On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series just keeps getting better and better .The twists and turns at every page make it impossible to put down. I love seeing how the characters evolve and all the dark and still light hearted moments all throughout.
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the sequel to Throrfinn and the Witch’s Curse. It is a wonderful way to follow up the story and follow Finn, Kara and Cub. It is full of adventure and action. I love the way the author takes you back and allows yoy to become part. Of their world and timeline.
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great story. It has curses and witches and vikings. It was wonderfully written. It does start out slow, there are many characters and it takes a little while to remember who is who, but after you get into it, it is great!
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again, I couldn’t stop reading this book. It was incredible once again and I enjoyed every aspect of this book once again. The adventures continue once again, and it amazed me and kept me on my seat once again. This author wrote this book with so much supernatural, Vikings, folk lore, historical events, traditions that it was hard to remember that this is a story and not real life. The way each character has its own like spin and different adventures I just couldn’t get enough. I was constantly rooting for whatever character I had been reading about. And even thou I know I would read more of each one I couldn’t wait to read what would happen next. We follow Finns boating adventure, Karas adventure from being sold into marriage, and cubs adventure of escaping slavery, I was hooked from the beginning of this story. This book is not one to pass on by, it’s a so must read. Just start from book 1 you won’t be disappointed, especially if Vikings, history and supernatural are all something that is enjoyable to read.
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again, this author did an incredible story. The adventures from the previous book continued on into this book. This story also follows along on how Finn finds himself and becomes into this man he will be. The quests and things that he had to do really were challenging and it was hard to not encourage and cheer on Finn. Once again, an action-packed adventure, betrayal, struggles, emotions, and a little romance thrown in kept me reading this book till there was nothing left to read. the historical fiction and supernatural and Norse twists all into one was just amazing again. can not wait to read the next one.
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was instantly mesmerized with this story and how detailed it was. The adventures in it kept me reading more and having a hard time putting it down. I personally love any story that contents anything with Vikings and historical events together. It really makes for a great story when you’re reading from someone else’s thoughts and ideas of what the events could have happened. I Love the Norse mythological elements in the book. The supernatural aspect of the story really put a twist into this story but was so memorizing. I really enjoyed this book and extremely enjoyed it. And really can not wait to read the next one.
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ Gripping Historically based Viking Fantasy~
Holy crap he did it AGAIN…this is the Third story in the Forerunner Series. You will definitely want to read these in order. I am a huge fan of Robert Jordans wheel of time series, if he had written about Vikings instead of high fantasy, this would have been it. Not to compare two authors, but for the sake of how much I LOVE the Wheel of Time series, this is a blooming favorite series that I hope continues on.
Finn and his Agneson Clan pick right back up in the midst of their journeys; character development, world building, good vs. evil are even more intense than the last book (if that’s possible!!!) There are plenty more the hidden folk, even a dragon makes an appearance. This is such a superb fantastical twist on Viking history. I’m not big into mythology, but there are quite a few references to Norse Gods intertwined with the humans lives.
Between the spiritual connections, human based rivalries and Politics, family ties, human trafficking, detailed accounts of history, and so much more you really will be able to sink your teeth into this. It can be a little difficult for me to keep up with all the unique names and places, I start to gloss over those parts a little bit. But now with the introduction of Kara I find myself immediately bonding with a character for the first time in this series, which is super exciting!!!
The good thing about this novel especially, is despite the maturing story lines, Jay creates an environment that can be fun and at times silly. Seriously can’t wait to read the fourth book in this series. Thank you for another amazing read!
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ Authentic Historical Viking Fiction~
You will want to read these in order. This sequel is the perfect follow up to “Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse”. Jump into this new read, as Finn dives deeper into his destiny. I am 100% terrible with names, places, and understanding history, so to be able to pick up a book that makes history just a little bit easier to understand is such a savory treat.
The author continues this ride with plenty of character building, world development, and plot twists. It almost feels like we (the readers) are on the same understanding as Finn is, and as he grows with his Clan, we too are getting a better understanding of his mission and just how to get there. There are new characters, folk legends, and quests to be had. I love that being a Viking novel, Jay doesn’t disappoint. Between the blood feuds, revenge, oath making, family ties, and the challenges each character faces, this really isn’t a cookie cutter story.
This adventure is super in-depth, each character’s story can swallow you up whole and spit you out right in the middle of a feud. Will Finn find victory against his rivals, and can he and his clan hold their spot in history? If you are a fan of Vikings, fantasy, YA, dark intrigue, or the like then you definitely will want to check this one out.
