unprepared for the first true crime to hit her people in centuries. Something magical and unwelcome has sought haven in her new town and is preying on her people. Loki thinks it’s Ragnarok. Odin thinks it’s karma.
Freya just thinks it’s a crock.
But she’s the only one who’s up to the challenge of finding the threat and eliminating it before her new settlement is over before it’s truly begun.
For fans of The Goddess Chronicles and those who love paranormal shenanigans, welcome to a new world full of frothy beer, bad puns, and laugh out loud mystery antics!
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2018
198 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Babin
80 books376 followersS.E. Babin has a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it's romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel.
Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf's Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl spent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin. She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 4, 2021
Quick read, interesting enough and enjoyable. I wouldn't exactly call it a mystery though, in that not a lot of investigating or things occurred. I'd say it's more of a light urban fantasy with a minor mystery plot mixed in with romance and other things.
But I had questions:
(and this comes from someone who is a mythology geek, so maybe others don't mind these things)
1. Where is Frigga? Presumably she existed, as in myth she was the mother of Baldr and Thor and Freya refers to them as step-sons (so someone else had to be their mother, presumably Frigga?). But she's yet to be mentioned by name.
2. Why is The Morrigan part of things? She's a Celtic goddess, not Norse/Germanic. Seemed a little weird to me. Perhaps it'll be explained later on. I assume in a world where the Norse gods are real and exist, then the other pantheons do as well...so maybe some deities cross-over into other pantheons for whatever reason. Either that or the author didn't realize The Morrigan wasn't Norse/Germanic.
3. Freya told Loki and others that men couldn't enter or see Valhalla.
“Valhalla is closed to all but females, Loki, though I appreciate your persistence on this."
WHAT? That is the resting place, of dead warriors, which are you know, men. Was the author confusing this with Freya's (in myth) hall - Fólkvangr? But even then, men would be part of that, as she got to pick from the dead and most of that lot would be men (Vikings, warriors, etc).
"In Norse mythology, Valhalla is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. Chosen by Odin, half of those who die in combat travel to Valhalla upon death, led by valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja's field Fólkvangr. In Valhalla, the dead warriors join the masses of those who have died in combat (known as the Einherjar) and various legendary Germanic heroes and kings, as they prepare to aid Odin during the events of Ragnarök" (Wiki)
I understand this is fiction and I'm not saying it should follow established mythology exactly, but I wish if there are changes that differ greatly from said mythology, that it would be explained somehow? Like, mostly with the Valhalla thing...barring it from men, seems bizarre.
That being said, since this is a lighter series, I'm not going to dwell on things too much. I do plan to read the rest of the series as well.
But I had questions:
(and this comes from someone who is a mythology geek, so maybe others don't mind these things)
1. Where is Frigga? Presumably she existed, as in myth she was the mother of Baldr and Thor and Freya refers to them as step-sons (so someone else had to be their mother, presumably Frigga?). But she's yet to be mentioned by name.
2. Why is The Morrigan part of things? She's a Celtic goddess, not Norse/Germanic. Seemed a little weird to me. Perhaps it'll be explained later on. I assume in a world where the Norse gods are real and exist, then the other pantheons do as well...so maybe some deities cross-over into other pantheons for whatever reason. Either that or the author didn't realize The Morrigan wasn't Norse/Germanic.
3. Freya told Loki and others that men couldn't enter or see Valhalla.
“Valhalla is closed to all but females, Loki, though I appreciate your persistence on this."
WHAT? That is the resting place, of dead warriors, which are you know, men. Was the author confusing this with Freya's (in myth) hall - Fólkvangr? But even then, men would be part of that, as she got to pick from the dead and most of that lot would be men (Vikings, warriors, etc).
"In Norse mythology, Valhalla is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. Chosen by Odin, half of those who die in combat travel to Valhalla upon death, led by valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja's field Fólkvangr. In Valhalla, the dead warriors join the masses of those who have died in combat (known as the Einherjar) and various legendary Germanic heroes and kings, as they prepare to aid Odin during the events of Ragnarök" (Wiki)
I understand this is fiction and I'm not saying it should follow established mythology exactly, but I wish if there are changes that differ greatly from said mythology, that it would be explained somehow? Like, mostly with the Valhalla thing...barring it from men, seems bizarre.
That being said, since this is a lighter series, I'm not going to dwell on things too much. I do plan to read the rest of the series as well.
November 1, 2020
I'd normally read every book in a series before daring to comment on it, but I'll make an exception here - it is a genuinely good read!
Great characters, a good sense of humour, a nicely imagined scenario that holds together through murder, mystery ... and The Morrigan.
There's a lot of thought gone into making it come together - with a cast of gods, Valkyries and witches it would be easy to let the magic control everything - but it is emotion that rules.
In some ways it is a very traditional novel, in others it is a joy - here is a writer who is not worried about writing outside the box - i.e. you move the box, redesign the box, redecorate the room where the box is stored :)
The heroine, Freya, despite being a very powerful goddess is also prey to very human failings and doubts.
The hero, the trickster Loki, is not all that he seems.
Their bond is central to an evolving narrative - as I move on to book two I wish them both the best (I suspect their road will be rocky!)
Great characters, a good sense of humour, a nicely imagined scenario that holds together through murder, mystery ... and The Morrigan.
There's a lot of thought gone into making it come together - with a cast of gods, Valkyries and witches it would be easy to let the magic control everything - but it is emotion that rules.
In some ways it is a very traditional novel, in others it is a joy - here is a writer who is not worried about writing outside the box - i.e. you move the box, redesign the box, redecorate the room where the box is stored :)
The heroine, Freya, despite being a very powerful goddess is also prey to very human failings and doubts.
The hero, the trickster Loki, is not all that he seems.
Their bond is central to an evolving narrative - as I move on to book two I wish them both the best (I suspect their road will be rocky!)
January 15, 2024
Remember the song “What if God were one of us?” This story reminds me of that song in the best sense. Goddess Freya has been married to philandering handsome cheating bast*** Odin for thousands of years. And one day after many thousssands of years, she finally snaps after finding him with yet another cheating woman in her bed, another Infidelity- reminds me of my wasband.
Thankfully she has an exit strategy in place and after centuries of planning, she leaves him. Revenge is so sweet, she doesn’t leave before before she burns down the palace (oooooh I love that part, she gets the vengeance so many of us didn’t, thank you Freya! Ahhhh, I love my book girlfriends!)
So Freya escapes to the new home she has built for herself AND offers safe haven to the faithful citizens of Asgard and a choice - leave with her, and swear fealty to her only and have a new freedom and life or stay with Odin trapped in that old life. A surprising number go with her, but when a murder occurs of an immortal, alarm is raised among the population and the murderer must be found.
Even more shocking - there is an unexpected divine Intervention. More on the frightening side though since it is a darker and less well known Divinity - the Morrigan, who MARRIES Freya and Loki. WHY? For what purpose?? Both are shocked by this and Freya approaches the Morrigan and request the removal of the bond, but the Morrigan refuses, for she foresees a future where the two will need the bond, the world may need them bonded.
More adventures and magical mayhem continue and the story premise is fascinating and quite intriguing- what if the gods/goddesses actually struggle and suffer just as we do?
This was an interesting and entertaining novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
August 5, 2025
I found this author a little while ago and she is quickly becoming a favourite.
This book involves Norse gods, but not as you’ve ever seen them before. The author has a foreword advising that she is taking a lot of liberties with the Norse mythology and every word is enjoyable.
Freya is fed up with Odin’s actions especially his cheating so she steals his spear, Gungnir, sets the palace on fire and leaves to a village hidden behind wards in Virginia. Accompanied by many Asgardians who want to get a new life, Freya starts fresh.
One of the people who swear fealty to her is Loki, not what the Loki that we all know and love, he’s really quite nice.
There is some actions, a fair amount of magic, gods, dwarves, Valkyries, and others. There is also a good amount of humour, especially between Freya and Loki. Gravelbeard the dwarf also has a lot of good moments.
There is a bit of a mystery and a surprise visitor – Morrigan, who has nothing to do with the Norse mythology but fits in well.
This is an easy reading, short (160 pages), enjoyable book that kept me entertained from word one. I imagine the next books will do the same.
This book involves Norse gods, but not as you’ve ever seen them before. The author has a foreword advising that she is taking a lot of liberties with the Norse mythology and every word is enjoyable.
