Saint Magnus, the Last Viking

Such a wonderful story about Saint Magnus. Susan Peeks books are the best ever! If you buy it you will not regret it! I also liked this cover by Anne Peek better than the one with the ship on it! Thank you Susan Peek! And keep up the good work!

What a fantastic read! Although historical fiction is not the usual genre I read, I absolutely loved this fictional story of the life of Saint Magnus. It was gripping from beginning to end, and I was up late trying to find out what happens next and how the story ended. Susan Peek is a wonderful writer. I love her style and elements of humor. This book is perfect for teens. It teaches them about saints in a way that is both wildly entertaining and edifying. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Probably my favourite of Susan Peek's novels! Absolutely love the scenario, the well-written characters, and the thrilling adventure from page to page. 12/10 any day!

Saint Magnus, the Last Viking is a page-turner sure to please teens and adults who enjoy high stakes adventures. I found the story especially fascinating because it’s inspired by real historical figures, including a saint I’d never heard of before. I was hooked from the first page and didn’t want to put the book down. The only reason I’m not giving this novel five stars is because of the use of modern language and expressions. It took me a while to realize that the author did this intentionally, I assume to make the story more appealing to teen readers. But the technique sometimes pulled me out of the story. Even so, I still recommend this as an engaging, informative read.

Susan Peek’s inspired account of the life of Saint Magnus stirs up the desire to live as he did, with courage, perseverance, and brotherly love, faithful to God to the end. Peek has taken the life of this little-known saint whom time may have forgotten and whose story could’ve remained hidden, and she’s re-presented it to the modern Christian.

St. Magnus is one of three books in Susan Peek’s series – Gods forgotten friends. First of all, where were these books when my own kids were learning about saints? This is just such a great idea, sharing the stories of little known saints in exciting novels based on their lives.
Susan Peek did a masterful job of bringing to life this saint from the early 1100’s, and giving the reader an exciting look into the Viking way of life. Ms. Peek has woven the facts surrounding St. Magnus into a wonderful story that makes him real and relatable while dropping the reader in the middle of a dramatic period of history. I especially loved Magnus, his brother Aerling, and their relationship.
This teen book is equal parts geography, history, and theology lessons in a thoroughly engaging fictional story. I found it so compelling and interesting that when I finished the book I began researching St. Magnus wanting to know even more about this saint that I’d never heard of. I think any teen would enjoy this book but boys especially will love the adventure, danger and action that drives this novel.

"In many chapels, reddened by the setting sun, the saints rest silently, waiting for someone to love them."

These beautifully poetic words, written long ago by an anonymous priest, serve as an introduction to Saint Magnus, The Last Viking, a book in Susan Peek's series on little-known saints. Upon reading this quote, my interest was instantly piqued, and I turned the page to begin the story. The more I read on, the more I became convinced that this book was not only good, but important. As indicated on the back cover, it is geared towards teens (although relevant for all ages). With an engaging style that prompts you to turn the page, not to mention captivating adventure and suspense, this volume will undoubtedly capture the attention of young people with the misconception that learning about saints is "boring". Peek's choice to tell the story through narrative form rather than a textbook approach was also apt. I found myself, as an adult, wanting to soak up every historical detail while following the characters (or, in this case, real life people) in their compelling and, at times, heart-wrenching, journey.

I highly recommend this enthralling narrative that brings to life the world and life of an incredible, holy boy who became a courageous saint. Two thumbs up!