As promised here's what I thought of the book :

The book was very enjoyable, having read the Vinland Saga many times, I was first surprised to see familiar names where I thought I’d see a bunch of invented characters having an adventure in the new lands…

The author is good at giving descriptions, they’re long enough to have every information we need to imagine the scene yet short enough to keep us interested in the events that are taking place. The « flashbacks » and « into the mind of… » parts are baffling at first but once we get into the mindset of the character with those little aids, the action to come is even more intense and poignant…

The story is well written and in line with some archeological finds about the Culdees (although the historical facts still need to be adressed by specialists - see any book/web site about this order for more infos) and one shouldn’t forget it’s a fiction story before saying anything about historical facts…

The characters are lively and the author was able to give each one a personality that is either appealing or detestable which gives a depth to the story and events.

All in all in was a good read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes fictional stories « based » on history (if one considers the Sagas that way).

“I found Vinland the Beginning so interesting I read it in two days. The detail and description of the characters and settings were extremely well delivered. I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend - highly entertaining - I recommend it to all my book loving friends!”

“I like how my heart would pound in fear as you describe their journey across the sea and also the battle at the end of the story and whether Gudrid would have her baby and what would it be. Would they create a new life for themselves in their new land? I cannot wait for part II.”

“I loved the story within the story which enhanced the characterization. The book was a page turner of adventure and suspense from the dangerous ocean crossing to seeking the cavern  containing a city of gold.  I liked the fact that you left the ending open to continue part two which I am very much looking forward to reading!”

“Vinland was a real page turner - I tried to slow down near the end because I didn't want it to end. I can't wait for the next book!”

"You're also very good at characterization. I quickly came to like Thorfinn, sympathized with Taliriktug, disliked Ari - good job of making even an unpleasant character intriguing, more a flawed human than a "bad guy"; not an easy task, and admired the loyalty of those accompanying Gudrid."

"…it examines a period in history that is rarely chosen for straight historical fiction, and you effectively bring the time and its people to life."

"What really makes this story shine is your gift for description, especially of setting. You draw on all of the senses and use evocative turns of phrase to really make the setting come alive in the reader's mind. A good indication for me of the realism injected into a story through research and adept description is when I come away from a story feeling as though I learned something about the period through reading the novel. I learned quite a few little details about the ancient Norse and the Inuit... And I easily envisioned the cold north Atlantic ice field, Taliriktug's Arctic, the untouched forests, the abandoned Norse settlement that these characters moved through. Very well done!"

What did you think of the book?
Pleae email me at rgjpublisher@vinlandthebeginning.com and let me know.

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