Freya is fed up with Odin’s actions especially his cheating so she steals his spear, Gungnir, sets the palace on fire and leaves to a village hidden behind wards in Virginia. Accompanied by many Asgardians who want to get a new life, Freya starts fresh.
One of the people who swear fealty to her is Loki, not what the Loki that we all know and love, he’s really quite nice.
There is some actions, a fair amount of magic, gods, dwarves, Valkyries, and others. There is also a good amount of humour, especially between Freya and Loki. Gravelbeard the dwarf also has a lot of good moments.
There is a bit of a mystery and a surprise visitor – Morrigan, who has nothing to do with the Norse mythology but fits in well.
This is an easy reading, short (160 pages), enjoyable book that kept me entertained from word one. I imagine the next books will do the same.
November 24, 2025
This was a fun twist on Norse mythology... after hundreds of years of marriage to Odin, Freya is done looking past Odin's unfaithfulness and overbearing treatment. She makes her exit from her marraige and steps down from being a co-ruler of Asgard and heads off to a hidden place she's been preparing for this exact time. Loki comes along, makes some promises, and they welcome the citizens who expressed loyalty to Freya and a wish to leave Asgard.
Unfortunately, pretty qulckly after folks arriving to the new settlement, despite all of Freya's wards, tragedy comes to the new settlement in Virginia... an unexpected death and an unknown killer. Did I mention Loki.... hidden depths our Loki.
This first book of the series implies there is more coming in their future, both happiness and tragedy and we'll see more in additional books in the series. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
Unfortunately, pretty qulckly after folks arriving to the new settlement, despite all of Freya's wards, tragedy comes to the new settlement in Virginia... an unexpected death and an unknown killer. Did I mention Loki.... hidden depths our Loki.
This first book of the series implies there is more coming in their future, both happiness and tragedy and we'll see more in additional books in the series. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
September 26, 2018
A new offering from S.E. Babin. A new world, a new heroine, and a new set of problems to plague her… This is the first book in a series set to follow Freya, the Norse Goddess of Love and War. Sick of Odin’s wandering and being treated as less, Freya sets out to leave and take those who wish to leave with her. Setting up a community in the human world, yet secluded and kept hidden by her magic, she sets out to start a new life. Of course, nothing really goes as planned and off she goes.
I must say I really enjoyed the fun new take on Freya, Loki, and getting to meet the wonderfully hilarious dwarf Gravelbeard. I laughed so hard with this one. I definitely enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what happens next.
I must say I really enjoyed the fun new take on Freya, Loki, and getting to meet the wonderfully hilarious dwarf Gravelbeard. I laughed so hard with this one. I definitely enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what happens next.
March 19, 2024
Not your usual Norse gods story.
Ends with a cliffhanger. The author has put her own spin on Norse mythology. Odin wasn't married to Freya. And Thor wasn't her stepson. Plus she made Thor out to be a dumb frat party type character. I do love that in this story Loki is good. Odin is a cheating skirt chaser. And I love the way Freya left Odin. It was spectacular! Later she learns she made a few mistakes. The Valkyries assisted Freya in setting up a place on Earth for whoever wanted to follow Freya. Of course, someone betrays them. They temporarily relocate everyone. And they take care of the people trying to destroy their home. The ending is pretty cool as is the Morrigan. And a good HEA by the fates.
Ends with a cliffhanger. The author has put her own spin on Norse mythology. Odin wasn't married to Freya. And Thor wasn't her stepson. Plus she made Thor out to be a dumb frat party type character. I do love that in this story Loki is good. Odin is a cheating skirt chaser. And I love the way Freya left Odin. It was spectacular! Later she learns she made a few mistakes. The Valkyries assisted Freya in setting up a place on Earth for whoever wanted to follow Freya. Of course, someone betrays them. They temporarily relocate everyone. And they take care of the people trying to destroy their home. The ending is pretty cool as is the Morrigan. And a good HEA by the fates.
December 24, 2018
Norse Code (A Vikings of Virginia Mystery Book 1) by S.E. Babin. Freya has had enough of Odin's womanizing. She's been building her own town down in Virginia for a long time now, and it's finally ready for Asgardians to move in. So, she decides to steal his spear, blow up his hall, and to relocate anyone who wants to leave. Loki is one of her closest supporters in her endeavors. With his help, she'll attempt to keep her people safe from Odin. There is also a murder that happens that she has to solve.
