AT A GLANCE
Latest Release: The Snare of Vengeance (July 8, 2026)
Publisher: Vinci Books (London/New York)
Specialization: 9th-Century Viking expansion, storytelling and the Hero’s Journey, and Medieval Brittany.
Accolades: Reader’s Favorite Gold Medalist, Kirkus “Get It” Verdict, 3x Historical Novel Society “Recommended” Author.
Awards and Recognition:
Reader’s Favorite 2020 Gold Medal
Reader’s Favorite 2025 Bronze Medal
Kirkus Review 2025 with Accolade
Historical Novel Society Review 2019
Historical Novel Society Review 2020
Historical Novel Society Review 2025
APPEARANCES & EXPERTISE
C.J. Adrien is a dual-citizen (US/France), history teacher, and fiction writer who bridges the gap between academic research and epic storytelling. He is available for interviews on Viking Age history, storytelling, and the Hero’s Journey, and medieval history more generally.
Recent Highlights:
History Hit: Featured guest on Gone Medieval with Dr. Eleanor Janega (Jan 2026: “What Caused the Viking Age?”).
French Media: Featured in Ouest-France, NovFM, and RCF Vendée regarding the Frankish-Viking history of Noirmoutier and Brittany.
RCF Vendée 2025, les Vendéens ont du talent
Podcasting: Co-host of the Vikingology Podcast.
Films: IMDb
Past in-person and media appearances:
OMSI After Dark 2018
Association des Amis de Noirmoutier 2019 (announcement by Ouest France)
The French History Podcast 2024
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
“Richly developed fictional adventures of a real Viking on an epic journey through Europe. Our verdict: Get it!“
— Kirkus Reviews
“Adrien weaves history and legend seamlessly, delivering a gripping tale that captures the heart and the imagination… Recommended.“
— Historical Novel Society
“If you want to sit down with an extremely well-researched tale involving heroic battles and the making of a legend, this book is for you.”
— Reader’s Favorite (Gold Medal Winner)
CURRENT BIBLIOGRAPHY
Historical Fiction:
The Saga of Hasting the Avenger
Lords of the Wind 2019 (Book 1)
In the Shadow of the Beast 2020 (Book 2)
The Kings of the Sea 2021 (Book 3)
The Fell Deeds of Fate 2024 (Book 4)
The Empress and Her Wolf 2025 (Book 5)
The Snare of Vengeance 2026 (Book 6) (TBR October 6)
Oregon Country
The Road to Malheur (Book 1)
Historical Non-Fiction:
Under the Viking Yoke: A History of Early Medieval Brittany
Other:
Call of the Open Sea (translator)
Thirteen Crosses (script writer)
CONTACT INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR EDITORS
For Media Inquiries & Review Copies: Publicity Department, Vinci Books
Email: press [at] vincibooks.com
For direct inquiries, bookings, and resources for editors: C.J. Adrien
Email: author [at] cjadrien.com