WEST OVERSEA

A NORSE SAGA OF MYSTERY, ADVENTURE AND FAITH

by Lars Walker
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ISBN: 978-0-9796736-8-9
Pages: 294
PRICE: $12.95

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Lars Walker’s third novel about the Vikings begins in the year 1001. King Olaf Trygvesson is dead, but his sister’s husband, Erling Skjalgsson, carries on his dream of a Christian Norway that preserves its traditional freedoms. Rather than do a dishonorable deed, Erling relinquishes his power and lands. He and his household board ships and sail west to find a new life with Leif Eriksson in Greenland. This voyage, though, will be longer and more dangerous than they ever imagined. It will take them to an unexplored country few Europeans had seen. Demonic forces will pursue them, but the greatest danger of all may be in a dark secret carried by Father Aillil, Erling’s Irish priest.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

West Oversea is a gripping Viking saga. Lars Walker understands the unique Norse mindset at the time of the Vikings’ conversion to Christianity, and he tells a tale of seafaring adventure and exploration of new worlds that will keep you on the edge of your chair – and make you think.

Dr. John Eidsmoe, Colonel, Alabama State Defense Force
Pastor, Assn. of Free Lutheran Congregations
Constitutional Law Professor
Author, Christianity and the Constitution

In this Erling Skjalgsson saga as told by his faithful companion, Father Aillil, Walker takes us from Norway, to Iceland, to America, to Greenland and back. This book is not only a delightful tale of adventure and bravery, but there is also an undercurrent of commentary
on contemporary culture and values.

Rev. Paul T. McCain, Publisher, Exec. Dir.,
Editorial Division, Concordia Publishing House

I cannot give a high enough recommendation to Lars Walker’s Norse saga. You will not be disappointed. You will be blessed.

Hunter Baker, writing in The American Spectator online
Author, The End of Secularism

It is refreshing to read popular fantasy built on a foundation of solid research and love of the medieval Icelandic sagas. . . . Amazing. . . . This reader welcomes more fiction from Walker’s pen.

Dale Nelson, Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity

Action, excitement, and the sheer fun that reading can be. . . . Deeply, profoundly Christian . . . but in a bold, battling way.

Gene Edward Veith, Author, The Spirituality of the Cross

Not for spiritual sissies. . . . Rowdy action and a realistic look at the human and spiritual costs of religious and cultural conversion.

Rita Elkins, Florida Today

Lars Walker, a frequent commenter on this blog, is a novelist of note. He is also a Christian and a Lutheran. His faith comes out loud and clear in his fiction, but, unlike many “Christian novelists,” he is not preachy or sappy or didactic. With Lars, the Christian themes don’t substitute for a good story; rather, they contribute to the good story.

Lars specializes in historical fantasy. He is especially interested in Vikings, writing about the ancient Norse seafarers and warriors at the time when they were first getting converted to Christianity (around the year 1000). In addition to all kinds of swordplay, battles, and adventures, his characters are involved in spiritual warfare, as the old heathen magic, lore, and demons array themselves against the followers of Christ.

Lars has a new book out, West Oversea, that I enjoyed greatly. Like his earlier Viking novels, Erling’s Word and Year of the Warrior, it features the characters of the warlord Erling, a historical figure, whose dedication to doing what is right sometimes gets him into trouble, and Father Aillil, an Irish priest with a vivid personality (who reminds me somewhat of Martin Luther in his self-deprecating but life-affirming faith). This time, they journey to Iceland, then Greenland, then Vinland, a.k.a. America. They connect with the discoverer of that rich but dangerous land, Leif Erikson. (I did not realize that he was a Christian. His father, Erik the Red, was not.) At one point, Father Aillil has a vision of the future that perfectly captures–and refutes–the particular kinds of Godlessness of both modernism and postmodernism and suggests what might come next. The book is full of fascinating lore, thought-provoking ideas, memorable characters, exciting action, and just good story-telling.

I could hardly put the thing down.

Gene Edward Veith, Author, The Spirituality of the Cross

If the measure of an author is the literary company he keeps, I can't remember another book review of mine that name-checked such an all-star writing team. It's not often that any one author is refreshingly original enough to evoke comparisons to Le Guin, Hillerman. Cornwell, Schaara, and Peters, especially because most of them never sat on a bench in a Viking hall telling sea stories. I hope it's plain that Walker ranks with fast company, and West Oversea is more than good enough to make me want to read his other work. Erling is an honest merchant who can also fight, and Father Aillil, though frequently seasick, is excellent company. You'll want to follow them around, and cheer them on. (Read the full review here)

Patrick O'Hannigan

West Oversea takes the tone of a saga, only with an accessibility that had me turning pages like a madwoman to find out what new wonder Lars Walker would create for me. I want to read everything else he’s ever written!

Subtitled “A Norse Saga of Mystery, Adventure, and Faith,” West Oversea comes from the point of view of Father Aillil, an Irish priest who has heard that his sister Maeve is living as a thrall (slave) in Greenland. When brave, wise, and good Viking chieftain Erling Skjalgsson loses everything to his unscrupulous older brother, Father Aillil convinces him to set sail for Greenland to trade with Leif Eriksson. Before he leaves, Father Aillil is given a talisman called The Eye of Odin, a gray eye that gives Father Aillil the second sight. Despite his initial misgivings, the lure of power overtakes him and soon he is losing his faith and putting Erling, Erling’s wife and son, and all Erling’s men in jeopardy. (Read the full review here)

Superfast Reader

I enjoyed very much Mr. Walker's novel. I appreciated that he compared and contrasted Christianity in a pre-modern era to Christianity in a post-modern era. It was a also a fine read, one that I did not want to put down. To put together a scholarly and honest look at the world and Christianity with fine writing is truly a rare thing. Thanks!

Rev. Michael Berg, Wood Lake, MN

First Thoughts by Anthony Sacramone review: Of Wolves, Warriors, and Walker

The latest novel by Lars Walker, the author of an acclaimed series of fantasy novels of Old Norse stories and adventures and related matters, has just been released by Nordskog Publishing.

West Oversea: A Norse Saga of Mystery, Adventure, and Faith, is Walker's fifth novel and the third in a series about the Vikings and the efforts of their leaders to establish a foundation for Christianity in their land and elsewhere.

Like the others in the series and Walker's other books, it's based on facts and is the product of meticulous (and loving) historical research on Walker's part.

S. T. Karnick

As with Walker's previous books, West Oversea, is a fast, rapidly moving story told by Father Aillil as a memoir. You will not find any sermonizing or preaching in the narrative. Instead, you get colorful descriptions and active storytelling of individual events inside a greater story arc. In addition to the colorful and engrossing characters, you also get insights into times far gone. Mr. Walker presents a practical insight not only into the how and why of Norse settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and North America (Vinland), but also how trade between those colonies and the established homes in Norway most likely took place.

I found West Oversea to be a worthy continuation of the Erling Saga. The book reads so fast that when it's done, the reader is left both satisfied with the ending and still longing for the story to continue. That's my favorite kind of book. When you add in the fact that no where in the story did I find myself tempted to talk back to some silly bit of neo-paganistic stupidity or leftist indoctrination puppet-speak, it only makes it that much better.

Darwin G.

Judy and I are enjoying greatly 'West Oversea'. It is a delight and a rare window into our roots.

Tim Carlson (Scandinavians from Missouri)

As teachers, we often need to learn about subjects of little to no interest to us. That's exactly how I felt about Vikings when I placed them on our list of things to study this year. After reading West Oversea, I find the subject fascinating me. West Oversea is an adventure novel set during the time of Leif Ericson. The story is told in first person by Father Ailil, the priest to Erling Skjalgsson. Erling is a good man who seeks to see the spread of Christianity in Norway. He is an honorable leader, a friend to slaves, and a willing adventurer. When Father Ailil suggests going to Greenland for the purpose of finding his long lost sister, Erling is kind enough to agree. The trip is complicated by demonic forces that grab hold of all they can get, beginning with Father Ailil.

West Oversea provides an educational and entertaining view of Viking life. It's also a great morality tale that addresses temptations and the effects of sin in the spirit realm. Some parts of the book were high action. Others were quiet and thought provoking. The list of characters was extensive and a bit intimidating. Nevertheless, I was completely locked into the story before I even finished the first chapter. I was locked into the story. I truly didn't expect to get hooked!

I believe West Oversea is most appropriate for upper middle or high school ages. There are instances of foul language in the book, and Father Ailil has a struggle with lust that is alluded to but not graphically explored. Parents may want to read the book prior to giving it to their child. Reading it ahead would also allow you to discuss truth, temptation, greed, and many other interesting topics. It's important to remember that West Oversea is a depiction of Christianity forming in Norway. These characters are not well-versed Christians, and they are portrayed as men who seek God while struggling with releasing their pagan ways. If you prefer to avoid flawed characters, then you will want to stay clear of this book.

I enjoyed West Oversea very much. I felt so caught up in the story that I could almost feel the fierce cold of the Icelandic snow. I would recommend this book to others. The price is typical for books of this length. For $12.95 you can join me and become hooked on the fascinating life of Vikings.

Heather Randall, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

Ever since I can remember remembering I have been fascinated with Vikings. I think it began when I read a condensed version of Beowulf in a Childcraft encyclopedia. The story was exciting and the pictures of huge warriors wearing horned or winged helmets wielding massive swords captured my imagination. Shortly thereafter I discovered Norse mythology and my interest in al things Viking skyrocketed.

However, the more I learned about the Vikings the more I understood that they were not, to put it mildly, friendly to Christendom. As the product of a devout Southern Baptist upbringing this was always somewhat troubling for me. Imagine my excitement when I discovered Lars Walker’s books about Erling Skjalgsson, Norway’s first Christian lord. The first book, The Year of the Warrior, is a rousing page turner that I simply could not put down. Simply put, it is an exciting mix of historical fiction and fantasy. Mr. Walker has continued Erling’s saga with his most recent book, West Oversea. In this book, Erling and his companions journey to the new world. As with the first book, West Oversea not only delivers an action packed story but also some penetrating spiritual insights. However, it does this without getting “preachy” or sacrificing good story telling. If you are strapped for gift ideas then look no further, just remember to get a copy for yourself.

Joel L, www.southernappeal.org

I'm just finishing reading West Oversea.
It is a marvelous tale of Scandinavia and the New World, of legends and legendary figures, of love and hate, of what it means to be human or inhuman, and of the role of faith in human lives -- with deep meanings for those a thousand years ago, while just as meaningful for today. NPI can truly be proud to have published West Oversea, just as I am very happy to have read it.

Tusen tack!

Birgit & Eugene (Elander, Gotland, Sweden & Georgia, USA)

Some in Hollywood might think folks on the Right have limited artistic ability and should stick with on investment banking and talk radio. Others, with a more open mind, believe people should pursue any vocation to which they feel called. A novelist in Minneapolis, thankfully, is nottaking career advice from Hollywood. The Culture Alliance’s latest Fiction Fridaynewsletter focused on the work of Lars Walker, particularly West Oversea. Read On»

S. T. Karnick

In a time when popular culture celebrates the lack of faith, even overt hostility toward Christianity, Lars Walker arrives to present an adventure novel that celebrates and encourages the Christian faith.

"Lars Walker’s third novel about the Vikings begins in the year 1001. King Olaf Trygvesson is dead, but his sister’s husband, Erling Skjalgsson, carries on his dream of a Christian Norway that preserves its traditional freedoms. Rather than do a dishonorable deed, Erling relinquishes his power and lands. He and his household board ships and sail west to find a new life with Leif Eriksson in Greenland. This voyage, though, will be longer and more dangerous than they ever imagined. It will take them to an unexplored country few Europeans had seen. Demonic forces will pursue them, but the greatest danger of all may be in a dark secret carried by Father Aillil, Erling’s Irish priest" Read On»

Rev. Paul J Cain

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to Nordskog Publishing’s inaugural fiction book in a new series of ! As our ongoing series of “meaty, tasty, and easily digestible theological offerings” continues with excellence, we have pride and joy in now presenting, under the imprint , fiction books that are exciting, thrilling, enjoyable, and fun, and which ring out the admonition of the Apostle Paul in his epistle to think on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. . . . “And if you do, the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9).

West Oversea is an ideal book to begin our new series. Lars Walker’s fiction story is based upon true, historical facts at the turn of the second millennium. Many of the novel’s characters are based upon real Vikings, men who were courageous and indeed noble. This story is about my paternal ancestors, the Vikings, during the time of much of Norway’s conversion to Christianity, and it is ideal for our initial fiction offering. My great grandparents and grandfather, Andrae (Arne) Nordskog, immigrated from Norway to America (New York)

in the late nineteenth century. As a boy, I grew up in our home listening to the famous Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg’s (1843-1907) Piano Concerto in A minor (la mineur-a-Moll), “The Song of Norway,” and I am listening to it now, even as I write this Foreword. My Italian mother, Elinor, used to say regarding my dad, Bob, “I’ve taken a liking to a Viking.” My dad used to relate the old story of how “10,000 Swedes were chased through the weeds by one Norwegian.” American historian and my good friend Dr. Marshall Foster (founder-president of The World History Institute) gives us some quick snapshots of the Norwegians - who were traders as well as warriors - in the latter years of the first millennium after Christ’s resurrection.

Guthrum, the Viking king, took almost all of England by force, but was later defeated in 878 by Alfred the Great (a Christian king of England), who became his godfather and educated him and his leaders in the Christian faith. Erik the Red was a wild Viking who was convicted of murder and exiled first to Iceland and then to Greenland. His son, Leif Eriksson, was sent back to Norway near the end of the tenth century and converted to Christianity. He later returned to Greenland to convert the settlers to Christ, and eventually made a voyage to explore new lands to the west which had previously been seen by other Norsemen. These lands, we now know, were part of North America. Norwegian king Olaf Trygvesson, who died early in the eleventh century, tore down idols in the country and forcibly converted the pagan Norwegians to Christianity. * * *

Lars Walker’s third novel about the Vikings begins in the year 1001. King Olaf Trygvesson is dead, but his sister’s husband, Erling Skjalgsson, carries on his dream of a Christian Norway that preserves its traditional freedoms. Rather than do a dishonorable deed, Erling relinquishes his power and lands. He and his household board ships and sail west to find a new life with Leif Eriksson in Greenland.

This voyage, though, will be longer and more dangerous than they ever imagined. It will take them to an unexplored country few Europeans had seen. Demonic forces will pursue them, but the greatest danger of all may be in a dark secret carried by Father Aillil, Erling’s Irish priest. You won’t want to put this book down. Read on!

– Tusen Takk, Gerald Christian Nordskog, Easter, 2009