Overall, I loved this novel. S.E. Babin is a fantastic writer. I can't wait to read what happens next.
Overall, I loved this novel. S.E. Babin is a fantastic writer. I can't wait to read what happens next.
October 7, 2024
good
I have read a lot of books with different twists on the Norse mythology but this one was interesting. In this book, Oden was the one that chased skirts when I’m used to hearing that from Greek mythology not Norse. I’m glad that Freya was able to get away and it was interesting the community that she made. Unfortunately, for her, not too long after she moved over there they had a murder. I did like how they solve the murder and the things that were involved. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
I have read a lot of books with different twists on the Norse mythology but this one was interesting. In this book, Oden was the one that chased skirts when I’m used to hearing that from Greek mythology not Norse. I’m glad that Freya was able to get away and it was interesting the community that she made. Unfortunately, for her, not too long after she moved over there they had a murder. I did like how they solve the murder and the things that were involved. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series.
September 28, 2018
Just as good as the Aphrodite series!
Another great series to get your teeth into. She is Freya and she's had more than she can stand from her husband Odin. Leaving him seemed the best idea. Taking people who wanted to follow her and blowing up the palace were just the icing on the cake. Now in the secret refuge, she and her friends have built, she suddenly finds herself bound to Loki. However when his wife turns up and is murdered things start going to hell. Can she find out who is working against her? Will her secret haven ever be safe? What is she going to do about Loki and Odin? A great tongue in cheek look at noise mythology which is fast paced and full of humour. Plus the characters are terrific - vivid and full of life.
Another great series to get your teeth into. She is Freya and she's had more than she can stand from her husband Odin. Leaving him seemed the best idea. Taking people who wanted to follow her and blowing up the palace were just the icing on the cake. Now in the secret refuge, she and her friends have built, she suddenly finds herself bound to Loki. However when his wife turns up and is murdered things start going to hell. Can she find out who is working against her? Will her secret haven ever be safe? What is she going to do about Loki and Odin? A great tongue in cheek look at noise mythology which is fast paced and full of humour. Plus the characters are terrific - vivid and full of life.
August 1, 2021
This is really more of an urban fantasy than a paranormal mystery. The crime is not a strong element to the story telling, much less actually investigating the crime. But in spite of that, it is a fun story. This is a twist on the normal Norse mythology but that's ok. Freya gets to stand up front and center. There is a bit of romance and some humor as well. Love the grumpy dwarf.
Good story.
Good story.
July 10, 2019
Loved this book!!!
I was completely surprised at how well written this book is. It takes Norse lore and makes it up to date, relevant and relatable. The characters are real even though some are gods and goddesses. It was truly enjoyable to read and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!! Give it a try, I think you will totally enjoy it!!
I was completely surprised at how well written this book is. It takes Norse lore and makes it up to date, relevant and relatable. The characters are real even though some are gods and goddesses. It was truly enjoyable to read and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!! Give it a try, I think you will totally enjoy it!!
April 10, 2024
outstanding
I loved the world this author created in the book. The characters were captivating. A marriage is dissolved, another one begins and a new romance starts. There is a battle, prisoners are freed, a traitor is found and several warriors get just punishments. Excellent story and I am looking forward to book 2 in the series. Highly recommend reading this one.
I loved the world this author created in the book. The characters were captivating. A marriage is dissolved, another one begins and a new romance starts. There is a battle, prisoners are freed, a traitor is found and several warriors get just punishments. Excellent story and I am looking forward to book 2 in the series. Highly recommend reading this one.
September 25, 2024
Norse Code, book one of the Vikings of Virginia series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). After I caught up with the latest from this writer's Cocktails in Hell series, I started browsing her other titles and decided to learn why the Vikings were in Virginia-- this author is very clever and keeps readers laughing. Wonderful series starter.
August 4, 2025
Excellent but incomplete series with cliffhanger
Different and fun take on the pantheons and their politics. Sadly it seems that this series has been left unfinished for several years now. The last book does end in a bit of a cliffhanger too. Perhaps someday we’ll see a conclusion but it’s a disappointment to read the existing books and not reach the end of the story. The author has other series I enjoyed that were more recent releases so they seem to still be writing; here’s hoping for the finale.
