A Novel by David McCaleb

Not going to lie, I chose to read this because of my persuasion towards all things Viking-related, and was expecting a typical story. I was expecting a guy being sent back in time, a bunch of misunderstandings would ensue, and the true story was the friends we made along the way or something. Happily, I was surprised to find a strange and well-written tale with a spiritual science fiction slant with possession and literal demons trying to do bad things to humans. Would I have preferred a straight historical novel? Honestly, yes I still would have. But, as it is this book was far more curious and exciting than I expected it would be. With that out of the way, I was surprised at how descriptive and well-written parts of the book were. The world of 1000 AD America is described with such care, that I would be surprised if the author was not either a former sailor or an active current sailor himself.

“A World Not His Own… Michael is suddenly drawn back in time by the spirit of his dead sister to the age when Vikings ventured to North America. He finds himself in the body of a Norseman and a member of a raiding party tasked with rescuing their chieftain’s kidnapped daughter. He soon discovers a chilling link between her and his own world. In his journey back to the present, he battles warring natives, shapeshifting demons, and the insecurities of his past. A World Torn Apart… Kiona, the daughter of a powerful Mi’kmaq shaman, struggles against her deceitful mother whose actions threaten the peace between her tribe, their Abenaki neighbors, and the newly arrived Vikings. Will she choose to remain loyal to her tribe, or instead to help Michael free his Viking sister? Vestmen’s Gale is a story of sacrifice, redemption, and purpose.”

I can’t speak for the authenticity of the story, or historical accuracy, but there really wasn’t much that blatantly jumped out as an anachronism. But, honestly when you start including fantastical elements into the story, that’s not really what I’m looking for anymore. I haven’t read anything else by this author, but I would be interested as he is a solid author. It appears that he mostly does military books, which aren’t really my forte, but I will keep an eye out if he does anything else like this. Surprisingly good read, would recommend.

If you would like a copy for yourself, check HERE

NOTE: I received a free preliminary, and likely unedited copy of this book from Netgalley for the purposes of providing an honest, unbiased review of the material. Thank you to all involved.