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4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
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Lynelle
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent standalone book
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2017
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I have forgotten about this book that I have downloaded in 2014, when just released. I suppose this is what happens when you are over zealous to read but the time simply runs away that you forget.
Now that I had the time I was happy to pick up this book again and what a wonderful read.
Although this is the first book that I read in the series I could catch up quickly the thread of the story and what's it about. And soon I was so involved in the book that everything around me could have erupted in chaos and I would not have known.
The characters are wonderfully developed and I cannot wait to read more about Blake and his extraordinary gift.
But the strong character of Morgan captured my imagination. This woman seems to enjoy her work so much that coincidences to her actions are secondary to save the day. But then she is equipped to act in such an events with the skill, grace and knowledge to save herself and the world around her.
The story itself was well researched and written to give you a superb thriller. It is extremely descriptive and takes you right to the heart of the action as it unfolds.
Truly a excellent book I can recommend as a standalone.
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Mary A. MadsenTop Contributor: Cooking
5.0 out of 5 stars A Thrilling, Fast-Paced Adventure Through Nordic Mythology--Penn Scores Again
Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2015
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Wow! What a fast and thrilling read this was. From Homer to Aristotle to Chaucer, the dictate of fine storytelling has been to entertain and inform. Both are here in abundance. On the winds called up by the Valkyrie and whirling through the book on a chase for the Eye Of Odin (this Scandinavian got a real thrill out of that), the adventure was so much fun I didn't want it to end.

J.F. Penn has a way of taking ancient mysteries and turning them into easy to follow thrills with magic and mysticism that is plausible. Sierra Morgan, the protagonist of this series, is believable in every portion of her creation. My daughter went to school with a dainty young woman who had been an officer in the Israeli army, and every bit of training Sierra displays rings as true as the day that little blonde cracked an offender's pelvis with one kick. I just love Sierra and her thirst for adventure few of us would dare undertake. I can't recommend this book highly enough, especially if you're missing Sierra in between the larger books. Oh, and Blake makes an appearance here. Hunky, vulnerable Blake. Have mercy.
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Andy Beau
5.0 out of 5 stars Now Off To Battle Other Supernaturally Evil Artifacts From Other Myths And Religions
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2014
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I agree with the other 5 strar reviews of this story. It's another fast-paced, action-filled supernatural adventure of Morgan Sierra of ARKANE, the secret organization that battles evildoers who use supernatural artifacts against humanity. In this case, it's a present-day Viking cult and their witch using a couple of ancient supernatural Viking artifacts. Ending in a grand battle, and Morgan in the middle of it!

This is Penn's first book that uses ancient supernatural artifacts and beings that are not from the Judeo-Christian beliefs. When I read her first 3 ARKANE books (Pentecost, Prophecy, and Exodus), I felt that Morgan's world only contained supernatural relics from Judeo-Christian beliefs. However, this tale showed I was, thankfully, wrong. Morgan's world appears to contain ancient supernatural items and beings from other religions and myths. I am looking forward to reading more of Morgan's adventures with supernatural artifacts and beings from myths and religions originally from India, Arabia, China, Africa, pre-Christian Europe, etc.
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Minnesota Mom
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent thriller, with a touch of Dan Brown and Clive Cussler
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2014
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Right off the bat, in the opening chapter, I thought I was reading a Clive Cussler novel by the way Penn beautifully took us into the past, into the ancient Vikings era.

Then, we are thrust into the modern era and take an interesting tour of the British Museum by Blake Daniel and Dr. Morgan Sierra (heroine of the other ARKANE series). In a short period of time, there's an explosion, followed by a battle of good vs. evil that is reminiscent of Dan Brown, and Blake also reveals his unique psychic ability.

I highly recommend this book. It's a quick, fast-paced read that will have you screaming for more--and there is more! The way Penn skillfully describes the British Museum, it's like you're walking through it yourself, examining this exhibit here and that exhibit there. Also, I've read many books with psychic powers at the center, and I must say, the power Blake possesses is very unique. You will not be disappointed.
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Marcia Richards
5.0 out of 5 stars Fast-paced thriller!
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2014
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I love short works and short chapters. This novella, by one of my favorite authors, scored with me on both counts. The danger, historical, religious and supernatural references in those short chapters amped up the tension and kept me turning pages like crazy. The intrepid Morgan Sierra has hard-won experience that makes her tougher, smarter, and more formidable in each story. She's a force to be reckoned with, but she has her softer side, too. It was great to see Blake Daniels appearance here as well, after meeting him in Desecration. If you enjoy high tension, fast paced thrillers with just a hint of romantic possibilities, and great writing this story is for you! Highly recommended.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys thrillers but especially to fans of James Rollins, Steve Berry and Brad Meltzer.
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Axie Barclay
4.0 out of 5 stars Fast-paced and Engaging
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2014
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I started reading Day of the Vikings out loud to my toddler, but quickly got so caught up in the story that it simply wasn’t possible to save it only for bottle time. It was one of those stories I stayed up late at night reading and loved every moment of. The plot is fast and precise, dramatic without too many overly complicated twists, as some thrillers utilize, at the cost of storytelling. Morgan and Blake are both interesting, dynamic characters, and you get a taste of who they are during this nugget of time spent with them, and it makes you want to see more. I’ve loved The Creative Penn podcast and gotten amazing information from the website, so it’s wonderful to read fiction that is as high-quality as well. Great job, Joanna!
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Top reviews from other countries

Kayteeb53
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great read! Love it!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 6, 2014
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JF Penn has put together a taster to tempt you deeper into her books and introduces a new character, Blake ( he has appeared in the book ' Desecration' by Joanna Penn) He complements Morgan Sierra and I can see the two forming more than a working relationship.
This book whisks you around the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The author has a gift for describing and leading you into landscapes, close your eyes and you can visualise what she is describing.
Day of the Vikings introduces you to the world of Viking myths and legends,with all their rituals and practices - as scary as they were.
Altogether a great novella that I read straight off. The Vikings are a race that you don't read about very much and am hoping to see more from this author.
Very much enjoy the ARCANE series of books and the way that each one introduces a different historical/mythological scenario.
Keep writing Joanna and am sure your army of readers will continue to grow
Any new readers, don't hesitate to dive into the Arcane books, NONE of them disappoint!
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Kerry Howard
5.0 out of 5 stars It's amazing what horrible things you can do with a ribcage.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2014
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J.F.Penn is one of my favourite authors because I always learn something interesting and new, want to visit a place she has described in the story (minus the gory bits) and makes me feel a little bit uncomfortable (the gory bits). The book is also full of fascinating history seamlessly woven into the story. What more can you ask for?

Day of the Vikings is a new novella covering a single day in the exciting life of Dr. Morgan Sierra, ARKANE agent. Not that her day is anything like the average day. Even a trip to the British Museum in London turns into a fast paced action epic, with J.F.Penn's signature supernatural twist.

In this case Neo-Viking terrorists need an ancient relic displayed at the British Museum. Morgan is unable to stop them taking the staff of Skara Brae but pursues them relentlessly before the staff, horrific sacrifice and the eye of Odin can be brought together to unleash an ancient Viking apocalypse. That’s a lot of action for a novella and I devoured it in one sitting.

I just don’t want to talk about the sawing of the ribs for wings. You just have to read that for yourself.
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Stacey Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars Day of the Vikings
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2014
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Another brilliant, well-researched thriller from J.F. Penn. I loved the element of Viking mythology, and also the inclusion of Blake Daniel from Penn's other series.

All in all it's exactly what I have come to expect from J.F. Penn's books: an action-packed thriller with a supernatural edge. If you haven't read any of the author's books, this one can stand alone...but to get the full benefit of the series, you should (and will probably want to) read them all!
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Nigel Gambles
5.0 out of 5 stars Morgan's Back !!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 6, 2014
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Another great short story about ARKANE. This one has Morgan and a new sidekick pitting themselves against a modern day Valkarie and Neo Vikings bent on finding a mystical object that will bring about the end of times. Excellently researched and written this time whisking the reader around the British Isles. Thoroughly recommended and looking forward to the next instalment. Thank you Joanna.
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Cris
4.0 out of 5 stars Another page turner by Penn
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 12, 2017
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I'll be honest, when I opened day of vikings and saw it was a short story I was exceedingly disappointed. However, I have read the arkane books from the beginning, in order, so I persevered. Boy am I glad I did! I love these books and I thoroughly enjoyed this one too. On to the next!
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