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Viking Quest #1
Raiders from the Sea
When Briana O'Toole rescues a stranger from drowning, she doesn't realize that her actions may have put her family and village in danger. Then, in one frightening day, Viking raiders capture Bree and her brother Devin and take them away from their home in Ireland.
All of the Irish prisoners are at the mercy of Mikkel, the proud young leader of the Vikings. Separated by Mikkel, Bree and Devin each face different journeys to courage. As Bree sails toward a life of slavery in Norway and as Devin struggles to survive on his own, they must choose to trust God in spite of the troubles they face.
When everything is against them, where will Bree and Devin find the courage to win?
All of the Irish prisoners are at the mercy of Mikkel, the proud young leader of the Vikings. Separated by Mikkel, Bree and Devin each face different journeys to courage. As Bree sails toward a life of slavery in Norway and as Devin struggles to survive on his own, they must choose to trust God in spite of the troubles they face.
When everything is against them, where will Bree and Devin find the courage to win?
199 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2003
50 people are currently reading
1859 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
February 3, 2017
I have honestly wanted to read this series for about a decade, so even though they're children's books, I was ecstatic to borrow them from a friend.
Bree is a strong, likable character who faces trusting in God no matter what the circumstances. Her brother, Dev, also has a similar lesson to learn.
This book felt like an introduction to Bree's story. I have all of the background of her life and how it changed, but it has only just begun.
I greatly appreciated the strong Christian message in this book. A lot of Scripture was quoted and many Biblical truths rehearsed.
It seemed to get a little monotonous how often "anger" came up, as well as how quickly the characters tripped into anger (I suppose it's Irish?).
There was no romance or "boy/girl" stuff in this book, but I can foresee it happening as the series proceeds.
There seemed to be a strange instinct that the characters had, warning them of danger. I'm interested to see if this lies in the background or comes forward.
Bree is a strong, likable character who faces trusting in God no matter what the circumstances. Her brother, Dev, also has a similar lesson to learn.
This book felt like an introduction to Bree's story. I have all of the background of her life and how it changed, but it has only just begun.
I greatly appreciated the strong Christian message in this book. A lot of Scripture was quoted and many Biblical truths rehearsed.
It seemed to get a little monotonous how often "anger" came up, as well as how quickly the characters tripped into anger (I suppose it's Irish?).
There was no romance or "boy/girl" stuff in this book, but I can foresee it happening as the series proceeds.
There seemed to be a strange instinct that the characters had, warning them of danger. I'm interested to see if this lies in the background or comes forward.
February 23, 2022
Well, this was an interesting read. First off, the storyline held promise. I liked the concept, but...I couldn't get into the book very well.
The writing is on the nose. Double stating, foreshadowing that became straight out telling you what was going to happen, stiff dialogue, and some other minor details.
One of the things I didn't understand was that it seemed that the characters were Catholic and yet they didn't pray or talk about their beliefs as if that was their religion. Instead, it seemed more like they were just Christians, I don't have a problem with that being Christian myself but it always bothers me in historical books when they present the religion of the characters wrong.
Bree seemed like a promising character, but it's hard for me to get into a story when I keep having on-the-nose information presented to me. Nevertheless, look for reviews of all the books in the series from me because I bought them all...lol...
Anyway, if you want a story about a girl with strong faith and don't mind on the nose writing give this one a shot.
The writing is on the nose. Double stating, foreshadowing that became straight out telling you what was going to happen, stiff dialogue, and some other minor details.
One of the things I didn't understand was that it seemed that the characters were Catholic and yet they didn't pray or talk about their beliefs as if that was their religion. Instead, it seemed more like they were just Christians, I don't have a problem with that being Christian myself but it always bothers me in historical books when they present the religion of the characters wrong.
Bree seemed like a promising character, but it's hard for me to get into a story when I keep having on-the-nose information presented to me. Nevertheless, look for reviews of all the books in the series from me because I bought them all...lol...
Anyway, if you want a story about a girl with strong faith and don't mind on the nose writing give this one a shot.
November 24, 2015
Incredible book!! My siblings and I loved this book and the books that followed in the Viking Quest series.
Great for probably ages 10-teens; an amazing book of Irish, Vikings, adventure, and God's miraculous love and power.
Not a series to be missed!!
Great for probably ages 10-teens; an amazing book of Irish, Vikings, adventure, and God's miraculous love and power.
Not a series to be missed!!
March 7, 2024
Another reread of this amazing book. I’d read it many times as a young teen and loved it and so rereading it again has brought back all those wonderful memories.
August 5, 2019
This book has been haunting me for years. I remember checking it out in elementary school and reading some of it (and being captivated by it), but for one reason or another I was never able to finish it, and then I forgot its title. All I remembered was the cover, which wasn't enough for me to be able to find it again. Eventually I became resigned to my fate.
Only relatively recently I found it again on Goodreads and decided to check it out. The only question was, would it be as good as I remembered? The answer is, yes and no. On the one hand, this book is okay but not stellar - the writing is passable, the characters a little flat, the plot fairly simple and without a strong resolution. But on the other hand, its general atmosphere and setting were compelling for me as a kid (what eight year old doesn't want to read about getting captured by Vikings in medieval Ireland?) and still is. My imagination made up for the gaps in the storytelling, though I didn't realize it when I was younger.
Only relatively recently I found it again on Goodreads and decided to check it out. The only question was, would it be as good as I remembered? The answer is, yes and no. On the one hand, this book is okay but not stellar - the writing is passable, the characters a little flat, the plot fairly simple and without a strong resolution. But on the other hand, its general atmosphere and setting were compelling for me as a kid (what eight year old doesn't want to read about getting captured by Vikings in medieval Ireland?) and still is. My imagination made up for the gaps in the storytelling, though I didn't realize it when I was younger.
February 23, 2022
That was....interesting...lol...The foreshadowing, in the beginning, was overdone and basically gave away the whole plot before the book even half started...it was also annoying because there was soooo much! The beginning dragged a bit. The dialogue was a little stiff and we would have liked to have more Irish words and history incorporated.
On the good side, the concept was great! Vikings and capture and escapes and yeah, that was super cool. But...the writing kind of took our focus because it was not very well done.
Um, we could probably say more on both the good and bad sides but....we think we've said enough. So...if you like books about faith strong female leads and can overlook poor writing go for it!
Kayti did a review through her profile and pointed out some other things if you want to check that out here.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
On the good side, the concept was great! Vikings and capture and escapes and yeah, that was super cool. But...the writing kind of took our focus because it was not very well done.
Um, we could probably say more on both the good and bad sides but....we think we've said enough. So...if you like books about faith strong female leads and can overlook poor writing go for it!
Kayti did a review through her profile and pointed out some other things if you want to check that out here.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 27, 2017
This review of for the entire series:
This series is pretty much exactly like When Calls the Heart. I could read it over and over and over again! It is one of my favorite series. And, just so you all know, the description above is just for the first book in the series, Raiders from the Sea.
Bree is an amazing main character. She is absolutely great! So is Mikkel. I am pretty positive he was my first fictional crush. I sighed, laughed, and cried many, many times throughout the whole series. Anyway, I don’t want to give away too much about the series. The only thing that I want to do is to tell you all that this series is amazing and that you should ALL read it! These books also were the first books ever to keep me up late into the night. I got them for Christmas many years ago and probably finished them before the New Year. Okay, so I am exaggerating about that, but it was pretty close!
I decided to review this series as a whole because my review would be the exact same for each book: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!!! So, I decided instead of driving you crazy by doing that, this review is for the entire series!
The covers are all great. I really like them all. I can’t say that I have a favorite though. I would have to give all of them 4 stars.
As for the series, 5 stars to you! I recommend this series to everyone. You will not be able to put it down. This series is sitting proudly on my bookshelf, and no matter how old I get, I will always keep reading it again and again…
Title: The Viking Quest
Author: Lois Walfrid Johnson
Author’s Website: http://lwjbooks.com/
This review is written in my own opinions and words.
This series is pretty much exactly like When Calls the Heart. I could read it over and over and over again! It is one of my favorite series. And, just so you all know, the description above is just for the first book in the series, Raiders from the Sea.
Bree is an amazing main character. She is absolutely great! So is Mikkel. I am pretty positive he was my first fictional crush. I sighed, laughed, and cried many, many times throughout the whole series. Anyway, I don’t want to give away too much about the series. The only thing that I want to do is to tell you all that this series is amazing and that you should ALL read it! These books also were the first books ever to keep me up late into the night. I got them for Christmas many years ago and probably finished them before the New Year. Okay, so I am exaggerating about that, but it was pretty close!
I decided to review this series as a whole because my review would be the exact same for each book: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK!!! So, I decided instead of driving you crazy by doing that, this review is for the entire series!
The covers are all great. I really like them all. I can’t say that I have a favorite though. I would have to give all of them 4 stars.
As for the series, 5 stars to you! I recommend this series to everyone. You will not be able to put it down. This series is sitting proudly on my bookshelf, and no matter how old I get, I will always keep reading it again and again…
Title: The Viking Quest
Author: Lois Walfrid Johnson
Author’s Website: http://lwjbooks.com/
This review is written in my own opinions and words.
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June 5, 2008I pre-read this book for my sons homeschool Viking study. I liked the way the author demonstated the way we, as Christians struggle with accepting God's will when it isn't in our plan. I also like the way she showed the main character struggling between witnessing and forgiving. It sparked a desire in my son to learn more about Ireland and Norway
April 28, 2017
She writes so engagingly. A solid Christian tale for children that adults will enjoy reading to them, or even reading to themselves.
October 18, 2023
This was really good! It had a very good message, and I love how there is a good reminder of having courage!
July 31, 2022
About: When Briana O'Toole rescues a stranger from drowning, she doesn't realize that her actions may have put her family and village in danger. Then, in one frightening day, Viking raiders capture Bree and her brother Devin and take them away from their home in Ireland.
Genre: historical fiction, Christianity, adventure
Gender Neutral (girls may find slightly more interesting than guys though)
4/5 stars
Ages 9-14
"Raiders from the Sea by Lois Walfrid Johnson is a story with twists, turns, and emotion following the life of a young Christian girl. The author easily captures the attention of readers and draws them into a faith-based, fun adventure. The tale is well told and full of Biblical truth which makes the book even more enjoyable, focusing on the idea of courage. We loved Bree's feisty character and Mikkel's ambitious spirit. As well to ages, the book is 191 pages long and doesn't require really advanced readers, making it a perfect family book. A wonderful introduction to the series."
Genre: historical fiction, Christianity, adventure
Gender Neutral (girls may find slightly more interesting than guys though)
4/5 stars
Ages 9-14
"Raiders from the Sea by Lois Walfrid Johnson is a story with twists, turns, and emotion following the life of a young Christian girl. The author easily captures the attention of readers and draws them into a faith-based, fun adventure. The tale is well told and full of Biblical truth which makes the book even more enjoyable, focusing on the idea of courage. We loved Bree's feisty character and Mikkel's ambitious spirit. As well to ages, the book is 191 pages long and doesn't require really advanced readers, making it a perfect family book. A wonderful introduction to the series."
May 18, 2012
I thought I saw a mention of this book's religious themes maybe once when I did a cursory check to see what Goodreads thought of it before I put it on hold. Mistake on my part.
As leery as I am about reading Christian fiction for personal reasons (raised Methodist, my personal beliefs are probably agnostic), this as a book in general was just not good. It wasn't even the religious bits (which were a bit uncomfortable). I've read good books with religious characters whose beliefs are there, and God does indirectly act, but it's not preachy. That's where this book makes its mistake on that level. All of the messages it wants people to learn- about maintaining faith, courage, obeying God, etc etc- are spelled out. When I was ten years old (the earliest age this book is recommended for), I didn't like that sort of thing and at an older age, I still don't. That might fly with a smaller child, but for the age range she's writing in, it's far better to simply show than to tell, especially when such telling is in such a cliched style that it elicits eye rolls.
Another problem with this book was simply the writing style, especially the use of similes. I marked a spot where twice in two pages, then three times in ten pages, she used "fire" to describe an angry feeling. That, coupled with continuous angst ("what if I leave my family? :(" for 20 pages, "I've been kidnapped! Name ALL the family members I'm worried about!" for the rest of the book) makes the book feel overly repetitive and dull.
The final thing that bothered me was that the main character, a girl named Bree, is just not realistic. It's less what she does than how the book justifies what she says or what she thinks. First, I sort of doubt that a young Irish girl would have been allowed to attend school at a monastery in the 900s. The author continually uses "my dad taught me/the monastery taught me" for Bree to know weird things about Ireland/the Vikings that the average Irish child (even one who was the daughter of a trader) just wouldn't know. Who knows the exact year of the first Irish raid? Why Viking sails repel water, even though they're wool? It's unlikely for a girl to even be able to read during this time period. Come on, author. Her knowledge is anachronistic along with several other minor anachronisms in the book (not that many people had mirrors in 900, much less THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLDS).
Altogether, rather disappointing quality, even for religious children's literature. I'm still wondering if I should try the rest of the series, since I want to know more about Vikings and I'm idly curious how this story ends, but I don't know if I could face more disappointment.
