Lars Walker

A really surprising book - much, much better than it has any reason to be. It's more or less of necessity going to appeal to a limited audience (to really like it, one has to be a pretty orthodox Christian as well as be interested in fantasy literature), so that makes it a bit of a hidden gem. Too bad it never got more of an audience. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

West Oversea by Lars Walker is a remarkable historical tale. First millennial Viking history is a little-known world to this reader and I imagine to many others as well. Walker does a great job, giving readers a seemingly realistic view of the Viking world--a harsh and hostile world. Apparently this is a sequel but can easily be read as a stand-alone story. Characters are strong and yet have the same feelings and failings as folks centuries hence. With the beginnings of Christian faith in show more their hearts, a Viking crew has decided to go to Greenland. But with the sea-bewildering winds, the ship is thrown off course. The book is full of compelling adventures of a people who need to rely on their crewmates and cunning to survive. Adventures that show changelings, shapeshifters, and animal creatures--are they real or imagined? And how does this faith in God differ from the superstitions of their former beliefs? What about this Eye of Odin? Does it really give Sight, visions of the future? Can it be trusted? Will they find Father Aillil's sister or will the trip be a bust? Walker tells a story of the weaknesses of the human soul and the hope that faith in God alone can bring.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Book Club network. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. show less

I picked up Lars Walker's books recently without understanding what I was getting into. Lars Walker walks in a realm that has been forgotten of late, the Christian-fantasy, once trod by the great Christian author C.S. Lewis. The story is a beautiful mix of Norse mythology and Christian love that leaves you awestruck as if you'd just experienced water and oil mixing together.

The book is in a politically correct world and I though as I read it, "Oh, he must have stolen these situations from show more recent headlines." Only this book was written almost 15 years ago. Instead, Mr. Walker predicted these strange, quasi-religion situation and that made the story's backdrop a bit scary for me. It makes me want to watch for even more politically correctness to unfold.

As a Christian, he even made me feel a quite a bit uncomfortable. I'm sure he meant it! It's never easy to hear your religion ripped to bits and all it's guts exposed. Nobody likes admitting mistakes, even reading about mistakes.

The characters are very real and I even found myself wanting to pray for one! How silly to have to remind myself that it's just a storybook. show less

This is not my typical genre to read but I found the writing to be so descriptive I had to continue on. I love books that allow readers to travel to different eras and explore different cultures. I knew few little about the Vikings and what their beliefs were. The author does a great job of telling a story that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. They are bold, strong and fierce and have a determination to enjoy their adventure on the high seas.

I am not a fan of the show more ocean and have no desire to ever travel on a ship. I don't even know how to swim. It was easy for me to sympathize with Father Ailiil who is not thrilled with the turbulent waves as the water splashed continually. He just couldn't get a break. It was intriguing to learn that he was willing to get on a ship when he gets news of his sister . He has long though to be dead but rumors have given him hope . It sure would have to be something really important for me to want to step on a ship and travel . Will he find his sister? The story is captivating and really has some great action throughout the story. What object is discovered that will have an impact on characters?

I really found myself intrigued by the mystery in the book and the action that kept a great pace during the story. There are several characters in the book that I found to be interesting and at times a bit funny with a sarcastic tone. It made the story lively and I have now found a new author to read .

I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org. The review is my honest opinion. show less