ABOUT C.J. ADRIEN
C.J. Adrien is a bestselling author of Viking historical fiction novels with a passion for Viking history. His Kindred of the Sea series was inspired by research conducted in preparation for a doctoral program in early medieval history as well as his admiration for historical fiction writers such as Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett. He is also a published historian on the subject of Vikings, with articles featured in historical journals such as L’Association des Amis de Noirmoutier, in France. His novels and expertise have earned him invitations to speak at several international events, including the International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), conferences on Viking history in France, among others. C.J. Adrien earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Oregon, a Master’s degree from Oregon State University, and is currently searching for the right university to complete his doctoral thesis.
“For indeed the Frankish nation, which was crushed by the avenger Hasting, was full of filthy uncleanness. Treasonous and oath-breaking, they were deservedly condemned; unbelievers and faithless, they were justly punished.”
Orphaned as a child by a blood-feud, and sold as a slave to an exiled chieftain in Ireland, the boy Hasting had little hope of surviving to adulthood. The gods had other plans. A ship arrived at his master’s longphort carrying a man who would alter the course of his destiny, and take him under his wing to teach him the ways of the Vikings. His is a story of a boy who was a slave, who became a warlord, and who helped topple an empire.
A supposed son of Ragnar Lodbrok, and referred to in the Gesta Normanorum as the Scourge of the Somme and Loire, his life exemplified the qualities of the ideal Viking. Join author and historian C.J. Adrien on an adventure that explores the coming of age of the Viking Hasting, his first love, his first great trials, and his first betrayal.
Why the Vikings?
C.J. Adrien, passionate about early medieval history, grew up with tales of the Vikings. His paternal family, natives of the island of Noirmoutier, claim to trace their ancestry to the Norwegian conquerors who used the island as a base in the 9th Century to launch raids along the coast of what is now Western France and Brittany.
The idea that Vikings might comprise part of his paternal heritage launched Adrien on a life-long quest of research. He has his whole life sought to uncover the true history of a people who forged for themselves a lasting reputation during an obscure and oft-misunderstood time period. He is currently working on a non-fiction book titled The Viking Island, which will detail the Viking invasions of Noirmoutier and serve as a historical companion book to his historical fiction series.
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CONTACT
For questions and comments about his Viking historical fiction novels, feel free to reach out to C.J. Adrien directly by filling out the form below. Please also use the form below for booking inquiries.