Reiner's Most Recent Novels

Prochaska's fantasy novel follows a widow who, having trained in magic, seeks revenge in early 11th-century Iceland...
The author's relaxed, concise prose masterfully compacts the epic narrative, covering decades without truncating or rushing the story... The characters' individual narrations ... memorably chronicle harrowing days of deception, religious struggles, and assorted magic ("The rune spell she had given Egill aroused in him a desire, but it withered away as soon as he engaged in the act"). Thorough character development further refines this novel, especially in the cases of Bergthora (Bergthora's marriage to Steinkell proves to be a convincing union of unforeseen obstacles and mutual devotion), Kjartan, and, surprisingly, Helgi. The worthy final act culminates in a bizarre yet unforgettable ending.
A historically rich, vengeance-fueled tale

The full review will be published in the February 2025 issue of MWBR. Excerpts from the review are available on the Home page.

Bergthora's Saga by Reiner Prochaska is an enigmatic tale set in 1019 in  Iceland. The country has recently adopted Christianity as its new  religion, but some dwellers remain dedicated to the old gods and  practice dark magic. Bergthora, the main character, is mourning the loss  of her husband. She travels from Greenland to Iceland in search of  vengeance for a traumatic incident she endured as a child. Throughout  her quest for vindication, Bergthora disrupts the marriage between her  childhood friend's young daughter and a powerful chieftain. This results  in the young bride turning to her uncle—a devout Christian—for comfort.  Bergthora's actions—and the consequences that unfold thereafter—affect  the lives of various characters. The fallout of her revenge spans many  centuries, even crossing into international waters.
 

Bergthora's Saga is an enthralling literary novel you'll want to read.  Reiner Prochaska's artistic writing style expertly weaves an engaging  and profound storyline. Even though the plot unfolds over four  centuries, the story is neither hurried nor curtailed. Readers will get a  clear picture of the lives of its main characters. Their unique  perspectives will instantly draw you in. Prochaska masterfully blends  themes of love, lust, revenge, religious conflict, magic, and betrayal  into the storyline. Readers unfamiliar with Iceland's history will enjoy  this well-written novel, with its captivating depictions of the  country's social, political, and religious landscape during the 11th  century and beyond. If you're searching for an intriguing historical  fantasy teeming with enduring characters, this book is the perfect  selection that meets this criteria.

Reiner Prochaska’s Bergthora’s Saga: A Heathen Revenge in a Christian Iceland is a gripping and immersive historical novel that explores the brutal  clash between old Norse traditions and the rising tide of Christianity  in medieval Iceland. Through the lens of revenge, fate, and spiritual  transformation, the novel offers a deeply engaging story that is as  thought-provoking as it is action-packed.

Set between 985 CE and  1347 CE, the novel follows Bergthora Bjornsdóttir, a woman whose life is  irrevocably shaped by betrayal, violence, and the struggle for justice  in a changing world. The novel’s unique structure enhances its depth,  framing Bergthora’s life story as an account written by Helgi, a  14th-century Augustinian monk in Greenland. His task is to reconstruct  her saga, but in doing so, he also grapples with his own faith and the  remnants of a past that refuses to be forgotten.

This framing  device serves as an effective contrast between the structured, written  traditions of Christianity and the oral, mystical traditions of the  Norse people. It also reinforces the novel’s central theme: the battle  between two belief systems, and the struggle of those caught between  them.

At the heart of the novel is Bergthora Bjornsdóttir, a woman  of remarkable strength and resilience. When tragedy strikes, she  embarks on a journey of vengeance that will lead her deep into the heart  of ancient Norse mysticism. Rather than relying solely on brute force  or political alliances, she embraces the hidden wisdom of Pagan magic,  embracing the powerful rituals and spiritual forces that contrast  sharply with the Christian world encroaching upon her homeland.

Her  embrace of Pagan magic is one of the novel’s most compelling elements.  Through her training in the ancient ways, she gains a power that  transcends physical combat, forging her own path in a society where  women are often at the mercy of men and gods alike. This mystical aspect  of the story adds layers of intrigue and mysticism, creating a  fascinating contrast between Christianity’s doctrine of forgiveness and  the Norse belief in fate, sacrifice, and blood justice.

Prochaska’s  meticulous historical research brings the Norse world to life with  stunning realism. The novel primarily takes place in Iceland and  Greenland, vividly portraying the landscapes, customs, and daily lives  of the people who inhabited these lands.

The story also touches on  the Rus and their connection to the Norse world, as well as Kjartan’s  journey to Constantinople, a key destination for many Norsemen who  sought wealth and adventure in the famed city of the Eastern Roman  Empire. These references highlight the broader scope of Viking  exploration and trade while maintaining the novel’s focus on Bergthora’s  deeply personal journey.

At its core, Bergthora’s Saga  is about the conflict between two spiritual worldviews—the mystical,  earth-bound traditions of Norse Paganism and the structured, written  doctrines of Christianity. Bergthora’s embrace of Pagan magic is both an  act of defiance and a source of power, allowing her to resist the  forces that seek to shape her destiny. The novel does not portray either  faith as entirely good or evil; rather, it explores how belief systems  evolve, intertwine, and struggle for dominance in a land torn between  past and future.

The theme of revenge vs. redemption is also  central to the story. Does justice come from blood, or from spiritual  enlightenment? Bergthora must grapple with this question as she seeks to  avenge those she has lost, while the forces of Christianity attempt to  convince her of another path.

Prochaska has crafted a novel that  blends action, mysticism, and historical realism in a way that feels  both epic and deeply personal. The use of multiple narrators,  particularly through the framing device of Helgi’s written saga, adds  layers of perspective and reinforces the novel’s exploration of history  as both fact and interpretation.

This is not simply a Viking  adventure—it is a meditation on the power of belief, the weight of  tradition, and the relentless passage of time. It will appeal to readers  who enjoy historical fiction with strong female protagonists, richly  detailed world-building, and a narrative that challenges conventional  views of history.

Final Verdict

Bergthora’s Saga: A Heathen Revenge in a Christian Iceland is a richly layered historical novel that combines gripping  storytelling with deep thematic resonance. Prochaska’s ability to blend  historical accuracy, mythological depth, and compelling character  development results in a book that is both intellectually engaging and  emotionally powerful.

This is a Golden Quill must-read for those  who love historical fiction, Viking sagas, and stories of magic,  revenge, and resilience. It is a brilliantly told saga that lingers in  the mind long after the final page is turned.