Veni Vidi Vicious

A Viking Pride and Prejudice Variation

De: Elin Eriksen

Narrado por: Harry Frost

"Never a whit should one blame another for the folly which many befalls; the might of love makes sons of men into fools who once were wise... (Hávamál from the Poetic Edda).

A unique story in the Austenesque catalogue—a Viking era variation of Pride and Prejudice. Set in the late 800s when King Alfred the Great ruled in Wessex and Harold Fairhair united tribal Norway into one kingdom.

Elizabeth’s courage had risen when faced with the fierce Viking, but what will she do when she finds herself as a stowaway on a Viking ship, heading for a major sea battle?

Fitzwilliam has been taught since infancy that men do not love, but can he withstand the temptation of giving his heart to the one woman whose eyes he cannot resist?

The Bennets have travelled to London to trade and visit their relations when Elizabeth’s brother, John, enters the house, battered and bruised, announcing they are expecting guests the next morning.

Elizabeth has no choice; she is forced to wed the savage Viking Fitzwilliam Darcyson to save her brother, to sail across the North Sea to a foreign country with pagan customs. Fortunately, her most beloved sister will travel with her as Jane has wed the amiable chieftain of Netherfield, in a double wedding with Elizabeth and the Jarl of Nidaros.

A ruthless time in history is brought to life through Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcyson’s eyes as they get to know one another and adjust to each other’s customs through battles, hardships and bliss. Be warned, this is not for the faint of heart. This is an uncensored, unglorified medieval tale with all the gory details.

Trigger warnings: Violence, death, a few steamy interludes, and the repercussions/punishment of rape. Suitable for a mature audience only.

©2021 Elin Eriksen (P)2025 Elin Eriksen and Wendy Luther

Perfect!

Wow, the addition of Harry Frost’s voice to this stunning story is pure perfection. The setting is at a time and place in history that is difficult to understand and accept, but Elin Eriksen describes it for the readers in raw, savage detail.
Many scenes were memorable for me, but in this audio format Mr. Frost’s vocal performance of Viking Darcyson at the beginning of the battle at sea was stunning. It is an emotional tale that encompasses the pride and prejudice theme well.
On a personal note, I had to grab some tissues towards the end of the story where Elizabeth contemplates selecting Darcy’s stallion for a ceremonial sacrifice. That really got me.

Very exciting book

I am floored by this great book. It was so much details about vikings and how they lived. A love story even though a viking can’t love due to being danger to him. Great book. Highly recommend it to a Jaff lover. And I am even more floored by the narrator and him pronouncing all the difficult words I know in Swedish and Norwegian. Impressive. And all the different voices :) well done Harry.

Great variation

I have tried to read this book a couple of times. I seemed to get about 2/3rds through and get bogged down. Mr Frost drew me into the story and I made it to the end. I think my problem was that I found the characterization of Elizabeth irritating. I am not sure how I feel about how she was portrayed. I will have to listen again as the book is dense and there are a lot of threads to keep track of. I loved the storyline.
Mr Frost does his usual stellar job voicing the characters.

Not for the faint of heart.

I listened to this on audiobook, without ever having read this story before. Let me say Harry Frost did such an outstanding job bringing this story to life. His tension, or subtle nuances were perfect and his 'voice' for Fitzwilliam Darcy made me see Darcy as a Viking and not as a refined gentleman.

As for it being a Viking story, as I made my way through the first 30% of the story I constantly had to remind myself this was taking place in the 800s and not to overshadow my modern sensibilities onto a harsh, violent and nearly inhumane era.

This is also, in my opinion, not really a romance. Our dear couple (if you can call them that) don't reach an emotional understanding till the 2nd half of the story. In fact, there is for the most part a disconnect between the telling and the emotions of the people we are learning about. There are no introspective, self-pity paragraphs going on and on. This is a good thing. As there is so much negative human behavior (remember they are vikings) any emotional connection might have made it near impossible to stomach. Our girl is a strong, stoic, take charge and carry on kind of woman. She makes Jane look like a limpet (who seems to end up with a charmed life).

This is an epic work of art. The author brings us a story steeped in detail of life for a savage people from the 800s. Their culture, religion, social hierarchy and historical accuracy (I assume, it is certainly a learning experience) is described in minute detail, down to the ugliest behavior, but includes their celebrations of life as well.

A reviewer here mentioned the seedier side of the lack of modesty/sexual congress. Sex in public was a given. Having mistresses was as well, even to sharing a bed. Never fear, while the author gives us some major red-herrings, our dear boy has redeeming qualities. You just have to hang on until they are revealed much, much later.

The detailed steamy scenes are not my cup of tea, but I was so glad I pushed through the violence and sordid aspects to complete this magnificent book.

My congratulations to Elin Eriksen and Harry Frost!

Fantastic Viking Story!

The story is unique and memorable. The Viking lifestyle comes to life through vivid descriptions, along with footnotes that explain the history of the items and customs that are foreign to many of us not of Nordic descent. The scenes are beautiful. The story is gripping, it’s impossible to put it down. The love story is powerful. I love this mashup of Viking lore connected to our beloved pride and prejudice. Great job! I cannot wait to listen again with the wonderful narration.