Book (er-Series) Review: The Viking Quest Series

These books are very interesting, encouraging, and exciting! They came to me at a time in my life when the themes of forgiveness and trusting God really spoke to my heart and helped me along. They still do today.

 

I have much to say about these wonderful books by Lois Walfrid Johnson, but I'll do it in more detail book by book.

 

Book one: Raiders from the Sea

"When Briana O'Toole rescues a stranger from drowning, she doesn't realize that her actions may have put her family and village in danger. Then, in one frightening day, Viking raiders capture Bree and her brother Devin and take them away from their home in Ireland. All of the Irish prisoners are at the mercy of Mikkel, the proud young leader of the Vikings. Separated by Mikkel, Bree and Devin each face different journeys to courage. As Bree sails toward a life of slavery in Norway and as Devin struggles to survive on his own, they must choose to trust God in spite of the troubles they face. When everything is against them, where will Bree and Devin find the courage to win?"

 

Okay, this is a real page turner--I was shaking as I read it. (I was thirteen, okay?) A great opening to a fantastic series.

 

What do you think of heroines? She becomes less of a "Li'l Miss Save the Day" as the series goes on.

 

Book two: Mystery of the Silver Coins

"Briana O'Toole makes a daring escape from the Viking ship under the cover of darkness and pounding rain. Together with another slave named Lil, she must learn how to survive on the run in the unfamiliar woods of Norway. Meanwhile, a bag of valuable coins has also disappeared from the ship, and everyone thinks Bree stole it. Mikkel, the young leader of the Vikings, searches tirelessly for Bree and for the missing treasure. But Bree is master of disguises. As she seeks the courage to win against her pursuers, she discovers the importance of forgiveness and learns to trust God who promised to never leave her. When the chase grows desperate, will Mikkel keep praying to his Viking gods, or will he pray to Bree's God instead? Is it possible that God's plan for Bree is different than what she expected?"

 

This one competes with three others for being my favorite in the series. Who wouldn't love thrilling escapes, disguises, and a situation where a character has to say, "God, I don't know what You are doing, but I know that You are good."

 

How do you feel about extremely greedy fourteen-year-old Vikings? : )

 

Book three: The Invisible Friend

"Deep in the Norwegian fjords the Viking ship comes to shore. Mikkel, the prideful young leader, is home, but Briana O'Toole faces a new, uncertain life. What will happen to her and the other Irish taken as prisoners? Soon Bree feels sure that Mikkel is hiding a dark secret from his father. When Bree finds mysterious messages that seem meant for her, she longs to be what she is--the respected daughter of an Irish chieftain. But the cold winds of autumn sweep down Aurland Fjord, and its people wait for the last ship out. Bree wonders, Can my brother Devin possibly bring ransom before winter? In the midst of a growing threat will Bree and Devin find God's courage to win? Who is their invisible friend? And what does it mean to be truly free?"

 

Okay, this is probably my favorite. Complicated characters; wonderful, wonderful Devin; and themes of forgiveness and worth in Christ combine to make this book great.

 

How do you feel about mild, very mild teen romance? It's the type where "someone wants to marry you when you grow up." Also, culturally they would have gotten married younger so that make it more natural for them to be thinking about it. (Don't ever 'set your cap'.) : )

 

Book four: Heart of Courage

"Devin and Briana O'Toole are facing the biggest adventure of their lives. In exchange for Bree's freedom, they have agreed to make one voyage on the new Viking ship Conquest. With explorer Leif Erikson they travel from Norway to Iceland, then to Greenland and beyond, encountering the dangers of the northern waters and an unknown enemy in the ship's crew. Will the hardships be worth it at the end, or will Bree remain a slave? Mikkel, the young captain of the Conquest, is full of ambition. More than anything, he has always wanted wealth and fame. But he will need courage to lead his men on such a perilous journey--and to regain his lost honor. He doesn't even want to think about letting Bree go free. Only God can give Mikkel, Bree, and Devin a heart of courage for the challenges that lie ahead."

 

Everyone I've shared this series with agrees that the author could have fit it all into three or four books and that this one is somewhat unnecessary. However, it is enjoyable as it marks the passage of time, tells of more adventures, and tells the ever deepening story of Mikkel's heart.

 

Book five: The Raider's Promise

"During her years as a captive of Mikkel, the Viking raider, Briana O'Toole has longed to return to her family and resume her life in Ireland. Yet she has changed. Bree finds herself excited to be on Leif Erikson's ship and be part of the discovery and exploration of new lands. Mikkel's newfound Christian faith has changed him too. Will he really take Bree home and keep his promise to give her freedom? Mikkel has something else on his mind too, a secret from when he first raided Ireland. Will his faith in God give him the courage to do the right thing? And will Bree and Devin's knowledge of this secret put them in danger?"

 

The only thing about this story that could have been better would have been if Devin had had a bigger part. (Anyone notice a similarity between him and all the heroes in my stories? Oops.) : ) I totally love this story! God is so big in it, and the people are so real! All the themes come out here and lots of adventure. And some romance too.

 

All in all I love this series, but would not recommend it for younger readers because of the element of kidnapping and some Norse mythology. Also, when one is in a particularly 'antsy' state of mind, romance is probably not the best thing to be reading. : )

Interview on the Trampoline

Today during our playtime, I took Betsy Bea outside to the trampolines. It was beautiful outdoors between the noises of logging, the peeping of the birds strutting all over the yard, and the sunshine. After a while, I decided to ask Betsy Bea some questions, just to see what she thinks. As you can imagine, it was pretty special...

 

What are your favorite things?

Having a Mom

This house

 

What are your favorite things to do? (She actually said this on the first question, but then we decided it was something to do.)

Jump on the trampoline : )

 

What do you want to do when you are big?

Sew soft doll clothes and jump on a "stabler" trampoline. We'll get rid of this one because I'll be too big for it and we won't have anyone else.

 

What do you want to do when you are grown up?

I just told you. (No, I mean when you are an adult.) Take care of my children. Feed them and all those things. And there's something else, but I can't tell you because it is kinda' weird. (At this point she got all smirky and shy, and so it probably has to do with getting married.) : )

 

What is your favorite Bible story?

Mary and Joseph. It's a good story and I like it.

 

Yesterday, we were all moving wood and she asked Mom, "Can I make this coat my barn coat?" There truly are big thoughts in her little head. Comes of being the youngest, don't you think?

The Fourth Brown Item

We went shopping a couple of days ago at our local(ish) Goodwill. I found
four things I liked, and all of them were brown. We got three, but the
long, chocolate brown, leather dress coat got to "ride around in our cart
and stay behind" when we left. This afternoon, Dad was talking about how
it would've gone perfectly with my church outfit today, and Mom was
making noises like "don't tease her". And then he brought it out from
where he had stashed it, and it is mine, and brown is the best color.
The End

And it rained for 40 days and 40 nights...

And there was wind, hail, thunder, and lightning today too. Since there
is always a rainbow afterwards, I can enjoy it and enjoy it I am! The
power is out right now, and we have flashlights all about the house. I
was in the middle (literally) of printing the church bulletin when the
printer stopped, but all other activites are continuing. This has brought
a whole new meaning to the term 'touch-typing'. : )

Story Excerpt: Now Is Not the Time

I thought I would share a little bit of one of the stories I've been working on...      

        By the end of his second day of travel, Justus was now in the area commonly known as Ashland Waters, and he was never without his dagger. As he looked down the dusty road a welcome sight met his eyes—an inn, a familiar one too. Dismounting, he led his horse into its roomy stable and flipped a coin to the stable boy who caught it eagerly.

            Inside was quite the contrast to the solitary woods and the even more solitary stable. Being the last meal hour of the day, many travelers had gathered to refresh both body and spirit. Seating himself at a table close to the wall, he waited for someone to come and take his order.

            A young woman with an apron tied loosely over her stomach came up to his table with a smile and a word of welcome, "Hello, Hugh, what brings you here?"

            "Oh, just a little errand for my uncle, and a good meal at this fine inn. When will your little one come?" he said matching her smile.

            "Any day now. Morgan and I work hard to keep this place pleasant, therefore the meal comes at a price," she said still smiling. "Will you take the usual?"

            He nodded and withdrew a leather bag from under his tunic pouring a few coins into his palm and watching closely as they shone in the firelight. Out of the corner of his eye he made sure to see whose eyes glinted at the sight of gold.

            The woman left to prepare his meal and while she was gone a newcomer seated himself across from Hugh. "Mind if I sit here, I don't know anyone in this vicinity and I'm up for a good dish of gossip myself," he stated rather than asked, and immediately leaned his elbows comfortably on the plank table.

            Hugh's mouth smiled and said, "I don't know very many people here either so I'm pleased to meet you. The name's Hugh," but his eyes asked the question of what would happen next.

            The waitress arrived and gravely set down Hugh's plate in front of him. He looked at her and nodded his thanks, and then his new friend gave his order.

            "So where are you from, Hugh?" the man asked, as he watched the boy begin to eat.

            Hugh laughed, and replied, "If I were brave enough to tell of the little town I'm from you wouldn't even recognize the name."

            The man laughed and took a drink from his mug. "Now that is a good way of explaining the very plight in which I find myself caught," and he laughed again.

            Although there was laughter at the table, Hugh found himself ill at ease with this jolly man who invited himself into everything. Even when he laughed, his eyes were steadily searching out what was below this man's jokes.

            "I've just come from one of the smallest northern towns there ever was and I am brave enough to tell—it's Harvest," the man said taking a huge bite of the food that was just brought him.

            "Well, then I see I shall have to be brave myself—Wilsy," Hugh said, for it was true that he had been born there. He studied the brawny man before him more carefully now that he knew he claimed residence at a town recently destroyed. His hands were rough and horny, possibly from farming but something about the man's eyes told him that there was some other explanation.

            "Wilsy, eh? And what brings you to this fine inn?" his questioner asked.

            "I've friends here," the boy said simply. He grabbed his napkin and placed it in his lap, perturbed that the man continued to stare at it. While he told a long story about the former farm he had lived on, he worked it open and felt a piece of rag nestled inside.

            "You have much money for a farm boy," the man stated, as if relieving his mind of something he had much thought on.

            Hugh shrugged and nodded, pleased that he was finally learning something more about this man's character. "One of the fortunate to have a new opportunity."

            Something in the man's face changed, almost as if for the better. "You have a new opportunity," he said softly half stating and half questioning.

            "One of the fortunate," Hugh repeated, lowering his voice confidentially.

            "And does this opportunity happen to be in Ashland Waters?" the man asked almost excited, but still wary.

            Hugh shrugged again with a slight smile. His meal was finished and he rose to his feet placing the empty napkin beside his plate. "Good to meet you." Then he turned to go.

            "Wait, do you know about the trail?" the man asked almost urgently.

            "Now is not the place," Hugh said wisely.

            "Then you recognize the danger?"

            "That is why I am leaving." He turned swiftly on his heel and left the inn, quickening his pace as he reached the stable.

            The lanterns inside the stalls had been put out, but the sound of soft footfalls caused him to pause and hide behind a stack of hay. A low murmur of voices and a scuffling of feet sounded, along with the whinny of a horse, in the next stall over.

            "You know what will happen," he caught the words. The horse that shared the stall with him moved uneasily and let out a whinny.

            "Something's in the next stall over, quick!" one of the voices said louder.

            But even as they were quick, they weren't quick enough for the intruder was now occupying the stall they had just left.

            "Quiet, girl," he whispered soothingly, and stroked the frightened mare's neck. In the half-light that filled the stall he could see that someone had been rummaging in his saddlebags and he was immediately glad that there had been nothing to find.

            Putting on his cloak, he mounted his horse and left the stable before anyone could know he had been there. They galloped along for a time, putting as much distance as possible between them and the inn. In the light of the full moon, he finally thought of looking at the message the waitress had given him.

            "Hugh, I've become more accepted within their ranks and have gained the respect of the captain. They have captured more travelers, and are gaining more strength. We just received a shipment of weapons, anonymously. Now is the time. You know what to do. Be careful at the inn and the crossroads especially. Signed, Uncle."

            Pocketing the piece of rag, he rode on in silence with one hand holding the reins of his horse and the other resting on his dagger. His keen brown eyes searched the darkness before him for any lurking shadows or glint of steel in the moonlight. A cold shiver, not unknown even to the bravest of warriors, crept up his back and he looked to the only thing he could find real comfort in—prayer.

And just for fun I thought I'd share the really silly picture I drew of this character. Please note that all of this is purely representational, and my brother drew his sword and advised me on the armor. : ) If the boy on horseback is real, my apologies to him for drawing him so badly.

True Things

1. I think aged men are absolute treasures. When the 93-year-old sage
from church enthusiastically brings your family a load of firewood and
then learns to use a tablet computer...well.

2. I was deathly afraid of trampolines at age 11. I got on one the other
day, and it was kinda' fun and also very different. : )

3. What I ate for breakfast the other day was better than anything you
ate. (Unless you ate pancakes or cinnamon rolls). Make-Ahead Muffin Melts
from Pioneer Woman's second cookbook. Hard boiled eggs, bacon, and cheese
on an English muffin. Sooo good!