New Viking Age Historical Fiction

New Viking Age historical fiction from a new author, Megan Formanek, who provides the reader with a powerful new series rich in historical detail and compelling characters, exploring the lives of people who lived during the early years of the Rurikid Dynasty.

Oath Undo Me

An oath made is a debt that must be paid.

Sweden 880: Astrid is free, widowed after two years in an unwanted marriage. She wants to reclaim her life and become the warrior she always wanted to be, just like her father. Horrified by her best friend’s unwelcome proposal, she flees everything she has ever known for a chance at life across the Baltic Sea, assuming a new identity in a land unknown.

Aldeigjuborg, in the land of the Rus’, is far different to her native homeland but, with the support of her new mentor, she is given the opportunity to create a life within the walls of a town she would have previously dreamed of raiding. Being a Viking is more than adventure and travel. Riches can be found in trade, through the learning of new languages and cultures.

Soon, Astrid realises everything has a price, and a promise made can have unintended consequences.

No-One's Viking

Raised on tales of glory, bound to question it all

882. Aldeigjuborg, Gardarike: Astrid has worked hard to become the well-respected textile merchant known as Signe. She wants to expand her business, support her daughter, and take full advantage of her new life. Her husband is long overdue from his trade mission and, with no word from him; Astrid turns to the gods for answers. As mysterious gifts begin appearing at her door, she questions if these are signs to guide her or a threat more sinister.

When someone Astrid swore to be free of forever reappears, dark omens plague her. Soon, Astrid finds herself tangled in the Norn’s weavings with agonising consequences.

In Aldeigjuborg, cultures clash and religion sparks trouble for the newly established empire of the Rus’. Word spreads of Grand Prince Oleg’s conquest of Kyiv and his capture of his brother’s heir. Rebellion threatens Astrid’s stable town, and the war horn calls her to embrace the Viking way.

But, as she prepares to defend her home, Astrid realises that in battle, all men are made monsters.

Review: The Used Virgin by Zara Altair

Synopsis: After Rome, before the Middle Ages, Italy belonged to the Ostrogoths.

A corrupt governor. A young girl. An old man. Argolicus unravels the threads.

When a life-long friend disappears, a peaceful retreat to the provinces turns into a challenge to the local governor for Argolicus.

A cruel slander originates from the venal governor. When Argolicus visits the governor, he discovers an unscrupulous plot destined to impoverish his friend. When his lifelong tutor overhears a comment, they set out to find their friend only to discover base cruelty and a secret plot.

A plot that challenges the King’s people, the roots of Roman civility, and his friend’s life.

Affronted, he pursues the thread. Little does he know that his investigation will pitch him in a fight with thugs and ultimately set him head-to-head with the governor.

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"The Used Virgin is the first in a series of mysteries based in southern Italy at the time of the Ostrogoth rule of Italy under Theoderic the Great. Italians (Romans) and Goths live under one king while the Roman Empire is ruled from Constantinople. At times the cultures clash, but Argolicus uses his wit, sometimes with help from his tutor Nikolaos, to provide justice in a province far from the King’s court." (author note)

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Set around 510AD, this narrative revolves around retired Roman Praefect Argolicus' task of clearing his friend Adeodatus' name after being accused of a heinous crime by corrupt local Governor with an agenda of his own.

Its a pretty basic story line that could have been filled with a bit more historical context and character development.  Even I - a reader familiar with the historical Ostrogoths - found myself wondering just where I was exactly in this narrative.  A little more care given to the story itself, and this could have been fleshed out into a decent story.  Just too rushed for my liking.

You will find the series listed here @ Goodreads.