Reading West Oversea was a strange experience for me. This is, in actual fact, the second Norse Adventure/Historical-Fiction book that I had signed by an author that lives near enough to me that I could walk to their place of residence. (One being written by my grandfather, and now West Oversea by a librarian that lives across the street.)
That coincidence being out of the way, West Oversea by Lars Walker is one of the two best Norse Historical Fiction books I’ve ever read. 🙂 Being the story of several travelers, I feel obliged to give you a bit of a fractured narrative. Here goes:
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“West Oversea.” For the Irish priest Father Aillil, these words meant the freedom of his sister, who was a thrall (thralldom being the Norse alternative to slavery) for most of her life. And all of his life he had thought of her, wishing he could have protected her from her captivity… When the opportunity came, he accepted with a rapidity that defied his land-lubber’s stomach. With him went an object of great power that gives him The Sight, the ability to prophesy. But will it show him things he is not meant to see?
Erling Skjalgsson leaves the land as well, driven out by a corrupt law and a brother he’d thought dead for years. With a demonic shape-shifter out for his wife and new-born child, he sets out for Greenland, searching for fortune, adventure, and a home. With a life of honesty-earned power and ease at his back, Erling the viking soldier takes to the seas. Yet a man may set out with one goal in his mind, the waters may differ…
Indeed, adventure, danger, fortune, and greater faith are found on the tides. And whilst the waters may differ, their God never will.
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Norse historical-fiction, man. It’s good stuff. 😀 Rich with Norse Mythology, funny looking names, and Christian faith, it was a very interesting read. I loved Father Aillil and the rest of the bunch from the start to the end, and am of the opinion that the middle passed far too quickly. Honestly, I can’t wait for the next installment. Well done, Mr. Walker. (If interested, one might find Lars’ blog at http://brandywinebooks.net)
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4 of 5 stars
13+
The Embarrassed Zebra 