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. : )
