Thank you to @netgalley and @gallerybooks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the characters in this book, especially Zelda. I was invested in her quest to be legendary and loved her enthusiasm for anything Vikings. I enjoyed how she used her knowledge of Vikings to take control of situations and be courageous when most would panic.

This is a story of a family doing what they can to survive, sibling bonds and lessons is how we can better see and treat others.

4 stars

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This book feels a little bit tough to review. I loved the characters, especially the main character of Zelda. Her unique perspective on the world (as a 21-year-old with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) gave the narration of the story a fresh feeling. However, there were a lot of issues tackled that just didn't hit the mark for me. It felt odd to have some really humorous aspects combined with some really dark, tragic ones. Some writers seem to master this divide (since that is the way life is), but I just didn't feel like it was 100 percent successful here.

There are countless trigger warnings for this book, so it's definitely not an easy read (and I do think it fits better into the adult fiction category vs. YA). I was reminded of Bryn Greenwood's "The Reckless Oath We Made" because of the similarities between Zelda's obsession with Vikings and the usage of knights in her book. However, I felt like that book captured the perfect tone and heartfelt nature of describing neurodivergent characters, and this form of storytelling didn't achieve that as much.

I loved this book and am sad to have finished. I will miss Zelda! She is a young woman who had been born with Fetal Alcohol disorder. Zelda's view of the world is shaped by her love of all things Vikings. I find myself thinking in terms of "my tribe" and picked up a few choice cuss words too. I thought the story was excellent, characters had a lot of depth to them, and it moved at a decent pace. I loved that it is told from Zeldas's perspective.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books like The Rosie Project, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, and Be Frank with Me.

When We Were Vikings follows Zelda, a 21 year old woman born with fetal alcohol syndrome with an obsession for Vikings. I don't know how to describe it, except maybe quirky (but I'm not sure in a good way). For Zelda, life boils down to 5 simple rules. When her brother Gert breaks them to earn money, she must launch her own quest for heroism but most importantly out of love for her brother.

This is an uplifting debut but does seem to be very narrowly focused, not appealing to a wide-audience but is a super fast read. For me the best part of the book was the gorgeous cover which does have mass appeal.

Thank you Netgalley, Andrew David MacDonald and Gallery for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thanks for Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this novel, but I dove in and trusted the author would take me on a adventure worthy of my time. He did exactly that.

I adored this story told from the perspective of the neuro-diverse character of Zelda. She trusts in the legends of the Vikings to help guide her through a world that is difficult for most of us to completely understand. She discovers her own courage and independence by following the simple rules of Vikings. She launches her own quest on a mission: to be legendary.

The other characters are well-developed and balance each between good and evil, and those who appear to be good, but are evil at their core. Instead of just following a plot to completion, this story follows the development of Zelda and her understanding of the world, allowing the reader to grow right along with her.

This book was a great hard hitting contemporary. It was a bit different than what I typically read but I am glad to have had the experience. There were many topics that were tackled in this but they were done well.. I wish the book was longer and fleshed out a little more but the writing was great.

This book was truly unlike anything I've discovered before. Zelda is an extremely likable and easy to root for character. I liked learning about Vikings through her obsession with them (I also had an obsession with Vikings as a teenager, although more of the How to Train Your Dragon fictionalized kind). It's so interesting seeing the world through her perspective as an adult with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. It was never actually named in the book, but there are enough clues to know what she has. Although it affects her life, it doesn't define her as a person or character.

There was sometimes a feeling of dramatic irony where I, as the reader, knew what was happening while Zelda did not. For instance, the sexual jokes a few boys made at her expense that she didn't understand but I did, or when it was clear what her brother was doing and she didn't quite get it. I don't feel that this detracted from the story. It just made me feel sympathy for Zelda and kind of hope that she didn't catch on because it was sad.

Her brother definitely has his issues, and because of this, he's a complicated character. Very human. I wanted better for Zelda, but at the same time, he loves her so much and gets her in a way nobody else does.

The navigation of Zelda's sexuality, and her and her boyfriend Marxy wanting to have sex for the first time, was very well handled by the author. There's this myth that disabled people don't have sex and that's just not true at all, but I've never really seen it depicted in media before. There's this additional layer of complexity where Gert doesn't think that Zelda and Marxy even should be having sex, presumably because they are developmentally delayed, and he just feels, I don't know, icky about it. Of course it's normal to feel icky when you think about your sibling having sex! But it's more than that. I think it was realistic and awkward and real when they actually do try to have sex for the first time. We need more realistic sex scenes where everything doesn't go perfectly, because that's probably what most people's first times look like.

Because of the sex and drugs (plus attempted sexual assault) in this book, I would recommend for older teenagers, but I definitely feel this could be an appropriate young adult book, or new adult.

I was able to read this book thanks to NetGalley. I really enjoyed this story. It was a fairly quick read for me and I enjoyed the characters very much. I especially enjoyed the main character in the book, Zelda. I will be recommending this one to family and friends and looking forward to reading more from this author in the future .

When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald

I enjoyed Zelda's story and really felt invested in her quest to be legendary. She was born high functioning with fetal alcohol syndrome and learns best with repetition and rules. She is a Viking enthusiast and does everything to follow their code.

When her brother, Gert, gets himself in a sticky situation while trying to find ways to pay the bills, Zelda takes it upon herself to begin her quest. Little does she realize she's getting in over her head. And little do we know that sometimes it's the people you don't expect that will have the biggest impact.

Zelda uses her Viking studies to take control of situations that others would panic about. She calmly gains the courage by thinking like a Viking and seems to conquer each challenge in her way.

The story makes you think of familial love, the sibling bond, and found family. There are some extremely teachable moments in this book and overall I think this book can help us look at how we see and treat others.

I was attracted to this book based off the title and had no idea what it was about going in. Which I think really built upon my reading experience. This book is not really like anything I have read before. There are aspects of it that for sure screamed Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, but it was so much more and had a life and spirit of its own.

Zelda is a 21 year old female on the fetal alcohol syndrome spectrum trying to find her own way in the world. The narration style was very unique and I enjoyed being in Zelda's mind. I did question while reading just how authentic of a representation it was, but for the most part it seemed very genuine. I loved that the authors was unafraid to touch on many issues that have been avoided specifically romantic and sexual relationships. Also being willing to look at the idea of how those relationships are supposed to work when two individuals have different levels of functioning. There was also the question of home much freedom and independence should be allowed.

I know that other individuals have had different complaints about the way the scenes revolving sexuality were handled, as well as, the narrator referring to other people as being "normal". While reading, this was not the feeling I got. I felt the awkwardness and the moments of males trying to take advantage of Zelda were very apt as to what can happen to those with disabilities, especially when the do not necessarily look outwardly disabled. I think the same can be said about how Zelda tends to refer to others as being "normal". I read this less as the author implying that Zelda was not normal, but more as a comment on the fact that individuals with disabilities are made to feel as if they aren't normal for a large majority of their lives.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read and it was refreshing to read something from a more diverse perspective.

In When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald, readers are first introduced to Zelda on her twenty-first birthday. She almost immediately informs us that her father departed just after she was born; that her mother drank heavily while pregnant with her, thereby affecting her cognitive development; and that she lives with her older brother Gert, who loves her and takes care of her. She is also obsessed with Vikings, to the point where she can speak Old Norse and quote verbatim from Kepple's Guide to the Vikings. Aware of Zelda's passion, her developmental psychologist gives her an article about an ancient skeleton long thought to be that of a Viking warrior, which turned out to be female. While this is meant to inspire her to live her own life and not be so dependent on Gert—to create her own "saga"—she takes it a bit farther, deciding to become a modern-day Viking warrior herself. As she proceeds with her quest, she discovers her brother is in trouble, and uses her newfound confidence and bravery to try to save him, unwittingly putting them both in danger.

In many ways, When We Were Vikings is a standard coming-of-age novel, where a young woman on the edge of adulthood begins to discover who she really is and what she wants out of life. Over the course of the book, she desires what many young people do—basic things like landing a job and engaging in sex for the first time. What makes the book a stand-out, though, is the author's depiction of Zelda; she's a character most readers will find fascinating. Her determination to do the right thing (and sometimes get into trouble because of it) makes her an appealing protagonist, and MacDonald writes her voice so convincingly that it's hard not to root for her.

The plot, too, is intriguing; because Zelda is narrating and doesn't see the big picture, we only gradually become aware of the intricacies of Gert's life and the sacrifices he has made to ensure Zelda thrives. This part of the story has the potential to really draw readers in, particularly as it becomes apparent that Zelda doesn't understand just how ruthless Gert's "friends" truly are.

Much of the novel concerns Zelda's intimate experimentation with Marxy, a young man she's met at her community center who also has cognitive issues. The author deserves kudos for showing that those with impairments often have physical wants and needs just like most other humans on the planet, thereby normalizing his characters. Unfortunately, there's so much discussion around this topic that the middle of the book bogs down somewhat, and some of the sexual scenes between the couple are perhaps the most awkward I've ever read. I personally wasn't bothered by the explicitness of these passages, but I can easily imagine others might be. Also, throughout the novel, the characters frequently use rather foul language and there's a certain amount of violence against women, either of which could be off-putting for some.

My primary criticism of the book is that the protagonist's narrative voice is extremely reminiscent of some other young characters in contemporary literature such as Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Oskar Schell in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Zelda's speech pattern and way of thinking are written so similarly that one is tempted to describe MacDonald's novel as derivative. Although Zelda's circumstances are wildly different and the book as a whole has a much darker feel than these earlier works, there are enough similarities that one can't help but draw parallels.

Overall, When We Were Vikings is a fast, entertaining read, and one that I would recommend to most who are looking for an interesting book featuring a different kind of heroine. Those who enjoyed the works mentioned above will almost certainly like this novel as well. It would also be a great selection for a book group; its themes surrounding the experience of living with cognitive differences would make great fuel for discussion.

Really enjoyed this one! I love reading about vikings and I love seeing disabilities featured in fantasy novels. Will definitely be on the lookout for more books from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Zelda is a young woman with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome who is being cared for by her older brother after their father goes to prison and their mother dies of cancer. Gert is struggling and Zelda, a Viking enthusiast, wants to create her own legend where she is the hero. This is a beautiful coming of age story with wonderfully written characters and a lot of heart. The author does a great job showing us life through the eyes of someone with mental challenges.

I want to begin with this book isn't for everyone, it has trigger warnings mostly alcohol and fetal alcohol syndrome.

That being said Zelda was such a great character to get to know and go on this adventure with. The storyline was just so powerful i highly recommend giving this one a read!

Zelda love everything about Vikings. She love reading about them and is trying to live her life like one. Zelda lives with her brother who has taken care of her since their parents died. Gert is making sure that Zelda is growing up to be the best she can be. Zelda was born with a few challenges but with the help of her brother and councilors she is learning to thrive in a hard world.
When some drug runners threaten Gert and Zelda’s way of life Zelda and her Viking way take over to help her brother.
This a good story of perseverance and family love.

If you are looking for a book with a memorable character, I have a feeling that you will fall in love with Zelda. Zelda is an older teenager on the fetal alcohol syndrome spectrum, who happens to see herself as a modern-day Viking.
Her obsession with being a Viking is what fuels her quest to accomplish many things in life and helps her identify the heroes and the villains in life.
Raised by her older brother, Gert, they struggle with mounting financial issues that lead to selling drugs and putting them both in dangerous situations.
As each of them is struggling to navigate the world, in their own ways, they both hope to find love and security in some unlikely places.
You can’t help but to fall in love with Zelda, as she struggles to navigate social cues, her sex life with her boyfriend (who struggles cognitively more than she does), the tribe of warriors who teach her to navigate the world, and how she finds identity in the legendary Vikings.
I found the first half to be stronger than the second, but I absolutely adored this story. I loved it so much that I finished it in a day, it was that enjoyable. The bonus? You learn a heck of a lot about Vikings in the process of this one.

Ahhhhhhhh this little book . . . . . She ain't for errrrybody!

If you are of the ilk that is offended by everything it’s probably best to just stay far farrrrrrr away. The protagonist here isn’t your average gal, her family is not your average family and their issues aren’t your average issues. There’s plenty to get butthurt about. For the rest of you with more open minds who are willing to take a risk, hopefully you will find yourself in the same boat as me and completely smitten by this story . . . .

My legend will show people that, even if you are not gargantuan, you can still be strong and brave and help others in your tribe.

And find yourself so wrapped up in the lives of characters such as Zelda, her brother Gert, his on/off again girlfriend Annie (also known as AK-47) and more than one bad guy who deserves a monkey to crawl out of their butt that you don’t ever want it to end just so they can stay in your life a little while longer.

All the Stars.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!

BOOK REVIEW: When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald

Genre: Fiction

Centers around a young woman born with fetal alcohol syndrome and her brother, also her guardian, as they navigate together their lives as a family.

Now, if I had to create a “book recipe” for this book, I'd say…

• Start off with a flat-out great fiction

• Stuff with a “thriller-esque” vibe

• Then… Sprinkle with a generous dose of quirky!

Zelda, the wonderful young woman at the center of this story, is a refreshingly unusual character. She's absolutely obsessed with Vikings, protecting her own tribe, standing on her own two feet and living her own legend.

She will inspire you, surprise you, entertain you, and most importantly… Encourage you to see how special needs can be a special gift.

When We Were Vikings is a debut novel from a wonderful new author.

And if you loved the book Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, you've just found your next great read!

When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald
2020 Book Release | February

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All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Books & DIY Home Ideas | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com ... Including my video tutorials for DIY home ideas inspired by recommended books to support you in bringing your favorite books to life in your life and home.

You can see my full review for When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald at https://www.thisismyeverybody.com/books/reading-wrap-up-march-2020


✨😎✨A big thank you to Andrew David MacDonald, Gallery Books / Scout Press and NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in my review are my own.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title. Unfortunately this title didn’t grab my attention enough for me to see it through.

I had a very hard time with this book. I tried picking it up 4 times over the course of several months and never could get into it. I find the narrator to be very dry with little or if any personality. This may be because I couldn't get past 30 pages. I hope for other readers that if you are able to stick with it the narrator develops more.