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Forerunner series. The author did a great job keeping the characters true to themselves. I love the way the author brings the story to life. I’m enjoying the mix of history and fiction. I can’t wait to read the next book .
Reviewed by @mimimadge
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was another great installment that just knocks this series out of the park! This was adventurous, and the fun just never stops. I loved the dragon! It added so much more danger and excitement. This series has quickly become a favorite of mine. It gets a little tedious at times but the adventures never stop. There is so much action and adventure. I have loved reading this series and I can’t wait to read the 4th book soon!
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fantastic sequel! I liked this one a lot more than the first. Not only did it have more action, but it was emotional (at least to me) as well! The first book I already loved because it was so well written, and while this one doesn’t disappoint in that regard either, this one just had a lot more depth. I highly recommend this series! These books should be read in order, however, this second book had a very in depth summary of the first book so reading the first isn’t strictly required since the author gives you all the background you need for this one.
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Each book in this series gets better and better!!
The family is all over the place, completely spread out. Kara and her family are staying in her mother’s hometown with family but they aren’t as welcoming as one would suspect. Kara also finds out that she will be married soon. Doesn’t she get a say in this?
Sorven is going to Jorvik to see what, if anything, can be recovered from recent adventures. Oh the things that he runs into along the way.
Cub is working like a dog in the camp that he’s been committed to. Will he ever find his way out and back to a life of freedom?
Finn and Karl are still on the seas battling all sorts of strange creatures. It takes Karl awhile to warm up to Finn’s new way of life but once he does, things start improving somewhat. My favorite part of this book was Finn’s pet!
Again, very well written and chocked full of adventure! I’m looking forward to book 4 and more of Kara’s story!
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book picks up about two weeks after the first one ends. As with the other book, there are multiple stories being told at once. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to keep it all straight but these books are SOOO GOOD!!!
So, Willa is now married but not without some drama on her wedding night. Men come to exact their revenge on Karl but they are not successful. However, it will find the Kara and her family being on the run to save their lives while Karl takes Finn out on the ship with him. Cub goes with this dad to fight against Alfred the Great. Let’s just say that things don’t go as planned for any of these characters! Between the bears, trolls, mermen, wolves, elves….it’s all up in the air as to how things will develop. I suspect things may not be as they immediately seem though either. I have a feeling the author has something up his sleeve for book three!!
While the first book was difficult for me to get into, I’m so thankful I didn’t give up! I’m really enjoying this series to far and look forward to learning more about Finn and his family!
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.75 stars on this one.
I hate to admit but it took me quite awhile to get into this one. Around 100 pages or so as a matter of fact. I kept getting lost in the multitude of characters. However, had I noticed the family tree at the back of the book before I started reading, it would have helped me to keep things a little straighter.
I enjoyed learning about Thorfinn (Finn for short) and his family. They are in the midst of planning a wedding for Finn’s sister when a dark being comes to their family homestead and attacks one of Finn’s brothers. Finn starts to research and try to find this being and in the end, runs into a witch. We all know they generally aren’t good for anything. When he gets tangles up with her, he finds himself in a whole new world of mystical beings.
Once I got the hang of the story, I found this to be a very enjoyable book! There is a lot of Norse and Viking history covered, of which I’m not super familiar with but I am learning! I’ll be covering this series through book 3 here shortly!
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautiful historical fiction with so much research done that you can clearly tell this author put their entire being into this piece. The story and world-building reach heights that most series hope to accomplish without being too overdone and lengthy. This series, the first installment in itself holds the reader well, the plot twisting and winding as we follow Thorfinn’s adventures without the slightest hint of hesitation. The ability to fully immerse the reader is an admirable quality, one that was done well here, and there was just the perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy.
A great mix of characters’ ages and depictions along with a fast-paced plot has the reader hoping and wishing for more – one that I was excited to see granted! Overall, a very good read, and without throwing any additional spoilers in this review, a very great series.
The Vardoger Boy by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Onto the next! Having read this series without any wait between books is a relish in itself, but the attention to detail and dedication to research while adding a twist on history is another thing entirely. We once again follow the adventures of our beloved characters that leave us wanting more. The precision and tone of the entire piece are beautiful, and the craftsmanship that goes into creating it doesn’t go without notice. The touches of fantasy that litter just adds the perfect amount of twist that draws readers of all genres in.
Truly a good installment into the series that touches on more than just one solid character and helps to give multiple facets to the created world. Overall, a good read. I recommend!
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Arguably the best yet, Batista does it yet again. An incredibly immersive story that draws in, captivates and leaves the reader wanting that much more. Having read the two before this, they seem to keep getting better and better. This is no loss of detail or rushing through the storyline. It picks up directly from the last book and doesn’t leave anything out. I continuously feel immersed in the story, and it’s hard to put down! Absolutely worth a re-read!
This author was utterly new to me, but after reading this series, it’s awesome to have experienced their work and to be hopeful for more in the future!
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series is getting better and better. With all the character and plot development, it is hard to put it down. The author knows how to grab your attention and hold it throughout the book. Makes you want more. The visuals it paints in your mind is amazing and long lasting. I highly recommend this.
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series and each book just keeps getting better. I love seeing the growth of the characters. The world building was fantastic. I enjoyed the Norse mythology intertwined with fiction. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Reviewed by @mimimadge
View all my reviews
Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! I was enthralled and the story telling is fantastic. I felt like I was actually there with the characters. It was so easy to get immersed in each characters “story” that come together at the end to weave a fantastic tale. My only complaint is the chapter lengths. It felt like a fast paced book but with each chapter being very lengthy and long, I felt like the story was dragging when in reality it wasn’t. That’s my only complaint. Super long chapters that made the book seem slow paced even though it was not.
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Even better than the first two books in the series! Picking right up from where book 2 left off, we find ourselves still at sea with Thorfinn and his Uncle Karl. Cub is a thrall(slave) in the tin mines and poor Kara is living in her uncle’s town and is expected to marry soon! Gurid is finally reunited with Yeru and her youngest child, but things are not all as happy as they appear in the land of Eddisbury. Sorven is still looking to avenge the takeover and ruin of his family’s life and belongings and wants to avenge his uncle’s death. Such a lot going on in this book and can I say it is AMAZING! We read of Cub being at his lowest point and beat to almost death and yet he does not give up on life. Thorfinn is a great hero to many and saves the lives of several people in the book. Such a great book and I cannot give any more information about it so as not to provide spoilers, but I absolutely love Kara and what she really wants to do with her life! The historical aspects and facts written into such a wonderful continuing saga of Thorfinn and his family makes this such a great read. It is so interesting reading stories of yore about families and how they lived in the past and their everyday lives. I am so thrilled at the tiny details that truly give this book the color, flair, and drama that a truly great book has. It has been such a pleasure reading The Forerunner Saga Series and I can hardly wait for book 4, Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire. You truly need to pick up this book and read the continuation of The Forerunner Saga Series. You will not be disappointed. This book is by far my favorite so far in the series, with so much action, adventure, and answers but with a few burning questions left unanswered!
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
On Viking Seas (The Forerunner Saga Series Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista
On Viking Seas is the third book in The Forerunner Saga Series and is a epic fantasy that is hard to put down. I truly enjoyed reading this book although I had a hard time following along at first because there is a lot going on but once I got a couple chapters in it flowed better from there on. This is a fairly new author to me although I have read a couple of other books by him this is my favorite yet. This is packed with action, adventure, Vikings, drama, danger and some mythology. I highly recommend reading the first two books if you haven’t already started them as they are just as good as this one and you get a better idea what is going on plus you get to know the characters better. Get ready to be taken on quite the Vikings adventure. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVE this book. It’s time warps you back. The descriptions are so amazing and it feels like you are right there with the characters.
Definitely one of my favorite series to read this year! You see a lot of growth within the Agneson clan in this book.
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The epic adventures of the Agneson clan continues in this third book in the series, which like the previous books I thoroughly enjoyed. The historical fantasy storyline had me gripped from page one, and I liked the mix of real historical events with authentic legends, which together makes an epic fantasy story. The descriptive narrative and added historical details bring both the Viking era of circa 880, and the setting vividly to life, which made me feel immersed in the story. This epic adventure takes the reader from the Cornish pit mines to the back alleys of Jorvik, then to the Mercian Court and beyond to the North Sea, and across Midgard and the 9 realms. As usual I felt engaged with the main characters and our hero Thorfinn, who is facing supernatural revenge as he’s still trying to lift a Jarl’s curse.
The Agneson family has been scattered and they each face their own challenges, against, “Scheming aldermen, duplicitous monks, slave drivers, dark elves, trolls, ghosts, shapeshifting witches, the legendary Norse Wild Hunt, and a dragon”. Cub, has been enslaved in the Devonshire tin mines, Sorven is after retribution in Jorvik, and Kara is fighting an arranged Saxon marriage, whilst Karl and his crew are castaway on a mythic floating island. As each of the intriguing main characters tackle their challenges, the Forerunner is trying to find his scattered family to help them with their trials. I loved the added pet dragon for Finn, which brings humour to the story. It can be difficult at times to keep track of all the characters, but having been introduced to them in the previous books they have started to feel like old friends. This is a fast paced, entertaining read with many plot twists which kept me hooked, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was truly as fabulous as the first two books in the series! I’m still utterly fascinated by the world and wish I could walk through all the places that are wonderfully illustrated by the author. The historical aspect keeps me completely enthralled and I just wish I could meet all the characters. This author weaves a brilliant story and builds a fabulous world. If you enjoy historical fiction with an emphasis on lore and beautifully written familial relationships, I would absolutely recommend this story!
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Third installment of the Forerunner saga, and I really feel like the Author has truly found their voice. This book is Perfection. If George R.R. Martin were to write Viking based novels, these would be it. Not to say that Batista doesn’t have their own flavor, but I’m very reminded of Martin’s style at times.
The Agneson clan has grown up and into their lots in life quite a bit more in this one. Thorfinn has grown into his “gifts” quite well and is surrounded by a crew, including his uncle Karl, that embraces him. Gurid, Kara and Hildie become reunited with old Yeru and the youngest Neeta at Gurid’s brother Cerdic’s home. Cub/Agne has survived and is a slave in the tin mines. Lastly Sorven has traveled with Willa and her husband to get Tormod ransomed back, while Willa is pregnant with her first.
We see Much more of Kara in this book and see a great deal of growth in all the Agneson children’s characters. This series and cast along with the writing style have really got me hooked now. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The third book in the Forerunner series begins where the last book left off. Events are looking a little grim for Cub and Kara as Cub is a captured slave, and Kara is being forced to be put on the market for marriage. The rest of the Agnesson clan do end up in trouble as well.
Finn and his uncle Karl have managed to make an enemy of a dark elf in the last book and that hasn’t been left in the air as the elf gets the help of three witches to try and kill him. Sorven is finding himself in adult like situations and is managing to react like the child he is. There were a lot of face palms when I was reading about Sorven.
This series is so well written. I can see it in all play out im my mind and Finn’s adventures would make an excellent video game. Finn and Kara are my favorites and I can’t wait to read more!
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an adventure this story is. This book has adventure, suspense and thrills for all too enjoy set in the time of the Vikings. I have loved this trilogy. Intense adventures that grab you on page 1 and don’t let go until you finish. Thorafinn and his friends will take you on the Viking journey of a lifetime. The characters are so well-written. This is book 3 and they feel like old friends by know. Finn has become like a little buddy. The plot flows because you can tell the author did his research into the timeline when he wrote the story. It all wraps up like a nice package, even a nice little boat troll. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Fantastic fantasy series. You really need to hit that one-click. I promise you, you’ll love this series.
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The intriguing story and adventure continues! I never tire of this series, its just so fantastically written! Its so easy to get hooked on the characters and the story, this author does not disappoint!
I found this book didn’t hold back. We all had a good base from the previous two books, this one packed on the adventure and mystified me in its own special way. The visual affects the author creates were stunning as usual. I was pulled in, and felt I was there with all the characters. Wonderful character development and the outside factors were an amazing contribute to the story as well!
Again, love this series, and can not get enough at all. I love this series, and always very much enjoy it. I recommend this series if you have not got your hands on it yet. Highly recommend!
On Viking Seas by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in The ForeRunner series and all I can say is wow. This is one series that keeps getting better and better with each installment. The author has done a great job with mixing history and mythology to create a story that is unique and full of action and adventure, as well as mythical beings and secrets left to reveal. This story also covers what it was like to be a slave and how they suffered which was a moving retelling of past events and shines a light on just how awful those times were.
This story is basically several stories in one as we find the Agneson family separated and each member going through their own struggles.
You have Thorfinn who is still at sea battles the elements, storms and dangers as they cross the seas. His sister Kara is now of marrying age and fighting her uncle against the planned marriage which she doesn’t want. You have family members travelling to other parents to recover and come to terms with some devastating news and finally there is Cub who has been captured and taken as a slave to work in the tin mines.
Can this family defeat all the odds against them and be reunited? Or are the odds to high against them as they struggle on their own?
