What do you think?
Rate this book
Born a Viking: Blót
In Viking Age Scandinavia, Sigurd, a nine-year-old Norwegian boy, is accompanying his family during a spiritual pilgrimage to Uppsala, Sweden. Eirik, his father, is a mystical and mysterious legendary warrior.
During this spiritual experience, Sigurd discovers that Eirik is the leader of a secret group of outcast shaman warriors devoted to Odin. As he digs deeper, Sigurd struggles to understand whether his father is to be revered or despised.
Immersed in the heart of Norse paganism, Sigurd starts experiencing mystical visions guiding him to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, as his family’s past comes back to haunt them through a tragic and brutal murder, an intricate conspiracy is unveiled, threatening the very fabric of Scandinavian culture.
Mysticism and legend blend with the harsh reality of greed and politics as Sigurd fights for survival while struggling to accept his destiny.
During this spiritual experience, Sigurd discovers that Eirik is the leader of a secret group of outcast shaman warriors devoted to Odin. As he digs deeper, Sigurd struggles to understand whether his father is to be revered or despised.
Immersed in the heart of Norse paganism, Sigurd starts experiencing mystical visions guiding him to follow in his father’s footsteps. However, as his family’s past comes back to haunt them through a tragic and brutal murder, an intricate conspiracy is unveiled, threatening the very fabric of Scandinavian culture.
Mysticism and legend blend with the harsh reality of greed and politics as Sigurd fights for survival while struggling to accept his destiny.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
273 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2023
7 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 16, 2024
Sigurd, My Boy
I thoroughly enjoyed following Sigurd’s journey in this story. Watching him evolve from a young, inexperienced boy who just wanted to make his father proud into someone who learns the complex truths about his father’s past was amazing. As Sigurd uncovers his father’s past, including his ability in battle and his affiliations, the story just gets better and better. The transformation of Sigurd into a young warrior, shaped by trauma and circumstances beyond his control, was captivating to say the least.
Olaf quickly became my favorite character, as I’m sure most would agree, with Piru being a very close second. Both are just really badass characters. Riccardo did an incredible job with his attention to detail, whether describing the scenery, a person of interest, or a battle. I’m eager to start the next book right away. I’m ready to cry.
I thoroughly enjoyed following Sigurd’s journey in this story. Watching him evolve from a young, inexperienced boy who just wanted to make his father proud into someone who learns the complex truths about his father’s past was amazing. As Sigurd uncovers his father’s past, including his ability in battle and his affiliations, the story just gets better and better. The transformation of Sigurd into a young warrior, shaped by trauma and circumstances beyond his control, was captivating to say the least.
Olaf quickly became my favorite character, as I’m sure most would agree, with Piru being a very close second. Both are just really badass characters. Riccardo did an incredible job with his attention to detail, whether describing the scenery, a person of interest, or a battle. I’m eager to start the next book right away. I’m ready to cry.
March 3, 2024
Note: The author, Riccardo Polacci, kindly sent me a digital version of his book in exchange for my honest review. A huge thank you to the author for letting me be a part of it.
-
Today, I am going to review Born a Viking: Blót by Riccardo Polacci. It is a captivating saga that transports readers back to the era of the Vikings, tracing the coming-of-age journey of young Sigurd as he navigates and unravels the intricacies of his world.
My Review
This historical novel, enriched with elements of mysticism, folklore, and religious nuances, not only delves into the authenticity of Viking culture but also infuses a touch of fantasy that elevates it to a memorable level without losing its grounding in reality.
Engaging Perspective Through the Eyes of Sigurd
An astute narrative choice by the author is the perspective through which the story unfolds—experiencing everything through the eyes of the young Sigurd. As he navigates a society unfamiliar to him, readers are invited to discover and unravel its intricacies alongside him, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.
The Momentum of the Conflict
As the story progresses, the intensity of the conflicts deepens, making it increasingly difficult to set the book aside. The anticipation to unveil the outcomes becomes irresistible, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages to satisfy their curiosity about the fate of the characters and the world they inhabit.
