Reader’s Favorites International Book Awards has awarded “Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse” its 2021Bronze Medal winner in Fiction- Fantasy-General category. Chosen from among thousands of entries from dozens of countries, this is the second major award for the first novel of Forerunner series; “Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse” is also the recipient of the 2021 Bronze Medal for Young Adult Fantasy novels from The Wishing Shelf Book Awards based in the United Kingdom.
https://bookawards.com/book-award/thorfinn-and-the-witchs-curse
Set in Ninth Century Britain under Viking rule, the Forerunner Series introduces Norse lore while balancing action and adventure, myths and monsters, and the themes of family, devotion and cultural pride. “Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse” tells the coming-of-age story of a timid boy who, as the third son of the Agneson clan, was destined to live an ordinary and unexciting life until an unexpected encounter with a ghost changes his existence forever. The expansive tale introduces the reader to young Finn, his brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles, and sets the stage for an adventure series across “Danelaw” Britain as well as the mythical nine realms of Nordic beliefs.
Critics describe the book as “heartfelt,” “historical fiction with a touch of magic you can’t put down,” and “a jolly good adventure.” Readers and educators alike have embraced the adventures of young Thorfinn: “The authenticity of Viking England comes to life beautifully and submerges you completely without feeling like a history lesson. This story has it all, action, mystery, suspense, engaging characters, and magic all weaved together with a beautiful rhythm of master storytelling.”—Amazon 5-Star Review
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Based in the UK and Sweden, the Wishing Shelf Awards honor quality publishing by independent authors with “honest and in-depth judging.” Their adjudicating committee for YA books consists of secondary school students and their teachers around London, deciding on finalists based on the most enjoyable read, editing, theme, style, and cover. Recommended by the ALLI Alliance for Independent Authors and the IBPPG Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group.