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Viking Ventures #1-3
The Viking Ventures Trilogy
History is about to change – in the hands of the unlikeliest of culprits.
In 841, Viking ships descend on a village in Northumbria.
On board is a terrified Ulv, the youngest of the crew. He is not a Viking, not a warrior, not a fighter. Despised by most of Sigurd Jarl’s hird, he must prove his worth as a raider. Risking his life and honour, he faces a battle with enemies on both sides.
Standing on the pier, Marcus watches in horror as the Viking ships appear. This time, he is old enough to fight, side by side with the other men, against the scourge of the North. At least, he hopes he can delay the heathens enough for his sister, Julia, to escape.
In a twist of fate, both teenage boys end up hiding in a cellar. From there, their destinies are intertwined as friends and enemies, thrall and master, and brothers in arms.
Follow Ulv, Marcus, Julia and the whole band of Viking misfits as they change the course of history. In the epic story of ‘Viking Ventures’, you meet historical figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and Charles the Bald. Witness the occupation of Dublin and the siege of Paris. Visit Hedeby and Rouen, and take part in battles, sieges and duels.
In 841, Viking ships descend on a village in Northumbria.
On board is a terrified Ulv, the youngest of the crew. He is not a Viking, not a warrior, not a fighter. Despised by most of Sigurd Jarl’s hird, he must prove his worth as a raider. Risking his life and honour, he faces a battle with enemies on both sides.
Standing on the pier, Marcus watches in horror as the Viking ships appear. This time, he is old enough to fight, side by side with the other men, against the scourge of the North. At least, he hopes he can delay the heathens enough for his sister, Julia, to escape.
In a twist of fate, both teenage boys end up hiding in a cellar. From there, their destinies are intertwined as friends and enemies, thrall and master, and brothers in arms.
Follow Ulv, Marcus, Julia and the whole band of Viking misfits as they change the course of history. In the epic story of ‘Viking Ventures’, you meet historical figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and Charles the Bald. Witness the occupation of Dublin and the siege of Paris. Visit Hedeby and Rouen, and take part in battles, sieges and duels.
653 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2021
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118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 16, 2021
Viking: What a great first book in series! Marcus and Ulv are young adults on opposing sides in the Viking struggle to occupy Northumbria. I really enjoyed seeing that despite the different origins they both had similar thoughts, fears, and struggles to be accepted. The historical titbits, descriptive battle scenes and influence of Norse mythology kept me reading on.
Outlaw: I felt like I was right there with the characters as the story continued to unfold. Ulv, Marcus and Julia have been separated and must deal with their current situations. It was interesting hearing thoughts and plans from each of their points of view as they tried to do what they thought was right. I also liked that characters Vass, Finn, Bjorn, Galne and Kjetil surface again in this novel with prominent roles to fill. So many details of battle to conquer mix with religion and greed swirl together bringing most of the characters together in a siege of a monastery. With the cliffhanger ending I couldn’t wait to jump into the next book.
Free: 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 once again 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
Outlaw: I felt like I was right there with the characters as the story continued to unfold. Ulv, Marcus and Julia have been separated and must deal with their current situations. It was interesting hearing thoughts and plans from each of their points of view as they tried to do what they thought was right. I also liked that characters Vass, Finn, Bjorn, Galne and Kjetil surface again in this novel with prominent roles to fill. So many details of battle to conquer mix with religion and greed swirl together bringing most of the characters together in a siege of a monastery. With the cliffhanger ending I couldn’t wait to jump into the next book.
Free: 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 once again 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
December 19, 2021
The Viking Ventures trilogy is fast-paced Viking fiction in the spirit of The Norsemen Saga by James L. Nelson. The way by Ole Åsli and Tony Bakkejord write is captivating from the beginning and you just want to keep reading and reading and not stop. It was a blessing to have the whole trilogy so that I could just keep on keeping on! Their writing is both descriptive and tantalizing. They develop unbelievable world building but also extremely interesting. The trilogy is full on mystery and suspense throughout so that you aren't bored. The reader can tell there's more to the story than we know. There are two boys from the opposite sides of the war. Two boys thrown together in desperate times. Who become friends but also remain enemies. I can tell you I was reading as fast as I could (especially toward the end), and even then I was so disappointed when it was over. I wanted more!! But the ending is amazing as is the rest of the book and totally throws you for a twist. I received the trilogy through BookFunnel and the review is my honest opinion.
October 11, 2022
I enjoyed the prequel so much that I just HAD to continue the series. And I was not disappointed. Besides the characters’ storylines, there were many references to the various cultures that influenced each other be it via war or trade. I spent a lot of time on Google Maps looking at the current sites of these places.
LOVED the ending!!!
I enjoyed the series so much that I just HAD to listen to the audiobook as well!
LOVED the ending!!!
I enjoyed the series so much that I just HAD to listen to the audiobook as well!
February 8, 2022
Excellent multi age book. A story of the Nord's & those people of the British isles they visited, traded & raided around the 800s after the original Danish sail off to go for the gold & pillage monasteries then such trade as had been established. This was such an enjoyable fast read for me centering on three young men in this world whose fates are interwoven like a hemp rug. I breezed through the whole trilogy so fast it was like reading one book & was looking for the next part not realizing I had ingested the whole thing. I love the style of writing as they have been able to create stories within stories & sprawl with the times & beliefs of that period like fireside tales. One note I feel that was portrayed in a British manner on a series & erroneous: both Seider & other such witch women of the Nords that did prophesies, curses & blessings & had an elevated position in society serving an area, a Jarl or King or whomever. Their trances & predictions may or may not happen but any prophesies or curses or blessings are not broken, diminished or destroyed along with any witchcraft upon their demise. Not everyone hits straight on with the runes or other divinations but true ones once uttered stick or they can maybe be rewoven either by the witch involved or another be it fair or foul. It is all up to the Gods & the Norns to decide. Now for the three young men. 2 Nords, one Dane, Vass [my all around fav] a young warrior/berserker that sails with his berserker leader Geir Galne under Sigurd [the] Jarl [community leader]. He is bright & shiny as gold, cheerful, funny, smart, fearless & of the wolf/bear. Nothing short of a beautiful shield maiden should ever be his due. Ulv, the other Northman, I would say Norwegian. Ulv is a tangled web raised by his dad in the woods that decided he wanted to join the local jarl & being sent on an adventure He, to me is a child of Loki. Chaos good or neutral all the way. The third young man Marcos is a Roman descended from Roman invasion of the isles living on the waterway near coast off northern Britain. He had a lot of issues & darker in thought & action. His mother first being snatched & perhaps killed during an earlier raid then his father defending the village the next pillage that transpires the beginning of this story. The beginning of the first book Marcos is in the village with his sister Julia & father Gaius, when they see the ships & know it will be a raid. Father & Marcos are to stand defending while the sister is sent into the woods with other women & children. Marcos decides to hide under the house in the cellar like they did last time. That is how he meets Ulv a reluctant would be not warrior after he accidentally kills a man & gains the wrath of the viking Kjetil Korte that had been ready to kill the villager. Ulv had already been on the bad side of this warrior before when sailing over as the man considered him worthless. Thus, when all is over & they are found does Marcos end up Ulv's thrall [slave] & the ongoing adventures of Vass, Ulv & Marcos & all of the other characters around them as well as some healthy doses of interpretations of real history. This is engrossing, like sitting in front of a fire in winter & listening to tales.
April 1, 2022
Viking: The first book of the trilogy was entertaining in a compelling way. The story draws you in from the start with the picture painted by the story being both historic and adventurous in nature. Loved the realistic feel of the story.
Outlaw: The second book was an excellent continuation of the trilogy.
The story has multiple characters each having some interesting twists to their individual experiences. The tension mounted as each clash moved them forward. I was looking forward to the final instalment.
Free: Another great book in the series. Although it is the last in the trilogy there is more to come, 'Fairhair', I'm very happy about that. There was way more action in this one than the previous and everyone of the characters is emerging well. There were some unexpected twists as the majority finally merged 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.
Outlaw: The second book was an excellent continuation of the trilogy.
The story has multiple characters each having some interesting twists to their individual experiences. The tension mounted as each clash moved them forward. I was looking forward to the final instalment.
Free: Another great book in the series. Although it is the last in the trilogy there is more to come, 'Fairhair', I'm very happy about that. There was way more action in this one than the previous and everyone of the characters is emerging well. There were some unexpected twists as the majority finally merged 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 30, 2022
Last year I gave out all of 3 or 4 five star reviews, got to earn them. I have been told I am picky, story telling is a art form and all tellers are not equal. Some try to weave a story but they flail to link things together and leave holes in the story. Others fail to flesh out characters or give you one that you just can't relate to.
None of this is an issue with this story. Åsli & Bakkejord have woven a rich tapestry that paints pictures with words. I am looking forward to the next book.
Discloser: I received a advance copy for a review, this will not buy my opinion.
I have been invited to NOT review another book by some authors. It's funny how authors differ in how they handle criticism. I have been told off for pointing out flaws and I have spent time trading e-mails with authors fixing what I have found wrong.
Such is life.
None of this is an issue with this story. Åsli & Bakkejord have woven a rich tapestry that paints pictures with words. I am looking forward to the next book.
Discloser: I received a advance copy for a review, this will not buy my opinion.
I have been invited to NOT review another book by some authors. It's funny how authors differ in how they handle criticism. I have been told off for pointing out flaws and I have spent time trading e-mails with authors fixing what I have found wrong.
Such is life.
December 26, 2023
A very long story, and a complex narrative to follow. Initially the brutality of the Vikings is paramount, and only gradually do we come to understand them. The other characters are more interesting, and the settings of the various events, in the west of England, in Ireland and in Franconia (France) as well as heading back to Scandinavia give the story quite a rich breadth. I read other books to take a break from the long story, perhaps disappointed in the characters and the descriptive prose, but nevertheless I was glad I persisted to the end (but frustrated that one part of the story remained unfinished, to lure us to the next book - I will not read it). Overall it does make some sense of Viking motivations.
December 18, 2023
Good story, rocky translation
I really enjoyed the story. At times, I found it difficult to follow which characters for which and what they were doing. Still, it was all right. The hardest part was the translation into English. It needs a professional editor. I kept falling over grammar and poor usage. Nevertheless, the authors have a good story with exciting characters and I would read the sequel gladly.
I really enjoyed the story. At times, I found it difficult to follow which characters for which and what they were doing. Still, it was all right. The hardest part was the translation into English. It needs a professional editor. I kept falling over grammar and poor usage. Nevertheless, the authors have a good story with exciting characters and I would read the sequel gladly.
January 10, 2024
Vikings were humans
This is an unusual work for this genre. While recounting to us the events of yet another Viking group raping and pillaging around Europe the author introduces us to the more human side of these people who we all consider as savages and villains. The stories inside this work show us that beneath all the violence the vikings has the same desires and needs as the rest of us. I’m looking forward to reading more about the characters in further volumes.
This is an unusual work for this genre. While recounting to us the events of yet another Viking group raping and pillaging around Europe the author introduces us to the more human side of these people who we all consider as savages and villains. The stories inside this work show us that beneath all the violence the vikings has the same desires and needs as the rest of us. I’m looking forward to reading more about the characters in further volumes.
February 22, 2022
An excellent historical fiction trilogy.The author really outdid himself by recreating a story involving historical events about the vikings as well as weaving in a fantastical adventure involving several parties who meet and support each other throughout the story.Naturally a long read involving 3 books but well worth the read.
January 25, 2025
This trilogy was an unexpected surprise. I purchased it without knowing much about the story or the authors but I must admit I truly enjoyed the journey. And given the ending, I don’t think it’s over.
Simply written and easy to follow, readers who enjoy the sagas of Vikings and The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles) will enjoy this story.
Simply written and easy to follow, readers who enjoy the sagas of Vikings and The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles) will enjoy this story.
September 12, 2023
Quite simply a brilliant yarn
Most enjoyable tale of Viking age that I have ever read .
The thread of storytelling in this series , so skilfully plotted as a timeline with the 2nd books ( which I read first ) … is pure genius .
1st class read .
Most enjoyable tale of Viking age that I have ever read .
The thread of storytelling in this series , so skilfully plotted as a timeline with the 2nd books ( which I read first ) … is pure genius .
1st class read .
October 16, 2023
well written and an excellent Viking adventure
Enjoyed the action scenes and the historical perspective looking forward to reading more from these authors. Always looking for some historical accuracy even in a fictional version
Enjoyed the action scenes and the historical perspective looking forward to reading more from these authors. Always looking for some historical accuracy even in a fictional version
December 29, 2023
Historical Fantasy
A sensitive Viking and a Brit wimp head a cast of unlikely characters as plot is driven by manifold coincidence. Some authenticity to tactics, weapons and Norse mythology.
A sensitive Viking and a Brit wimp head a cast of unlikely characters as plot is driven by manifold coincidence. Some authenticity to tactics, weapons and Norse mythology.
December 30, 2024
A very enjoyable read.
Although I am much older than their intended audience I really enjoyed these books. You are drawn to the characters and their lives, and med up wanting them to survive.
Although I am much older than their intended audience I really enjoyed these books. You are drawn to the characters and their lives, and med up wanting them to survive.
January 17, 2022
An amazing trilogy of pirate stories. Ulv is the youngest with no experience. He has to prove his worth, even though there’s plenty of danger. Kept me intrigued.
December 8, 2023
Viking Ventures
Interesting story. Kept me involved. Good plot. I enjoyed and recommend to other readers. Other books by this author need should be worth reading.
Interesting story. Kept me involved. Good plot. I enjoyed and recommend to other readers. Other books by this author need should be worth reading.
December 9, 2023
A great Viking story
Excellent trilogy. Well written enjoyed every moment of it. Looking forward to the rest of the books. The author is worth a read.
Excellent trilogy. Well written enjoyed every moment of it. Looking forward to the rest of the books. The author is worth a read.
sff-ok-ab-r
July 4, 20251e,Rok
December 28, 2023
Interesting tail, but poorly translated IMHO. Couldn't get past 10 short chapters or so.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews