BOOK 1 IN THE BRAND NEW SERIES FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR S.T. BENDE
Erik held me until my shoulders stopped shaking–whether it was a minute or an hour, I couldn’t tell. The only things I knew for sure were: (1)I was trapped a thousand years in the past, with little hope of ever going home. And, (2)I was wrapped in the arms of the most absurdly gorgeous Viking to have ever walked the face of the … to have ever walked the face of the Earth.
Maybe my old life was overrated.
When seventeen-year-old Saga Skånstad discovers an antique dagger, she’s instantly sucked into a world where Vikings rule the seas and dragons roam the skies, and the only thing more dangerous than the chief who takes her captive is the rival who steals her away. The heir of Norway’s most feared tribe is fierce, cold, and absolutely unyielding. With intruders encroaching upon his borders, Erik Halvarsson has little patience for the girl whose ignorance threatens his very existence. He enlists Saga in the magical Valkyris Academy, where she learns the skills she’ll need to protect herself from foreign raiders and domestic terrors. But nothing can protect her from falling for the one guy in all the world she’s absolutely forbidden to choose . . . or from risking everything to unlock the secrets that haunt him.
When darkness threatens Saga’s new home, she must decide whether to return to the life she’s always known, or fight for a love she never could have imagined. Her decision will determine a legacy–not only for Saga, but for the world she never knew she was fated to lead.
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ST has a way with words that really catches your attention. 2019 is the year of Academy reads, if you only read one series this is the one. It’s full of action, mystery, drama and a whole new world that isn’t often explored. The characters are beautifully written and the story that is painted is daring and drastic with the right hint of drama and intrigue. I am anxiously waiting for book 2.
I LOVE Ms. Bende’s books. She writes such amazing heroines that by the end of the series feels like a sister or best friend. There is so much promise with Saga’s character and like her previous trilogy’s, a lot of humor and action. I can’t recommend her books enough and can honestly state that this trilogy has so much promise and has exceeded my expectations again of her new story.
Have you ever wanted to explore a new world? This book has it all adventure, strength, dragons and a creative new land. The characters come to life in this amazing book. S.T. Bende not only did it again but, created a new and unique story! You have got to read this time traveling adventure story of a girl Saga and see what happens. I put this story up there with books by J.R.R. Tolken and George R. R. Martin!
When on vacation at her family’s cottage in Norway, Saga finds a dagger in the Ocean and nothing in her life is the same again. Thrust into the past, she finds herself in an era of Vikings and dragons. Saga is a great character, her strength, resilience, determination and lack of self pity endears her to you and her roller coaster emotions towards Erik are both amusing and exciting. Erik is definitely a drool worthy Viking if ever there was one. He is strong, handsome, fierce and has a heart of gold. This well written story draws you in from the very beginning and leaves you dying for more at the end. It is a great start to the series, and I look forward to reading book 2.
So good. Viking Academy has to be one of my favorite books this year. I adored the heroine Saga’s name. And I loved her spunk. And Erik yummy with a capital Y. like St Bendes other books there s action adventure romance and a great set of awesome characters. I can’t wait for book 2 to read what’s next
Amazing start of a new series!!! … The story line and world building of this book is awesome, Norse mitology, time travel and those beautiful scenarios, I could imagine every detail… The MC, OMG, Saga is wonderful, I like her right away, her inner strenght and resilence helped her to cope with all this new world and expectations set on her … Erick is so hot, and strong and caring and possesive, and yummi, oh my!!! … Their closest friends are also amazing, their group and dynamics help enheace this story… Romance, action, friendship, trust, loyalty, betrayal, war, *hot vikings*… Can’t wait for book 2!!!
I am really enjoying the new series by S.T. Bende, “Viking Academy”, book one. Saga is a wonderful main character that you can relate to throughout the book. Erik has the chemistry and great development as the future leader of the tribe and eye candy for us readers. The supporting characters are witty, sassy, and fun to read. S.T. has build an incredible new world in this new series. It has been fun reading from the Viking world perspective and the storyline has definitely sucked me in. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
I have read all of S.T. Bende’s books and I can say it was another absolute winner
Saga has plans after visiting her grandmother to start college with her cousin Olivia who will also be her roommate. well out swimming one morning Saga found some thing that would change her life for forever. Thrown into the past how will she cope and will she adapt to survive until she can go home ? Check this book out to find out more and #HOT VIKINGS
Loved this!! Saga is one fabulous girl who faces the unimaginable! Her life changes drastically and it’s up to her to rise to the daily challenge. Saga forges into her new existence with little self pitty and a whole lot of determination! Of course having her handsome rescuer baiting her and confusing her emotions just makes Saga want to both scratch his eyes out and kiss him senseless. The Viking school and community are unlike her modern life, but the few magical helps keep certain comforts in place. The surprising fact that women and men are equal peers is a relief, but Saga is frustrated that she can’t master all of the expectations placed before her. S.T. Bende created one magical and intriguing world that just draws you in fairly quickly. I couldn’t put it down, and I really didn’t want to either. I’m so excited to see just where this series will take us! I love the mix of Norse mythology and the way in which magical details are layered in together. Huge applause to this talented storyteller for her vivid world building and intricately woven plot
Love it! Just bought the second book, something different!
Ok, not like Vikings the series but this is more of a fantasy novel than a historical drama. Still I do like learning more about the Norse. Concerning gender equality and norms it is difficult for differentiate between what I have learned on my own as historical fact and what may or may not have been reality or preconceived notions. Terms such as Thralls. Did the author decide to use this for a slave, where did it come from? The author doesn’t explain a lot of terminology origin. Certain words are explained because they are Scandinavian. BUT my biggest issue is the dragons. No one stops and goes how is there no evidence of dragons in your time? Magic right? Dissolve when they die etc…could the author maybe explain. The whole storyline is based on Saga going back in TIME not an ALTERNATE REALITY. If it is both that is fine, THE PAST IN A PARALLEL ALTERNATE REALITY. The author needs to explain and Saga needs to have a little more breakdown. For someone who like predictable this should melt her down. And yes I am reading book 2
OMG!! I loved this book, hands down 5 stars! S.T. Bende does it again. I mean this is another great book that she has created. The story line is intense and adventurous that you cannot help but read the book in one sitting. The characters are great, and as you read the story you can’t help be feel the emotions that the story creates for the characters. I love Viking stories and this is a great book that just flows like the Aere and Elsker Sagas. This is a definite must read and re-read. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.