20 Viking Novels that Bring Ancient Scandinavia to Life

Summary: In this article, I've put together 20 of the best Viking novels that capture the spirit of the Norse age, filled with epic adventures, fierce battles, mythic tales, and unforgettable characters. Here are my top 3 choices:

Viking novels blend history, adventure, and mythology, transporting readers to the rugged world of Norse warriors and explorers. These stories offer glimpses of fierce battles, treacherous voyages, political intrigue, and the mysticism of Norse gods. Whether you enjoy epic action, tales of love and betrayal, or myth-infused sagas, Viking novels capture the spirit of courage, survival, and adventure.

TOP 20: Best Viking Novels

  1. The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengtsson
  2. The Whale Road by Robert Low
  3. The Half-Drowned King by Linnea Hartsuyker
  4. Hrolf Kraki's Saga by Poul Anderson
  5. Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell
  6. Raven: Blood Eye by Giles Kristian
  7. Viking: Odinn’s Child by Tim Severin
  8. The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
  9. The Broken Sword by Poul Anderson
  10. The Flame Bearer by Bernard Cornwell
  11. Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton
  12. The Gospel of Loki by Joanne M. Harris
  13. Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura
  14. King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett
  15. Heathen by Natasha Alterici
  16. The Sea Wolves by Lars Brownworth
  17. Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241 by John Haywood
  18. Vikings at War by Kim Hjardar and Vegard Vike
  19. Outlaw by Angus Donald
  20. The Wolves of Winter by Tyrell Johnson

1. The Long Ships

  • About: Follows the life of Red Orm, a Viking adventurer, traveling from Scandinavia to Spain, Ireland, and beyond.
  • Style of Writing: Lighthearted, humorous, saga-like narrative focusing on action over internal reflection.
  • Length: ~170,000 words (~498 pages).
  • Year Written: 1941 (Swedish), 1954 (English translation).
  • Emotional Impact: Entertaining with lasting impressions through camaraderie and cultural encounters.
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate, with historical references.
  • Why Read It: A classic blend of humor and adventure within a Viking setting.

2. The Whale Road

  • About: Chronicles the adventures of Orm and the Oathsworn, a fierce Viking band hunting treasure and relics.
  • Style of Writing: Fast-paced and vivid, emphasizing action and loyalty with historical details.
  • Length: ~110,000 words (~352 pages).
  • Year Written: 2007.
  • Emotional Impact: Gripping and intense, with brutal depictions of Viking life.
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible but demanding with its dark, realistic tone.
  • Why Read It: Perfect for fans of action-driven historical fiction with brotherhood and adventure at the core.

3. The Half-Drowned King

  • Author: Linnea Hartsuyker
  • About: A historical novel following Ragnvald Eysteinsson, a young warrior seeking to reclaim his birthright and navigate Viking alliances.
  • Style of writing: Epic, immersive, and character-driven.
  • Length: ~140,000 words
  • Year written: 2017
  • Emotional impact: Moderate to high, with themes of betrayal and loyalty.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Why read it: A gripping blend of history and myth, with vivid characters and political intrigue.

4. Hrolf Kraki's Saga

  • Author: Poul Anderson
  • About: A retelling of the legendary saga of King Hrolf Kraki, a Viking hero, blending mythology and historical fiction.
  • Style of writing: Mythic and poetic, with a storytelling feel.
  • Length: ~100,000 words
  • Year written: 1973
  • Emotional impact: Moderate, with themes of fate and tragedy.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate to high (requires familiarity with Norse mythology).
  • Why read it: A rich adaptation of a classic Viking legend.

5. Sword Song

  • Author: Bernard Cornwell
  • About: Part of the Saxon Stories, following Uhtred of Bebbanburg as he fights to reclaim his ancestral lands.
  • Style of writing: Fast-paced, action-heavy, with historical detail.
  • Length: ~125,000 words
  • Year written: 2007
  • Emotional impact: High, with themes of loyalty, loss, and identity.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Why read it: A thrilling mix of historical fiction and Viking warfare.

6. Raven: Blood Eye

  • Author: Giles Kristian
  • About: The story of Osric, a young man taken by a band of Norsemen, who discovers his own warrior spirit.
  • Style of writing: Brutal, action-packed, with vivid battle scenes.
  • Length: ~115,000 words
  • Year written: 2009
  • Emotional impact: Moderate, focusing on survival and transformation.
  • Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  • Why read it: Perfect for readers seeking action-filled Viking adventures.

7. Viking: Odinn’s Child

  • Author: Tim Severin
  • About: Follows Thorgils, a young Viking, as he embarks on voyages across Europe and beyond.
  • Style of writing: Historical, with detailed descriptions of Viking life and travel.
  • Length: ~135,000 words
  • Year written: 2005
  • Emotional impact: Moderate, with themes of exploration and identity.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Why read it: A well-researched tale of Viking exploration.

8. The Last Kingdom

  • Author: Bernard Cornwell
  • About: Uhtred of Bebbanburg is captured by Vikings and raised as one of their own, torn between two cultures.
  • Style of writing: Engaging, character-focused, with historical battles.
  • Length: ~110,000 words
  • Year written: 2004
  • Emotional impact: High, with themes of identity and belonging.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Why read it: A fan-favorite that inspired the popular TV series.

9. The Broken Sword

  • Author: Poul Anderson
  • About: A dark fantasy blending Viking mythology with the story of an elven-raised mortal hero.
  • Style of writing: Mythic, fast-paced, and poetic.
  • Length: ~95,000 words
  • Year written: 1954
  • Emotional impact: High, with tragic themes.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate to high
  • Why read it: A powerful blend of fantasy and Norse mythology.

10. The Flame Bearer

  • Author: Bernard Cornwell
  • About: Uhtred faces his final battle to reclaim Bebbanburg, his ancestral home.
  • Style of writing: Tense, action-driven, and reflective.
  • Length: ~115,000 words
  • Year written: 2016
  • Emotional impact: High, providing closure to Uhtred's journey.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Why read it: A satisfying conclusion to the Saxon Stories.

11. Eaters of the Dead

  • Author: Michael Crichton
  • About: A fictional retelling of the Beowulf legend through the eyes of an Arab traveler.
  • Style of writing: Historical with elements of adventure and myth.
  • Length: ~85,000 words
  • Year written: 1976
  • Emotional impact: Moderate, with suspenseful storytelling.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Why read it: A unique twist on the Beowulf legend.

12. The Gospel of Loki

  • Author: Joanne M. Harris
  • About: A retelling of Norse mythology from Loki's point of view.
  • Style of writing: Humorous, witty, and conversational.
  • Length: ~100,000 words
  • Year written: 2014
  • Emotional impact: Moderate, with a mix of humor and poignancy.
  • Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  • Why read it: Offers a fresh, entertaining take on Norse myths.

13. Vinland Saga

  • Author: Makoto Yukimura
  • About: A manga series following Thorfinn, a young Viking seeking revenge and redemption.
  • Style of writing: Graphic novel; action-packed and emotionally rich.
  • Length: Ongoing series (~2,000+ pages)
  • Year written: 2005–present
  • Emotional impact: High, with themes of revenge, growth, and forgiveness.
  • Difficulty level: Moderate (translated from Japanese)
  • Why read it: A gripping, character-driven Viking epic.

14. King Hereafter

  • Author: Dorothy Dunnett
  • About: A historical novel reimagining the life of Macbeth as a Viking warlord.
  • Style of writing: Dense, poetic, and historically detailed.
  • Length: ~250,000 words
  • Year written: 1982
  • Emotional impact: High, with deep exploration of ambition and tragedy.
  • Difficulty level: High
  • Why read it: A richly detailed historical novel with powerful themes.

15. Heathen

  • Author: Natasha Alterici
  • About: A graphic novel following a Viking warrior on a quest to defy the gods and reclaim her identity.
  • Style of writing: Graphic novel; visually stunning and emotional.
  • Length: ~200 pages
  • Year written: 2017
  • Emotional impact: High, with themes of self-acceptance and defiance.
  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Why read it: A beautifully crafted, empowering Viking story.

16. The Sea Wolves

  • Author: Lars Brownworth
  • About: A non-fiction account of the Vikings' rise and influence across Europe.
  • Style of writing: Engaging and informative.
  • Length: ~90,000 words
  • Year written: 2014
  • Emotional impact: Moderate
  • Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  • Why read it: A fascinating look at Viking history.

17. Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793–1241

  • Author: John Haywood
  • About: A comprehensive history of the Viking Age and its lasting impact.
  • Style of writing: Detailed and scholarly.
  • Length: ~120,000 words
  • Year written: 2015
  • Emotional impact: Moderate
  • Difficulty level: Moderate
  • Why read it: Ideal for history enthusiasts.

18. Vikings at War

  • Author: Kim Hjardar and Vegard Vike
  • About: An in-depth study of Viking warfare, strategies, and technology.
  • Style of writing: Scholarly and visually rich.
  • Length: ~140,000 words
  • Year written: 2016
  • Emotional impact: Moderate
  • Difficulty level: Moderate to high
  • Why read it: Perfect for those interested in Viking military history.

19. Outlaw

  • Author: Angus Donald
  • About: A reimagining of Robin Hood, set in the Viking era.
  • Style of writing: Fast-paced and action-packed.
  • Length: ~110,000 words
  • Year written: 2009
  • Emotional impact: Moderate
  • Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  • Why read it: A fun twist on the Robin Hood legend.

20. The Wolves of Winter

  • Author: Tyrell Johnson
  • About: A post-apocalyptic novel set in a harsh winter landscape, inspired by Norse themes.
  • Style of writing: Atmospheric and reflective.
  • Length: ~85,000 words
  • Year written: 2018
  • Emotional impact: High
  • Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
  • Why read it: A gripping story of survival and resilience.

Conclusion

I think Viking novels are a fantastic way to dive into the world of Norse adventure, blending history, mythology, and epic storytelling. In my opinion, The Long Ships stands out for its humor and sweeping narrative, while The Whale Road captures the gritty camaraderie and raw action of Viking life. The Half-Drowned King adds emotional depth with its focus on personal struggles and political intrigue. Whether you're drawn to thrilling battles, complex characters, or vivid glimpses of the Viking age, these top three books—and the genre as a whole—deliver immersive stories of courage, exploration, and survival.

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