No One's Viking

Viking Trading Lands #2

by Megan Formanek

Raised on tales of glory, bound to question it all

882. Aldeigjuborg, Gardarike.
Astrid has worked hard to become the well-respected textile merchant known as Signe. She wants to expand her business, support her daughter, and take full advantage of her new life. Her husband is long overdue from his trade mission and, with no word from him; Astrid turns to the gods for answers. As mysterious gifts begin appearing at her door, she questions if these are signs to guide her or a threat more sinister.

When someone Astrid swore to be free of forever reappears, dark omens plague her. Soon, Astrid finds herself tangled in the Norn's weavings with agonising consequences.

In Aldeigjuborg, cultures clash and religion sparks trouble for the newly established empire of the Rus'. Word spreads of Grand Prince Oleg's conquest of Kyiv and his capture of his brother's heir. Rebellion threatens Astrid's stable town, and the war horn calls her to embrace the Viking way.

But, as she prepares to defend her home, Astrid realises that in battle, all men are made monsters.

No One's Viking: Viking Trading Lands Book Two is a powerful novel rich in historical detail and compelling characters, exploring the lives of people who lived during the early years of the Rurikid Dynasty.

273 pages, Paperback

Published February 21, 2023

About the author

Megan was raised on the stormy Illawarra coast where thunder often raged. One may be forgiven for believing the ‘old gods’ had favoured Australia with the wild hunt on those dark nights.

At university she majored in history, sparking her obsession with the so-called 'dark ages' and a desire to discover their long forgotten secrets. After graduation she travelled extensively and lived, first in South Korea, and later in Italy and the UK. It was during the dark, and seemingly endless nights of the South Korean winters that she finally allowed her characters to wreak havoc on the page.
Megan's interest in the Vikings is rooted in archaeological finds surfacing in 2015 and later, showing that they were far more than the 'smash-and-grab' opportunists that they have long been portrayed as. It was the desire to learn more about the world in which these 7th century (and onwards) Scandinavian's lived and the lives they lead that began to weave into Megan's imagination.
Her current works, the Viking Trading Lands series, brings to life the little known exploits of the Vikings who went East and created a new stronghold. Individuals that were not only hungry for adventure but also ready to challenge the notion of what a Viking could be.
When she is not writing she is drinking copious amounts of excellent coffee, reading history books and cooking meals from historical texts. You will find her exploring libraries and museums, and in front of her sewing machine constructing vintage inspired clothing.

www.meganformanek.com

Reviews

[Ken Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Megan's first book I was wondering if the child (Freyja) would be Signe's after she was born to Neflaug. It so happens that this is what happened. In book two we find that Neflaug comes back to get her child and she ends up killing her on the ice. Kjarr comes back to visit Signe for only three days in two years since they have been married. There are many surprises that Megan has told in creating this story and they have left me with good and bad feelings, such as life brings. Sven also comes back into the story from the first, and we are happy he has. He guards Signe and brings her back to life. Read the story. I know Megan studied about Vikings and knew there ways and brought this out in her story. I think she got it right and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a story of history.

[Della Kerrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

All my adult life, I have been fascinated by Viking stories but nothing I have previously read compared to this book. I felt I was right there, stuck in a historical time zone, as I travelled with her main characters. It amazes me the amount of research the author must have done before and during the writing of this unputdownable book. Can't wait for her next one. She certainly knows how to draw her readers in.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: No One's Viking
Author: Megan Formanek

Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 3/5

Of the 15 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
13 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“The second book of two, partly adventure, partly drama. Enjoyed the first book, Oath Undo Me, but I think the second is better. I loved the time and setting, and the protagonist, Astrid, is fun to root for. She’s tough, determined and everything a hero needs to be.” Female reader, aged 55
“A thoroughly absorbing story filled with Viking legends, gods, and culture. The plot is also strong and not overly complex – which is good; I’m getting too old to follow convoluted plots! I was very impressed the author’s knowledge of Vikings. Being Swedish myself, we study the Vikings in school. I’d recommend this novel to anybody who enjoys gritty dramas with historical settings.” Female reader, aged 71
“A fascinating insight into a different way of life. I was never bored reading this, the author doing a good job of keeping all the balls in the air – plot, setting, character development, historical accuracy.” Male reader, aged 41
“Loved Astrid, crap husband though! Sven is the sort of pal everybody needs. Particularly enjoyed the wedding at the beginning; insightfully written. A light way of discovering the Viking culture and enjoying a bit of drama!” Female reader, aged 56

To Sum It Up:
‘A smartly plotted Viking drama filled with complex and fun-to-root-for characters. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

No One's Viking was an excellent sequel, one that kept me up late into the night as I told myself 'just one more chapter'!

It was well crafted, and I can tell a lot of thought and effort was put into this second book, and I loved every page of it.

I found myself cheering for Astrid's trade enterprise endeavors, and I loved Sihtric and Laslo. I missed Kjarr at first, but then felt a little resentful as time wore on. I'd still love to see him in the next book, but he has some apologising to do! And so much happened that he didn't know about, I can't imagine trying to unpack all that to him. Good luck, Astrid!

I thoroughly appreciated how Astrid's character progressed, and how she easily is a very feminine and practical woman at the same time, fully capable of being kind and gentle and being a warrior able to defend her home at the same time. I can't wait to see where the next book leads her, as she continues to forge her own path to secure a thriving trade business.

Poor Sven is still holding out for something he can't have, but it can't be denied that he is an incredible and dependent friend, and my heart was so warmed to know that Astrid had to someone to care for her when she lost so much. I don't want her to lose that dependability, and I look with trepidation to the next book, hoping that male drama won't tear it all to pieces!

All in all, excellent work. I thoroughly enjoyed, and would recommend to others. Happily awaiting the next installment!

|I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. If reading free books for only the price of your opinion sounds appealing to you, head over to BookSirens and start reading today!|

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner! There was so much that happened and so much that was unexpected, there were times I could not put it down. The first book, Oath Undo Me, was the perfect opening for this series. No One’s Viking took a huge leap in excitement and drama which was completely captivating. Reading this you can feel the love and passion that went into writing it. I also loved the increase of intensity that you typically see in a Viking novel. Megan balanced it very well with the trading storyline.

The characters, once again, were very well written. The way they were built and developed throughout the story really allowed you to get to know them and their personalities and see how much they have grown from the first book and through different situations. Astrid/Signe really grew throughout all of what she went through. She dealt with some pretty horrible things but is lucky enough to have such an amazing support system that she is able to come out on top.

This was such a compelling story. There was love, heartbreaking, shocking twists, cultural and religious clashes, and political drama. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series to see how Astrid's next adventure turns out.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction, Viking fiction or anyone with an interest in Vikings.



Thank you BookSirens and Megan Formanek for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was expecting a civil drama when a certain couple of characters returned, but was met with much more. No One’s Viking is a great continuation of the Viking Trading Lands Series, and there were bits I liked even more than book one. I love how the author weaves cultural elements into the narrative. The bit during the wedding(s) at the beginning felt flawlessly meshed. I am fascinated by Viking culture, and to be able to learn more while experiencing the lives of these characters makes these books so fun to read. I believe I enjoyed this book even more than the first one, and it feels like Megan is really embracing her style here. She knows her characters and I appreciate that. One thing I feel lacking in is description. Actions are well described, especially in the battle scenes, but I think more could be done in the way of imagery. Also, I understand needing to space things out certain ways since this is a planned series, but pacing of the plot felt off. For instance, the portion with Neflaug left me wanting. I’m not sure I feel satisfied with the ending of that storyline. It seemed as if it was going to be the focus of the whole novel, then I almost forgot it even happened by the last third of the book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katrina Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series was a fantastic read. Loved the characters especially Hersir. I loved how he came into his own and lead his people.
I enjoyed seeing how Astrid evolved and dealt with her grief and the development of Astrid and Sven's relationship.
The descriptions of place and events lead the reader to really put you there. I did like the cliff hanger but the epilogue really sealed it for me. Excited about book 3.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Epic journey through a historic representation of the Viking era with suspense and excitement at every turn. Unsuspecting plot twists and I read on with baited breath.
The story really developed well in this second novel and I was taken on a journey with the characters, laughing through their joys and sorrowful when sadness overcome them. This book is a page turner and I'm sure if you have read the first one, you will thoroughly enjoy the second. If you haven't - you must!

[Sam Woodgarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real Vikings Saga

FORMANEK serves authentic historical facts in a compelling tale. Signe/Astrid forges her place in a society where women have limited roles and fewer expectations. Plagued by superstition, real events, a long lost enemy, and an old lover, Astrid negotiates a treacherous path through the early years of the Rurikid Dynasty.
If you enjoy Octavia Randolph’s books, you’ll love Formanek’s Viking Trading Lands series.

[Megan Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another phenomenal read by the author.

Unlike the first book, this was an immediate page turner for me.

Astrid continues to be a strong female lead, and I love the way she takes challenges on, especially in spite of a heartbreaking loss.

I loved Sven's reappearance and getting to know him more, and seeing the new relationship Sven and Astrid have.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and was glad to see the second. I think the second book could be enjoyed without reading the first, but the first book’s story added greatly to the events of the second. Signe, who traveled in the first book far from her Denmark home to lands in what is now Russia, is now settled, with a daughter, a circle of friends, and a thriving trade business. Signe’s peaceful existence is soon shattered, with tragedy coming to her family and an old suitor entering the picture. Signe eventually is drawn back into the Viking warring practices she had given up years ago.

When I reviewed the first book, I said that I wished there was more information about Viking culture and traditions and their contrast with other cultures Signe encountered. I can happily report that my wish was granted. The book opens with an extended wedding scene, in which Norse and Christian traditions are both employed. We learn a good deal about the old gods and the new, and the ways of war and peace.

I’ll repeat what I said last time, I’m looking forward to the next one!

[Mikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every sentence is a history lesson... my only complaint is that the rest of the series is not yet published! Looking forward to the next release...

[Hussain A. Ayoub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following her hand-fasted marriage to Kjarr, Astrid must now be a mother to Neflaug’s daughter, Freyja, while expanding her flourishing business. When Neflaug returns, Astrid must protect her secrets and her child from the mad woman’s mischief. But the past won’t let her go, and the disgruntled Slav tribes rise in rebellion to threaten the very existence of her city.

No One’s Viking is not your average Viking tale. It depicts a shade of the notorious Norse raiders that is often ignored: Vikings as traders. On the other hand, it doesn’t shy away from what made the Vikings those fearsome warriors of renown, so, if you’re delving in, expecting some violence, you won’t be disappointed. But the worldbuilding is where this story shines. The author had definitely done a thorough research on the history of the Gardarike region, the colourful cultures, religions and traditions of its various inhabitants, and the complicated relations between these different groups. The result is a vivid, authentic, world teaming with memorable characters who are both, remarkable and believable. Most brilliant of all is the protagonist, Astrid: a strong woman who’s an expert in the art of war as she is in the art of trading. Her flaws make her even more intriguing.

Even if you haven't read the first part, you can read smoothly through this one, although, I recommend reading the first part as well to fully appreciate the author's effort.

To sum it up, No One’s Viking is a testament to the quality some self-published authors can bring into the market. If you're a fan the Saxon Stories and Vikings TV series, this book is for you. It is also a must read for history buffs, especially those who are not here for the thrill of the ride alone, but who are also eager to learn more about the history, culture and daily lives of the Vikings.