Step into the thrilling world of Saga of the Iron Dragon, where Vikings wield futuristic tech and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance! Robert Kroese’s science fiction series masterfully blends time travel, alien threats, and medieval adventure. It follows a stranded 23rd-century crew who team up with Norse warriors to build a spaceship and save the human race from extinction. Packed with action, wit, and historical flair, this saga is a must-read for fans of epic sci-fi.
Imagine crash-landing in 9th-century Scandinavia with only your wits and a mission to save the future. That’s the heart of Saga of the Iron Dragon, a series that hooks you with its bold premise and keeps you turning pages with its clever mix of history and high-stakes sci-fi.
How Saga of the Iron Dragon Began
Robert Kroese, a former software developer with a knack for storytelling, launched Saga of the Iron Dragon in 2017 with a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $10,000. Inspired by his love for hard science fiction and Viking history, Kroese crafted a tale that merges meticulous historical research with imaginative time-travel concepts. His goal? To create an alternate history epic that feels as real as it is fantastical, drawing readers into a world where Norse grit meets cosmic stakes.
Kroese’s background in philosophy and his playful sense of irony—honed in Grand Rapids, Michigan—shine through in the series’ sharp dialogue and intricate plotting. The saga grew from a single novel into a five-book journey, fueled by fan enthusiasm and Kroese’s passion for blending genres.
The Heart of Saga of the Iron Dragon
The series kicks off with The Dream of the Iron Dragon (2017), where the crew of the spaceship Andrea Luhman is flung back to Viking-age Scandinavia after a run-in with the alien Cho-ta’an. They must navigate a brutal world and teach Vikings to build a spacecraft. The Dawn of the Iron Dragon (2018) follows their efforts to defend their new home while advancing technology, while The Voyage of the Iron Dragon (2018) wraps the original trilogy with their daring attempt to return to the stars.
The Legacy of the Iron Dragon (2020) dives deeper into time-travel metaphysics, weaving in the Lost Ninth Legion of Rome, and The War of the Iron Dragon (2021) delivers an explosive finale as Viking hero Eric Bloodaxe battles across space and time. Themes of cultural exchange, resilience, and the ethics of altering history run throughout, with the LOKI principle—a nod to the chaotic effects of time travel—adding philosophical depth. The series’ gritty yet hopeful tone, vivid Viking settings, and fast-paced action make it a standout in sci-fi.
Kroese’s attention to historical detail, from Viking weapons to medieval politics, grounds the fantastical elements. Readers are treated to a world where Norse warriors in mech suits fight alongside futuristic tech, all while grappling with issues like genetic diversity and humanity’s survival.
Why Saga of the Iron Dragon Resonates
Saga of the Iron Dragon has carved a niche in the sci-fi and alternate history genres, earning praise for its bold genre mashup and meticulous world-building. Fans on platforms like Goodreads laud its “Vikings in space” premise, with some calling it a series that “makes you wonder if it’s fiction at all.” Its blend of hard science, historical accuracy, and thrilling adventure appeals to readers who love cerebral yet action-packed stories.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its ability to humanize both futuristic spacers and ancient Vikings, showing how collaboration across time can spark hope against impossible odds. It’s a testament to Kroese’s skill that this niche saga has built a dedicated following, inspiring readers to rethink history and humanity’s place in the cosmos.
- First Book Published: 2017
- Total Books: 5
- Genres: Science Fiction, Alternate History, Time Travel
Ready to sail with Vikings and soar through the stars? Grab The Dream of the Iron Dragon and dive into Robert Kroese’s epic Saga of the Iron Dragon today!