Different and fun take on the pantheons and their politics. Sadly it seems that this series has been left unfinished for several years now. The last book does end in a bit of a cliffhanger too. Perhaps someday we’ll see a conclusion but it’s a disappointment to read the existing books and not reach the end of the story. The author has other series I enjoyed that were more recent releases so they seem to still be writing; here’s hoping for the finale.
April 29, 2021
Really Enjoyed This
It moves quickly and there's a lot to unpack here with mixed mythologies encompassing not just the Norse but the Celtic gods. I definitely enjoyed meeting Freya and can't wait to know more about her.
It moves quickly and there's a lot to unpack here with mixed mythologies encompassing not just the Norse but the Celtic gods. I definitely enjoyed meeting Freya and can't wait to know more about her.
February 10, 2022
Twisted Mythology
First book in this trilogy takes Norse mythology and twists it into a new and humorous tale.
I love that Freya is taking her life and making it her own. Not the first time a woman has to rebulid!
First book in this trilogy takes Norse mythology and twists it into a new and humorous tale.
I love that Freya is taking her life and making it her own. Not the first time a woman has to rebulid!
July 2, 2024
really amusing
Much better and different to what I expected. Loki is fabulous, and so is the Morrison. Freya is a wonderful character, I lobe the portrayal of Odin and the rest of the pantheon. The dwarf was hilarious. Great story, great characters really entertaining
Much better and different to what I expected. Loki is fabulous, and so is the Morrison. Freya is a wonderful character, I lobe the portrayal of Odin and the rest of the pantheon. The dwarf was hilarious. Great story, great characters really entertaining
February 23, 2020
I like the makeover on characters I already knew based on their mythology. The main characters were fun to read about and I enjoyed the humor throughout the book.
March 9, 2020
4.5 stars. So fun! I loved the premise and the world building for this one. Great characters. I'll be downloading book 2 immediately.
May 26, 2025
3.5 - I enjoyed this, but it is really short (under 200 pages).
September 25, 2025
Freya
Freya has left Odin and moved her and the people loyal to her to Virginia But peace is slow in coming as she and Loki start a new life..
Freya has left Odin and moved her and the people loyal to her to Virginia But peace is slow in coming as she and Loki start a new life..
October 14, 2025
Great book
This is a wonderful take on old tales told in a totally different way, its almost a mystery rom com with old tales. I truly loved it.
This is a wonderful take on old tales told in a totally different way, its almost a mystery rom com with old tales. I truly loved it.
February 13, 2021
Really enjoyed this take on Norse gods. I've never read this author before so I wasn't sure what to expect when going in. I enjoyed her characters and need to find a Greybeard to cook for me while cursing. I liked that she didn't have Loki and Freya just fall into bed together. I'm excited to continue to read more in this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2018
Love Gravelbeard
I love this book!! I love the character named Gravelbeard. This book has a great storyline and we'll developed characters. S.E. Babin never fails to deliver. I can always count on her as an author to deliver great books.
I love this book!! I love the character named Gravelbeard. This book has a great storyline and we'll developed characters. S.E. Babin never fails to deliver. I can always count on her as an author to deliver great books.
September 24, 2022
I love S.E. Babin's new series! Freya and Loki are awesome, but I have to say my favorite character is Greybeard. He's hilarious and I adore him...even if he does hate mozzarella sticks. I can't wait to see what happens next!
January 10, 2020
Fun read
Such a fun book to read. I love Freya, Loki and gravelbeard. This book had me laughing out loud. You don't want to put it down. I can't wait for her next book in this series.
Such a fun book to read. I love Freya, Loki and gravelbeard. This book had me laughing out loud. You don't want to put it down. I can't wait for her next book in this series.
October 24, 2022
New Characters, New World, More cheeky fun
What do you get when a Goddess of War has enough? She starts her own small town of course! What would make these books over the top is some recipes of the mouth watering food I keep reading about .😘
What do you get when a Goddess of War has enough? She starts her own small town of course! What would make these books over the top is some recipes of the mouth watering food I keep reading about .😘
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews