On the heels of the now defunct (thank goodness) plethora of vampire fiction , "disability fiction" has now taken over. Many authors have tapped into the public's thirst for stories about high functioning people on the Asperger's spectrum. MacDonald veers away from that into the spectrum of FAS in telling the story of twenty-one year-old Zelda who is determined to write her on legend, modeling the Viking women warriors.

In contrast to Asperger novels, protagonists who are FAS patients do not have "abnormal" abilities that signal a happy ending in fiction. Nor do they have that extraordinary differentness of Asperger protagonists so intriguing to readers who function "normally." In truth, FAS afflicted lack the romantic exotic quirkiness of the bright Asperger fiction heroes. MacDonald's tone, while relieved by occasional natural and charming humor, leaves no doubt that this is a dark novel, foretelling danger that the heroine, her brother, and his girlfriend will have to confront and overcome.

All the main characters are sympathetic in spite of their weaknesses and failings; they are realistic and distinct personalities who make up nearly equal weight in the novel. Their struggles to be the warriors in their own legends make the reader root for them. However, MacDonald doesn't seem to like writing about true villains as much as he does like writing about truly heroic strugglers. His novel emphasizes the values of courage, persistence, and the duty of individuals to fulfill their potential, the qualities that enrich contemporary fiction all too rarely.

I found this to be a thought provoking read but a rather rosy depiction of fetal alcohol syndrome, which in my experience, is much more devastating to those afflicted than it ever was to Zelda. But don't let that critical reaction keep you from reading an inspiring and satisfying novel about three people who are easy to love and respect. This is that book.

This is a raw and honest story about people doing the best with their disadvantages/limitations and relying on a tribe to get through hard times. It’s about difficult choices made in times of crisis. It’s hard to read at times, and by no means a fairy tale. But, still a story worth being told.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When We Were Vikings tells the story of Zelda, a girl born on the fetal alcohol spectrum, as she takes control of her own journey to become a hero. Along the way she fights against the "Grendels" of her past to make the Norse gods proud, and with the help of her tribe and some friends along the way, Zelda proves her strength and independence to truly become the hero of her own legend.

This book is all at once completely heartbreaking and uplifting while providing a really important personal narrative of familial trauma and FASD. Though faced with many challenges both internally and externally, Zelda takes all of the doubts directed toward her and fights to be her own hero. She holds fast to herself and makes all of her tribe proud (and is laugh out loud funny along the way).

*curse word warning*
(If you don't think I'm going to constantly be using the terms "shit-heel" and "fuck-dicks" from now on, then you're very mistaken)

Heartbreaking, humorous, realistic, memorable.

This novel definitely has a reality check throughout the story. Many points of discussion about proper life choices. Just because you live in a difficult situation doesn't mean there will be bad things happening.

There's plenty to discuss in this novel, about life, love, loss, friends and family. I'm not sure if the typos were because of the ARC copy or because the main character had a developmental disability. The Vikings mythology mixed in with the story was unique and entertaining. Many parts were funny, while others a learning opportunity. I would've liked to seen a Social Worker in the story but a psychiatrist did well as a small character involvement.

Personally I would've liked to seen the main character make better decisions or at least had a better support group to prevent her from making some very bad choices, but overall the story was engrossing to read, and I would reccomend it for adults to discuss with their teen children.

Such an amazing read!!! When We Were Vikings centers around Zelda who is a 21 year old on the fetal alcohol spectrum. Zelda’s dad left when she was young and her mom pasted away and she lives with her older brother, Gert. Money is tight and Zelda has made it her mission to contribute monetarily. Craving the stability of routine, Zelda forces herself out of her comfort zone to find a job. All the while, Zelda is also going through the stages of first love with her boyfriend. If Gert can get back together with his ex-girlfriend and stay in school everything in Zelda’s life will be as she wants it...right?!!!?

I literally had my whole heart wrapped up in this book!! Told through Zelda’s perspective, we follow her journey as she navigates becoming an adult and finding herself worthy enough to be the hero she’s always been! The storyline managed to shatter my heart and build back together unlike any novel I’ve read before and I simply devoured it! The cast of characters were eclectic and extremely endearing!!! I am totally wow’ed by Andrew David MacDonald’s writing and the fact that it’s his debut novel?!?? Talk about hitting out of the park on your first try!! I’m so flipping excited to see what Andrew David MacDonald comes out with next!!

I received a Digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book completely sucked me in. MacDonald did an amazing job of writing this book through the eyes of Zelda, a young woman on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, as she learns about life, love, family, right and wrong, good and bad, and, of course, vikings.

Zelda lives her life according to a strict set of rules, where things are either good or bad and people are either heroes (Vikings) or villains (Grendels). But throughout the course of the story, Zelda learns that real life isn't always so black and white.