Picture a French-American historian spinning tales of Viking raids and epic adventures—meet C.J. Adrien! Born in 1987, this bestselling author has carved a niche in historical fiction, bringing the gritty, thrilling world of the Viking era to life. With his Kindred of the Sea series and Saga of Hasting the Avenger, Adrien blends academic rigor with vivid storytelling, captivating readers and earning acclaim as a leading voice in early medieval fiction.
Adrien’s passion for Viking history isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifelong pursuit. His novels, rooted in meticulous research, transport readers to 9th-century Europe, where longships slice through waves and warriors clash under stormy skies. Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of gripping narratives, Adrien’s work offers a front-row seat to the Viking world.
The Making of C.J. Adrien
Born on September 18, 1987, C.J. Adrien grew up with a foot in two worlds—French and American. His love for history took root early, leading him to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and a master’s from Oregon State University. Preparing for a doctoral program in early medieval history, Adrien dove deep into Viking studies, publishing articles in journals like L’Association des Amis de Noirmoutier. Inspired by historical fiction giants like Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett, he began crafting novels that married scholarly precision with page-turning drama.
Adrien’s journey wasn’t just academic. His curiosity about Viking culture led him to speak at global events, from the International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds to conferences in France. This blend of scholarship and storytelling shaped his unique voice, making him a bridge between dusty archives and modern readers.
C.J. Adrien’s Unforgettable Stories
Adrien’s debut series, Kindred of the Sea, kicks off with The Line of His People (2013), set in 799 A.D. France. It follows Abriel, an orphan of a Viking raid raised in a monastery, as he embarks on a quest to recover sacred relics and uncover his destiny. The sequel, The Oath of the Father (2015), tracks Abriel’s struggles as a fugitive king, weaving themes of loyalty and survival. Praised for their historical accuracy and vivid settings, these young adult-friendly novels plunge readers into a turbulent world of raids and redemption.
His second series, The Saga of Hasting the Avenger, shifts focus to the legendary Viking Hasting, a supposed son of Ragnar Lodbrok. The Lords of the Wind (2019), a gold medal winner in the 2020 Reader’s Favorite awards, charts Hasting’s rise from slave to warlord. Follow-ups In the Shadow of the Beast and The Kings of the Sea deepen the saga, exploring betrayal and ambition. Adrien’s style—rich with sensory details and grounded in research—paints a visceral picture of Viking life, from the roar of battle to the salt-soaked decks of longships.
What sets Adrien apart is his ability to humanize the Vikings. His characters aren’t just warriors; they’re lovers, dreamers, and schemers navigating a brutal era. Critics, including The Historical Novel Society, laud his immersive storytelling, while fans on Goodreads call his work “a triumph of fictional Viking history.”
Why C.J. Adrien Matters
C.J. Adrien’s impact lies in making Viking history accessible and thrilling. His novels don’t just entertain—they educate, shedding light on a misunderstood era. By blending rigorous research with relatable characters, he’s sparked renewed interest in early medieval Europe, especially among young adults. His speaking engagements and Vikingology Podcast further amplify his influence, cementing his role as a cultural historian who brings the past to life.
Adrien’s work also bridges academia and pop culture, proving that history can be as gripping as any blockbuster. His storytelling inspires readers to explore the Viking Age, from its fierce battles to its complex social dynamics, ensuring the era’s legacy endures.
- Born: September 18, 1987
- Key Works: The Line of His People, The Oath of the Father, The Lords of the Wind
- Awards: Gold Medal, Reader’s Favorite 2020 (The Lords of the Wind)
- Current Home: Bend, Oregon
Snag The Lords of the Wind and dive into C.J. Adrien’s thrilling Viking adventures—your longship awaits!