This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Fell Deeds of Fate by C.J. Adrien is a thrilling and immersive start to The Saga of Hasting the Accursed. Set against the backdrop of the Viking Age, this story offers a blend of historical intrigue, personal ambition, and the complex ties of loyalty and betrayal. Hasting, a Viking chieftain haunted by his infamous reputation and visions of the wolf Fenrir, is a compelling protagonist. The narrative examines his quest for redemption and revenge as he strives to restore his honor and navigate the complex web of alliances and enmities that shape his world. His fierce yet deeply flawed character illustrates the rich tapestry of human complexity, propelling the story forward with emotional depth.
C.J. Adrien’s meticulous attention to historical detail vividly recreates the Viking world, from the intricacies of shipbuilding and Norse warfare to the cultural dynamics of the era. The descriptions of Hasting’s home, the politics of Armorica, and the brutal realities of raiding and survival create an immersive atmosphere that transports readers to the harsh beauty of the 9th century. Hasting’s visions of Fenrir are a powerful metaphor for his internal struggles, adding mysticism that complements the historical narrative. While the plot is intricate, it remains engaging, balancing action, political intrigue, and introspection. The supporting characters add richness to the narrative. Bjarki, Hasting’s loyal yet straightforward comrade, adds moments of levity and wisdom, while Reifdis, Hasting’s wife, introduces tension and a sharp emotional edge to the story. Their interactions illuminate the personal stakes intertwined with Hasting’s greater ambitions, anchoring the epic scope in intimate, relatable conflicts. The Fell Deeds of Fate is a masterful blend of historical fiction and mythological undertones, making it a must-read for fans of Viking tales and epic sagas. Adrien crafts a world as brutal as it is captivating, and I highly recommend it.
