When Thorolf and Asla fell in love, they set off a major chain reaction. Asla’s elopement with Thorolf and caused her father to lose face and seek revenge. Asla was promised to another Viking chieftain. Her younger sister, knowing she would be expected to take Asla’s place with the old chieftain left with Asla, Thorolf, and his brothers Yngvi and Digur. Retribution was swift. After their lands were pillaged, the brothers were banished for at least seven years.

The brothers, together with friends and farmers looking for a better life, set sail to find the land of the sun, Catan. Other explorers had told of it and the group decided to settle on that island, though they weren’t really sure where it was. Eventually the group found an island and claimed it as Catan. The island was fertile and farming was successful but it didn’t go entirely smoothly. People didn’t all think alike. They had taken some slaves with them. The slaves rose up and escaped. There were tools to forge, resources to locate and day to day altercations over goods and women.

It is unusual to base a book on a board game. Though some portions of the book moved slowly, I was eager to read it as I’ve been an avid player of the game. The author promises two sequels. I think young adults, especially males who enjoyed the Brotherband series by Flanagan, or Rick Riordan’s books, would like this but they may be deterred by the length as the book comes in at over 500 pages. The audiobook may be an easier sell for that age group. Narrator/actor Evan Sibley believably voices each of the characters distinctively.

Note: I listened to an audio ARC provided by NetGalley

As a longtime big fan of the board game Catan (and all its expansions) I was so interested in this. Klaus clearly has so many great ideas because what a great time this was!! I can't wait to read/listen to the sequels and see how he continues enriching this concept and series.

Thank you to NetGalley for this Audiobook eARC in exchange for my honest review.