The Historical Fiction of C.J. Adrien

Immersive Novels of the Viking Age and Medieval Europe

Award-winning sagas that bring the grit and humanity of the medieval period alive.

Join My Substack Newsletter Explore My Books

C.J. Adrien in the Media: Expert Commentary & Reviews

Kirkus Reviews feature of C.J. Adrien's Viking historical fiction

C.J. Adrien interviewed for his expertise on the Viking Age by RCF Radio France

C.J. Adrien guest appearance on History Hit's Gone Medieval podcast.

Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award Winner for Viking Historical Fiction - C.J. Adrien.

The Saga of Hasting the Avenger: An Award-Winning Viking Historical Fiction Series

The Saga of Hasting the Avenger is a multiple award-winning and bestselling historical fiction series published by Vinci Books. It follows the life of the real, historically documented warlord Hasting (also spelled Angsting, Hæsten, or Hasteinn), who was active in the Loire River Valley in France during the Viking invasions of the Carolingian Empire in the second half of the 9th century.

The Lords of the Wind: A Historical Novel of the Viking Age (The Saga of Hasting the Avenger Book 1)

The Lords of the Wind (Book 1)

The Viking Hasting’s coming of age when he rises from a slave in Ireland to a ship captain in his own right.

In the Shadow of the Beast, a historical novel of the Viking Age by C.J. Adrien

In the Shadow of the Beast (Book 2)

Hasting’s dark night of the soul where he must confront his own worst impulses if he hopes to save his people from ruin.

The Kings of the Sea, a historical novel of the viking age, by CJ Adrien

The Kings of the Sea (Book 3)

Hasting’s successes have earned him a place in the great fleet that will set out for the Siege of Paris. But will he succeed in keeping them together?

The Fell Deeds of Fate, a historical novel of the vikings in Byzantium

The Fell Deeds of Fate (Book 4)

When his wife casts him, Hasting sets out to prove his worth once more by seeking to take Constantinople from the Byzantine Empire.

The Empress and Her Wolf, a novel of the vikings in Byzantium but C.J. Adrien

The Empress and Her Wolf (Book 5)

Hasting becomes a sword-for-hire for the empress of the Romans, but he soon finds himself in the thick of their backbiting politics.

The Snare of Vengeance (Book 6)

Hasting must return to Brittany to save his son from his arch-nemesis, Ersipoe. The saga continues in this latest installment of the planned 9-book epic. (Coming July 8, 2026)

Under the Viking Yoke: A History of Early Medieval Brittany, a historical companion book to the Saga of Hasting the Avenger by C.J. Adrien

Under the Viking Yoke: A Historical Companion Guide to the Series

Dive deeper into the history behind C.J. Adrien’s bestselling and award-winning Viking historical fiction series with Under the Viking Yoke: A History of Early Medieval Brittany.

Portrait of author C.J. Adrien, historical fiction author and historian on the viking age

Meet C.J. Adrien: Historian and Author of the Viking Age.

C.J. Adrien is a historian, educator, and award-winning author of Viking historical fiction. With a focus on Early Medieval Europe and the history of the Northmen, his Saga of Hasting the Avenger series draws on years of research into early medieval Europe and a lifelong study of myth, Jungian psychology, and the Hero’s Journey, Adrien’s Saga of Hasting the Avenger series blends historical realism with spiritual depth to explore the eternal battle between man and his shadow. Through his writing, Adrien invites readers to see the Viking world as a mirror for our modern struggles with ambition, faith, and forgiveness.

In addition to his novels, he cohosts the Vikingology Podcast with Prof. Terri Barnes, teaches online courses for Medievalists.net, and delivers guest lectures worldwide.

learn more about C.J.

Over 7,000 Five-Star Ratings Across the Saga

Readers around the world praise the authenticity and emotional depth of C.J. Adrien’s historical epics.

Kirkus Reviews: “Richly developed fictional adventures of a real Viking on an epic journey through Europe. Our verdict: Get it!”

The Historical Novel Society: “If you want to sit down with an extremely well-researched tale involving heroic battles, first loves, and the making of a legend, this book is for you. Recommended.”

Reader’s Favorite: “Filled to the brim with interesting and accurate details about the Viking period that are sure to have fellow history fans deeply fascinated, with an intelligent balance between historical research and the furthering of the narrative. Highly recommended.”

Reader praise for The Lords of the Wind

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A vivid depiction of the ancient world in the Viking age.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ At the core of the narrative is a tragic love story.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A rip-roaring and brutal account of how the Vikings lived.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Fast-moving adventure tale based on historical references.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ An underdog story that pulls at the heartstrings.

Reader praise for In The Shadow of the Beast

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Hasting goes from impetuous youth to a shrewd and cunning warrior.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Right up there with Bernard Cornwell.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Historical fact mixed with fiction in a plausible way.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Great Viking adventure.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Fast-paced, brutal battles that held my interest throughout.

Reader praise for The Kings of the Sea

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ An enthralling saga that I couldn’t put down.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ You feel the salt spray in your face and the ship twist and rock over the waves.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Epic, bloody battles.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Historical fiction at its best.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Brings Viking history vividly to life.

Reader praise for The Fell Deeds of Fate

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A wonderful, exciting new adventure filled with danger, ambition, and unexpected twists.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Transported me to the tumultuous world of the Viking Age.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ An unforgettable read.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Adrien at his best.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ A powerful blend of high-stakes adventure and emotional depth.

Reader Praise for The Empress and Her Wolf

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Descriptions so vivid you can see them in your mind.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ World-building is impeccable.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Fast-paced brutal battles.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Spellbinding.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Twists and turns that draw you deeper into the story.

Master the Middle Ages: Research, Courses, and Insights

Go beyond the novels. My Substack is the central hub for my latest historical research and professional education. Whether you’re a fellow writer or a history enthusiast, join the Kindred to explore the depths of the medieval world.