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Some of the best Viking Norse Mythology Themed Fantasy Books

SpookShelf Bibliolater1st June 2020

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Some of the best Viking Norse Mythology Themed Fantasy Books

There has been a clear surge in the number of Viking fantasy book fans over the years. Something about both Norse mythology as well as the legends of Viking adventures have captured our imagination.

Maybe it is due to the exceptionally popular Marvel Thor movies or thanks to the number of shows now dedicated to Viking life. Whatever may be the reason, I believe it has been a great development for fantasy novels with so many incredible stories getting published.

To celebrate the growth of Viking or Norse Mythology themed fantasy books, let’s take a look at some of the best novels currently out there that some feel are a must read for all fans of the genre.

1) Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

What better way to start the list of Viking related fantasy books than with one of the most beloved fantasy authors of all times.

Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology is a collection of tales that are meant to be retelling of classic Norse stories but of course with a modern twist catering to the sensibilities of the new era.

True to Neil Gaiman’s style and his distinctive imagination, Norse Mythology does not read like a classic tale that you may have heard from your grandmother.

The stories go through all of the important Norse Myths and the formation of the nine worlds. You get tales of Odin’s wisdom, how he lost his eye to Loki’s characteristic manipulations.

One thing to note for general Neil Gaiman fans is that this book does not follow the same kind of humour or wit that make his other books so popular. This book is quite different but at the same time will keep you enthralled as you complete each story and connect one with the other.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman is one of the best places to start of you are not just looking for a great Viking fantasy book but also want to learn about all of the myths and adventures that make Norse Mythologies so intriguing in the first place.

2) The Wolf of the North: Wolf of the North Book 1 by Duncan M. Hamilton

If you love trilogies or prefer books that are part of a series, The Wolf of the North series by author Duncan M. Hamilton is a great start to the Viking fantasy genre.

The first book is like a coming of age story of our protagonist Wulfric. He is not the typical Viking hero you usually come across. Using the words of the author himself, Wulfric is both timid as well as weak.

Of course he will not stay that way for too long as it goes with most fantasy books. Wulfric’s encounter with mysterious forces alters the course of his life and puts him directly on the path of ultimate evil forces that will force him to become the Wolf of the North.

Wulfric’s journey is what makes this book so captivating along with the action packed coming of age adventure.

3) The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon

New York Times bestselling author Amy Harmon’s Viking fantasy novel ‘The First Girl Child’ is quite different to other books you will read in the genre.

I found the story quite fascinating and although it’s not exactly the most unique story, the book is extremely well written, really hard to put down.

Due to a curse on the land, there would be no daughters born in the land of Saylok. Now Bayr, whose own dying mother was responsible for the curse must care for the first girl child born in the country after nearly two decades.

This book has pretty much everything you would want in a Viking fantasy story. Adventure, great acts of courage, intriguing plotline, curses, kings, wars, romance and a whole lot more.

The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon definitely comes under the must-read category in Viking fantasy.

4) Eaters of the Dead – by Michael Crichton

Some of you may know ‘Eaters of the Dead’ by author Micheal Crichton as ‘The 13th Warrior’ starring Antonio Banderas.

Although this book was adapted for the big screen, the book itself is a distinctive read and not exactly like the movie.

Some have compared the book to Beowulf while others see it as another superb Viking tale that has all the blood, gore, mythical creatures and courageous warriors we expect.

Eaters of the Dead also combine some Arab myths along with Viking legends resulting in quite the adventure. If you love mysterious, terrorizing monsters that devour Viking flesh, then this is definitely the book for you.

5) Wolfskin (Saga of the Light Isles #1) by Juliet Marillier

Beautiful lands, secret treasures, well crafted deep characters and a long, in-depth adventure. If these are what you look for in a fantasy series, then WolfSkin – Saga of the Light Isles book 1 is what you need to read.

Author Juliet Marillier has created a captivating world with characters you can deeply connect with. Although some readers have complained that the book starts off quite slow, it is somewhat necessary to build things up for what is to come. This is a long book and not for someone looking for a quick read.

The book is about two young Vikings striving to become a Wolfskin, warrior devoted to the war God himself – Thor. Eyvind and Somerled are close friends but have distinct personalities and have their own reasons for the path they have chosen.

Wolfskin is an interesting read and if you have the patience for books with 700+ pages, then you should give this one a try.

6) The Gospel of Loki (Loki #1) By Joanne M. Harris

A book on Viking fantasy, adventures and exploits from the point of view of the original Lord of Mischief Loki. This was enough for me to get into the series.

Considering the story is completely from Loki’s point of view, it is quite the unexpected. The Gospel of Loki is for you if you are tired of the standard Viking stories with blood and pillaging.

Author Joanne M. Harris’ book The Gospel of Loki takes the reader from the initial recruitment of Loki to the eventual fall of Asgard. Completely written from Loki’s perspective.

The Gospel of Loki is highly entertaining, humorous and a welcome break from the standard storytelling about Norse Myths. However, it is still a serious adult fantasy book and can be read by all Loki fans, regardless of whether you are particularly looking for Viking themed fantasy books.

7) How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

This is bit of a bonus for you readers. I know author Cressida Cowell’s hugely popular children’s fantasy book ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ is already an animated motion picture. However, the book is still one of the most fun Viking fantasy themed books I have ever read.

Now being meant for children it obviously is not one of those serious, dark, all out warring adventures.

It is still a good read even if you are not so young anymore. Also if for some reason you haven’t watched the three How to Train Your Dragon movies, then you will probably enjoy the book even more.

So for a quick recap: