I wanted to give this book three stars but since it was sold to me as "modern" I couldn't.
First, this book isn't well written. It's more young readers than YA or Adults. Sentences are simple, descriptions of actions and battles are almost nonexistent, and while this makes it easy to read it takes you out of the lush world I can tell Kriss Dean has in their head.
I was surprised that Frig and spoiler spoiler showed up because of the modern I mentioned before. Or was it just modern because we had some guy named Skip? I'm just confused.
This could have been a true fleshed-out saga. Drop any mention of modern. Go back and create the world you see in your mind, flesh out the writing, draw out teh action, and bring me back the true saga this book is supposed to be. That's the book I want to read.

I finished watching the show vikings about a month ago and I've been craving a viking romance and just couldn't seem to find one that gave me the same feeling as the show. This book scratched that itch and lived up to the expectations that I had.This book was filled with to the brim with vikings, lots of action, battles and romance. I love love love Astrid. Her character was so lovable and who she is as a person/personality made her so relatable.

The premise of this story immediately caught my interest, and I truly connected with Princess Sofia’s struggles as she tried to balance tradition, war, and her own inner turmoil. The blend of Nordic and Viking-inspired culture added an interesting atmosphere to the story, and the high-stakes competition held a lot of potential.

However, the execution fell short for me. There were too many characters vying for attention, making it hard to keep track of everyone and invest in their arcs. The tone also felt overly juvenile, particularly as the story progressed, which made it difficult to stay fully engaged. While it had its moments, especially with Sofia as a strong lead, the overall experience left me wanting more depth and polish.

I had really high hopes for this book. I love all things Viking and who doesn't love a good romance.

However, I found myself not wanting to finish the book. I actually almost didn't want to start it because the first 5% of the book was reference pages. It felt very bogged down. I think it might be better to just have a note that those names and pronunciations and such are available in the back of the book. Reading through all of them kind of spoils the book a little bit in my opinion.

Beyond that the book wasn't bad, it could have had more details in some places but a decent read overall.

“Laughing, shall I die. In glory, shall I live forever”

The Viking way of life is just so inspiring to me. The quest for glory, the acceptance of fate, the unwavering sense of duty, and the lack of fear in the face of death make for the fiercest warriors (and lovers) and I just cannot get enough. Luckily, this story gave me everything I hoped for.

“My fate has already been decided. when it comes down to it, if I’m going to die anyway, I might as well do it with a sword in my hand, headed to Valhalla a champion”

Five champions. Four graves. One chance to claim the throne. For centuries, the ruler of Fjorden has been chosen by the Sonne - a battle to the death hosted every twenty-two years. With the Sonne only days away and persistent attacks from neighboring kingdoms, Princess Sofia must balance her own desires and her sense of duty for her people. Despite this being a quick read for me, I found Sofias pov to be very emotional, especially when she finally starts to allow herself to follow her heart.

I only wish we had gotten more of the history between Sofia and Karsten. The few romantic moments between them are beautiful and I’d have loved to see more of how they fell in love.

“Whenever I storm the gates of Valhalla, whether it’s tomorrow or a lifetime from now, know that I did it loving you.”

While things wrapped up nicely, I hope this isn’t the end of this story. It felt open enough to continue and left me with some questions that are hopefully answered in time - and I’m not ready to say goodbye to this world.

Tropes include:
•Bodyguard x Princess
•Norse mythology
•Deadly trials
•Multiple pov
•Grief rep

This was a very quick/fast paced read/book.
3 POV in third person, could be open to more adventures, the romance felt slow and skipped over a bit at times (not that the book really needed it) and the world building was good.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC copy.

This historical fantasy involves vikings, from the lore to the culture and the gods, it was a nice chance of pace from a lot of the historical fantasy I have read. Combine that with a female main character lead and it led to an interesting read. Many viking historic fictions I've come across has male leads, so reading from a female's lead was interesting. However, I did find that this book was rather short and could use some added character development and downtime for the characters, I would enjoy seeing some of the characters and stories fleshed out a bit to make them feel a bit more like real people rather than characters in a short story.

I got this arc from NetGalley and it was fun!!

If you’re looking for like a heavy world building book I def wouldn’t recommend this it’s a light read for sure. The world is really fun though and the concept is great! I do wish the Sonne happened sooner but the suspense that was built leading to it was really fun. I genuinely think this could have been a 500 page book honestly even potential for a series but for what it was I had fun.

I wish there was more Karsten POV and less Dag. I really liked Dag at first but by like page 120 I was kinda over her and fully team Karsten. Nico POV also felt really pointless, like I said if it would have been a 500 page book maybe I’d like the nico POV either but I think Karsten would have been a better choice for the pages.

