Wednesday, 5 April 2017

Saint Magnus The Last Viking - Susan Peek

Saint Magnus The Last Viking
Susan Peek
Seven Swords Publications
ISBN 9780997000504
ASIN B0184SEPNM
Catholic Vitality Publications
First Edition
ISBN 9780979630125


This book is the first that I have read from Susan Peek, but it will not be the last. In fact I picked up another minutes after finishing this one. I could barely put this book down and devoured it. And even though it is a little beyond my son right now, I told him about it and said we would read it together in a year or two. This book moves at a quick pace. It has amazing characters and is very well written.

This story takes us back 900 years. To a much darker time, but a time when the light of Catholicism had spread and was being embraced in different ways in different parts of the world. It is the story of Saint Magnus Erlendsson, Earl of Orkney, also known as Saint Magnus the Martyr. It is  the story of a kingdom that was to be ruled by brothers upon their father's death, and from that time forward one of their sons. It is the story of battles. It is a story of strife and ultimately a Christian story.

I was not familiar with this saint before reading this book, but will need to do some further research and reading. In many ways this book reminds me of Andrew M. Seddon's Saints Alive II, Celtic Paths New Stories of Old Saints. Except it is a full length novel instead of a collection of short stories. This book brings a few saints back to life. It brings them alive in the imaginations, minds, and hearts of readers. The story is wonderfully written. There are battle scenes without being over the top. There is conflict and strife without it being ridiculous. And there are a number of characters who exhibit strong faith and end up having influence on those around them.

When I read books one of my keys to judging them is would I share it with my children, now, or when they are older. And would I recommend it to others. This book gets a resounding yes to both of those questions. This was an excellent read and though written for the teen market, I loved the book and plan on giving it to my father to read, and when they are older reading it with my children as well. I highly recommend this book!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
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1 comment:

Susie said...

Steven, Aww thanks! You totally made my day! So happy you enjoyed it!

God bless,
Susan

6 April 2017 at 00:26

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