C.J. ADRIEN
history educator and award-winning author of Viking historical fiction
C.J. Adrien’s fact-based writing coupled with his imaginative and rich storytelling abilities take you on a unique journey through the Viking world. From his history podcast Vikingology, to his Viking blog, and his Viking historical fiction novels in The Saga of Hasting the Avenger, C.J. Adrien has something to offer for every learning style.
From The Historical Novel Society:
“Told in first-person narrative, Hasting’s voice is compelling as it deftly sets the story in motion. What quickly drew me in was the historical richness seeped into every page. The scope was broad as characters travel from the coast of Ireland all the way to the freezing northern fjords. Landscapes and everyday life are fleshed out vividly. Life is hard, supplies aren’t easy to come by, and the people are unapologetically fierce. It’s clear Adrien has a passion for this time and these peoples. The intricate details and engrossing characters propel the plot forward. 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.”
Research
Using his academic background in the humanities and medieval history as a guide, C.J. has taken the time to understand the history, geography, and culture of Vikings on an intimate level, which has helped him to paint the rich tapestry of his immersive storytelling in his Viking historical fiction novels.
Publications
C.J. is not just an author Viking historical fiction–he’s an expert. As a published historian on the Vikings, he has written articles featured in France’s L’Association des Amis de Noirmoutier, among other publications. His deep knowledge of Viking history has also provided him several opportunities to speak on the subject both in America and internationally.
Recognition
In 2020, C.J. won the Gold Medal for Historical Fiction on Readers’ Favorite, and has been a #1 bestseller across multiple categories on Amazon. His Viking historical fiction novels are considered among the most historical on the market.
Selected Works
The Lords of the Wind
The Saga of Hasting the Avenger Book 1
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. Viking historical fiction at its best!
In the Shadow of the Beast
The Saga of Hasting the Avenger Book 2
The oaths that once bonded the Danes and Northmen in the islands of Aquitaine have broken. Hasting’s new land is imperiled by fearsome challengers and old foes alike. A rumor from the continent will shatter the brittle veneer of his strength and expose his deepest wound from the past. His greatest trial will not be fought with a sword, ax, or shield, but with his heart. Viking historical fiction at its best!
The Kings of the sea
The Saga of Hasting the Avenger Book 3
An unexpected betrayal forces Hasting to abandon his closest ally. With his heart turned black, he rekindles the savagery of his race. In sacking Nantes, his bravery and luck earn him a place in the skalds’ songs. Word of his deeds reach his kin in the North, and more and more sea captains sail to Francia to join him, hoping his luck might help theirs. Viking historical fiction at its best!
I'm a Viking!
A History Book About the Vikings for Kids
Explore the world of the Vikings through the eyes of a child. Join Leif, a chieftain’s son who wants nothing more than to grow up to be a Viking just like his dad. Follow Leif as he gives you a tour of his life—the things he must learn, the things he likes to do for fun, and much more.
The Saga of Hasting the Avenger
“The Lords of the Wind” by C.J. Adrien is a gold medal winner in the 2020 Reader’s Favorite annual international book award.contest.
A Bit About C.J
C.J. Adrien is a bestselling and award-winning 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. 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.