Dynamic Characters and Enticing Battles
The ensemble cast of characters adds depth to the narrative, holding readers captive during their most challenging and pivotal moments. The enthralling battles further contribute to the book's allure, captivating readers and intensifying the desire to uncover the unfolding events.
Meticulous Research and Vivid Descriptions
The meticulous research evident in the narrative brings forth realistic details of Viking culture, complemented by vivid descriptions of settings and moments, providing readers with an immersive experience. The narrative prowess captures each moment vividly, ensuring readers live through the pages. Personally, the experience was enthralling, drawing me in from the start.
About the Author
A well-executed entrance not only signals the beginning of an author's journey but also promises a compelling expedition into uncharted storytelling territories. It is a critical moment that shapes the trajectory of a promising writing career. The author of Born a Viking: Blót, Riccardo Polacci, left no stone unturned to provide us with a wonderful story. I would like to congratulate him on his debut and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Final Thoughts
Personally, the experience of reading Born a Viking: Blót was nothing short of enthralling. From the opening pages, I found myself captivated by the rich tapestry of historical details, the authenticity of Viking culture, and the seamlessly blended elements of mysticism and fantasy. The relentless desire to uncover the fate of the characters intensified my connection with the narrative, leaving me with a profound sense of satisfaction as I closed the final chapter. Born a Viking: Blót not only marked a promising debut but also provided me with a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
-
Today, I am going to review Born a Viking: Blót by Riccardo Polacci. It is a captivating saga that transports readers back to the era of the Vikings, tracing the coming-of-age journey of young Sigurd as he navigates and unravels the intricacies of his world.
My Review
This historical novel, enriched with elements of mysticism, folklore, and religious nuances, not only delves into the authenticity of Viking culture but also infuses a touch of fantasy that elevates it to a memorable level without losing its grounding in reality.
Engaging Perspective Through the Eyes of Sigurd
An astute narrative choice by the author is the perspective through which the story unfolds—experiencing everything through the eyes of the young Sigurd. As he navigates a society unfamiliar to him, readers are invited to discover and unravel its intricacies alongside him, creating a unique and engaging reading experience.
The Momentum of the Conflict
As the story progresses, the intensity of the conflicts deepens, making it increasingly difficult to set the book aside. The anticipation to unveil the outcomes becomes irresistible, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages to satisfy their curiosity about the fate of the characters and the world they inhabit.
Dynamic Characters and Enticing Battles
The ensemble cast of characters adds depth to the narrative, holding readers captive during their most challenging and pivotal moments. The enthralling battles further contribute to the book's allure, captivating readers and intensifying the desire to uncover the unfolding events.
Meticulous Research and Vivid Descriptions
The meticulous research evident in the narrative brings forth realistic details of Viking culture, complemented by vivid descriptions of settings and moments, providing readers with an immersive experience. The narrative prowess captures each moment vividly, ensuring readers live through the pages. Personally, the experience was enthralling, drawing me in from the start.
About the Author
A well-executed entrance not only signals the beginning of an author's journey but also promises a compelling expedition into uncharted storytelling territories. It is a critical moment that shapes the trajectory of a promising writing career. The author of Born a Viking: Blót, Riccardo Polacci, left no stone unturned to provide us with a wonderful story. I would like to congratulate him on his debut and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Final Thoughts
Personally, the experience of reading Born a Viking: Blót was nothing short of enthralling. From the opening pages, I found myself captivated by the rich tapestry of historical details, the authenticity of Viking culture, and the seamlessly blended elements of mysticism and fantasy. The relentless desire to uncover the fate of the characters intensified my connection with the narrative, leaving me with a profound sense of satisfaction as I closed the final chapter. Born a Viking: Blót not only marked a promising debut but also provided me with a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
June 16, 2025
Riccardo Polacci’s The Viking Saga unfolds as a soul-stirring journey through Norse mythology, tradition, and personal transformation, told through the eyes of a young boy named Sigurd. From the very first steps of the family’s pilgrimage to the Great Temple of Uppsala, the narrative roots itself in the sacred rhythms of Viking life—ritual, belief, and the quiet weight of ancestral expectation. Sigurd’s inner world begins to stir as he travels with his father, a warrior deeply connected to the gods. With every step of their journey, Sigurd questions his place in the cosmos, measuring his courage against the standards of men, gods, and memory.
Upon reaching Uppsala, the atmosphere shifts into a swirl of spiritual intensity and cultural contrast. Traders, warriors, and seekers converge, turning the temple grounds into a vibrant crossroads of philosophy and devotion. Here, Sigurd begins to glimpse the differences between fighting for survival and living with purpose. Through meaningful encounters—particularly with the character Olaf—he confronts the emotional scars left by family legacies, including the absence of Uncle Harald. These moments are not only powerful narrative turns but also thoughtful meditations on the cost of carrying a name, a memory, and a legacy through a world that exalts strength but often hides its sorrow.
A pivotal turning point arises when Sigurd meets a mysterious old man who challenges him to temper his anger and seek clarity over instinct. Their exchange is a rite of passage wrapped in myth and mentorship. Sigurd’s emotional struggle—especially his conflict between vengeance and wisdom—mirrors the timeless Viking tension between rage and restraint. As the great temple looms closer, the story dives into questions of faith, sacrifice, and spiritual identity, with Sigurd preparing not just to meet the gods but to understand the silent prayers he’s been carrying in his heart all along.
The culminating visit to the Great Temple is nothing short of a spiritual awakening. Before a majestic statue of Odin, Sigurd is overtaken by a mystical experience that bridges past and present, myth and memory. His journey doesn’t end in spectacle, but in an evolving understanding of destiny, legacy, and belonging. The saga then moves gently into reflection, as Sigurd explores ancient tales of The Twelve and the fierce, complex souls of the berserkers. These stories help him begin to weave his own place in the grand tapestry of Norse tradition—one that honors the past but makes room for his own choices. Through vivid storytelling and rich emotional layers, Polacci crafts a deeply immersive saga that celebrates not just Viking lore, but the universal journey of becoming.
Upon reaching Uppsala, the atmosphere shifts into a swirl of spiritual intensity and cultural contrast. Traders, warriors, and seekers converge, turning the temple grounds into a vibrant crossroads of philosophy and devotion. Here, Sigurd begins to glimpse the differences between fighting for survival and living with purpose. Through meaningful encounters—particularly with the character Olaf—he confronts the emotional scars left by family legacies, including the absence of Uncle Harald. These moments are not only powerful narrative turns but also thoughtful meditations on the cost of carrying a name, a memory, and a legacy through a world that exalts strength but often hides its sorrow.
A pivotal turning point arises when Sigurd meets a mysterious old man who challenges him to temper his anger and seek clarity over instinct. Their exchange is a rite of passage wrapped in myth and mentorship. Sigurd’s emotional struggle—especially his conflict between vengeance and wisdom—mirrors the timeless Viking tension between rage and restraint. As the great temple looms closer, the story dives into questions of faith, sacrifice, and spiritual identity, with Sigurd preparing not just to meet the gods but to understand the silent prayers he’s been carrying in his heart all along.
The culminating visit to the Great Temple is nothing short of a spiritual awakening. Before a majestic statue of Odin, Sigurd is overtaken by a mystical experience that bridges past and present, myth and memory. His journey doesn’t end in spectacle, but in an evolving understanding of destiny, legacy, and belonging. The saga then moves gently into reflection, as Sigurd explores ancient tales of The Twelve and the fierce, complex souls of the berserkers. These stories help him begin to weave his own place in the grand tapestry of Norse tradition—one that honors the past but makes room for his own choices. Through vivid storytelling and rich emotional layers, Polacci crafts a deeply immersive saga that celebrates not just Viking lore, but the universal journey of becoming.
August 25, 2024
Find this review and more on my blog at
Worlds Unlike Our Own
.
A huge thank you to the author, Riccardo Polacci, for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Eight year old Sigurd and his family are journeying to the Great Temple in Uppsala, Sweden to attend the Blót, a spiritual ceremony that occurs every nine years. This journey turns out to be more than just an ordinary pilgrimage for young Sigurd, as he discovers that his father is actually the leader of a group of outcast mystical shaman warriors who serve Odin. And more shockingly, Sigurd himself begins to experience signs and visions that seem to foretell that he will follow the same path. But before he can figure things out, enemies from his father’s past turn up, and in the wake of a tragic murder, Sigurd is forced to flee alone, not knowing what has become of his family.
I had read only one or two books set around the Viking age before this, so I didn’t have too much historical context, but those were fun, so I was excited to pick up this series.
Before I get into discussing the actual plot, I just want to mention that the author’s should not be skipped, I found it had some pretty interesting information. I loved how the mystical aspects of the plot were realistically interwoven with the political intrigue and conspiracy which made this an incredibly entertaining read.
As I said before, I don’t know much about this era but there was clearly so much attention paid to historical detail here. The world building was stunning and I loved the descriptions of not only the Scandinavian landscapes the characters journeyed through, but also the detailed explanations of the Great Temple, the folklore, rituals, customs and traditions involved in the Blót. Good world building helps draw the reader into the story and world and this did just that. This marvellous attention to detail also extended to other aspects such as the many battles or even the various characters that Sigurd encountered along the way. I really can’t commend this aspect of the story enough as the author truly brought the world to life in such beautiful and vivid detail.
This book was quite a bit more violent than I expected, which is typical of the era I suppose, but I would certainly add it as a content warning.
For a book that’s relatively short, it took me a long time to fully get hooked and I think it was well beyond the halfway mark that the plot finally started moving in a solid direction. The pacing definitely could have been better as the first half was way too slow. There was valuable world building, yes, but I do feel it could have been either condensed or done alongside the other events of the story.
The writing style was good, and the narrative generally easy to follow. However, I did find the dialogue to be choppy at times, and there were places where the story didn’t flow as smoothly as it could have structurally.
Sigurd was a great character, though I did have a hard time believing he was an eight year old most of the time as the way his thoughts flowed seemed much more mature in my opinion. His POV was perfect to watch the events of this story as he was seeing much of this world for the first time, allowing the reader to experience it through his eyes. I did enjoy his growth throughout this book as he discovers that he is destined for something much grander than he ever imagined and struggles with the complex truths about his father’s past. The unexpected tragedies he has to weather set him on the path to becoming a warrior and this transformation was a wonderful arc to follow.
The last quarter of this book was completely action-packed and that carried through all the way to the final pages, ending on quite a shocking note. I’m just glad I already have the sequel at hand because I don’t think I could manage to wait in order to find out what happens. I can’t wait to see what adventures will find Sigurd and his companions next!
Overall, this was a really interesting read and I would definitely recommend this for historical fiction fans! Keep an eye out for my review of the sequel, Berserkr, coming very soon!
A huge thank you to the author, Riccardo Polacci, for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Eight year old Sigurd and his family are journeying to the Great Temple in Uppsala, Sweden to attend the Blót, a spiritual ceremony that occurs every nine years. This journey turns out to be more than just an ordinary pilgrimage for young Sigurd, as he discovers that his father is actually the leader of a group of outcast mystical shaman warriors who serve Odin. And more shockingly, Sigurd himself begins to experience signs and visions that seem to foretell that he will follow the same path. But before he can figure things out, enemies from his father’s past turn up, and in the wake of a tragic murder, Sigurd is forced to flee alone, not knowing what has become of his family.