As leery as I am about reading Christian fiction for personal reasons (raised Methodist, my personal beliefs are probably agnostic), this as a book in general was just not good. It wasn't even the religious bits (which were a bit uncomfortable). I've read good books with religious characters whose beliefs are there, and God does indirectly act, but it's not preachy. That's where this book makes its mistake on that level. All of the messages it wants people to learn- about maintaining faith, courage, obeying God, etc etc- are spelled out. When I was ten years old (the earliest age this book is recommended for), I didn't like that sort of thing and at an older age, I still don't. That might fly with a smaller child, but for the age range she's writing in, it's far better to simply show than to tell, especially when such telling is in such a cliched style that it elicits eye rolls.
Another problem with this book was simply the writing style, especially the use of similes. I marked a spot where twice in two pages, then three times in ten pages, she used "fire" to describe an angry feeling. That, coupled with continuous angst ("what if I leave my family? :(" for 20 pages, "I've been kidnapped! Name ALL the family members I'm worried about!" for the rest of the book) makes the book feel overly repetitive and dull.
The final thing that bothered me was that the main character, a girl named Bree, is just not realistic. It's less what she does than how the book justifies what she says or what she thinks. First, I sort of doubt that a young Irish girl would have been allowed to attend school at a monastery in the 900s. The author continually uses "my dad taught me/the monastery taught me" for Bree to know weird things about Ireland/the Vikings that the average Irish child (even one who was the daughter of a trader) just wouldn't know. Who knows the exact year of the first Irish raid? Why Viking sails repel water, even though they're wool? It's unlikely for a girl to even be able to read during this time period. Come on, author. Her knowledge is anachronistic along with several other minor anachronisms in the book (not that many people had mirrors in 900, much less THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLDS).
Altogether, rather disappointing quality, even for religious children's literature. I'm still wondering if I should try the rest of the series, since I want to know more about Vikings and I'm idly curious how this story ends, but I don't know if I could face more disappointment.
June 7, 2024
When this book series first made the rounds through my Christian homeschool co-op community, I tried to read it and was a bit too young. The next time I tried, I was a bit too old and gave up. However, the clutch this series had on the people in my life was so strong at the time that I've always felt a sense of unfinished business about this series.
Cut to a couple nights ago, when I was looking through my to-read list on here and realized I could probably delete some of the books that have been sitting there for several years. I decided that I was probably not gonna read The Viking Quest series, for instance.
But wait a minute. I needed a book to read. I had the entire series in my basement. I've acquired a random, untraceable interest in Ireland recently. And can I really claim my homeschool girl roots if I've never found out what actually ends up happening with Bree and Mikkel?
Short story made long, I'm making one more try at these books. The first one has me optimistic! I can definitely tell it's aimed at a younger audience, but the messages are pretty good, and it honestly tackles some heavy themes. Also, even though it's told in a very child-friendly way, the plot has some really good stakes, and the characters are super compelling. I'm excited to read more!
Cut to a couple nights ago, when I was looking through my to-read list on here and realized I could probably delete some of the books that have been sitting there for several years. I decided that I was probably not gonna read The Viking Quest series, for instance.
But wait a minute. I needed a book to read. I had the entire series in my basement. I've acquired a random, untraceable interest in Ireland recently. And can I really claim my homeschool girl roots if I've never found out what actually ends up happening with Bree and Mikkel?
Short story made long, I'm making one more try at these books. The first one has me optimistic! I can definitely tell it's aimed at a younger audience, but the messages are pretty good, and it honestly tackles some heavy themes. Also, even though it's told in a very child-friendly way, the plot has some really good stakes, and the characters are super compelling. I'm excited to read more!
March 24, 2008
I quite enjoyed Lois Walfrid Johnson's first series "Adventures in the North Woods" and moderately enjoyed her second series, "The Riverboat Adventures." This series departs from the earlier two in that this book was not a mystery, and had no true conclusion to the story, as the first two series' did.
The history was still apparently well researched, though I felt that the young girl was a tad too modern to truly be living in this time and place.
I never felt completely caught up in the story, and have a real negative reaction to any story that doesn't have a natural conclusion at the end of a book but rather requires one tow buy and read the next book installment.
I'll read more, but I won't race to get the next books.
The history was still apparently well researched, though I felt that the young girl was a tad too modern to truly be living in this time and place.
I never felt completely caught up in the story, and have a real negative reaction to any story that doesn't have a natural conclusion at the end of a book but rather requires one tow buy and read the next book installment.
I'll read more, but I won't race to get the next books.
October 25, 2013
This is a great book for the family. My son had to read it for book club. My daughter, age 13, heard us reading it out loud to each other and said, "That sounds really good, can I read it with y'all?" So, all three of us have loved it. It is very full of adventure. We plan to read the entire series.
January 9, 2025
This series is soooo good! I have read it numerous times and it just gets better! A very easy five stars! I feel like I know these characters, they are both relatable and inspiring. This series has all the elements that I love in a story❤️
March 6, 2024
Title: Raiders From the Sea
Author: Lois Walfrid Johnson
Series: Viking Quest, 1
Release Date: August 2003
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Rating: 1.5 stars
Favourite character: I didn't care enough about the characters
Least favourite character: Once again, didn't care
Mini-Review: This was... annoying. Very preachy, not enough Vikings and too much inaccuracies to how faith in God and prayer actually works. You don't just tell God you want to forgive something and it immediately disperses, it's a process. Also not enough pillaging for a Viking book.
Fan Cast:
Briana "Bree" O'Toole - Amybeth McNulty
Devin O'Toole - Art Parkinson
Mikkel - Ty Simpkins
Hauk - Shawn Ashmore
Nola - Susan Lynch
Author: Lois Walfrid Johnson
Series: Viking Quest, 1
Release Date: August 2003
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Rating: 1.5 stars
Favourite character: I didn't care enough about the characters
Least favourite character: Once again, didn't care
Mini-Review: This was... annoying. Very preachy, not enough Vikings and too much inaccuracies to how faith in God and prayer actually works. You don't just tell God you want to forgive something and it immediately disperses, it's a process. Also not enough pillaging for a Viking book.
Fan Cast:
Briana "Bree" O'Toole - Amybeth McNulty
Devin O'Toole - Art Parkinson
Mikkel - Ty Simpkins
Hauk - Shawn Ashmore
Nola - Susan Lynch
February 26, 2024
I can almost smell the winter of '18, the first time I read this. I remember all the feels I had. Little 13-year-old me with a newfound obsession. I was in love with Mikkel. I still am. It was my first experience with a redemption love story, setting me up for a life-long love of this trope. This book still holds a piece of my heart, although the piece gets smaller with each new love I discover.
Well written. Immeasurably good characters and plot. The whole series works well together. All my emotions were used. I'm feeling them all even now. 5 stars for perfection.
Well written. Immeasurably good characters and plot. The whole series works well together. All my emotions were used. I'm feeling them all even now. 5 stars for perfection.
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January 23, 2022A fun YA Christian novel set in the time of the Vikings. Not personally the best book I’ve ever read; but filled with good character, Scripture and children learning to lean on the Lord during hardships.
March 18, 2025
I have already read this book before but, I decided to read it too Esther. We both really enjoyed it even though it might have taken two years to finish 😬! I hope the next books don't take quite as long. 🙃(They probably won't though because we are loving the series so much).
Super excited to continue reading!
Super excited to continue reading!
December 9, 2017
I have read this book 4 times and I'm dying to read it again! This Christian series is a wonderful story of faith in hard times, and enduring family loss. 'Raiders from the Sea' should be a must read for all ages.
December 7, 2021
I've wanted to read this for a while now. And am I glad I did! Bree and Dev are the perfect sibling duo, and I have to say, I already love Mikkel. Yes, I know, he's the villain, but what can I say. He's so cool! And all the Irishness sealed the deal for me. Book two, please!
March 7, 2022
Great!
May 2, 2022
This is a perfect starting out story for kids who haven't quite gotten fluent in reading, but love stories. Showing kids that there are good and entertaining books at their level is really important.
I love how easy this book is to pull off the shelf and read to my littles.
Clean, fun, and adventurous.
perfect for a road trip.
I love how easy this book is to pull off the shelf and read to my littles.
Clean, fun, and adventurous.
perfect for a road trip.
October 17, 2018
I pre-read this for my young teen daughters so that we could discuss it together. Great historical insight along with demonstrating godly courage and value of knowing God's Word.
December 27, 2023
Such a good book for a read aloud. My kids loved it and as soon as we finished it the ran to get book 2. Its uplifting and has great examples and lessons for the reader about relying on God and finding the positive in hard situations. We are excited for the next one.
May 8, 2025
Reading the series with Owen & we’re both enjoying it
March 12, 2022
Such an endearing story of bravery, sibling bonds, and trust in the one true God. The writing has its weak points but the story is interesting and the kids begged to read the next one as soon as possible.
February 28, 2025
An exelent read and a childhood favorite ❤️
June 22, 2023
This is a really good read! The kids and I enjoyed the historical part along with the Godly spiritual aspects. It dates back to the 700’s!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews