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Viking #1
The Viking
At not quite fifteen, Stefan’s father finally let him board the longship Sja Vinna to take part in his first Viking raid. Yet, the battle was not at all what he expected and he soon found himself alone and stranded in Scotland.
Thirteen-year-old Kannak’s problem was just as grave. Her father deserted them and the only way to survive, she decided, was to take a husband over her mother‘s objections. Suddenly she was helping a hated Viking escape. Could Kannak successfully hide a Viking in the middle of a Scottish Clan? And why was someone plotting to kill the clan's beloved laird?
Thirteen-year-old Kannak’s problem was just as grave. Her father deserted them and the only way to survive, she decided, was to take a husband over her mother‘s objections. Suddenly she was helping a hated Viking escape. Could Kannak successfully hide a Viking in the middle of a Scottish Clan? And why was someone plotting to kill the clan's beloved laird?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2010
2,220 people are currently reading
4,368 people want to read
About the author
Marti Talbott
84Ìýbooks140ÌýfollowersMarti Talbott () is the author of over 45 full length novels, all of which are written without profanity and sex scenes. She lives in Seattle, is retired and has two children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The MacGreagor family saga begins with The Viking Series and continues in Marti Talbott’s Highlander’s Series, Marblestone Mansion, the Scandalous Duchess series, and ends with The Lost MacGreagor books. Her mystery books include Seattle Quake 9.2, Missing Heiress, Greed and a Mistress, The Locked Room, and The Dead Letters. Other books include The Promise and Broken Pledge.
Watch for her new trilogy - THE FOX, THE LION, and THE BEAR (A Triplet Trilogy)
Watch for her new trilogy - THE FOX, THE LION, and THE BEAR (A Triplet Trilogy)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
August 29, 2022
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I read this book for the Unapologetic Romance Readers' New Years 2017 Reading Challenge. For more info about what this is, click here.
This book is currently free in the Kindle Store.
I love reading challenges - in principle. Actually, it's more of a love-hate thing. I love that sense of completion you get when the challenge is done, and I enjoy "discovering" new books that I wouldn't otherwise pick up. But man, sometimes it forces you to read books in genres you really don't like and for me, stories about vikings are one of those genres. That's when the Kindle Freebie Section makes itself especially useful because I can just look for free books in the genres I need, so I don't have to sacrifice money and pride.
To my surprise, however, THE VIKING is actually a pretty decent story. Stefan is the son of vikings and when they go on a raid to Scotland, all of them are killed except Stefan, who hides and ends up getting adopted by a woman named Jirvel. He lives with her, and her young daughter Kannak, as a surrogate son, and gradually begins to learn the ways of the Macoran clan, all the while biding his time and determining when, if ever, he ought to return home.
One of the best aspects of this book is the drama within the clan. Jirvel was supposed to marry the clan leader (I forget his name) but the Brodies (a nearby clan) invaded on her wedding day, and so to appease the Brodies and stop the war, Laird Macoran agreed to marry Brodie's ugly and nasty daughter, Agnes. He tells several people that the only way he was able to get her with children was to get blind drunk on their wedding night, and that was no consolation because he hates his children, two sociopathic pyromaniacs who enjoy hurting small animals and setting random things on fire. Agnes was my favorite character, because I understood her bitterness, and a sympathetic villain is often the best (and most frightening) kind; she was straight out of a bodice ripper.
I didn't really like the romance between Stefan and Kannak because Kannak was so annoying. I don't really like bratty "strong" heroines, and she reminded me of this really obnoxious heroines in one of Johanna Lindsey's viking romances (I think it was FIRES OF WINTER). Unfortunately, that's a pretty big aspect of the story, so if it annoys you, prepare to have your annoyance prolonged!
Another good part of the story is when Stefan gets sold into slavery because it makes him realize how the vikings weren't as perfect as he thought they were (his clan did a fair amount of enslaving), but also because of the surprise twist at the end of that particular story arc. I saw it coming, but it was still good - although the resolution was a bit "Disney" if you know what I mean.
Overall, though, THE VIKING was a satisfactory read. Definitely one of the better efforts I've dredged out of the freebie section. If you find yourself in need of a viking story for whatever reason, you wouldn't go wrong picking this one. Plus, again - it's free.
3 stars
January 20, 2020
4,5 stars - English Ebook 🌹🌹🌹
**** not at all the first time Stefan knew enough to hang on, but he did not expect the profound jerk sixty powerful men could create. He lost his grip and went tumbeling forward. A lot of different opinions I read about this story. Keeping in mind that this is a young adult book, age up from 14 years, I find it a very wel written book. Their has been a lot of investigating done before this book was written. Villages, lairds- and clan business Well put down in the story. I can not but think about what an horor it must have been as this Vikings come stroming in your lands and stealing your daughters, wives. Burning down the home and killing the men.
**** not at all the first time Stefan knew enough to hang on, but he did not expect the profound jerk sixty powerful men could create. He lost his grip and went tumbeling forward. A lot of different opinions I read about this story. Keeping in mind that this is a young adult book, age up from 14 years, I find it a very wel written book. Their has been a lot of investigating done before this book was written. Villages, lairds- and clan business Well put down in the story. I can not but think about what an horor it must have been as this Vikings come stroming in your lands and stealing your daughters, wives. Burning down the home and killing the men.
August 11, 2016
You MUST start the series with this book! Okay, each can stand alone but it will make MUCH more sense if you start here. The time period is intriguing and the characters memorable. Great read!
Side point worth mentioning: This series is clean with no profanity.
Comment
Side point worth mentioning: This series is clean with no profanity.
Comment
July 27, 2014
This book is the first in a long series of books about the MacGreagor Clan. Although they can be read independently, it is probably better to read this first book which sets the historic background and tone for all the others.
TheViking,picTalbott introduces the reader to fourteen year old Stefan Rosetti who is embarking on his first voyage as a Viking. His father Donor commands his ship Sja Vinna; which is headed for the shores of Scotland; but Stefan is unaware that his father has plans for both of them to remain in Scotland, the land of his mother’s birth. Unfortunately, they are attacked immediately after going ashore. Donor is killed; Stefan escapes and searches for a new beginning.
Stefan becomes the protector of a woman named Jirvel and her daughter, Kannak. Jirvel’s husband Eogan has deserted them, and their lands are in disrepair. Stefan rapidly gains their trust; he feigns to be their relative from the lands to the North. The women belong to the Macoran clan and are under the protection of their Laird. Jirvel and Kannak plead with him to allow them to remain single as many suitors seek to marry them. The Laird experiences struggles with his wife Agnes and two wayward twin sons who plot against him. I do not want to give away too much of the story, but there are lots of twists and turns in the plot for all the characters. Stefan will lose his freedom and eventually uncover his true identity.
The characters are well developed and the plot line moves swiftly. This is the kind of book you want to read in one sitting. The dialogue is authentic but not difficult to understand. Talbott combines history, romance and adventure in pleasing proportions. I recommend the book for ages fourteen and older. Let me give fair warning�.. as soon as you finish reading, you will want to pick up the next in the series!
TheViking,picTalbott introduces the reader to fourteen year old Stefan Rosetti who is embarking on his first voyage as a Viking. His father Donor commands his ship Sja Vinna; which is headed for the shores of Scotland; but Stefan is unaware that his father has plans for both of them to remain in Scotland, the land of his mother’s birth. Unfortunately, they are attacked immediately after going ashore. Donor is killed; Stefan escapes and searches for a new beginning.
Stefan becomes the protector of a woman named Jirvel and her daughter, Kannak. Jirvel’s husband Eogan has deserted them, and their lands are in disrepair. Stefan rapidly gains their trust; he feigns to be their relative from the lands to the North. The women belong to the Macoran clan and are under the protection of their Laird. Jirvel and Kannak plead with him to allow them to remain single as many suitors seek to marry them. The Laird experiences struggles with his wife Agnes and two wayward twin sons who plot against him. I do not want to give away too much of the story, but there are lots of twists and turns in the plot for all the characters. Stefan will lose his freedom and eventually uncover his true identity.
The characters are well developed and the plot line moves swiftly. This is the kind of book you want to read in one sitting. The dialogue is authentic but not difficult to understand. Talbott combines history, romance and adventure in pleasing proportions. I recommend the book for ages fourteen and older. Let me give fair warning�.. as soon as you finish reading, you will want to pick up the next in the series!
September 17, 2018
Love💘 is For All Of Time
Ancient Scotland, During The Time of the Viking Raids
Stefan is a Viking Lad, but his mother is Scottish, taken By his father back to Norway. She dies before he is old enough to know her, and he is raised by his aunt, while his father spends a lot of time at sea on raids.
Stefan is fifteen before he gets to go on his first raid to Scotland. When the voyage is nearly over, his father tells Stefan, they will be staying in Scotland!
His father is killed but Stefan escapes and finds a home with a woman and her daughter, Kannak.
The book is about the trials that Stefan must go through as he grows to become a man, and his unrelenting love for Kannak.
The book is extremely well researched and written, with wonderful, full descriptions of the people, and their homes and the way they lived.
The book has what was a surprise ending for me, because I am related to Stefan's clan that he formed!
Recommend!
Ancient Scotland, During The Time of the Viking Raids
Stefan is a Viking Lad, but his mother is Scottish, taken By his father back to Norway. She dies before he is old enough to know her, and he is raised by his aunt, while his father spends a lot of time at sea on raids.
Stefan is fifteen before he gets to go on his first raid to Scotland. When the voyage is nearly over, his father tells Stefan, they will be staying in Scotland!
His father is killed but Stefan escapes and finds a home with a woman and her daughter, Kannak.
The book is about the trials that Stefan must go through as he grows to become a man, and his unrelenting love for Kannak.
The book is extremely well researched and written, with wonderful, full descriptions of the people, and their homes and the way they lived.
The book has what was a surprise ending for me, because I am related to Stefan's clan that he formed!
Recommend!
February 25, 2018
A fantastic entry point into the realm of historical fiction.
I thought for a while that this tale seemed a little hurried but the more I read the more I enjoyed. It's a perfect entry into historical fiction be it YA or more accomplished readers. Easily read, never a dull moment and solidly written from start to finish.
I thought for a while that this tale seemed a little hurried but the more I read the more I enjoyed. It's a perfect entry into historical fiction be it YA or more accomplished readers. Easily read, never a dull moment and solidly written from start to finish.
January 29, 2015
Marti Talbot is quite a prolific writer. She has written lots of short stories and novels set in Scotland as part of the Highlander Series. The first five books of the series is a collection of 20 short stories. The Viking, in a way, is a sort of prequel that sets the foundation of how the Clan MacGregagor came into existence. I have not read the short stories, but I am glad that I started off with The Viking.
Stefan is a Viking who sets out with his father to Scotland, not to raid (which is the usual), but the try and settle down in Scotland. During the landing, Stefan's father is killed and Stefan tries to survive by posing as a Scotsman from the north. He is able to, since his mother and aunt were from these parts, and the aunt had taught young Stefan the language.
Stefan runs into Kannak, a young girl who takes him to her mother Jirvel (whose husband had run away, abandoning the family). Stefan starts living in their home, helping them and becomes their protector. Kannak starts loving Stefan as a brother, which turns into a romantic one in time. All seems well, when suddenly Stefan is kidnapped and sold as a slave. The rest of the story is about how Stefan's travails and his return home.
Marti builds her main characters Stefan, Jirvel, Kannak, Laird Macoran and others with immense care. Of course, the characters themselves had already been created in the first 5 books! This story is simple, but narrated with exquisite imagination. At least for me, the story created a wonderful visual imagery. Now I am hooked!
The only decision problem is "Should I now proceed to read Books 1 to 5 which are short stories that preceded The Viking or Should I pick up The Viking's Daughter, which is the next one in the series?". The series is perhaps meant for Young Adults... Well, I am YOUNG (at heart)...
Stefan is a Viking who sets out with his father to Scotland, not to raid (which is the usual), but the try and settle down in Scotland. During the landing, Stefan's father is killed and Stefan tries to survive by posing as a Scotsman from the north. He is able to, since his mother and aunt were from these parts, and the aunt had taught young Stefan the language.
Stefan runs into Kannak, a young girl who takes him to her mother Jirvel (whose husband had run away, abandoning the family). Stefan starts living in their home, helping them and becomes their protector. Kannak starts loving Stefan as a brother, which turns into a romantic one in time. All seems well, when suddenly Stefan is kidnapped and sold as a slave. The rest of the story is about how Stefan's travails and his return home.
Marti builds her main characters Stefan, Jirvel, Kannak, Laird Macoran and others with immense care. Of course, the characters themselves had already been created in the first 5 books! This story is simple, but narrated with exquisite imagination. At least for me, the story created a wonderful visual imagery. Now I am hooked!
The only decision problem is "Should I now proceed to read Books 1 to 5 which are short stories that preceded The Viking or Should I pick up The Viking's Daughter, which is the next one in the series?". The series is perhaps meant for Young Adults... Well, I am YOUNG (at heart)...
January 10, 2019
A book that young adults and adults will enjoy reading.
The story begins simply enough but lends a certain amount of foreboding as the reader turns the pages. Soon the story becomes both adventurous where challenges abound. The author does not have to rely on violence, blood and gore or rampant sex scenes to embolden the storyline. That is certainly refreshing !
The characters are dynamic and are definitely not flat, the descriptive wording opens the imagination where one can almost smell the ocean or set certain emotions within us rise up within each reader.
The book moves along quite nicely and a romance develops along with some very realistic problems and complications arising from love and unrequited love. The story does not turn into a syrupy mess of emotional bliss or tears, and pathos, yet moves towards a very firm platform on which to build a series of books that moves the clan into the future. A very entertaining book by a very gifted and skilled author.
The story begins simply enough but lends a certain amount of foreboding as the reader turns the pages. Soon the story becomes both adventurous where challenges abound. The author does not have to rely on violence, blood and gore or rampant sex scenes to embolden the storyline. That is certainly refreshing !
The characters are dynamic and are definitely not flat, the descriptive wording opens the imagination where one can almost smell the ocean or set certain emotions within us rise up within each reader.
The book moves along quite nicely and a romance develops along with some very realistic problems and complications arising from love and unrequited love. The story does not turn into a syrupy mess of emotional bliss or tears, and pathos, yet moves towards a very firm platform on which to build a series of books that moves the clan into the future. A very entertaining book by a very gifted and skilled author.
March 24, 2014
I was taking a risk on this book because it was free on Amazon and by an author I had never heard of. What a delight it turned out to be! I enjoyed that it wasn't a traditional romance story, but more the story of an entire community. Yes, "The Viking" is one person in particular, but the book is from several people's points of view and really is quite well written. I was delighted to find it and just downloaded the sequel! Go read it, people! It was great :)
November 7, 2016
At last, the day has come, Stefan has finally been allowed to board his father's Viking longship and go on his first raid. What he didn’t count on was being left behind in Scotland.
Kannak is thirteen and is alone with her mother - as her father has abandoned them. She has decided that the only way for them to survive is to marry, so they will have someone to help work the land.
Then she meets Stefan…and life will never be the same again!
This young adult book is one that had me hooked from the beginning. The romance that is weaved into the storyline is beautiful. The relationship between Kannak and Stefan developed over the course of the story and was very believable.
My favourite character is Stefan, for, although he is a Viking, he fits right into the Scottish clan without any problems and cares deeply for the two women who work their way into his life.
I also like the fact that this book wasn’t written as most books are. The clan is Scottish, so when they are speaking, they are speaking the way a Scottish clan would. I could almost hear them talking as I read it.
I Highly Recommend this book to anyone.
Kannak is thirteen and is alone with her mother - as her father has abandoned them. She has decided that the only way for them to survive is to marry, so they will have someone to help work the land.
Then she meets Stefan…and life will never be the same again!
This young adult book is one that had me hooked from the beginning. The romance that is weaved into the storyline is beautiful. The relationship between Kannak and Stefan developed over the course of the story and was very believable.
My favourite character is Stefan, for, although he is a Viking, he fits right into the Scottish clan without any problems and cares deeply for the two women who work their way into his life.
I also like the fact that this book wasn’t written as most books are. The clan is Scottish, so when they are speaking, they are speaking the way a Scottish clan would. I could almost hear them talking as I read it.
I Highly Recommend this book to anyone.
February 11, 2017
Overall this book was a very enjoyable read. The main character Stefen has a good narrative and the people he comes in contact with are three dimensional characters. The plot remains interesting throughout the entire book and the ending wraps things up nicely. Some of the relationships develop out of sight of the reader, but I don't find that annoying in this case.
There is one major negative aspect of the book. the writing style was a little juvenile. The main reason I say this is because the same vocabulary was used over and over again. This was most annoying with the Gaelic words, they are repeated constantly throughout the text and become almost a nuisance.
Overall I would recommend this book. It has just enough romance and adventure to stay interesting without becoming unbelievable.
There is one major negative aspect of the book. the writing style was a little juvenile. The main reason I say this is because the same vocabulary was used over and over again. This was most annoying with the Gaelic words, they are repeated constantly throughout the text and become almost a nuisance.
Overall I would recommend this book. It has just enough romance and adventure to stay interesting without becoming unbelievable.
May 1, 2015
Stefan Rossetti is fourteen and going on his first Viking ship with his father, Doran. His father is fulfilling a promise to his mother that he will live in her homeland of Scotland and not become a Viking that goes to sea for long periods of time. On the voyage, father and son get to know one another and Toran tells his son of his mother, Sheena, and gives her a medallion from her mother. When they land in Scotland close to his mother’s home they are attacked and his father dies, leaving Stefan on English soil but not delivered to his mother’s family. A young girl, Kannak, on a horse helps him escape. She took him home to her mother and they adopted him to help the two women on their farm. Macoran, the Laird of the clan was in love with Jirvel, Kannak’s mother but married to another woman for the sake of the clan.
This sets the plot for the story in a time when women had no rights and were considered unable to think well enough to have any idea how to pick a husband, or any rights to do anything but what either a husband, the Laird or Priest told them to do. Girls were considered ready to marry at about age fourteen or fifteen. The men could ask the Laird for the women of their choice but had to abide by the choice of the Laird. The description of life in a time long ago, with Viking raiders and clans that often attacked smaller clans or formed new ones is interesting to me, as I love historical fiction.
Stefan grew into a fine man that considered his options, thought about his ideas and feelings and tried to be fair to the people in his new land. His ideas were uncommon for his time but he made a promise and knew when he gave his word he needed to honor it to be a good man.
Historical fiction from this early period of Scotland is often only focused on the brutal aspects of life of those times. The Viking was refreshing in that it showed the social structure of the society, how people were suppose to live in respect to the Laird and how considering feelings of others could work in a time when most people had few rights to do as they liked.
This sets the plot for the story in a time when women had no rights and were considered unable to think well enough to have any idea how to pick a husband, or any rights to do anything but what either a husband, the Laird or Priest told them to do. Girls were considered ready to marry at about age fourteen or fifteen. The men could ask the Laird for the women of their choice but had to abide by the choice of the Laird. The description of life in a time long ago, with Viking raiders and clans that often attacked smaller clans or formed new ones is interesting to me, as I love historical fiction.
Stefan grew into a fine man that considered his options, thought about his ideas and feelings and tried to be fair to the people in his new land. His ideas were uncommon for his time but he made a promise and knew when he gave his word he needed to honor it to be a good man.
Historical fiction from this early period of Scotland is often only focused on the brutal aspects of life of those times. The Viking was refreshing in that it showed the social structure of the society, how people were suppose to live in respect to the Laird and how considering feelings of others could work in a time when most people had few rights to do as they liked.
February 9, 2015
An interesting concept
I expected more out of Talbott's writing, especially a book that seems to promise Viking adventures, but the story is predominately about the Scottish. In my opinion, the plot rambled and didn't build tension until the very end of the book. I only kept reading because it's a point of pride to finish most books that I read. I do applaud this different type of perspective that Talbott strives for, and I really enjoyed the feisty characters.
This book is for you if you enjoy stories of Vikings and you're looking for a new viewpoint on their lives.
I expected more out of Talbott's writing, especially a book that seems to promise Viking adventures, but the story is predominately about the Scottish. In my opinion, the plot rambled and didn't build tension until the very end of the book. I only kept reading because it's a point of pride to finish most books that I read. I do applaud this different type of perspective that Talbott strives for, and I really enjoyed the feisty characters.
This book is for you if you enjoy stories of Vikings and you're looking for a new viewpoint on their lives.
December 20, 2021
Meh.
I couldn`t get behind how the vikings were talking and i didn`t like the characters.
I couldn`t get behind how the vikings were talking and i didn`t like the characters.
March 22, 2014
While this book had potential to be a really good book, it just fell flat. The storyline was entertaining and sweet but I just didn't feel totally connected to the characters--it was the classic case of "show, not tell" and I didn't feel like I was shown their emotions. It was still a free book on iBooks and kept my interest which is why I gave it 2.5-3 stars.
Stefan, a 13 year old boy, is finally taken with his Viking father on one of his journeys into Scotland. The trip together becomes Stefan's only time to really get to know his dad and they form a strong bond. When the Vikings land in Scotland their attack is rebuked and many Vikings are left dead, Stefan's father included. Seeing that the Vikings are in retreat and Stefan is unable to get back to their boat, he runs into a young girl, Kannak, who allows him to stay with her family. Kannak's father has just left her mother and the two women are desperate for a man to help their family farm. While Stefan is still grieving for his father, he decides to stay with Kannak and begins thinking of them as his new family. With side stories of a murder plot, slavery, and second chance romance, the book had enough action to be entertaining and interesting. The romance between Stefan and Kannak was sweet and innocent. Overall, I liked the book but not a favorite.
Stefan, a 13 year old boy, is finally taken with his Viking father on one of his journeys into Scotland. The trip together becomes Stefan's only time to really get to know his dad and they form a strong bond. When the Vikings land in Scotland their attack is rebuked and many Vikings are left dead, Stefan's father included. Seeing that the Vikings are in retreat and Stefan is unable to get back to their boat, he runs into a young girl, Kannak, who allows him to stay with her family. Kannak's father has just left her mother and the two women are desperate for a man to help their family farm. While Stefan is still grieving for his father, he decides to stay with Kannak and begins thinking of them as his new family. With side stories of a murder plot, slavery, and second chance romance, the book had enough action to be entertaining and interesting. The romance between Stefan and Kannak was sweet and innocent. Overall, I liked the book but not a favorite.
October 4, 2021
I picked this book because it was free on my iPhone. I was surprised at the content. It wasn't what I expected from a book called The Viking. The plot was good, the characters were believable. I'm not an expert on Viking times, but it seemed to do very well from a historical standpoint. I loved that it was clean. The only problem I had was with the dialogue. The author uses the dialect of the people when they speak, which is good, but after a while it gets rather tiring to read.
All in all, The Viking is a good, clean historical book.
All in all, The Viking is a good, clean historical book.
June 6, 2022
3,85 stars - English Ebook
This is the first story is a series of Viking tales. This one involves a young lad who is half Scot and whose father wanted to return to Scotland’s shores. So, when Stefan is not yet 15, he sailed on a longship with his father to Scotland on his first Viking raid. In the ensuing battle, his father is killed and the men abandon Stefan when they realize they are outnumbered by the Scots.
Stefan is saved by Kannak, a girl of 13, who lives alone with her mother. They needed the help of a man since Kannak’s father deserted them. Kannak knows Stefan is a Viking but she is willing to hide him if he will help her and her mother.
Contriving a story for her clan that Stefan is from the north where they grow larger, he soon becomes a part of the family, helping the two women by tilling the fields and hunting and fishing. Stefan misses his father but is happy to have a family.
During the next few years, much happens in the clan of which Stefan is now a part. The tale takes some unexpected turns and we learn some secrets about Kannak and Stefan that even they did not know. Love begins to grow between them, too, but it is threatened when Stefan becomes the subject of the villainy of the jealous clan chief’s wife.
Talbott’s writing is very readable and her storytelling enjoyable. Soon you will become wrapped up in the lives of these people.
This is the first story is a series of Viking tales. This one involves a young lad who is half Scot and whose father wanted to return to Scotland’s shores. So, when Stefan is not yet 15, he sailed on a longship with his father to Scotland on his first Viking raid. In the ensuing battle, his father is killed and the men abandon Stefan when they realize they are outnumbered by the Scots.
Stefan is saved by Kannak, a girl of 13, who lives alone with her mother. They needed the help of a man since Kannak’s father deserted them. Kannak knows Stefan is a Viking but she is willing to hide him if he will help her and her mother.
Contriving a story for her clan that Stefan is from the north where they grow larger, he soon becomes a part of the family, helping the two women by tilling the fields and hunting and fishing. Stefan misses his father but is happy to have a family.
During the next few years, much happens in the clan of which Stefan is now a part. The tale takes some unexpected turns and we learn some secrets about Kannak and Stefan that even they did not know. Love begins to grow between them, too, but it is threatened when Stefan becomes the subject of the villainy of the jealous clan chief’s wife.
Talbott’s writing is very readable and her storytelling enjoyable. Soon you will become wrapped up in the lives of these people.
December 19, 2017
BEWARE: MILD-TEMPERED VIKINGS WITH ITALIAN LAST NAMES AND SCOTTISH ACCENTS AHEAD.
Book Rating: PG
Language: G
Violence: PG (A man is whipped, the Vikings invade Scotland, whatever. Not much blood)
Sex: PG (Light on the romance, but there are a lot of allusions to different men bedding different women. There are references to rape as well as a sentence in the very beginning which says something along the lines of “It takes a man only a few minutes to pleasure himself�.�
Drug/Alcohol Use/Abuse: G
I didn’t hate this book, but I definitely didn’t love it either. I actually contemplated giving up on it three chapters in. (More on that later). Ultimately, this is a story that follows the Viking Stefan through four years of his life (ages 14-18) after he is abandoned in Scotland during a raid gone wrong. To save himself, he masquerades as a distant Scottish cousin of two kindly Scottish ladies, Jirvel and her daughter Kannak.
There were some really great things about this book. I felt that Stefan was a strong narrator and the plot kept me interested and reading. The writing flowed well and was easy to understand and I give Stefan all the props for the compelling plot. The writing was very simple, juvenile at times, but I felt like this book was written overall for younger teens/pre-teens so I can forgive it. I felt like the story as a whole was well-written, but there were some definite issues.
To start:
1. Stefan is a Scandinavian Viking with the last name of Rosetti. ITALIAN. ROSETTI IS
ITALIAN. But that’s cool. Stefan is only the Viking leader’s son with no connections to
Italy…I’ll just let myself out.
2. My favorite Viking adventurers talk with Scottish accents using “dinna� for “didn’t� and
calling each other lads (even the full grown Viking warriors) as well as saying “ye� and “aye�
way too much for comfort. I have trouble anyway reading books in full-on accent mode, but
then you add to that Vikings who are speaking like they’ve never stepped foot in Scandinavia
and I was done. NOTE: This is when I was seriously thinking about stopping and
throwing this book into my “no, thank you� pile. I’ll admit, it does get easier the more you
read if you don’t dwell on the fact that Stefan is in fact a Viking and NOT a Scotsman. But
whatever, I finished it.
3. I know this con is actually a good thing, but it’s just so unrealistic. You have Donar, Stefan’s
Viking King father who says that he made a promise to his mother never to “force� a woman.
Now, this is great, a Viking who doesn’t rape and pillage. But for that time, I just didn’t
believe it. I would have much rather have Donar be a true Viking warrior and hate him for
what he did, than to think of the entire Viking Squad as a fairytale.
4. Stefan’s mother was captured by the Vikings and made Donar’s wife and she had absolutely
no qualms about it. HER ONLY DEMAND WAS THAT THEY TAKE HER SISTER TOO
OR SHE WOULDN’T GO WILLINGLY. Homegirl just threw her sister under the bus,
pointed out where she was hiding, and had her captured by the fearsome Vikings as well. I
just…Stefan claims it was to save his aunt from an awful marriage. But, to quote Joseph
Conrad, would being married to this Scotsman really be worse than being surrounded by
“lusty, red-eyed devils� whose only real love was raping and pillaging western Europe?
5. The plot was good, but it wasn’t GOOD. Sure, it kept me reading, it kept me interested, but it
didn’t seem to be going anywhere substantial. From what I read, I guess this is a prequel to
some of Talbott’s other series? But coming from a reader with no connection to these
other books, the plot seemed to go nowhere. I wanted to know what Stefan’s part in the story
was. He was a good narrator, but it just seemed that after he was left by his people, he
kind of flopped. He had no drive or purpose. I’m kind of shocked that I was kept interested
throughout the entire story because usually those kinds of book have trouble keeping the
attention. So Marti Talbott is definitely doing something right.
6. Stefan’s a Viking which means he was most likely a Pagan, but he seems to be very in tune
with God and Catholicism. He crosses himself a lot, prays a lot…but who am I to say he’s not
a Christian Viking? It happened to Ragnar in History Channel’s Vikings.
So there are my big issues with the story that made me contemplate giving it only two stars. There were enough eye-roll moments to really make me question my sanity. BUT. It was fast-paced, I liked Stefan overall (though he was kind of flawless), and I liked the premise. I’m a sucker for some medieval drama, so you had me at the word Viking, Ms. Talbott. Hats off to you for creating a main character that had little motivation but kept me rooting for him nonetheless. Stefan was kind, noble, strong, and valiant. Everything I could hope for in a hero.
“It also occurred to him (Stefan) that the old man had the answer to loneliness. There was someone he could talk to in his oppressive world of silence. At first he felt too shy to talk to God and said all the things he was taught to say by the priests. But he soon found those words had little meaning when what he really wanted to do was talk to him man-to-God.�
Book Rating: PG
Language: G
Violence: PG (A man is whipped, the Vikings invade Scotland, whatever. Not much blood)
Sex: PG (Light on the romance, but there are a lot of allusions to different men bedding different women. There are references to rape as well as a sentence in the very beginning which says something along the lines of “It takes a man only a few minutes to pleasure himself�.�
Drug/Alcohol Use/Abuse: G
I didn’t hate this book, but I definitely didn’t love it either. I actually contemplated giving up on it three chapters in. (More on that later). Ultimately, this is a story that follows the Viking Stefan through four years of his life (ages 14-18) after he is abandoned in Scotland during a raid gone wrong. To save himself, he masquerades as a distant Scottish cousin of two kindly Scottish ladies, Jirvel and her daughter Kannak.
There were some really great things about this book. I felt that Stefan was a strong narrator and the plot kept me interested and reading. The writing flowed well and was easy to understand and I give Stefan all the props for the compelling plot. The writing was very simple, juvenile at times, but I felt like this book was written overall for younger teens/pre-teens so I can forgive it. I felt like the story as a whole was well-written, but there were some definite issues.
To start:
1. Stefan is a Scandinavian Viking with the last name of Rosetti. ITALIAN. ROSETTI IS
ITALIAN. But that’s cool. Stefan is only the Viking leader’s son with no connections to
Italy…I’ll just let myself out.
2. My favorite Viking adventurers talk with Scottish accents using “dinna� for “didn’t� and
calling each other lads (even the full grown Viking warriors) as well as saying “ye� and “aye�
way too much for comfort. I have trouble anyway reading books in full-on accent mode, but
then you add to that Vikings who are speaking like they’ve never stepped foot in Scandinavia
and I was done. NOTE: This is when I was seriously thinking about stopping and
throwing this book into my “no, thank you� pile. I’ll admit, it does get easier the more you
read if you don’t dwell on the fact that Stefan is in fact a Viking and NOT a Scotsman. But
whatever, I finished it.
3. I know this con is actually a good thing, but it’s just so unrealistic. You have Donar, Stefan’s
Viking King father who says that he made a promise to his mother never to “force� a woman.
Now, this is great, a Viking who doesn’t rape and pillage. But for that time, I just didn’t
believe it. I would have much rather have Donar be a true Viking warrior and hate him for
what he did, than to think of the entire Viking Squad as a fairytale.
4. Stefan’s mother was captured by the Vikings and made Donar’s wife and she had absolutely
no qualms about it. HER ONLY DEMAND WAS THAT THEY TAKE HER SISTER TOO
OR SHE WOULDN’T GO WILLINGLY. Homegirl just threw her sister under the bus,
pointed out where she was hiding, and had her captured by the fearsome Vikings as well. I
just…Stefan claims it was to save his aunt from an awful marriage. But, to quote Joseph
Conrad, would being married to this Scotsman really be worse than being surrounded by
“lusty, red-eyed devils� whose only real love was raping and pillaging western Europe?
5. The plot was good, but it wasn’t GOOD. Sure, it kept me reading, it kept me interested, but it
didn’t seem to be going anywhere substantial. From what I read, I guess this is a prequel to
some of Talbott’s other series? But coming from a reader with no connection to these
other books, the plot seemed to go nowhere. I wanted to know what Stefan’s part in the story
was. He was a good narrator, but it just seemed that after he was left by his people, he
kind of flopped. He had no drive or purpose. I’m kind of shocked that I was kept interested
throughout the entire story because usually those kinds of book have trouble keeping the
attention. So Marti Talbott is definitely doing something right.
6. Stefan’s a Viking which means he was most likely a Pagan, but he seems to be very in tune
with God and Catholicism. He crosses himself a lot, prays a lot…but who am I to say he’s not
a Christian Viking? It happened to Ragnar in History Channel’s Vikings.
So there are my big issues with the story that made me contemplate giving it only two stars. There were enough eye-roll moments to really make me question my sanity. BUT. It was fast-paced, I liked Stefan overall (though he was kind of flawless), and I liked the premise. I’m a sucker for some medieval drama, so you had me at the word Viking, Ms. Talbott. Hats off to you for creating a main character that had little motivation but kept me rooting for him nonetheless. Stefan was kind, noble, strong, and valiant. Everything I could hope for in a hero.
“It also occurred to him (Stefan) that the old man had the answer to loneliness. There was someone he could talk to in his oppressive world of silence. At first he felt too shy to talk to God and said all the things he was taught to say by the priests. But he soon found those words had little meaning when what he really wanted to do was talk to him man-to-God.�
January 19, 2021
4 and 1/2 Stars: A Viking in Scotland and a Well-Told Tale
This is the first story is a series of Viking tales. This one involves a young lad who is half Scot and whose father wanted to return to Scotland’s shores. So, when Stefan is not yet 15, he sailed on a longship with his father to Scotland on his first Viking raid. In the ensuing battle, his father is killed and the men abandon Stefan when they realize they are outnumbered by the Scots.
Stefan is saved by Kannak, a girl of 13, who lives alone with her mother. They needed the help of a man since Kannak’s father deserted them. Kannak knows Stefan is a Viking but she is willing to hide him if he will help her and her mother.
Contriving a story for her clan that Stefan is from the north where they grow larger, he soon becomes a part of the family, helping the two women by tilling the fields and hunting and fishing. Stefan misses his father but is happy to have a family.
During the next few years, much happens in the clan of which Stefan is now a part. The tale takes some unexpected turns and we learn some secrets about Kannak and Stefan that even they did not know. Love begins to grow between them, too, but it is threatened when Stefan becomes the subject of the villainy of the jealous clan chief’s wife.
Talbott’s writing is very readable and her storytelling enjoyable. Soon you will become wrapped up in the lives of these people.
This is the first story is a series of Viking tales. This one involves a young lad who is half Scot and whose father wanted to return to Scotland’s shores. So, when Stefan is not yet 15, he sailed on a longship with his father to Scotland on his first Viking raid. In the ensuing battle, his father is killed and the men abandon Stefan when they realize they are outnumbered by the Scots.
Stefan is saved by Kannak, a girl of 13, who lives alone with her mother. They needed the help of a man since Kannak’s father deserted them. Kannak knows Stefan is a Viking but she is willing to hide him if he will help her and her mother.
Contriving a story for her clan that Stefan is from the north where they grow larger, he soon becomes a part of the family, helping the two women by tilling the fields and hunting and fishing. Stefan misses his father but is happy to have a family.
During the next few years, much happens in the clan of which Stefan is now a part. The tale takes some unexpected turns and we learn some secrets about Kannak and Stefan that even they did not know. Love begins to grow between them, too, but it is threatened when Stefan becomes the subject of the villainy of the jealous clan chief’s wife.
Talbott’s writing is very readable and her storytelling enjoyable. Soon you will become wrapped up in the lives of these people.
July 2, 2018
Another novel probably especially appealing to teenagers and young adults. The young son of a Viking commander is finally allowed to go with his father and men as they sail out to sea. The son observes, works hard, and learns what it means to be a Viking. The ship engages a Scottish community and loses the battle with many dead, including the commander-father. The son escapes and hides, eventually blending into the Scottish community, becoming part of a mother-daughter family whose husband and father abandoned them. The boy serves them well, supporting the farm, protecting them from unwanted suitors, and becoming part of the clan. He helps the mother reconcile her relationship with the clan's laird and eventually weds the daughter. It's a story of war, love, betrayal, coming of age, enduring hardship, and overcoming adversity. Four stars for young people.
June 30, 2017
The Viking is an interesting book in that it feel very like a very solid story but has poor (not terrible) writing. The plot weaves its way through in a logical, but not entirely predictable way, allowing for its protagonist Stefan to have a number of hardships before finally reaching his goals.
However, the book lacks a certain panache and sense of style. We are often told how lush the environments are, and are told how our characters are feeling - but rarely do we dive into that world and experience those emotions with them.
I think that's why it took me so long to finish this book. I felt like I should be connecting with these characters who seemed interesting, but the author never really let me get inside their heads. This is storytelling at a distance.
However, the book lacks a certain panache and sense of style. We are often told how lush the environments are, and are told how our characters are feeling - but rarely do we dive into that world and experience those emotions with them.
I think that's why it took me so long to finish this book. I felt like I should be connecting with these characters who seemed interesting, but the author never really let me get inside their heads. This is storytelling at a distance.
August 27, 2018
I downloaded this free book. Why? I like historical novels. I'm interested in Vikings. I was intrigued that the Viking story was in Scotland. The Scottish part seemed to be mostly the use of "dinnae" and canna" in the dialogue. The historical touches were occasional descriptions of castles or clothing that were probably researched on Wikipedia. Not Viking. Not Scottish. Not historically accurate --- at all. What's left? A romance that could have been set anywhere, anytime --- but which has modern phrases and sensibilities. Short easy read, but not really worth it.
June 21, 2018
Slightly entertaining but not such a great story as I was hoping for probably because I loved the Vikings on tvtoo my hand expected more. This was a tale of a Viking making the move from warring to farming which we all know happened and their assimilation into the Scottish way of life. Of course you just knew it would end with the forming of certain clans, like the macgregors or the other famous clans that inherited the mountains of Scotland.
November 5, 2017
So if you don't worry about Viking knowledge, ignore the accents and just go with it you'll find a very sweet, very clean, ya story. Stefan carries this book, he's written as being a very decent young man without any flaws :) His adopted mom Jirvel also helps carry the story. The downside is the romance, Kannak is very flat and frankly the story could have stood without being a love story.
Shelved as 'abandoned'
February 18, 2015I enjoy historical fiction. Normally it pulls me in right from the start. Unfortunately, this one had me reading the same paragraph over and over until I just had to put the book down. I may or may not pick this one up in the future. If I do, it's because I'll have no books left to choose from.
August 29, 2018
Meh. More romance than I care for in my historical fiction. This author prides herself on writing exciting stories that do not include sex or violence. This would be good for young teens who like historical fiction and are not too particular about easy, pat endings.
January 16, 2015
I just couldn't get past the first few pages - Viking's talking like their Scots? With brogue accents? Just didn't mesh with me so I moved on.
July 16, 2019
Interesting
This book was very good once it got started. All the plots and twist and turns where great and it was a good ending.
This book was very good once it got started. All the plots and twist and turns where great and it was a good ending.
February 18, 2019
Three and 1/2 stars rating.
The Viking by Marti Talbot is certainly not what the reader might expect. As a fan of the History Channel television series The Vikings, and the BBC production The Last Kingdom (based on the Bernard Cornwell books), I was looking forward to a saga focused on the Danish conquest of England. I definitely did not anticipate a love story.
The book begins with that promise. Stefan, a young Viking, is looking forward to his first raid alongside his father, Donar. But the foray into Scotland goes terribly wrong resulting in the death of his father, the retreat of the Viking fleet, and young Stefan stranded on Scottish soil.
Able to speak the language because his mother had been a Scot captured on a previous Viking raid, he finds refuge with a woman, Jirvel, and her daughter, Kannak, who are in desperate need of someone to till the land and help them survive. Jirvel’s husband has abandoned them to their fate, but the three bond out of necessity and form a family unit of sorts.
From there the story definitely shifts to the budding romance between Stefan and Kannak. As they grow and mature their filial relationship changes and the two eventually fall in love. However, just as the two realize their true feelings for one another, Stefan is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Stefan never gives up hope of freedom and returning to Kannak, and despite pressure to marry another, she holds onto her dream of a reunion.
In addition to this story of young love, Marti Talbot also writes of Jirvel’s yearning for Laird Macoran who is Kannak’s real father. Many years before, on the eve of their betrothal, war with the rival Clan Brodie threatens. The only way to keep the peace is for Laird Macoran to accept an arranged marriage with Agnes Brodie. It will be a loveless marriage that will also separate Jirvel from Macoran.
The reunion of Stefan and Kannak as well as Jirvel and Laird Macoran closes out the story and sets up Marti Talbot’s follow-on books about future generations. Younger readers will likely enjoy the storybook ending. For the more mature audience the abrupt plot resolution, its innocence, and the dearth of violence that characterized the historical period likely will temper their reaction to it. However, taken as a whole, The Viking is an easy read and enjoyable tale. It may not be anything that you expected, but it can and should be appreciated for what it is.
The Viking by Marti Talbot is certainly not what the reader might expect. As a fan of the History Channel television series The Vikings, and the BBC production The Last Kingdom (based on the Bernard Cornwell books), I was looking forward to a saga focused on the Danish conquest of England. I definitely did not anticipate a love story.
The book begins with that promise. Stefan, a young Viking, is looking forward to his first raid alongside his father, Donar. But the foray into Scotland goes terribly wrong resulting in the death of his father, the retreat of the Viking fleet, and young Stefan stranded on Scottish soil.
Able to speak the language because his mother had been a Scot captured on a previous Viking raid, he finds refuge with a woman, Jirvel, and her daughter, Kannak, who are in desperate need of someone to till the land and help them survive. Jirvel’s husband has abandoned them to their fate, but the three bond out of necessity and form a family unit of sorts.
From there the story definitely shifts to the budding romance between Stefan and Kannak. As they grow and mature their filial relationship changes and the two eventually fall in love. However, just as the two realize their true feelings for one another, Stefan is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Stefan never gives up hope of freedom and returning to Kannak, and despite pressure to marry another, she holds onto her dream of a reunion.
In addition to this story of young love, Marti Talbot also writes of Jirvel’s yearning for Laird Macoran who is Kannak’s real father. Many years before, on the eve of their betrothal, war with the rival Clan Brodie threatens. The only way to keep the peace is for Laird Macoran to accept an arranged marriage with Agnes Brodie. It will be a loveless marriage that will also separate Jirvel from Macoran.
The reunion of Stefan and Kannak as well as Jirvel and Laird Macoran closes out the story and sets up Marti Talbot’s follow-on books about future generations. Younger readers will likely enjoy the storybook ending. For the more mature audience the abrupt plot resolution, its innocence, and the dearth of violence that characterized the historical period likely will temper their reaction to it. However, taken as a whole, The Viking is an easy read and enjoyable tale. It may not be anything that you expected, but it can and should be appreciated for what it is.
November 12, 2020
I am completely blown away by this book.
It’s different from any of the books that I’ve read so far this year, and that has proven to be a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of a genre I’d almost forgotten a genre that I absolutely love.
Historical fiction has a way of teleporting you back into a full on experience through time, and this book does exactly that. This story takes you on a journey with Vikings, then it drops you in a place where Scottish clans are trying, maybe not always their best, live alongside each other in piece.
Fifteen-year-old Stefan finds himself all alone in a foreign land with now home, and no family. He is forced to rely on a young Scottish girl, named Karnak, and her mother for protection, and shelter. They form a little family, but old secrets reveal, and trouble brews around them all when a plot threatens to destroy them all. Stefan and Kannak are both young in a time where they are forced to be viewed as adults. A friendship grows in to more, as they grow up alongside each other. It all seams like a fated happily ever after, until they a torn apart, and forced to fight to be together.
This story gives you history, and a complete whole other world. It tosses you into a romance that you kind of expect, but are invited to witness in a beautiful, and honest way. I loved every second of this book, and look forward to reading more by this author. This author was a refreshing new discovery for me, and I can’t wait to see what adventure she can take me on next!
I loved this book, and I bet it you give it a chance, you will too! I definitely recommend this read!!
It’s different from any of the books that I’ve read so far this year, and that has proven to be a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of a genre I’d almost forgotten a genre that I absolutely love.
Historical fiction has a way of teleporting you back into a full on experience through time, and this book does exactly that. This story takes you on a journey with Vikings, then it drops you in a place where Scottish clans are trying, maybe not always their best, live alongside each other in piece.
Fifteen-year-old Stefan finds himself all alone in a foreign land with now home, and no family. He is forced to rely on a young Scottish girl, named Karnak, and her mother for protection, and shelter. They form a little family, but old secrets reveal, and trouble brews around them all when a plot threatens to destroy them all. Stefan and Kannak are both young in a time where they are forced to be viewed as adults. A friendship grows in to more, as they grow up alongside each other. It all seams like a fated happily ever after, until they a torn apart, and forced to fight to be together.
This story gives you history, and a complete whole other world. It tosses you into a romance that you kind of expect, but are invited to witness in a beautiful, and honest way. I loved every second of this book, and look forward to reading more by this author. This author was a refreshing new discovery for me, and I can’t wait to see what adventure she can take me on next!
I loved this book, and I bet it you give it a chance, you will too! I definitely recommend this read!!
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