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'Free' is the third book in the trilogy 'Viking Ventures'. 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.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
233 pages, ebook
Published December 1, 2021
114 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 25, 2021
A marvellous, well written story about some misfits that might change the course of history. Excellent.
December 4, 2021
This is my favorite of the Viking Ventures trilogy. When the Irish execute a well-planned, multi-pronged attack against the occupying Norseman, I couldn't help but feel some satisfaction for their triumphs. Alas, Vikings are not easily defeated. Survivors flee the British isles only to end up joining forces with Danish counterparts on a new conquest. This adventure involved a different destination and inspired me to research surrounding details regarding European history and geography. Scattered battle scenes follow, but none more deadly than a bout of 9th century pestilence.
Like the other installments in the Viking Ventures trilogy, this story moves at a quick pace. I enjoyed the development of the characters, coming of age, growing in skills and wisdom, wondering about the future. We eventually find some of them longing for home. The concluding chapters detail a few surprise events, and readers are left with a small assortment of unanswered questions, some pondered by the characters themselves. I wondered how Julia overcame an incurable ailment to make her surprise appearance at a key event early in the novel. Perhaps the authors will publish a side tale!
The overall story culminates in a satisfying conclusion with a minor unexpected twist.
The book includes some mild profanity. As an educator, I recommend this series to reluctant readers who enjoy nonstop action and are comfortable with a certain level of violence. I’m happy to report that this trilogy provides an engaging vehicle for a clandestine lesson in Viking history and culture amidst an exciting read. Highly recommend!
Like the other installments in the Viking Ventures trilogy, this story moves at a quick pace. I enjoyed the development of the characters, coming of age, growing in skills and wisdom, wondering about the future. We eventually find some of them longing for home. The concluding chapters detail a few surprise events, and readers are left with a small assortment of unanswered questions, some pondered by the characters themselves. I wondered how Julia overcame an incurable ailment to make her surprise appearance at a key event early in the novel. Perhaps the authors will publish a side tale!
The overall story culminates in a satisfying conclusion with a minor unexpected twist.
The book includes some mild profanity. As an educator, I recommend this series to reluctant readers who enjoy nonstop action and are comfortable with a certain level of violence. I’m happy to report that this trilogy provides an engaging vehicle for a clandestine lesson in Viking history and culture amidst an exciting read. Highly recommend!
December 2, 2021
Free is the 3rd novel in the Viking Ventures Trilogy – yes the last one – which makes me a little sad as I feel like I am just learning and kind of becoming attached to some of the characters. The positive note I have really enjoyed the work of Åsli and Bakkejord. This is a unique story with an unuaual premise. You may think fantasy isn’t that unique – but here we have a wedding, that turns into a battle, and the wedding feast that turns into an out and out slaughter. I would like to encourage you to read the novels in order, as they each build upon the next. This is a beautifully written novel. A Viking Saga written by Norseman, who better to know their own history. This is a captivating read. It pulled me in from beginning and held my attention to the end. The world building is detailed and imaginative a must when taking your reader to the land of the Vikings! This novel has strong, well developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. I recommend this novel and would read more novels by this author.
August 10, 2022
I enjoyed book 3 of the "Viking Ventures" series a lot. Once I started listening to the audiobook, I had to listen until the very end. The tale was both intense and filled with action. I was enthralled with the characters and their lives, and I enjoyed all the twisted paths that their stories took. Nick Denton's narration was great, and his performance was entertaining. It did seem like the last couple of chapters were out of order as the prose detailed events from earlier in the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
December 10, 2021
The adventure continues with our group of Northmen who wind their way through Europe, as we know it today. Marcus frantically searches for Julia who, in turn, searches for her brother Marcus. The author has a gift where she can, literally, take the reader to the multiple locations where the action takes place and where our two siblings are located. The research as to the way of life of the Vikings at that period in time as well as the action makes this book a 5 STARS rated work.
February 6, 2022
WOW! This is my third adventure of Norsemen, Vikings, battles and wedding crashers! I absolutely loved it! What truly makes this novel even more real is the mere fact that the authors themselves are Norway natives residing just above the Artic Circle..bbrrr.....The details, descriptions of the rugged environment, character evolution & triumphs, oh the list goes. on. Gripping, fast paced and not to be missed! Bravo Ole` Åsli and Tony Bakkejord ^^
March 11, 2022
Exceptional, enthralling take of Viking battles,victories and sad losses.
A wonderfully conceived and written story, with twists and turns, searches for lost friends and families, some successful, others to be resolved, but all looking as though they will soon all be together again soon a c all this interlaced with the most exciting battles, successes and sefeats. Can't wait for the next instalment.
A wonderfully conceived and written story, with twists and turns, searches for lost friends and families, some successful, others to be resolved, but all looking as though they will soon all be together again soon a c all this interlaced with the most exciting battles, successes and sefeats. Can't wait for the next instalment.
April 1, 2022
Another great book in the series.
Although it is the last in the trilogy there is more to come, I'm very happy about that.
Way more action in this one than the previous and everyone of the characters is emerging well.
Some unexpected twists as the majority finally merge into a single fighting unit.
Without spoilers I really can't explain how engaging this series is.
A must for anyone who loves history as actual events are merged smoothly with fiction.
Although it is the last in the trilogy there is more to come, I'm very happy about that.
Way more action in this one than the previous and everyone of the characters is emerging well.
Some unexpected twists as the majority finally merge into a single fighting unit.
Without spoilers I really can't explain how engaging this series is.
A must for anyone who loves history as actual events are merged smoothly with fiction.
January 10, 2024
The Telling Gets Better
After two books of squishiness in two of our protagonists, Ulv and Marcus's skills and mettle were evident.
More action and less talk, it helps keep the plot moving. And the mental soliloquies within an acceptable zone.
A few issues with editing, but not much problem beyond that.
After two books of squishiness in two of our protagonists, Ulv and Marcus's skills and mettle were evident.
More action and less talk, it helps keep the plot moving. And the mental soliloquies within an acceptable zone.
A few issues with editing, but not much problem beyond that.
August 23, 2024
From the fury of the Northmen
A believable and worthy account of life in the Viking world. The equal of any saga, the books describe an adventure in history, but with an accuracy for detail rarely found. I felt as if I was there; the sights , sounds, the fear and excitement, even the smell; a brilliant read.
A believable and worthy account of life in the Viking world. The equal of any saga, the books describe an adventure in history, but with an accuracy for detail rarely found. I felt as if I was there; the sights , sounds, the fear and excitement, even the smell; a brilliant read.
February 19, 2022
Unexpected
I quite enjoyed reading this book- even though there was a lot of fighting involved- the characters were mostly easy to like- a brother looking for a sister and eventually vice versa- even some of the characters you didn’t like- ended up ok.
I quite enjoyed reading this book- even though there was a lot of fighting involved- the characters were mostly easy to like- a brother looking for a sister and eventually vice versa- even some of the characters you didn’t like- ended up ok.
November 21, 2023
Vikings raid and plunder the Irish Coast with great cost.
A young thrall comes of age in captivity! He seeks his sister he believes kidnapped by a Viking raiding party! Young Viking boys befriend him in his quest.
A young thrall comes of age in captivity! He seeks his sister he believes kidnapped by a Viking raiding party! Young Viking boys befriend him in his quest.
December 3, 2021
Interesting and vibrant
If you enjoyed Vikings and The Last Kingdom, you'll like these books. Exciting historical fiction, with characters you'll care about.
If you enjoyed Vikings and The Last Kingdom, you'll like these books. Exciting historical fiction, with characters you'll care about.
May 20, 2022
Looking forward to the next book
This was my favorite out of the three, so far. It ties up nicely at the end. Can't say much more without spoilers, so I won't.
This was my favorite out of the three, so far. It ties up nicely at the end. Can't say much more without spoilers, so I won't.
February 17, 2023
Great story, shame about Jarl 😢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2023
poor
Struggles with any cohesive storyline, little historical reference
Characterisation struggles leaving a very unfulfilled reader
Will try and read the last book in the series
Struggles with any cohesive storyline, little historical reference
Characterisation struggles leaving a very unfulfilled reader
Will try and read the last book in the series
February 4, 2024
Good story
Had a hard time.!keeping the. A.es.straight because many are.similar. but all in all.enjoyed the story andwasableto.follow.most.of.the history onto book.4. ,,,,,,,,,
Had a hard time.!keeping the. A.es.straight because many are.similar. but all in all.enjoyed the story andwasableto.follow.most.of.the history onto book.4. ,,,,,,,,,
April 25, 2024
Liked it
March 9, 2025
great read enthralling great series of books enjoying every minute of then
sff-ok-bx
July 4, 20251e,Bx,Rok
September 28, 2025
Het einde van de trilogie, maar nog veel eindjes open om vervolgen op te schrijven. Het verhaal is nog niet af.
December 16, 2021
Picking up where the last story ended, it was interesting following Julia, Marcus and Ulv swept up in the agendas of others. I really enjoyed the details of everyday lives of the Vikings, thralls, soldiers and the common people just trying to survive. The violence of battle plus the urgency of what seemed like hopeless situations made so much of this story feel real. I had to pay attention at times because different chapters were voiced by different characters that were all interconnected in some way. It was very satisfying to see issue resolution and maybe even a hint of a HEA for several characters.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
January 5, 2020
Helt konge ;)!
Overalt nøyt jeg med mye med denne bokserien. Lettlest, spennende og det skje noe hver kapittelet.
Overalt nøyt jeg med mye med denne bokserien. Lettlest, spennende og det skje noe hver kapittelet.
May 30, 2024
I know this book is not as polished as some would like, but I think some of it could be due to translation into English. My husband is Norwegian and he is not a big reader. I bought him the first 3 books in this series and he read them all. I bought the latest one but he hasn't read it yet.
I was curious what had him so interested so I picked up this book and started reading. I finished it in less than one rainy day. The story moves very quickly, without a ton of description and plot development. It's full of action and there are not many characters to keep track of. This is perfect for my husband, who loses interest in things very quickly. I imagine a younger reader (4th-8th grade ish) who has similar attention issues would enjoy the way this book unfolds as well. Even I found myself interested and flying through pages to find out what would happen next.
I was curious what had him so interested so I picked up this book and started reading. I finished it in less than one rainy day. The story moves very quickly, without a ton of description and plot development. It's full of action and there are not many characters to keep track of. This is perfect for my husband, who loses interest in things very quickly. I imagine a younger reader (4th-8th grade ish) who has similar attention issues would enjoy the way this book unfolds as well. Even I found myself interested and flying through pages to find out what would happen next.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews