christinawitthuhn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
chloe_jean's review
2.0
The author couldn’t decide if they wanted the book to be historical or fantasy and ultimately failed at both, she would have been much better off picking one and focusing on it rather than half assing both.
The vikings were laughable with their knowledge of Greek Gods and no explanation how everyone spoke the same language or have any kind of accent that would identify where they are from (massive plot holes like that are abundant) and absolutely nothing was even close to historically accurate.
To top it all off this contains one of the worst cases of insta love I’ve ever seen, There is absolutely no build at all. They fall madly in love in the span of two chapters.
The vikings were laughable with their knowledge of Greek Gods and no explanation how everyone spoke the same language or have any kind of accent that would identify where they are from (massive plot holes like that are abundant) and absolutely nothing was even close to historically accurate.
To top it all off this contains one of the worst cases of insta love I’ve ever seen, There is absolutely no build at all. They fall madly in love in the span of two chapters.
bookwife's review
3.0
This was not at all what I was expecting...For one I was expecting vikings.. I mean technically there were norse men here but they weren't 'viking' like. The main guy, Torben was sweet and kind of a dork. Not like a nerdy dork but just a dork ,dork. When I started this review I was going to say that I haven't read anything by Quinn Loftis before but according to GoodReads I have.. I don't remember it but who knows. But the writing was very simplistic. Which I am totally cool with in a YA book. But I was just expecting more out of a viking book. If Viking is in the dang title it should be more viking-isk? I will probably read the next book when it comes out... if I remember.
litloulou's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 rounding down
I haven't read anything viking since I don't know when. But of course this didn't feel that way. I must not have been paying enough attention to remember that the Viking leader was not good. Felt like a lot going on. I also just didn't see anything but insta love. Would have been better with more cute moments between them and some steam (but I totally don't take off anything for the steam part if that is an author's choice and if this is read by a younger audience).
My biggest pet peeve was the audiobook narration. I tried not to let this mar my rating above but it was hard to get over. The male voice sounded 40 trying to sound young. It didn't do it for me.
I haven't read anything viking since I don't know when. But of course this didn't feel that way. I must not have been paying enough attention to remember that the Viking leader was not good. Felt like a lot going on. I also just didn't see anything but insta love. Would have been better with more cute moments between them and some steam (but I totally don't take off anything for the steam part if that is an author's choice and if this is read by a younger audience).
My biggest pet peeve was the audiobook narration. I tried not to let this mar my rating above but it was hard to get over. The male voice sounded 40 trying to sound young. It didn't do it for me.
spiringempress's review against another edition
3.0
"Sometimes, yes. But then, sometimes, we come across a person means more to us than ourselves. Sometimes we do anything for that person. Then there is no hardship.”
This book has been on my TBR forever. Ok, two years. Since 2020 has not been the best year, I have decided to work through my TBR and make a concentrated effort to read the titles on it. Luckily enough, I stumbled across a free copy of this book from Amazon when I was researching what books from my TBR list were available from the library/other digital collections.
The Viking's Chosen follows two characters from contrasting worlds; one resides as royalty in England and the other is a Viking. Torben is a general in the clan Hakon ruled by Magnus, who is becoming increasingly bloodthirsty and as a result, makes questionable decisions. His mission is simple, Torben must launch against England, but he is prophesized to take a foreign bride, who is a healer like his mother, and make clan Hakon more prosperous. Princess Allete, however, is promised to the cruel King Tara and has no idea that a Viking is coming to claim her heart.
While the premise was promising, I found the execution to be entirely lacking. This is supposed to be historical fiction, but the characters constantly used vernacular that was anachronistic and disrupted the setting. It is hard to picture these characters in Medieval England when they use modern slang or fail to be written in a way that seemingly represents historical accuracy. Listen, I am fine with authors taking some liberties, but please try to capture the historical atmosphere and do some research on how people would have talked or reacted to certain situations.
The romance was forgettable. For me, I thought the book was going to be a historical romance with some conflict between the English and the Vikings, but the romance was lackluster. One minute the characters had never met and then the next second they were in love. There was absolutely no buildup and Torben was not charming whatsoever. In fact, I felt that his behavior was creepy and over possessive for someone, who barely knew Allete even if there was a prophecy. Like excuse me, my dude, would you at least try to seduce the woman before you start calling her your mate? Thanks.
Lastly, the plot was all over the place. It went from being entirely about Torben and Allete overcoming the cruel King of Tara to be together and brought back Magnus with no warning. Sure, there were conversations between Brandt and Torben about how their leader was unstable, but the plot focused heavily on the King of Tara and suddenly changed directions in the last few pages. There was a random focus on Allete's healing skills, which also felt out of place. Personally, I'm not a fan of historical fiction that deals with witchcraft or supernatural powers, but this felt added on instead of being seamlessly blended into the story.
This book has been on my TBR forever. Ok, two years. Since 2020 has not been the best year, I have decided to work through my TBR and make a concentrated effort to read the titles on it. Luckily enough, I stumbled across a free copy of this book from Amazon when I was researching what books from my TBR list were available from the library/other digital collections.
The Viking's Chosen follows two characters from contrasting worlds; one resides as royalty in England and the other is a Viking. Torben is a general in the clan Hakon ruled by Magnus, who is becoming increasingly bloodthirsty and as a result, makes questionable decisions. His mission is simple, Torben must launch against England, but he is prophesized to take a foreign bride, who is a healer like his mother, and make clan Hakon more prosperous. Princess Allete, however, is promised to the cruel King Tara and has no idea that a Viking is coming to claim her heart.
While the premise was promising, I found the execution to be entirely lacking. This is supposed to be historical fiction, but the characters constantly used vernacular that was anachronistic and disrupted the setting. It is hard to picture these characters in Medieval England when they use modern slang or fail to be written in a way that seemingly represents historical accuracy. Listen, I am fine with authors taking some liberties, but please try to capture the historical atmosphere and do some research on how people would have talked or reacted to certain situations.
The romance was forgettable. For me, I thought the book was going to be a historical romance with some conflict between the English and the Vikings, but the romance was lackluster. One minute the characters had never met and then the next second they were in love. There was absolutely no buildup and Torben was not charming whatsoever. In fact, I felt that his behavior was creepy and over possessive for someone, who barely knew Allete even if there was a prophecy. Like excuse me, my dude, would you at least try to seduce the woman before you start calling her your mate? Thanks.
Lastly, the plot was all over the place. It went from being entirely about Torben and Allete overcoming the cruel King of Tara to be together and brought back Magnus with no warning. Sure, there were conversations between Brandt and Torben about how their leader was unstable, but the plot focused heavily on the King of Tara and suddenly changed directions in the last few pages. There was a random focus on Allete's healing skills, which also felt out of place. Personally, I'm not a fan of historical fiction that deals with witchcraft or supernatural powers, but this felt added on instead of being seamlessly blended into the story.
haveyoureadreviews's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Let me start by saying that if you like historical romances. Put this on your TBR List!
I originally started this book one night. Looking for a romantic read that had a bit of spice and a bit of fight. This is exactly what I found in “The Viking’s Chosen”.
We have Torben, who is a Viking General. He has a mission. Attack England, and bring home the winnings of war. That is until his mother, the village seer and healer, tells him that he must marry the English Princess. Oh and mentions that she is also a seer and healer! I love how Torben is torn between duty to family, honor, and personal want.
And we can not forget Allete. She is the English Princess, who is betrothed to the horrible King of Tara. I fell in love with her spunk, and loving personality. The same way that Torben did, in the few moments they would steal away together. Their love for their families really helped shape not only the characters, but also added greatly to the story.
The way that Loftis blended everything together to tell the story, really worked well. We got out more than she put into each character. The blending of characters, and the ability to have each character stand out on their own. Really helped build the story and make you fall in love with it.
And the ending? The ending made me angry! Something happens to the characters. Which was a great build up for the second book. But I did not have the second book at the time of finishing, hence the anger. I will happily say that I gave this book a 10/10 rating.
I highly recommend this story for anyone looking for spunking characters with a good love story. But word of advice. Get all the books, not just the first one.
I originally started this book one night. Looking for a romantic read that had a bit of spice and a bit of fight. This is exactly what I found in “The Viking’s Chosen”.
We have Torben, who is a Viking General. He has a mission. Attack England, and bring home the winnings of war. That is until his mother, the village seer and healer, tells him that he must marry the English Princess. Oh and mentions that she is also a seer and healer! I love how Torben is torn between duty to family, honor, and personal want.
And we can not forget Allete. She is the English Princess, who is betrothed to the horrible King of Tara. I fell in love with her spunk, and loving personality. The same way that Torben did, in the few moments they would steal away together. Their love for their families really helped shape not only the characters, but also added greatly to the story.
The way that Loftis blended everything together to tell the story, really worked well. We got out more than she put into each character. The blending of characters, and the ability to have each character stand out on their own. Really helped build the story and make you fall in love with it.
And the ending? The ending made me angry! Something happens to the characters. Which was a great build up for the second book. But I did not have the second book at the time of finishing, hence the anger. I will happily say that I gave this book a 10/10 rating.
I highly recommend this story for anyone looking for spunking characters with a good love story. But word of advice. Get all the books, not just the first one.
coraldraes's review
characters not acting their age - most of them seemed to pretend to be "historical" - I was unable to set the story in the time age (castle, vikings, potatoes?) - it didn't persuade me to be a historical fiction, more like contemporary people pretending to be in the age of Vikings
baylee_janae's review
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5