I had read only one or two books set around the Viking age before this, so I didn’t have too much historical context, but those were fun, so I was excited to pick up this series.
Before I get into discussing the actual plot, I just want to mention that the author’s should not be skipped, I found it had some pretty interesting information. I loved how the mystical aspects of the plot were realistically interwoven with the political intrigue and conspiracy which made this an incredibly entertaining read.
As I said before, I don’t know much about this era but there was clearly so much attention paid to historical detail here. The world building was stunning and I loved the descriptions of not only the Scandinavian landscapes the characters journeyed through, but also the detailed explanations of the Great Temple, the folklore, rituals, customs and traditions involved in the Blót. Good world building helps draw the reader into the story and world and this did just that. This marvellous attention to detail also extended to other aspects such as the many battles or even the various characters that Sigurd encountered along the way. I really can’t commend this aspect of the story enough as the author truly brought the world to life in such beautiful and vivid detail.
This book was quite a bit more violent than I expected, which is typical of the era I suppose, but I would certainly add it as a content warning.
For a book that’s relatively short, it took me a long time to fully get hooked and I think it was well beyond the halfway mark that the plot finally started moving in a solid direction. The pacing definitely could have been better as the first half was way too slow. There was valuable world building, yes, but I do feel it could have been either condensed or done alongside the other events of the story.
The writing style was good, and the narrative generally easy to follow. However, I did find the dialogue to be choppy at times, and there were places where the story didn’t flow as smoothly as it could have structurally.
Sigurd was a great character, though I did have a hard time believing he was an eight year old most of the time as the way his thoughts flowed seemed much more mature in my opinion. His POV was perfect to watch the events of this story as he was seeing much of this world for the first time, allowing the reader to experience it through his eyes. I did enjoy his growth throughout this book as he discovers that he is destined for something much grander than he ever imagined and struggles with the complex truths about his father’s past. The unexpected tragedies he has to weather set him on the path to becoming a warrior and this transformation was a wonderful arc to follow.
The last quarter of this book was completely action-packed and that carried through all the way to the final pages, ending on quite a shocking note. I’m just glad I already have the sequel at hand because I don’t think I could manage to wait in order to find out what happens. I can’t wait to see what adventures will find Sigurd and his companions next!
Overall, this was a really interesting read and I would definitely recommend this for historical fiction fans! Keep an eye out for my review of the sequel, Berserkr, coming very soon!
March 9, 2024
"Born a Viking: Blót" by Riccardo Polacci invites readers on a riveting journey through Viking Age Scandinavia, immersing them in a world of ancient traditions, mysticism, and political intrigue. At the heart of the story is Sigurd, a young Norwegian boy whose quest for identity and purpose leads him on a spiritual pilgrimage to Uppsala, Sweden. Along the way, he discovers shocking truths about his father, Eirik, who is revealed to be the leader of a group of outcast shaman warriors devoted to Odin.
What sets "Born a Viking: Blót" apart is its meticulous attention to historical detail and its vivid portrayal of Viking society. Polacci skillfully brings this era to life, painting a rich tapestry of landscapes, customs, and beliefs that transport readers back in time. From the rugged beauty of the Scandinavian wilderness to the bustling streets of Uppsala, every setting is rendered with immersive detail, allowing readers to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of Viking Age Scandinavia firsthand.
The characters in "Born a Viking: Blót" are equally captivating, with Sigurd emerging as a compelling protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is both poignant and relatable. As he grapples with the complexities of family loyalty, honor, and duty, readers are drawn into his world, rooting for him as he navigates the treacherous paths of intrigue and betrayal that threaten to tear Viking society apart.
Plot development is another strength of the novel, with Polacci weaving together multiple storylines that intertwine and intersect in surprising and unexpected ways. From the tragic murder that sets the narrative in motion to the web of intrigue, peril, and conspiracy that unfolds in its wake, each twist and turn of the plot keeps readers eagerly turning the pages, hungry for more.
Ultimately, "Born a Viking: Blót" is a gripping and immersive tale that will appeal to fans of medieval historical fiction and Viking sagas alike. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting, it is a must-read for anyone seeking an epic adventure steeped in history, mythology, and mystery.
What sets "Born a Viking: Blót" apart is its meticulous attention to historical detail and its vivid portrayal of Viking society. Polacci skillfully brings this era to life, painting a rich tapestry of landscapes, customs, and beliefs that transport readers back in time. From the rugged beauty of the Scandinavian wilderness to the bustling streets of Uppsala, every setting is rendered with immersive detail, allowing readers to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of Viking Age Scandinavia firsthand.
The characters in "Born a Viking: Blót" are equally captivating, with Sigurd emerging as a compelling protagonist whose journey of self-discovery is both poignant and relatable. As he grapples with the complexities of family loyalty, honor, and duty, readers are drawn into his world, rooting for him as he navigates the treacherous paths of intrigue and betrayal that threaten to tear Viking society apart.
Plot development is another strength of the novel, with Polacci weaving together multiple storylines that intertwine and intersect in surprising and unexpected ways. From the tragic murder that sets the narrative in motion to the web of intrigue, peril, and conspiracy that unfolds in its wake, each twist and turn of the plot keeps readers eagerly turning the pages, hungry for more.
Ultimately, "Born a Viking: Blót" is a gripping and immersive tale that will appeal to fans of medieval historical fiction and Viking sagas alike. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting, it is a must-read for anyone seeking an epic adventure steeped in history, mythology, and mystery.
May 12, 2025
⭐ 3/5 stars (rounded up)
When author Riccardo Polacci reached out with Born a Viking: Blot, I was intrigued by the promise of a Viking historical fiction epic steeped in Norse mythology, spiritual awakenings, and secret shaman warriors devoted to Odin. The concept had all the makings of a powerful historical fiction book: a mystical pilgrimage, a brutal conspiracy, and a young boy, Sigurd, at the center of it all.
And yet—this one just didn’t land for me.
The story reads more like a memoir, which could have worked if the pacing hadn’t felt like wading through fog. At 50%, the narrative still felt like it was setting the stage. Sigurd's journey—from innocent boy to would-be warrior—unfolds too slowly, and by the time he navigates treacherous emotional and spiritual paths, I’d already lost connection. His father, Eirik, is built up as a legend, a leader of outcast shaman warriors, but we only get one real scene that shows us his power. The rest is repetition.
I love rich, atmospheric world-building, but the stakes here felt muted. There's a brutal murder that unfolds, threads of betrayal, and hints at truths that lie beneath Eirik, but the payoff never fully arrives. That said, the prose is beautiful and immersive, and I think fans of slow-burn Viking sagas, myth-heavy narratives, and introspective reads might get more out of it than I did.
If you love mythology, legacy, and quiet inner transformation over plot-driven storytelling—this could be your next read. For me, it just wasn’t the right fit.
Check out my full review on my blog The Diary of a Reader
When author Riccardo Polacci reached out with Born a Viking: Blot, I was intrigued by the promise of a Viking historical fiction epic steeped in Norse mythology, spiritual awakenings, and secret shaman warriors devoted to Odin. The concept had all the makings of a powerful historical fiction book: a mystical pilgrimage, a brutal conspiracy, and a young boy, Sigurd, at the center of it all.
And yet—this one just didn’t land for me.
The story reads more like a memoir, which could have worked if the pacing hadn’t felt like wading through fog. At 50%, the narrative still felt like it was setting the stage. Sigurd's journey—from innocent boy to would-be warrior—unfolds too slowly, and by the time he navigates treacherous emotional and spiritual paths, I’d already lost connection. His father, Eirik, is built up as a legend, a leader of outcast shaman warriors, but we only get one real scene that shows us his power. The rest is repetition.
I love rich, atmospheric world-building, but the stakes here felt muted. There's a brutal murder that unfolds, threads of betrayal, and hints at truths that lie beneath Eirik, but the payoff never fully arrives. That said, the prose is beautiful and immersive, and I think fans of slow-burn Viking sagas, myth-heavy narratives, and introspective reads might get more out of it than I did.
If you love mythology, legacy, and quiet inner transformation over plot-driven storytelling—this could be your next read. For me, it just wasn’t the right fit.
Check out my full review on my blog The Diary of a Reader
March 10, 2024
A huge thank you goes to Riccardo Polacci for letting me read a copy of Born a Viking: Blót! This tale was an adventure in the historical fiction genre, but with a fantasy twist as the Norse deities make their presence known. How could I pass up an opportunity to live & breathe a Viking life?! But let’s give you an overview before we go any further…
Travelling with his family on a spiritual pilgrimage to honour the gods, young Sigurd soon discovers that his father is more than what he seems. A reserved & intense man, Eirik is actually one of the shaman warriors of Odin. But this doesn’t grant him any favours at the blót; in fact, most of those who’ve gathered prefer to think Odin has very little power left. When a brutal murder occurs, it’s up to Sigurd to find a way forward. Can he make peace with the tragic events in Uppsala? How can a boy face off against mighty warriors who are at least twice his age? Has Odin laid a destructive path at Sigurd’s feet for the greater good?
Born a Viking: Blót has been an immersive read, one which completely transported me to the era of Vikings & fierce deities. Riccardo intertwines reality with fantasy within these pages, & he does it so skilfully. If you love a story which will weave some magic into your bones, making you yearn to learn more about Norse history & mythology? This book will be just right for you...
*** You can read my FULL REVIEW on my blog via this l!nk: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/born-... ***
Travelling with his family on a spiritual pilgrimage to honour the gods, young Sigurd soon discovers that his father is more than what he seems. A reserved & intense man, Eirik is actually one of the shaman warriors of Odin. But this doesn’t grant him any favours at the blót; in fact, most of those who’ve gathered prefer to think Odin has very little power left. When a brutal murder occurs, it’s up to Sigurd to find a way forward. Can he make peace with the tragic events in Uppsala? How can a boy face off against mighty warriors who are at least twice his age? Has Odin laid a destructive path at Sigurd’s feet for the greater good?
Born a Viking: Blót has been an immersive read, one which completely transported me to the era of Vikings & fierce deities. Riccardo intertwines reality with fantasy within these pages, & he does it so skilfully. If you love a story which will weave some magic into your bones, making you yearn to learn more about Norse history & mythology? This book will be just right for you...
*** You can read my FULL REVIEW on my blog via this l!nk: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/born-... ***
October 26, 2024
For a change, it was good to read a plot from Scandinavian folklore. I like how the story was described by a 9 winters old boy, who is as clueless as a reader and as he explores more about the culture of his people, the readers are informed as well. The characterizations and personalities of each characters are unique and they are built so well. The Viking culture was well explored in the plot. The descriptions of the author is well detailed, for the readers to picture it as they read. It was a balanced read, every chapter was engaging and important.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a read and review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a read and review.
July 16, 2025
This book offers a fascinating blend of Viking history, mysticism, and coming-of-age discovery. Sigurd’s journey through ancient Scandinavia is both emotional and suspenseful, especially as he uncovers dark secrets about his father and their connection to Odin’s devoted warriors. The story is rich with atmosphere and Norse mythology, and while some parts move slowly to build the world, the intrigue and depth of the plot keep you turning the pages. A solid first installment that promises even greater things to come!
June 13, 2024
One of the best books I've read on the subject! I loved how the author took the time to introduce the reader to the Norseman world with the most vivid details: how they lived on a day-to-day basis, what they did, what they ate, what role religion played in their lives, etc. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the saga! If you love old Nordic/Viking culture and traditions all mixed up with a pinch of conspiracy, intrigues, twists and turns, don't miss this book!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews