I have been looking forward to this for a while and I was so excited to get an advanced copy! The premise sounded intriguing and the cover art is fantastic.  

Tiny Synopsis: Zelda is 21 and she is the biggest Viking enthusiast and also on the alcohol fetal syndrome spectrum -  She lives with her brother Gert who does his best to provide for her despite having to resort to shady business dealings in order to survive. His ex gf AK47 also is a strong member of their “tribe” or family. Zelda is looking to fulfill her own legends like in the stories she reads and to do what’s right even if it conflicts with her own rigid rules she has. 

Thank you to @netgalley and Scout Press  for the advanced copy for my honest review! 

My Review:⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars

This story is very different than what I normally read & being in the mind of Zelda is eye-opening. Her hardships of trying to get people to understand her and her methodology to decision-making really enlightens me to the struggles of those who are in anyway developmentally challenged. I love all the Viking details she incorporates into her daily life and how her version of a “fair maiden” can be a man (aka her bf). Many parts were so lighthearted and heartwarming, but then other parts I wanted to scream into the book about all the terrible decisions she makes because she thinks she is a viking. I do not doubt this book would make a powerful film one day - but I really struggled reading some parts because of how frustrating her character despite her challenges. Also the tone of the book shifted back and forth so much between light and fluffy to really dark - and I was surprised by that. The writing was great and Macdonald really created these complex people - I just wished I liked them more.

The book is out Jan 28, 2020!

This is a solid debut that makes me excited to see what world Andrew David MacDonald creates next time. Unfortunately, so much of the novel was focused on the main character's obsession with planning to have sex for the first time. I'm not a prude, but I don't understand the fixation on this when there are so many other stories for the writer to tell. It ultimately ruins the world MacDonald could have created.

Zelda has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which has left her with some cognitive issues that affect her outlook on life. She’s obsessed with Vikings and desperately wants to be a Viking herself. She lives with her older brother Gert, who is also her caretaker. He’s extremely protective of her – to a fault. During the day, she goes to a community center for people with intellectual disabilities and even has a boyfriend named Marxy who goes there too.

I love Zelda. She’s earnest, kind and even though she’s intellectually challenged, she can be very insightful. She can also be unintentionally funny but MacDonald writes her in a way that never makes fun of her. The Viking code she lives by could be useful for everyone. When her brother Gert gets into trouble, Zelda vows to help him. Gert is in over his head trying to take care of Zelda now that’s she’s an adult. His intentions are good but he doesn’t always makes the best choices regarding Zelda or his life in general. In addition to Gert, Zelda has a wonderful “tribe” of people that support her emotionally, including Gert’s on-again, off-again girlfriend and the people that work at the center. They are fabulous supporting characters.

I loved this book. I read it in one afternoon which is rare for me. There are some tense moments when Zelda is trying to secretly help Gert in his dealings with some extremely unsavory people. My stomach was in knots as a furiously read to see if Gert and Zelda were going to have a happy ending. Surprisingly, When We Were Vikings is MacDonald’s debut novel. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. Highly recommended.

I wanted to like When We Were Vikings, because I enjoy Norse mythology and appreciate Viking history, however I was unable to connect with this story. Zelda is a high-functioning 21 year old woman born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She believes in her Viking roots and its tenets form a common line of thought as she navigates the imperfect world set before her. Her brother is normal and has potential, but he squanders that potential with poor choices. While the premise for the story and characters is interesting, the execution is where it crumbles for me.

Aside from her Viking heritage, Zelda's predominant thoughts are about sex or the possibility of it with her lower-functioning boyfriend down at the community center, which felt uninspired and somewhat exploitative. Much of the book features constantly recurring swearing, which grew old for me fairly quickly because most of the time it felt unnecessary. I felt like an instance of attempted rape in this story was inappropriate, didn't advance the characters, and simply didn't settle well with me. Bearing in mind that I enjoy books like The Nevernight Chronicle and TV shows like Game of Thrones, my criticism of these aspects of the book is not from discomfort but simply that the author did not sell me on the idea that our heroine needed to be preoccupied with lust, that the characters needed filthy mouths, or that sexual assault had a valid place in the narrative.

When We Were Vikings is, unfortunately, a promising premise that stumbles in execution. For me, it fails to deliver its implied promise of a modern day Valkyrie heroine, and I can't recommend it.

Zelda has fetal alcohol syndrome, because her mother drank while she was pregnant with her. She is high functioning, and besides being small, she looks "normal", so this is not immediately obvious to outsiders. She's a huge fan of the Vikings, and likes to live her life based on their code of honor as well as the book <i>Kepple's Guide to the Vikings</i>. She relies on her tribe, which includes her close family and friends, and rules to help her navigate the world. The problem is, Zelda doesn't feel different, and she doesn't want to be treated different either. This is where her brother Gert, who has raised her since her mother's passing of cancer, differ in opinions. She wants to have sex with her boyfriend, and Gert would rather not hear about it. While he tries his best to protect her, Zelda wants to become legendary and help her tribe. This book is her quest.

<i>When We Were Vikings</i> is not a book I would typically read, but I found myself devouring it. Zelda is an honest, and deceptively charming heroin of her own story. She never doubts herself, and always pushes herself to be better because her tribe needs her. She finds that the boundaries she has built for herself based off her rules, aren't necessary as she goes on her quest to become legendary. 

"<b>Things Legends Need</b>
*A hero who is skilled in hand-to-hand combat
*A powerful weapon for the hero to use
*The hero must win the love of a fair maiden in danger
*Every hero needs a wise man
*Pillaging rival villages for treasure
*The hero must defeat a villain who threatens the tribe"

"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."

Her brother Gert tries hard to be the person AK47, his ex-girlfriend, and Zelda need him to be, but has trouble believing in himself. Instead of going to college like he's supposed to be, he's getting himself, and ultimately his tribe, caught up in things he shouldn't be. Instead of protecting Zelda, Zelda ends up saving Gert. 

I thought Zelda and this book were a bit quirky, which I loved, but also took on a lot of dark subject matters. I'm not sure that the dark parts were handled very well, and in some ways they were almost glossed over. Ultimately, I loved Zelda's pov, and she really was the saving grace of this story. 

"Sometimes the most important things don't fit on lists," I said. "And sometimes those are things we don't expect."

This book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All quotes from the book are subject to change.

This book was a hard one for me to rate. I loved much of it, the compelling inter-relationships, conversations and Zelda’s ‘incredible voice, her quirky Viking’ mentality and unique point of view, an impressively written debut and one unlike anything I've read. 

So, what didn’t I like? Zelda and disabled friend Marxy are on the cusp of adulthood and are quite focused on a plan to ‘do it’ for the first time. It was hard getting through these pages - it was uncomfortable and a recurring focus. 

*will post to online venues upon publication

Oh Zelda, sweet Zelda! She is strong, she is fierce, she lives by the Viking code! And wonderfully, so do those around her. My favorite part of this book were the supporting characters who were all willing to understand how Zelda needed to frame her world and to work within that structure. For me, they were the true heroes of the book! I really enjoyed reading how Zelda viewed her world and strived to be her own best and help those around her. Reading her deal with her boyfriend, her brother's troubles, and learn about herself was a heart warming and heart breaking experience all at the same time. This book did not get overly sappy but made sure to pull on the reader's emotions.

I received this as an ARC. Honestly, I’ve tried to read it about three times now and just can’t get into it. It may be because I’m a mood reader and I haven’t been in the mood for the last three month? Whatever the case, if you are used to to fast paced books this may not be for you.

When We Were Vikings is a unique story about a young girl and her quest to become a Viking legend. I love when I stumble upon a book that doesn’t check all the typical mainstream marks. Perfect, flawless characters can become so repetitive and boring - give me something off the beaten path.

Zelda is on the fetal alcohol spectrum, a result of her mother drinking heavily while pregnant. In her early twenties Zelda lives with her older brother Gert, both parents have passed and after escaping an asshole uncle they are now living on their own.

I liked a lot about this book, I enjoyed Zelda’s journey becoming more independent and all the bumps along the way. Some of the stuff with the villains or as Zelda would say ‘fuck-dicks’, was a bit unneeded, maybe… idk, I’m a bit torn on some of it. Anyway, all and all, this was an entertaining read for me.

I held off reading this book for a long time. For some reason, I thought this book might be a burden for me to read. Something I might have to slog through. I couldn’t have been more wrong. When We Were Vikings is fast paced with a heroine’s voice that grips a tender space in my heart and shines through the entire novel.

Zelda is different. She’s twenty-one, lives with her older brother, and loves Vikings. We know from the beginning, her cognitive reasoning and pathways differ than mainstream young adults her age. Why this is the case has everything to do with her mother’s abuse of alcohol. What I love about the writing is that Zelda is not a caricature. Her voice comes alive, we learn to understand Zelda and the decisions she makes. How she communicates and why. And she’s authentic. So authentic. I love Zelda.

We know she lives with her older brother, Gert. He does not have the same cognitive differences that Zelda has, and is responsible for her well-being. He’s currently in college on a scholarship, though he’s not taken a typical path to higher education. Gert and Zelda have experienced great trauma and as the story progresses, Gert’s choices are understood. How he was able to start college at the age of twenty-one, after winning a scholarship. And why he chooses to interact with shady characters in order to care for Zelda. At least in his mind, it allows him the ability to provide protection.

As we know, things go awry. Especially when we interact with shifty people and illegal dealings. And once Zelda realizes her brother is in trouble, she rises to the occasion, as any strong Viking would.

It’s a beautiful messy story of loyalty, deception, love, pain, trauma, and triumph. A story where both Zelda and Gert evolve, ushering the siblings into a new stage of their lives. I adored this book.

Zelda, a 21 year old living with a cognitive disability due to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, has sworn to live her life by the Viking codes. There are rules her tribe (or closest family and friends) must follow, and steps she must take in order to become legendary. But when her brother (and caretaker), Gert, becomes tangled up in relationships and behaviors that don’t follow these rules, Zelda learns that sometimes heroes and legends can be born out of the unexpected.  

Let me start out by saying that I really enjoyed When We Were Vikings by Andrew David MacDonald. But I also feel like it has the potential to be polarizing. I loved seeing the story unfold from Zelda’s perspective and I absolutely adored her character. I also thought her relationship with Gert’s girlfriend, Annie (or AK47) was really sweet, and I found Zelda’s journey towards her own independence to be very inspiring.  

This is not an easy-breezy, lighthearted read by any means. It tackles lots of heavy topics including substance abuse and assault (both physical and sexual). Also be aware that there is a lot of adult language in this one. The sibling loyalty and overall drama reminded me quite a bit of the show Shameless, for those who have watched it. This book made me feel allllllll the feelings, so that’s why I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review! Look for this one January 28th!

Wow! I had heard some buzz about this book and was excited to get my hands on an ARC. This was an amazing look into Zelda’s life from her own perspective. It was really interesting to me to read from the perspective of someone on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, especially as an adult. I loved how Zelda persevered through her troubles and became her own hero! There were a few plot points that I thought could have been elaborated on a little more, but overall I found myself rooting for Zelda (and Annie) throughout! Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC!

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!