Adrien’s novel is a well thought out, deeply researched narrative that marries history with young adult fiction. In a time where females are popular among the young adult sector, this male focused novel is a welcome reprieve and appeals to a need for an action packed novel.”

– Portland Book Review

C.J. Adrien presents a story that is historically accurate, colorful, and complex in it’s many issues. The level of detail in his story was striking from knowledge of ancient maritime skills, maritime warfare tactics, and the complexity of tribal or medieval warfare.”

– D.W. Roach, Author of Marauder

An epic fictional Norse saga set in the ninth century, featuring royalty, repressed love, battles, and the raw appeal of untrammeled nature…steeped in period detail and political backbiting in a richly imagined world.”

– Kirkus Reviews

C.J. Adrien is a French-American author of Viking historical fiction 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.

C.J. Adrien’s novels and expertise have earned him invitations to speak at several international events, including the International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds.

C.J. Adrien grew up with tales of the Vikings. His paternal family, natives of the island of Noirmoutier in France, claim to trace their ancestry to the Norwegian conquerers who used the island as a base in the 9th Century to launch raids along the coast of what is now France.

The idea that Vikings comprised 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 shares much of his research and knowledge on his blog and through his Viking historical fiction novels. To see the sources for the blog, visit the selected bibliography page.