The Fjords on Fire (Skjaldborg Sagas Book 1) – Book Review

by Bjørn Bonde 

Bjørn Bonde’s debut novel in the Skjaldborg Sagas, The Fjords on Fire, is a remarkable voyage into the Viking world where fantasy and history converge to produce an incredibly engrossing story. I was so excited to read this one from the moment I read the blurb. And I am very grateful to have received a review copy, so that I can tell you all about it, too.

The protagonist of this tale is the Viking farmer Freydis Bonde, whose life is turned upside down and necessitates a transformational voyage of self-discovery. This novel is a must-read for fans of the pure, unadulterated world of the Viking north and strong female leaders. Its exquisite fusion of rich, evocative prose and historical veracity makes it an authentic read.

I was rooting for our main character, Freydis, right from the start. Side note: I also really love this name!

Freydis Bonde is immediately portrayed as a strong lead character and I was drawn into her story from the start. She is a character that readers can both root for and greatly appreciate because of the way her courage, resiliency, and tenacity are eloquently presented. As she faces the difficulties of her environment with a tenacity and vulnerability that makes her incredibly relatable, Freydis is on a journey of tremendous transformation. It’s a welcome change to witness a powerful female protagonist who nevertheless possesses real human weaknesses and uncertainties that give her character more nuance.

And when do we get to read stories about female Vikings?

With amazing accuracy and detail, the Viking setting is brought to life. Every chapter, from the Norse rituals and traditions to the brutal realities of life in the Viking age, demonstrates Bjørn Bonde’s dedication to historical truth. The universe the author has created feels authentic to the era and immersive, a testament to the author’s thorough study. The novel will transport readers to the untamed northern regions, where the fjords and the people who live in them play an equal role. I felt like I was immersed into the culture right alongside Freydis as I read the story.

I also really love our side character, Siobhan. Another personal attachment for me is that I had a good friend named Siobhan many years ago, when I was just setting out in my adult life. We worked together and became very close over time. So as I read about Freydis and Siobhan’s journeys together, it made me reminisce on my friend, too.

Extra credit should also be given to the book’s layout and design. It’s a short book, but there is a great deal of attention to detail. In the chapter titles, a Norse typeface is used, which gives a genuine touch and improves the reading experience. This deliberate detail demonstrates the author’s commitment to writing a book that is both aesthetically pleasing and captivating, as do the well-written chapter headings and the deliberate division of the narrative. The book’s structure makes it simple for readers to get engrossed in Freydis’s adventure, since each chapter flows into the next without interruption. And it was very well edited.

Another excellent aspect of The Fjords on Fire is Bonde’s descriptive writing. The novel comes to life in the reader’s imagination because to the author’s skill at creating vivid pictures with words. Bonde’s work is vivid and evocative, whether he’s describing the coziness of a firelit hall or the biting cold winds of the fjords. In addition to adding to the story’s atmosphere, this descriptive technique makes the characters’ inner thoughts and feelings seem authentic and profoundly moving.

It’s enjoyable to read the book because of its organization and visual components, in addition to its strong female lead and historical authenticity. A seamless and interesting reading experience is facilitated by the smart chapter names, the sectioning of the story, and the use of the Norse typeface in the layout. The Fjords on Fire stands out in the historical fantasy genre thanks to these components and Bonde’s deft writing.

In conclusion, readers who enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, and Viking mythology will find great pleasure in The Fjords on Fire, a multilayered, exquisitely written book. The heroine of Bjørn Bonde’s incredibly inventive and historically true tale embodies the passion and tenacity of the Viking age. The Fjords on Fire is a book that blends vivid writing, gorgeous scenery, and well-rounded characters. It should be the first book on your list of things to read. You’ll keep thinking about it long after you put it down.

5 stars from me!