Tear-jerker alert. Zelda, Gert and AK-47 are a powerful combo. Zelda, born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, is, by most lights, impaired. But in the opinion of those who have taken the time to know her, she is a Valkyrie. Gert, Zelda’s brother, is decidedly under-privileged. A high-school drop-out with responsibility for an impaired sister, trying to get out from under a financial debt incurred for all the right reasons…. AK-47 is my personal heroine. She loves Gert and Zelda, and tries to support them as they all struggle to find their way forward. Their is no happy ending here, although the good guys all make incremental progress in their difficult lives.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was fantastic.

I loved getting to know Zelda as a character- she’s funny, observant, smart, and so so caring. I loved getting the chance to see how she viewed the world and how she went to great lengths to help those in “her tribe.”

I had never read a book from the perspective of someone with fetal alcohol syndrome, and this book introduced me to people with this condition. I’m now interested in seeking out more literature from this perspective. On the same note, I also really enjoyed the representation of others with different abilities. These are not characters I often encounter in books, and I felt that the author handled these characters with care.

In fact, I felt that the characters in this book were my favorite aspect. They were all dynamic, multi-dimensional, real people that I could easily visualize and connect with. I loved the support network that Zelda had around her- especially AK47 and Pearl.

This book was heartwarming and real. Great start to my 2020 reading!

When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald is a powerful book. Zelda, the main character, a young woman challenged with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome learns a lot about herself and her capabilities. She sees herself as a Viking and her brother Gert and a few others as her tribe. Zelda decides she wants to be a legend and makes a list of what she needs to do in order to become one. Lists are an important element of this book. Zelda and Gert have lists they follow as a family, household lists, Zelda has her Legend list, both Zelda and Marxy (Zelda's boyfriend) each have a list for an important relationship milestone. When people set aside the list or make exceptions, that is when trouble happens.

I'm not crazy about the language used in this book, but realize that sometimes people do talk like that, especially when in certain environments or situations. I do like seeing a book that includes characters of all abilities as it is rare to find books that acknowledge let alone feature characters with developmental challenges. I hope to see more in the future as that is real life and more accurately shows the rich tapestry of life.

Trigger warnings should include rape, violence, coarse language, profanity, use of the word "retard", sexual situations.

I loved the cover. Loved the synopsis of the plot. Then I started reading. Within a few pages, the crude language and crass descriptions of sexual situations began. I kept reading, hoping the expletives and creative four-letter insults would disappear. They did not -- even when Zelda was working at her library job! For me, this book had so much promise. I just can't think of anyone I would recommend it to. "Ginny Moon" by Benjamin Ludwig does a much better job helping us to understand a young woman with fetal alcohol syndrome.

Thank you to Gallery and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

OMG, what a wonderful debut for Andrew David MacDonald!! He has provided us with a glorious read and more than earned a spot on my "authors to watch" list.

With MacDonald's deep and rich characters, the reader is immediately drawn into the life of Zelda, a mentally disabled, 21 year old girl, who was born with fetal alcohol syndrome. She lives with her older brother, Gert, likes rules, and is absolutely fixated on Vikings. Though Gert does his best to look after Zelda, protect her, and provide for their needs, those very responsibilities lead him to make some dangerous choices. Determined to do her part to contribute to her tribe, Zelda undertakes a Viking quest to become a legend.

Zelda has tremendous heart, spirit and integrity, and it is absolutely thrilling and heartwarming to see her come into her own power, positively impacting the lives of those around her as she does so.

I expect to see this on the best books of the year. Please, do not miss this wonderful read!!

My gratitude to NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

In his debut novel, Andrew David MacDonald has put a refreshing spin on a coming-of-age narrative with a cast of off-beat characters. At the heart of WHEN WE WERE VIKINGS is Zelda, a 21-year-old, Viking-aficionado with fetal alcohol syndrome. While Zelda knows she’s different, she is no less determined to play the hand life has dealt her to the fullest. She wants what any 21-year-old wants: acceptance, independence, to have sex with her boyfriend, have her own bank account, and write her own legend. Of course, things become even more complicated when Zelda learns that her older brother, and guardian, Gert owes a “villainous” drug dealer money. But like the true Viking warrior she is, she sets out on a quest to save her brother and protect her tribe. As Zelda’s legend unfolds, we see MacDonald thoughtfully balance drama and violence with humor without ever becoming condescending or overly sentimental. The fierce love and loyalty Zelda has for her family and friends will leave readers feeling inspired to set out on their own daring quests and become the heroes of their own legends.

I loved this book! As an educator who is going back to school to get a degree in students with disabilities I found the fact that the story was told from the perspective of someone with a disability wonderful Zelda is a young lady who is high functioning but still struggles from the effects of her fetal alcohol syndrome. She likes having rules to help her understand the world and loves her brother Gert and Vikings. When she realizes the questionable things Gert does to help support them both she is now faced with a problem. Overall I felt this was a great read!

When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
pub date: 1/28/20
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When We Were Vikings tells the unique story of Zelda, a 21 year old Viking enthusiast who lives with her brother Gert. Zelda is very analytical in the way she processes the world. As a high-functioning person on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, Zelda constructs rules that help her navigate her life with Gert and her goal of becoming legendary. When Gert finds himself in some trouble, Zelda decides that protecting her family will be her legend.
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This story is so unique. I absolutely love that this story is told from Zelda’s point of view as a person with a disability. Learning about how Zelda processed very complicated, sometimes traumatic matters made me root for her so hard! There are a lot of likable, well-written characters in this novel that I absolutely fell in love with. While much of this story is light and feel-good, there are some heavy themes and an ending I did not see coming. Fans of Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime should check this one out! Thank you @netgalley and @gallerybooks for my advanced readers copy. When We Were Vikings is a January @bookofthemonth selection and will be released everywhere on January 28th!

Great story and characters. I loved the unique voice and point of view. I would've loved to have heard the story behind why Annie was called AK47 :)

I thought I was going to really like When We WereVikings, but unfortunately it was a miss for me. I didn't like Zelda. I know, I am a horrible person, and terribly un pc. I have no experience with fetal alcohol syndrome, and very little with cognitive/developmental issues or those with an intellectual disability, which may color my reactions. I just couldn't understand or justify some of her choices, even knowing she didn't have the same cognitive process that I do. And her "tribe" really should have nipped some things in the bud. If she was allowed some degree of independence things like personal safety and what to do in an emergency needed to have been clearly addressed, particularly when those in trusted power positions knew that Viking culture was her frame of reference. Because of all that I found this book very frustrating.

When We Were Vikings has been likened to The Curious Incident of the Barking Dog and Eleanor Oliphant is Just Fine, but I found the only similarity to be that the main characters are “on the spectrum” and yet, bravely persevere.

Zelda is a Viking enthusiast. She also suffers from fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. While she takes all inputs quite literally, it is obvious that she is high functioning given her interactions with her peers at the community center where she spends much of her day. She uses Viking lore to create her rules/boundaries and her life trajectory.

She and her brother, Gert, muddle through life together. Gert is an incredibly kind older brother, but his lack of options lead to desperate, bad choices. My heart went out to Gert; at a very young age, he has taken on the role of caregiver to his sister. Regardless of misguided choices, his heart is full of love for Zelda and his intentions are always for the benefit of his sister.

Some of the controversial issues covered in the book will create excellent book group discussion. Mr. MacDonald respectfully presents the various sensitive topics. The story is filled with quirky characters and despicable caricatures (the antagonists). The plot of When We Were Vikings is straightforward and well-paced. I did find some of the plot points to be highly unbelievable. I loved the message about Zelda being charge of her own life as well as her lovely view of her “tribe”. I found When We Were Vikings to be mildly amusing and at times heart-warming story of family and community.

This book was very hard to get into. The main character suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome - she is also the narrator. I felt like one particular scene ( rape) just wasn't needed to the story.

Overall not the book for me.

Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Zelda is a 21-year-old with fetal alcohol syndrome living with her brother, Gert. When Zelda was younger Gert gave her a book about Vikings and since then she has been living by the rules of Vikings. First and foremost a Viking must protect her tribe. When Gert finds himself in trouble due to some problematic choices, Zelda decides she must go on her own quest to help her tribe and assist in the collection of the hoard. When We Were Vikings follows Zelda on her quest to become a legend.

I liked this book and I found it a really easy read. I did find this book problematic with its use of the "r" word. The author tried to justify its use at times by having Zelda use it with the mind-frame that since she has a mental handicap it is okay that she used it. It personally rubbed me the wrong way. The author also had other individuals use that word towards Zelda. I personally don't like that word and don't think it needed to be used to further any part of this story. If you look outside of the use of that word the book is even better; however, the word is included in the text of the novel, multiple times too, so I feel like it needs to be taken into account. I've tried to look up Andrew David MacDonald to see if there may be rational behind his inclusion of this word but I haven't been able to find a lot on him. When We Were Vikings is a debut novel and I look forward to seeing what Mr. MacDonald writes in the future but I hope he can be conscientious of the words he uses in the future when talking about a group of individuals with or without disabilities.

Knowing that words will scarcely describe how this sweet and simple book touched me in such a lasting way, I'm going to try anyway. Because that's what Zelda would do.

To boil it down to three words, this book is <em>surprising, original,</em> and <em>endearing</em>.

I loved that <em>When We Were Vikings</em> is told from Zelda's viewpoint. She's a wonderfully unique and resilient protagonist. Instead of the story being told <em>about</em> her, which might elicit pity instead of understanding, Zelda reframes her disabilities by telling her own story. We're able to see her strengths and limitations through her own eyes.

The cast of characters is very diverse (races, sexual orientations, ages, family situations, mental abilities) but it doesn't feel forced. This charming and quirky bunch of characters brings such candor and breathes life into the pages. They're awkward and uncomfortable, often failing miserably and are shockingly offensive, but they always try again.

Having some family members with mental disabilities, this book really touched my heart. Not because it merely talks about similar people who struggle with the same life choices, but because it portrays them so compassionately...And with awkward humor for their unflinching comfort with things that make many others flinch. Like sex. Oh my, the conversations about sex that Zelda and her boyfriend have with their family is amazing and so perfectly honest.

Give this book a try, I can't imagine you'll be disappointed. There's laughs, tears, and smiles to be had! I can guarantee that you will fall in love with Zelda, and you might even decide to become your own Viking hero!

Trigger Warnings for sexual abuse and violence / Content Warnings for language and sexual discussions
<em>Thank you to Scout Press for a complimentary copy of this advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinion. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and all opinions expressed are my own.</em>

Gritty lifestyle meets plucky, unconventional heroine might be the summary of this tale that veers between uplifting and grim. It’s difficult to say whether all of the violence is justified; perhaps it is a reflection of current interests in fiction. These aren’t just two hard luck siblings living on the edge, they also must experience the requisite physical damage needed to make the story edgy. The overarching theme of Viking bravery is wonderful, though. This is almost a young adult book, for the right readers. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

When We Were Vikings is a difficult book to categorize. It’s a coming of age story. It’s uplifting and heartwarming. It’s tragic and it has moments of despair. There is humor and overwhelming obstacles. But, in the end, it’s a story of a family that is trying its best to survive, even though the family consists of only two siblings. Gert, the older brother, feels the weight of the world as he tries to provide for and protect his younger sister, Zelda, who is “different”. Born to an alcoholic mother, she has fetal alcohol syndrome and struggles to fit in and succeed on her own.

Zelda is fascinated with all things Viking, constantly referring to a particular book called “Kepple’s Guide to the Vikings” where she learns that there are six things every legend must do to fulfill their quest. Zelda, at the age of 21, is determined to become a legend by protecting her tribe and fulfilling her quest. Along the way she has support and comfort from a wide variety of people.

Mr MacDonald’s writing is truly original as he tells the story from Zelda’s point of view. However, this might not be a book that will suit every reader. The language is a bit raw and some descriptions and discussions might be too graphic for some. But, there are also elements in this book that will make the reader pause and think about the fact that we are all capable of being “legends”. We just have to realize what we are capable of and what is important. One of my favorite quotes seems to sum up the feeling I had after finishing this book:

The most important parts of life, the parts really worth cherishing, are the things we don’t expect.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

So many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this phenomenal book! “When We Were Vikings” by Andrew David MacDonald is the quirky coming of age story of a young woman named Zelda who has fetal alcohol syndrome. Zelda, who lives with her older brother Gert, fancies herself a modern-day female Viking warrior and is on a mission to fulfill her own legend. Zelda is definitely an unlikely hero, but a hero she is.

Zelda is one of the most compelling literally characters I have encountered in quite some time. She is brave and real and imperfect. She loves hard and makes the difficult choices she needs to protect those she loves. In her quest to be legendary, Zelda will inspire readers to be legendary as well.

This book is so well-written and developed that it is difficult to believe it is the author’s debut novel. I absolutely loved it. This book made me feel all the feels; it was laugh out loud funny and also heartwarmingly poignant. Though this book does contain some sexual content as well as harsh language, but this in no way detracts from the beauty of the story and makes Zelda more relatable and believable as an imperfect person in an imperfect world. I adored everything about this book and look forward to more from this author. “When We Were Vikings” is definitely a don’t-miss read for 2020!

Originally I grabbed at this title for the main character, Zelda, who seemed to structure her life around some simple rules and seemed to be trying to live her own life with her older brother Gert being her own family. This looked like a story that would have some interesting points, particularly as one of her ‘life points’ was to understand that the most important stuff can’t always fit on them. And that was intriguing. And then the story started and Zelda was much more than a simple character – she’s got Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and that has her working to learn basic life skills, has a disabled boyfriend, is quirky and obsessed with sex, sees a therapist regularly, and for much of her life it’s been her and her brother against the world. But Gert is doing all sorts of things, legal and illegal – and it’s up to Zelda to navigate the tricky waters of the world to make things work out and get him out of jail.

So far, so good – and the story was quick reading and flowed well. But there were issues – some felt forced, some just felt outright ‘icky’, and there was a strong sense of Zelda not being as “together” as she wanted to appear, and unable to see the contradictions in her world view versus her situation. She’s a bit of a snob – going to great lengths to tell us she’s ‘different from many with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and she’s quite vain – she enjoys the attention of men (even without the sex) but isn’t quite advanced enough to understand ‘good versus bad’ interactions with them. The obsession with sex is something that is easy to understand – and it does make her feel much younger – but she’s also not random with that desire – there’s a sure plan that she’s trying to work on with her boyfriend – who is also disabled.

Then we have the “Viking” tie in – I get it – really I do. There’s a certain level of ‘self-motivation’ behind the calling herself a Valkyrie that would appear attractive to someone who, at the root, feels different and perhaps a bit helpless. But we are so frequently reminded of that – and the other ‘quirky’ traits of the other characters that just once I was hoping to find someone without any – maybe even a bit boring and wallflower-like. Perhaps most disturbing for me was not the disabilities in themselves – I thought the author did a solid job trying to bring different characters with different issues in, but there were moments where offhanded comments and attitudes felt dismissive and degrading, and left me with an overall bad taste in my mouth. That being said – the author had some unique ideas and character portrayals, and it will be interesting to see where he goes from here.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aBa /” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

A book where the main character is obsessed with Vikings?


Not normally the kind of book that I would jump all over. I actually have no clue what made me want to read this book but whatever/whoever it was...thank you!!

Zelda is a character that is different. Zelda is a character that I wish the world had more of. She is honest, outspoken for her tribe and knows what she wants. In this story we get to go with her on her quest for a bit.

Zelda lives with her big brother Gert. She goes to the community center during most days and reads her Viking handbook to study exactly how to live as a warrior. Zelda grows as a character before the reader's eyes in this story. She wants to support her tribe as in her brother Gert...who is making some questionable choices, Gert's ex AK47 who Zelda completely believes should get back in love with Gert, some villains aka 'fuck dicks' who want to disturb the peace of Zelda's tribe....


and Zelda's "fair maiden" Marxy...who she is in love with and will have the sex with.


Life never works out as we plan it though and Zelda's quest becomes more than she ever imagines it. Including her love for Marxy.
I have to burn a picture of him to show the gods how angry I am with him. Are there any other ways to make it clear to the gods that we are no longer together anymore? Also, are there any special Viking ways to curse their union?

To say I LOVE this book is an understatement. Do I recommend it? Yes, to the people with open minds who want to see Zelda be legendary.
To the ones that are sticks in the mud and are going to be offended by it. (Fuck-dicks)


Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review

I feel like the description for this book was entirely misleading, as it was not anywhere near that of The Silver Linings Playbook. This book reminded me much more of Brynn Greenwood's writing and had a dark humorous undertone. I'm wondering if I would've liked it more had it not been misrepresented.