The ending definitely had me shaking in my boots I didn’t see it ending like that at all! And I’m glad it turned out the way it did I was STRESSED which is a good sign the book made me feel that way!

Overall, I think it’s a nice easy fun book with some cool lore and vibes!

eARC from NetGalley
I enjoyed the book, it was a good introduction for Vikings and the Norse mythology that goes with it. Absolutely love the glossy in the front with character names and pronunciations, places, gods, and the maps.
I did like the characters except for one of the champions, but that’s because I found them annoying, which is my own prerogative. The different POV’s were a nice addition as I do like having different views when it comes to books, it creates more to the story for me for what’s going on in that person’s head. Some background for the champions, but the story is about Sophia’s life as a princess and her contribution to the kingdom.
World building was really good to me with a lot of details for the castle and fjord. Where the whole book takes place.
I did feel like this would have been better without the romance, it just didn’t do much for they story as it’s a short book and not enough to give you the connection to really need it in the book. This would’ve have been great for middle grade/YA. The story is fast paced with a lot going on and would have benefited more from the battle scenes than a romance.
The last 20% of the story had so much going on that it was almost too much. I did like how the plot was wrapped up and the ending was just fine.
Still a good read for me and it was nice to have a chance up from what I normally read.

Princess Sofia is a talented and resilient 21-year-old woman living in the picturesque town of Alderfoss. Her early life was marked by tragedy; at just eleven years old, she lost her beloved mother and younger brother in a horrifying surprise attack that turned her world upside down. Her brother, who was only six at the time, displayed incredible bravery as he tried to protect their mother, and his tragic death continues to haunt Sofia. This experience has shaped her into a young woman filled with both grief and determination.

As the kingdom teeters on the edge of a historic moment, King Erik, Sofia's father, is on the brink of crowning a new king for Alderfoss. This decision is of paramount importance, as it will determine the future leadership of the land. The selection process is grim-the five noble houses of Alderfoss must each present a champion for the Sonnen Championship, a brutal competition held every 22 years. This harrowing contest demands the participants to fight to the death for the throne. Out of the five contenders, only one will emerge victorious, while the others will meet their end, four to burial, and four to Valhalla.

Sofia finds herself drawn to Karsten, her former guard, in a way she never expected. His courage and loyalty have always left a deep impression on her, and there is an undeniable spark between them. This budding connection hints at a potential romance, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos that surrounds them.

The noble houses have each chosen their contestants for the competition. House Hamme has Jostein, a strong and determined warrior known for his fierce fighting skills. House Fryse has selected Nico, a clever fisherman who is agile and resourceful, making him a tough opponent. House Morge presents Dag, the only female contestant, admired for her determination and smart strategies. Lastly, House Sander introduces Skippe, a sailor known for his strategic thinking and ability to stay resilient at sea. As the competitors get ready for the challenging battles, tension fills the air in the kingdom. In the end, only one champion will emerge victorious and claim the crown, gaining the power to shape the future of Alderfoss for years to come.

Kriss Dean has crafted an epic debut novel, Fjordensaga Saga of the Champions. I found myself deeply invested in the lives and struggles of the contestants, each with their unique motivations and backgrounds. Dean's ability to develop relatable characters creates a connection that keeps readers engaged throughout the journey.

After reading this engaging story, I am excited to see where Dean will lead his characters next. I'm eager to find out how the plot will develop and what new adventures will come. This book is filled with elements of Nordic, Viking, and Medieval Scandinavian cultures, including the customs and traditions of noble houses and the fierce yet honorable Sonnen Championship. It also features Valhalla, the legendary hall for brave warriors after they die. As someone who enjoys Scandinavian literature, I appreciated that Dean included cultural notes and pronunciations for all the names, countries, and holidays. This attention to detail added depth to the book and earned it a five-star review from me.

This book is an outstanding read that appeals to both men and women, breaking the typical mold of Viking literature. It provides a fresh perspective on the Vikings and the concept of Valhalla, highlighting themes and narratives that resonate with a wider audience. The author has done an exceptional job of crafting a compelling story that feels inclusive and relatable. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring Viking culture in a more nuanced way. I am also eagerly awaiting any news about the continuation of the series, as I am excited to see where the story will go next.

This book has fantastic potential. I am a massive lover of fantasy, romance and Viking books, so this one was ticking all my boxes. However I feel it fell flat in a few places. The story moved really fast, and while I love a fast paced book to break up a reading slump, I feel like we skipped over so much that could have been added into the story. We missed a lot of character building by diving into their backgrounds more, and the story seemed to jump from scene to scene quite quickly, making some scenes feel a bit bumpy and rushed. I feel like with some tweaking this could be a brilliant read. Would give 3.5stars, but given 4 as I feel that it deserves higher than a 3.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. It's the perfect book for readers who prefer a standalone, an easy to read and yet still engaging adventure.
The book began with a shocking element, and it carried so much potential, which is why I wish this was at least a duology. The ending was quite nice and got a bit fantastic as well, which was something I appreciated.
The only thing, in my opinion, that was a bit underdeveloped was the middle. I feel like there was a lot of world-building which I truly loved because it drew so much from the Vikings, but it sadly also felt like it took away from the characters and their motivations.
That being said, I do recommend this book as light, fun reading, and I hope to read more from this author soon.

I really enjoyed this! It gave Norse Viking Hunger Games vibes, but I really enjoyed the incorporation of Nordic language and culture throughout the book. I loved the glossary bits at the beginning, with the maps and definitions of Nordic words and phrases, very helpful and handy to refer back to while reading if you happen to forget anything. The brief romance was sweet, not taking over the plot. I thought that the multiple different perspectives, but also in third person added to the plot as well, seeing things from many different points of view, especially during action scenes. The third person / multiple perspectives was done really well, it wasn't confusing, but it also allowed for the reader to learn secrets that the other characters aren't aware of at the time. The ending was sweet, but I feel that it let the book down. The rest of the book was really good, and then the ending just felt a little bit like it had been rushed and put together for the sake of it. Overall, a good book that I would be willing to recommend to others.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book.

Fjordensaga: Saga of the Champions has a very captivating premise, and I thought the structure and flow of the story felt natural. It was an easy and entertaining read, but I wanted more from the story. I really enjoyed learning more about the characters through their POVs, but I thought it was a little odd that the story was still in 3rd person during the champions' POV chapters.

I thought there could have been a little more development with the love interest and during the Sonne. When I read battle scenes, I want to be on the edge of my seat, but I was more lying back on my couch. There was not great build up to the romance to captivate me. It was slow burn, but I wanted that chemistry to sizzle with anticipation. It really wasn't until the end that you knew for certain their feelings.

This story has incredible potential, and I wanted to completely fall in love with it because the components are all there!

I was particularly impressed by the meticulous attention to detail evident in the construction of the world and the characters.

Fjordensaga is a book that features a richly detailed world, which is vivid and immersive for readers. The intricate and encompassing nature of the world-building makes the story feel epic. The scale of the descriptions is so vast that they evoke a sense of grandeur in the reader's mind.

The concept of a death match to become the next leader (or leaderess) evoked similarities to The Hunger Games. Initially, I was concerned that the concept might be too similar and would lose the appeal that initially drew me in. However, I was pleased to find that this was not the case. The dynamics here are different and original, which helped maintain my engagement with the story.

The characters were meticulously crafted despite the limited length of the story, which is designed to maintain the reader's focus on the unfolding events.

I will be discussing this book on my blog (medium.com/@inabookhole) on Tuesday, December 17. On my Instagram profile (@inabookhole), I will be discussing it on Saturday, December 14 with a video reel and on Friday, December 13 with some stories dedicated to it. Furthermore, I will be posting on Reddit on Monday, December 16.

Fjordensaga: Saga of the Champions is an enthralling blend of romantic fantasy and brutal Nordic tradition, rooted deeply in author Kriss Dean’s Norwegian heritage. The story immerses readers in the icy, breathtaking world of Fjorden, a land where ancient customs dictate that the ruler is chosen through the Sonne—a deadly battle held every twenty-two years. But as Princess Sofia struggles to preserve her kingdom amidst the chaos of impending war and divine interference, the stakes rise higher than ever before.

Dean’s worldbuilding is nothing short of masterful. The fjords, forests, and ancient ruins feel palpably real, pulling readers into a landscape as harsh as it is beautiful. The tension is relentless, as the champions prepare to fight not only each other but also the inevitability of fate. The layered narrative weaves political intrigue, mythological undertones, and personal sacrifices into an epic tale that feels both modern and steeped in Scandinavian tradition.

For fans of Viking-inspired lore, intense battles, and sweeping tales of resilience, Fjordensaga is a must-read. It’s a chilling, heart-pounding saga that leaves you breathless with its raw beauty, gripping tension, and unforgettable characters. Prepare to feel the frostbite of Fjorden’s world—and to crave more of its story.

This is a fast paced, action packed, Viking mythology. I love the representation that the author put into this book of some of the Viking ideology and history within this story. Now, I do feel like this story had so much potential. This itself feels like a manuscript that could have been expanded and made even greater than what it is now. There is a smidge of romance and very high in the fantasy.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC.

Fjordensaga is a very classic tale of champions fighting for what they believe in. It's been -two years since the last Sonne. Sofia is trying her best not to think about Championfest and what it means for her. She secretly loves Karsten and hopes he's the winner. With Swaymark causing trouble for the nations. It doesn't seem to be a hopeful thought. Who will win Championfest? What does Swaymark want? Find out in Fjordensaga.

I want thank Yggdrasil Press for this ARC via Netgalley.

Let me just say—this book hits hard. From the very first page, you’re thrown into a world that feels so vivid, it’s like you’re stepping into a snowstorm. Everything about Fjordensaga screams epic: the icy fjords, towering forests, and ancient ruins all seem alive, brimming with untold history and danger lurking around every corner. You can practically feel the chill in the air and hear the howling winds as the story unfolds.

At the center of it all is Astrid, and oh boy, does she deliver as a main character. Astrid isn’t just some cookie-cutter heroine—she’s a force of nature. She’s raw, real, and totally relatable, even as she shoulders the kind of responsibility most people would crumble under. What I love most about her is that she’s not perfect. She doubts herself, she stumbles, but she always keeps pushing forward. Astrid’s emotional depth is what makes her stand out. She’s not just fighting monsters or fulfilling prophecies; she’s fighting to find herself and define her own place in a world that constantly tests her. Her journey is messy and heart-wrenching, but it’s also inspiring.

The cast of characters surrounding Astrid? Absolute gold. Each champion has their own distinct vibe and backstory, and the dynamics between them are chef’s kiss. There’s this push-and-pull between loyalty and conflict that makes every interaction crackle with energy. You’ve got the stoic warrior who keeps everyone grounded, the sarcastic troublemaker who adds tension (and laughs), and the mysterious loner whose motives keep you guessing. It’s not just about Astrid—they all bring something unique to the table, and their chemistry as a group is undeniable. They bicker, they bond, and sometimes they clash so hard you wonder if they’ll even make it out together.

The story itself is packed with conflict, and I’m not just talking about the epic battles (which are jaw-dropping, by the way). Sure, there’s an ancient evil threatening to tear the world apart, but the real magic lies in how personal everything feels. The champions aren’t just battling monsters—they’re battling their own fears, insecurities, and even each other. The stakes are both massive and deeply personal, which makes every triumph feel earned and every setback hit like a punch to the gut.

The world-building? It’s insane. You’ve got this Norse-inspired setting that feels ancient and alive, but it never overwhelms the story. The descriptions of the landscapes are so vivid you can almost see the towering cliffs and feel the icy spray of the fjords. But it’s not just pretty scenery—it’s a world steeped in myth and danger. The way the magic is woven into the fabric of the story is just chef’s kiss. It’s subtle and mysterious, yet powerful enough to leave you in awe.

Now, let’s get real for a second. The pacing? Not perfect. There were moments where the story slowed down, particularly when it dove too deep into the lore. Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for some rich world-building, but there were a few scenes where it felt like the narrative was hitting the brakes when it should’ve been charging forward. It didn’t kill the vibe, but it did take me out of the moment here and there.

That said, the relationships and emotions more than made up for it. The connections between the characters are the heart of this book. Whether it’s Astrid forming an unexpected bond with someone she initially clashed with or the quiet moments of trust between the champions, it all feels so genuine. There’s even a touch of romance brewing (nothing overwhelming, but enough to make you feel it), and let me just say—the chemistry is fire.

Overall, Fjordensaga: Saga of the Champions gets a 4 out of 5 stars from me. The characters are what make this book shine—layered, flawed, and so compelling that you can’t help but care about them. The world-building is top-tier, and the story itself is packed with heart, action, and tension. The pacing could’ve been a bit tighter in places, but honestly? It’s still a fantastic read. If you’re into epic fantasy with unforgettable characters and a world that feels so real you can taste the frost in the air, this one’s for you. And trust me—I’ll be waiting impatiently for the next installment.

This is the story of a Viking kingdom about to go through an event called the Sonne, a process by which the kingdom's new ruler is selected every 22 years. This is a battle to the death between five champions representing the 5 regions within the kingdom. The main characters (the king, Princess Sofia and the five champions) are all well written; we get to know each person's history and motivations. I found myself not wanting any of the champions to die. They were each likeable, relatable and different in ways that they complemented each other. The champions would have been a force to be reckoned with if they had joined together.
The setting was beautifully descriptive, it truly felt like I was there in the fjords with the characters, feeling the weather, seeing the intricate details in the decor and artwork within the royal compound, hearing the clang of metal as the warriors practiced before the competition.
Amidst the Sonne a love story develops between Princess Sofia and one of the champions, but it is a precarious situation due to the nature of the competition, only one will survive. This book is categorized as YA and I think it is mostly fitting but there is one intimate scene that is not completely "closed door" and some parents may object to that depending on the age of the teen.